"Come on Maz, you've already been here two weeks more then you said," Much sighed,
"I know, I'm just not ready to go back," Marian sighed,
"Yes you are, that's why I've book you a flight for tonight," Much said,
"You did what now?" Marian said,
"I booked you a flight to go back home," Much repeated,
"Fine, but you're paying for it," Marian smiled,
"Great, as long as you're going back," Much laughed,
"Come on then lady, you have packing to help me with," Marian laughed pulling Dean to the guest room they had put her in,
"Oh my god, this is not you," Dean giggled looking at Marian's pass port picture,
"Yea it is," Marian laughed,
"But you look so pale and your hair is shorter," Dean said as she looked up and studied Marian now, she had a tan to die for and her hair was no just below her shoulder in soft ringlets and her body was now more toned thanks from the running on the beach they did every morning and night, she looked like she was glowing,
"You do realize you're going to be stuck for that tan forever," Much laughed,
"Really, I hope so," Marian giggled,
"Yea, the sun has dyed your skin that color," Much said matter-of-factly,
"Brilliant, at least it will be a reminder of the fantastic holiday I had and how relaxed I feel," Marian smiled,
"Come on…have you told anyone you're going back?" Dean asked,
"No I haven't, but I think I'm going to get a place sorted first and then see everyone," Marian said,
"Sounds like you've got a plan," Much said,
"I have…I'm just a bit nervous that's all," Marian sighed,
"If this is about Rob, don't worry, I was his best friend, he wouldn't hold a grudge for this long," Much reassured,
"I hope not," Marian smiled,
"Right, I think it's time to have one last meal before we have to wave you goodbye," Dean said as she got up off the bed,
"I'll miss you guys," Marian said,
"Just think…next time you can bring the gang with you," Much said trying to stay positive,
"That's if things haven't changed that much," Marian said,
RMRMRM
"I've just got off the phone with Dean," Saffiyah said,
"What is it?" Stacey asked,
"Marian's coming back today," Saffiyah said as they started jumping up and down,
"About time…have you told Dean about Robin and Amber?" Stacey asked as she stopped jumping up and down,
"No I haven't…I can't," Saffiyah sighed,
"She's going to find out sooner or later and we both know it will end in tears," Stacey said,
"I know, but I'd rather Robin told her himself," Stacey said,
"True…but I'm worried about how she'll take it," Saffiyah said,
"Shall we tell the boys the good news?" Stacey grinned,
"Yea, come on, we'll go down to the station," Saffiyah grinned,
XxX
"Hey John, have you seen the lads?" Stacey asked, as they came running into the station,
"Changing rooms," John grunted as they carried on running,
"Saff what is it?" Will asked,
"Marian's back!" Stacey squealed with joy,
"I ain't bein' funny…that's fantastic," Allan laughed,
"Yea…except, there's one little problem," Stacey sighed, her excitement fading a little bit,
"She doesn't know about Robin and Amber does she?" Will said,
"No and we can't tell her…where is Robin," Saffiyah asked,
"He left early with Amber…he's going to propose," Will said,
"What…we have to stop them…come on!" Stacey said as she ran from the station with the gang in tow,
"Bye John," Will rushed
See you tomorrow," Allan shouted back at him,
"Where did they go?" Stacey asked as they all piled into her car,
"He took her to Sherwood forest," Will said,
"Hang on," Stacey said as she sped off to save their brother and friend from the biggest mistake of his life,
Stacey pulled sharp by the edge of the forest as everyone jumped out and ran to the spot where they knew Robin would be…by the lake,
"Robin…wait!"
"Stacey…guy's…what are you doing here?" Robin asked turning round to face them,
"You can't ask Amber to marry you!" Stacey said slightly breathless from the running,
"Too late," Robin said as Amber came next to him and showed them the ring,
"Hello? She's here, ok then," Saffiyah said as she hung up,
"Was that her?" Stacey asked sadly,
"Marian's back Robin," Saffiyah said,
"She's back…" Robin said to double check,
"Yea, she's back…and now you have the pleasure of telling her about you and Amber," Stacey bit,
"Stace…why are you being like this?" Robin asked,
"Why don't you like me Stacey?" Amber asked,
"Because you're not right for my brother…I'm sorry, but we all know that Marian is the one for my brother," Stacey said,
"Yea, well she has a funny way of showing it, running off the other side of the world," Robin snapped,
"You know why she did that!" Stacey shouted,
"Yea and I also know it's bullshit!" Robin yelled back,
"Look…can we go back to your house and talk about it?" Will asked,
"Yea…come on," Robin said as he took Amber's hand and led them to the house, down the road,
Everyone walked in silence as they entered the house,
"Hey guys," Marian said as they started at her open mouthed as she stood in the centre of the room,
"Marian…is that really you?" Robin asked taking her in, she had on a floral skirt that swished when she moved and a white wrap top that showed her tan perfectly, he couldn't help noticing how much fitter she looked and how long her hair had gotten, she was the picture of beauty.
"Yea, in the flesh," Marian smiled as Stacey and Saffiyah ran to hug her,
"We've missed you," Will said as he and Allan pulled her into a hug,
"So…how much have I missed?" Marian said as her smile faltered when it landed on Amber, "Amber…"
"Marian…there's something you should know," Robin began, "We're engaged,"
Marian knew this was coming, she knew it since she left, she was glad she had prepared herself for this,
"That's brilliant news," Marian grinned, she had to learn to accept it and no time like the present,
"Really?" Robin asked, he was not expecting this reaction,
"Yea, I'm happy for you, it looks like you made the right decision then after all," Marian smiled,
"How about a mean to celebrate?" Amber grinned,
"Sounds like a prefect idea," Marian beamed, "Well, I just came here to get the rest of my things,"
"You're moving out?" Robin asked,
"Yea…you two can't start your life with me always there," Marian laughed,
"Thanks for doing this," Amber said,
"It's no problem, well, I'm just going to get the other suitcase and then I'll be out your way," Marian smiled, as she made her way upstairs,
"I ain't bein' funny, right, but…if I was single, I so would have 'er," Allan said as he got elbowed in the ribs,
"I said, if I was single," Allan grinned wrapping his arms round Stacey,
"Good recovery," Stacey laughed,
"I know," Allan said,
"Right, well, who's got a spare room for me?" Marian joked as she came down stairs hauling her suitcase behind her,
"We do, you can stay here until you're sorted," Robin said quickly before anyone bet him to it,
"I really don't want to impose," Marian said,
"You won't be, it's just until you get sorted," Robin insisted,
"Oh right, erm, ok then," Marian smiled slightly,
"Brilliant, so how about that meal tonight…" Robin smiled, genuinely this time,
"Yea, looking forward to it already," Stacey smiled,
"So…I guess I should take these back upstairs and un pack," Marian said as she began hauling her stuff upstairs,
"Here, let me help you," Robin jumped as he grabbed the heaviest one,
"Thanks…"
"So…are you back for good this time?" Robin asked closing the door behind him,
"Yea, I'm back for good, I told you I'd be back," Marian said turning to face him,
"And do you think I made the right decision?" Robin asked,
"Do you think you made the right decision?"
"Maybe…I don't know, she was here when you weren't," Robin shrugged,
"That doesn't mean you can jump right back into a relationship with her," Marian laughed,
"Why not? It's my life," Robin said,
"Oh Rob…grow up," Marian scoffed,
"You just don't like the fact that I've moved on and you haven't," Robin spat,
"How can you even say that Robin," Marian cried,
"Because it's true…" Robin said,
"Yea, in your deluded little imagination, you know what, I think this is a bad idea, I might go and stop at a hotel," Marian said,
"No…don't do that…" Robin sighed,
"You can't keep saying these things Robin, I have feelings you know and right now they're in overdrive," Marian ranted,
"I didn't mean it," Robin said,
"I've been hearing that a lot lately," Marian laughed bitterly,
"You can stay here until you're sorted," Robin said,
"It won't be long, I'm going apartment hunting tomorrow," Marian said as she went to the door that was behind Robin,
"You went away Marian…you made me move on," Robin whispered as Marian reached for the door knob,
"I know…and maybe this was for the best, maybe this is what you needed," Marian said before she opened the door and went down to the gang,
XxX
"This looks good," Marian said as she studied the menu,
"Yea…hmmm…there's so much choice," Stacey said,
"I know…I think I might have the lasagna," Marian decided,
"I'm gonna have the chicken," Saffiyah said closing her menu,
"I ain't bein' funny right, but, you know what I'm having," Allan grinned,
"Right so, three steaks?" Robin laughed, this was the first time any of them had seen him genuinely laugh and be this happy,
"Marian…is that you?" Guy asked approaching the table,
"Hello Guy," Marian sighed,
"You've changed," Guy stated,
"Really…I hadn't noticed," Marian said rolling her eyes,
"Would you like to join me?" Guy asked,
"In case you haven't noticed Guy, I am out enjoying an evening with my friends," Marian said,
"I know, but why spend an evening with them, when you can spend an evening with me?" Guy smirked,
"Because for some reason, I like the color of my skin when it's not black and blue," Marian snapped,
"I told you Marian, I have changed…for you," Guy said through gritted teeth,
"And I have told you, I don't care, I will never be with you Guy," Marian said,
"We'll see about that," Guy said,
"Yea we will,"
"I think you should get lost," Will stated,
"Oh don't get your knickers in a twist, I'm out of here," Guy sneered,
"Are you ok?" Stacey asked,
"Yea…why shouldn't I be?" Marian laughed, "This lasagna is to die for,"
"So, Amber…any dates for the wedding?" Allan asked, receiving a swift kick under the table from Stacey,
"Erm…well we were thinking of a summer wedding," Amber grinned,
"Fantastic…any dates?" Marian smiled,
"We were thinking the 3rd August, next year," Robin smiled,
"I would've thought you'd have set it sooner," Stacey said,
"I know, but we decided not to rush into things…it was Robin's idea," Amber said,
"Well as long as you're both happy that's all that matters," Marian smiled,
"Yea and we are happy," Robin said,
"I can tell, you both look very happy together," Marian said, eyes locked onto Robin's,
"We are, I couldn't imagine my life any other way…" Amber said,
"Look Amber, I think an apology is due," Marian said, "I'm sorry I wrecked your relationship,"
"It's ok…as long as it's all in the past," Amber sighed,
"Believe me when I say it is," Marian said,
"Yea…the biggest mistake of my life," Robin said,
"I'm glad you think so Robin," Marian retaliated,
"Well, I'm just voicing what we were both thinking is that so wrong?" Robin asked,
"Robbie…" Stacey said,
"Don't Stacey, I'm sick of being made out to be the baddy," Robin said,
"You're not, maybe I should go," Marian nodded,
"Yes, I think you should," Amber smiled,
"I'll be out of your way when you get back, I'll stay in my room like a good little girl" Marian said,
"You don't have to go Maz," Saffiyah said,
"I think I do, there's too much tension," Marian said,
"Only because you came back," Robin muttered,
"Yea, I'm aware of that Robin, maybe I should never have come back," Marian snapped,
"I didn't ask you too," Robin bit,
"I didn't come back for you, I came back because I missed my friends, you do flatter yourself too much don't you Robin," Marian sneered,
"That wasn't what you were saying when we spent the night together," Robin smirked,
"You're a bastard Robin, I don't like the person you're becoming," Marian said,
"You don't have to like it, because you don't have to live with it," Amber cut in,
"And you know what…I'm glad, I'm relieved I don't," Marian said,
"So what are you still doing here?" Robin said,
"Refraining from beating your ass…you're just like the rest of them…always finding a way to hurt me…you're just like Guy, except you do if mentally not physically," Marian yelled causing everyone to turn their attention,
"Don't you dare compare me to that waste of space," Robin shouted back, standing to face Marian,
"I believe I just did Robin," Marian said coldly, as she walked out of the restaurant and left them too it,
"For some reason, I don't feel like eating," Stacey sighed,
"I need some space," Robin said storming out after her,
Marian found herself by the lake in Sherwood Forest, the same lake she was shown by the physic in her past life,
"So much for soul mates," Marian muttered furiously to herself,
"Marian…are you ok?"
"Guy…what are you doing here?" Marian asked, slightly panicked,
"I just came to see if you were alright,"
"I'm fine, I'd just rather be alone right now," Marian said backing slowly away,
"I know, but it didn't stop me from worrying," Guy said moving closer,
"Please Guy, just leave," Marian said,
"Come back to me Marian," Guy said,
"I don't want too," Marian said,
"I can give you anything you want…I can give you the life Locksley could never give you," Guy smirked,
"You can have anyone, yet you chose me…why am I so unlucky?" Marian sighed,
"You want me, you know you do, I can give you anything, give me a chance," Guy pleaded,
"Remember the last time I gave you a chance?" Marian asked,
"That was back then, I'm a changed man now," Guy insisted,
"Guy, you abused me," Marian said,
"I know and I am deeply sorry, please just give me another chance, Locksley has moved on, why can't you?"
"I am, just not with you," Marian stated,
"Please, just one last chance, that is all I am asking," Guy begged,
"I can't be bothered to fight anymore Guy…one last chance and so help me god if you lay a finger on me I will report you," Marian sighed as Guy pulled her into a tight hug with his clammy hands, they were so unlike Robin's who's were warm and kind and inviting. Marian couldn't help but think about the old woman's words,
"Beware…there is a dark presence lurking in the shadows, do not trust the man in black, he will never change,"
Marian couldn't stop the feeling of dread in her stomach as it tied itself in knots, but she didn't want to spend her life alone, so Guy was her only option.
RMRMRM
"Marian…we've been so worried," Stacey said as everyone jumped up as she came walking through the door,
"Sorry I had to think about things," Marian said quietly,
"Marian…what's the matter?" Saffiyah asked as she looked into her eyes,
"I'm sorry," Marian said tears in her eyes,
"Please Marian, don't say it…you haven't," Saffiyah said shaking her head,
"I had to, I don't want to spend my life alone," Marian said tears rolling down her cheeks,
"But…you could have anyone you wanted," Saffiyah begged,
"I know…but he promised me all these things," Marian said,
"I ain't bein' funny, right, but, what's going on?" Allan asked,
"Guy Gisbourne…that's what's happened," Saffiyah said with venom laced in her words,
"He's not that bad," Marian insisted,
"As soon as he starts hitting you Marian you come to us," Will said,
"I will…thanks…so where are Robin and Amber?" Marian asked,
"Upstairs…she's calming him down," Stacey said bitterly,
"Right, well…Guy is waiting for me outside," Marian said, "I better hurry up,"
"I'll help you," Stacey and Saffiyah said as they got out of the arms Allan and Will,
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Stacey asked Marian,
"Of course it isn't, I want Robin," Marian sighed as they began to pack,
"My toothbrush," Marian smiled as she closed the bedroom door behind her as Robin exited his room,
"Marian…I see you came back," Robin said,
"Not for long…I'm just packing," Marian said looking at the ground,
"You're moving out?" Robin asked,
"It's for the best I do this, help you both get closure," Marian said tears spilling onto her cheeks again,
"What do you mean Marian?" Robin asked grabbing her by her upper arms,
"It doesn't matter now," Marian said, "I need to get my stuff from the bathroom,"
"If you two don't tell me what's going on right now…" Robin warned as he barged into Marian's bedroom,
"She went back to Gisbourne Robin, he said things to her," Saffiyah said sadly,
"She's back with Gisbourne? After what he put her through?" Robin asked, he couldn't believe what he was being told,
"I can make my own choices, I am twenty two years old," Marian snapped walking back into the room as Stacey zipped up the second suitcase,
"I think you're making the wrong choice," Robin said,
"Yea well, this is nothing to concern you," Marian said,
"I don't want to see you get hurt," Robin said,
"It's a little too late for that speech Robin and don't act like you give a shit, if you did, you wouldn't be marrying Amber," Marian said,
"That's unfair Marian," Robin said,
"Tell me Robin, do you feel like you've made the right choice?" Marian asked, when Robin said nothing she carried on, "Exactly, so you can lecture me about my love life the day you've sorted out yours,"
"I'll help you with you cases then," Robin said abruptly picking them up and carrying them down stairs and outside where he came face to face with Guy,
"I told you Locksley, I would win," Guy smirked,
"Like I said once a beater always a beater, if you harm a hair on her body, I swear to god, I will kill you," Robin said through gritted teeth,
"Come on Guy," Marian said pushing him gently toward the car before she turned back to Robin,
"You were meant to save me Robin," Marian whispered a single tear sliding down her cheek as she went into tip toes and kissed him one last time on the cheek,
Read and Review please,
Be honest and tell me what you think, lol
Well, not too mean haha,
Thanks,
RMF x.
