9 ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously - chapter 12_ PART III

hello, there.
Darcy and Lizzy dressed in Persuasion's color was something very challenging. Lizzy is almost the opposite of Anne Elliot, but in the middle there is Bertha who is discovering herself - her new self.

Darcy and Wentworth have a few traits in common. The stares and broodness, the hidden feelings and secret loves. But, would it be degrading for a rich first son to take position in the Navy? Wasn't it a job for second or third sons?

Honored men, of course. Brandon, oh, dear! Brandon...

And how about 'meeting' your crush in a dream? Awckward? Sexy? A revelation? 
Here they are, Bertha and Williams, Lizzy and Darcy.

Sorry for the delay, btw. With all the Sanditon joy and Book fair preparations, I got caught up.

Nine ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously

WIP, modern (mostly), adult (you know me...), fun, fluff, heart healing stuff.
read chapter 12 _PART 2
or START from CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 12
VIII- Lonely Hearts - part 3 - final

That same night the sisters decided to cut short their Orlando stay and return earlier to Miami. The cousins could have whined asking to stay, but Louisa was actually injured. As the pain built up, the girl called her mother who called the family physician who suspected a bone bruise. The order was to undergo several tests and procedures in the big city to confirm the diagnosis, and could only be done in Miami.

The five women and two unhappy children left early the next morning.


The next day, Darcy met Fitzwilliam and Charlotte as he entered the hotel lobby. They were heading for the pool, he planned on a shower before going out again. But changed plans after mere 20 seconds.

‘They are all gone?’

‘Yes, even the sweet Louisa.’ Charlotte pursed her lips.

‘I'm sorry, dude. Maybe you can meet her in Miami if you accept my invitation and come stay with me during our leave.’

‘Who, Louisa? Are you crazy, she's just a girl!’

‘Much more than a girl, Darcy, 19 is a young and flirtatious woman.  You two got a good thing going, dude.’

‘No.’

‘Yes.’

‘Absolutely not. Were did you get this absurd idea?’ Darcy was adamant. ‘Was I too attentive to her?’

‘Yes!’ Both Charlotte and Fitzwilliam answered at the same time.

‘Maybe I need to apologize, then.’

‘Let it rest.’ Charlotte waved. ‘Those girls are too lively, spoiled as Lizzy says. There's a good chance she won't remember you in a few days.’

'Lizzy' among those words made him antsy. 

‘So, Miami is still out of the question, huh? Charlotte can get us tickets to a VIP party, freeload.’

She chuckled. ‘In two weeks only. It'll be the after party of the rock festival, for crew and bands. Usually the famous stars make a quick stop, even perform a song or two.’

‘Sounds fun. All crew goes to this party?’

‘Pretty much. Lizzy can name who ditches, she keeps track of everybody, manages to record great chats during the party. Her savvy interviews keep everyone on their toes.’

‘She's very pretty, but prettier on screen.’ Fitzwilliam said casually as he arranged towels over lounge chairs for them.

sun fun luv

‘Huh.’ Darcy grunted his disapproval but Fitzwilliam didn’t understand the reason.

‘She lights up on camera, has presence of mind. She has a way to make people open up, speak up. No one can do better interviews simply because she doesn’t want to attract attention to herself, she always wants to give space to others. No wonder she manages to secure exclusives.’ Charlotte smiled sideways. ‘Did you notice how Lizzy is jumpy at open spaces?’

‘Never met her before.’ Fitzwilliam shrugged.

‘She is shy! Terrified people will recognize her… Silly! Louisa has some resemblance to Lizzy, come to think of it, hasn't she?’ Charlotte thought for a while. ‘Maybe cheek bones or eyes-’

‘No, not her eyes.’ Darcy betrayed himself. Her fine eyes were a feature of hers that never faded in his memory. ‘They both have long face and dark hair, as their aunt Gardenia. It's a family trait.’

‘And you know that because…’

‘I met Lizzy years ago, when she started college and I was at Officer Training School.’

‘Dude.’ Fitzwilliam choked. ‘Dude!’ He held Darcy's shoulder. ‘She's that Elizabeth!’

Darcy nodded.

‘Dude…’

‘Elizabeth who?’ Charlotte was intrigued and a little displeased.  

Darcy shook his head dismissively.  ‘I'll be at my sister's ranch, Fitzwilliam.  You know where to reach me before I arrive in Miami in a few days.’ If it was the city where she lived, then it'd be.


‘Do you believe it'll take much longer, Mary?’ Lizzy asked her sister.  ‘I still have so much to do today…’

‘It's early. And it’s my first great job as costume designer, hang on.’ She fit the small tube in her nose for a powerful spray and inhaled deeply. 'You are come at last, after days of me calling you to try outfits for the concert transmissions! I began to think I should never see you. I am so busy I got ill, so ill I can hardly speak.' She inhaled again. 

‘You’ll get and addiction to nasal sprays, Mary.’

‘I wish. I have a serious condition, rhinitis that sparks my migraines. Sprays shrink congested blood vessels, open my clogged passages.’ A cough, two sneezes and a sigh. ‘Quick relief that lasts so little, let me look at you.’ She pressed her eyes. ‘Not pants, maybe skirts. Try this animal print denim skirt.’

‘Kind of short, isn't it?’

‘Ankle boots.’ The designer said absent minded.  ‘You've got nice legs.’

‘Ah, here you are.’ Charlotte entered the office without knocking.

‘Naked people here! Mary waved her arms. ‘I get no respect here! And I’ve been working so hard, I don’t know how you do it for so long, Lizzy!’

‘You’ll get used to it, sister.’

‘Chill, Mary, it's just me. Your assistant was not at the desk, so I thought-’

‘I have not seen him for hours. He would go out though I told him how ill I was. He said he should not stay out long; but he has never come back. I assure you, I have not seen a soul this whole long morning and I get more ill and busier by the minute.’

‘You're hypochondriac.’ Charlotte found a chair, moved clothes aside and sat. ‘Pull yourself together, we’re just starting.’

‘I am not!’ Mary bristled. ‘What are you doing here anyway? We're a week away from the concert, Lizzy has to start taping the teasers and visit the stadium… she has nothing to wear on camera simply because she refused to come here earlier.’ 

‘She asked me to come here. We have to go over the scripts and-’

‘Not here!’ Mary shook a finger.

‘Please, girls.’ Lizzy returned from the dressing room inside the outfit (minus a top). ‘Help me please, I have go home earlier. Family emergency.’ 

‘Someone is sick?’ Mary gasped. ‘No one told me.’

‘Dad didn’t want to tell you because of your condition.’ She pointed her own nose. ‘He sold the house, he is inconsolable.’ Lizzy sighed. ‘What do you want to wear with this, Mary?’ She pointed the skirt.

‘But he should have told me…’

‘He will. And you’ll both whine that the boys won’t be able to swim in the pool, learn to play golf, he’ll be more depressed… give him a break.’ She pressed her sister’s hand. ‘A top?’

‘I have a few options here…’ A bit lost, she chose several tops for Lizzy to try. ‘Why do you keep fingering your collarbone?’ Mary leaned closer and moved the bra strap to a side. ‘Something I need to hide?’

‘No.’ Lizzy waved the designer's hand away. ‘I lost mom’s scapular, that's all.’

‘The Italian one, very delicate?’ Mary took the nose spray tube from her pocket. Lizzy nodded.

‘She's got this nervous tic. Give her a necklace, something big.’ Charlotte suggested.  ‘If she does that on camera, at least it'll have a reason.’

‘Right.’ The designer opened a huge bijoux drawer. 

‘So, the old man Bennett is now a catch, huh? Loaded with the profit from the house…’

‘Dad has a few debts to pay, has to divide the money with us, so what will be left will hardly make him attractive. He's in low spirits.’ Lizzy fingered the missing necklace again. ‘At least now I'll have means to start my documentary production company, it'll be mom's last gift. Parting from her house is hard on him… all of us.’

‘Who bought it?’ Mary bit her lip.

‘The huge castle in the burbs?’

Lizzy sniggered. ‘He said something about government, his lawyer took care of details. To him, there wouldn't be a perfect buyer because my dad would rather not sell.’

‘I understand but how much does it cost to keep that estate?’ Charlotte rolled her eyes. ‘He'll be much happier at the big Brickell Avenue apartment.  Tell me again why only Jane will live there.’

‘I have my own place. Mary lives with her family.’

‘Now we all live close to aunt Gardenia, that is nice enough.’

‘But there is so much space left in 8000 square feet… even the closet has a floor to ceiling window! Oh, quite a view!’

‘Yeah, it is a good place. Dad liked it a lot.’

‘Red top, a long chain with a cross and a vintage beret!’ Mary smiled extending the items to Lizzy. ‘Try these on, please.’

Lizzy nodded.

‘I love this beret, please bring it back. It belongs to the network's collection.’ Mary observed sniffing as Lizzy dressed. ‘One can almost smell the salty air, it has this Navy thing, sea battles heroes.’

a beret with pearls!

‘Oh, no! Charlotte shook her head. I grew so weary of navy men.’
Lizzy groaned. ‘Do I need a beret? Really?’

‘No one needs a beret, Mary. Come on!’ Charlotte took the hat from Lizzy's head ruffling her hair.

‘Prada had berets in 2017's collection.’ Mary rescued the item, arranged it perfectly sideways, slightly pushed back. ‘Lovely.’ She said and sprayed her nose.

‘Urgh…’ Lizzy twisted her lips.


‘I could have gotten concert tickets as well as party credentials if not for you, fucker.’ Fitzwilliam playfully kicked Darcy's leg handing his friend a beer before seating on the couch. ‘Now we have to watch the concert on TV instead of being there!’

‘You can afford the ticket.’

‘Not the same. My girlfriend works at the network responsible for the live transmission, she has complimentary tickets. But she hated that you used her to get closer to her best friend. Thinks I knew about it and helped you.’

‘You're a fool, of course you wouldn't realize anything.’

‘Exactly!’

They both chuckled. 

‘I didn't use Charlotte.’ Darcy shrugged. ‘It was a surprise to hear you were dating a woman from the same network where my ex works. Then you invited me to an unbelievable weekend cruising theme parks with-’

‘My girlfriend's single friend, a Lizzy!’ Fitzwilliam laughed.

‘Of course I had to make sure it wasn't her.’

‘But it was.’

Darcy nodded, sipped his beer, pointed at the TV. ‘There she is.’
Lizzy appeared smiling, microphone near her lips, three handsome men on each side, all towering over her.


‘Hello, rockers! Backstage patrol again!’ She almost shouted. ‘I'm here with the Bath & Lyme guys, just before they start their magic, we can hear the final chords from the sponsors' warming up show. I guess every girl would like to be in my shoes, am I right?’ She bended a knee to show her cute ankle boot. ‘Say something to your fans!’

Something! They said together joining heads with her to reach her microphone. 

There was laughter.

‘What can we expect of tonight's concert?’ 

‘We prepared new songs from the upcoming album, our fans will be surprised.’ 

‘Spoilers, Elliot?’ She blinked to the camera.

‘The band leader smiled. Inside information just for you, Lizzy.’

‘Ah!’ She blushed.  ‘You'll put me in danger. Your groupies will be too jealous of me!…’

‘They know I welcome their love, we talk on social media all the time.’ He said to the camera. ‘When I sing Good Company tonight, everyone will know who I have in mind.’ He directed an intent look at Lizzy.

She opened a funny smile. ‘My idea of good company, Elliot, is clever, well-informed people. I've read you discuss the Js at length on Twitter. Janis Joplin, Jimmi Hendrix, Jim Morrison.  But to me, to be called a great conversation, it lacked Clapton. That is what I call good company.’

He exchanged amused looks with his band mates. ‘You are mistaken.’ Said he gently. ‘That is not good company; that is the best.’

The great sweet smile shared was long enough for Charlotte, the producer, sign the end of the interview.  

Lizzy nodded. ‘Our time is up and I don't know about you rockers at home watching me, but I'll be in the wings hoping for Old Love.’ She grinned for the camera. ‘Break a leg, guys!’ She lowered the mic to greet them with cheek kisses and chaste hugs.


Darcy was frozen watching his friend's TV. 

‘Did the guy flirt with your ex, dude?’

A grunt.

‘I can ask Charlotte if you want, to find out if there's something going on there.’

Another grunt.

‘Say something, dude. You look like you could explode. ‘

Old Love is a message. He told himself. I can only be.

‘Do you really like Clapton?’ Elliot, the bandleader asked Lizzy as she moved to a side allowing the crew more space to work.

‘Very much, yes. Do you?’

‘I can even play Old Love.’ 

‘Me too!’ Lizzy chuckled.  ‘I love the song.’

‘What do you play? Or do you sing?’

‘Piano, fairly well. But I'm not really a songbird!’

‘Good to know!’ He smiled sideways.

He was handsome, she thought. ‘Don't like competition, huh?’

With a thumb over his shoulder, he pointed where he was needed and left.


On stage, their music was ok, Darcy thought. Average pop music, one could dance to those tunes, sing along driving or overseas missing home while in inhospitable war zones. But Darcy mostly saw the guy drooling over Lizzy. Maybe it had been better to be there at the audience, he wouldn't have watched the interview, wouldn't understand why, as the band took a break to tune instruments, the guy walked off stage and returned pulling her by the hand.

‘Hey, folks! Do you know who this lovely girl is?’ Elliot spoke on the stage’s central microphone. ‘Lizzy Bennett who catch us in interviews on TV? I just learned she is a fairly proficient on the piano.’ He grinned. ‘And we have the most wicked digital keyboard!’

The crowd answered in cheers.

Lizzy answered shaking her head. ‘No, no, no!’

‘Musgrove needs a break, right?’

‘I'm ready for a break, yeah!’ The other guy said on his microphone making the crowd react again.

‘And I always wanted to perform Eric Clapton live.’

The crowd erupted in so much noise that nothing else was heard.
‘I can't!’ Lizzy waved in panic.

‘Will you let me sing a capella?’ He whispered in her ear. 

She trembled, licked her lips, blinked. But sat behind the amazing keyboard and tried a few keys. The crowd cheered. Elliot took his water bottle, walked to stand close to her while communicating with the crowd and hummed the first verses on the microphone.  There was a loud roar.

concentrate

‘Forget about them.’ He said softly very near Lizzy’s face, microphone hidden behind his back. ‘This is just you and me now.’

She nodded, eyes wide. Concentrating, Lizzy arranged the beret over her hair, took a deep breath and looked down at her hands.

The only exception was that the TV camera was close and they were absolutely not alone. 

'…And it makes me so angry

To know that the flame still burns

Why can't I get over?

When will I ever learn?

Old love, leave me alone

Old love, go on home…'

Darcy stood. ‘Let's go.’

‘Where dude?’ Fitzwilliam didn't take his eyes off screen. ‘I'm enjoying the concert, this intimate moment is great.’

‘I want to be at this damn party when she arrives.’

‘Lizzy, your Lizzy?’

‘Yes, my ex Lizzy.’


‘Hello, fellow rockers! What can you say about this year's festival, huh?’ Benwick, the show's host grinned. ‘Great bands, amazing music and our own Lizzy B hurting the keyboard!’

She bounced on her feet. ‘It was awesome!’

‘Girl, you rocked!’

‘Yeah! I couldn't believe when Elliot called me on stage, and Musgrove's keyboard is the best ever, so much responsibility, I was so frightened, I mean, I love the song, thanks Eric Clapton, by the way, but to play it for a crowd without rehearsing!…’

‘As you can see, my girl Lizzy B is still keyed up!’ Benwick chuckled. ‘You can expect the best party interviews, am I right?’

‘I'm on my way!’ Lizzy stepped off camera.

‘You rockers at home can keep with us on social media. We'll have lives, Lizzy's interviews, party insiders and more. Hope you liked this year's concert. See you soon!’

‘Cut!’ The director yelled. ‘We're off. No more live transmissions today.’

‘Aside from social media lives at the party.’ Charlotte said taking off her earphones. ‘Let's go.’


Lizzy arrived at the party still hyped in adrenaline. A big surprise for her, the participation on Bath & Lyme's gig was actually arranged with her crew, she was informed during the ride from the stadium to the party venue. The bandleader, Elliot, had an eye on her, asked about her and when he learned she played the piano, made plans.

Even a bit aggravated, she realized that if they had told her, she'd refuse the awesome experience.  The only chance she'd do it was by surprise, so they did. She appreciated the booby-trap of sorts. 

Microphone in hand, crew and camera with her, she gavotted the crowd of famous rockers hunting and taking opportunities for spontaneous interviews or few words until her eyes met his. Darcy.

She knew he was supposed to attend the party, but her performance distracted her anxiousness. So many times during the previous 8 years she had fancied she had the ability to discern him at a distance, in a crowd such as that, but he never came. Until two weeks before at the park. Since then she had been seeing Darcy everywhere, anywhere. Facing him for real brought back her insecurities and guilt. ‘Can we take a break?’ She asked, her colleagues nodded. She extended the equipment, they scattered. 

‘Hi.’ She smiled at him, a bit shy. ‘You came. Charlotte said you might.’

He nodded. ‘I watched you on TV today.’

Her smile grew. ‘Could you see how nervous I was?’ A giggle. ‘Terrified!’

‘Also how close you are with the guy.’

She blinked. Lizzy wasn't expecting that tone of voice, there wasn’t enmity between them, neither opened friendship–the past would never ever return, but something must be the matter. She expect him to be sweeter, maybe it was only her memory playing with her head. At the hotel in Orlando, he had been curt, after all. ‘We've met before, I've been following Elliot's career.’

‘Real good friends you are.’ He said gravely. ‘Are you dating him?’

‘No, I'm single at the moment.’

He exhaled slowly. 

‘You?’ Lizzy asked hating the slight shake in her voice. 

‘Single as well.’

They shared a small relieved smile.

‘I'm here in a mission.’ He said, voice clearly more gentle. ‘Can we talk somewhere more quiet?’

‘Sure.’ She pointed the balcony.

On the way, as they walked through the crowd, Lizzy felt a hand on her arm. It was Elliot's with his phone angled on his face broadcasting live on social media so his fans could envy the party. She had to stop and chat for the virtual audience, offered a cheek kiss thanking the song, blushed when he turned his face so they almost shared a lovers' kiss. 

When released, Darcy was again far out of her reach. A few steps brought her to his side, but his presence was no longer hers. ‘The end of the balcony?’ She pointed again. ‘We'll be almost alone.’
He shook his head. ‘I'm leaving.’

‘So soon?’ She asked struck by sheer anxiousness, she needed to be encouraging. ‘Stay. There'll be a few gigs, it'll be worth staying for.’

‘There is nothing worth my staying, Lizzy.’ He eyed her. ‘Is there?’

What was he trying to say? Were there any unpleasant glances? Something turned his intentions… jealousy! Could it be? ‘Yes! The music, the food, good booze.’

He shook his head, made to leave.

She held his hand. ‘Stay, you had something to talk to me.’ And pulled him towards the secluded spot on the balcony.

He let himself get directed, her hand in his was very a very pleasant feeling, one he longed for. 

A few minutes were necessary to calm both their hearts, the cool breeze helped bring them closer. Anxious, she fingered the chain around her neck; he shoved his hands in his pants' pocket.

‘Still missing your lost scapular?’

She smiled, eyes averted to the side. ‘I've lost many important things in my life.’ Lizzy looked back at him. ‘People too.’

‘Some important pillars still stand in your life. Your aunt Gardenia, for example. I understand you live close to her, enough to listen to her advice whenever you need.’

‘I learned that there’s a difference between listening and hearing.’

you pierce my soul

His breast bubbled; there was too much inside for him to keep holding in. ‘I tried to forget you, I believed I had succeeded. My pride made me believe I could be indifferent to you when we met but you…’ He swallowed to gain courage, took a velvet box from his pocket, long and thin, the size to fit a small chain. ‘You pierce my soul, Lizzy. I'm half agony, half hope.’ He opened the jewelry box. ‘Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years ago. I have loved none but you.’ 

Lizzy had no words. Her astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, colored, doubted, and was silent.

The contents of the small box made her eyes mist. This he considered sufficient encouragement.

The avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, in magnificent words and unbelievable actions, touched her heart. ‘How did you manage?’ She whispered. 

‘You move me, love, always have, always will. Selfishly, I wanted your alteration in Orlando to be for me, but it was an heirloom that broke you. I returned to the park, asked for help, remembered the roller coaster's loopings and thought about the safety net to catch flying objects. Your scapular was there. The appreciation to your mom's jewel made me believe again you'd value my mother's ring.’ 

She took her eyes from the box where the thin scapular and a vintage engagement ring rested to focus on his handsome face. ‘There's no one like you.’ Her trembling lips whispered and she jumped to his neck.

They hugged long and tight for several moments.

‘Let's get out of here?’ He murmured and felt her nod. Darcy closed the box, shoved in his pocket again, leaned forward and raised her in his lap.

They didn't notice her crew recording the chivalrous move to post on social media later that night.


‘Once you left my bed and never returned, now I won't leave yours.’ He said sexily kissing her neck where the scapular rested. 
‘From now on, we'll be together the whole time.’ She caressed his hair. ‘Unless…’

‘Unless nothing.’ He rubbed himself over her pretending to adjust their positions.  ‘Lock your feet behind my back, love.’

She giggled, the sensations of their naked bodies together, skin rubbing with such deep feelings, made her burst in happiness. And there was the ring on her finger. She locked her feet behind his back, bringing him closer. ‘The only thing between us is the navy… Could you be deployed again?’

‘Navy is bringing us closer.’ He rose on his elbows, still on top of her, to see her face. ‘I was promoted, will run a veteran center. A new programme to use our own men's expertise in special operations.’ 

She frowned.  ‘A bit vague, isn't it?’

He smiled sideways. ‘Not really…’ They laughed. ‘Just classified.’ 
‘I see… Captain, Mr spy.’

‘Actually, I considered if you'd like to produce a documentary on it.’

‘Really?’ She gasped.

‘You'll feel at home, I'm sure you'd produce a great movie.’

‘Mostly because of you’ She giggled. 

‘Mostly because the Center is to be set in your family's house.’

‘Government people is you!’ Her eyes were wide, heart pumping in high speed.

‘I suggested the place when Louisa said it was on the market, my superiors were searching for a good location. It's close to the academy,  it has the cottages for the crew…’

‘We'd live there, in my house, in one of the small cottages?’

‘Yes.’ He kissed her lips. ‘If you'd like.’

‘Yes!’ She smiled. ‘You, my documentaries, my house. So much happiness, I don't think I can handle. ‘

‘Handle me.’ He kissed her, moved to get closer so she'd feel his intentions on the back of her leg, moaned…

we heart it

Bertha was the first to wake up, maybe because she was already used to the Belladama effects on her body. Her 7th ride was by far more thrilling than all the previous ones combined, so intense and heartfelt. Slowly she opened her eyes to confirm what she remembered: she was in Darrygh Williams’ house, in his bed, with the man himself beside her.

‘Wow!’ She whispered. Asleep, two days’ beard, lashes resting on his cheeks, he was very handsome. ‘He’s still with me there…’ A small smile creeped up on her. She got up carefully, visited the bathroom, brushed her teeth and hair and returned to… hug him.

After loving each other so deeply in the Belladama dream, surely he would welcome an intimate caress. Right?

Williams felt limbs wrap around him and lips touch his skin. Returning to consciousness after living a story in real colors and love tainted with deep hurts was bittersweet, especially when finally; they had found a way to love freely. But it would be infinitely better to love Bertha in real live, outside Belladama.

‘Morning.’ His sleepy voice left his throat.

we heart it

‘Hi.’ She answered. ‘What a ride, huh?’

‘Unbelievable.’ He said in a throaty voice. ‘My parents’ house in Islamorada was a bit different.’

‘The big house? Is it yours?’

‘Similar to it, not quite the same place though.’

‘What do you think it meant, the dream?’

‘The obvious, Bee.’ His arms hugged back bringing her body to his, causing friction, further waking up sensations they lived in the dream. 

To her, it meant they should date because they dreamt well together. But instead of speaking, she considered it better to kiss him when his lips found hers and weirdly it was exactly the same kiss she had been dreaming for weeks. 

The magical tea that came from her friend’s witch grandmother had actually showed her what was in front of her eyes: the regular customer, the coffee late, was such a- oh! 

‘Dar!’ What was that move with his fingers between her legs? So pleasant!

‘We’re just starting, Bee.’

~ to next chapter ~

9 ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously - chapter 12_ PART II

hello, there.
Persuasion.
How about that?

I confess that I was very (very, very) unsure about playing around with Ms. Austen's 'serious novel', but ah... isn't Wentworth one of her best men?

And, isn't it a lovely dream to dream together?

Bertha and Williams have stepped into such a heartwarming ride!... Still hope you like it! And still have my*fingers crossed*

Nine ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously

WIP, modern (mostly), adult (you know me...), fun, fluff, heart healing stuff.
read chapter 12 _PART 1
or START from CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 12
VIII- Lonely Hearts - part 2

It was a customary thing, paying homage to the men and women who risked their lives defending the country overseas, the speakers and screens played the short movie and everyone looked around at the ones standing and saluting. 

That was when Lizzy saw him. Tall, dark and oh-so-handsome. It felt like she was set on fire.

Darcy knew when she saw him because his body alighted. But only when the homage ended and he relaxed that he allowed his head to turn to where she was. Pretty and sweet and tanned.

Her heart broke again when his downward mouth showed his reaction at seeing her.

His heart broke again when he noticed she still lived well after destroying him 8 years before.

Still shocked with his presence, Lizzy returned her eyes to the stage on the back of the dolphins’ tank feeling panic take over. Her nostrils flared, her breathing accelerated, sweat started to damp her hands. William! After 8 long years! At that place, of all places in the world! … 

‘I'm gonna-’ She pointed the general direction of the exit and climbed down the bleachers before her sister could answer anything. But at the stadium door she met her cousins entering in a hurry through a fit of giggles and altered as she was, allowed them to drag her back.

‘Let's stay in the splash zone.’ Lizzy suggested pointing to an area very far from where she had been with her sister.

‘Oh, no! I spent an hour doing my hair this morning, Lizzy! Even burnt myself with the curling iron.’ Kitty showed a finger. ‘As far from water as possible.’ 

‘We should have chosen Desertworld instead of SeaWorld then!’ Louisa laughed. Her sister showed her the tongue, Lizzy whined to herself. ‘There's Jane!’ The girl waved back.

‘And that friend of yours, Lizzy, from work.’ Kitty pointed as they climbed closer. ‘Charlotte, isn't she? Producer of your interview show?’

‘I guess…’

‘Who are those with her?’ Louisa lowered her sunglasses.  ‘Damn, how hot are those guys?’

Maybe I could faint. Lizzy thought. 

‘Finally!’ Jane berated them when they arrived. ‘You almost missed the dolphins.’

‘We were the last ones to enter, had to dodge the hostess like ninjas!’ Louisa made a kung fu move.

‘In training, girl?’ Charlotte joked.

fit as a ninja

‘I'm a ninja, ninjas never relax.’ Louisa and Kitty joined their hands and ankles to lower their head in a bow.

At that, both men put a fist to a palm and bowed in return. 'Osu!' They said.

Charlotte chuckled.  ‘These are true ninjas, Henri-’

‘Louisa, Charlotte!’ The girl stomped a foot.

‘Sorry.’ Charlotte shrugged as means of apologizing, looked at Lizzy and then, on noticing her friend's countenance, frowned.

‘Do you fight ninja?’ One of the girls asked.

‘We both practice martial arts, it's part of our training.’ One of them said.

‘And it's fun.’ The other added smiling sideways.

‘Train for what?’ Kitty asked curiously inspecting their shape.

‘We're navy officers.’

Charlotte leaned closer as if to share a secret. ‘They are seals.’ At the same time, the sound exploded, handsome people in diving suits appeared on stage, one dived and was thrown out of the water by two dolphins.

‘What?’

‘We came for the seals!’ The tallest one shouted smiling.

Presentations were done as best as possible and Lizzy hoped they'd forget about her drowned in all the noise and confusion in her chest. 

‘Of course, my friend Lizzy, the culprit!’

She felt a hand on her shoulder. 

‘She's the reason we're here.’ Charlotte was speaking close to the men's faces, but already so near her, Lizzy could hear everything.  ‘These are Capt Fitzwilliam and Capt Darcy.’

‘Hello!’ One man said. 

‘Hi.’ The other groaned.

Lizzy pressed a smile, blinked charmingly, pretended not to be melting inside.

From the spectacle of trained animals, she barely saw anything. She kept her fingers on the thin scapular’s chain, mind agreeably engaged revisiting the past, the happy year they dated until he proposed. Darcy had been handsome then, but almost a decade older he was irresistible. Would they still be together? Would there be bitter regret between them? Would it had been a happy marriage? They could be fighting for child custody…

‘Hello!’ A giggle.  ‘Earth to Lizzy, do you copy?’

‘Huh?’

‘Let's go!’ Jane pointed the rest of the group already far ahead. ‘The show is over.’

‘Oh, yes. Right.’ Lizzy stood. ‘It was great, wasn't it?’

‘A little shorter than before, maybe because of all this politically correct patrol complaining about the wonderful things they do here.’

‘Maybe…’

‘Where to, now?’ She asked.

‘Back to the hotel?’ Lizzy smiled. ‘Mary and the boys are alone.’

‘Are you crazy? Not even 2 pm!’ Louisa shook her head. ‘My old maid of a cousin wants to call it the day.’ She complained to the others. ‘But I want the fast rides; you promised you’d ride the free falls and coasters with me, Lizzy!’

‘You did, Lizzy.’ Kitty frowned. ‘And simulators too. I'm not standing in line for silly frozen penguins, I want adrenaline!’

‘Are you afraid of roller coasters?’ Darcy sniggered.

‘Kinda…’ Louisa pouted.

‘I'll be your chaperone.’

‘I'd love that!’ She took his arm and they started to walk in the direction of the big scary ride.

If for Lizzy it was heart wrenching see her ex, it was an even bigger massacre to witness his attentions to her cousin who as 19, the age she had been when she broke their engagement.  

‘Are you ok?’ Jane linked arms with her as they met at the roller coaster shaded line. ‘I lost you in the crowd twice during the walk.’

‘It's pretty hot today, isn't it?’

‘It was hotter earlier, actually...’

‘Too sunny.’

‘This the Sunshine State after all!’ Jane giggled.

‘I think I'll try to find a smoothie.’

‘I want one too, Lizzy.’ Kitty cried. ‘Please?’

‘Well bring refreshments for everyone.’ Jane decreed. ‘Guys, what can we get you?’

‘I'm fine, thanks.’ Darcy answered without looking directly at them.

‘No need, fine lady.’ Fitzwilliam smiled. 

As the sisters gained distance from the group, Lizzy started to breathe normally again. And think. ‘What was that about?’ She poked Jane. ‘Playing waitress for strangers.’

‘Oh, how gorgeous they are! Can you imagine how they look in uniforms?’ A smirk. ‘Charlotte, huh, dating two guys at once!’ A giggle.

‘I wonder what Charles Bingley would say about this enthusiasm of yours.’

‘Hopefully he’d be so jealous as to finally propose after seven years together?’

‘He is too good for such petty feeling.’ Lizzy joked as they stopped in line for the beverages. ‘Is it right that men forget frustrations in love faster than women?’ She asked out of the blue.

Jane was filled with terror. ‘What did Charles say to you? Why didn't you tell me right away? When did he call you?’

‘Calm down, there's nothing to do with you. I was just wondering.’ 

‘Because your friend has two and you have none?’

‘Charlotte is dating only Fitzwilliam, the shorter.’

‘Oh, what a pity... the other is such a catch.’

‘You think?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Don't you remember him?’

The sisters exchanged a long complicit look.

…

Darcy had had time to prepare, he anticipated the day he'd finally meet her again after so long. Still, his jumbled feelings and thoughts were as unpredictable as guerrilla behind enemy lines. She looked prettier, hot but aged. Her face showed trouble contrasting with his memory of a sweet careless babe with bright ideas and a sharp tongue. 

The reason why she changed so much was none of his business, they were acquaintances.  He barely remembered details of their time together, the imported chocolate bar she preferred, what kind of knickers she used or how she liked to be kissed. Those were faded memories. ‘They are taking too long. Do you think they need help?’ He asked casually. 

‘My cousins?’ Louisa averted her eyes from the phone. ‘If they do, they'll call us.’ She raised her hand. ‘A selfie!’ 

Darcy was taken by surprise, but smiled as the girl glued faces with him. ‘Don't post this on social media, Louisa, please.’ 

‘Why?’ She whined.

‘Work.’ He pressed his lips. 

She pouted so prettily that he caved in. ‘Cut off most of my face, let me show you how.’

Watching the scene, Charlotte groaned silently.  ‘Men are such fools.’ She said, both Fitzwilliam and Kitty looked at her. ‘We only have to play our charms and you're done.’

‘Still you don't rule the world.’

Both women frowned. ‘What about England?’

‘Germany?’

‘Chile?’

‘New Zealand!’

‘What about those countries?’ He challenged.

‘All governed by women!’

Fitzwilliam rolled his shoulders. ‘Governing isn't ruling.’

‘How many women do we have today in Congress?’ Charlotte rose to the challenge. 

‘I'll check right now.’ Kitty took her phone from her pocket.

‘Women are emotional, think with their hearts.’ He smiled.

‘And men with their weenies.’ She pulled a face.

They laughed. 

‘Men easily put personal troubles behind and move on to act as needed, that's what I'm saying. Proactiveness.’

‘I don't know…’ Kitty paused.  ‘Uncle Bennett seems to always miss his late wife; he talks about her, built a shrine in the garden.’

‘Lizzy told me about that.’ Charlotte went serious. ‘She was very sad when she returned from that inauguration, even with the priest's words and the family together.’ 

‘Uncle did everything so perfectly, so formal…’ Kitty agreed. ‘Remember, Louisa, we needed to buy new clutches because ours didn't match our cocktail hats?’

chic as a royal lady

‘And the fascinator Jane used on her hair, the feathers and veil.’ Louisa posed her fingers over her head to better exemplify.

‘Lovely.’

‘It was… Aunt Gardenia managed to find an haute couture suit to match Aunt Bennett’s best pillbox hat. What a thoughtful homage… no easy feat, but she did it even though she was so busy arranging Lizzy’s new condo close to her place.’

‘What did Lizzy wear?’ Darcy asked and blushed when all eyes zeroed on him. He shrugged.  ‘You give so much importance to hats, I'm curious. I do wear hats most of time. Right, Fitzwilliam?’
‘Yeah, dude. Caps, visors, garrison.’

‘Lizzy was in black…’ Kitty bit her lips. ‘We all were, of course, it was another funeral. But I mostly remember her boyfriend holding her close.’

‘Me too!’ Louisa smiled.  ‘Mom and Aunt Gardenia were certain he was about to propose. We even joked about a wedding topping a fake funeral.’ 

‘Right!’

The sisters giggled.

‘Did he?’ Darcy asked. ‘Propose, married her?’

‘She's single, not divorced…’

‘Incredibly enough, with all the hot guys she interviews for the show, both in bands and crew. They think I’m the one refusing to give her personal phone number, but she rarely dates guys from work.’

‘So, it's not incredible she's single, it's understandable.’ 

‘Incredible how she resists. Only women can do that, men fall for any flirt.’

‘Not true.’ Fitzwilliam shook a finger.

‘Yes, true!’ Charlotte insisted, chuckled when he got closer, shared a quick kiss.

‘Oh, they are coming back. Please, don't mention the funeral or the shrine.’ Louisa asked in rushed tones.

‘It’s that the house is on the market. Jane gets so upset…’

‘Lizzy too, even though she moved out years ago. A decade, I think, but it's still her mom's house. To think of it sold to a stranger...’

‘Is it a big place?’ Darcy asked, eyes on the prettiness of the woman he had once loved as she walked back to him - to where he stood with her friend and family.

Charlotte snorted. ‘Talk about city palaces…’

‘Big, a mansion! Six bedrooms, don’t know how many bathrooms, three living rooms, pool house, wine cellar, billiards room, home theater, gym, golf simulator room… what else, Kitty?’

‘Guest cottages on the lawn. Something about how many football fields would fit in the park… Do you remember, Louisa?’

‘It is a palace!’ Charlotte whispered. ‘I've been invited to a weekend. Needs a bit of renovation, like removing the snobbish owner.’

‘Help, help, help!’ Jane offered the three cups she was holding. ‘Frozen fingers!’

Lizzy also carried three and blushed when Darcy's big hands held the cups for her. ‘Thanks.’

‘No problem.’

She took hers and a very red one. He was left with an orange green frozen juice. But all the women had one. ‘And this?’

‘Orange, pineapple and kale.’ She said. ‘Right?’ Then, by the look on his face, she considered how tremendously stupid her idea had been. ‘Still like it?’

‘Sure.’ He simply averted his eyes removing the lid carefully so the straw wouldn't drip on him. ‘Thanks.’ It had been years since he had had that juice, but it tasted wonderful. 

The line moved, they inched closer and closer to the ride and Lizzy couldn't find a way out of that situation.  She started to plan that when they entered the coaster, she'd escape somewhere else and go back to the hotel. Once safely far from the view of Darcy's attentions to other women, she'd text to let her sister know where she was. Jane would understand. 

It was a coward's plan, but a possible plan. The only problem was she couldn't escape. Darcy himself pulled her in front of him to enter the ride and took the seat behind her besides Louisa.

‘You'll need to hold my hand.’ Lizzy heard Louisa say. ‘I get too scared.’

‘Of course!’ He chuckled. ‘Give me your hand, pretty lady.’
Security belts and locks in place, their feet left the ground, the seat gyrated backwards and they were ready to fly as superman.

‘Shit.’ Lizzy said. But it was too late.

The ride of free falls, turns, twists and climbs was exhilarating, adrenaline pumped inside her; she grinned and only noticed a reassuring hand holding her elbow from behind when speed slowed to an almost stop. She tried to turn or look behind her, but she was too trapped.

Darcy had never heard his ex-girlfriend curse, and it amused him more than the coaster. Sure that falls and twists turned his insides, but the pretty woman in front of him screaming dirty words at each abrupt movement made him laugh loud. Terrorized she must have been, so he reached out to hold her.

When they left the ride, grinning and chatting, he still kept his distance for her in spite of the turmoil inside him. If only…

‘Oh, no!’ Lizzy stopped in the middle of the crowd. ‘No, no, no!’

‘What?’

‘Please, God, no, no!’ She started to panic, look around her, put her hands in her pockets, held her breasts. 

‘Are you hurt, sister?’ Jane frowned.

‘I'm going to die!’ Lizzy held her neck. ‘Mom's scapular, I lost it!’

‘What was that?’ Fitzwilliam exchanged a funny look with Darcy.

‘A necklace, long, with a pendant in each side.’

‘Was it a jewel? Gold or anything?’

‘Gold!’ Lizzy blinked misted eyes. ‘But it could cost a penny, the real value was my mother's inheritance.’ 

‘Sure.’

‘We'll find it.’ Jane decided. ‘When was the last time you noticed it around your neck?’

‘The smoothies bar, as we talked, I fingered it.’ Lizzy blushed making an effort not to look at Darcy because he had been the subject.

‘Let's return there. You guys can look around here.’

As soon as Jane and Lizzy were out of hearing range, Louisa pouted. ‘I'm not wasting my time looking for an old necklace. Let's try the waterfall, Kitty?’ She smiled.

‘Better help Lizzy, she needs to find it.’

‘No, it may be too late… Darcy?’ 

‘Sure, in a moment.’

‘Now!’

Louisa held his arm pulling him to the right, he tried to resist but she stepped on a stroller passing by, lost her balance, fell over the baby taking the mother with her in an awful fall.  

A catastrophe! The baby cried, the mother suspected an attack, Louisa whined miserably.

The tears she had been holding in her, Lizzy let flow when she got a text from Kitty saying they were on the way to the hotel because of the accident. The photo showed Louisa with bruised knees, elbow, hair in disarray but comfortably ensconced in Darcy's arms as he carried her.

---

Sun, sorrow, shame had a too strong hold of Lizzy. 

At the hotel, after visiting her snoring sister and nephews, then her cousins' room to make sure the girl was ok, she decided it was best to retire to her own domain without much explanation. 

In the crowded hotel room, Louisa had a battalion watching over her: Jane already showed her mistrust on the girl's pain, Kitty reinforced her sister’s suffering, Darcy hovered around, Charlotte and Fitzwilliam offered to visit a drugstore for ointments and bandages. Lizzy considered her presence unnecessary. 

Cold shower helped, she tried to convince her heart that losing her mother's heirloom was worse than meeting her handsome past head on. The suite had a fairly comfortable couch conspicuously resembling a sofa bed that was close enough from the kitchen where she put a bowl of frozen soup in the microwave.  But tiredness won over the slow revolving of the dish and she dozed off.

Darcy was sent for ice, one of the women said it would relieve the sore areas around the angry reddish wounds; he'd do anything to get out of that ridiculous situation. At the corridor he sighed, ruffled his short hair. Scrapped knee, what could be more juvenile? He asked himself. And heard a beep. 

Frowning he searched left and right. Again the beep, faint. And he noticed the door left almost closed, but not locked. A third beep. Someone could be in trouble - real trouble - he convinced himself knocking softly on the door immediately aside the one he had just left. It could be hers, it was a wild guess, invasion of privacy, many misdemeanors or felonies or… Lizzy, his former Lizzy sleeping with her legs tucked her, on the couch, as the pretty woman she was.

Eight years was too long to a wait, not all instincts worked properly when faced with such a temptation. He silently walked closer, kneeled before her and touched his lips to hers. A very sweet caress, the faintest of touches, but skin on skin.

Her eyes opened slowly, she smiled, her hands moved to hold his face. ‘Hi.’

‘Hi.’

‘I missed you.’

‘Me too.’

They held each other's eyes in silence. 

‘Best dream I've had in years…’

‘Eight?’ He asked. ‘Or less?’

The tone of his voice hit her in the gut; she blushed furiously, felt hot all over. It wasn't a dream, he was there! In her dreams, he was always sweet and loving, in real life he surfed the edge of rudeness with her. ‘Oh.’ She swallowed, let go of his face. ‘I'm sorry.’ A series of blinks. ‘I thought I was-’

‘Dreaming of me?’

‘Yes.’

‘Do you do it often?’

‘Yes.’ Lizzy had no guile to lie, he was there!

‘And you always smile so prettily when I'm around? Is it to seduce me again?’

No answer.

‘You dream I follow you again, give you my heart, and then what?’
‘Darcy, after all these years, that was not what-’

‘Then you stay by my side or let someone else in your family decide your life?’ He accused as much as asked. ‘And what is my answer, Lizzy, do I let you go over and over?’

‘Wait!’ She asked holding his face again. ‘Let me-’

There was too much inside him to wait a single moment. He leaned on her and captured her in a kiss, a real passionate, invasive kiss. The yearning for her. He held her waist and legs. The heartbreak. The remorse that ate him alive. He almost laid on top of her. All the possible what ifs.

‘Wait!’ She tossed her head back. ‘Wait, love, let me breathe!’

‘Don't call me that, I'm not your love.’

The pang of pain was hard to take. ‘You must think you are something to me!’ Tired, emotionally drained, and then, aggravated. ‘Entered my room without invitation, found me asleep alone and stayed, woke me up, kissed me. You changed, Darcy, a lot!’

He stood to fight back, but she was right. ‘I apologize, I got carried away.’ Defeated, he sat beside her. ‘There were beeps, I thought that maybe someone was having a medical emergency, came in just to check and found you here.’

‘Beeps.’ She was still frowning. What did he mean by that?… ‘My soup!’

Lizzy jumped to rescue her dinner. Tasted and realized it needed reheating. 

‘Soup in a hot day as today?’ 

‘It’s calming, spinach and asparagus.’ She didn't see the disgusted expression he pulled because she was facing the oven. ‘I didn't eat much today and there's a freezer full of frozen meals in the lobby.’ He was silent, so she turned to make sure he hadn't left. 

‘Funny you are, Lizzy Bennett.’

She pursed her lips.

‘Never thought I'd meet you in a hotel like this. The one I chose is far better.’

‘Stayed in worse.’ She shrugged. ‘On tours, working as TV interviewer for rock concerts and all.’

‘I've followed your career, watched you on line.’

‘Oh.’ The oven beeped calling her attention and saving her from facing him. ‘I love my work, but I'm not proud of everything I've done. They've sent me to some awful concerts.’

‘And you didn't quit? Your father or aunt didn't persuade you to search for another job that was up to the Bennett's standards.’

She chose to ignore the jibe. ‘My aunt was the one who got me this job when I needed to move away from home, she’s friends with the network owner. That’s why I moved to Miami. My dad and sister think I should leave the music cable network for a major channel, but until I can start my own documentary production studio, I'll stay put. I like what we do.’ A pause. ‘My mother’s passing still hurts, my dad is not the same; he has been through a few rough times.’ She turned back bringing the hot bowl with care. ‘Financially and emotionally.  He is trying to deny his own depression.’

‘Never realized he was so dependent to your mom.’

‘Was, especially because she managed the expenses, made sure we didn't lose track of reality.’ 

‘He is broke, is that it?’

She nodded sipping gingerly from the spoon. ‘Almost. We have our trust funds, not much money but enough for a safety net. For me, at least. My sister can spend that amount in a month.’

He mumbled something she didn't quite understand.  ‘Is that why you're so different? Fidgety?’

She stopped with her spoon on the way to her mouth. ‘From what you remember?’ He nodded. ‘I'm not 19 anymore, Darcy.’ 

‘No, you're not.’ He meant as a compliment, she understood as a pejorative observation. ‘Sad, forlorn.’

mom's heirloom

He eyed her like a hawk, it made her terribly uncomfortable.  ‘Today was a very bad day for me. I lost my mom's jewel.’ Her eyes filled with unshed tears again. ‘Don't know how could I be so foolish.  Now I'm lost, alone.’ Her hand touched her neck and chest where the scapular used to rest. ‘It's all kinds of awful.’ The soup seemed inedible, she pushed it aside.

‘What can be done? What can be attempted, to recover your necklace?’ He stood holding his waist. ‘Is there nothing you could take, to give you present relief? A glass of wine, bold red Sirah.’ He sniggered humorlessly. ‘The kind you used to like. Shall I get you one?'

‘I still like it.’ Although she felt a bit warmed with his remembrance, the pain was too strong to make her smile. Nothing can be done; I know that. Before leaving the park I left a complaint in the visitor's office. But what could be done? It's thin Italian chain with medals the size of a thumbnail. It'd difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.  How are they even to discover it? Someone may have found it, saw how lovely it was, took it…’ Tears rolled down her cheek. ‘I don't have the smallest hope. It is every way horrible.’

He nodded. ‘Well, I am afraid you have been long desiring to be rid of me, and I don't have anything to offer.’ He pointed with his thumb over his shoulder. ‘I was supposed to find ice for Louisa's knee.’

‘Of course.’ She sniffed, cleaned the tears with her fingers. ‘Go, she's waiting.’

Darcy spent a few moments with uncertainty until he realized his disposability. ‘Bye.’

‘Bye.’ She whispered.  ‘Again.’

---

‘I have the right to be in his apartment, he gave me the key!’ The twin said opening the door. ‘I'm his little sister. If he is in trouble, I’m the one to help, he has helped me before. If not for him, I don’t know what could have happened…’ She paused. ‘He never answers my phone calls anymore I have to check if he needs me to pay back the favor.’

‘But he's an adult, Giovana. What if he's with someone?’ 

‘Junior would have told me if he was seeing someone, Anne.’ 

‘He doesn't have to tell you all his secrets-’ Anne prepared herself to help her wife rooted to the floor on the door of her brother's room. ‘What?’

Giovana held a smile between amusement and wonder. ‘They are asleep!’ She whispered.

‘Who?’

‘Junior and a girl…’

Giovana and Anne watched Bertha and Williams slept on their sides, each on a corner of the bed, facing each other and holding hands.

they really do...

‘We better leave.’

‘Yes…’ Giovana let her wife pull her by the hand. ‘How cute they are?’ 

‘Lovely.’

‘I should take a picture, wait a moment.’

‘Don’t  think it’s a good idea, too big of an indiscretion, Gio….’

---

~ to be continued ~