A WHOLE NEW WORLD
ADRIAN
Adrian opened her eyes and found herself once again standing at the alter in the church lighting the candles. She was crying and she wondered to herself if all she remembered had actually happened, but she didn't care. For some reason she finally after a very long time felt hopeful, and at peace. She then turned knelt down beside a bench and prayed. She then got up made the sign of the cross, and headed outside the church.
When she left she got into her car and drove to a nearby store and bought a few items. She then went home to her condo and wrapped the gifts, and once again got into her car and drove to Ricky's apartment. She walked quietly to the door and knocked. As she stood there, she heard laughing, and shuffling as well as Amy and Ricky talking before the door opened. Amy was the one that answered and she was shocked to see her there.
Amy looked at Adrian with scorn, and simply asked what came here to see if you can kiss my fiance under the mistletoe or something Amy said with a sneer. She then folded her arms, and made sure Adrian could see the engagement right on her finger as she did. Adrian realized that she deserved that, and along time ago she might have retaliated at Amy for that show of disrespect, but this Adrian was not the same person she was yesterday, or even a few hours ago. This Adrian wanted to finally move on with her life and that meant being able to accept the feelings of resentment of others from her old one.
She then looked at Amy and said no, Amy I didn't I came to bring you guys this. She then handed the gifts to Amy. It's not much she said I just wanted to bring these to you,. Wish you, Ricky, John, and the rest of your family a Merry Christmas. What, Adrian is this some kind of trick, like the last times you wanted to make peace and then turn on us.
Adrian, looked at Amy and she saw bitterness and anger in her eyes toward her for all the conflicts that she and Amy had went through. But, Adrian decided that even if she and Amy could not be friends, she would no longer be her enemy either. No, Amy this is me here to apologize for being a bitch to you and your family for four years. What, Amy said shocked at Adrian's remark. Yeah, I said it, I'm sorry and a lot of what happened between us was my fault, and I'm tired of holding in all this resentment toward you, for being the one Ricky chose. At this time Ricky came from the back after putting John down to see what was the matter.
Hi Ricky, Adrian said, as he came to the door, to check on Amy.. Cut it with the games Adrian, Ricky said looking at her with a similar face as Amy. We don't want to play any more of your games, Amy and I are together, and getting married so just leave us alone like you promised. I will Adrian said I just came to say that I'm sorry for everything. Ricky I caused you and Amy pain, not to mention others even more because I am a broken person. But, now I am trying to put myself together and that starts with apologizing. You tow don't have to accept my apology, but I do have to give one.
I did some very mean and awful things because I thought that you were the guy for me because I thought we understood each other. But, the truth is you and I don't understand each other, I thought I knew you better than anyone, but the truth is I don't. I didn't even understand myself, because if I did I would have realized along time ago that you were never the man for me. You on the other hadn did. You always told me that you didn't want someone who would accept you the way I did you wanted someone who would change you, and I never understood that until a few hours ago.
You wanted Amy because she made you want to be a better person, someone that she could be proud of and she did that. And believe it or not I am happy for the all of you. You, Amy, and John, and I wish nothing but the best for you. You see, Amy I wanted Ricky not because I loved him but because I wanted what you had, and it wasn't Ricky. What's that Amy asked wondering herself what Adrian could possibly want, besides Ricky. A family Amy, Adrian said looking at her in the eyes.
I wanted to have people who loved me for who I was, and made me want to be a better person. But, I was too broken to realize that I already had that. I had that with Ben, but I thought the only way for us to be a family was to have a child, and the only thing I really needed was to love. I needed to love him, and for him to love me. Something we both had, but neither of us were mature enough to realize that, and I'm sorry for trying to take yours. And even if we can't be friends, I do hope we no longer have to hate one another.
Adrian turned to leave, and as she did Amy caught her and said. Adrian I am sorry for what happened to you and Ben. And I am even more sorry for what happened to your daughter. Thank you, but I know now that my daughter is happy and is in a much better place, as she let a tear roll down her cheek. Adrian, Ricky yelled out. She turned and he said I'm sorry too, and maybe I'll see you on campus next year. Maybe Adrian, said I'm thinking about taking a break from school for a while, to take a trip so I can clear my head and get my life together.
Ricky and Amy then went back inside of their apartment and opened the gift that Adrian had gotten them, and the one she got for John. She bought John, a small baseball glove and ball which read to the little slugger. My daughter would have loved to play with you. The gift she got for them were a set of bath supplies, the card read. Shower time is always more fun with two, especially someone you love. Trust me I know.
BEN
When Ben opened his eyes he was once again back at the grave yard staring down at his mom and Mercy's grave. As he looked at them her turned and looked around and saw no one, he was bewildered and confused as to what had just happened. He wondered if he really did do all the things that he remembered or was it some hallucination from missing his family for the holidays. In a way he didn't care, because he still remembered the feel and smell of his daughter and how it felt to hold her. He kissed the grave of his mother and his daughter, and picked up the box he had placed on his daughters grave. I'm sorry sweetie, but I can't give this to you just yet.
He left the cemetery and drove to Henry's house. He then got out of his care and knocked.. Henry's mom opened the door, and was surprised to see Ben standing there. Ben, she said happy to see him after so many months after Ben and Henry's fall out. What are you doing here, but it doesn't matter come in. it's so good to see you. Hi Mrs. Miller, Merry Christmas, I just came to see if Hank was here. Yes, let me get him, I hope you only want to talk to him she said remembering the last conversation they had did not end well. Yes, that's all he said as he looked at her honestly, for his intentions were pure. Okay she said, and called Henry.
Ben, Hank said as he came into the living room shocked to see him after so long. What are you doing here he asked, not knowing to be happy or threatened by Ben's arrival. I came to talk to you, he said. Okay, only if that is all we're going to do he said. Well I deserve that Ben said remembering his attack on Henry after the grad party. Well what is it, are you still mad at me for what I did, and want to continue to keep me in exile, or what. No, I came to say I forgive you he said getting up and extending his hand. Ben, is this some kind of trick he said. Because I don't know if I can accept you forgiving me, and then beating the crap out of me.
No this is for real Henry he said as he took Hanks right hand and forced him to accept the handshake. But, why Hank asked shocked at Ben's sudden change in attitude after being cold to him for so many months. Because life is too short for me to spend it hating you over a mistake, everyone makes them, and I shouldn't continue to punish you for that, as long as you've learned from it. But, Ben I deserved it I slept with Adrian, and I hurt you I totally understood why you hit me. I should have been her friend and talked to her not taken advantage of her, just to satisfy my drunken hormones.
Yes, you should have Ben said as he let go of Henry's hand, just like I should have last year. But, I didn't have alcohol to use as an excuse. But I forgive you Hank just the same. Ben I am sorry if it wasn't for me none of this wouldn't have happened. No Hank I am to blame for my own problems, and I should start trying to fix them instead of running from them and making new ones. I loved Adrian, I still love Adrian, and I should have told her that. I should have told her a lot of things, but I didn't and that is why our marriage, and our relationship failed. But, that is my past and no one can change the past. I can only tyr and change my future.
Merry Christmas Henry, Ben said as he turned to leave. Ben, maybe we can hang out some time if you aren't too busy he said. I would like that, Ben said as he opened the door and turned to leave. Hank watched Ben get into his car, and leave. As he watched the car disappear, he remembered Ben's words about trying to fix his own problems. He then reached into his pocket pulled out his cell phone and called a number he hadn't called in a long time. Hello Mr. Valko, I know I shouldn't be calling you, but is Alice there.
ADRIAN
Adrian then drove to her parents home and knocked on the kitchen door. Adrian, her mom said as she opened the kitchen door to let her in. Merry Christmas sweetie I didn't know you were going to stop by. I know but I need to talk to you guys, about something she said is Dad here she asked. Yes, hold on her mother said, and called Reuben who was in the living room. Honey Adrian's here and she wants to talk to us about something.
Hi, Adrian Reuben said happy to see his daughter. As he came in Adrian sat down and asked her parents to do the same. They did and they looked at her concerned. Adrian what is it they asked wondering what would make Adrian act this way. Mom, Dad she said. I need help. What is it honey Rueben said becoming worried about her. Is something wrong, did you do something bad, did someone hurt you. No, nothing like that I'm saying I need help. Guys, I'm broken.
What do you mean Cindy asked wondering about her daughters' confession. I mean I need help with myself. I have been feeling empty for a really long time now. I'm not depressed, I'm not crazy, and I'm not suicidal. I just don't know myself she said. This afternoon something happened that made me want to get better, and I need to get better she said, as she began to cry. I don't feel like I am right. I want to love, I want to be loved, and I want to love myself. But, for some reason I can't.
Adrian, is this about the divorce he asked as he remembered that Adrian still hadn't finished signing the papers. Yeah, and a lot of other things too she said. Its' about how I feel toward both of you, and my child hood. Its about Antonio, and how I lost him. Its about why I slept around in high school. Its about, Ricky, Amy, and John. Its also about my feelings for Ben, and its about Mercy. I don't want to divorce Ben, but I don't want to be married either. And I still feel horrible about Mercy. But most importantly its about me and how I want to learn to love myself so I can love others.
Cindy and Reuben looked at each other and at Adrian. For the first time they truly saw their daughter. Neither knew what to say because Adrian had just told them what they both knew was already wrong. But, neither knew how to respond to her confession. Cindy and Reuben both felt guilty for having put their daughter through so much. They felt guilty for not being there for her when she needed them the most. They felt guilty for putting themselves, and their careers ahead of their child. But mainly they felt guilty for not loving their daughter the way they should have, and for making her pay for their mistake.
Okay sweetie Reuben said as got up and held Adrian to him. This was his daughter his first born and for the first time he realized that she was still a little girl who needed her father, and he promised her that is what he would be from now on. Cindy also got up from the table and hugged them both. I'm so sorry baby, she said. I should have put you first instead, I allowed you to feel like you were to blame for my sins, but I promise that from now on I will be there for you, no matter what. Adrian accepted the hug of her family, and for once since that wish she felt wanted.
BEN
Ben went home and went into his dad's study. Dad, he said can I talk to you he asked. Of course Ben, Leo said as Ben came in. What can I do for you, he asked as Ben sat down. Dad, I just came to say I'm sorry. Sorry for what he asked looking at his son. I'm sorry for not listening to you when you tried to teach me about love, and about life. You tried to help me, but I just kept thinking you didn't understand, when you knew exactly what I was going though. Ben, its okay and you don't need to apologize for that Leo said. Yes, Dad I do Ben said. Because I have to accept responsibility for my actions, even actions that were bad no matter how right I thought they were. What do you mean Leo asked.
I mean my marriage to Adrian and my relationship with Amy. Dad, I loved Amy but I know that we weren't right for each other and I know that you knew it before I did. But, you wanted me to learn for myself, but I was too stubborn to realize it. Well, I thought that you would see for yourself, but you didn't. I also want to thank you for all that you did, and still do for Adrian. Ben, you don't have to thank me for that. Adrian might not be my daughter in law anymore but I still think of her, Reuben, and Cindy as part of the family.
I know dad which is why I want to ask if its okay if we invite them over for Christmas this year he asked. Of course son, I don't even know why you had to ask. Because, its about time I started to think before I act Ben said.. Dad, he said as he stood up. Yeah. Did you know that I didn't just sleep with Adrian out of spite, or were you just guessing. No, I knew that from the moment you told me Leo said looking at Ben. How, Ben asked. I didn't even know myself. Ben, when you love someone as much as I loved your mother you recognize people who are falling in love. I knew you were falling in love with Adrian after the first phone bill I got from Bolonia.
You called her number more than Amy's or mine. When I met Maria it was also easy for me to see that she and Adrian had a striking resemblance. When you mentioned Amy you had a look of kindness in your eyes. But, when you mentioned Adrian you actually had the same look in your eye that had and still have when someone mentions your mother. Do you think that it's too late for us Dad. Ben asked. Ben, you and Adrian are still very young and have the rest of your lives to figure that out. I can't decide whether or not you and Adrian can make it, that depends on you and on Adrian. Thanks Dad, Ben said as he closed the door. You're welcome son. Thank you Sarah Leo said looking at the picture he kept of her on his desk. I don't know what you did but you did it.
BENDRIAN
Ben stood outside the door to Adrian's condo and knocked it was cold this Christmas eve but he needed her to do this, and in his heart he knew she needed to do this with him. Adrian, came to the door and was shocked to see him. Hi, Ben said looking at her with those same eyes that always mesmerized Adrian. Hi she said staring up at him. What are you doing here, she asked. I just came to ask you do something with me, that I think we both need to do together. What's that she asked, knowing in her heart what it was Ben was asking.
I need you to come to the cemetery with me so we can wish our daughter a Merry Christmas he said. I know she said, let me get my coat. She allowed Ben to step into the condo and went into the bedroom to get her coat. Ben stepped in and looked around she hadn't put up any decorations but on the wall of the condo Ben saw that she still had their wedding photo hanging. He looked at it and remembered how in the other world how the picture of He, Adrian, and Mercy hung next to it. Adrian came back wearing a red leather jacket and looked at Ben staring at the photo.
We were happy weren't we she said looking at him. Yes, were he replied back to her I just wonder why we couldn't have stayed that way. Because, we were young, stupid, and impatient then. Unfortunately when we lost Mercy we got even worse, Adrian answered back. Lets' go she said as she opened the door. Ben and she went out, and he opened his car door for her. She got inside his car buckled her seat belt and waited for him to start the car. As the engine revved Adrian became frightened at what they were about to do and was about to turn and leave when she felt Ben's hand on hers. She turned and Ben was looking deeply at her and said Adrian "My Angel" we have to do this. Adrian settled back into her seat, now finding courage to stay.
The drive unfortunately for Adrian was not a slow one, but was fairly quick and quiet. She never realized how close, and yet so far away she was from her daughter's final resting place. Ben got out of the car, and opened Adrian's door for her helping her out. He then opened the glove box and received the red box he had the day before. What's that she asked as he took her hand and lead her through the cemetery. What kind of parents would we be if we showed up here to see our daughter on Christmas Eve without a gift he said.
What did you get her she asked holding his had tightly as she saw the angel of Mercy's grave and became scared. We, got her a charm bracelet he said giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Ben, Adrian began but he stopped her. Adrian, I know he said looking at her. Ben and Adrian stood in front of the head stone which read. "MERCY LEE BOYKEWICH" BELOVE DAUGHTER OF BEN AND ADRIAN BOYKEWICH THOUGHT YOU WERE HERE FOR A MOMENT BUT YOU TAUGHT US HOW TO LOVE FOR A LIFE TIME. SLEEP WELL OUR PRECIOUS LITTLE PRINCESS. Adrian, saw the epitaph on her daughter's grave and became overwhelmed and began to cry. She would have collapsed had not Ben, held her and followed her gently to the ground.
It hurts Ben she said, leaning in to his embrace. I now My Angel he said. But, we have to do this because we have both been hurting for too long, and ignoring it won't make it stop or go away. But facing it will give us the strength to endure it, and move on. Adrian cried harder than she had ever cried before. All the while Ben cried with her, but continued to console her. After what seemed like forever she opened her tear filled eyes and looked up at her soon to be ex husband. Ben, I love you and I need you but I don't know how to be what we were she said feeling guilty.
We can't be like that Adrian again, he said mournfully. We shouldn't have even tried. But, we can be something else. But, first we have to accept all of our faults and feelings for each other both good and bad. I love you Adrian Lee Boykewich. I always will, nothing can stop that. But, first you have to love yourself. I can't be there for you until you can truly realize that you are stronger without me. Then, I promise you I will be there waiting for you. But, how do I know that you will wait for me, she said. Have I ever lied to you Adrian. Adrian then kissed Ben the most passionate and deepest kiss she had ever had.
She then stood up with Ben beside her and they both placed the gift beneath the dirt of Mercy's grave and wished their daughter a Merry Christmas and thanked her for helping them help themselves.
As they both got back to the condo, Ben turned to Adrian and asked Adrian will you and your family like to spend this Christmas with my dad and me he asked. Yes, Ben we would like that very much she said, then went inside the condo. Ben then left and returned a short time later he knocked and left. As Adrian came to the door she saw a Christmas wreath on it that said just making it look festive.
The next day Adrian, Ben, Cindy, Camille, Leo, Betty, and Mike all sat at the dinner table enjoying the holiday meal that had been prepared for them. As they all got up having been sated they went into the living room to sing carols on the piano and have coffee. It was then that Ben took Adrian aside, and asked her to meet him outside, As they stepped out Ben placed his jacket over her shoulders to warm her and said, I didn't know if this was appropriate but Merry Christmas. Inside was the locket he bought for her, with their wedding picture inside.
Ben this is lovely she said, recognizing the gift. There is an inscription the back, he said as she marveled at it. She turned it over and the inscription read
"TO ADRIAN YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY ANGEL" Adrian looked at him and said thank you Benny. She then reached into her purse and said. I didn't know if this was appropriate either she said handing him the box. Ben opened the box and saw the golden eagle watch that she had given him from the wish. He opened it and saw a picture of their wedding photo inside. There is an inscription on it as well
Ben turned the watch over and read "TO BENNY TO ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR TIME TOGETHER"
Ben looked at the watch and said thank you Adrian this is a terrific gift, looks like Mr. Rambizi strikes again, he said. Adrian then heard that word and said. What did you say she asked, remembering those were her words from the wish. Ben, did you or do you. I remember everything Adrian he said looking at her. And like I told you already I will wait for you. I promise you that, he said. Adrian and Ben then went back inside as they stepped through the door. Betty looked at them and said guys looks like you got stuck under the mistletoe. Adrian and Ben looked at each other and kissed each other the same way they had in the wish. Everyone was shocked at this even Betty, and Mike. Leo then took Reuben aside and said, I don't think we should finish filing those divorce papers just yet. Neither do I Leo, Reuben replied back. When Adrian and Ben finally broke from the kiss they leaned their heads against one another and said Merry Christmas wife, Merry Christmas husband.
THE END OR IS IT?
WELL HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED AND STAY TUNED FOR NEXT YEAR AS I WILL BE DOING A ONE SHOT OF A CONVERSATION BETWEEN TO SECRET LIFERS, & ALSO GIVING NEW CHAPTERS TO OTHER STORIES I HAVE CREATED ON THIS SECTION SO STAY TUNED AND IF YOU WISH PLEASE GIVE A REVIEW OF ALL MY STORIES
BUT I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DEMONIC ANGLE CLONE, SLOTATLOVER, & OF COURSE PRINCESS PINKY FOR BEING MY INSPIRATION FOR WRITING THIS STORY, I HOPE TO BE READING MORE FROM YOU GUYS IN THE UPCOMING YEAR SPECIFICALLY YOU PRINCESS PINKY CAN'T WAIT FOR THE REST OF SEASON TWO OF TURNING TABLES.