Life
Lyrics from Instant Star
Martin
As we walked outside into my car, I could see Ruth taking deep breaths.
"Do you have an idea where you want to go?"
"Do you mind if we got to your place? Then I could just crash there"
"Sure" I replied softly as she went to hercar and grabbed her bag.
Once we were driving she said "I dropped out of Medical school because I want to record and sing and travel"
"Really?" I questioned cautiously before asking "Do you have a contract that I could look at?"
"Yes" she replied sighing softly and leaning back before adding "Could we stop and get pizza as well? I'm still hungry"
"Sure, they have a great place that delivers" I replied lightly as my heart skipped a beat. The next thing out of her mouth would be a movie marathon in 5...4…3…2….1…
"We should have a movie marathon" she cried out excitedly as her brown eyes sparkled at me and then added "Of course, if you don't have to be up too early"
"I could take a day off" I replied back as she squealed and grabbed my arm saying "great, let's stop at Blockbuster"
Once we got to Blockbusters, Ruth said "I'll be right back"
"Uh no missy, the rules are we make the movie decision together" I said firmly as she turned to me and pouted saying "I just had a horrible day, make an exception this once…please?"
"Okay" I relented sighing. How could I say no to the pout?
Once we got to my place and I ordered the pizza, Ruth walked to my hall closet and pulled her guitar out.
It was something she use to do in high school, when we were supposed to be studying.
"So are you going to play me your song?" I asked her as I took my suit jacket off and loosened my tie.
"Sure" she replied as she sat down on the couch and started strumming.
Oh, I remember on the 4th of July
That's when I learned it was true
The stories of taboo
How could you do it if your love was true
And still want to be in my life
And make no sacrifice
Now you come and tell me
That you're really sorry
And ask to be in my life again
Oh no there's no way to begin
Or start love over
Oh no lovemaking will there be here tonight
Oh don't you sigh
Or come cryin' on my shoulder
Should've thought about the consequences then
You and my best friend
Oh I recall the pain it hurt so bad
I didn't have the strength to live
But I was just too young to die
See I have had my heart broken before
But never like this
I admit it baby left me feeling scorned
Now the love inside my heart is fading
The trust of my man and my best friend betrayed
I took a deep breath and tried to calm down. That ass cheated on her?
Oh no there's no way to begin
Or start love over
Oh no lovemaking will there be here tonight
Oh don't you sigh
Or come cryin' on my shoulder
Should've thought about the consequences then
You and my best friend
How could you do that to me
And tell me that our love would always be
Always be
Oh no there's no way to begin
Or start love over
Oh no lovemaking will there be here tonight
Oh don't you sigh
Or come cryin' on my shoulder
Should've thought about the consequences then
You and my best friend
When she stopped playing, I saw her wipe away the tears and then smile at me asking "So? What do you think?"
"I think you are pretty talented. Where's the contract? I would like to go over it tomorrow" she got up and handed me the folder as the doorbell rang.
"It's probably the pizza guy. There's some money in my wallet, I'm going to take a quick shower"
"Okay" she replied as I walked upstairs to the master bedroom.
Ruth
20 minutes later, Martin finally came down barefoot with sweats on. He should have been arrested for looking that good.
"You know" I began teasingly "Most guys don't take that long"
"I was really quick" he protested as he grabbed a slice and sat next to me.
"So what's on the schedule for tonight?"
"A Walk to Remember and The Notebook" I replied taking a sip of water.
"Are you kidding me?" he asked in disbelief sitting upright.
"Must I remind you how horrible my day was?" I repeated as he slouched down, pouting slightly and mumbling.
Martin
I woke up the next morning, feeling stiff yet content.
I could smell the faint aroma of strawberries and as I turned my head, I saw Ruth asleep.
We must have fallen asleep last night. I slowly got up and stretched as I made my way to the kitchen. From previous experience, Ruth was always in a better mood when she had some coffee.
Sure enough she came in a few minutes later and took the mug that I handed to her. As she grabbed a bagel and sat down at the counter I decided to ask the question on my mind.
"So Bobby cheated?"
"Yes" she said softly as she placed the bagel on the counter and continued "It wasn't as though I was in love with him, but it hurt just the same"
I nodded as she continued "I just couldn't stay there after and medical school was beginning to be a drag. I have no passion for it. I'm good at it, but how is that going to help people? I just want to sing"
"Your contract states that you will record in New York"
"Yes, unless I make negotiations to stay here"
"Would you?" I ask as I studied my bagel.
"If I had a good reason to"
"It would mean being closer to your family"
"Martin, come on. You know how crazy they get" she replied.
"They love you and just want what's best for you"
"I know that" she replied snapping before taking a deep breath and apologizing "Sorry. I'm a little on edge. I'm going to take a shower and then maybe we can get real breakfast?"
"Sure" I replied as she threw me a grateful smile and ran upstairs.
"Morning" Sandy called out as she came in with a bag of groceries.
"Hey" I said as I took the bags from her "Where's Thom?"
"Out with Simon. Is Ruthie still here?"
"Yes, she's taking a shower"
"So, what does the contract look like? Is it legit?"
"Pretty much. They are offering her a great deal and she is talented."
"That's what I figured. Is she still upset at everyone?"
"Well I'm not sure; I managed to upset her already"
"Well she'll come around, as she always does" Sandy replied sympathetically before looking at me and saying "This is your chance to get it right Martin" and with that she left.
Ruth
After my shower, I changed into my jeans and a shirt and went in search of Martin. As I passed by his bedroom, I noticed the rumpled sheets on his bed.
He never liked making his bed up. I smiled ruefully as I finally found him downstairs in his study, with his glasses on studying.
"Since when did you start wearing glasses, old man?" I teased Martin who jumped up and said "You frightened me"
"I frightened you? Who are you and what did you do to my best friend?"
"I could say the same about you" he replied as he took a step closer to me.
"What do you mean?' I nervously inquired. The look in Martin's green eyes were definitely predatorily.
"Let's start with never answering any of calls, or emails or letters"
"Well, I have been busy…."
"Or how about saying you love me and then walking out before I even have a chance to respond?"
"Well what was I suppose to do? I said it and the look in your eyes were of shock. I wasn't going to wait for you to gently turn me down"
"How do you know what the hell I was going to do?" he roared at me as I took another step back and replied "What was I suppose to think Martin. I was not the one to go and get someone pregnant"
"Are we still on this Ruth? It's been 6 years. Thomas is here and everything and anything that you try to do to ignore it is futile. I'm sorry I screwed up, I'm sorry I lied, but I can't keep apologizing every time we are together. I can't keep trying to make up for this mistake. I know it is horrible, but we have to deal with it. I love you, I want to be with you, but not like this, not when you are too focused on the fact that I have a child out if wedlock." Martin looked at me exhausted and said "I'm going to go for a run. I just need some time" and with that left.