Hey everyone! What is up? Just kidding.... I was sick today so it gave a me
a few seconds to work on my story, so here ya go!
Last time.... well.... ya know what? I have to write this chapter, you want a summary? Skim over the last chapter I finished! :-P
I think this will be a songfic, if it is I'm using Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows. Everyone cool? {Except Chibodee....} Anyway on with the show!
///..../// Lyrics
Old Love and New Love MysticalElfGoddess
Screwing up, Running away, Finding, and.... Derek
*************** We begin at the China colony.... poor Sai.... **********
Sai Sici walked into the airport.... about 10 minutes later than he should have. He had just been able to grab a taxi and rush to the airport. He stood up straight and tried to find the blue hair he loved so much.
What had made him late? Well, 3 things. One thing kept him from going to bed, one more thing kept him from sleeping, and the last thing kept him from leaving.
Making the dojo/shrine/temple renovation living site clean. His nerves seemed extra.... well, nervous.... Having been up most the night meant he didn't sleep all that well, and Sai Sici always gets at least 9 hours sleep.
It was to no avail, the 17-year-old was just too short to see anything. He turned to a last resort and stood on one of the little, uncomfortable plastic chairs in order to get a better view. He looked to the north, east, west and was going to look to the south, but his head bumped into another head right next to his. 'Oh geez....' Sai thought as he looked at the smaller woman with blue hair that he had knocked into. Now that he had to do the whole 'respectful apology' dance, he would never get to Ce-
Wait a minute.
Smaller woman, blue hair....
His heart leaped maybe a bit too much as he happily blurted out her name. "Cecil!" he managed to choke out as he jumped off the set of chairs. She rubbed her head again and looked down at him, her face lighting up, forgetting about the small pain on her head. He reached up, grin on his face, telling her without words to jump into his arms. She did as she was told and slid her arms around his neck. He eased her to the ground.
"Oh Sai, I missed you so much, sorry I was late, the plane took off 10 minutes too late. Oh I'm so happy to see you!" She hugged him tightly and, to her relief, he hugged her back.
He sighed into her hair, glad he had found her, glad he hadn't been late, and extremely glad she still wanted to hug him.
"I missed you too," Sai admitted softly "I'm very glad you came." They pulled away and he looked at her face. Her transition from girl to young woman had gone on without his knowing. She was truly beautiful now he had to say. He sighed again and shook slightly, mentally slapping himself for staring.
Sai Sici picked up her small suitcase with one hand and took her hand in his other. She blushed lightly and she secured her purse on her shoulder.
They walked to the baggage claim and found her other suitcase, which Cecil insisted she carry herself. He carefully switched the smaller suitcase with the larger one so she wouldn't be so weighed down. She saw out the corner of her eye and beamed at him, thanking him for his concern. He simply grinned back and started for the exit.
She came up next to him and slid her arm around the back of his waist, an action he quickly returned by placing his arm around her shoulders. They blushed at each other and walked on.
"Sai Sici I believe you've gotten taller." She teased him, resting her head comfortably on his shoulder and laughed.
He laughed at her comment, remembering how they had found each other ½ an hour ago. "Is that so Cecil?" he questioned her. He felt her nod and he opened the doors, walked away from the crowded place. He helped her get into the taxi after putting her suitcases in the trunk.
She slipped her hand into his and he felt her shake slightly. He looked at her cerulean eyes and saw a slight fear creeping from their depths.
"Are you nervous?" he asked her softly as they drove onto the main road. She nodded uncertainly and he squeezed her hand lightly. "Don't be, we're going to have fun," he reminded her. She brightened, smiling at him again.
She fell onto his chest and he put his arm on her shoulder once again. "Missed you" she murmured, eyes falling closed because of her long flight.
He watched her sleep and responded quickly with a "missed you more." He settled back and waited for the 20-minute drive to be over before they reached home.
A/N: This is like a lil fanfic in itself, huh? If you review could you please tell me if you like the way I portrayed Sai and Cecil's relationship? If everyone likes it I will make it an every chapter thing. Thanks everyone! :-D
***************** Meanwhile, back to our main couple....*****************
Shirley stared at him; right now he was her worst enemy. He stared back totally unaware of her mindset to hate him.
"I don't like you Dog. And I won't tolerate you sleeping in my room." Shirley narrowed her eyes.
Muffin stared at her and wagged his tail furiously. Lately he had been creeping into her room and sleeping at the foot of her bed. It was bad enough she loathed the dog as it is; now he had to sleep with her?
He let out a tiny yip-like bark and she rolled her eyes. She turned around and walked out of the room, he followed her. She glanced behind her and rolled her eyes again.
"Bunny find out any information on Chibodee's last fights and pull them up for me on the computer if you can, Cath please find out if Chibodee came home last night, and Janet if you don't get this dog away from me I'm going to cook him!" Shirley walked into the kitchen and gave out the usual morning orders.
Bunny picked up her coffee and with a "Sure Shirley," over her shoulder she left the room. Cath pulled her bathrobe from behind her and walked off to Chibodee's room.
Janet stayed still, "Shirley why can't you just accept that Muffin likes you? He's such a good dog he shouldn't bother you." Hand shaking with fury, Shirley held out her hand and gave Janet a chewed up sock.
"I don't like him and if he bothers me again, I'm going to boil him." She gritted her teeth and whispered, "Understand?" Janet picked up her dog and nodded. Shirley straightened up.
"Now, could you please help me make Chibodee's breakfast?" Shirley asked as if nothing had happened.
"I'd love to, let me just walk Muffin first, okay?" Janet returned and Shirley nodded.
Janet left the room and drummed on the countertop, wondering what would be good for breakfast. That's when Cath came back into the kitchen, her face considerably paler than normal.
"Cath? What's wrong? Did something happen?" Shirley asked her quickly. Cath started to nod her head mutely, then decided against it shook her head for a bit, then stopped moving altogether. "Cath, tell me what happened." Shirley knew something was wrong; Cath was usually so straightforward with her.
"Nothing's really wrong, I just wouldn't go into Chibodee's room if I were you...." Cath trailed off.
Shirley sighed, "Cath! You scared me! I thought someone had died!"
Cath bit her lip, "If you go in there I think you might be the murderer...."
Shirley rolled her eyes, "Hey there isn't anything I can't handle! I'm going to go see what's wrong since you won't tell me."
Shirley started to walk out of the kitchen and Cath grabbed her arm, "Don't go Shirley, even you can't handle that. I'm telling you, don't go!"
"Cath, geez calm down. It can't be that bad. I'll be right back." Shirley stubbornly walked out of the room, shaking her head as she went. What could possibly be wrong?
Cath hung her head in shame as the young woman walked away, it was that bad, why wouldn't she listen?
Shirley knocked on the door of Chibodee's room and spoke into the door "Chibodee? Are you awake?" When he didn't answer she started to get a bit scared.
"I'm coming in Chibodee." She gave her final warning and opened the door.
Can a heart really shatter? Can it really? It seemed as if Shirley's heart broke into a million pieces when she saw Chibodee in bed with another girl she'd never seen before.
Her breath caught in her throat and she almost choked, her eyes wide. He was already awake and tried to sit up mumbling, "Shirley, I can explain!"
But her ears were deaf now; she heard nothing from him, felt nothing. Her eyes were blinded by his betrayal and she no longer saw him as she always had before.
Her hands came up and closed over her ears and she shook her head violently, trying to destroy the image but she found she couldn't. She felt like she had been shot, like she'd been stabbed, and everything moved in slow motion. Her eyes squeezed shut she couldn't take it anymore.
Her instincts told her to run and that's what she did. She ran out of his room, down the hallway, out the door and she didn't stop running until she came to a park. She sat down on one of the benches and closed her eyes again. The memory was still there, the wound still fresh. She was motionless until she heard a little voice....
***************At the house.... **************
Bunny dragged Cath over to the computer and made her stare at the screen.
"Come on Bunny! What is so important?" Cath said, exasperated.
"I just got a message on our instant messaging program...." Bunny said nervously shifting from one foot to another.
"So?!" Cath said her temper flaring
"It's from a Derek345...." That got Cath's attention
"Didn't Shirley mention....?" Bunny nodded
"Look at the message though...." Bunny said nervously and Cath looked at it.
Cath read it out loud; now that Janet was back they were all crowded around the screen.
"'Hello, this is rude of me but I understand Shirley Traavoni resides at your house. I'm an old friend and I really would like to see her. I am on the American colony I have a hotel room about 5 minutes away from your house, would you mind if I came by?'" Cath shook her head in astonishment
"I don't think you should trust this Cath. It doesn't seem like we should" Bunny started but Cath was already typing a response, it was only six words.
"'Come over now, she needs you."
*********************************************************
"Are you dead?" She opened her eyes to a little girl; she was maybe about six or seven. She had blonde hair and blue eyes; she held a flower in her hand.
Shirley gave a ghost of a smile and shook her head, "No little one, I'm not dead. I'm just sad." The little girl jumped up onto the bench beside Shirley and handed her the flower.
"You did seem sad, I'm sorry. Here." She offered Shirley the flower and she took it smiling. "What's your name?"
"My name is Shirley, what's your name?"
"I'm Adella. My real name is Adella Rose Trevi." She held her head up proudly.
Shirley chuckled softly, and then said to her, "Hey! You're Italian! Me too!"
Aili's eyes widened and her smile increased tenfold. "Really?"
"Yea!" Shirley said, "My full name is Shirley Theresa Ann Traavoni."
"Wow, you are very Italian. Why do you have two middle names?" Adella asked
Shirley laughed for a minute; her name was a little bit long. Why did she have two middle names? Oh yeah....
"I have two middle names because my parents liked what they meant," Shirley answered. Adella looked at her inquisitively. Shirley sat back in her chair and began to explain.
"See every name has a meaning. My name, Shirley Theresa Ann, means um.... oh yeah! It means Restful Peace Reaper, Graceful One. Understand?" Shirley looked at the little girl who was nodding.
"Do my name! What does mine mean?" Adella climbed into Shirley's lap and sat staring up at her.
"Ok let's see.... Adella Rose.... Your name means Noble Giver of Love." Shirley looked down at the little girl whose eyes were sparkling in admiration. "That's so pretty."
Shirley nodded, and then became more adult for a minute, "Adella, where are your parents?"
Adella looked down, "They're in heaven, I live in an orphanage."
Shirley hugged the little girl and whispered an apology to her. The little girl sat up as good as new. "It's ok, I miss them but they were both sick. They're better now."
"You know, my little brother was very sick too, he died when he was only 2 years old." Shirley nodded when the little girl stared up at her again.
"So if you live in an orphanage.... Why are you here?" Shirley asked the Adella.
"I ran away," she stated as if it was as simple as that. Alarms went off in Shirley's mind, this kid had run away and now there were probably people looking for her and here she was sitting on Shirley's lap. That looked very it bad.
"You ran away? Are there people looking for you?" Shirley asked her frantically.
Adella shrugged, "I don't care. I hate that place." Shirley nodded and looked at her again. Her eyes were so defiant yet so innocent.
"Well stay with me until they find you," Shirley said to her. Adella nodded appreciatively.
"Hey! Your initials spell out S-T-A-R! Did you know that? You are a star!" Adella said suddenly.
"Well I never thought of it that way but yes you are right.... and your initials spell out A-R-T. You must be a great artist." Shirley said to her and Adella wrinkled her nose contentedly.
"You know I never realized how pretty the grass is when you look at it. When they don't mow it so much it looks beautiful," Adella said to her looking out at the soft landscape in front of them.
///They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. With a pink hotel a boutique and a swinging hot spot. Now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. ///
"What do you mean 'when they don't mow it'? It's supposed to be prettier when it's mowed," Shirley said trying to understand her simple logic.
///They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum, and they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them. Now, now, now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. /// "I mean that the grass grows better when it's undisturbed. When it's left alone it grows better because it feels it's safer. Do you understand? I think when you leave someone alone for a little while they will grow up more. You can't keep putting stuff on the grass for it to grow, it has to do it by itself," said Adella still staring at the grassy field in front of them.
///Hey farmer, farmer put away your DDT. I don't care about spots on my apples; leave me the birds and the bees, please. Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. Hey now they paved paradise to put up a parking lot, why not? ///
Shirley thought about this for a long time. Maybe she was really too strict with Chibodee.... after all they were only in their 20's, they deserved to party a bit before love came into the picture.... Maybe she should just leave Chibodee alone for a while and let him grow up first.
"I think you're right," Shirley said now transfixed on the grass too. Adella looked away suddenly when she heard her name being called distantly. Shirley looked at her and she shrugged, "We have a bit more time before they find me." Shirley nodded.
///I listened late last night; I heard the screen door slam. And a big yellow taxi took my girl (baby) away.... now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Hey now, now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot.... Why not? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Hey, hey, hey paved paradise to put up a parking lot! ///
"I heard some people talking about my mommy and daddy once. They said that my daddy left my mommy and then my mommy left me on the orphanage doorstep. They couldn't find my daddy but then I found out that they both went to heaven.... but it's ok I can go back to the orphanage," said Adella looking at Shirley when they heard her name being yelled again, closer this time.
"Adella, sweetie, I know your mommy and daddy loved you, you should never think they didn't. Now I think you should go back where you will be safe." Shirley said as the voices closed even closer. Adella nodded sadly but still kept a small smile on her bright face.
She hugged Shirley again and then jumped off the bench. Adella put her hands on her hips and looked up at Shirley with an indignant look on her little face, "Are you going to be ok?"
Shirley thought for a minute and nodded slowly, sighing, "Yes I'll be okay." Adella smiled and waved good-bye to her and Shirley heard her say to someone "I'm here! You found me!" Shirley shook her head, laughing to herself at the little girl and the insight she had to life already, she wasn't naïve at all, it was truly a wonder.
She got up and started back for home. She walked fast; she wanted to be home now.
Shirley used her own key to open the door; she wondered why it was locked. She called into the house her voice echoing in the hallway.
"Hello? Anyone home?" Shirley looked at the side table next to her and saw a note,
'Hey Shirley! Sorry bout that bummer this morning but this afternoon will be better! There is a surprise in the backyard for you! Come back there! Hurry!
Love,
The girls! ^_^'
Shirley looked skeptically at the note and then, since her curiosity had gotten the best of her, walked to the back door and went outside.
She looked around and saw Cath, Bunny, Janet, and Muffin standing together in a little group talking and laughing. There was a man with them too.
Why did he look so familiar?
Oh. Dear.
Shirley stood there with a look of shock on her face. He just couldn't be here, now, could he?
Cath noticed her first; she walked over to her and pulled her by the arm a little bit closer while Janet cleared her throat and said, "Miss. Shirley may I present Mr. Derek Liano, Mr. Derek, Miss. Shirley."
Shirley stood there as a smile came to her face, "I never thought I'd ever see you again." Derek smiled and held out his arms and Shirley flung herself into them.
"I missed you, so much Shirl. I've found you again." Derek said to her softly
Shirley sighed contentedly, finally having a shred of her past life with her again.
The girls smiled happily glad for their semi-boss to be happy, Muffin yipped excitedly.
Derek held her tightly, he was truly glad to have her back again.
And unbeknownst to any of them, Chibodee watched with scorn, hate and hurt at the new happy couple.
No one heard his quiet apology, and he had a feeling no one would have listened anyway....
* end chapter *
What do you think? I know it's very sad and all but that's what makes a great drama! I need to ask you all some questions now and I ask that you please answer them in your reviews.
Do you think there should be a Sai Sici/Cecil sub plot? Do you think there should be a Domon/Rain sub plot? Do you think I should include George in any of this? And if I do I will have a George/ Marie Louise paring. Do you think this story is going well? Do you like Derek? Do I ask too many questions?
Ok then, just please answer those questions and I'll be very happy for the reviews! Thanks!
Last time.... well.... ya know what? I have to write this chapter, you want a summary? Skim over the last chapter I finished! :-P
I think this will be a songfic, if it is I'm using Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows. Everyone cool? {Except Chibodee....} Anyway on with the show!
///..../// Lyrics
Old Love and New Love MysticalElfGoddess
Screwing up, Running away, Finding, and.... Derek
*************** We begin at the China colony.... poor Sai.... **********
Sai Sici walked into the airport.... about 10 minutes later than he should have. He had just been able to grab a taxi and rush to the airport. He stood up straight and tried to find the blue hair he loved so much.
What had made him late? Well, 3 things. One thing kept him from going to bed, one more thing kept him from sleeping, and the last thing kept him from leaving.
Making the dojo/shrine/temple renovation living site clean. His nerves seemed extra.... well, nervous.... Having been up most the night meant he didn't sleep all that well, and Sai Sici always gets at least 9 hours sleep.
It was to no avail, the 17-year-old was just too short to see anything. He turned to a last resort and stood on one of the little, uncomfortable plastic chairs in order to get a better view. He looked to the north, east, west and was going to look to the south, but his head bumped into another head right next to his. 'Oh geez....' Sai thought as he looked at the smaller woman with blue hair that he had knocked into. Now that he had to do the whole 'respectful apology' dance, he would never get to Ce-
Wait a minute.
Smaller woman, blue hair....
His heart leaped maybe a bit too much as he happily blurted out her name. "Cecil!" he managed to choke out as he jumped off the set of chairs. She rubbed her head again and looked down at him, her face lighting up, forgetting about the small pain on her head. He reached up, grin on his face, telling her without words to jump into his arms. She did as she was told and slid her arms around his neck. He eased her to the ground.
"Oh Sai, I missed you so much, sorry I was late, the plane took off 10 minutes too late. Oh I'm so happy to see you!" She hugged him tightly and, to her relief, he hugged her back.
He sighed into her hair, glad he had found her, glad he hadn't been late, and extremely glad she still wanted to hug him.
"I missed you too," Sai admitted softly "I'm very glad you came." They pulled away and he looked at her face. Her transition from girl to young woman had gone on without his knowing. She was truly beautiful now he had to say. He sighed again and shook slightly, mentally slapping himself for staring.
Sai Sici picked up her small suitcase with one hand and took her hand in his other. She blushed lightly and she secured her purse on her shoulder.
They walked to the baggage claim and found her other suitcase, which Cecil insisted she carry herself. He carefully switched the smaller suitcase with the larger one so she wouldn't be so weighed down. She saw out the corner of her eye and beamed at him, thanking him for his concern. He simply grinned back and started for the exit.
She came up next to him and slid her arm around the back of his waist, an action he quickly returned by placing his arm around her shoulders. They blushed at each other and walked on.
"Sai Sici I believe you've gotten taller." She teased him, resting her head comfortably on his shoulder and laughed.
He laughed at her comment, remembering how they had found each other ½ an hour ago. "Is that so Cecil?" he questioned her. He felt her nod and he opened the doors, walked away from the crowded place. He helped her get into the taxi after putting her suitcases in the trunk.
She slipped her hand into his and he felt her shake slightly. He looked at her cerulean eyes and saw a slight fear creeping from their depths.
"Are you nervous?" he asked her softly as they drove onto the main road. She nodded uncertainly and he squeezed her hand lightly. "Don't be, we're going to have fun," he reminded her. She brightened, smiling at him again.
She fell onto his chest and he put his arm on her shoulder once again. "Missed you" she murmured, eyes falling closed because of her long flight.
He watched her sleep and responded quickly with a "missed you more." He settled back and waited for the 20-minute drive to be over before they reached home.
A/N: This is like a lil fanfic in itself, huh? If you review could you please tell me if you like the way I portrayed Sai and Cecil's relationship? If everyone likes it I will make it an every chapter thing. Thanks everyone! :-D
***************** Meanwhile, back to our main couple....*****************
Shirley stared at him; right now he was her worst enemy. He stared back totally unaware of her mindset to hate him.
"I don't like you Dog. And I won't tolerate you sleeping in my room." Shirley narrowed her eyes.
Muffin stared at her and wagged his tail furiously. Lately he had been creeping into her room and sleeping at the foot of her bed. It was bad enough she loathed the dog as it is; now he had to sleep with her?
He let out a tiny yip-like bark and she rolled her eyes. She turned around and walked out of the room, he followed her. She glanced behind her and rolled her eyes again.
"Bunny find out any information on Chibodee's last fights and pull them up for me on the computer if you can, Cath please find out if Chibodee came home last night, and Janet if you don't get this dog away from me I'm going to cook him!" Shirley walked into the kitchen and gave out the usual morning orders.
Bunny picked up her coffee and with a "Sure Shirley," over her shoulder she left the room. Cath pulled her bathrobe from behind her and walked off to Chibodee's room.
Janet stayed still, "Shirley why can't you just accept that Muffin likes you? He's such a good dog he shouldn't bother you." Hand shaking with fury, Shirley held out her hand and gave Janet a chewed up sock.
"I don't like him and if he bothers me again, I'm going to boil him." She gritted her teeth and whispered, "Understand?" Janet picked up her dog and nodded. Shirley straightened up.
"Now, could you please help me make Chibodee's breakfast?" Shirley asked as if nothing had happened.
"I'd love to, let me just walk Muffin first, okay?" Janet returned and Shirley nodded.
Janet left the room and drummed on the countertop, wondering what would be good for breakfast. That's when Cath came back into the kitchen, her face considerably paler than normal.
"Cath? What's wrong? Did something happen?" Shirley asked her quickly. Cath started to nod her head mutely, then decided against it shook her head for a bit, then stopped moving altogether. "Cath, tell me what happened." Shirley knew something was wrong; Cath was usually so straightforward with her.
"Nothing's really wrong, I just wouldn't go into Chibodee's room if I were you...." Cath trailed off.
Shirley sighed, "Cath! You scared me! I thought someone had died!"
Cath bit her lip, "If you go in there I think you might be the murderer...."
Shirley rolled her eyes, "Hey there isn't anything I can't handle! I'm going to go see what's wrong since you won't tell me."
Shirley started to walk out of the kitchen and Cath grabbed her arm, "Don't go Shirley, even you can't handle that. I'm telling you, don't go!"
"Cath, geez calm down. It can't be that bad. I'll be right back." Shirley stubbornly walked out of the room, shaking her head as she went. What could possibly be wrong?
Cath hung her head in shame as the young woman walked away, it was that bad, why wouldn't she listen?
Shirley knocked on the door of Chibodee's room and spoke into the door "Chibodee? Are you awake?" When he didn't answer she started to get a bit scared.
"I'm coming in Chibodee." She gave her final warning and opened the door.
Can a heart really shatter? Can it really? It seemed as if Shirley's heart broke into a million pieces when she saw Chibodee in bed with another girl she'd never seen before.
Her breath caught in her throat and she almost choked, her eyes wide. He was already awake and tried to sit up mumbling, "Shirley, I can explain!"
But her ears were deaf now; she heard nothing from him, felt nothing. Her eyes were blinded by his betrayal and she no longer saw him as she always had before.
Her hands came up and closed over her ears and she shook her head violently, trying to destroy the image but she found she couldn't. She felt like she had been shot, like she'd been stabbed, and everything moved in slow motion. Her eyes squeezed shut she couldn't take it anymore.
Her instincts told her to run and that's what she did. She ran out of his room, down the hallway, out the door and she didn't stop running until she came to a park. She sat down on one of the benches and closed her eyes again. The memory was still there, the wound still fresh. She was motionless until she heard a little voice....
***************At the house.... **************
Bunny dragged Cath over to the computer and made her stare at the screen.
"Come on Bunny! What is so important?" Cath said, exasperated.
"I just got a message on our instant messaging program...." Bunny said nervously shifting from one foot to another.
"So?!" Cath said her temper flaring
"It's from a Derek345...." That got Cath's attention
"Didn't Shirley mention....?" Bunny nodded
"Look at the message though...." Bunny said nervously and Cath looked at it.
Cath read it out loud; now that Janet was back they were all crowded around the screen.
"'Hello, this is rude of me but I understand Shirley Traavoni resides at your house. I'm an old friend and I really would like to see her. I am on the American colony I have a hotel room about 5 minutes away from your house, would you mind if I came by?'" Cath shook her head in astonishment
"I don't think you should trust this Cath. It doesn't seem like we should" Bunny started but Cath was already typing a response, it was only six words.
"'Come over now, she needs you."
*********************************************************
"Are you dead?" She opened her eyes to a little girl; she was maybe about six or seven. She had blonde hair and blue eyes; she held a flower in her hand.
Shirley gave a ghost of a smile and shook her head, "No little one, I'm not dead. I'm just sad." The little girl jumped up onto the bench beside Shirley and handed her the flower.
"You did seem sad, I'm sorry. Here." She offered Shirley the flower and she took it smiling. "What's your name?"
"My name is Shirley, what's your name?"
"I'm Adella. My real name is Adella Rose Trevi." She held her head up proudly.
Shirley chuckled softly, and then said to her, "Hey! You're Italian! Me too!"
Aili's eyes widened and her smile increased tenfold. "Really?"
"Yea!" Shirley said, "My full name is Shirley Theresa Ann Traavoni."
"Wow, you are very Italian. Why do you have two middle names?" Adella asked
Shirley laughed for a minute; her name was a little bit long. Why did she have two middle names? Oh yeah....
"I have two middle names because my parents liked what they meant," Shirley answered. Adella looked at her inquisitively. Shirley sat back in her chair and began to explain.
"See every name has a meaning. My name, Shirley Theresa Ann, means um.... oh yeah! It means Restful Peace Reaper, Graceful One. Understand?" Shirley looked at the little girl who was nodding.
"Do my name! What does mine mean?" Adella climbed into Shirley's lap and sat staring up at her.
"Ok let's see.... Adella Rose.... Your name means Noble Giver of Love." Shirley looked down at the little girl whose eyes were sparkling in admiration. "That's so pretty."
Shirley nodded, and then became more adult for a minute, "Adella, where are your parents?"
Adella looked down, "They're in heaven, I live in an orphanage."
Shirley hugged the little girl and whispered an apology to her. The little girl sat up as good as new. "It's ok, I miss them but they were both sick. They're better now."
"You know, my little brother was very sick too, he died when he was only 2 years old." Shirley nodded when the little girl stared up at her again.
"So if you live in an orphanage.... Why are you here?" Shirley asked the Adella.
"I ran away," she stated as if it was as simple as that. Alarms went off in Shirley's mind, this kid had run away and now there were probably people looking for her and here she was sitting on Shirley's lap. That looked very it bad.
"You ran away? Are there people looking for you?" Shirley asked her frantically.
Adella shrugged, "I don't care. I hate that place." Shirley nodded and looked at her again. Her eyes were so defiant yet so innocent.
"Well stay with me until they find you," Shirley said to her. Adella nodded appreciatively.
"Hey! Your initials spell out S-T-A-R! Did you know that? You are a star!" Adella said suddenly.
"Well I never thought of it that way but yes you are right.... and your initials spell out A-R-T. You must be a great artist." Shirley said to her and Adella wrinkled her nose contentedly.
"You know I never realized how pretty the grass is when you look at it. When they don't mow it so much it looks beautiful," Adella said to her looking out at the soft landscape in front of them.
///They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. With a pink hotel a boutique and a swinging hot spot. Now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. ///
"What do you mean 'when they don't mow it'? It's supposed to be prettier when it's mowed," Shirley said trying to understand her simple logic.
///They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum, and they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them. Now, now, now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. /// "I mean that the grass grows better when it's undisturbed. When it's left alone it grows better because it feels it's safer. Do you understand? I think when you leave someone alone for a little while they will grow up more. You can't keep putting stuff on the grass for it to grow, it has to do it by itself," said Adella still staring at the grassy field in front of them.
///Hey farmer, farmer put away your DDT. I don't care about spots on my apples; leave me the birds and the bees, please. Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. Hey now they paved paradise to put up a parking lot, why not? ///
Shirley thought about this for a long time. Maybe she was really too strict with Chibodee.... after all they were only in their 20's, they deserved to party a bit before love came into the picture.... Maybe she should just leave Chibodee alone for a while and let him grow up first.
"I think you're right," Shirley said now transfixed on the grass too. Adella looked away suddenly when she heard her name being called distantly. Shirley looked at her and she shrugged, "We have a bit more time before they find me." Shirley nodded.
///I listened late last night; I heard the screen door slam. And a big yellow taxi took my girl (baby) away.... now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Hey now, now don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot.... Why not? They paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Hey, hey, hey paved paradise to put up a parking lot! ///
"I heard some people talking about my mommy and daddy once. They said that my daddy left my mommy and then my mommy left me on the orphanage doorstep. They couldn't find my daddy but then I found out that they both went to heaven.... but it's ok I can go back to the orphanage," said Adella looking at Shirley when they heard her name being yelled again, closer this time.
"Adella, sweetie, I know your mommy and daddy loved you, you should never think they didn't. Now I think you should go back where you will be safe." Shirley said as the voices closed even closer. Adella nodded sadly but still kept a small smile on her bright face.
She hugged Shirley again and then jumped off the bench. Adella put her hands on her hips and looked up at Shirley with an indignant look on her little face, "Are you going to be ok?"
Shirley thought for a minute and nodded slowly, sighing, "Yes I'll be okay." Adella smiled and waved good-bye to her and Shirley heard her say to someone "I'm here! You found me!" Shirley shook her head, laughing to herself at the little girl and the insight she had to life already, she wasn't naïve at all, it was truly a wonder.
She got up and started back for home. She walked fast; she wanted to be home now.
Shirley used her own key to open the door; she wondered why it was locked. She called into the house her voice echoing in the hallway.
"Hello? Anyone home?" Shirley looked at the side table next to her and saw a note,
'Hey Shirley! Sorry bout that bummer this morning but this afternoon will be better! There is a surprise in the backyard for you! Come back there! Hurry!
Love,
The girls! ^_^'
Shirley looked skeptically at the note and then, since her curiosity had gotten the best of her, walked to the back door and went outside.
She looked around and saw Cath, Bunny, Janet, and Muffin standing together in a little group talking and laughing. There was a man with them too.
Why did he look so familiar?
Oh. Dear.
Shirley stood there with a look of shock on her face. He just couldn't be here, now, could he?
Cath noticed her first; she walked over to her and pulled her by the arm a little bit closer while Janet cleared her throat and said, "Miss. Shirley may I present Mr. Derek Liano, Mr. Derek, Miss. Shirley."
Shirley stood there as a smile came to her face, "I never thought I'd ever see you again." Derek smiled and held out his arms and Shirley flung herself into them.
"I missed you, so much Shirl. I've found you again." Derek said to her softly
Shirley sighed contentedly, finally having a shred of her past life with her again.
The girls smiled happily glad for their semi-boss to be happy, Muffin yipped excitedly.
Derek held her tightly, he was truly glad to have her back again.
And unbeknownst to any of them, Chibodee watched with scorn, hate and hurt at the new happy couple.
No one heard his quiet apology, and he had a feeling no one would have listened anyway....
* end chapter *
What do you think? I know it's very sad and all but that's what makes a great drama! I need to ask you all some questions now and I ask that you please answer them in your reviews.
Do you think there should be a Sai Sici/Cecil sub plot? Do you think there should be a Domon/Rain sub plot? Do you think I should include George in any of this? And if I do I will have a George/ Marie Louise paring. Do you think this story is going well? Do you like Derek? Do I ask too many questions?
Ok then, just please answer those questions and I'll be very happy for the reviews! Thanks!
