Trip Down Memory Lane

So, Lizzie's rid of the annoying Collins – or is she? Nahh, jokes, he's not coming back too soon. And I'm sorry Darcy didn't make his true appearance last chapter. He will definitely appear here.

Oh yes, a big thank you to Illusiional Ice who is my new beta! I'm sure you'll notice a big improvement in grammar and spelling. She's incredible. =]

Soundtrack: Behind These Hazel Eyes (suits the atmosphere very well. And Lizzie does have hazel eyes!)

Lizzie let loose her hair, letting it tumble over her shoulders like a waterfall. She didn't know why her loosened hair gave her a greater sense of security, but she figured that she could always hide behind her hair as a last resort. Yeah right.

Who was she kidding? She wasn't ready to face Darcy anytime soon. Every time she staged a meeting in her mind, a hand seemed to squeeze at her heart, causing her to stop and glare at herself in the mirror. She was no weakling. She wasn't going to cry like she did when she was eighteen. But even Lizzie had to admit that it still hurt. A lot.

And now she was on the bus, riding towards her doom without a single clue about what to do. She stared at her reflection in the window and played listlessly with the hair tie on her wrist. What was she going to do when she saw him again?

She remembered, though not so clearly, the days in primary school. They used to play together all the time, in large groups. They played together for years until year four brought about the introduction to cooties.

"Don't touch the boys! They have boy germs."

"Yeah, they'll give you cooties and make you just like them!"

"Eww!" they all shrieked, laughing.

Lizzie remembered Darcy as a young child. He had been finicky, thin, and rather demanding. However, he had the sweetest smile, and all of the teachers loved him. But the girls called him a snob and stayed away from him. No girl liked him in primary school.

And then, in a blur of time, Lizzie and Darcy's year had graduated, and she remembered being glad that Darcy and a bunch of other kids were going to the same high school as her. It had been so exciting to know they were going to be high school freshman.

"We're big kids now! Can you believe it? Darcy, can you believe it?" Lizzie asked Darcy excitedly.

"Actually, Lizzie, I can." he laughed.

Lizzie paused in her musing, finding it funny that she had always called him Darcy. But the reason had been rather simple.

"Fitzwilliam, why do you have such a strange name?" a young Lizzie asked Darcy.

"Well, your name's not that much better, Elizabeth." retorted Darcy lamely.

"Besides, it's a family name. My mother's last name, actually."

Lizzie yawned, "It's such a mouthful! I don't think I can manage saying it every time!"

"Well, just call me Darcy!"

Lizzie smiled at the memory. They had been so young and so naïve. Why did it turn out this way, then? Was it all because Lizzie had been stupid and said yes far too quickly? But it was Darcy who had destroyed everything else later.

Lizzie's mobile started a raucous jingle, making everyone on the bus look at her. Lizzie blushed, and quickly answered the mobile.

"Hello?"

"Lizzie! Where are you? You better hurry, because there are cameras and journalists everywhere!"

"Charlotte, let me guess. It's Fitzwilliam Darcy making a grand return to his New York office?" said Lizzie, with a bored tone.

"Yes, actually. How did you know? Anyway, you better hurry!"

"I'd rather not. Tell me, has he arrived yet?"

"I don't think so. Well, I'm rather early today, so basically no one is here yet. Oh dear, this probably means that we're going to have to work from now on."

"Really? So, what we were doing with Larry wasn't work?"

"Most definitely not!" replied Charlotte, horrified.

"Things are going to be very different now, then." mused Lizzie.

"Definitely. No sneaking off to Larry's office, that's for sure. Wait, that's Mr Darcy's office on the 68th floor."

"What? Oh, trust Larry to use the Chief's office while the Chief's away."

"Yeah…anyway. I do think the 'professional standard' that you keep talking about will be restored. It's rather amazing what one man can do. No more laughing and more head down working. God forbid if Mr. Darcy or his cameras catch you wandering about aimlessly or chatting with another employee without his permission."

"Wow, he sounds like a control freak. I wonder when he became like that…"

And another memory struck Lizzie, rather harshly. There was the image of Darcy, grinning triumphantly at the head of the basketball team. He was holding up a shining cup and waving it about proudly. And then he made his speech.

"Ladies and Gents, thanks for watching the game today. Basketball wouldn't be basketball without y'all. So thank you! Now, I'm very proud of my team today. We've proved that we're the best team, once again. But this wasn't through luck. It took a lot of work. I know how hard we've been working, since I've been making sure we're working that hard. It was tough, but we've reaped the awards. Team, we've pulled through this well together. Let's bring the cup back next year."

And Lizzie, like all the crazed girls, screamed out "We love you Darcy!" He fixed his eyes on the cheering crowd, winked, and smiled his most dazzling, heart-melting smile. And Lizzie had felt her heart leap, her knees weaken, and her mouth curve into a large grin without her consent.

Lizzie waved the memory away. That was over now.

"He's a good CEO though. He pays the employees well, at least. And the office is always in pretty good shape. And he treats us with respect, though he's slightly aloof."

Lizzie lifted her eyebrows sceptically. Sure, he had to act all professional, and God-like. He always had. And it looked like he always would.

"And how much exactly does he get paid each year?"

"125.6 million dollars. Not bad, huh?"

Lizzie rolled her eyes. When did Darcy go from a basketball captain to a hotshot businessman? Lizzie had always thought that Darcy would go into acting, for all the dramas he got himself into. Lizzie shivered then – didn't the drama major have something to do with her? The school had been in scandal. She remembered all the whispering and pointing.

"It's Lizzie's fault Darcy's leaving."

Lizzie remembered wanting to scream at them and yell that they didn't know the whole story. She hated rumours from then on, because it always made her remember the rumours that circulated in her last year of high school.

And then she had taken a gap year before college, a time that was far from taking the leisure to travel the world and looking at its wonders. She had taken a year off because she would remember him every morning and end up crying. Her parents hadn't known what to do, so they let her be. She nearly became a total recluse. But she pieced herself together, piece after painful piece, and the year eventually passed.

"Lizzie? Are you still with me? You must be gawking at the fortune he has, right?"

"Yeah, it's so very dazzling." said Lizzie dryly, "I don't think I'll be talking for a long time, because I'm in shock."

"He has that effect on people. Anyway, got to go. See you soon, okay?"

Lizzie snapped the mobile shut and bobbed her head. Rather than make her nervous, Charlotte's call calmed her. And now, she was resolved. Lizzie was going to tackle this problem once and for all. She was going to do it. She was going to take Jane's advice and give him another chance even though he didn't deserve it. She wasn't going to lose her temper, nor was she going to collapse into tears.

Acquaintances. Employer and employee. That's what they were. No more and no less than that. She was going to play her part perfectly.

"Thank you!" she called to the bus driver.

She walked off the bus with her head high and a determined smile plastered onto her face. However, her smile quickly faded when she saw the large crowd of cameras and people outside of the building.

"Damn. How am I supposed to even get into the building?" she asked herself.

Lizzie was not one to run at the first sign of danger, though. She deeply inhaled and exhaled (Tae Kwon Do helped at a time like this), and regained her smile. Then, she walked straight into the battlefield, hoping that it wasn't as bad as it seemed.

She was wrong and matters only got worse.

Lizzie was so intent on getting into the building that she didn't bother to look at the road side. She didn't see the big crowd moving swiftly towards her. And she didn't know until the person walked straight into her.

"Ouch!" Lizzie cried, landing on the floor.

"Watch it, lady."

The voice was familiar. Lizzie turned her face in horror, and saw Fitzwilliam Darcy staring at her with very angry eyes. He picked himself off the floor, and started brushing himself off as if he had fallen into dirt.

Lizzie narrowed her eyes. The nerve of the man! He had bumped into her, for goodness sake. And he was acting like he was the victim. His behaviour felt all too familiar.

The cameramen and people rushed straight towards Lizzie and Darcy. Lizzie groaned. Would this be on the news? She didn't think she would be able to handle seeing herself on the news or on a newspaper next to Darcy. Or rather, below Darcy. That would be one disturbing image.

Lizzie stood up as gracefully as she could and pretended to look worried. Darcy was now muttering angrily to the people around him, glancing once or twice at Lizzie without a hint of recognition visible.

"I'm sorry, Chief, I didn't mean to knock into you. How foolish of me." she said clearly for the cameras.

Feeling like a fool, she smiled and continued her walk into the building without a backward glance. If Darcy was going to act like he didn't know her, then she could do it too.

Claudia greeted her from the reception, smiling widely.

"Morning, Lizzie! Would you look at the crowd? Isn't it so exciting?" she asked.

"Yeah. As exciting as watching a dog chasing its tail." Lizzie replied.

"I said exciting, not funny, Lizzie! Anyway, I think it's going to be a busy day. Oh yeah, just to let you know, Wickham's office is actually on the 61st floor."

"No way! Does he manage the solicitors?" asked Lizzie.

"No, he manages advertising, I think. Advertising's on the floor below yours, you know. Oh, lucky you! You'll be able to spend more time with him, Lizzie!"

Lizzie blushed. Wickham was charming, as all playboys were. But he treated Lizzie just like any other lady. That is, with a smile, a smirk, and a slap on the ass. Lizzie often wondered if he was capable of treating a woman as his equal with mutual respect. Still, Lizzie liked him because he was funny. Besides, they got along pretty well as friends.

"Claudia, I thought you were in love with Chief. Mr Darcy."

"Yeah, but Wickham's about equal with him. In my eyes, they are the perfect men. Handsome, charming – well, Mr Darcy not so much – and, most of all, rich."

"Hey, don't say that, or people will be calling you a shallow gold-digger." said Lizzie with mock seriousness.

"Don't they already? Anyway, you know what I'm like, Lizzie. That, or I'd be ashamed to call you my friend!"

Lizzie simply shook her head. Claudia never failed to amuse her. Lizzie was grateful for this, because she sensed a tough day coming up. For some reason, Lizzie knew that her previous encounter with Darcy was not the last for the day. She was aware that a full-on encounter would test her to her wit's end.

With a final glance at the crowd – Darcy was still answering questions – she went to the elevators. And there, waiting for one of the elevators, was Larry Wickham. Lizzie smiled. Was it possible that he was waiting for her? There were ten elevators, how could he not have gotten one already? Or maybe Lizzie was just thinking too much.

"Why, good morning Larry."

"Good morning! Fancy seeing you here."

"Yes, a 'fancy,' isn't it?"

"Aw, don't look like that. Fine, you caught me. I was waiting for you. So what? You know, dozens of women would love to be in your position."

Lizzie rolled her eyes. It was this all over again.

"Sure, Larry. I reckon it was just a coincidence. You never wait for anyone."

"Well, for you I make an exception. Why? Because I like you."

"Stop the charm, Larry. What's up?"

"Can't a co-worker go with another co-worker to their offices together?" asked Larry, looking crestfallen.

"Only if they are acquaintances and have a mutual agreement to do so."

"What, are we not acquaintances?"

"I drop my acquaintance with you from this point forward. Now shoo."

"Are you telling me to get to my office via the fire escape?"

"What if I am?"

"Will you be sorry I died on the 58th floor due to dehydration and extreme physical exertion?"

"I'll consider it."

"Dear Lizzie! Heart of stone! Why must you be so cold?"

Larry waved his arms like he was in agony before clutching at his heart. He then fell to his knees and closed his eyes, just as the elevator dinged open.

Lizzie merely rolled her eyes at his theatrics and motioned to the open elevator.

"Get in, will you? We look like idiots standing out here, with an available elevator waiting."

Larry immediately stood up, smiled, and marched into the elevator after Lizzie. The door closed, and Lizzie looked away from him uncomfortably as they stood next to each other in the elevator.

All of a sudden, Larry's loud laugh broke the silence between them.

"What's the matter with you today, Larry?" exclaimed an exasperated Lizzie.

"You seemed down today, so I wanted to cheer you up."

"By making yourself look like an idiot? That's what you always do anyway."

"You cut me deep, Lizzie. You cut me real deep just now."

"Where did you learn that line?" said Lizzie dryly.

"Are you accusing me of being unoriginal? If so, you are mistaken because I make up my own lines, thank you very much."

"Is 'I'll be back' your own line? You've used that one countless times."

"Of course it is! Old Arnold stole that line off me, thank you."

"Yes, sure."

Lizzie stared at the buttons in the elevator. She had a sneaking suspicion that Larry was meaning to tell her something important, but was just trying to find the correct way to say it. She wondered why he couldn't just get to it.

"Larry, what is it?" she asked.

"What's what? I didn't say anything."

"You're beating around the bush, Larry, and I know it. Tell me what you want to say."

Lizzie folded her arms, and gazed intently at him. He crumpled visibly before her.

"The truth is, Lizzie. I've been meaning to tell you all this time…I just didn't know how to put it."

"Get to it, Larry." said Lizzie impatiently.

"Lizzie, I'm a jerk."

Lizzie blinked. This was what he was meant to tell her? What the hell?! Like as if she didn't know that already!

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding! I just wanted to see what your reaction would be like. Oh, that was funny."

"Larry!"

"Fine! I just wanted to know what you think about ol' Darcy coming back here."

The elevator door opened, and Lizzie quickly walked out. Saved by the elevator. No, she didn't want to tell Larry what she thought. Did she even know what she thought? Her thoughts were a mess, and she couldn't make heads or tails out of it. She walked briskly to her office, hoping that Larry took the hint and went to his own. But she could hear his tread and knew that he was following her.

"Larry, why do you need to know?" she asked, still walking.

Larry sped up to walk at her side.

"Because I'm interested. I know you and Darcy had a past together. He told me so."

"He told you? That was private. How dare he!"

"Look, Lizzie. You know we were friends in college, right? Well, I noticed that sometimes he looked really down-even depressed. I asked him why, but he didn't tell me at first. Then Darcy told me that he'd had a relationship with a girl in high school and her name was Elizabeth Bennet. But then something went horribly wrong and he felt terrible for what he did to her. That's pretty much all he told me."

"That still labels him as bastard." muttered Lizzie darkly.

Lizzie opened her office door harshly and dumped her things onto the table. Larry followed her in and closed the door.

"Really, Lizzie, what do you think of working in his company?"

Lizzie pressed her fingers to her temples and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were blazing.

"You want to know what I think? I think that it sucks like hell. I think that it's horribly wrong for me to work for him. I think I'll quit, except for the fact that my sister told me to give the guy a second chance even though I don't think that he deserves a second chance, especially after what you've just told me."

"Know what Lizzie? Your sister's right. You should give him a second chance." he said, crossing his arms.

Lizzie glared at him and pushed her hair out of her face.

"If all you know is what you've told me, then you're no judge to tell me whether or not I should give him a second chance." whispered Lizzie dangerously.

"Lizzie, be reasonable. That was nine years ago! Surely you can't hold a grudge forever. And Darcy wants a fresh start…I think."

"What do you mean, I think?" asked Lizzie suspiciously, "Oh, you know, don't you!"

Larry looked sheepish, and started to edge to the door. He'd said a bit too much, he realised.

"What did he tell you? Wait. Did he plan this? Did he hire me on purpose?"

Lizzie was half hysterical. The nerve of the man! How could Darcy do this to her, again? Why would he do this to her? She wanted to cry, but was far too angry to do so.

"Answer me, Wickham." she said.

"Yes, he did. Lizzie, he wanted to help you. Really. He still remembers what he did, and he thinks this is a way to repair everything. It will get better, Lizzie. He's going to try. Trust him."

" 'Trust him' " Lizzie snarled, "I trusted him. It didn't work. I'm sorry, Larry. I can't trust him. Not again. Not ever again."

Larry looked at her, sitting on her desk with her hair in a mess and her arms clutched at her sides. And he sighed.

"Don't worry. I won't ask you again." he said softly, and walked out of her office.

Lizzie didn't even look up to see him go. She sat at her desk without any movement, trapped in a daze that rendered her unable to think. If she thought, everything would crash on top of her and she would scream. She needed to be strong.

Lizzie finally looked around her, at her office, and the view. So all this was a set up? If it wasn't for Darcy, would she have gotten the job? She had often wondered why the interview had gone by so easily and how everyone seemed to know her. She had assumed it was because of Larry, with his happy-go-lucky attitude and gossiping. But it could have also been Darcy. Had he wanted everyone to be nice to her, in order to tempt her to stay?

"I hate this." she muttered.

But she had promised Jane, and promises with Jane were not to be taken lightly. She would try to get along, she resolved. Back to square one. Acquaintances. No more, no less. Employer and employee.

She sat on her chair, and pulled herself up to the desk. Employer and employee, she reminded herself. Lizzie stared at her computer then. Why not? Dig up some information. That's what employers and employees did, right?

"Okay. Fitzwilliam Darcy." she muttered, typing in Google.

She blinked in surprise at the number of hits. Two million?! God, either this man was famous or had a popular name. Lizzie snorted. As if "Fitzwilliam" was a popular name.

She clicked the first link – Wikipedia, (obviously).

And there it was, a long page about Fitzwilliam Darcy with a corny picture of him on the top right-hand corner. Lizzie had to admit, he was handsome. With dark blue eyes, wavy dark brown hair, and a Grecian profile, he was probably every lady's dream. Add to that the fact that he earned $125.6 million per year, and his bachelor status and he was probably one of the hottest men on the market. He probably ranked higher than most movie stars.

But that didn't mean Lizzie was falling for him again. In fact, it convinced Lizzie that he hadn't changed on bit. He was still hogging the limelight and living it up. A snob. She chose to ignore the telltale signs of worry and stress on his face (he had the beginning of wrinkles on his forehead, at the age of 27) and a touch of melancholy in his eyes.

Fitzwilliam Edward Darcy (born April 17, 1981) is an American businessman who serves as the CEO and the Chairman of the Board of Perigee Delta. He succeeded Forrest Nicholson in June 2005, after the Board of Directors pressured Nicholson to resign. This unprecedented event made Darcy the youngest CEO on record, having attained CEO position at the age of 24. Previously, Darcy had been President of Global Beauty Care and Europe for PD.

Darcy earned a BCom from Stanford University in 2002. He undertook a cadetship with Perigee Delta, which led him to be named one of the rising stars in business.

He is credited with revitalising the company by starting new lines and new brands. He has been successful in recreating the image of Perigee Delta, and managing a once stagnant company. Darcy's short period of time as CEO has seen much change in the company, with the acquisition of the Solaire tanning lotion, the Gumdrop chewing gum, and lately the Cherish hair shampoo.

"What the heck?" yelped Lizzie.

She didn't want to read anymore. It was far too much. When had Darcy gone from basketball captain to business magnate? But something kept her eyes glued to the page, as she read through every single word.

Net Worth: US$345.7 million

Spouse(s): None

Children: None

And the whole second half of the page seemed to be dedicated to Darcy as a hottie bachelor, as it repeated over and over Darcy's bachelor status. "Most eligible bachelor in the USA!" "Most desired man in the world!" The titles kept repeating, until Lizzie was almost sick. If only they knew. Darcy was so not the most eligible, single, no-baggage man in the world.

Finally, Lizzie stopped reading, and covered her eyes with her hands. Too much. It was too much. But at least she knew more now. Probably more than she wanted to know. She knew he had dated Kimberly Stewart, Hayden Panetierre – even Jessica Alba – and a whole load of other women over the years. Apparently, he put too much emphasis on work, and so the relationship always ended up going out like a weak candle flame. That made him one of the most notorious players on the market.

Part of that, at least, sounded like him.

Lizzie took one last look of the page before closing it. That was all the "research" she was going to do, she promised herself. From now on, Darcy was strictly off limits. The information she had garnered was just enough for an employee, she figured. And that was going to stay that way.

"Hey Lizzie!"

Lizzie almost jumped and looked at the door. Charlotte had come in, and she didn't look too happy for some reason.

"Lizzie, why didn't you call when you got to the office?"

"I had a lot on my mind."

"What? I was worried about you! Who knows what could have happened on your way to work."

Lizzie smiled. Charlotte was rather mother-hen-like sometimes.

"I had a run-in with Mr. Darcy. And then a long, meaningful conversation with Larry."

Lizzie laughed when Charlotte's eyes went huge.

"Seriously?! Since when does Larry ever engage in long, meaningful conversations?"

"I know. I would have laughed, but I was so shocked myself."

"Will you tell me what you talked about?"

Lizzie looked at Charlotte's shining, amused eyes. She was a good friend. But Lizzie didn't feel comfortable telling her. She had been so used to keeping everything inside, telling her thoughts only to Jane and her father. It wasn't healthy, but Lizzie couldn't – wouldn't – let anyone else into her confidence. And the reason was probably in the building right now.

"We talked about Mr. Darcy and how good a CEO he is," Lizzie lied.

"That all?" asked Charlotte, slightly disappointed, "Well, can't wait to tell the others! Larry engaged in a deep and meaningful conversation!"

"Oh Charlotte, you're such a gossipmonger."

"I am, aren't I?" agreed Charlotte, with a laugh.

"Oh Lizzie, did you hear? Apparently we have a Thanksgiving ball or something in a week or so."

Lizzie could see Charlotte brighten up considerably. Obviously, the girl liked parties and probably dancing. Lizzie enjoyed them because she liked the party atmosphere, but unlike her younger sisters, she didn't live off of them.

"How big is it?" Lizzie asked.

"Oh, one of the biggest in the year! Not as big as the Christmas and New Year ball, of course. Lizzie, you must come shopping with me."

Shopping-exactly what every girl dreamed of. And Lizzie was like every other woman on that aspect. She liked to dress well and shopping was the only way to achieve that.

"Definitely." agreed Lizzie.

Charlotte immediately hugged Lizzie and started talking excitedly about what they could buy, how they were going to prepare for it, and their budget.

"Whoa, Charlotte," laughed Lizzie, "We're not even at the mall yet."

"Since when does that matter? Girl, we are going shopping!"

Whoever said that solicitors were boring?

"My, someone's not doing their work."

Charlotte and Lizzie twirled to look at the door, making up excuses as quickly as possible. And then relaxed, to find it was only Larry. Lizzie gritted her teeth. What more did he want?

"Oh, don't look at me like that, Lizzie. I did what I had to do. Anyway, the boss wants you in his office. Now."

Lizzie narrowed her eyes. Had Larry told Darcy everything she had said to him before? He had better not have, or else he was dead. Worse than dead. Dead as in punished in full-blown hell.

"What did I do?" she asked, with accusation heavy in her voice.

"I don't know. I'm only his messenger." replied Larry nonchalantly. He didn't give anything away.

"Go on Lizzie, he doesn't bite. He glares though! Be careful of that." said Charlotte, unaware of the staring match between Larry and Lizzie.

"I'm going then." Lizzie sighed.

And she walked out of her office, slowly feeling worse with every step she took.

Time to face him. Alone, it seemed.

Sorry for the delay for this chapter! I will, of course, offer an excuse - I have my School Certificate coming up, and I'm studying. Sort of. Not really. But anyway.

Thanks for reading, dear readers! And please review. Reviews are much appreciated.