As promised to some who claimed I make them hide under furnitures...
I rated it PG-15 for some wayward thoughts...
have fun!!

*****

I’d left nothing to chance. At least I hoped I hadn’t. And I was good at planning, so this was sure to go off without a hitch. Ever since Tara had cajoled us all into taking part in her current festival of the week, St. Valentine’s Day.

“Come on, it will be fun,” she had encouraged her dubious team.

“Look, we’re used to you playing around with Christmas, and I don’t even mind the bunnies and chicks at Easter, though the live ducklings were a bit much last year. But Valentine’s Day, Tara? Is nothing sacred to you?” I had been the first to protest, but as usual to no avail.

Tara had compromised. “Okay, we won’t do everything I planned, but we will do…this one. Yes, this looks like fun!” She had grinned up at us all from her perch at the computer with such enthusiasm that no one had the heart to discourage her. “This is an ancient Valentine’s Day custom. And it’s easy to do. You have to claim the first person of the opposite sex that you see on Valentine’s Day for your Valentine.”

“And that would entail?”

“Oh, I don’t know, taking him, or her, out to lunch, doing absolutely everything together all day and then something special in the evening. Come on, this should be lots of fun.”

“I’ve never wished you were in a committed relationship more than I do right now.” I forgot who said that, but it was the general consensus of the day.

Of course we had all grumbled and flatly refused to participate…which is why I was perched out there in the freezing cold before the sun had even risen waiting to for the first glimpse of her blond hair.

This should be interesting, in first person.

Yeah! Another Bell story!!! Can't wait for this one. Where's my popcorn?

Jill

I'm looking forward to this one, I'll be waiting with anticipation for the next part, Bell.

Sairs

Looking forward to more,
thanks,
Terie

Interresting story side, can't wait to read more

It's great in first person but you haven't told us who it is -- the blonde hair could be Sue or Tara -- or Levi and the I could be anyone!!!!

kav

So is it Sue or Tara?? Or Levi as Kav suggested

Puzzles, puzzles, everywhere and no answer in sight!! What fun!! I think the only person I can think of that would be dedicated enough to be out in the cold practically in the middle of the night, would be Jack waiting for Sue!!!

Joy

Interesting....

Looking forward to the next post, Bell ...

I am waiting patiently!!! Sorry, couldn't resist!!

More like we are patiently waiting, Marie..

I'm sorry, I kinda got into a stage fright with this story, but I think I got it sorted now. Besides that I think we are having way too much fun with the bold feature...
Enjoy!

*****


When I dream, my accent is much more pronounced, I never really understood why but I guess I got used to it. In my dreams, I use phrases and expressions that no one in real life could understand (and sometimes they would make all those funny faces even in my dreams) but when I talk to her, she always understands, no matter what I say. Once I dreamed that I was her knight in shining armor, only I wore my favorite jeans and sweater and I saved her and all she did was to ask if I was alright. I replied that I was in full feather (aka, in good health) and she smiled and kissed me.

That kiss left me in need for so much more. I remember our first kiss, right after the concert and how confused I was when I returned home, so confused that I nearly made the mistake of a life time. Darcy could have agreed to marry me and I can’t even begin to describe the horror I now feel when I consider it. Marrying Darcy would have been comfortable no doubt and passionate when we both put our minds into it but I know now that I could never be whole with her, she didn’t complete me.

I suppose one should listen to his sub consciousness when it’s talking. Lately my dreams were filled with her images and when I woke up two weeks ago nearly weeping with excitement at her image with our new born baby I knew someone was trying to tell me something. I was in love, I probably was in love for a long time now and I had a long time relationship with her in my mind. In my dreams we were already working on our second baby…anyway, I took another look outside the window of my car and hoped to see her.

It was raining all night and didn’t show any signs of stopping, I figured that I should wait in the car, it was still early and I had no desire to wake her up. The heater was on and I marveled at the peace and quiet that allowed me to remember some more details of the vivid dream I had last night. Her skin was so soft and the sound of her hoarse voice when she whispered my name sent shivers all over my body.

I lifted my head and tried to focus my gaze at the entrance to her house, the door just opened and my heart beat furiously in my chest, I raised my hand to press against it, willing it to stable before I’ll get out of the car. My plans all seemed to vanish the moment I saw that she wasn’t alone.

Who knew my heart could beat so fast? My breathing was erratic and for a moment there, the pain in my chest was so sharp that I had the fleeting suspicion that I was having a heart attack. But then the beating slowed down, the breath I was holding came out in a gasp and a new sense of emptiness settled itself firmly in my gut. I swallowed and averted my eyes when they kissed before each of them moved towards their separated cars. I blinked my eyes several times; trying to ease the sense of burning that attacked them. Men don’t cry over silly stuff like that, I shook my head forcefully when my eyesight turned blurry and I tasted salt on my lips.

My sub consciousness always loved to comment when I was totally down. Men do cry at matters of the heart, cry like a baby when their heart shatters to small, tiny pieces. You see, Bobby Manning, that’s what happens when you don’t listen to yourself!

I groaned loudly.

I deserved it.

*****

Also, this story is a short story, can someone put it in the summary or it's not that important right now?

That was so..........heartwrenching. I mean, we start out thinking yeah...Bobby's finally figured it out. Go Bobby! And then........

That is soooooooooo not fair!!!

Jill

Wow... unexpected! Wondering who was with her...

Don't worry about the short story description. We'll add it later when we check word counts. Keep !!!

Poor Bobby!

I was enjoying a glimpse of Bobby's dreams, my hopes were getting up for a lovely fluffy meeting... then :eek jaw drops: my heart just about broke with Bobby's!

The big question is, who is Tara with? Maybe she's just walking out of the door with a neighbour at the same time?? Okay, getting desperate now for solutions to this dilemma!

Fantastic twist that I didn't see coming... I'll be waiting anxiously for more!

Excellent work,

Sairs

Poor Bobby. He even had it planned as far as baby number two!

Now who was with Tara??

New thought here.........she gave the guy a kiss. WE don't know what kind of kiss. I mean, it could have been a peck on the cheek, right??? I'll have to go back and read it again, but Bobby, you need to replay it in your mind, too!!!! Like, if it was a peck, the guy could have been a cousin...brother...uncle...grandpa!!!


Jill

totally agree jill ... although i think the grandpa one may be wishful thinking!!

Okay, so it was Bobby waiting outside for Tara! Although, when I went back and read it, we could be talking about two different people!

I hurt for Bobby!! Doesn't Tara know she's made for him??? Who was she kissing??? Bobby should still go over to her and let her know that he's there. The whole deal was to make the FIRST person of the opposite sex your Valentine. Tara is Bobby's first person!!! Go get her, Bobby!!!

Joy

Bell,
it's impressive start of your story... I feel with Bobby but I think he should try to attract the woman of his life... but my mind is attacked two important questions... who is she???? and who is HE?????

Can't wait for next post!!!!!


Restie

Excellent job on the first person pov, Bell. Very good. First person is hard and you have done it well. Also, the whole desciptions of the dreams and the thoughts were awesome. I am tagging this one, baby....

Thank you for your replies, I didn't mean to make you cry, I just thought that it was my obligation as a writer to torture the characters a little
Enjoy!

*****

So, I finally realized what it felt like to have your heart broken.

I arrived late to the office, trying to hide my red eyes and stop the flood of frustration that came just as I was parking next to her car. Why did I wait for so long? Why couldn’t I stop feeling miserable? What was I going to do about all my plans for today? I took the elevator and ignored as best as I could from all the buzzing activity and horribly pink decorations. I stormed inside the bullpen and headed straight to my desk, huffing good morning as I passed my co workers and friends.

I ignored her as best as I could, trying to ignore the squeals of delight that came from the general direction of her desk. I finally raised my head when I couldn’t stand the girly giggles anymore; I opened my mouth to shut them up when I saw the bouquet of flowers that stood on her desk. I swallowed, I didn’t have enough time to cancel the flowers and I planned for another one to arrive around lunch.

Tara admired the flowers and her entire face seemed to shine with happiness. It was an odd bouquet, I admit, but it represented so much for me. It contained several red roses that framed it as a circle on the outside, four white roses and one sunflower in the center. It wasn’t a big bouquet; I thought she wouldn’t appreciate something large and too expensive. Tara loved the little things in life and those flowers represented everything I loved about her.

I reached for my phone, intent on calling the flouriest and cancel the reservation for the flowers and balloons I planned for lunch time when I felt someone standing in front of me. I didn’t have to raise my head to know that it was her. She smelled like vanilla and something fruity that always made me think about a tropical island. I smiled at her and she moved to sit in my lap, circling my neck with her hands. The movement itself was a surprise, Tara was not the kind of a woman to simply walk over and sit in one’s lap. Never the less, I wasn’t complaining, I simply circled her waist with my hands, pulled her tighter and waited for her to speak. I am quite sure that I grinned like an idiot too.

“Thank you for the flowers, Bobby.”

I was stunned, how could she know it was me? I didn’t leave any note. I planned on inviting her to dinner. I was under the impression that receiving anonymous Valentine gifts was something women would fall for. I stammered as I spoke. “How…how did you know?”

She smiled and her face was inches away from mine. She closed the distance and my breath caught in my throat. Surely, she wouldn’t kiss me here, in the middle of the office. Her lips touched mine and I was startled by their softness. She was so warm and delicate against me. I raised my hands to her head, tangling my fingers in her hair, it was so soft…she opened her mouth slightly and I brought her closer to me, deepening our kiss. Our lips seemed to be fused together and the little whimpers she made sent rippling pleasure all over my body. Dear god…did she know what she was doing to me?

“I think they’re from Stanley.” I heard her voice and wondered how could she possibly talk so clearly and kiss me at the same time.

“Bobby, are you alright?”

I opened my eyes and chocked when I realized my mind was playing with me once more. Jack seemed worried as he looked at me and I managed a weak smile before slowly releasing the death grip I had around a thick folder. I nodded my head and he raised his eyebrows.

“You were caressing the folder.” He said quietly. “Were you day dreaming again?”

I gaped at him and he shrugged his shoulders. “I wasn’t day dreaming.” I hissed.

“Sure you weren’t.” He went back to his desk and I watched with envy as our three Sheilas all fussed around the flowers and was trying to decide whether Tara should call Stanley and thank him. I narrowed my eyes, what was that Code Breaker doing here anyway? Did our terrorists take a vacation? He should be out on an assignment of some kind. He always came back when I didn’t want him too. He had such lousy timing.

I thought they weren’t together anymore.

“Bobby, did you find your Valentine date, yet?” Lucy’s voice penetrated my thoughts and I glared at her.

“No, Sheila, I’m not taking any part of this game.” I said quietly. She looked like she was going to say more but then just shrugged her shoulders and moved away from my desk. Did I really look so bad that she didn’t even want to tease me? When I raised my head again I thought I saw a look of disappointed in my loved one’s eyes but it vanished when she blinked and turned her gaze towards the computer screen.

Why would she care? My sub consciousness chose that moment to comment bitterly. I drummed my fingers on my desk. After all, she has Stanley…

I get the feeling that there is some misunderstanding here!!!

Joy

Poor Bobby!

I feel sorry for Bobby

Poor folder!!!

wow, I really feel for bobby. Poor guy. I hope tara and stanley break up even though it is valentines day

A huge misunderstanding

Well now that has put me in a fine mood! And have you all noticed Bell's brooding Bobby avatar? You're breaking my heart, girl!

kav

My heart goes out to Bobby

Bobby' dream seemed real...you blend it so well. I am duly impressed.

I need more..............please???!!

No.. Poor Bobby.. This can't be happening...

It's so nice post, Bell!

Bobby is so vulnerable and fragile. He loves her really so much... I have to thank you for this small indication Tara would be glad if the flowers wasn't from Stanley

GREAT JOB!!!!!


Restie

if i third this motion, can we get it carried?!

Let us all chant together: we trust Bell, Bell loves happy endings!

and, Kav, I love my brooding Bobby but I put him in my avatar cause it matched the Gravyard's plot (Bell puts her hand on her mouth before she'll spill some plot secrets)

have fun!

*****

I was very miserable. Who ever said that misery loved company was a complete Drongo. I watched my friends and found myself loathing them for every smile they shared, take Jack and Sue, for example. While I was thrilled to hear from my best mate that he finally confessed his true feelings to the Sheila on Christmas Eve while they were stuck in a dark elevator, I still felt like they were mocking me every time they smiled at each other.

It was really a beautiful story, the way he signed in her hand that he loved her but his signing was so bad that she couldn’t understand him and in the end he simply kissed her and they had a long conversation after they got out of there. Now, they were in the office, their status confirmed by Garret and although they kept professional their eyes spoke volumes about their love for each other.

I must sound very strange. Yes, I know I’m a man and I can’t tell the difference between the color red and burgundy, but I do have eyes in my head and if there was one thing I learned from Sue is that your eyes really are the windows to your soul.

Tara my love...Tara has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. They’re hazel (yes, I can tell the difference between hazel and brown) and there are so many things I can see when I look at them. I love the way her eyes sparkle when she finds something valuable for a case. I love the little wrinkles she has around them when she smiles. I love the way they darken when we make love.

No…wait a minute. I’m not sure they darken since we never really made love. I remember walking out from a cold shower one morning and I reached for my razor and my mind was wondering back to the dreams I had and I thought about how much fun it would be to have her wrap her arms around me and as I looked into the mirror my own eyes were very dark. I had a nasty cut from that shaving.

Please, don’t raise your eyebrows at me. I admit at having very naughty thoughts about my Tara but it’s not about sexual desire, not at all. I’ve had sex before more then once or twice, mind you and with different women also…

I’m loosing my focus here…

Where was I? It’s not about sexual desire. Have you ever been under water for a long time? At some point your chest hurts real bad, this is how I feel. At some point, the attraction I had for my beautiful Tara wasn’t just physical and I had heart aches when she wasn’t around and I admit that I had butterflies all over my stomach when she looked at me, please don’t laugh…thank you.

The butterflies were gone but instead of them I realized that I felt good just from seeing her in the morning. Her presence seemed to brighten my day and my nights. In my dreams we started dating but it wasn’t until I dreamed we were getting married that I decided that I might need to do something. And then, everything seemed too complicated, our case load seemed to double itself and I couldn’t find the time and we were both so tired. And my dreams moved forward and I was so happy when I held my precious daughter in my hands. Some part of me was too afraid to talk to her; I thought I could compromise with having her in my dreams and nothing more. And then she had to offer this ridiculous Valentine thingy and I caught her looking at me when she spoke and I took my chance…

Crush and burn, Luv…crush and burn.

I just love being inside Bobby's head .......so many thoughts.....so many directions. I think we need a map. Oh wait. It's Bobby. Only Myles' head would take a map to navigate it. Too many cubicals. Bobby ....he thinks with his heart and his head. And right now, the heart hurts.....

Fix it, please.


Jill

Bobby really needs to talk to Tara before he gets too caught up in his dream life!!!

Joy

A map would be good...so we could figure out his head and heart. Poor Sir Bob....

Sorry still can't get over her kissing Stanely when she could kiss Bobby.

I think Bobby needs to relax a little. Take a cue from Jack,..........kiss her!

It's so sad Bobby you have to do something... go and talk with her... maybe you could ask her for lunch meal... TRY SOMETHING!!!!!!!

Bell, great post!!!!!


Restie

Snippet...more later, enjoy!

*****

From being miserable I went to complete mortification in a matter of seconds.

With all my self pitying, I forgot to cancel my other order of flowers and balloons. The delivery guy was punctual and arrived exactly at twelve and a half like I told the girl from the store and he certainly brought some balloons with him, lots of them, all organized together like a little tree that now stood right in front of her face.

God, she looked like she was about to cry.

I lowered my head into my hands and heard it when she rose from her seat and left the room. The members of the bullpen waited a good ten seconds before erupting with laughter. I raised my head and watched when Jack and Myles examined the tree closely, pulling out some interesting stuff from the branches. My head was aching, how could such a thing happen? Instead of balloons they sent condoms…lots and lots of them, piled together on plastic branches. They were all sorts of them, some of them were puffed and resembled strange balloons, they were in different colors, different tastes, different sizes.

Why me? I was only trying to be romantic. I knew I had to find her, I had to tell her the truth and after I’ll do that I’ll go over to that stupid gift shop and strangle someone! How could they send condoms? On my way out I heard Myles and Jack counting the number of condoms that were on the tree. God, they were even sorting them into different types.

“That’s enough protection for a life time…” I heard Myles mumbling and Jack snorted in reply.

“Maybe your life time…”

just too funny!!! i know its mean, and i do feel very sorry for tara and for bobby, but its just too funny!!!

EXCELLENT PART, BELL

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Restie