Danny stood in the surgery shocked. He blinked once, twice, then three times his brain still not kicking in yet. Okay, he thought, what in the HELL had just happened? O he knew what happened Alice had kissed him. Kissed him KISSED HIM! Ok so he had to stop thinking that thought. So she had kissed him….why hadn't he kissed her back? He thought morosely. Why hadn't he just held her tightly and coaxed her lips into a soft slow kiss rather then that rather heated angry kiss. Not that he was complaining, she was a passionate woman and if she wanted to take out those passions on him then he was more than happy to oblige. He tried to redirect his wayward thoughts; passionate kisses with Alice QUICKLY had his mind wandering!
Anyway back to the matter at hand, WHY had Alice kissed him? That was what perplexed him. She just didn't like him in that way. They butted heads often, he actually quite enjoyed their sparring, she kept him on his toes and he liked that, except when she went and bought giraffe's behind his back. Although he had to concede that they did need him and he was in good shape….for an old guy anyway. God their goes his mind – he couldn't seem to focus on one thought today it seemed to jump from one place to the other. He made a little plan, he had to speak to Alice, right now. That kiss was still fresh in his mind, the feel of her lips, her warm breath. Her arms around him…
"Alice…." He called urgently walking from the surgery.
(X)
Oh my god, oh my god, OH MY GOD! ran in circles around her head. She hadn't had she? She so hadn't kissed Danny had she?
WHY had she kissed him? WHY? WHY? WHY?
'It seemed like a good idea at the time.' Her brain told her.
"You shut up!" she told her brain out loud. This is the last time I am listening to you, you got us in this mess!" she muttered.
'You can't say you didn't enjoy it, even if you did….attack him!'
"NO I didn't attack …oh God did I?" she whispered. Remembering grabbing him rather roughly, pulling him towards her, jerkily and then…
'Uh huh.' Her brain gloated.
Alice wanted to cry, SO not only had she kissed him, add to that she practically attacked him! Oh my god, this was it – she had to leave. She knew he had feelings for Vanessa so she goes and jumps on him like some…. like some…to quote her grandmother, floozy! Like some psychopathic angry kissing vet! Oh God! She was in trouble!
"Alice….." she heard Danny call.
No way – no freaking way! She couldn't talk to him now. She had to hide!
"Alice we need to talk." He called.
"No we don't." she muttered walking faster into the bush, ignorng his rather urgent tone.
When she couldn't hear him calling anymore she started talking into her radio.
"Dupe." She called.
"Alice woman where are you?" he asked annoyed.
"Look, is Danny there?" she whispered.
"No." Dupe replied. "And why are you whispering?"
"Good!" she answered. "I'm on my way and I'm not whispering." she said softly looking from left to right.
Dupe chuckled. "Have you told Danny how you feel is that why you are avoiding him?" Dupe asked knowingly.
"NO Dupe, I didn't. I just….." she exhaled. "I don't see Danny in that way that's all." She told him.
There was silence for a few moments. "You can't lie to me Alice. Your mouth might say you don't care but your eyes and body language just scream how much you love him. I'm just surprised that he hasn't noticed it himself!"
"Dupe…..please." she pleaded.
He exhaled. "Ok. But I don't intend to let this one go! When I told you you're exactly what he needs I meant it. You're per….."
"You don't have to lie to me Dupe. I know exactly what type of relationship me and Danny have. We don't even like each other." She muttered. Turned the radio off, didn't want to hear how good she and Danny could be, it would never happen…he had Vanessa now!
(X)
Danny was searching for Alice. He needed to find her and she was hiding. Why? This could be the start of something great! If only he could find her.
He heard her voice carrying, he walked towards her silently. He knew if she heard him coming she would bolt.
"NO Dupe, I didn't. I just….." she exhaled. "I don't see Danny in that way that's all." Danny heard Alice say. Silence reigned on the other end.
Ok! He was chasing her through the bush like some sort of weirdo stalker and she didn't see him like that! He was backing off right now before she called the police or something. Fine the kiss was just…..well he still didn't know why she kissed him but that didn't matter. To save them both some embarrassment he was just gonna forget that it happened! He hurried off quickly. Not hearing the rest of the conversation.
(X)
Danny soon found himself at Vanessa's reassuring her about her Leopard. At least one woman here didn't mess him around. He knew exactly where he stood with Vanessa! After promising to help her release it when the time was right he was walking back to his truck.
(X)
Dupe was chattering incessantly while Alice settled her giraffe into his new home. He was moaning, as usual. This time it was about the distance the booma was away from the house. Well it was preferable to his plans for her and Danny, not that there was a her and Danny! He had gave up on persuing her soon enough. She began walking from the pen after praising her giraffe a lot.
"So when you gonna tell Danny?" Dupe asked.
Oh god not again! She thought. "Tell him what?" she asked. Hoping he'd back off if she feigned ignorance.
"That you're in love with him." He said pointedly.
The kiss flashed through her mind. "Look Dupe, not now ok?" she asked walking away from him.
"You think I don't know what love is?" he asked heatedly. "I told you before I've noticed the way you look at him." They both took their seats in the truck. "And how angry you got when he left with Vanessa. Just talk to him." He stressed.
Alice knew he wasn't gonna let this one lie. "He doesn't have any feelings towards me. Except maybe I irritate him. He's obviously got a thing for Vanessa." She looked down at her seat. Saying those words out loud made it even more real!
"Can I give you a little advice?" he suggested.
"Oh God, I'm taking romantic advice from Anders Du Plessis? What happened to my life?" She breathed.
Dupe just looked at her. Refused to deterred by her sarcasm. Alice looked at him, her blue eyes sombre.
"Just tell him." He told her seriously.
"I'm not very good at doing that." She admitted finally getting to the root of the problem.
Dupe didn't give sympathy, just acted in his own Dupe like manner. "You're so stubborn!" he said irritated. "If you don't say how you feel, how can anyone know?" he smacked his head for emphasis.
Alice was left pondering his words as he started the truck. There was no arguing with his logic – maybe it would be best to at least give it her best shot? At least them Danny knew all his options. And if he didn't feel the same then she could leave…..that was her plan now anyway. She couldn't stay and watch him getting close to Vanessa, not after their kiss anyway. Well HER kiss, Danny didn't exactly have a choice in the matter.
(X)
Danny was sat in his truck. Vanessa was telling him hard it had been for her and what a big help he'd been. THEN she got emotional. Ok Danny fix this. Emotional woman weren't exactly his forte!
"I'm sorry." She said with a smile. "Ignore me."
"Hey." He said softy. "How could I ignore you? What you're doing here – I admire you."
Vanessa smiled at him and he found himself smiling back involuntarily.
"Kindness and admiration?"
Danny checked his watch. "Errr Vanessa." He mentioned.
"Sorry." She said. "You have to go and I am making a fool of myself hehe." Vanessa turned to walk away.
Danny sat in the seat of his truck unmoving, his mind turning slowly. He was thinking about Alice….and funnily Vanessa. He had never noticed how blue Vanessa's eyes were. Her smile too, it was disarming and endearing. She had a nice smile he mused.
The gravel crunched beneath her feet as she walked away. She stopped and looked back, saw him looking at her. She spun, like a split second decision and walked towards him with purpose. She put her hand on his shoulder and kissed his lips softly.
He didn't react – just started at her. In shock, for the second time in an hour! She pulled away and looked at him. The look on her face the opposite to Alice's. She had softness in her eyes.
"Thank you." She said huskily.
Danny merely sat there. Pleading with his mouth to open and say something. Urging his body to do something. Not just sit there like a complete idiot! His body obeyed his command and he started the truck. "I'm sorry errr…." He began truly not knowing what to say.
"I'm the one who should be sorry." She interrupted. "I took advantage of your good nature." She smiled, figuring he was hers. He hadn't protested. Still she needed to make sure. "Forgive me?"
"Nothing to forgive." He assured.
GOT HIM! Vanessa thought jovially.
The thoughts in Danny's Head were far different. His mind was reeling. First Alice's kiss and finding out that she didn't care. Now Vanessa kissed him and he found out she DID have feelings for him. How did he feel about her? Well she is beautiful, and they got along. Feelings might develop, if given the chance. Especially since they were both free…. It was just her kiss hadn't affected him the way Alice's had. He'd felt heat and passion and some other feeling in his chest when Alice had kissed him, with Vanessa he felt…well nothing.
His mind was rushed back to the present when Vanessa face came close to his. Oh God she was gonna kiss him again! He had to restrain himself from leaning back, yeah he liked her but he was mixed up at the minute and this was kinda…full on. He was staring at her, wondering what on earth she was gonna do to him.
"Come visit me again." She whispered softly. "Soon." She then smiled widely at him and left.
Danny meanwhile was in turmoil.
(X)
Danny was still in a state of shock when he arrived home. He'd still had Vanessa's lipstick on his lips as he drove away. Thankfully he had noticed it and wiped it off. What would everyone think? Him kissing Vanessa – well he knew what Dupe would think. God knew what Alice would think. He found it hard understanding her recently. Unfortunately hers was the opinion that mattered. He wasn't going to flatter himself into thinking she'd get jealous…..then again she had kissed him! Then said she didn't see him in that way. God talk about mixed signals! Why kiss someone if you didn't like them? Gah – you know what? He'd never understand woman and Alice – he was sure she'd been put on the earth specifically to drive him mental! He saw her as he approached and stopped and had a thought…..if anyone was gonna drive him crazy he was glad it was her!
He then rubbed his face. Go on Trevanion keep going, she doesn't like you! AND you have Vanessa over at Mara who does! He exhaled. God his head was a mess and he had no one to talk to! He couldn't go to Dupe with this God he'd have a field day! One thing was certain in his mind, he was over Sarah. He had kissed….well he had been kissed by two women and the guilt hadn't set in – actually he felt fine. He began to walk towards the surgery. Thought about the kiss, well Vanessa's he was blocking out Alice's. He'd been shocked by it no doubt, but now he felt strangely calm. He was just abit confused. He knew he was over Sarah but did this mean he was ready for a new relationship? He wanted a relationship alright; he wanted big fathomless blue eyes, long straight black hair...but he had no chance – but Vanessa?
Dupe goaded him about the storm as he walked up the steps but he had to get away he was overload at the moment and Alice looking so natural, so at home, laughing with her brother and Dupe wasn't helping any. So Dupe goaded but he didn't rise to it. He answered and his voice sounded miles away.
"You ok?" Dupe asked confused.
"Yeah." He said surprised that he was, for being in turmoil he was actually ok! "I think I am."
"Do you think the giraffe will be alright out in the bush?" Alice asked him.
Danny didn't look at her, didn't want this going further. "Hope so." He said dismissively then walked through the surgery door. He didn't see Alice and Dupe sharing a perplexed look.
(X)
Once Danny's mind had cleared he joined Alice and Dupe at the pens. They were looking at the wildebeest.
"Maybe we should release them." Dupe suggested.
"No, too risky if they're carrying disease they could infect the whole herd." Danny replied.
"But they could hurt themselves!" Dupe interjected.
"What do you reckon Alice? Keep them penned in and wait for the weather to calm or release them?" he looked at her.
"If it was my decision…." She began.
"It's all of our decision we're a team." He interrupted.
She nodded. "I'd release all of the animals."
"Right let's do it." Danny declared.
Dupe untied the fence, Alice held one end while Danny and Dupe grabbed the other.
"What's up with you?" Dupe asked regarding his behaviour earlier.
(X)
Alice held her side of the fencing, trying to avoid being close to Danny if she had to. He seemed to fine about the kiss now, didn't mean she was though! She heard Dupe asking Danny what was up with him.
"…kissed me."
Alice's eyes widened and she froze. O GOD! Danny old Dupe she kissed him! She was NEVER gonna hear the end of this! Right Alice think! You need an excuse! Like what? You tripped and fell…..upwards…onto his face. Yeah right get real Collins! Maybe she had been taken over by a poltergeist? Or she had been swapped with an alien who looked like her? O god they kept getting worse, and she hadn't heard Dupe's reply yet…..God she had lost her mind…actually she could use that! Yeah that's it…
"Vanessa kissed you?" Dupe declared.
That shocked Alice more than anything. She was frozen in shock. Vanessa and she…..and Vanessa…..and she…Oh no! He so hadn't kissed Vanessa….AFTER kissing her. Well after she kissed him. This just clinched it now didn't it!
Dupe looked over at Alice and saw her hurt expression.
They carried on releasing the animals. Alice keeping her distance from both Danny and Dupe, she had no desire to talk to ANY man at the moment. Danny asked if she wanted to go for a beer but all she wanted was to go home, have a bath, maybe a cry, and most of all be alone. See she was seriously hurting here. The Danny Vanessa relationship hadn't been real before, and now it was and that was too much at the moment.
"No thanks about the beer Danny, I have things to do." Like forgetting her feelings for him. Like restraining the murderous urges that were telling her to go to Mara and disembowelling Vanessa!
"What have I done now?" Danny asked as Alice walked away.
"I keep telling you man you know nothing about woman!" Dupe replied.
(X)
Alice hid out in her room long enough, she couldn't avoid Danny forever, he sorta lived here! She wanted to kiss him again, not angrily this time. She wanted to show him how she felt, but he was taken and her obviously foolish deaf heart wasn't hearing this coz it kept on stuttering whenever he was near and if he smiled at her she seriously thought she'd just melt at his feet. Who would have known that he'd have such a devastating smile? She had to forget him! She told herself sternly. No stuttering heart or melting or anything! Suck it up Collins!
Alice was soon ignoring Danny sorting out Rowan a place to sleep, after this she was hiding out in her room, Danny kept on talking to her and she just couldn't deal with pretending right now. So hiding out was her only option, if she didn't she'd end up with cabin fever stuck with Danny, Vanessa being the invisible elephant in the room! Well they had elephant tranquilisers she thought with a smile. Alice quickly chided herself, it wasn't Vanessa's fault that Danny liked her and not Alice. Well maybe it was but Alice couldn't really blame her. Not with all the guns and trucks and drugs handy…..Lightning flashed and thunder shook the house. She forgot her murderous thoughts and felt fear for her giraffe, they had to go and release him, he could hurt himself!
"C'mon Dupe, I need you to help me release the giraffe."
"Now?" he asked incredulous. "It's miles away!"
"If he panics in this storm he might hurt himself! He could die!" And Alice wasn't letting him die! No way!
"I'll go with you." Danny offered turning away from the window.
A light bulb went off in Dupe's head.
"Dupe and I can manage!" Alice told Danny quickly, leaving no room for argument.
"I shouldn't drive." Dupe said slowly. "I've had a few."
"That's settled then." Danny said simply.
Alice gave Dupe an 'I can't believe you' look then reluctantly followed Danny. She missed Dupe wiggling his eyebrows at Georgina as they left.
(X)
Danny and Alice sat in the truck. Alice ordered herself to keep her mouth shut! Danny was taken! a mantra in her mind. Then again just coz he was taken didn't mean they couldn't talk anymore! Maybe he could help her sort some things in her head. He was emotionally interested in another woman so he wouldn't care about her colourful past. There was no way of him changing the way he looked at her so what did she have to lose?
"You know the news my brother had….. It was my father…..he died." She started.
Danny pulled the truck to a stop. "Alice, I'm sorry." He told her.
She shook her head. "We didn't exactly see eye to eye." She exhaled. "It's complicated." To say the least! She added silently.
"You want to talk about it?" he asked.
She remembered he asked this in the surgery, Vanessa came between them then, and Vanessa was still between them now. But even with that she still felt compelled to talk to him about it.
"Later, let's go see our giraffe."
Danny didn't say a word in rely. Just restarted the truck and went to find their giraffe.
They eventually found their giraffe, still in his pen. Wire was wrapped around his ankle. It didn't look good! Poor thing must have fought trying to get free! Alice and Danny worked quickly to release him.
Danny was working on the giraffe. Water pouring into his eyes. He asked Alice for the disinfectant, she had it ready already! Wow. She knew what he wanted before he did. He looked at her and realised something. That he really, really liked her! The giraffe began to wake up earlier then expected so they backed off, watched him walk off into the bush. They stood side by side in the raining nodding. They turned and looked at each other smiling.
"And you didn't wanna buy him." Alice said playfully.
Danny made a face. "C'mon we'll get home before we catch pneumonia."
"Yeah," she agreed nodding.
(X)
The truck was slowly inching through the storm, the weather worsening it seemed visibility was almost zero. God she hated storms. Had always hated them. The noise, and destruction, they were unrelenting. Indiscriminate. She shook her head.
"Look Alice about earlier….." Danny began.
Alice looked at him rain pouring down her face.
"Is there anything…..bothering you?" he approached gently.
"I don't want to talk about it," she told him stubbornly. No good would come of talking about his feeling about Vanessa, except maybe making her cry and no way was she crying in front of him!
"Well I think we should." He countered. "This is your home and you're not happy. You should be!" he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her and he wanted to make her happy more than anything!
Lightning split the sky, crackling ferociously. Thunder rumbled, Alice looked to the sky nervously. The whole earth seemed to be shaking in the thunders wake.
"Look Danny…." She began.
"Alice, if something is bothering you let me help, I'll do anything."
"Anything?" she whispered.
He nodded, even though it was a whisper he still heard her over the storm. He'd hear her miles away!
Alice inhaled deeply. Ok here it goes, he deserved to know all the facts and she was gonna give him them! "Well Danny, I have been bothered about something. Something which won't leave me alone…." She exhaled. "You see…..well…I lo….."
The truck roared, lightning flashed and screamed, suddenly a tree exploded into a ball of orange flames in front of them. Debris began to fly in all directions, twigs and leave fluttered blackened to the ground. The truck – which Danny was frantically trying to stop, rolled into the path of a tree limb. It fell onto the bonnet of the car, part of the limb hit Alice's head knocking her unconscious, it's branches scraping her face and neck as it landed.
"ALICE!" Danny yelled and turned towards her.
Lightning struck again, closer to the truck, it flashed evilly. More flames leaped to life. The truck still in motion was pushing the tree limb across the floor. It hit a large rock and the limb smashed through the window Danny felt a sharp piercing pain then everything around him went silent and black. The car shrieked in protest as it rolled to a stop. The rain still flowed relentlessly. Rolling down the faces of the unconscious people in the truck. Fires burned on and around the tree yet both Danny and Alice had no idea!
A/N after this is wen i begin to make the story my own
-apologies about the lack of updates/reviews i have just got rid of 3 assignments for uni, one more to do due in next week then i'm fin for the rest of the year. cnt w8 seriously lol
-anyway enough of that, hop u enjoyed this. sorry about the length and i cut alot out too, added some juicy bits in too. hope u enjoyed and thanks for reading.
-i promise to catch up on my reviewin your stories soon x