Chapter 3: Green Light
An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere,
while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight. . .
The truly wise person is colorblind—Albert Schweitzer
Nick and I looked at Jordan with expectant eyes, ears wide open, ready to hear the Queen of Gossip tell us what is going on between the Buchanans. I was not one who mixes myself in gossip but I was curious, and also a bit engrossed in Daisy's life like anyone else would be. The two seemed to be a perfect couple, complete opposites yet they seemed to complement one another so beautifully.
"Is something happening?" I inquired innocently.
Jordan raised her brows, wagging them in zest. "You mean you can't tell what is going on my dearest cousin?" She looked a bit surprised at both Nick and I's dubious looks. She then shook her head and gave a snicker. "I thought everyone knew!"
"Cut the crap, and get to the point Jordan," I said with a roll of my eyes.
"Exactly, stop beating around the bush," Nick said, almost voicing exactly what I said but in a more…dignified way. I tossed a sideways glance to him to see him looking at me with a slight smile. There was something there between us, a spark of some sorts and there was something in Nick that I enjoyed seeing. Something a whole lot.
Jordan must have seen this for she cleared her throat rather loudly, taking a sip of her champagne as Nick and I directed our attention back to her. She then put down her class and then licked lower lip, and I watched as Nick seemed to follow her tongue like a dog. I had to resist the urge to giggle at him. He was so damn adorable, but I knew Jordan had an interest in him, so I'd back off. For now at least…
"Why—"she started off a bit hesitantly. "Tom's got some woman down in New York."
"Got some woman," Nick repeated blankly. "Not a shock," I said at the same time Nick had said his comment. It really was not a shock, hell I could have figured that out myself.
Jordan nodded and smiled a little. "She might have the decency not to telephone him at dinner time. Don't you think?" I shrugged and leaned my cheek on my fist. "Mm, I guess. But that wasn't much of a story; I expected something a bit more…bigger."
Jordan's cheeks flustered a little and her icy blue eyes narrowed at me and I only gave her a mocking smile in reply in her disdain. Clearly she was unhappy with my utter dismissal of her so-called "story".
Suddenly there was a flutter of a dress and a crunch of leather boots, and soon Daisy and Tom was back at the table. Daisy looked utterly upset; tears in her eyes that she seemed to try to blink away, while Tom looked merely annoyed for he had a frown on lips, creases forming in his forehead making him appear older than he was.
"It couldn't be helped!" Daisy suddenly shouted out, having all of our attention on her.
She looked at Jordan, Nick and I seeming to make sure she held our attention (she had half of mine) and then she continued on, "I looked outdoors for a minute, and it's very romantic outdoors. There's a bird on the lawn that I think must be a nightingale come over on the Cunard or White Star Line. He's singing away-" She then stopped and then started back up, seeming to have a slight bitterness in her voice. "It's romantic, isn't it Tom?"
"Oh it is so roman—" I cut off my soon to be sarcasm when I felt a rough kick to my shin, making me suck in a heavy breath, not wanting to cry out in pain. I saw Jordan looking at me with a look that basically told me to keep my damn mouth shut. I gritted my teeth and looked away from her, grabbing the red wine bottle on the table and filling it in my glass.
"Very romantic," he said, and then said with a heavy sigh to Nick: "If it's light enough after dinner, I want to take you down to the stables."
Nick looked to be about to reply but then the telephone went off once again, stinging the already tense air. I took a slow sip of my glass, watching and gauging both Daisy's and Tom's reactions at the phone call. Daisy shook her head miserably, pouring herself a glass of wine before downing the entire drink while Tom only sat there, seeming to be torn to getting up and answering the phone or staying at the table to appease his wife.
But eventually the phone stopped ringing all together and it seemed like everyone deflated at this, almost relieved that it had stopped.
Tom then got up, saying he was going to the stables and if Nick wanted to join him he can. He bid all of us a good night before walking off. Daisy soon stood afterwards, wanting to have a word with Nick before she lead her cousin off, both them soon disappearing behind a shroud of trees and bushes.
"What a perfect couple," I said with sarcasm, smiling a little at the silliness of it all. We all knew of the affair, and even Daisy knew. It wasn't like she was oblivious to it, but she seemed to want to ignore it. It was the biggest not secret secret that seemed to be the not talk but silent talk of the table tonight.
Jordan smiled a little also, taking another slow sip of her champagne. "Oh yes, perfect indeed."
We both then looked at one another and soon laughed rather loudly and merrily. Maybe it was a rich gal thing, or it was just the fact that were we both cynical but it seemed that we did take joy in the misery of others. Jordan may not voice it, but I had a feeling my younger cousin was a bit of a sadist.
We both found the hilarity in the misery in other people's lives. Maybe that's why we got along so well in our white girlhoods.
Soon her and Nick returned and Daisy looked at the grandfather clock that I failed to notice that was on the patio. "Ten o'clock," she said, stretching a little. "Time for this good girl to head off to bed."
"Jordan's going to be playing in the tournament to-morrow," Daisy explained, "over at Westchester."
Nick's eyebrows raised and seemed to be looking at Jordan in a whole new light. "Oh-you're Jordan Baker, famous female golfer." Jordan smiled at this and raised her glass. She then stood, tapping me on my arm.
"We are spending the night here over the Buchanan's because Daisy is going to accompany me to the tournament to show support, won't you?" she asked me.
I shrugged my shoulders. Not sure if I really wanted to attend a boring golfing tournament. I loved exciting things, and I didn't want to spend my first few days following my annoying cousin around. That sounded a bit…boring. And I didn't like boring.
Jordan frowned a little. "Well I want an answer by morning…I am going to bed. Good night," she said, nodding her head to each of us. "Get a servant to wake me at eight will you Daisy?"
"If you'll get up," I said with a smirk. "I remember how much of a heavy sleeper you were." Jordan scoffed and rolled her eyes at me.
"I will and Good night Mr. Carraway. See you anon."
"Of course you will," Daisy said with a playful yet tired smile. "In fact I think I'll arrange a marriage. Come over often, Nick, and I'll sort of-oh-fling you together. You know-lock you up accidentally in linen closets and push you out to sea in a boat, and all that sort of thing-"
"Good night, good night." Jordan shook her head at Daisy's words and walked past her, her dress seeming to float behind her with each step she took. "I'm going to pretend I haven't heard a word."
Tom had came back as soon as Jordan disappeared and then he said, "She's a nice girl…" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. Me and Jordan may have our differences but I knew he better keep his eyes on his little blonde wife or I might say some things they didn't want to speak about at the table. "They oughtn't to let her run around the country this way."
"Who oughtn't to?" I asked with a small frown.
"Why, her family."
"Our aunt is about billion years old, and her parent's I'm sure don't care too much about her. Besides I'll take care of her," I said with a roll of my eyes. "I think Nick would like to take care of her!" Daisy said, causing me to raise my brow at her. "She's going to spend lots of week-ends out here this summer. I think the home influence will be very good for her."
"Is she from New York?" Nick asked rather quickly.
"No she's from Louisville," I answered right when Daisy was about to open her mouth. She threw a slight glare at me, but I only responded with a cool smile before looking at her cousin. And as I stared at him, I wondered how in Gods name could they have been related to one another?
Nick nodded and Tom grabbed a glass from the table, a small amused look on his face. "I heard that Jordan had loose li—uhhh I heard that she fancied a few rumors here and there," he said with a nervous glance in my direction when he saw me scowling at him. No one couldn't bad mouth Jordan…even though what he said was true.
"And I just want to tell ya my boy not to believe everything you hear," Tom said, taking a sip of his drink before clapping Nick onto the shoulder.
Nick shrugged his shoulders and said he hadn't heard anything at all. He then yawned lightly and said he would be leaving. We all walked him to the docks where he would take his boat back across the bay to his home. I felt myself yawn, ready to slip into my guest bedroom.
I then called out to Nick, "Goodnight Mr. Carraway it was a pleasure to meet you!"
Nick flashed me a smile and I felt my heart flutter a little. "It was nice meeting you to…I seem to have forgotten your name!" I caught his cheeks turning a bit red in embarrassment and I chuckled to myself. How cute.
"It's Vivien my dear! " I said to him with laughter.
"Well I hope to see you again Vivien." He said still giving me that wide smile.
"Oh, I intend to," I said more to myself, giving Nick one last wave before saying my goodbye and goodnight, then turning on my heel and walking from the docks back to the Buchanan's home. Once inside and in my room that a servant had escorted me too, not bothering to slip out of dress I fell down onto my bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
But all through the night as I slept dreams plagued me that had me tossing and turning. In my dreams I faintly remember a green light, I saw a hand, reaching for it, I could not make out the owner of the hand's face but I could tell it was a male. Though I could not see his face, I could feel the longing and the loneliness out in him, and I wanted to reach for him. But soon a loud gun shout rung out in the dream, and the male's hand retracted from my hand that I barely noticed was almost touching his.
I suddenly shot up in my bed, sweat beads collecting at my brow along with the rest of my body. I breathed heavily looking around my room before I noticed a green light shining into my room. I blinked, registering that this is the green light I saw in my dream. But what of the mysterious man?
Knowing that I wasn't going to get no answer, I got out of bed, getting out of my sweaty dress and letting it drop to the carpeted white floor before I went to the bathroom. I wiped my face of all of makeup, tying my hair up back into its bun before throwing on a black silk slip that was French imported, a black boudoir headband cap, black satin slippers and then before leaving my room I grabbed my black ostrich boa chiffon robe, tossing it on and quietly leaving my room.
The Buchanan household was rather quiet, not a soul was awake. And for that I was grateful. I would not like to explain to someone as to why I am up so late, sneaking around the house as if I was trying to find out something.
I quietly walked the empty halls of the Buchanan mansion before finally slipping outside, my feet moving automatically on their own, not once the chill summer air bothering me, yet I could feel my nipples beneath the slip harden and rub against the fabric. I shivered lightly at this yet I continued to talk until I was at the very end of the dock, and that's when a flash of green passed over my body.
I suddenly felt an odd tingling sensation over my body, each time the green light passed over me. I was encased in its warmth, and by its own accord I raised my hand, almost longingly reaching for the light just like the mystery man in my dream.
I wanted something, something that was beyond the green light. Yet I believed in it, had hope in this light, hoping that it would never go out.
I closed my eyes, and imagined the man's hand also reaching for the green light, and then I imagined our hands coming together. We both believed in this green light. I closed my eyes, my lips becoming parted as I began to sing softly to myself, my voice becoming carried with the wind.
Now there's a green light in my eyes
And my lover on my mind…
And I'll sing from my piano, tear my black dress and,
Cry and cry and cry,
Over the love of you…
On this champagne, drunken hope,
Against the current, all alone,
Everybody, see, I love him.
'Cause it's a feeling that you get,
When the afternoon is set,
On a bridge into the city.
And I don't wanna see what I've seen,
To undo what has been done.
Turn off all the lights,
Let the morning come.
3rd Person POV
Across the bay, past the green light a man in a tuxedo stood at the docks. He had a forlorn look on his face as he stared at the green light. He was so close, and yet so far. To be able to touch it but not fully grasp at what he desired.
He closed his eyes, feeling the green light wash over is body, encasing him in its warmth. He closed his eyes, raising his hand towards the light, wanting to grasp what was behind it. Wanting to just touch her.
"Daisy…" he whispered, her name rolling off of his lips. Her name, her voice and everything about her reminded him of money, something rich and desired. Something that he wanted as his.
As he tried to reach for her, reach for the Holy Grail that he knew he couldn't grasp just yet, the wind tickled his skin, and soon a soft voice reached his ears. It was so faint but he could hear it.
'Cause it's a feeling that you get,
When the afternoon is set,
On a bridge into the city.
And I don't wanna see what I've seen,
To undo what has been done.
Turn off all the lights,
Let the morning come.
The voice was soft, it belonged to a woman.
A woman beyond the green light. His eyes snapped open, his mouth slightly ajar. Was it her, was it his Daisy? He had not heard her voice in over five years, is this how she sounded now? Her voice had become lower, and huskier and alluring.
He felt a shiver go through his body. And he strained his ears to hear her voice even more.
Now there's green light in my eyes,
And my lover on my mind.
And I'll sing from the piano, tear my yellow dress and,
Cry and cry and cry.
'Cause you're a hard soul to save,
With an ocean in the way,
But I'll get around it,
I'll get around it.
'Cause you're a hard soul to save,
With an ocean in the way,
But I'll get around it.
The voice was getting louder, and he beginning to hear her voice even more. It send tingles down his spine, hearing the loneliness, the pain and the ever so wanting longing in her voice. He struggled with his own emotions, resisting the urge to jump onto his yacht and driving past that green light.
Now there's green light in my eyes,
And my lover on my mind.
And I'll sing from that piano, tear my yellow dress and,
Cry and cry and cry and,
Over the love of you.
He would ride his yacht over there, and not being able to contain his excitement, he'd turn off his boat. Then jump into the bay, not caring once about his tux, and swim to her. He dragged himself out of the water and meet her shocked and surprised eyes.
Cry and cry and cry and,
Over the love of you!
He then pull himself onto the dock, soaked from head to toe, a look of determination on his face.
Cry and cry and cry and,
(I can see the green light),
(I can see it in your eyes).
(I can see the green light),
(I can see it in your eyes).
Over the love of you!
Cry and cry and cry and cry.
And then she would cry tears of joy at seeing him again, a happy smile on her face. And then he'd lowered his face down to hers, and kiss her. It will send a thrill between the two, a feeling so indescribable that he too would eventually cry.
(I can see the green light),
(I can see it in your eyes).
(I can see the green light),
(I can see it in your eyes).
I can see the green light,
I can see it in your eyes.
I can see the green light,
I can see it in your eyes.
They would hold onto one another, kissing, holding, caressing, too wrapped up in one another. And she would be his, finally. Yes, she would be his. He knew she loved him, and not him. She would always love him.
He smiled at the thought, his body filled with happiness and bliss as he heard her voice so clearly now that he felt like he was right behind her. He reached his hand up towards the green light so slowly, his eyes closing, his lips parting.
He wanted her. He wanted to grasp what was behind that green light. He hoped she was reaching too…
Back to Vivien's POV
I kept my hand outstretched to the green light's direction, my palm outstretched towards it. Why did I want it so bad. What lied beyond the green light that my body and spirit yearned for so much? Who or what was beyond it?
I didn't care what or who it was beyond it. I knew I had to attain it, I had to grasp it. I opened my lips and let the song flow from my lips once more.
I can see the green light,
I can see it in your eyes.
I can see the green light,
I can see it in your eyes.
I wanted it, wanted whoever it was beyond the green light. I was reaching for it, my voice augmenting, hopeing whatever it was that lied beyond it could hear me, hear my voice.
I had never felt this way before. This aching yearning that stirred my heart. I then imagined the mystery man's hand reaching for the light also, and I imagined our hands touching. I soon began to make out a ring on his finger in my thoughts. I tried to concentrate harder, and sung even more.
I can see the green light,
I can see it in your eyes.
I can see the green light,
I can see it in your ey—!
"Vivien!" I heard Jordan's voice say. I snapped out of my stupor just when I noticed a 'J' on the ring, the mystery man's hand disappeared. I gasped, feeling my heart pound in my chest. I turned and saw Jordan looking at me like I was crazy. She was dressed in a white slip, a chiffon robe draped across her body, her hair slightly messy.
"J-Jordan…what are you doing up late?" I asked, feeling suddenly out of breath, my throat dry.
She raised her brow at me, crossing her arms. "I could be asking you the same thing my dearest cousin. I was awoken by the sound of a voice, and I'm sure you woke up Daisy and Tom," she said. "With all that wailing you were doing."
I felt myself become flustered for the first time around my cousin. And then I narrowed my eyes at her. "I wasn't wailing, I was singing…"
"About what?" she asked, giving me a blank look.
"…." I didn't answer her immediately; I turned my head towards the flashing green light. I then finally responded to her, "The green light…."
I am sure Jordan looked at green light. I heard her sigh and then I felt her soft hands on my arm. "It's time to go to bed, I think you spent too much time near the water, the sea air must have made you see things…"
I snapped my head towards her. "What? What are you talking about, there is a green li…" I stopped talking when I looked back, noticing the green light was gone, no longer flashing and rotating around. I blinked my eyes a few times, trying to see if I would see it again.
I felt myself deflate. Why was I suddenly so disappointed?
"Come on dear…" Jordan said softly, pulling me away from the docks and taking me back inside of the mansion. She took me to my room, and I lay down, bidding her a good night. And when she left I tried to go to sleep, it took a long time but I eventually had fallen asleep.
And that night, green lights and a wandering hand plagued my sleep, touching my body, taking me onto a new plane of pleasure. And as I came to a climax in my dreams, I tossed my head back and screamed out…
J.
END
STP: Wow….I really enjoyed this chapter. Especially the ending :D We all should know who was across the docks and whose name the letter J belongs to o3o. But I am very annoyed *coughs* Well people are favoriting this story but no reviews *pouts* It's sucky because I am putting a lot of thought into his fanfiction and some originality XD Reviews would make me happy
But anyways Gatsby may or may not be in the next chapter. I might make him run into Vivien who knows? But I do wanna play with her and Nick's relationship more.
Fun times ahead~
Vivien: *sprawled out on the couch, smoking a cigarette* R&R darlings~
SONG: Over Love by Florence + The Machines