I can't believe I'm doing this. lol. I haven't written in ages... and then this challenge comes along, and I just HAVE to enter it. lol. Always happens like this.
Anyways, I decided to shake things up a bit. Enjoy!
Let It Snow
Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
It doesn't show signsof stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
When we finally kissgoodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm
The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still goodbying
But as long as you love me so
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
The tinny broadcast of the popular carol was certainly appropriate for their own weather forecast. It didn’t show signs of stopping. Traffic was snarled, planes grounded and trains overcrowded as potential travelers were forced to put their holidays on hold. There was no doubt; they wouldn’t be getting through tonight. They’d have to make the best of it here and try again in the morning. Turning to his companion he smiled apologetically and said, “Mrs. Woughie, I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do except stay here for the night.”
“Myles Leland, do you mean to tell me that you are incapable of giving me a ride home, as you promised?” the elderly lady asked incredulously.
Myles cleared his throat definitively. “I cannot drive you home in a car that is buried in three feet of snow! It’s completely impossible!” His voice rose in pitch as he spoke, alerting him to the fact that if he did not reign the conversation in to a trot, it’d gallop away faster than he could ride with it… and any advantageous alliance he had with this neighborhood board member would be only a memory. “Mrs. Woughie, I am afraid we are not the only ones left in this predicament. Every single person here is stranded until the weather calms down.”
“Including me,” a female voice from behind Myles complained, quickly approaching. “I’m not looking forward to it either.” She turned to Mrs. Woughie. “Trust me, the last person I’d like to be stranded with is Myles Leland.” The agent glared at her. “The third.” A smug smile crossed his face.
“I feel the same way about you, Lucy, my dear,” Myles returned dryly.
*****
Full Version: Let It Snow- Lizzym87- Option 2
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2005 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > Christmas Challenge 2005 '<:)
The day had begun like any other Washington D.C. workday in winter. She’d arrived at eight, right on time, with a few team members there already, and a few on the way. It was snowing lightly outside, but nothing threatening. In fact, it was rather picturesque. It snowed every year in D.C., but this year… there was a different feeling in the air, like something was just around the corner. Every time a light twinkled, a snowflake fell, or a bell rang, Lucy’s heart jumped a bit in anticipation. Anticipation of what, though? She did not know.
There were no active cases going on at this point, so the day was filled with paperwork. Ironically, despite the busywork, everyone seemed to be in the holiday spirit—even Levi, who loved to bark along to Jingle Bells. Paperwork became more endurable, conversation became a bit goofier, desks began to resemble department store window displays, and clothing became a bit more…. well, “holly-and-the-ivy-ish.” Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, and all sorts of Christmas carols filled the room, courtesy of Tara’s computer.
And yet, despite all of this blatant Christmas cheer, Myles remained the proverbial stick in the mud. He had even gone so far as to buy earmuffs for the sole purpose of blocking out Tara’s seasonal musical contributions. Every Christmas needed a Scrooge, a Grinch, a bah-humbuger, and Myles was just that… with a passion.
And now, Lucy was stuck with him. On Christmas Eve she was stuck in a community hall with Myles Leland III, and half a dozen senior citizens, where the only entertainment came from an ancient radio playing Christmas carols, plagued by squeaks and static. She was supposed to be on her way to see Grams, in a heated car, listening to Bing Crosby croon about a white Christmas. Instead, she was listening to Myles have a near argument with Velma Woughie about whether or not she was getting a ride home when every single car in the parking lot was trapped in at least three feet of snow.
Now, how did Lucy Dotson end up in this predicament with the Grinchiest man in existence? That was a whole different story entirely
*****
There were no active cases going on at this point, so the day was filled with paperwork. Ironically, despite the busywork, everyone seemed to be in the holiday spirit—even Levi, who loved to bark along to Jingle Bells. Paperwork became more endurable, conversation became a bit goofier, desks began to resemble department store window displays, and clothing became a bit more…. well, “holly-and-the-ivy-ish.” Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, and all sorts of Christmas carols filled the room, courtesy of Tara’s computer.
And yet, despite all of this blatant Christmas cheer, Myles remained the proverbial stick in the mud. He had even gone so far as to buy earmuffs for the sole purpose of blocking out Tara’s seasonal musical contributions. Every Christmas needed a Scrooge, a Grinch, a bah-humbuger, and Myles was just that… with a passion.
And now, Lucy was stuck with him. On Christmas Eve she was stuck in a community hall with Myles Leland III, and half a dozen senior citizens, where the only entertainment came from an ancient radio playing Christmas carols, plagued by squeaks and static. She was supposed to be on her way to see Grams, in a heated car, listening to Bing Crosby croon about a white Christmas. Instead, she was listening to Myles have a near argument with Velma Woughie about whether or not she was getting a ride home when every single car in the parking lot was trapped in at least three feet of snow.
Now, how did Lucy Dotson end up in this predicament with the Grinchiest man in existence? That was a whole different story entirely
*****
Yippee!!!!! Take it away, Lizzy!!!!!Jill
QUOTE
Now, how did Lucy Dotson end up in this predicament with the Grinchiest man in existence? That was a whole different story entirely
okay, I'm in....just let me get some more hot chocolate...
“Myles, I just asked for a ride home from work, not to be killed by a maniacal wannabe race car driver!” Lucy practically screeched at the man beside her in the driver seat.
“There’s black ice on the road. The surface is slick. I am driving as safely as is humanly possible under the present conditions!” the hotheaded FBI agent replied to the woman’s protests. His eyes narrowed as he tried to get a better view of the winding road ahead.
“This is soooo not how I pictured my life ending,” Lucy grumbled sarcastically.
“Well, if you had simply brought chains for your vehicle like any intelligent person would have, this would not have happened.”
“I’m no psychic, Myles. How was I supposed to know a blizzard was coming? The weatherman said there’d be light flurries, at worst”
There was no time for him to reply as the car spun out of control. Snow flew out from under the screeching tires. The car skidded off the road, into the darkness.
*****
“There’s black ice on the road. The surface is slick. I am driving as safely as is humanly possible under the present conditions!” the hotheaded FBI agent replied to the woman’s protests. His eyes narrowed as he tried to get a better view of the winding road ahead.
“This is soooo not how I pictured my life ending,” Lucy grumbled sarcastically.
“Well, if you had simply brought chains for your vehicle like any intelligent person would have, this would not have happened.”
“I’m no psychic, Myles. How was I supposed to know a blizzard was coming? The weatherman said there’d be light flurries, at worst”
There was no time for him to reply as the car spun out of control. Snow flew out from under the screeching tires. The car skidded off the road, into the darkness.
*****
There is nothing like being stuck in a difficult traffic situation to get everyone's nerves on end. I'm glad you started this one, Lizzy. This should be interesting.
ROFL! Myles and Lucy stuck together with elderly board lady?!? This'll be good!!
QUOTE(justme_jp3 @ Dec 29 2005, 07:10 AM)
Yay, Lizzy!!! So glad to see you back!! Definitely on board for this one! 
Ditto! And I can hear Lucy and Myles---great job so far!
I'm so excited to see you posting a new story -- and one about Myles and Lucy -- well.... unless they kill each other on Christmas Eve 
that wouldn't be a good omen for the New Year, would it?I love your style, how you've set the scene -- the bullpen description just leapt off the page and I especially appreciate the reference to Levi singing Jingle Bells. I do so love a festive canine!
Keep going -- I want to hear all about Lucy's disasterous day -- well, I'm assuming it was disasterous since she's now stranded with Myles in a snowstorm. 
kav
“Myles?”
There was only silence.
“Myles?”
A groan.
“Myles Leland.”
There was mumbling. “Get it right, woman. I am Myles Leland the Third.”
“Obviously you haven’t injured your tongue.”
“Very funny, Lucy.” Myles paused as he tried to sit up in the scrunched car. “You alright?”
“I guess so. My neck’s a little sore; nothing life-threatening.”
“Good, because my car is completely totaled, thanks to you.” Of course, him being a Leland, that statement was a dramatic exaggeration.
“Me? How in the world can you blame me for this?” Lucy struggled against her seat belt, trying to remove it from its near chokehold on her.
“Lucy, I do not make it a habit to travel out towards your apartment, at night, in abominable weather. The roads are practically foreign to me, and if you could have driven yourself home, I would not be driving unfamiliar roads in perilous conditions!”
Finally, she released herself from her seat belt. “You could have just said no when I asked for a ride and left me at the bullpen. Now I see I’d have been a lot better off there on a bureau-issued cot.”
“Well, since we’re too far from your apartment complex to walk there, and much closer to the community center, I suggest we drop into my neighborhood association’s Christmas festivities. I promised Velma a ride home tonight. I might as well deliver the bad news in person.” The two of them opened their car doors and left the semi-scrunched vehicle, which had done nothing more than graze a tree.
“My, my, aren’t you the taxi driver all of a sudden. And going to a Christmas party, Mr. Ebenezer?” Lucy stomped through the snow, passing Myles as briskly as she could, heading in the direction of the community center.
“I was simply doing a good deed. After all, we Lelands…”
“Can it, Myles. Walk, don’t talk.”
*****
There was only silence.
“Myles?”
A groan.
“Myles Leland.”
There was mumbling. “Get it right, woman. I am Myles Leland the Third.”
“Obviously you haven’t injured your tongue.”
“Very funny, Lucy.” Myles paused as he tried to sit up in the scrunched car. “You alright?”
“I guess so. My neck’s a little sore; nothing life-threatening.”
“Good, because my car is completely totaled, thanks to you.” Of course, him being a Leland, that statement was a dramatic exaggeration.
“Me? How in the world can you blame me for this?” Lucy struggled against her seat belt, trying to remove it from its near chokehold on her.
“Lucy, I do not make it a habit to travel out towards your apartment, at night, in abominable weather. The roads are practically foreign to me, and if you could have driven yourself home, I would not be driving unfamiliar roads in perilous conditions!”
Finally, she released herself from her seat belt. “You could have just said no when I asked for a ride and left me at the bullpen. Now I see I’d have been a lot better off there on a bureau-issued cot.”
“Well, since we’re too far from your apartment complex to walk there, and much closer to the community center, I suggest we drop into my neighborhood association’s Christmas festivities. I promised Velma a ride home tonight. I might as well deliver the bad news in person.” The two of them opened their car doors and left the semi-scrunched vehicle, which had done nothing more than graze a tree.
“My, my, aren’t you the taxi driver all of a sudden. And going to a Christmas party, Mr. Ebenezer?” Lucy stomped through the snow, passing Myles as briskly as she could, heading in the direction of the community center.
“I was simply doing a good deed. After all, we Lelands…”
“Can it, Myles. Walk, don’t talk.”
*****
I love that last line.....and this is becoming more and more intriguing.....ohhhhhhhhhhhhh
Welcome back Lizzy!!!!
Myles can be soooo ....Myles sometimes...
I can't wait to see where this is going!
I can't wait to see where this is going!
Love the banter. Lucy so has the barbs!!! Keep it up!Jill
walk don't talk -- I'll have to remember that the next time Elsie sees a squirrel on our walk!
kav
kav
Haha, I'm sure Elsie will appreciate that little piece of advice.
****
For the next fifteen minutes, the pair trudged through the ever-growing layer of snow in silence. The only sound to be heard was the crunching of their feet against dead leaves, buried in the white powder beneath their feet.
As the community center finally came into view, Lucy breathed a sigh of relief, her expression escaping her mouth in a puff of visible smoke. It was so cold. Her fingers were almost completely numb, and her toes were tingly as feeling began to leave them. Myles was at her side, having caught up to her in the early leg of their journey. He began pounding on the front door as soon as they reached it, breathing heavily from their icy excursion. A minute passed before it was opened by an elderly man with a slight hunch.
“It’s about time, Reginald,” Myles nearly growled as he pushed by the man, eager to feel the warmth of the room. Lucy followed.
“He’s just irritable from the cold, is all,” she told the senior citizen apologetically.
“Nah, he’s just a Leland,” Reginald replied. Lucy laughed in spite of her freezing condition.
The room was decorated with all sorts of holiday finery, from paper chains and popcorn strings to raffia angels and red silk bows. Just looking at it made Lucy want to stand on her tiptoes and burst into song. Looking over at Myles, she saw a deep frown settle into his features… almost as though it were etched there. His eyebrows were wet from melting snow and his hair was practically plastered to his head. She almost laughed. He looked so stern, and yet his condition was absolutely pathetic. She wondered how he would look if he smiled. Instead, he turned and looked at her. Suddenly, she found herself very thankful that her blush wouldn’t be too apparent with her dark skin.
“You’re laughing at me?”
Oh no. I must have laughed out loud. “No, of course not, Myles. I think it’s just all this holiday cheer.” Lucy punched him in the shoulder as she passed him by. “You should try it sometime.”
He watched her as she crossed to the refreshment table, shrugging her jacket off as she acclimated to the warm room. She wore an evergreen sweater that accentuated her curves perfectly. Lucy’s jacket had not completely protected her from the snow and her outfit was damp, making her clothing hug her even more intimately. A shudder went down his spine, completely unrelated to the frigid storm outside.
*****
As Velma and Myles carried on about whether or not she would be returning home that evening, Lucy stood by the refreshment table, unsure of whether to laugh or be embarrassed by his behavior. Deciding that it was time to intervene, she sped over to the bickering pair.
“Mrs. Woughie, I am afraid we are not the only ones left in this predicament. Every single person here is stranded until the weather calms down,” Myles insisted.
“Including me,” Lucy complained from behind Myles, approaching quickly. “I’m not looking forward to it either.” She turned to Mrs. Woughie. “Trust me, the last person I’d like to be stranded with on Christmas Eve is Myles Leland.” The agent glared at her. “The third.” A smug smile crossed his face.
“I feel the same way about you, Lucy, my dear,” Myles returned dryly.
“Mrs. Woughie, if the weather were any better, I would do everything in my power to make sure you got home tonight. Unfortunately,” she shot Myles an icy glare, “he’s right. There’s no way we can get you home tonight.”
“You see, Myles Leland, this is how a lady ought to be treated. All you had to do was speak politely. You may not be one of my ruffian students, but I certainly can give you a time out!”
“I spoke with the utmost decorum and respe—”
“Myles, why don’t we get warmed up by the fire over there,” Lucy interrupted.
“But, Luce, I’ve already—”
She tugged on his arm, pulling him towards a lit fireplace at the far end of the room.
“You’ve said enough, Mr. Scrooge. Besides, you don’t want to end up with a time out, do you?”
Myles rolled his eyes at her, before directing his gaze downward. “May I have my arm back?”
Lucy blushed, once again thankful for the disguise of natural darkness. She dropped his arm as mirth filled her eyes. “Are you sure? I figured it was my Christmas gift.” She walked ahead of the partially bewildered FBI agent, seating herself in front of the fire, effectively ending the conversation.
*****
****
For the next fifteen minutes, the pair trudged through the ever-growing layer of snow in silence. The only sound to be heard was the crunching of their feet against dead leaves, buried in the white powder beneath their feet.
As the community center finally came into view, Lucy breathed a sigh of relief, her expression escaping her mouth in a puff of visible smoke. It was so cold. Her fingers were almost completely numb, and her toes were tingly as feeling began to leave them. Myles was at her side, having caught up to her in the early leg of their journey. He began pounding on the front door as soon as they reached it, breathing heavily from their icy excursion. A minute passed before it was opened by an elderly man with a slight hunch.
“It’s about time, Reginald,” Myles nearly growled as he pushed by the man, eager to feel the warmth of the room. Lucy followed.
“He’s just irritable from the cold, is all,” she told the senior citizen apologetically.
“Nah, he’s just a Leland,” Reginald replied. Lucy laughed in spite of her freezing condition.
The room was decorated with all sorts of holiday finery, from paper chains and popcorn strings to raffia angels and red silk bows. Just looking at it made Lucy want to stand on her tiptoes and burst into song. Looking over at Myles, she saw a deep frown settle into his features… almost as though it were etched there. His eyebrows were wet from melting snow and his hair was practically plastered to his head. She almost laughed. He looked so stern, and yet his condition was absolutely pathetic. She wondered how he would look if he smiled. Instead, he turned and looked at her. Suddenly, she found herself very thankful that her blush wouldn’t be too apparent with her dark skin.
“You’re laughing at me?”
Oh no. I must have laughed out loud. “No, of course not, Myles. I think it’s just all this holiday cheer.” Lucy punched him in the shoulder as she passed him by. “You should try it sometime.”
He watched her as she crossed to the refreshment table, shrugging her jacket off as she acclimated to the warm room. She wore an evergreen sweater that accentuated her curves perfectly. Lucy’s jacket had not completely protected her from the snow and her outfit was damp, making her clothing hug her even more intimately. A shudder went down his spine, completely unrelated to the frigid storm outside.
*****
As Velma and Myles carried on about whether or not she would be returning home that evening, Lucy stood by the refreshment table, unsure of whether to laugh or be embarrassed by his behavior. Deciding that it was time to intervene, she sped over to the bickering pair.
“Mrs. Woughie, I am afraid we are not the only ones left in this predicament. Every single person here is stranded until the weather calms down,” Myles insisted.
“Including me,” Lucy complained from behind Myles, approaching quickly. “I’m not looking forward to it either.” She turned to Mrs. Woughie. “Trust me, the last person I’d like to be stranded with on Christmas Eve is Myles Leland.” The agent glared at her. “The third.” A smug smile crossed his face.
“I feel the same way about you, Lucy, my dear,” Myles returned dryly.
“Mrs. Woughie, if the weather were any better, I would do everything in my power to make sure you got home tonight. Unfortunately,” she shot Myles an icy glare, “he’s right. There’s no way we can get you home tonight.”
“You see, Myles Leland, this is how a lady ought to be treated. All you had to do was speak politely. You may not be one of my ruffian students, but I certainly can give you a time out!”
“I spoke with the utmost decorum and respe—”
“Myles, why don’t we get warmed up by the fire over there,” Lucy interrupted.
“But, Luce, I’ve already—”
She tugged on his arm, pulling him towards a lit fireplace at the far end of the room.
“You’ve said enough, Mr. Scrooge. Besides, you don’t want to end up with a time out, do you?”
Myles rolled his eyes at her, before directing his gaze downward. “May I have my arm back?”
Lucy blushed, once again thankful for the disguise of natural darkness. She dropped his arm as mirth filled her eyes. “Are you sure? I figured it was my Christmas gift.” She walked ahead of the partially bewildered FBI agent, seating herself in front of the fire, effectively ending the conversation.
*****
i love Luce wee comments.....so witty.....which means you are so witty.... 
You tell him, Lucy!!!Jill
Myles' sarcasm and Lucy's sharp tongue ...
That will be so much fun!
That will be so much fun!
Lizzy, you have the characters so true to form that I can physically see all this being played out!! What a great start!!
Can't wait for more!!
Joy
Can't wait for more!!
Joy
Lucy wanted to laugh, to cry, to stare, to hide. She wanted to do everything, and nothing. In all honesty, she was scared, scared of what she felt—what she didn’t want to feel. They hadn’t been together long,— only a few months, really… and that was a long time ago. And yet he’d hurt her immensely. He’d apologized, and she’d accepted. That was that. But really, in her heart, she hadn’t done that. It hurt too much. Incredibly so. And now, her heart was hurting her all over again, without Myles’ help.
“Luce?”
She turned at a man’s voice. His voice.
Myles sat beside her, holding something behind his back.
“You weren’t tormenting Mrs. Woughie again, were you?” Lucy teased.
“Of course not. Just sampling the punch. Some strange kool-aid mixture. Not the least bit nourishing, but enough to quench one’s thirst… for a time, that is.” He cleared his throat “I brought you your Christmas gift.”
“Myles, you didn’t have to…” Myles produced his right arm, decorated with a gigantic red bow. “Why, thank you. It’s what I always wanted.” She rolled her eyes.
“Well, I figured since I’m surrounded by this blatant display of gaudy commercialism, I might as well spread a little bit of Christmas cheer, myself.”
Lucy stared at him. Just stared. Stared as if he were the strangest creature alive. Then, her expression changed. She burst into peals of laughter. “You….. Myles…. spreading Chris…. Christmas ch-cheer?” He half expected her to roll over on the floor or sit up on her back legs and howl at the moon!
“Is it really that ridiculous?”
She unsuccessfully tried to stifle her laughter, nodding emphatically.
“I am a very gracious and compassionate man!”
“Marshmallows for your s’more?” Myles looked to his left to see an elderly lady bending towards him, holding out a bag of the treats and a handful of skewers.
“Why don’t mind if I do,” he replied, digging into the bag containing a white, sticky mess. What came out looked more like a lumpy gooshblob than anything recognizable… other than a melted Pillsbury doughboy. He took a skewer.
“And you, Miss?” the woman continued as she offered Lucy the bag. Still giggling, she reached into the bag, pulling out her own sticky gooshblob, then taking her own skewer.
“Lucy?”
“Um hm?” she mumbled, her laughter still continuous.
“How does one make a… s’more?”
Lucy’s laughter ended. Her eyes widened. “Myles, you’ve never made a s’more?”
“No, I have not.” He looked at her, clueless. “Should I have?”
“Well, take it from me, you’ve only missed out on one of the yummiest experiences in existence.” She held her own skewer out. “Watch me.” Almost surgically, she poked the long wire through her marshmallow gooshblob. “You’ve roasted a marshmallow before, right?”
“Can’t say that I have. Another one of life’s fineries?”
“The best.” She scooted closer to the fireplace. “Now, here’s what you’ll do. Stick the marshmallow over the flames, and roast to your heart’s content.”
Myles followed her lead. His inexperience showed, but in the end he ended up with a nicely toasted marshmallow.
“So, how does a roasted marshmallow become a s’more, exactly?” Myles inquired with genuine curiosity.
“Follow me.” Lucy got up and led him over to the refreshment table, where graham crackers and chocolate bars were laid out. “Just sandwich it all together, and you get a delicious little dessert.”
Slowly, cautiously, Myles bit into his delectable treat. His chewing slowed as the full, scrumptious taste of the morsel became apparent. “Delicious.” He took another bite, then another, quickly until the food was gone.
“Good?”
Myles nodded, his mouth still full.
“You’re really starting to remind me of Bobby.” Myles grimaced.
“Uh, Myles?” He looked at her questioningly. “You’ve got a little something… right here.” She touched a spot beside her mouth.
“Heeaah?” Myles mumbled, reaching for his own mouth.
“No, you missed. Closer to your bottom lip… on the left.” Myles made another futile attempt. “Ugh. Myles, here.” She grabbed a napkin and reached for his shoulder, pulling him close. Holding him firmly by the chin, she gently wiped the chocolate away from his face. Myles’ eyes bore into her. Lucy longed to retreat, to run and hide in a hole, but somehow her feet would not comply… her heart remained where her mind did not.
Myles couldn’t help but stare. He’d forgotten how mesmerizing, how commanding her eyes were. Beautiful chocolate brown, so…
Suddenly a light flashed, breaking both of them out of their stupor.
“Huh?”
“What?”
“Just a picture for the neighborhood association scrapbook,” the marshmallow lady explained kindly. Her voice was filled with mirth.
“Excuse me?”
“Scrapbook?”
“Of course! The entire board decided on it at our last meeting. An annual neighborhood association Christmas scrapbook! We felt it would help promote togetherness in our community.” She turned to Lucy. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Estelle Patrillo.”
“Lucy Dotson.”
“Myles, how come we haven’t seen her around the neighborhood?”
“We work together. We—”
“Work together, eh?” She smiled knowingly. “You two remind me of Victor and I, God rest his soul. We loved each other so much.”
“Mrs. Patrillo, there’s been a little misunderstanding. Myles is not…”
“Well, I’d best be going. Velma and I are heading up the scrap booking committee, and we’re discussing all the details.” She smiled and hurried off before either one of them could say another word.
“That was interesting,” Myles said awkwardly.
“I’m a little surprised at her assumption, aren’t you?” Lucy asked, not giving him time to answer. She walked back over to the fireplace, where others were sitting roasting marshmallows.
Myles soon followed, a steaming mug in each hand. Lucy turned to look at him. “Hot chocolate?”
“Thanks.” They stood in silence for a long while, sipping their hot beverages.
“How long do you think we’ll be stuck here?” Lucy asked, still a bit taken off guard by his sudden, uncharacteristic kindness. She needed to change the subject… to start a subject… to do anything but simply stand there in silence beside Myles Leland the Third.
“I’m not sure. The snow’s still heavy. We could be here all day tomorrow.”
“Lovely.” Her tone was dry and sarcastic.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were Scrooge, himself,” Myles teased.
Lucy sunk down into a chair. Myles did the same. “I’m just tired. What I wouldn’t give to be in my warm, comfy bed right now.”
“Christmas spirit getting to you?” Myles taunted.
“No.” She yawned. “You are,” she answered tiredly, barely conscious, not understanding what her words could have meant. Her head rested back against the wall as her breathing became even and deep.
*****
“Luce?”
She turned at a man’s voice. His voice.
Myles sat beside her, holding something behind his back.
“You weren’t tormenting Mrs. Woughie again, were you?” Lucy teased.
“Of course not. Just sampling the punch. Some strange kool-aid mixture. Not the least bit nourishing, but enough to quench one’s thirst… for a time, that is.” He cleared his throat “I brought you your Christmas gift.”
“Myles, you didn’t have to…” Myles produced his right arm, decorated with a gigantic red bow. “Why, thank you. It’s what I always wanted.” She rolled her eyes.
“Well, I figured since I’m surrounded by this blatant display of gaudy commercialism, I might as well spread a little bit of Christmas cheer, myself.”
Lucy stared at him. Just stared. Stared as if he were the strangest creature alive. Then, her expression changed. She burst into peals of laughter. “You….. Myles…. spreading Chris…. Christmas ch-cheer?” He half expected her to roll over on the floor or sit up on her back legs and howl at the moon!
“Is it really that ridiculous?”
She unsuccessfully tried to stifle her laughter, nodding emphatically.
“I am a very gracious and compassionate man!”
“Marshmallows for your s’more?” Myles looked to his left to see an elderly lady bending towards him, holding out a bag of the treats and a handful of skewers.
“Why don’t mind if I do,” he replied, digging into the bag containing a white, sticky mess. What came out looked more like a lumpy gooshblob than anything recognizable… other than a melted Pillsbury doughboy. He took a skewer.
“And you, Miss?” the woman continued as she offered Lucy the bag. Still giggling, she reached into the bag, pulling out her own sticky gooshblob, then taking her own skewer.
“Lucy?”
“Um hm?” she mumbled, her laughter still continuous.
“How does one make a… s’more?”
Lucy’s laughter ended. Her eyes widened. “Myles, you’ve never made a s’more?”
“No, I have not.” He looked at her, clueless. “Should I have?”
“Well, take it from me, you’ve only missed out on one of the yummiest experiences in existence.” She held her own skewer out. “Watch me.” Almost surgically, she poked the long wire through her marshmallow gooshblob. “You’ve roasted a marshmallow before, right?”
“Can’t say that I have. Another one of life’s fineries?”
“The best.” She scooted closer to the fireplace. “Now, here’s what you’ll do. Stick the marshmallow over the flames, and roast to your heart’s content.”
Myles followed her lead. His inexperience showed, but in the end he ended up with a nicely toasted marshmallow.
“So, how does a roasted marshmallow become a s’more, exactly?” Myles inquired with genuine curiosity.
“Follow me.” Lucy got up and led him over to the refreshment table, where graham crackers and chocolate bars were laid out. “Just sandwich it all together, and you get a delicious little dessert.”
Slowly, cautiously, Myles bit into his delectable treat. His chewing slowed as the full, scrumptious taste of the morsel became apparent. “Delicious.” He took another bite, then another, quickly until the food was gone.
“Good?”
Myles nodded, his mouth still full.
“You’re really starting to remind me of Bobby.” Myles grimaced.
“Uh, Myles?” He looked at her questioningly. “You’ve got a little something… right here.” She touched a spot beside her mouth.
“Heeaah?” Myles mumbled, reaching for his own mouth.
“No, you missed. Closer to your bottom lip… on the left.” Myles made another futile attempt. “Ugh. Myles, here.” She grabbed a napkin and reached for his shoulder, pulling him close. Holding him firmly by the chin, she gently wiped the chocolate away from his face. Myles’ eyes bore into her. Lucy longed to retreat, to run and hide in a hole, but somehow her feet would not comply… her heart remained where her mind did not.
Myles couldn’t help but stare. He’d forgotten how mesmerizing, how commanding her eyes were. Beautiful chocolate brown, so…
Suddenly a light flashed, breaking both of them out of their stupor.
“Huh?”
“What?”
“Just a picture for the neighborhood association scrapbook,” the marshmallow lady explained kindly. Her voice was filled with mirth.
“Excuse me?”
“Scrapbook?”
“Of course! The entire board decided on it at our last meeting. An annual neighborhood association Christmas scrapbook! We felt it would help promote togetherness in our community.” She turned to Lucy. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Estelle Patrillo.”
“Lucy Dotson.”
“Myles, how come we haven’t seen her around the neighborhood?”
“We work together. We—”
“Work together, eh?” She smiled knowingly. “You two remind me of Victor and I, God rest his soul. We loved each other so much.”
“Mrs. Patrillo, there’s been a little misunderstanding. Myles is not…”
“Well, I’d best be going. Velma and I are heading up the scrap booking committee, and we’re discussing all the details.” She smiled and hurried off before either one of them could say another word.
“That was interesting,” Myles said awkwardly.
“I’m a little surprised at her assumption, aren’t you?” Lucy asked, not giving him time to answer. She walked back over to the fireplace, where others were sitting roasting marshmallows.
Myles soon followed, a steaming mug in each hand. Lucy turned to look at him. “Hot chocolate?”
“Thanks.” They stood in silence for a long while, sipping their hot beverages.
“How long do you think we’ll be stuck here?” Lucy asked, still a bit taken off guard by his sudden, uncharacteristic kindness. She needed to change the subject… to start a subject… to do anything but simply stand there in silence beside Myles Leland the Third.
“I’m not sure. The snow’s still heavy. We could be here all day tomorrow.”
“Lovely.” Her tone was dry and sarcastic.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were Scrooge, himself,” Myles teased.
Lucy sunk down into a chair. Myles did the same. “I’m just tired. What I wouldn’t give to be in my warm, comfy bed right now.”
“Christmas spirit getting to you?” Myles taunted.
“No.” She yawned. “You are,” she answered tiredly, barely conscious, not understanding what her words could have meant. Her head rested back against the wall as her breathing became even and deep.
*****
QUOTE(LizzyM87 @ Dec 29 2005, 03:46 PM)
“Work together, eh?” She smiled knowingly. “You two remind me of Victor and I, God rest his soul. We loved each other so much.”
“Mrs. Patrillo, there’s been a little misunderstanding. Myles is not…”
“Well, I’d best be going. Velma and I are heading up the scrap booking committee, and we’re discussing all the details.” She smiled and hurried off before either one of them could say another word.
“That was interesting,” Myles said awkwardly.
“I’m a little surprised at her assumption, aren’t you?” Lucy asked, not giving him time to answer.
“Mrs. Patrillo, there’s been a little misunderstanding. Myles is not…”
“Well, I’d best be going. Velma and I are heading up the scrap booking committee, and we’re discussing all the details.” She smiled and hurried off before either one of them could say another word.
“That was interesting,” Myles said awkwardly.
“I’m a little surprised at her assumption, aren’t you?” Lucy asked, not giving him time to answer.
Oh dear! Just slightly awkward. You're creating some interesting dynamics, Lizzy, and I'm interested to see where you'll take this! After reading that post, I'm craving smores! (Nice avatar, btw! I saw it before I read this post, and I wondered...) Probably a good thing I don't have the ingredients for them, or I might just have ruined my dinner tonight.
QUOTE(TinaLynne @ Dec 29 2005, 06:54 PM)
QUOTE(LizzyM87 @ Dec 29 2005, 03:46 PM)
“Work together, eh?” She smiled knowingly. “You two remind me of Victor and I, God rest his soul. We loved each other so much.”
“Mrs. Patrillo, there’s been a little misunderstanding. Myles is not…”
“Well, I’d best be going. Velma and I are heading up the scrap booking committee, and we’re discussing all the details.” She smiled and hurried off before either one of them could say another word.
“That was interesting,” Myles said awkwardly.
“I’m a little surprised at her assumption, aren’t you?” Lucy asked, not giving him time to answer.
“Mrs. Patrillo, there’s been a little misunderstanding. Myles is not…”
“Well, I’d best be going. Velma and I are heading up the scrap booking committee, and we’re discussing all the details.” She smiled and hurried off before either one of them could say another word.
“That was interesting,” Myles said awkwardly.
“I’m a little surprised at her assumption, aren’t you?” Lucy asked, not giving him time to answer.
Oh dear! Just slightly awkward. You're creating some interesting dynamics, Lizzy, and I'm interested to see where you'll take this! After reading that post, I'm craving smores! (Nice avatar, btw! I saw it before I read this post, and I wondered...) Probably a good thing I don't have the ingredients for them, or I might just have ruined my dinner tonight.
Now, now, now, Tina... I think we've had this discussion. Healthy dinner and then dessert!
Lizzy, you're doing a great job! Looking forward to seeing where this goes!
He couldn’t understand how she did it, falling asleep so easily. He couldn’t nod off for anything! Perhaps it was the folding chair he sat it, or perhaps it was his overactive mind. No. It was her. Even Lucy’s barely-there snoring was enchanting. She didn’t have to say a word. She didn’t have to be awake! He was spellbound.
He didn’t have a right to be. He was a cad—an unforgivable cad with no hope of being completely and truly happy. His life was an entire lie. He lived each day, appearing to be so sure of himself, so confident, when really he felt like his life was falling to pieces.
Blind stupidity had protected him from the reality that he, Myles Leland the Third, did not have it all. No amount of money or prestige could make up for an unfulfilled life. The only time he did feel honest fulfillment was once a week when he listened to what the pastor was saying each Sunday morning… and sometimes, there was no real fulfillment. Many days, he didn’t want to listen. It wasn’t worth the pain, the shame of the truth that he was unforgivable. But when he did listen, that faded away. The past mistakes, the shame, the hatred and the regret. It became nothing, a chaff that was blown away. And still… even in those times of encouragement and strength, something was missing. There was an undeniable loneliness in his heart. And the worst part: knowing what would fill that void, and that he could never deserve it.
Finally, Myles drifted off into a fitful sleep.
*****
The pair slept quietly, their breathing in perfect unison. Lucy rested against Myles’ shoulder, and his hand had somehow found her knee, resting easily there. Estelle smiled as she lifted her camera. Before she could hit the trigger button, little feet scurried up to her… feet belonging to Velma Woughie.
“Estelle, what are you doing? You’ll wake them up!” she demanded in that kind-old-lady way. “And if Myles Leland is startled awake, he may turn into an FBI-agent-monster, and I don’t have the energy to discipline a wild hooligan this early in the morning.”
“Aw, just look at them, Velma. They look so peaceful. How can he turn into one of your delinquent youngsters at the push of a button? Besides, the flash is off. I just want a nice picture of the two on our Mistletoe Myles page!”
Estelle quickly lined up the shot and hit the trigger button, before Velma could find some other way to protest her mischievous ways. A bright flash followed, and a very startled Myles almost jumped out of his seat.
“Oops,” Estelle whispered as she sheepishly looked at Velma, unable to hide the twinkle in her eye. Quickly, she crossed the room, eager to leave the scene of the “crime.”
*****
He didn’t have a right to be. He was a cad—an unforgivable cad with no hope of being completely and truly happy. His life was an entire lie. He lived each day, appearing to be so sure of himself, so confident, when really he felt like his life was falling to pieces.
Blind stupidity had protected him from the reality that he, Myles Leland the Third, did not have it all. No amount of money or prestige could make up for an unfulfilled life. The only time he did feel honest fulfillment was once a week when he listened to what the pastor was saying each Sunday morning… and sometimes, there was no real fulfillment. Many days, he didn’t want to listen. It wasn’t worth the pain, the shame of the truth that he was unforgivable. But when he did listen, that faded away. The past mistakes, the shame, the hatred and the regret. It became nothing, a chaff that was blown away. And still… even in those times of encouragement and strength, something was missing. There was an undeniable loneliness in his heart. And the worst part: knowing what would fill that void, and that he could never deserve it.
Finally, Myles drifted off into a fitful sleep.
*****
The pair slept quietly, their breathing in perfect unison. Lucy rested against Myles’ shoulder, and his hand had somehow found her knee, resting easily there. Estelle smiled as she lifted her camera. Before she could hit the trigger button, little feet scurried up to her… feet belonging to Velma Woughie.
“Estelle, what are you doing? You’ll wake them up!” she demanded in that kind-old-lady way. “And if Myles Leland is startled awake, he may turn into an FBI-agent-monster, and I don’t have the energy to discipline a wild hooligan this early in the morning.”
“Aw, just look at them, Velma. They look so peaceful. How can he turn into one of your delinquent youngsters at the push of a button? Besides, the flash is off. I just want a nice picture of the two on our Mistletoe Myles page!”
Estelle quickly lined up the shot and hit the trigger button, before Velma could find some other way to protest her mischievous ways. A bright flash followed, and a very startled Myles almost jumped out of his seat.
“Oops,” Estelle whispered as she sheepishly looked at Velma, unable to hide the twinkle in her eye. Quickly, she crossed the room, eager to leave the scene of the “crime.”
*****
QUOTE(justme_jp3 @ Dec 29 2005, 05:17 PM)
Now, now, now, Tina... I think we've had this discussion. Healthy dinner and then dessert!
Anything to spare a lecture from you, Janet!
Since I'm such a good girl, I had a nice, healthy dinner, and I didn't have the donut holes til after. Not the same as smores, but they'll do. Hoping that Myles doesn't turn into an FBI-agent-monster anytime soon...lol Very creative story, Lizzy!! Your descriptions of how both Myles and Lucy are feeling have been wonderful!
QUOTE(TinaLynne @ Dec 29 2005, 10:32 PM)
QUOTE(justme_jp3 @ Dec 29 2005, 05:17 PM)
Now, now, now, Tina... I think we've had this discussion. Healthy dinner and then dessert!
Anything to spare a lecture from you, Janet!
Since I'm such a good girl, I had a nice, healthy dinner, and I didn't have the donut holes til after. Not the same as smores, but they'll do. Hoping that Myles doesn't turn into an FBI-agent-monster anytime soon...lol Very creative story, Lizzy!! Your descriptions of how both Myles and Lucy are feeling have been wonderful!
Very good, Tina!
I ditto that too... we really don't want to see a Myles-FBI-agent-monster... at least, I don't think we do...
It's great to have you back, Lizzy! You have been missed.
This is such a well-written, witty and entertaining story.
Love the characterization and the all the details you've woven in.
Hope this is the start of a whole slew of stories from you!
(scurrying off to re-read lizzy's earlier works)
gracie
This is such a well-written, witty and entertaining story.
Love the characterization and the all the details you've woven in.
Hope this is the start of a whole slew of stories from you!
(scurrying off to re-read lizzy's earlier works)
gracie
*****
“Wha—What happened?” Myles stuttered, reaching for his gun, disoriented and confused.
“Myles?” Lucy questioned groggily, pain evident in her voice.
He turned his head to look at her, immediately picking up on her discomfort. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t move.” Her head was resting against his shoulder still, even after he had jumped in his seat. “It’s my neck. It’s locked up.”
“Okay, Luce, just stay still… Uh…”
“Myles, I don’t really have a choice.”
“Right. Can you lift your whole body, while keeping your neck stiff?”
She tried, and succeeded, grimacing as she did.
“Now what?”
Myles slid back in his seat, grateful that it was rather large. “See if you can move in front of me. Sit on the edge of the chair—as well as you can.”
“Okay.” She did so, albeit clutching her neck even more tightly as the spasm worsened. Her voice was drawn out and thin, communicating every bit of her pain.
“Just try to relax.”
“I’m trying. It’s my neck that won’t listen!”
“Ok, I’m going to try to unkink some of the knots back there. Do you mind?”
“I’m not sure if that will make it better or worse.”
I guess there’s only one way to find out.”
Myles grasped her shoulders, careful to keep his touch light. She was extremelytense, and if it were at all possible, she seemed to tense further as soon as he touched the affected area. He was more than grateful that she couldn’t see his face. The moment she had come closer to him, he had been assaulted with an intoxicating mixture of floral shampoo and nature’s woodsy scent. He was enthralled.
“Shhhhh,” he breathed, trying to calm her… although he wondered if it was more for himself than the aching woman sitting before him. He let his fingers gently rub against her neck, wanting to begin light, then ease the pressure in.
It was unbearable. She didn’t think she could stand it. It wasn’t the pain. The pain was awful, but Myles was worse. Somehow, she felt the light skimming of his fingers, through the intense pain, making the whole experience more than excruciating. It was torturous.
Myles gradually increased the pressure, feeling her muscles tense incredibly, then begin to release. As he kneaded, he wondered if the experience was more painful for him than for Lucy. His heart felt as though it were spasming more than her shoulders and neck were combined. Being this close to her, recognizing that she was so much more than a coworker or a past infatuation, and knowing he could not have her… it was pure torture. He could never deserve her; therefore, he could never be complete.
The spasm had passed long ago, but her shoulders would not release their tension. She wanted to tell Myles to stop, to tell him that he was the one causing her discomfort, the tension, not physical pain that had dissipated under his expert hand. However, she was frozen, caught in a trap by his tender touch.
Myles cleared his throat, trying to find something to say, even to check up on her. She was still so tense.
“Luce?”
“Myles—Myles I’m okay, now.”
“You sure?”
“Promise.”
Reluctantly, his hands dropped, and she all but leapt up from where she sat, eager to leave the dangerous man, sitting there. Dangerous not by nature, but by the danger he posed to her heart.
No, he’d already done the damage.
*****
Lucy grabbed her jacket on the way out the front door, needing some space, some fresh air, something… anything to clear her mind. She hadn’t checked to see if Myles was following her, but at this point she didn’t have enough composure to care.
Why is this happening? she prayed silently. This is the last thing I need. I thought this was over, that I had moved on. A shudder wracked her body. This is cruel. You’re supposed to care about me—about the ones who love you. And then, you stick me with Myles, of all people. God, you know how he hurt me. I never knew I could hurt that much.
She fell to her knees in the soft snow, layered high off the ground. Footsteps she should have heard were muffled by the icy cold snow, and by the screaming protests of her heart.
*****
“Wha—What happened?” Myles stuttered, reaching for his gun, disoriented and confused.
“Myles?” Lucy questioned groggily, pain evident in her voice.
He turned his head to look at her, immediately picking up on her discomfort. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t move.” Her head was resting against his shoulder still, even after he had jumped in his seat. “It’s my neck. It’s locked up.”
“Okay, Luce, just stay still… Uh…”
“Myles, I don’t really have a choice.”
“Right. Can you lift your whole body, while keeping your neck stiff?”
She tried, and succeeded, grimacing as she did.
“Now what?”
Myles slid back in his seat, grateful that it was rather large. “See if you can move in front of me. Sit on the edge of the chair—as well as you can.”
“Okay.” She did so, albeit clutching her neck even more tightly as the spasm worsened. Her voice was drawn out and thin, communicating every bit of her pain.
“Just try to relax.”
“I’m trying. It’s my neck that won’t listen!”
“Ok, I’m going to try to unkink some of the knots back there. Do you mind?”
“I’m not sure if that will make it better or worse.”
I guess there’s only one way to find out.”
Myles grasped her shoulders, careful to keep his touch light. She was extremelytense, and if it were at all possible, she seemed to tense further as soon as he touched the affected area. He was more than grateful that she couldn’t see his face. The moment she had come closer to him, he had been assaulted with an intoxicating mixture of floral shampoo and nature’s woodsy scent. He was enthralled.
“Shhhhh,” he breathed, trying to calm her… although he wondered if it was more for himself than the aching woman sitting before him. He let his fingers gently rub against her neck, wanting to begin light, then ease the pressure in.
It was unbearable. She didn’t think she could stand it. It wasn’t the pain. The pain was awful, but Myles was worse. Somehow, she felt the light skimming of his fingers, through the intense pain, making the whole experience more than excruciating. It was torturous.
Myles gradually increased the pressure, feeling her muscles tense incredibly, then begin to release. As he kneaded, he wondered if the experience was more painful for him than for Lucy. His heart felt as though it were spasming more than her shoulders and neck were combined. Being this close to her, recognizing that she was so much more than a coworker or a past infatuation, and knowing he could not have her… it was pure torture. He could never deserve her; therefore, he could never be complete.
The spasm had passed long ago, but her shoulders would not release their tension. She wanted to tell Myles to stop, to tell him that he was the one causing her discomfort, the tension, not physical pain that had dissipated under his expert hand. However, she was frozen, caught in a trap by his tender touch.
Myles cleared his throat, trying to find something to say, even to check up on her. She was still so tense.
“Luce?”
“Myles—Myles I’m okay, now.”
“You sure?”
“Promise.”
Reluctantly, his hands dropped, and she all but leapt up from where she sat, eager to leave the dangerous man, sitting there. Dangerous not by nature, but by the danger he posed to her heart.
No, he’d already done the damage.
*****
Lucy grabbed her jacket on the way out the front door, needing some space, some fresh air, something… anything to clear her mind. She hadn’t checked to see if Myles was following her, but at this point she didn’t have enough composure to care.
Why is this happening? she prayed silently. This is the last thing I need. I thought this was over, that I had moved on. A shudder wracked her body. This is cruel. You’re supposed to care about me—about the ones who love you. And then, you stick me with Myles, of all people. God, you know how he hurt me. I never knew I could hurt that much.
She fell to her knees in the soft snow, layered high off the ground. Footsteps she should have heard were muffled by the icy cold snow, and by the screaming protests of her heart.
*****
Such strong and heartwrenching emotions you're portraying, Lizzy!! I'm no Myles/Lucy fan, but I'm definitely feeling their pain here and what they're going through is very realistic. Keep up the great work!!
Awwww. Lizzy, you are doing such a wonderful job with this....so touching, so wonderfully real. 
I really feel for Lucy and Myles, here. I trust you will deal with their hearts carefully!Jill
I just know I should be feeling sorry for someone, I'm just not sure who??
Myles?
Lucy?
brilliant post, Lizzy!
Myles?
Lucy?
brilliant post, Lizzy!
Alright, here's a tiny bit more.
“You’ll freeze to death out here, you know,” Myles' voice startled her. Lucy stood quickly, wrapping her arms around herself.
“I’m fine. I just needed some fresh air.” Her body shuddered as a gust of wind hit her back. Myles closed the distance between them, stealing an arm around her shoulder, pulling her to himself. “Myles, you don’t have to—”
“You’re freezing cold. Let’s go back inside.”
“I happen to like the cold.” Lucy raised her nose in an expression of defiance. She shrugged out of Myles’ hold. Before she could stop it, Myles’s hand had slid down her arm and his fingers wrapped around her icy ones. “Why are you doing this?”
“If you catch pneumonia and die, I’ll never forgive myself,” he said with a dry chuckle.
Lucy pulled her hand out from his own. “Myles, I’m perfectly capable of maintaining my own health. I don’t need your help,” she protested as she crossed back towards the community center, leaving him alone in the cold.
*****
“You’ll freeze to death out here, you know,” Myles' voice startled her. Lucy stood quickly, wrapping her arms around herself.
“I’m fine. I just needed some fresh air.” Her body shuddered as a gust of wind hit her back. Myles closed the distance between them, stealing an arm around her shoulder, pulling her to himself. “Myles, you don’t have to—”
“You’re freezing cold. Let’s go back inside.”
“I happen to like the cold.” Lucy raised her nose in an expression of defiance. She shrugged out of Myles’ hold. Before she could stop it, Myles’s hand had slid down her arm and his fingers wrapped around her icy ones. “Why are you doing this?”
“If you catch pneumonia and die, I’ll never forgive myself,” he said with a dry chuckle.
Lucy pulled her hand out from his own. “Myles, I’m perfectly capable of maintaining my own health. I don’t need your help,” she protested as she crossed back towards the community center, leaving him alone in the cold.
*****
Oh Lucy.....you got your breath of fresh air. Now be nice to the man!Jill
I'm feeling a little chilly after reading that, and it's not just from your description! Lucy definitely needs to face up to some feelings she's been holding back for awhile. I can't believe I'm saying that--see what this story has done to me, Lizzy!! It's so good to see you writing up a storm, girl--it's been too long!
I feel for both of them, I hope Lucy will be alright and I hope she'll let some
of her feelings out and not bottle everything inside!
of her feelings out and not bottle everything inside!
Tears welled in Lucy’s eyes, burning and blurring, all at the same time. Rushing to the women’s restroom, Lucy locked the door behind her. Leaning against the door, she breathed deeply. A lump rose up in her throat. Finally, the dam broke and her tears flowed freely.
“Why?” she whispered, in between sobs. “Why me…. Why him?”
“Ms. Dotson?” Estelle Patrillo walked out from behind a stall door. “What’s the matter?” She quickly washed her hands, then rushed over to Lucy.
“Nothing. I’m fine, Mrs. Patrillo.”
“Oh, you and I both know that isn’t the case.” She took Lucy’s hand and walked her over to an overstuffed loveseat in the corner. “What is it? You can tell me anything, dearie.”
The whole story came out: Sue’s arrival, Myles and Lucy’s dating fiasco, his behavior towards Sue, his warming up to Sue… and feelings for Myles resurfacing that she thought she’d rid herself of long ago. Everything.
“Honey, maybe it’s time to really, truly forgive Myles. Don’t you think you’ve tormented the man long enough?” Estelle asked her with brows raised.
“I’ve tormented him? You know what he did to me! Don’t I have a right to be angry?”
“You do, but you also have a right to be happy. And I don’t think you’ll ever really be happy until you forgive him—from your heart, not just your mouth.” Lucy only stared at her. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He loves you, no doubt about that. Maybe it just took a little heartache for you to really see that. And perhaps, perhaps he’s hurting too.”
*****
Alright, one post left! Stay tuned.
“Why?” she whispered, in between sobs. “Why me…. Why him?”
“Ms. Dotson?” Estelle Patrillo walked out from behind a stall door. “What’s the matter?” She quickly washed her hands, then rushed over to Lucy.
“Nothing. I’m fine, Mrs. Patrillo.”
“Oh, you and I both know that isn’t the case.” She took Lucy’s hand and walked her over to an overstuffed loveseat in the corner. “What is it? You can tell me anything, dearie.”
The whole story came out: Sue’s arrival, Myles and Lucy’s dating fiasco, his behavior towards Sue, his warming up to Sue… and feelings for Myles resurfacing that she thought she’d rid herself of long ago. Everything.
“Honey, maybe it’s time to really, truly forgive Myles. Don’t you think you’ve tormented the man long enough?” Estelle asked her with brows raised.
“I’ve tormented him? You know what he did to me! Don’t I have a right to be angry?”
“You do, but you also have a right to be happy. And I don’t think you’ll ever really be happy until you forgive him—from your heart, not just your mouth.” Lucy only stared at her. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He loves you, no doubt about that. Maybe it just took a little heartache for you to really see that. And perhaps, perhaps he’s hurting too.”
*****
Alright, one post left! Stay tuned.
QUOTE(LizzyM87 @ Dec 30 2005, 10:36 AM)
“You do, but you also have a right to be happy. And I don’t think you’ll ever really be happy until you forgive him—from your heart, not just your mouth.”
Wise words...you've done a great job with this, Lizzy! Not looking forward to it ending, but I'm looking forward to seeing the next post anyhow!
Lizzy, I don't want you to end this!! I just caught up and this is a terrific story!! I love the way you have portrayed Lucy and Myles!! I can see them doing this and saying these things to each other!!
Thanks for sharing this with us!!!
Joy
Thanks for sharing this with us!!!
Joy
Now that's one smart lady!!!Jill
Luce has well and truly been hit but the love arrow.....
I loved the wise words Lucy received! I'm looking forward to the last post, even though it signifies the end of the story!
Sairs
Sairs
I swear I checked this thread this morning and there wasn't a new post and now I've read so many I can't possbily quote and use all these lovely new smilies effectively! 
You've captured both Myles and Lucy's emotions incredibly well. It was a riveting read and I found myself just racing through it wanting to find out what's going to happen. Amazing how much depth of raw emotion you managed to explore in such a short amount of time. Wonderful descriptions and thanks to you I now have a kink in my neck that is most painful -- you wrote it into me -- but alas, I have no Myles to massage it out -- though Simba attempted to lick it out -- which is not nearly as satisfactory.
You're amazing, Lizzy
kav
Alright, this is it. The final post! It was a challenge for me, trying to cram all this into a story of less than 5,000 words.. grand total, 4,998 words!! There were so many things I wanted to include that wouldn't fit, so it was a great "picking and choosing" experience for me. I wish I could have developed it more for you all, but oh well! A short story doesn't have time for that. hehe. Enjoy!
*****
Myles shook his head. I’m an idiot. I know I can’t have her, and still I pursue her. Harvard, grow up.
His resolve crumbled as soon as she entered the room. Beside her walked Estelle Patrillo, holding Lucy’s arm protectively. He could tell that she had been crying. He fought the urge to rush over to them and demand to know what happened. He watched as Lucy looked his way briefly, then turned to Estelle. The old lady nodded.
Lucy crossed, alone, directly to him. “We need to talk.”
“Something wrong?”
His voice held so much concern, she wanted to cry all over again. “Not anymore… at least I don’t think so.” She took a deep breath. “Myles, I want you to know that—that I forgive you. I know I said I did two years ago, but… I never really did. It hurt too much. I was too angry. But now, I really mean it.”
Myles slumped down into a chair. “Wow. Um… thank you.” He looked downward. “I know I should feel better… but that’s not happening.”
“Huh?”
“Luce.” He stood. “You’re driving me insane.” Her eyebrows rose. “No, no it’s not a bad thing. The bad part is that I like it… too much. Far too much.” He brushed her cheek. “I love you. I shouldn’t and I know I don’t deserve you, but somehow… it’s happened. I messed up the first time, and I know there won’t be a second time. But, just know that… that I really do…”
“Myles…”
“Lucy, I…”
“Myles.”
“Huh?”
“I love you, too.” She smiled nervously. Myles stood there, stunned. “I do, I really, really do.”
“But, you can’t.”
“I can.”
“This is absurd.”
“Myles.”
“Yes?”
“Please, the best thing you could do for me this Christmas is to forgive yourself. Yes, you were a jerk; and yes, you made a horrible mistake. We all do. I’m okay with that now. We can both move past this… be the better people we never thought we could be?”
He reached out, taking her hand in his, pulling her closer. “You’re amazing, you know that, Lucille Ann Dotson?”
“My Great Aunt Louise called me that.” She chuckled.
“Lucy, then… Merry Christmas, my love.”
Leaning in, Myles kissed her in such as way that no uncertainty could be left in either one of their minds. Neither of them noticed the flash, or the mistletoe above them. The scrapbook page would be perfect.
*****
EL FIN
*****
Myles shook his head. I’m an idiot. I know I can’t have her, and still I pursue her. Harvard, grow up.
His resolve crumbled as soon as she entered the room. Beside her walked Estelle Patrillo, holding Lucy’s arm protectively. He could tell that she had been crying. He fought the urge to rush over to them and demand to know what happened. He watched as Lucy looked his way briefly, then turned to Estelle. The old lady nodded.
Lucy crossed, alone, directly to him. “We need to talk.”
“Something wrong?”
His voice held so much concern, she wanted to cry all over again. “Not anymore… at least I don’t think so.” She took a deep breath. “Myles, I want you to know that—that I forgive you. I know I said I did two years ago, but… I never really did. It hurt too much. I was too angry. But now, I really mean it.”
Myles slumped down into a chair. “Wow. Um… thank you.” He looked downward. “I know I should feel better… but that’s not happening.”
“Huh?”
“Luce.” He stood. “You’re driving me insane.” Her eyebrows rose. “No, no it’s not a bad thing. The bad part is that I like it… too much. Far too much.” He brushed her cheek. “I love you. I shouldn’t and I know I don’t deserve you, but somehow… it’s happened. I messed up the first time, and I know there won’t be a second time. But, just know that… that I really do…”
“Myles…”
“Lucy, I…”
“Myles.”
“Huh?”
“I love you, too.” She smiled nervously. Myles stood there, stunned. “I do, I really, really do.”
“But, you can’t.”
“I can.”
“This is absurd.”
“Myles.”
“Yes?”
“Please, the best thing you could do for me this Christmas is to forgive yourself. Yes, you were a jerk; and yes, you made a horrible mistake. We all do. I’m okay with that now. We can both move past this… be the better people we never thought we could be?”
He reached out, taking her hand in his, pulling her closer. “You’re amazing, you know that, Lucille Ann Dotson?”
“My Great Aunt Louise called me that.” She chuckled.
“Lucy, then… Merry Christmas, my love.”
Leaning in, Myles kissed her in such as way that no uncertainty could be left in either one of their minds. Neither of them noticed the flash, or the mistletoe above them. The scrapbook page would be perfect.
*****
EL FIN
oh, and Kav, I'll make sure to leave Myles a message about your... kink. Hey, at least Myles doesn't use Simba's method!!! hehe.
Did I just say that?
Hey, at least Myles doesn't use Simba's method!!! hehe. Did I just say that?
Lizzy, this was just WONDERFUL!!!!!!! I've always enjoyed your stories, and this was no exception! The way you wrote Myles and Lucy, I could easily picture them in my mind....how they moved and sounded. I'm so glad that Lucy finally and truly forgave Myles, and that they found love in the end. GREAT JOB, LIZZY!!!!
I've always enjoyed your stories, and this was no exception! The way you wrote Myles and Lucy, I could easily picture them in my mind....how they moved and sounded. I'm so glad that Lucy finally and truly forgave Myles, and that they found love in the end. GREAT JOB, LIZZY!!!!
Fantastic job, Lizzy. I'm so glad you took the time to do this. You've been missed around the board, and to have you jump in and take on a story in such a short amount of time was a blessing for us!!!! Thanks a bunch!
Jill
QUOTE
Leaning in, Myles kissed her in such as way that no uncertainty could be left in either one of their minds. Neither of them noticed the flash, or the mistletoe above them. The scrapbook page would be perfect.
What a perfect, powerful ending!!! Apparently the smilies have been rearranged and there is an appropriate kissing one now 
The smilie fairy is keeping me on my toes by shuffling everyone around. It makes me quite giddy! Lizzy that was a perfect short story and it makes me
with 
to read something new from you!Happy New Year and congrats on meeting the deadline!
kav
Lizzy that was such a heart warming story. I'm sorry you chose the short version tough...I was never a big fan of Myles/Lucy, only because I thought his betrayl was too big and yet you managed to capture them in such a way that I tilted my head at my computer screen and admitted that it really made sense!
so
for a wonderful story! happy new year!
so
for a wonderful story! happy new year!
WHAT A WONDERFUL MESSAGE YOU HAD TO TELL THRU THAT STORY- THE MESSAGE OF TRUE FORGIVENESS....I AM IN AWE OF YOUR WONDER, YOUR TALENT AND YOUR WIT.....
I HOPE YOU ARE GOING TO DELVE BACK INTO THE WORLD OF POSTING LIKE YOU OUGHT TOO....
I HOPE YOU ARE GOING TO DELVE BACK INTO THE WORLD OF POSTING LIKE YOU OUGHT TOO....
Forgiveness from the heart ... I can actually believe it in your story ...
Wow! I can't believe I haven't read this story yet. Your a fantastic writer Lizzy! I just love the way you wrote Myles and Lucy.
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