OK, I decide to give it a try...
Hope I can manage two stories at the time - LOL
Enjoy
Josy
~~~~~~~~~
Friday
Sue and Lucy’s apartment

Comfortably snuggled in a corner of her couch, she was reading her favorite romantic novel: Pride & Prejudice. Totally absorbed by the story, she didn’t acknowledge right away the phone that claimed his presence by a loud and persistent noise. Lucy sighed and extended her arm.

“Hello”, she greeted and her mom’s voice came through. A warm smile spread on her lips and she chatted with her for few minutes that elapsed in an hour. She hung up and her gaze wandered back to the book that she dropped on a cushion. Then, her regard traveled to her mug: her tea cooled down and it was time for another one.

She walked to the kitchen and heard a muffled sound of the book falling on the wooden floor. She opened the cupboard and grabbed some green tea and she placed the kettle on the stove. While she was waiting for the water to boil, she gazed aimlessly at the city at night. The frenzy of Christmas had settled down and a biting cold had enveloped the city since few days. This year, Christmas had been passionately crazy. Finally, after a waltz of turtle steps and silence, Jack confessed his love to a blushing Sue. Lucy had been squealing of delight since then: she teased, laughed and was even proud of her matchmaking power. And then, what do you know, Tara and Bobby, on New Eve…Lucy didn’t get all on the details yet but still, she was ecstatic! All those thoughts mingled but a feeling overpowered them. She refused to voice it or think about it but still…it was there…envy. She sighed.

She approached her window and squeezed her nose against the icy surface. Her eyes were so close of the window that the lights of DC mingled all together. Another sigh escaped her lips and her thoughts went back to the Jane Austen’s novel. At that moment, the kettle started singing and she turned away from her view.

Pouring the tea and hot water in a mug, she prepared to go back in the living room when her eyes caught a glimpse of her calendar. She frowned as she tried to remember today’s date. She knew it was Friday…TGIF and soft chuckle left her lips.

Today had been a quiet and slow day: they were not on a case…yet and they were finishing the paperwork of the previous case that the team wrapped earlier this week. She confronted Randy and she had been the victorious one. Even Myles smiled at their fight.

Suddenly, a flash tickled in her mind: she swirled and stared at her calendar. With her eyes, she searched for today’s date and then, counted until the…14th of February.

“O Brother!”, she muttered. Usually, she loved Valentine day: she enjoyed the love floating around, the guessing game who got what but mostly, it was easier to bare when you have single friends to share that day with.

A deep sigh exhaled her lips: Sue was not single anymore neither Tara. Suddenly, her book was not tempting anymore. Breathing gently on her hot mug, she took a sip on her tea while approaching the window.

She frowned at her glassy reflection and refused to let self-pity filled her heart. She walked back to the living room. She turned on the TV and flipped through the channel. Then, a black and white movie: Casablanca. It was the end but Lucy knew that movie by heart. Hot tears pooled in her dark eyes and she gave herself a reason to cry: the end of that movie was heartbreaking.

However, deep down, she knew why she was crying: she missed that connection that only a man and woman who loved each other can have. She tried to let love settled back in her life but…

Wounds can be hard to heal sometimes. Honestly, she was still mad at Myles. She tried to forgive but forgiveness was a process: tonight, she needed to turn another page but she wondered if she could. Some days, she enjoyed Myles’ company but in other days, a feeling of anger stirred in her heart. She tried to light up that feeling with her teasing still, sometimes…

Crashing on the couch, sobbing her heart out, she let the tears finished their course on the pillow she was squeezing tightly in her arms.

After few minutes, sniffling, she shook her head. “No, no self-pity” she admonished herself. One day, she will have her chance, her blessing. Wiping her tears away, she breathed deeply and returned back to her book and Mr. Darcy.

A big welcome to the Valentine Challenge Josy.

And a story about Lucy!!!! Double

Can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

Lynn

What a great start! I love Lucy's thoughts and emotions...so very real.

Jill

I'm intrigued!

Kim

Welcome to the Challenge, Josy!!!


I feel very sad for Lucy.

Hoorah -- and I'm in on the beginning of this one! I don't have to run to catch up! I love the start, you've set the scene nicely and you've made me feel the pain of Lucy's yearning too. Everythings' perfect for everyone else...but not for her...at least that's how she's feeling. I'm glad she had a good cry...and hopefully you are going to fix things for her, aren't you, Josy?

kav

Lucy's feelings are so very real, and familiar to some of us as well. Looking forward to seeing how you resolve her inner conflict.

Welcome to the challenge, Josy!! I'm excited to see what you are going to bring to us!!!

My heart breaks for Lucy and her lonliness!! You have portrayed her feeling very well here and I can feel her sadness!! I think, if I were her, I would concentrate on forgiving Myles!!!

Joy

Josy, it's so great to see that you've joined the challenge!!! Great start. You made Lucy's emotions come alive.

Thanks for your warm comments
~~~~~
Friday
Myles’ house

A fire crackled joyfully. The orange and red flames were dancing and their waltz brought to life the living room. A war of shadow and light roared and filled the room with peace. Lying comfortably on the leather couch, a man was reading. Only the rustling sound of the pages that were flipped broke the peaceful silence. Then, Myles lifted his gaze and let it wandered to the fireplace. Mesmerized by the flames, the book sled from his hands and fell on the carpet. Captivated by the fire, his thoughts flipped through the events of the week; a case finally wrapped up, the teasing around the two newest couple, Lucy’s fight and victory against Randy and finally, the heartfelt wish of a good weekend stated by everyone in the team.

Then, a thought tickled the back on his head. He frowned and turned his sight away from the fire. He leaned over the coffee table and reached for his agenda: today was the 8th then next week, it will be…Valentine’s Day.

“Great!” he muttered. “The googlies eyes and the drooling will be worst at the bullpen” he mused dryly. He could imagine Tara, on Monday morning, with her Valentines decorations, hanging hearts everywhere, challenging everyone with games. A smile spread on his tight lips.

Tara forced his admiration: she had the knack to bring joy and sparkle on everyone she met. Her bubbly way to put everyone at ease forced him to forgive her even when she was doing too much!

He was certain that Jack would cover Sue with gifts and flowers on top of totally wrapped her with all the affection he can give her. Bobby will probably do the same. Myles shook his head, in disbelief but happy at the same time.

He had to take one’s hat off for Lucy: frustrated about that rule “no dating within the same unit”, she challenged one her friend into the Politics Department. Her friend dug some information particularly interesting: that rule was created when women became more and more an important part of the FBI workforce. In order to avoid problems, that rule was created but with years, became outdated. However, none had updated that rule since no one asked for it. The rule stayed unchanged until Lucy decided to request for a change.

At the moment Sue decided to stay in DC, Lucy was determined to find a way so Sue and Jack could finally be together! In partnership with her friend in Politics, she managed to convince the Director of this department to review the rule. Few months later, a survey traveled along all the FBI employees to obtain their opinions about the rule. To Lucy’s delight, a majority of the FBI employees agreed that the rule was outmoded and needed to be update. A few months later, after many brainstorming sessions and drafts, the new rule came out: dating was allowed but strict directives were given. First, the two persons who desired to pursue a more intimate relationship had to receive the blessing of their supervisor. Secondly, their relationship must not, under any circumstance, be an obstacle to their work. Otherwise, the direction can decide to mute one of the agents to another team. Finally, if unfortunately, the relationship ended, both had to stay professional in all time and leave private matter out of work.

It seemed that change was the element needed for Turtle Jack and Puppy Bobby to confess their love to the woman of their dreams.

Myles smiled. He bent and took slowly his book. He observed the happiness of everyone in the bullpen: it felt like that a burden had been lifted from over the team’s head.

However, behind Lucy’s radiant smile, he saw a trace of shadow. In the deepest corner of his soul, an emotion stirred. He knew that Lucy was genuinely happy for Sue and Tara. He knew, also, that his actions hurt her deeply. A realization crossed his mind: he never apologized to her, at least, sincerely.

It had been almost four years now. Four years that he hurt her with words but mostly with his actions. He shrugged but the thoughts still nagged him. He stood up and paced slowly the living room. The flames painted some shadows over his movements. He raked his hair. His gaze floated over some roses that were in bronze pot. An image of Lucy floated in his mind: he observed sadness in her dark eyes as she followed discreetly the two couples leaving hand in hands. Valentine Day will be difficult for her this year: he had to remedy to the situation and correct a mistake he did four years ago.

He desired to bring hope, that one day; the knight in shining armour will be there for her.

Oh, this is just heartbreaking in the midst of the others' happiness! I'm glad that Myles has noticed that Lucy is down and can even reason why she is...now I like the idea of him providing a remedy!

kav

That was cute!!

Kudos to Lucy for tackling that stupid rule! Hope Myles can lift Lucy from the doldrums soon.

Hi!!!

Hope Lucy could find her knight in shining armour!!!

Myles is so cute!

Tere

You know, if Lucy just opens her eyes and her heart, then she could let Myles back in and show him that deep down she still does have feelings for him. He made a big mistake and he's willing to remedy that if she'll let him.

Loved Myles' musings. Very sweet.

Jill

Using Myles' thoughts was a great way to let us know what was going on in everyone's life right now in your story.

"Turtle Jack and Puppy Bobby" - I love that!! I'm glad Myles has noticed Lucy's sadness and wants to do something about it!! How like a matchmaker - fix everything for everyone else and she gets left out in the cold!! I think, with a little planning, Myles can warm her up quite nicely!!!

Joy

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
~ Oscar Hammerstein ~
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday
Sue and Lucy’s apartment

She was staring at her bed: in fact, she was gazing at the clothes lying on her comforter; brown and black pants, pink and beige blouses, one pink turtle neck, a brown vest and a white shirt. Lucy groaned and shrugged. She loved Sunday evenings usually: best TV night of the week but not tonight. It seemed that all the networks passed the word around: either it was reality “fake” shows which she hated with a passion or romantic movies. She rolled her eyes up to the sky. Usually, she enjoyed romantic movies with popcorn and Triple Chocolate Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream but not tonight. Again, her regard traveled back to her clothing.

Behind her back, a ray of light flashed. She turned quickly and fell face-to-face with Sue who was holding a Ben & Jerry ice cream. Surprised, Lucy gasped and placed her hand on her throat.

“SORRY”, signed gently Sue. Lucy smiled sheepishly. She shook her head and frowned.

“What are you doing home?”, she asked, convinced that Sue would spend the night with Jack. Sue smiled and approached her roommate, her friend. She encircled Lucy’s shoulders and aimed at her brown pants.

“For tomorrow, you should wear this pant with that pink turtle neck” said Sue moving her finger to the clothing element. Chuckling softly, Lucy pushed Sue lightly on her shoulder.

“Since when you are the one giving me dressing advice?”, teased Lucy with a huge grin. She felt content. She had her friend at her side. Then, a sentiment pinched her heart: was she jealous?

“Since you look so puzzled” replied the blonde woman. Sue’s features were relaxed and smiling. She opened the ice cream lid and scooped a bite for herself and gave a spoon to her girlfriend. Lucy giggled and ate a full spoon of chocolaty icy dessert.

“What are you doing here tonight?” asked Lucy with a light tone which contrasted with the frenzy of her heartbeat. Sue didn’t reply immediately and motioned her friend to follow her. Lucy turned and bumped into Levi who nudged his square head under her palm. She patted him affectionately and followed her roommate. She stopped abruptly.

Sitting, legs crossed, a bubbly Tara was holding a big bowl full of popcorn. Her luminous eyes were twinkling of millions of stars.

“What…Tara…” stammered Lucy, moving her eyes between the two women. A huge grin expanded on her lips

“Tonight, it’s a cold evening…” started Tara.

“So it’s means that it a perfect night for The Lord of the Ring”, finished Sue, shacking a DVD case. Sue looked discreetly at her roommate: her deep brown eyes were laughing and a smile had transformed the sober features she had before. She felt her friend sombre mood. Sue was sensitive to her friend’s frame of mind. She desired to show her friend that even if Jack was in her life, she could be still there for her. Lucy had been the first person that accepted her for who she was. Lucy jumped in her world, without fear but with enthusiasm. Lucy learned with eagerness her language. Lucy had encouraged her and even pushed her in Jack’s arms, literally! Lucy fought for her. Lucy had been there for her, in good and bad times and she desired to show her the same kindness and friendship even if her life had changed.

“We realized that it been a long time since we did a girls night out” explained Tara. She moved into the loveseat and some kernel fell on the floor. She agitated her feet that were enclosed into big bunnies’ slippers. Lucy chuckled and jumped over the sofa’s arm and pulled an afghan over her legs.

“What did you do with your other half?”, asked Lucy. Sue who had turned her back to insert the DVD disc in to the player didn’t reply but Tara did.

“They left for an obscure billiard place with booze”, grinned the perky woman and Lucy laughed heartily. The movie started with the TV set into close-caption. The bowl of popcorn traveled between the girls and the ice cream disappeared slowly. The blue shadow reflected on the face of the girls. Levi was snoring at their feet. The well-known story unveiled under their eyes.

Lucy breathed deeply. Her regard traveled slowly between her friends. With a finger, she nudged lightly her bottom lips. In the semi-darkness, she smiled broadly. A sentiment of happiness filled her soul. Then, guilt pinched her heart. Was she so easy to read? She shook her head, in an attempt to shake away that feeling.

Then, a sweet touch: Sue’s slender fingers brushed her hand. She turned her head and met her hazel gaze. They were joyful. Sue and Tara were her friends and nothing in the world could break their friendship.

She sighed and returned her attention to the movie, forgetting about the upcoming Valentine day.

That was so sweet of the girls to plan a girls' night out for Lucy!! It's exactly what she needed!!!

Joy

There is a snippet.
I promise more later
Josy
~~~~~~~~~
Sunday
Myles’ house

Leaning over his kitchen island, he placed all the cards in order. His plan was almost settled. A soft smile floated on his lips. All day, Saturday, he planned, called, sighed, got even frustrated but came to a magnificent plan. At the end, he hoped that Lucy will truly forgive him. He hoped that she will be able to dream of love without the bitter after-taste of betrayal.

His elbows were leaned on the hard surface and his chin stood on precarious balance on them. His blue eyes wandered on his cards, his notes, scanning all details, ensuring that he didn’t miss a thing.

Tomorrow, it will be the day of no-return. His smile faded gradually. He hoped he won’t scare her nor get her upset. He raked his hair. He straightened up and stretched his back. He walked to his refrigerator and got himself a glass of milk. The familiar movements were the only noise breaking the comfortable silence.

While drinking, he turned off the lights and walked out of the kitchen. His gaze caught a glimpse of the book, half-opened, on the coffee table. He sat comfortably, placed the glass on the table and took the book between his hands. He sighed and smiled, confident.

Because, first thing tomorrow…

Now, that's a teaser if I've ever seen what. YOu know you're going to have to hurry up and write the next part, don't you.

Two wonderful posts!!

Three is company! like Master Tolkien said

Go Myles!!!!

Looking forward for the next

Tere

As promised, there's more
The poem is from Jancarl Campi
Enjoy
Josy
~~~~~~~~~~

We made our lives out from chaos and hope… and love.
~~ Angela Montenegro (Bones) ~~

Monday morning
Sue and Lucy’s apartment

She snoozed again. She snoozed too many times. When she finally lifted her lids, the numbers in red flashed but didn’t register.

7:30

Lucy closed her eyes and sighed. Then, she flung her eyes wide-opened. Sitting straight into her bed, she gasped.

“7:30” she shouted. “O brother, I am late”, she moaned while grabbing her bathrobe. The movie ended tardy and she decided to shower only in the morning. Now, she will be later more than ever. She trotted to the bathroom and met a locked door. Groaning, she felt a paw on her leg.

“Sue beats me to the shower game, right?”, she whispered to the golden retriever. Levi tilted his square head and whined.

“I know you are sorry” she said with a smile. Still, she was late. She walked to the fridge and poured some orange juice. She noticed that some hot coffee was ready. She seized the coffee pot and poured the java liquid into a mug. The smell tickled her nostril and she closed her eyes.

At that moment, a door opened and footsteps were heard of the wooden floor. She took a sip of the hot beverage.

“Good morning Luce” greeted the blonde woman. “The bathroom is yours” said Sue, taking at her turn the coffee pot. Lucy smiled and hurried. The shower was quick and happy that Sue decided for her clothing; she was ready in no time. Sue was eating a croissant and pushed Lucy’s vitamins on the counter. Lucy swallowed them with some orange juice and grabbed her coat. Sue placed her hand on Levi’s collar when a knock on the door sounded.

Lucy who was the closest opened the door. A man with brown eyes and red hair covered by a hat was standing with a huge bouquet of flowers in his hands. He looked at a pad.

“Miss Lucy Dotson?”, he asked with nasal voice. Lucy could only nod. The delivery man smiled.

“For you and I need a signature” he simply said. Lucy signed, numbed and took carefully the flowers. A sweet scent enveloped her senses. The bouquet was colourful. She recognized the flowers: azaleas and rose hibiscus that were snuggled into the dark green of rose leaves. She closed slowly the door and walked silently to the kitchen island.

“Wow! They are beautiful” exclaimed Sue with luminous eyes. Lucy laid down the flowers on the counter and an envelope fell on the floor. Mesmerized by the garland, she didn’t notice until Levi’s paw scratched beside her foot. She bent down and fetched the ivory envelope. The sachet had creamy texture and she could feel the quality of the paper.

Sue peaked over her shoulder and Lucy tilted her head. Her heartbeat rose up a notch. A blush blossomed on her coffee-color cheeks. She sled a finger under the lid and she torn the envelope. She found a simple ivory card with a golden handwriting. Lucy lifted up her gaze and felt Sue’s hand on her shoulder.

“Does it say who sent that bouquet?”, asked Sue softly. Lucy shook her head in negation. Out loud, she read the card.

One day, you will see
That it all, has finally come together

What you have, always wished for
Has finally come to be

You will look back, and laugh at what has passed
And you will ask yourself, "How did I get through all of that?"

Just, never let go of hope.
Just, never quit dreaming.
And, never let love
Depart from your life.
~~~~~

Lucy, I pray that hope will never leave your heart…

Cupid

Sooo romantic!!!

Tere

Really enjoying this story - Lucy so sad and pensive at the beginning - then Sue's friendship and Myles' plans unfolding...

Looking forward to more!

That was sweet!

Kim

And so it begins!!!

Joy

I love the note... How long will it take Lucy to discover her Cupid?

What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure?
I think it is the hope of loving, or being loved.
~~Meister Eckhart~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Monday, later that day
The bullpen

Sitting at her desk, looking at her computer without seeing it, the words of the poem bounced and danced in her head. Nudging her lips with a nail, she wondered who would care that much for her. You could send her these flowers? Who would know her that deeply to know her secret?

She sighed and her gaze wandered to the creamy envelope. She left the bouquet at her apartment. She was alone in the bullpen. The team left because of a bank robbery. Carefully, she slipped the card out of the envelope and for the one hundred times today, she read the poem.

Tears stung her eyes and she felt a warm sentiment filling her heart. Who could…Without realizing it, her regard moved to Myles’ desk. She shrugged. She marvelled if… Myles was taciturn this morning. He denied with sarcasm all involvement in these flowers.

Then, who could it be? Billy!

His name jolted in her mind and her heart missed a beat. Billy Benton, her high school sweetheart. She shook her head, puzzled. Even if they decided not to see each other, they kept contact through sporadic emails. Maybe…

At that moment, Bobby and Tara entered the bullpen. The Aussie knocked on the wooden desk and the sound jolted her from her daydream.

“Hey Sheila” greeted Bobby. She smiled to him and went back to her work. Shortly after, the remainder of the team arrived. Perfectly trained, they started to investigate about the bank robbery and the day went by.

Darkness had settled and the hallways became quieter. Lucy was overwhelmed by all the paperwork but it allowed her to take off her mind, Cupid’s gift. She frowned. Rummaging through the files left on her desk, she fell on an old email Billy had forwarded to her few weeks earlier. She had printed it because it made her laugh. Her intention was to bring it home but she forgot.

Her eyes were lowered to the files so she didn’t see Bobby approaching.

“Lucy, what type of flowers did you received?”, he asked, out-of-the-blue.

“Why?”, she replied instead of answering it. He shrugged. “My mom used to say that flowers have their own language. Maybe, your Cupid wanted to tell something”, he said with twinkles in his green eyes. Tara lifted her chin and already opened a research page on her computer. The team followed the conversation and decided to take a break from the investigation.

“I would never though that Koala Boy would think of that” mused the Bostonian, pleased. However, he hid his amusement and he approached as well.

A smile widened on Lucy’ face and her whole visage lightened up.

“You mom is a smart woman Bobby” said Lucy with joy in her tone. “Well, it was a mix of azaleas, of rose hibiscus and they were snuggled on a bed of rose leaves” she explained, eyes closed. A soft smile stirred on her lips.

Myles’s heart jolted at the sight of this smile. He missed it. He heard Tara typing on her keyboard and her squeal of delight told him she had found some information.

“As per that website, the rose hibiscus means “delicate beauty”, the rose leaves hold for “You may hope” and then the azaleas means…well…” said Tara, frowning. She lifted her gaze and met questioning eyes. She shrugged.

“The azaleas have different meaning: it could signified “Take care of yourself for me” or “Temperance” or even “Fragile passion” and finally, it is also the Chinese symbol for womanhood. “ she explained, a bit perplexed.

Sue tilted her head and looked at her roommate who had blushed slightly.

“Wow, Luce. Whoever sent you these flowers had the desire to show you how important you are” said Sue softly.

All those significations swirled in Lucy’s head and touched her deeply. Someone care enough to tell her those compliments. The rose leaves stand for “you may hope”.

She hoped that the bouquet would not be the end of it. Again, her regard traveled discreetly to Myles who had turned his back. But, he stated it wasn’t him. And why he would send that bouquet? We cannot let a day without fighting. We cannot let a day without sarcasms!” mused sadly the rotor. Jack had given them the okay to leave for the night and they have to be back tomorrow morning, early. Lucy saw Jack inviting Sue for a light supper together. She will be alone, again tonight. However, tonight, she didn’t dread it. The flowers were there to remind her that someone cared for her. Someone thought that she was beautiful. Someone was telling her to hope, to dream and one day, love will be there for her.

Myles walked at her side and noticed her dreamy smile. He felt that smile will haunt in his dreams.

Yes, Lucy, it looks you may indeed "hope" again.

Bobby, a romantic at heart... That's a nice twist!

love the meaning in the flowers - so romantic, and subtle too...

There is always hope Lucy!!

So romantic!!

Tere

Lucy, I think you are about to be bowled over.

Jill

What a beautiful sentiment!! And, to think, this is only the beginning!!!

Joy

I think that when Myles sets his mind to romancing a woman...well, lets just say he'll leave Jack and Bobby eating his dust!

kav

A snippet tonight
Enjoy
Josy
~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday morning
Sue and Lucy’s apartment

Slowly, her lids flustered. Her iris met darkness. Warmly snuggled under her comforter, she didn’t move. Lazily, she closed her eyes and let her mind wandered aimlessly. She allowed the peace of the night rocking her slowly to some drowsiness. Before her eyes, pictures moved until she saw a rose hibiscus. A soft smile stirred slowly on her lips. She sighed.

Who sent her the flowers? She moved and turned on her side. She opened her eyes and she caught a glimpse of the moon. The luminosity of the lampposts threw a shadow on her window. She could see that snowflakes danced slowly.

Her mind focused back on the flowers. Who? This little word obsessed her last night. While watching a movie with one ear, her mind stayed focus on all the possibilities. She even opened her laptop without turning it on. On the corner of her eyes, she watched Mr. Darcy declaring his love to a Miss Elizabeth, offended. However, in her heart, the same question swirled: who? Why?

She sighed and moved again. She felt a draught running along her legs. She shivered and tightened her comforter around her feet. She felt tears stinging her eyes. She tried to blink them away but she failed miserably. She sensed the tears buried a fire trails on her cheeks. Silently, she gasped and swiped them. She knew that Sue couldn’t hear her and that thoughts brought some comfort.

Sighing deeply, she stared at the moon. The white celestial body mesmerized her. All evening, she juggled with different possibilities. First, she assumed it might be Billy. True, they kept in touch but how he could know about her deepest secrets, her dismay, her fears, her dreams…

Then, a funny contemplation: her mother. Throughout the years, they had their ups and downs, their fights but also, their confidences, their silences…their friendship. She admitted to her mom about her apprehension, her deep sentiment of solitude. Her mother had tried her best to lift her mood. Did she dare to go that far? Sending her flowers, a poem?

Again, she squirmed, restless. She heard the springs of her mattress. Then, a last option: Myles. A pain pinched her heart: why did she think about him? She frowned, frustrated. She wondered why Myles would do that. Tears again pooled in her dark eyes. She closed immediately her lids, refusing to let anger or self-pity filled her heart. She moaned her sadness. She refused to think he could plan these gifts. She didn’t know if she was ready to accept these presents from him. She refused to be played again. She refused to be hurt again. She refused to be naïve again.

Still, a sentiment to be loved pursued her. “By him?”, and that thought made her jolted. She turned on her back and stared at the ceiling. A car passed by and its headlights illuminated her room. On the corner of her eyes, she saw the numbers of her clock: 5:30. Soon, she had to get up and be at the bullpen early, as Jack requested it.

She pushed her sheets away and stretched her legs, her back, her shoulders and she heard her neck crackling. She turned on her bed lamp and got up. She bent to grab her bathrobe when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

Bit by bit, she approached the mirror and looked critically at herself. She turned away as she perceived sound of nail hitting the wooden floor: Levi was up so Sue was not far behind. Few seconds later, a light rap broke the silence of her room and a blonde woman peeked through the doorframe.

Lucy smiled to her roommate, her friend. Another day started and maybe, more surprises will come brighten her journey.

Poor Lucy - think about those rose leaves and the hope they bring!!!

Joy

Well, she did think of Myles... Poor Lucy!

Poor Lucy!

But see the bright sight Lucy, the day started and the sun is up again!!
Maybe your Cupid will has a surprise for you! to cheer you up!

Tere

Lucy is so sweet. I love her thoughts and how they finally settled on Myles. Yes, Lucy. Dare to believe!

Jill

Lovely post - I really enjoy the ones which show us the characters' thoughts... and I loved the progression from melancholy to hope...

I'm hoping hard for her too!

I'm happy that Lucy's thoughts settled on Myles after going through the cycle. He may be the last she would ever suspect, but he could be the very man to knock her solely off her feet and off to a wonderful dreamworld of love.

I'm rooting for a happy ending here, Josy. Lucy certainly deserves her ever after when you consider all the matchmaking ploys she's implemented over the years!

kav

As sweet as a "secret admirer" is, it sure can bring a lot of heartache. But I'm trusting it'll end happily!

Thanks for your comments....they made my day
The poem is from Jeff Hobbs
Enjoy
Josy
~~~~~~~~~~~

Later this morning
The bullpen

Myles arrived early. The bullpen was still surrounded by semi-darkness. Silently, he hung his coat and walked to the coffee machine. He poured water and coffee and turned on the percolator. Soon, a java smell filled the room with its comforting aroma. Myles sat at his desk and enjoyed the silence of the room. He didn’t turn his computer on yet. His gaze wandered on the desks of his colleagues: Tara had fun decorating the bullpen. Hearts and cherubs were hanging everywhere it could be possible. On her desk, Tara added a fluffy pink monkey that was holding a heart and on it, it was written “I love you”. Myles frowned, wondering if it was there last year or it was a new addition.

Then, his gaze moved slowly to Lucy’s desk: “Did she sleep well?” , he mused, lightly concerned. He hoped today’s surprise will not unveil too much. His fingers brushed the file that they were working on. He sighed. Everything seemed to unfold according to plans however, he was struggling with Valentine Day. He shifted, uncrossing his legs and lifted his eyes at the moment Lucy and Sue entered the bullpen, followed by a faithful Levi.

“Good morning Myles” greeted the analyst with a gentle smile. Without fully realizing it, he smiled back and turned to Lucy.

“Good morning Lucy”, he said softly. She looked at him and replied gently.

His blue eyes were peaceful and her heart decided to play tam-tam in her chest. She realized that his eyes had softened with the years. They seemed to laugh more often and twinkled as secrets were buried in them. She hung her coat and had the definite sensation of a regard following her moves. However, when she swirled, Myles had buried his attention into the file. She shrugged. At that instant, Sue approached with a steamy cup of coffee.

“THANKS” signed the rotor. “Did you do the coffee?” asked Lucy while taking a sip.

“No. I did” replied Myles’ baritone voice without lifting his eyes.

“No chance of poisoning then?” teased Lucy, her dark brown eyes shining of million of stars. Myles lifted his gaze, an amused grin floating on his lips.

“I am not Bobby” came the dry reply. At that instant, the Aussie came into the room with a dishevelled Tara.

“Who’s not me?” asked Bobby while removing his coat, he crashed in his seat and placed his legs up, on the corner on his desk.

Bobby couldn’t reply as someone else did. Jack and D entered the room with another file.

“Good morning kids” said D with a smile. “It seems we have more…” he pursued and gave details about the case.

Following the quick meeting, the team decided to tickle their snitches so everyone left the bullpen and they let Lucy alone but busy as a bee. Buried by different paperworks, she was trying to complete a report that was breaking down all the expenses of the last fiscal year for the team requested by Randy. Lucy watched the pround man entering the room, scanning it with some disappointment in his facial features: no audience for their weekly squabble. Lucy smiled wryly.

“What can I do for you today Randy”, said Lucy unctuously, a huge grin lightened up her face. As usual, Randy didn’t smile nor greeted the rotor.

“Miss Dotson, I assumed that you didn’t complete the report I ask for two weeks ago” said the man, truly believing that two weeks was well enough to conclude the document.

Slightly upset by that pompous man, Lucy rolled her eyes.

“I would if a certain someone would stop interrupting me all the time to find out if I am done. You get it when you’ll get it” retorted the rotor, darting at Mr. Pitts. Offended by her reply, he swirled on his heels and left the bullpen, nearly bumping into Tara.

Amused, Tara giggled and winked at the rotor.

“I see that you had some action” kidded the computer genius. Lucy smiled and looked at her watch.

“Are you free to lunch with me?” invited Lucy. Tara nodded.

“We can wait for Sue, she was not really far behind” proposed Tara and Lucy agreed. Sue came in few minutes later and all the three left for a quick lunch. They went to a nearby deli, enjoying each other company, chatting and laughing.

When the three friends came back at the Hoover building, a security guard stopped Lucy in the lobby.

“Miss Dotson. Someone is waiting for you in the guest area” informed the guard. Curious and with a heart knocking hard in her chest, she walked to the area and saw a man standing with a bouquet. Gasping silently, she felt her cheeks flushing. The man turned at the sound of her footsteps.

“Miss Dotson?”, he asked gently. His voice contained a light accent which Lucy couldn’t pin point. She nodded at the sound of her name. The delivery man gave her a pad so she could sign which she did silently. Then, he gave a bouquet and a beautifully wrapped box. Her eyes widened under the surprise.

Tara and Sue who had followed approached their friend. In ecstasies over the flowers, they wondered about the signification. Astonished, Lucy stayed silent as tears filled her eyes. Breathing deeply, she looked at her friends.

They went to the bullpen where they met with the guys.

“Cupid struck again”, stated Bobby matter-of-factly. Lucy could only nod as words escaped her. On the corner of her eyes, she watched Myles who kept his unruffled composure. Her attention switched back to the flowers: Iris. She laid the bouquet and the gift on her desk and Tara sat on the front of her computer, ready to find the signification of the flowers. Inside her head, a swirl of ideas, suppositions, emotions, dreams made her dizzy. Lucy closed her eyes, trying to calm the frenzy of her thoughts.

With trembling fingers, she untied the envelope from the bouquet and waited.

“Did you find any meaning?” asked Jack, happy to change his mind. Tara smiled and nodded happily.

“As per the same website I used, the iris stands for faith, hope and wisdom. Also, it is the emblem for France and it means “Your friendship means so much to me” said Tara in one breath. Again, hope was a recurrent theme.

“Another poem Luce?” asked Bobby who had spotted the creamy envelope. Lucy acquiesced and opened it slowly. Inside, a card with a beautiful calligraphy but Lucy hesitated. Her gaze switched to the gift wrapped into a shimmer light green paper. Lucy could here Tara tiptoes, curious to see the gift.

Carefully, Lucy unwrapped it and opened the lid of the box. Inside, a glass bulb: carefully, she took it out. It was glass bulb with snowy scenery of Paris. Tears polled in her dark eyes and she could feel her lips trembling. The bulb was resting on beautifully engraved silver pattern stand. She could see the Eiffel Tower surrounded by a light coat of snow. She heard the sound of appreciation but didn’t really acknowledge. In a hurry, she lifted her chin and let Myles’ blue eyes: curious and soft. However, he didn’t look as someone who was offering a gift.

“I love Paris. My dream is to go one day” whispered slowly Lucy with a husky voice.

In a blurry state, she took the envelope and sled the card out. Tears rolled on her cheeks as she read:

Oh Paris

Ah, to be in Paris in the rain
The tower dripping wet
The pavement like moist sheets
Beneath our bodies
The taste of sweets on our misty breath
The sounds of music hidden under
Flashes of lightning and the roar of
A thunderous climax
Ah, to be in Paris
In the rain

Lucy, one day, I promise you, Paris will be yours

Cupid

That about sums it up!

Jill

Love the banter... Nice poem!!!

I wonder how long it will take her to find her mysterious Cupid?

If this is indeed Myles, he's going above and beyond, which is absolutely wonderful!!!

Joy

This was just lovely - so romantic!