Hi, gang.
Let me know if these amounts are too much to read at once. I'll
try to split the parts up again if needed. This is a pretty looong story. I haven't added up the finished product, but so far I think there are at least 20 parts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Part 2)
On Monday, the duo found phone messages; both with and without leads on a case, as well as folders, overflowing their desks. Neither felt the need to complain about the work, as it kept them from dwelling on the unavoidable decision they’d agreed to on Saturday afternoon. Every so often there were distractions and reminders of what had been. For Rick, there was the occasional glance at Dee Dee, when she wasn’t looking as he thought of how he used to hold, kiss, want, and need her. He still wanted and needed her, but she was off limits now, as she belonged to someone else. And as much as it hurt, he had to live with that. For Dee Dee, there were thoughts of their kisses, how he traced her body with his fingertips, and most of all; how she loved and needed him. The love was still there, but due to the changes made on Saturday, she could no longer show it. They hadn’t shared their romance with their bosses or co-workers, so being unable to share anything more than a wink or a secret signal of “I love you” were the only actions removed from the office. As Dee Dee thought of the finality of it all, she could only blame herself. She was the one with the brilliant idea of ending their romance.
It took them a little over a week to get back into full swing. Until that time, they worked together as professionally, as they always had; even teasing with a few jokes and wise-cracks for one another.
***
One Day before the Wedding – (continued)
“Well Rick, is this about what happened three weeks ago?”
Rick didn’t answer the question. It was hard enough accepting that Doctor Alexander Turnan, walked into the building just days ago, turning out to be Dee Dee’s Mr. Right. How could he tell her that her suspicion was correct? With tears in her eyes, Dee Dee turned away from her friend and walked toward the door. Before reaching for the doorknob she stopped and turned to face Rick once more. “I know it was only three weeks ago, that we were in love with each other so very much. We both know it was love, not lust. And although we’re no longer together I still love you, Rick. I really do.” With the pain building in her heart, her eyes welled with tears. “But, you know this is what I need….what I want. You said you understood.” She knew that Rick was hurting over this, but she had to live for herself and hoped he’d support her. “You know what, Rick? Seeing as how you and I are supposed to be so close, I thought you’d at least pretend to be happy for me. Obviously, I thought wrong.” She could feel her face warming with anger, as she turned the doorknob to exit.
“Dee Dee, wait a second.” Rick stepped in front of her and closed the door. “If this is what’s going to make you happy…then it’ll make me happy too.” After speaking the words that were more than a little tough for him to say, he took Dee Dee’s hand in his. “I apologize for upsetting you. I just wanted to know that you’re sure about this, okay? It’s a major step in your life, and you deserve nothing but the best. That’s all I want for you.” He took a deep breath, before continuing, because once again, the words wouldn’t be easy to say. “The other day, I said: go for it. I’ll say it again today…go for it. I want you to be with Alex, if you feel it’s the best thing for you; don’t let me be the cause, of you not having it.” With as much support as he could muster for her sake, he felt that he’d done a convincing job of lying.
“You hurt my feelings.” Dee Dee’s voice cracked. “You really did, ya know?”
Rick placed his hand under her chin, and gently lifted her head up. “I’m so sorry. I’ve never wanted to hurt you.” It was hard, but he managed to keep his voice steady. “It’s just that what we had was so extremely special and so very recent, that it’s hard to let all this sink in.”
The tears had lessened in Dee Dee’s eyes. “I’m glad we were able to have such a special…..extremely special relationship. You made me very happy, Rick.”
Standing so close to her, made it tough for him not to kiss her, but he beat temptation. “You made me very happy too. I’m glad we had that time.” Rick took a step back, smiling at the gorgeous brunette in jeans and a pink t-shirt. “Hey. I could use a smile from you.” She didn’t smile, so he tried again. “Please, Dee Dee?” He was seriously to the point of begging. He needed more forgiveness since she was unhappy due to his earlier lack of support. “Please?” She smiled just a little and he was excited by the glimmer of hope. “Can’t you do better than that? Come on… give!” She did. “That’s the one… right there!” Her contagious smile got to Rick, causing him to reveal the dimples she loved so much. The very dimples her fingertips had traced and her lips had kissed. But that would be no more. Rick was relieved to see her cheer up, and hoped she would allow him some slack, after what he said earlier. “Does this mean that I’m forgiven?”
Dee Dee took a step back and looked at him from head to toe as if to give him full inspection. “Hmm…well…yes, you’re forgiven. I can’t stay mad at my maid of honor. Speaking of maid of honor, I do have a favor to ask you.”
“Okay. What do you want me to do for you?”
They both took a seat, on the edge of Charlie’s desk, as Dee Dee continued. “Quite some time ago, you agreed to be my maid of honor if I ever remarried. Do you remember?”
Rick; a little concerned, began to wonder where this was headed. “Umm…yeah, I remember that. I joked about wearing a helmet, with a rhinoceros horn.” He laughed at the thought. Suddenly he had thoughts of Dee Dee getting back at him, by making him have his picture taken, while wearing some fluffy, size 3X lime green gown. He thought -“She wouldn’t!”
Dee Dee continued. “Well, in addition to having my things are either shipped over or sold, I just wanted you to be sure to make the checks out to McCall, instead of Turnan. In case I don’t have all my identification changed by then.”
“Whew…” Rick released an audible sigh. “That was close.”
Dee Dee looked puzzled at his response. “What was close?”
“Well, I thought you were gonna get back at me, for hurting your feelings.”
“Really?” Dee Dee’s eyes wandered for a second in thought. “What did you think I was going to do?”
“A photo of… me wearing a gigantic, fluffy pastel gown. Can you imagine?” He laughed at the thought.
“Hmmmm….” Dee Dee started. “Now that’s an idea. Lime green is your color, isn’t it?” They both laughed, as Rick wrapped his arms around her, and she hugged him too. During the long embrace, Rick wanted to tell her to forget about Alex, and stay with him, while at the same time; Dee Dee wanted him to say those exact words. She worried about why she would even think that way, because she was going to marry Alex and would promise to love him forever. It was time she let go of what she had with Rick.
After a couple of minutes had passed, she took a half step back and looked deeply into his eyes. “You’ll always be my best friend.”
Rick brushed Dee Dee’s long dark hair away from her face, and then kissed her on the forehead. Looking deeply into her eyes, he replied. “And you’ll always be mine.”
“I’d better finish up at my desk. “She smiled and quickly left the office before she shed a tear.
***
After returning to her desk she finished collecting her things from it and her locker, double checking just to be sure.
About ten minutes later, she was summoned once again, to the Captain’s office. This time, it was by the captain, himself. After she met him at his desk, he handed her a decorative gift bag. “Here, Dee Dee.” It’s just a little reminder of your old captain.” He had almost a bashful look upon his face.
“Dee Dee.” How many times had he called her that; she thought? It was always McCall, or the ever popular...…Hunter/McCall combo. He would only call her Dee Dee, on those rare, but important heart-to-heart talks.
“Thank you Charlie. You didn’t have to get me anything. I already had a going away party, and then there’s the wedding. Just your being there is a gift to me.”
“Don’t worry about how many gifts I choose to give you.” Charlie smiled, and told her to open the bag. She reached inside for the gift. It was teddy bear in full L.A.P.D uniform.
“Oh, it’s so cute.” Dee Dee smiled as she admired her gift. “It does sort of remind me of you.” She said; pointing to the bear’s tummy.
Charlie blushed lightly, at the comment. “Well, maybe one day, you’ll use that as a visual aid when you tell your little ones, how mommy worked for tough ‘ol Captain Devane.”
“Charlie. That’s a lovely thought.” She couldn’t help but smile, at the idea of “little ones”. Dee Dee took Charlie’s hand in hers. “You may have been tough, but you were fair. Most importantly, you were my friend.” She put her arms around his neck, and he in turn put his around her waist.
Charlie could feel the emotions grow as tears welled in his eyes. “I’m still your friend, Dee Dee. And, I also think of you as a daughter. I don’t know much about this Turnan guy, but I see he makes you happy.” He took a step back, breaking the embrace and looked her in the eyes. “The day you thought he was leaving, you stood right here and told me how much it hurt. When he walked up behind you; surprising you, I could see you were very relieved to have him stay. But….” Charlie’s face grew serious and his voice more commanding. “If he ever hurts you, he’ll have to deal with me. I’m serious, Dee Dee. I don’t want to be a downer about your new plans, but I want you to know that if things don’t work out you’ll have me and the tall one out there to come back to. Don’t hesitate to call, write or get in touch in any way possible if you need me for anything.”
“Thank you, Charlie.” A smile of appreciation came across Dee Dee’s face. “I really value our friendship and I’m really going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” Without allowing her to see more than the glistening of tears in his eyes, Charles Devane kissed his “daughter” on the cheek and she kissed him in the same manner. They shared a quick but firm hug, and Dee Dee headed back to gather her belongings.
After she’d finished, Rick carried the box outside and loaded the trunk of her Dodge Dynasty.
“You know Dee Dee, I was just getting used to you driving this car.”
“Yeah, I was just getting used to it myself. They may have boosted the engine for me, but it still wasn’t a Daytona. But, I’m going to miss it anyway. It’s a pretty nice car.
And, of course I’ll miss this place, too.” Looking into Rick’s eyes, she added - “I’ll miss a lot of things.” Her reference was of more than friendship as her thoughts rushed through her head. She knew it was wrong and immediately snapped back to the reality of marrying Alex.
Rick got the message, but acted as if he didn’t; thinking to himself – (Why start something I can’t finish.) “Well, when I sell the car, I’ll make sure that the buyer is a decent person.”
“Thanks. You can drive it if you want. But…” She used her finger to poke in the chest, while she gave him his orders. “You must obey the traffic laws and drive only on the streets.”
“Streets?” Rick replied with a look of total seriousness. “What are these streets, you speak of?”
Dee Dee couldn’t resist laughing. She gave Rick a push, which didn’t budge him an inch.
“Get out of here, and go back to work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Rick, being the gentleman he’s always been, opened the car door for her. “See you tomorrow, Dee Dee.”
She smiled, waved goodbye, and drove off.
After making sure she’d left the parking area safely, Rick returned to the building. He would also return to the desk which would no longer be adjacent, to that of Sgt. Dee Dee McCall.
======
(Part 3)
Dee Dee arrived home around 12:30pm and began putting things in order before her night out with her fiancé. She and Alex had dinner reservations for 6:30pm, and in the mean time she changed her clothes…putting on an over-sized L.A.P.D t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Pulling her hair up and securing it with a clip, she looked at herself in the mirror and thought about how much smaller the t-shirt looked on its original owner. After a few moments more of viewing herself, she thought about how cute he; the original owner said she looked in it…especially when she wore it with nothing but her panties. Her mind wandered a little more toward the comment and a smile grew upon her face. With a sudden thought of her fiancé, she cleared her head and began to pack the last few things she planned to take with her to London. “Hey, little buddy.” She picked up the stuffed green toy alligator known as Mr. Mouth. She recalled the day she thought she’d lost the toy forever. During a shootout in her home, Mr. Mouth was one of the severely injured. Along with that, she lost the argument that the city of Los Angeles should pay for her home repairs needed because of the shooting. Smiling; she remembered when Rick brought him to her at the restaurant. Of course, just like a big brother who’d found his sister’s lost doll, Rick was there with a smile and her stuffed toy to make everything better. She was so surprised to see that Mr. Mouth; whose stuffing had been forced out by bullets, was made whole again. She thought to herself with a broader smile. (Rick was always so sweet to me.)
Making a little more progress, she decided to let the stuffed toy have a traveling companion, and put Captain Teddy in the same suitcase. She put a few more things in a box, then added stickers, so Rick would make sure that everything with a blue sticker on it would be shipped to London. The purple stickers meant to sell it.
After a couple of very productive hours, she was finished with her tasks. It was nearly 2:30pm when she called her mother and talked for almost two hours. That lengthy conversation definitely set a new record for them. It was rare for the two to talk more than twice a week, let along two hours in one sitting.
Of course, Dee Dee’s mother was armed with complaints, as usual. “Are you sure about this?”
“Mom, don’t start.” Dee Dee wasn’t in any mood for her mother’s questions.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me you two were still involved? He’s been out of the country for ages, Dee Dee. Were you still in touch with him while you were with Rick?”
“I told you that I hadn’t heard from Alex in a year and a half.”
“But you’re happy with him and know him well enough to be his wife?”
“Yes.”
“You’re ready to leave everything you had with Rick behind?”
With a two second delay for thought, Dee Dee answered her mother. “Yes.”
Anna Kimball sighed heavily in disappointment. “I think you two could have had something as special as what you had with Steve. I’ve only met Alex once and he seemed very nice. But he’s still a stranger.” Anna wasn’t about to end the conversation anytime soon; not as long as she had serviceable ammo. “You’ve never been consistent with relationships, Dee Dee. I may not have gotten as close to Rick as I did with Steve, but I know they’re the only men you’ve ever truly loved. I know a lot more about Rick than I do about Alex and I really like Rick. You and he know so much about each other and know how to care for each other. I don’t believe there’s any of that between you and Alex.” Before her daughter could reply, Anna had a pinch more of salt to rub into the wound. “As for Alex, I would like to have gotten to know him a little better before he takes you out of the country. But I guess that won’t happen. He shows up and you’re gone.” Anna added another grain, as if she were speaking to someone else. “My daughter is going to England with someone I barely know. I don’t even know how well she knows him.”
Now it was Dee Dee’s turn to retaliate. “Mom, you’re hardly ever in the country yourself. If Alex had lived in LA or any other part of the US, for the past three years, you wouldn’t have been around to see him. You were either in Europe or Asia. And as far as consistency in a relationship, don’t get me started on your relationship with dad. You two aren’t exactly listed in the book of successful marriages. Separated three times; each of you dating others during such time, setting up a meeting with lawyers for divorce papers two years ago, canceled, split again eight months ago and now you’re trying to decide if things can be resolved, again.” Regaining strength from a deep inhalation, Dee Dee let her mother in on more of her feelings while her sadness of their situation grew. “You two never stay put long enough to get to know each other. Maybe if you’d traveled more often together, it could have been a help. You’re all over the globe much more than dad and you’ve traveled the world more often than you’ve had quality time with him. Your hunt for precious antiques and art was more important.” Unable to control them, tears welled in Dee Dee’s eyes and she felt hurt from her mother’s actions. “Mom, you hardly ever spent any time with me either. I practically raised myself, with the help of a nanny during my first six years, and various babysitters until I was old enough to stay home alone. You and dad were usually either at some fancy dinner party or fundraiser when it wasn’t time for one or both of you to journey across the globe. When I tried talking to you, you didn’t have the time because someone was waiting for you at one of your many charity events, the country club or you had to catch the next flight to…wherever. And, most of the time you’d make most of the decisions for me instead of listening to what I was trying to say for myself. I’m your daughter and you’re supposed to talk to me…not at me.” Anna felt her daughter’s pain, but remained silent as she spoke the truth. “Dad isn’t much better, so don’t feel that I lay total blame on you. He always found his business to come first. I’m glad he was happy with his career, but there’s more to life than architectural design. He wanted me to be just like him. And when I told you both I was leaving my job as a secretary to become an officer, you freaked. Dad didn’t talk to me for two and half months.” Remembering how hurt she was at that time, Dee Dee had to regain her composure and finished up the latest topic. “I really do appreciate that you two only allowed the best when it came to my voice lessons, dance classes and art, but I needed you to be around more. Now, I just want to be able to marry Alex, have children and have the loving family I’ve always dreamed of. I want to spend moments with my husband and kids…wonderful moments they’ll treasure for life. I want a much closer bond than I have with you and dad. I love you both, dearly, but we aren’t as close as I wish we were. Sometimes I just felt that I was in the way. Although neither of you have ever said this to me, I feel that if it wasn’t for me, you two wouldn’t have gotten married.”
For a few more moments Anna was quiet. Her daughter spoke words to her that she’d always worried about hearing. The feelings which were held so tightly within had been set free and Anna had to deal with them. “D’Andrea, you know your father and I love you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to us and we wouldn’t dare change that. And, no, you’re not the only reason we were married. It’s just that we were never the type to want to sit still and watch life pass us by and we wanted to make sure we didn’t let that happen.” Anna cleared her throat and brushed away a tear. “We never meant to hurt you, honey. We just wanted to see the world; and yes, sometimes separately. And we didn’t feel that dragging you across the globe with us would be fair to you. You had friends you wanted and needed to be around during your school years. We figured it was best to let you have the life of a child with those friends, instead of having you spend every waking moment with your parents and tutors. You have every right to be upset, and I will apology for my actions. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m sorry we weren’t a more traditional family and that we caused you such pain. If you say Alex makes you happy, then I’m happy for you. I’ll do all I can to get to know him better when I visit you two in London and when you visit here.”
“Thank you, mom.” Dee Dee sighed heavily with relief. “I’d love for us to become closer. Someday you may have grandchildren and I really want you and dad to be a secured part of their lives.”
“We will, honey. We’ll be there for them as well as for you.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.”
Just as Dee Dee thought the conversation would move on to a smoother pathway, Anna reminded her of how disappointed she was that the wedding wasn’t going to be the national holiday she’d hoped for. “I would love to have given you a garden wedding and have an intimate string orchestra for the wedding, and a band of your choosing for the reception. Your cousin Christina just turned nine and would have been the cutest flower girl. Her brother Corbin would make the perfect ring bearer. He’s six years old now.” When Anna started for the third time; on the eighty closest friends, which would be hurt from not being invited, Dee Dee reminded her that she still had a lot to do before dinner with Alex. It was the only way to escape extra servings of guilt.
After hanging up, she lay down on the sofa with thoughts of the lengthy, tiresome and air-clearing conversation with her mother and unintentionally fell asleep. When she woke up, she quickly realized that Alex would be there in less than forty-five minutes. She quickly showered, styled her hair, put on her makeup and got dressed, with eight minutes to spare. She was wearing a long sleeved powder blue dress with a V-cut opening mid-way down the back, with a hemline that was about three inches above the knee and matching shoes and a purse of the same blue color. After one final check in the mirror, and adjusting a hairpin in her upswept hair, she found herself extremely satisfied with the outcome.
Fifteen minutes past Alex’s time of arrival, Dee Dee figured he was running behind schedule because of business, and ten minutes after that, she wondered if he’d gotten caught in traffic. Her anxiety grew stronger and she called the hotel, but there was no answer in his room. Alex finally showed up; making it a total of forty minutes for his fiancée to worry, but she was relieved to see the blue mustang convertible pull into the driveway.
Dee Dee greeted him at the door. “Hi. Where’ve you been? I was worried about you.”
Alex stepped inside with a question of his own. “Why would you worry?”
“Well, the hotel is only about a ten minute drive from here, and I thought something might have happened, especially since I you hadn’t called. Why are you late?”
Alex hesitated, as if he had to search for the answer to such simple question. “Oh, I got a call from London. They needed to discuss some business with me about the research program. It was a pretty long conversation and something I couldn’t avoid.”
“Well, I wish you’d called to let me know you’d be late.” Dee Dee’s aggravation was most evident. “I was really worried about you, Alex. I didn’t know what was going on.”
“Well, I just jumped in the car, and headed over. Are you ready to go?”
“Sure, let me get my purse.” Still unsatisfied with Alex’s excuse, Dee Dee let it slide as she exited the house.
The restaurant was really nice; dimly lit, and with a lovely romantic ambiance. A set of thin blue candles, sat on each table, complimenting the blue and yellow printed table cloths. A fireplace stood in of the far right corner of the room, as a low flame flickered within the confines of the various sized light and darker tones of sandy colored bricks.
The menu contained a listing of several steak and seafood preparations, and a large range of appetizers and desserts to choose from. Dee Dee commented on how lovely the place was, and tried other topics for a conversation with her fiancé as he was none too talkative. On the way to the restaurant, he was very quiet, as well as after arriving at the restaurant, except for his complaints. First on his list was their seating arrangement because he didn’t like the table. Dee Dee told him that considering that they’d missed their reservation time, they were lucky to get a table at all. He also had complaints about the food; sending his steak back twice, and then decided he wasn’t hungry and didn’t eat at all. Dee Dee offered him some of her shrimp scampi. “You really should eat something.”
He declined. “I’ll pass. Go ahead and enjoy.” He glanced around the room quickly as Dee Dee noticed that he was tense and a bit on edge.
“Alex, are you nervous about tomorrow? I thought I would be, but I’m not.” She said with a smile.
“No, I’m not nervous. I just have a lot on my mind.”
Dee Dee asked if he’d like to dance; suggesting that maybe it would take his mind off of things. “Sailing” by Christopher Cross, had just begun to play and Dee Dee mentioned that she really liked the song. Alex was hesitant, but he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. While on the floor Dee Dee complimented Alex on his tan suit, and he did with her blue dress. They’d only been dancing for about a minute and a half, when Alex decided it was time to leave.
“We should go.” He pulled away from her.
“Can’t we wait until the song is over?”
“No, I’m tired, and I’m ready to leave.” Alex took her by the hand and scooped up her purse from the table before heading for the door as a disappointed Dee Dee followed him out. During the ride back to the house…mostly silence. Dee Dee knew that something was going on with Alex that he was keeping from her. Instead of trying pry it out of him, she decided to try and make small talk about what the weather forecast was for their wedding day. “It’s supposed to be really nice tomorrow. The weather man said sunshine, and around 85 degrees. I think the smog will be a little lighter too.” She added with a light chuckle.
“That’s good to know.” He replied flatly.
The armrest supported Dee Dee’s elbow, and she rested her chin on her fist. (Okay. He’s not interested in the weather. What now?) As she gazed out the window, she could see a sign on an empty lot that read - Coming soon...The Fire star Cinema8. “So that’s what that’ll be…a movie theater. They’ll be showing up to eight different movies at once. There’s already one of those downtown, but this one will keep people from having to drive so far.” She turned to Alex, for a response.
“Good for them.”
She rolled her eyes, and sighed in aggravation. She silently began to make excuses for him…for the way he was acting. (Maybe he’s just tired. There’s the new job, wedding, the move to London. Yeah, he’s going through a lot. Things will get better.) During the remaining fifteen minute drive to her house, she turned the radio to a light jazz station where guitarist; Larry Carlton’s version, of “Minute by Minute” was halfway through. Dee Dee liked this version, as well the vocal version by Michael McDonald, of the popular 1970’s band – The Doobie Brothers. (Well at least he’s not complaining about the music.) – She noted to herself. She thought at one point, she actually saw Alex’s index finger tapping in rhythm on the steering wheel. She did remember him being a little into jazz, but instead of trying to strike up a conversation about it, she decided to keep quiet, and enjoy the music the rest of the way home.
After pulling into the driveway; from what seemed like hours of riding in near total silence, Alex opened the car door for her, and walked her to the front door. “Well, I don’t guess I’ll come in, it’s pretty late.”
Even though it was only about 11:00pm, Dee Dee told him that she hated for him to go, but agreed that he was right. She really thought of asking him in to talk more about his day, but decided once again to leave it alone. “I guess we do need to get some rest for tomorrow.”
Alex moved closer to her, causing her back to press against the front door. He kissed her softly on the lips, backed away, turned and walked to the car.
“Goodnight, Alexander. I love you.”
“Goodnight, Dee Dee. I’ll see you at the church.”
****
Once inside her home, Dee Dee began to get ready for bed; changing into her sleepwear, pulling hairpins from her hair and removing makeup and jewelry. Before turning off the light, she sat in the middle of the bed and stared at her engagement ring. While doing so, she thought about all the happiness she had to look forward to with Alex and how they’d build a new life together in London. She felt herself feel with excitement, while thoughts of possibly having a child someday soon floated through her head. She caught herself smiling, at the idea of little curly haired Alexander junior and/or Alexandra or Alexandria. Of course, she’d spend more time of choosing the names with Alex, when the time came.
She also thought about the conversation, she and Rick had earlier that day in Charlie’s office. When he asked if she was really in love with Alex, she said: “Why else would I marry him?” She knew she should have said: “Yes, I’m honestly and truly in love with Alex.” She couldn’t tell Rick that he might be right about her rushing into what could be her last chance for her dream life She didn’t want to completely admit it to herself, let alone Rick Hunter; the man she’d much rather be marrying tomorrow. She felt the truth, which was the love she had for Rick. She felt it strongly, and hated herself for it. She asked herself (How can I think of Rick like this, when I’m marrying Alex? After all, I initiated the breakup.) She found it had become easier for her to wonder if she truly was throwing away their relationship, and rushing into this marriage, as Rick said. (Stop it. Just stop it!) She scolded herself. (You’ve made the choice, so stick with it!) She told herself, over and over, that she loved Alex…and that was that. With less control over her feelings than she thought, another quick question popped into her head again. (Am I really in love with Alex? Til death do us part, love?) Falling against the soft pillows on her bed, she thought about her time with Alex during the past eight years.
Dr. Alexander Turnan; a specialist in the field of Tropical disease and medicine, had spent the past eighteen months in Africa. The foundation he worked for provided doctors around the world, for those who had no access to proper medical treatment. His travels had always kept them apart and Dee Dee never really thought of him settling down. They’d dated on and off for almost eight years with thousands of miles separating them for many of those years. Their relationship was never really serious, so his return and proposal of marriage were twice the amount of surprise. A couple of nights ago, Alex surprised her, by driving up to a mountain area which had a beautiful view of the city lights. While at the site, she had a thought which brought a smile to her face and shared that thought with Alex. “The last time I was here was with you.” He turned the radio volume up; Ambrosia’s “Biggest Part of Me” was playing. It’s a favorite of Dee Dee’s and Alex asked her if she’d like to dance. Her response -“I’d love to.” He opened the door, walked around the front of the blue mustang convertible, and opened the door for Dee Dee. As they began to sway to the tune, she told Alex she was surprised he remembered the site. He told her about how moments like these, were the only one’s to keep him going, and that he thought about her a lot. Dee Dee said she thought about him too. She told him how hearing some old songs would bring memories of him, right back to her. She stared into his eyes with inquiry. “Alex. This is just so strange. We’ve been in and out of each other’s lives for eight years. What are we doing?” She needed to know if there was serious comment involved.
Alex answered as he held her tighter. “I think we’re dancing.”
“You know what I mean.” Dee Dee asked seriously.
Alex responded without a word…only a kiss.
As they continued dancing, the lyrics drifted lightly through the air, intermingling with the joyous rhythm of Dee Dee’s heart. For the moment she was happy…very happy. The song lyrics even seemed appropriate.
Make a wish baby, and I will make it come true
Make a list baby, of the things I’ll do for you
Ain’t no risk now. Let my love rain down on you,
So we can wash away the past, so that we may start anew.
Alex had returned, and it seemed that he was willing to make her wish come true. They could put the past behind them, and start fresh….start anew.
For the eighteen months he spent in Africa and she hadn’t heard a word from him. Out of the blue, he came to her in Los Angeles, a couple of days ago. How well did she know him? How well did he know her? These were more questions to annoy her. Once again, she had to reassure herself that everything would work out fine as she thought of more lyrics from the song.
Forever…got a feelin’ that forever
Together….we’re gonna stay together.
Together from now, until forever
You’re the biggest part of me.
The lyrics were a reminder, for what she and Alex could mean to each other. She knew they would grow more in love with each other, as each day passed. (But shouldn’t I already be deeply in love with him?) She sighed heavily with doubt. (Just relax and it’ll be fine.) “Tomorrow, I will be Mrs. Alexander Turnan, and I will be extremely happy.” With that said aloud, she turned off the light, hoped for a perfect wedding day and feel to sleep with thoughts of both Alex and Rick.
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