This chapter took a long time, hope ya'll will enjoy it. I've gone through at least three versions of this chapter untill I settled on this one. Next time will be the wedding and form Bess and Joe's POV. R&R - Kes
How do You Say Goodbye – Chapter 10
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Nancy opens her envelope, and pulls out a sheet of paper and a small jewelry box. Curiosity gets the better of her and she decides to look at the jewelry box first. Inside is a silver ring with three stone settings. There is a large emerald as the raised center stone, and two small diamonds set in silver hearts as the lower side stones.
Nancy gives an audible gasp, how did they know that I prefer silver and emeralds to gold and diamonds? The voice answers they are the Network they probably know everything about you. They were waiting to recruit you remember, and I can't see them recruiting someone with out doing a lot of research and surveillance.
Bess turns to face Nancy. "What is it Nan?" Nancy hands Bess the box wordlessly. "Ohwow, it's beautiful and its so you," Bess coos. Nancy blushes, "I know… have you looked at yours yet?" Bess hands Nancy back the ring, then shakes her head, "not yet. I'm kind of nervous to tell you the truth."
"Aren't you dieing of curiosity," asks Nancy. Bess gives her friend a small smile, "you know I am." Bess pulls her jewelry box out of her envelope and stares at it. "Open it," presses Nancy. "OK, OK," says Bess in mock defeat.
Bess slowly opens the jewelry box. Her hand quickly covers her mouth to keep herself from gasping as Nancy did. Her actions don't go unnoticed by the others. Nancy keeps trying to peer over Bess's shoulder. Frank and Joe look over at the two girls then at each other. They silently give each other at look that says 'women', shake their heads then go back to reading their papers. Renee has moved to the seat farthest away from the teens. She has her hands folded across her chest and is smiling at the scene in front of her.
Bess's ring is white gold with one stone setting. It has intricate carving, in white gold, on the ring it self. The carvings are vines complete with leaves and thorns. On either side of the stone the vines end in a rose bud. The stone is a large blue star Safire.
"Can I see it," Nancy asks pleadingly. Bess hands it over and Nancy starts to inspect the ring. This is getting a little to weird. I understand that they would have enough information on me to pick my preferred engagement ring, but I wouldn't have thought they would have that kind of information on Bess. "It's beautiful Bess," she says as she hands it back to Bess.
Bess nods her head in agreement then takes the box from Nancy's hand. Bess pulls the ring out of the box and slides it onto her finger. She then holds out her hand and starts to admire how it looks on her. Nancy gives a small giggle, "that's my Bess. Give her a piece of jewelry and she will immediately what to try it on." Bess turns a bright shade of red. Quickly she picks up her paper and starts to read trying to hide her embarrassment.
Nancy lets out another giggle then turns to her own paper. Well I guess now is as good a time as any to learn who I am so post to be:
Isabella O'teal was born May 23rd, 1983 in Batavia New York. She is the only child of Robert and Kathryn O'teal. Kathryn died in a car accident on August 14, 1989. Robert never remarried and raised Isabella by himself. He is a practicing pediatrician in their home town.
Isabella went to Agnes Scott College to study creative writing. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a liberal arts degree. Her dream is to become a well known mystery writer. Right now she submits shorts stories to fiction magazines in hopes of getting published.
Isabella's roommate at Agnes Scott was Marla Brown. Marla was born April 3rd, 1983, in Woodstock Georgia. Marla studied American history and hopes to get her masters soon so that she might be able to teach at a community college. She and Isabella are best friends.
Patrick Harvey was born August 2nd, 1982 in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned a degree in computer science and now works for Strachan Technologies.
Malcolm Sheppard was born January 18th, 1982 in Cooper City Florida. He also attended Georgia Tech, earned a degree in computer science, and works for Strachan Technologies.
Isabella and Marla meet Patrick and Malcolm at a joint school movie night. Patrick and Malcolm graduated in 2004 and got an apartment together. When Isabella and Marla graduated in 2005 they moved in with Patrick and Malcolm.
Malcolm and Isabella decided that they should have their own place since they are getting married. They chose to move to a small town, Griffin, forty-five minuets outside of Atlanta. There they bought a two bedroom townhouse. Marla and Patrick also fell in love with the neighborhood and ended up buying a townhouse as well.
When Nancy finished reading she looks over at Renee. "These bios are kind of sparse," states Nancy. Renee gives her a smile, "that's the best way to do it. The important facts are set up and then you all get to make up all the personal details. It makes it seem more real and you will be able to remember it better."
Nancy shakes her head and look at her friends. Bess and Joe are deep in conversation. A small smile forms on Nancy's lips. I haven't seen Bess this content in a while. Joe's good for her, but if her hurts her in anyway I'll have to kick his ass.
"Penny for you thoughts," says Frank as he leans in towards her from the other side of the limo. Nancy glances up at him, gives a small smile, and jesters with her head towards Bess and Joe. "I was just admiring the happy couple." Frank crawls over to come and sit next to Nancy and whispers in her ear. "You didn't hear this from me but, I think my little brother is falling hard. She's all he's been able to talk about for the past two days." "One thing is for sure. They will make a more convincing couple this time," Nancy says with a slight giggle.
Frank silently studies her face. Nancy starts to become nervous and turns slightly red. "Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?" Instead of answering Frank reaches up and strokes her face gently, then tucks a strand of her hair behind her right ear. Frank? Nancy's heart starts to beat faster.
Frank gives Nancy a lopsided smile. "That was the first smile that reached your eyes since I ran into you yesterday… I almost forgot how beautiful you are when your eyes sparkle with happiness." He thinks I'm beautiful? She searches his eyes for more of an explanation, all the while drawing closer to him.
All of a sudden a flash of regret flows through Franks eyes and he pulls away from Nancy. Nancy takes deep breaths to try to clam down. What were you thinking Drew, you are in the middle of your own case. Now is not the time to be exploring the possibility of being with Frank. Not to mention we are not alone.
Renee decides that now is a good time to give further instructions and answer any questions that the bios might have created. "So has everyone finished reading their bios," she asks. All four teens nod their head yes. "Good, now for the reminder of the trip you're going to have to get use to using each other's new names. You can come up with nick names if you want but please don't use your real names.
"Also you should use this time to flush out your bios. Make this a team effort, that way everyone will be able to keep the covers straight." Renee notices that Nancy is still holding her jewelry box. "Isabella, you should put your engagement ring on. You need to get use to it as well."
Nancy sighs in defeat but before she can take the ring out of the box, Frank snatches the box from her hands. He opens the box and let out a small chuckle. She gives him a questioning look, but he just mumbles something about the Network under his breath. What is he doing?
Nancy tries to take the box back but Frank pulls it out of her reach. "Fr … Mal give me back that ring," she says. He gets a twinkle in his eyes and winks at Bess and Joe. "I was planning on giving you back the ring Izy." She glares at him. What are you playing at Hardy?
Frank takes the ting out of the box and grabs Nancy's left hand. He slips the ring on as she sits there in a state of shock. "Now Miss Isabella O'teal will you marry me?" Marry Frank? The words are out of her mouth before she knows she formed them, "of course I'll marry you," Frank. She could fell her head start to spin, and was glad she was already sitting down.
Bess is having a good laugh and Joe turns and glares at his brother. "Hey, big brother, are you trying to make me look bad?" Frank turns to look at Joe. "Of course not, little brother, just some of us have the class to ask, instead of assuming," teases Frank. Joe pouts for a moment. He then takes Bess's left hand in both his own and kneels on the floor of the limo. "Marla Brown will you marry me?" Bess starts to have a giggling fit, but some how manages to say "yes, I will marry you Patrick."
Frank pokes Nancy in the side with his elbows, and rolls his eyes. "I think I was out classed." She joins Bess in laughter.
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By the time they reach Gatlinburg, the teens have flushed out their bios. The first flushing was the proposals, Bess instead. Bess and Joe choose to keep the kneeling proposal in a limo, on their way home from a romantic diner. Nancy and Frank chose a rented cabin cruiser, the middle of the lake; the deck lit with candles and rose petals covering the seats.
The four friends also decide on nick names for each other. Nancy is to be called Bell or Izy (Frank only). Joe decides on Pat. Frank chooses Mal. Bess decides she likes the name Marla and won't shorten it with a nick name.
The limo pulls into a drive way. This is the larger of the two places and there for Mal's and Bell's. Pat and Marla your place is across the street." Renee points out their house through the window. "Now because the wedding is tomorrow, and we are trying to make this as real as possible. Tonight Marla will stay with Bell and Mal will stay with Pat.
"Tomorrow a limo will come at noon to pick up Bell and Marla and take them to the salon to get ready." Bess squeals excitedly, Renee ignores her and continues giving directions. "At three a car will be by to take mal and Pat to the chapel." Joe looks confused, "I thought the ceremony was at five. Why do we have to be there so early?"
"First you will have to get changed, secondly you will need to meet and familiarize yourselves with the guests, and thirdly because the photographer will start his session at three thirty." Joe looks down at his feet, "oh." Bess puts an arm around his shoulder, "don't worry I was about to ask the same question." He gives her hand a squeeze and her a smile.
"Everybody clear on their responsibilities," asks Renee. She receives a chorus of 'yes.' She hands Nancy and Frank each a set of keys. "Bell this is for this house and Mal that is to the other house. There is a second set of keys o the kitchen counter of each house. Also you luggage has already been taken care of. Marla and Mal each will find an overnight bag at the places they are staying tonight."
Renee hands them each a business card with her number on it. "If you need anything, call me. Well I will see you tomorrow, goodnight." They teens exit the limo and watch it drive away.
Joe turns to address the group, "I'm I the only one who thinks this whole situation is surreal?" "No," answers Frank. He takes a look around. They are standing in a driveway on a deserted street. There are a lot of homes crammed on both sides of the street, most are small but some look to be three or four stories. "I think we should take this inside," says Bess, "I'm cold."
Joe drapes an arm over Bess's shoulder in an attempt to keep her warm. "Yeas, I can't wait to see what kind of place the Network set us up with." Nancy walks ahead of the group and opens the front door.
They walk into the foyer which is between the two stories of the house. Nancy takes the lead and they walk upstairs into the living room. Nancy and Bess place their purses on the coffee table, and then the four friends explore the house.
On the top floor the living room is in the center with a large slate fireplace on the back wall. Off to the right is the kitchen. It has a breakfast bar and a breakfast nook. On top of the breakfast bar was the other house key. To the left of the living room is the master bedroom. On the bottom floor they find one guest room, a pool room, a media room, and a sauna. Also there is a deck off the bottom floor; on it is a hot tub.
"I hope ours is as well equipped," says Joe. "Otherwise I'm going to have to have a long talk with our Network contacts." Bess's face lights up. "I can't wait to get into that hot tub, after today I could sure use something to help me relax." She begins to spin around in anticipation.
"Sounds like a good idea to me but something tells me your swimsuit isn't one of the things in our overnight bag," says Nancy as she takes a seat on the couch in the living room. "Hey what about us," asks Joe. "Well it looks large enough to hold four people why don't you guys join us," Nancy says as she shrugs her shoulders.
Joe jumps into the air, "woo hoo." Everyone laughs at him. Bess walks over to Frank and holds out her hand. "Hand over the keys, Mal. Pat and I have to pick up our suits." Frank hands Bess the keys then sits down next to Nancy. "We'll be back shortly," calls Bess over her shoulder as she drags Joe out the door.
Frank turns to face Nancy. "So what do you think," he asks. "I think it's more like a home instead of a honeymoon cottage," she replies being careful not to look directly at Frank. Nance don't do this, talk to me. "True," he reaches over and takes her left hand, "but that's not what I was asking and you know it."
Nancy stands up and walks into the kitchen. She opens the refrigerator door and starts to search for something to drink. "I don't know what to think, things are happing so fast," She raises her voice so that Frank can hear her.
Frank walks over to the breakfast bar and takes a seat. He rests both arms on the counter, clasping his hands together, and then resting his chin on his hands. He studies Nancy's every move. Nance you need to talk about it or its going to overwhelm you. "I know all of this is sudden but you need to talk about how you feel about what we've gotten ourselves into," he says.
Nancy finds some apple juice in the refrigerator and starts searching for the glasses. She finally finds the right cupboard, and pulls out a juice glass. She looks at Frank for the first time, and tears start to form in her eyes. She quickly looks away and starts to pore her juice.
"I don't know what you expect me to say. Yesterday I was trying to decide what college to attend and now I'm going undercover to hide from my stocker. For the undercover assignment we have to stage a wedding, a honeymoon, and then pose for God knows how long as a happily married couple.
"I have been trying my best not to get anyone else involved with my stocker; for fear that they would also become targets. And now I've gotten three of my four best friends involved. It's not enough that the stocker gets to ruin my life he's also going to affect yours as well." Nancy picks up her glass and holds it up to the light. She sees her reflection and whispers, "What has he done to me."
Nancy drops the glass and falls to the floor. She wraps her arms around her legs, and starts to rock back and fourth. Frank come around and gently picks her up off the floor. He guides her back to the couch. Nance I wish I could take away your pain, but the best I can do is to let you share it with me so that I can comfort you.
Once Frank has Nancy seated he kneels in front of her and cups her face in his hands. I love you, please open up to me. "Nance, please don't beat yourself up. None of this is your fault." He places a hand on the back of her head and pulls her towards him. "You know you can tell me anything right?" She nods her head. "I know your not ready, but I will be hear when you are." He pulls back slightly.
"As far as getting us involved, you know it was just a matter of time, before Bess, George, or your Father called us in anyway. Also he's not going to get away with this, Nan. The Network will find him, even if their best agents are on bodyguard duty." Nancy gives Franks a small smile. He her turns her smile, "That's what I want to see. The invincible Nancy Drew."
Nancy gives a small laugh, "You know your so post to call me Isabella right?" Frank stands up and scratches the back of his head, "sorry I forgot." "Some undercover agent you're turning out to be," she teases. He backs up and makes a mock bow towards her then holds out his hand. "Well, Miss O'teal I guess we should act like a couple that is getting married tomorrow. Would you care to spend the next hour with me and out friend in the hot tub, before we can't see each other till the wedding?"
"Sounds good to me," says Nancy. "Plus if Pat finds out we weren't ready for the hot tub he's liable to try to through us in fully clothed," says Frank. Her smile widens and she starts to study him.
"How do you do that," asks Nancy. "Do what?" "Know exactly what to say to make me feel better." Franks eyes start to sparkle, "Oh, that. Well I can't tell you. It's an ancient Hardy secret that is passed down from generation to generation." Nancy leans back and crosses her arms, "really." "Yup, all a part of what makes us so desirable."
"You win," laughs Nancy. "Come on lets find our suitcases.
