Out of My Hands - A Randy Orton Fanfic

[Annaya]

Chapter 30

“Randy?” Alice repeated, when she heard her say his name. “He’s there?”

“Yeah…mom…” Ally said. She could barely get the words out. Out of all the people she could bump into, why did it have to be him? “I gotta go, mom. I’ll talk to you later.” She ended the call then, and stuck her phone in her bag.

“Fancy seeing you here.” Randy said. “Oh…that’s right! You’re getting married here.”

“Y-you know about that?” She asked.

“Everyone and their grandma know.” He said, “It’s a pretty big deal in this small town.”

“I didn’t want it to be that big…” She said.

“Yeah, well…Your step dad’s huge in real estate here. You would’ve known that if you actually bothered seeing how people in this place are doing.” He remarked, snidely, before realizing it and changing his tone. “Anyway, is your mom picking you up?”

“No…she’s…I told her I’m getting a cab.” She said, with her head down. Obviously hurt at his remark.

She knew he was right though. She never bothered to know how everyone else was doing. But it wasn’t because she didn’t care. She was just so afraid of looking back into the past, reliving all the pain, refreshing all the wounds her heart has obtained.

“I have my car at the parking.” He said, “I’ll give you a ride.”

“No, it’s fine…” She declined.

“Come on…are you gonna reject me again?” He said, in an obvious jab. “It’s just a ride. Besides, there’s no reason we can’t be friends, right? You’re getting married; I have a girlfriend...whom I love very much.”

She wasn’t so dumb to not see his intentions though. So she put up a brave front, and played his game. “Ok…” She said, “You’re right…there’s nothing wrong with two friends giving each other a ride.”

“No pun intended.” He said, jokingly. “Kidding. Let’s go?”

“Yeah.”

So he took her luggage and they went to his car. He knew where her mom lives, since he’s been there a couple of times for a visit on occasions with his mom. Alice’s new family liked him, too, especially Caleb, Andrew’s seven year old son, who’s a big fan of wrestling.


It was an awkward drive, masked by each other’s attempts to hide how they both still have feelings for each other. Randy would talk about his girlfriend, and how happy he is with how everything was going. And Ally would talk about how much she loves her fiancé and how her wedding is exactly how she always wanted it.

“I’m so glad mom found that farm and vineyard place in Potosi.” She said, “She sent me pictures and it’s so beautiful there…It’s going to be perfect. Exactly how I dreamed my wedding would be.”

“I know…” He said, not thinking about what he was saying. “Except you had a different groom in mind when you dreamed of it.”

She grew quiet then, knowing how true what he said was. She doesn’t know how to act unaffected, as much as she tries. She’s had so much practice pretending her life was perfect in front of other people, she didn’t know why she can’t seem to do it in front of him.

“Sorry…” He said, realizing what just happened, although, he wasn’t really sorry.

The rest of the ride was quiet, as they drove through an exclusive neighborhood. The Waldorf house was at the cul de sac of the street. It was a quiet neighborhood with only a few houses in each block. The house itself was very beautiful, complete with a medium sized pool with Jacuzzi at the back.

“Nice, eh?” Randy said. “I’m gonna buy a house like this one day…start a family.”

“I’m sure you will.” She said, softly. Secretly wishing it was with her, knowing it won’t.


They haven’t gotten out of the car, when a kid came running out of the door of the house. It was Caleb, and he was excited to see Randy.

“Randy! Randy!” Caleb said, running.

Randy came out of the car.“Hey, Caleb!”He put his hands up for a high five, and Caleb jumped to give him one.

“I knew it was you!” The boy said excitedly, following him around the car as he walked over to open Ally’s door. “I know how your car sounds like!”

“Really? Well, aren’t you something?” He said, laughing.

“Do you come here often?” Ally asked, stepping out of his car.

“A couple of times.” He said. “Say hi to your sister, kid.”

Caleb stopped and looked at Ally from head to toes, and then acted all disappointed.

“Oh, man…you’re my new sister?”

Ally was kind of offended, and looked at Randy who was smirking. And then Caleb dropped the punch line.

“I thought I was finally going to get myself a girlfriend, but you’re my sister?!” Caleb said, “You’re too pretty to be my sister. Come inside, I’ll tell mom you’re here!” He said before running back inside the house.

Ally was obviously dumbfounded, but amused. She looked at Randy, shaking her head. “You taught him that didn’t you?”

“Who me? Of course not…” He said, stifling his smile as they went in the house. “Kid’s honest though. You are pretty.”

That made her uncomfortable. She felt herself blush and couldn’t look at him. Thankfully, Alice came down from upstairs then. She thanked Randy for giving Ally a ride, and invited him to stay for dinner.

He accepted her invitation, to Ally’s surprise. She didn’t understand how he could be so comfortable around her and her family after everything that happened between them, when she could barely stand to be around him. Randy even played video games with Caleb at their living room while waiting for dinner, while she stayed in her room with her mom talking about it.

“I just don’t understand…” She said.

“Maybe he has really moved on.” Alice said, “Just give him a chance. Maybe he just want to be friends…There’s nothing wrong with that, right?”

She sighed. She doesn’t know how to explain to her mom how she really feels about the whole thing. The thing is, it gets harder and harder for her to pretend that she was fine in all of it the longer the time she spends with him.

She’s getting married and nothing was going to change that. Besides, he says he’s happy now with his girlfriend. And she’s genuinely happy for him about it. She just wishes it was her he was happy with, deep down inside.

At dinner, Andrew was at home too, and he and Ally finally met in person for the first time. He seems like a nice man, and had a really good sense of humor. He and Randy seem to get along well too, talking like old friends.

Ally sat in front of Randy at dinner, because Caleb wanted to sit beside him. She thought that was good, but as it turned out, it was more uncomfortable, especially when he kept looking at her from across the table, with his gentle eyes that she secretly longed to see.

“So, Ally, you have a really busy itinerary here before the big wedding.” Andrew said, “If you need anything, anything at all, just tell me and we’ll get it done.”

“Thank you, Andrew.” She said, “I really appreciate you letting me stay here, I don’t want to burden you more than…”

“Oh, stop that!” Andrew said, “We’re family now. Family takes care of each other.”

She smiled, and looked at Alice. Alice smiled at her too. They understood each other. Alice has found a good man for herself, after all the heartaches and pain Henry had caused her, and Ally is happy for her.

Then she looked at Randy, while he was talking with Caleb. This was the life she imagined--with him in it. But that wasn’t how it’s going to be in two week’s time.

She was still looking at him when Randy glanced and caught her. He smiled, and she turned her attention back to her plate.

“Oh, honey, I almost forgot.” Andrew said to Alice, “We have a brunch meeting with the real estate developers association tomorrow. Don’t forget, I’ll pick you up around 10.”

“Oh, that’s right!” Alice said, perturbed. “But, I had the food and wine tasting scheduled for tomorrow at the venue in Potosi, too.”

“Can’t you reschedule?” Andrew asked.

“I can’t…I’ve already rescheduled twice.” She said.

“That’s alright, I can go by myself.” Ally said.

“No, I’m sure we can fit it in our sched.” Andrew said, “Can we go after the meeting?”

“They close at three when there’s no scheduled event going on.” Alice said.

“I’ll take her.” Randy said. Everyone looked at him.

“Y-you don’t have to do that.” Ally said. “I don’t want to trouble you…”

“It’s not trouble.” Randy said, in the middle of chewing food in his mouth. “I’m not going anywhere; I don’t have anything planned at all.”

Ally looked at Alice for backup, but she was just as speechless. She looked at Randy and he seems so nonchalant about it, like it meant nothing to him to accompany her at a food and wine tasting for her wedding.

“Can I go with them?” Caleb asked, breaking the silence. “Please dad?”

“No, you have school, remember?” Andrew said, “Are you sure about that, Randy?”

“Yeah, yeah…I’m sure.” Randy said. He looked at Ally. “What are friends for, right? What time are we leaving?”

“You have to be there by 10.” Alice said.

“I’ll pick you up at 8.” He said to Ally.

She could only nod. Once again, she was made speechless by what was happening. Soon after, she excused herself from the table saying she was a little tired and wanted to sleep. They all understood, and thought that she may be jet lagged. But she didn’t get to sleep too soon.

Randy stayed for a little while longer, until Caleb had to go to bed. He saw himself out, and sat in his car for a while. And with an audible sigh no one could hear, he was finally able to put down the brave façade he had been wearing since he saw her at the airport.

He looked up at the window to Ally’s room, thinking deeply. He wanted to be angry at her, and he was. For the longest time he was angry at her. He always thought that if he saw her again, that he was going to stay mad and let her know just how much he was supposed to hate her.

But when he saw her at the airport, all he felt was longing. He wanted to hold her and never let go. Sitting there, looking up at her window, he felt so conflicted.

“Ally…what am I supposed to do now?” He whispered to himself. “I’m not supposed to feel this way anymore.”

Finally, after a couple of minutes of sitting there, he decided to leave lest they wonder what he was still doing there. When Ally heard the car start, she sat up on the bed, almost involuntarily. It’s like her heart was longing for him, and making her move on its own. She stood up and went to her window, and watched as he drove away.

------------------------------------------------------------

The next day…

Randy came half an hour earlier than he said he would. They were eating breakfast so they invited him to join them again. Caleb already got picked up by the school bus so though, so this time, Randy sat beside Ally at the table. It would have been less awkward than the dinner the night before, but then, Randy had to say something.

Ally was being quiet and not speaking to him at all, not even to ask him to pass a condiment. She was reaching for the pepper which was closer to him, so he took he reached for it too, and put it in her hand. But her fingers touched, and she retracted like she got burned, almost spilling the pepper in the process. Alice and Andrew looked at them.

“Well…don’t change your preference because of me.” He said, “You already changed your preference with men.”

She looked at him, taken aback by his remark. She looked upset, and he felt bad about it suddenly.

“Sorry…Bad joke.” He said, “You know my sense of humor is dry.”

“Yeah…right.” She said, before drinking her coffee up. “We better get going, so we could we could finish early. I’ll go get my bag.”

She stood up and went upstairs, and left them in awkward silence. Randy decided to just wait for her in his car. While waiting, he felt rather sleepy, because he didn’t get enough sleep the night before.

He closed his eyes for a few minutes and didn’t realize he dozed off. That’s when Ally came out and saw him. She just went to the passenger seat and gently closed the door.

“Randy…?” She said softly, but he didn’t hear her.

She touched his shoulder to try and wake him up, but he didn’t feel that either. But as she looked at him, she got a feeling of tenderness come over her. Almost involuntarily, she found herself touching his cheek gently.

“I missed you so much….” She whispered. And that’s when he woke up, catching her.

“Sorry…I…” She stuttered, “You look tired, are you sure you want to come with me? I could just…”

“No, I’m sure.” He said, livelily, trying to ease her discomfort. “You ready to go?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

It was a pretty quiet drive to Potosi, in the sense that neither of them was able to sustain a conversation that was more than a few words at a time. It was a good thing he came by earlier because they got caught in the morning traffic, but they still managed to still get to the Farm and Vineyard on time.

The old couple who owns the farm welcomed them warmly. Their daughter owns a event planning and catering business, so they developed the place to accommodate occasions like weddings and other anniversaries.

Randy and Ally were given a tour of the place, from the guest cottage where the bachelor’s party and the groom’s room is going to be prior to the wedding. It’s also where the some of the guests will be staying.

Then they were taken to the main house with the courtyard that was going to be used to accommodate the other guests, as well as for the bridal shower and post wedding party. They showed them the room where the bride would be dressing up.

Ally was just falling in love with the place, and it was very apparent. He could see how her eyes would light up every time they go somewhere new, and she’s giving instructions on how she wants the place to look. And he knew exactly why.

The place is exactly the way she dreamed of. The way she described it to him once, a long time ago.

And even though he tried to look happy and excited for her, there was a huge feeling emptiness deep in his heart. When she wasn’t there yet, even as close as two days ago, he was so set on staying angry at her, and letting her know all about it. But it all changed the moment he saw her at the airport.

After they were given the tour through the venues, they proceeded with the food and wine tasting. The caterer noticed that Ally and Randy weren’t speaking though. It was the fifth bottle of wine they tasted, and Randy still hasn’t said a word.

“That one has been with the family for 70 years. Fermented to perfection!” The old man said, as he poured wine on their glasses. “It’s as old as I am…and as good. Go on, take a sip.”

“Hmmm...” Ally said, smelling the wine. “This one has a nice aroma…very crisp. I love it.”

“Very good! You know your wines.” The old woman said, “But…what about the groom? Don’t you like any of them? Letting the lovely bride make all the decision, huh?”

“Umm, no…” Randy said, “I like them…it’s just….” He looked at Ally, waiting for her to explain their situation.

The old man laughed heartily, “Maybe he realized this early that a happy wife means a happy life!” He said, “If I known that earlier, it would have been a lot smoother.”

“He’s…he’s not my groom.” Ally said.

“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry!” The old lady said, “I thought for sure you were the groom.”

“I did too.” The old man said, “You damn well look good together.” He laughed.

They both just smiled awkwardly, and looked at each other at the same time—which the old lady noticed. There was just something in the way they looked at each other that kind of told her what their story was, without knowing the specifics.

“So, why aren’t the two of you getting married anyway?” She asked unabashedly, which caught the two of them by surprise.

“Umm…We’re…we’re just…” He stammered.

“Friends.” She finished. Then she turned her eyes away. She said it in a way that seemed final, but at the same time full of regret.

“Well, that’s a damn shame.” She said, “I could almost imagine the beautiful children you’re gonna have. Why don’t you just run away together?” She teased.

“I tried that route already, she didn’t want to go.” Randy said, seriously.

Ally looked at him in surprise that he would give that detail about their past. The truth is, Randy just didn’t really think about it. It just sort of came out of his mouth as a joke. But then he realized it, and took it back.

“I’m kidding.” He smiled, goofily.

“Hahaha! He is a funny guy isn’t he?” Ally said, slapping Randy on the arm.

It was obvious that she was faking, that the old couple knew exactly what was going on. But they went along with it to make her feel better.

“So have you picked the wine you want?”

“Yes! I’ll have 25 bottles of this, and 15 of the second one for variety.”

“Great choice! We’ll get everything ready by next week.” The old man said, “We’ll be expecting your visitors from out of town by then too, so expect the quarters ready as well.”

“That’s great!” She said, “Thank you so much for letting us use your place…I know it’s not usual to let the guests stay here for a few days.”

“That’s alright…It’s such a big place, we love having company over.” The old lady said, “Speaking of which, your mom told me you’re a photographer. Why don’t you go around the farm, look for spots you can do photo shoots for the wedding at?”

“Really? Oh my gosh, that would be awesome!” She said.

“Great, then! Our former guests do it all the time.” You can take a motorbike or a horse to go around the farm for your convenience.”

“I don’t know how to ride a motorbike…” Ally said.

“You don’t know how to ride a horse either.” Randy said, “Those guys are unpredictable. We’ll take the bike. You can just sit in front of me...or behind, wherever you’re comfortable.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To have an idea of the Farm and Vineyard place for the wedding, click on the link: www.edg-clif.com/photos_facilities.html

[Annaya]

Chapter 31

_{The barn}

Randy and Ally ended up taking a motorbike, as Randy suggested, with the prodding of the old couple. She wanted to back out, but Randy said they wouldn’t be back until a couple of days before the wedding, so they might as well take advantage of it now.

She knew he was right. She just didn’t want to be so close to him.

They stopped at the chapel first. She walked around, looking for spots inside and outside that would look great in photos. Then they went farther from the main house, riding through the vineyards and the rice fields.

Suddenly, it started to get dark from the rain clouds that were forming overhead.

Without warning, the rain just poured and they had no choice but to take cover to the nearest shelter they could find--which happen to be the old barn at the end of the field. It was not in a good condition, the door was still sturdy, but the roof was leaky. But it had to do for the meantime.

“Well, that’s just perfect!” Randy said, sarcastically.

He parked the motorbike by the door. They were already a little wet from the rain, but at least he was wearing a leather jacket.

Ally however didn’t have her coat with her. She left it at the car because she didn’t want to be carrying it around. She’d forgotten how unpredictable the weather could be in the Midwest, especially in the mountains.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t know it was going to rain.” She said.

“No…I wasn’t blaming you.” He said, “I’m just…It was a perfect day and the rain ruined it.”

She turned away when he said that, like she didn’t want to hear it.

“Well, almost a perfect day.” He added under his breath. “Come on, let’s sit over there…it looks dry. I’ll just get some more hay.”

They found a spot where the roof wasn’t leaking at the back of the barn, and Randy put some of the hay on the ground for them to sit on while they wait for the rain to let up.

Fortunately, it wasn’t very dark in the barn since it was the middle of the afternoon. He left the door open too, so the light could come in.

He was going to sit right beside her, but she was trying so hard to make herself small to inch away from him. It kind of annoyed him, her acting like he has some kind of disease. So he just sat a couple of feet away from her.

“I don’t suppose you want to talk, so I’m just gonna take a nap.” He said, bitterly. “Try not to leave without me and wake me up when the rain stops.”

That made her realize how wrong she’d been acting. He was only here as a favor to her and this was how she was treating him, even though it wasn’t her intention to. She’s just being careful.

But sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you can’t stop how your heart really is feeling inside.

Randy fell asleep shortly. He didn’t get much sleep at all the night before in anticipation of that trip, and the wine they drank didn’t help much either.

He was snoring softly when Ally decided to come closer and apologize, even though he couldn’t possibly hear her.

She looked at him silently for a few moments as he sleeps peacefully, just watching him breathe through his slightly opened mouth. She felt warmth come over her, not physically, but in her heart.

“I’m sorry…” She whispered. “I didn’t want to be so mean and cold towards you…I’m just…being careful…”

Her voice trailed as she stared at him. He looked just the way she remembers him sleeping—rather, the way they used to sleep together. Not making love, just sleeping close to each other.

She remembered all those times they used to cuddle in the hot afternoons in his room in his parent’s house in St. Louis, before everything decided to fall apart on them.

She remembered how he would hold her in his arms even while he sleeps, way back before he decided to become a wrestler.

She remembered how she would always sleep with her head over his chest, hearing his heart beat, during that whole time they spent together in Europe.

“I shouldn’t have let you go.” She said, suddenly.

She wasn’t supposed to say it. She was thinking it, but then she realized she said it out loud. She covered her mouth with her hands as it surprised even herself, lest she say anything more.

Randy coughed a little, and she hurriedly went back to where she was sitting before. But all the movement only succeeded in waking him up.

“Has the rain stopped yet?” He asked.

“Umm…no.” She said, nervously hoping he didn’t hear anything she said to him just before he got up. “It hasn’t.”

“Maybe we should call somebody, it’s getting late.” He said, “It’s gonna be dark soon and we can’t start a fire in here.”

“I don’t have my phone with me.” She said.

“Yeah…I left mine at the car too.”

She was rubbing her arms to calm herself down, but he noticed it and thought she was doing it for warmth.

“Hey, are you okay? Are you cold?” He asked, as he slid down close to her. He saw that her hair was damp and so were part of her clothes. He took off his jacket and tried to put it around her. “Wear this.”

“No, I’m fine.” She shrugged.

“No, come on, seriously. Stop being such a hard head and wear this...” He insisted. “We don’t want you getting sick now; your mom would kill me.”

She relented. She couldn’t do anything else but to look at him, as he meticulously and gently put the jacket on her, and take her hair out from inside the collar, inadvertently putting his arms around her in the process.

The inside of the jacket felt so warm and cozy, she couldn’t help but imagine how warm it would be to actually be in his arms right at that moment.

“We should dry your hair, too.” He said.

He took out his handkerchief, and started to wipe it over her hair, letting the water seep in to it to dry her hair just a little. She was staring at him the entire time, amazed at how much he seem to genuinely worry for her, taking care of her like he’s doing.

She couldn’t deny that it touched her heart, and if she was going to be honest, she would admit that everything he’s done so far has done so too.

He noticed she was looking up at him as he was drying her hair, so he looked at her too. Normally, she would look away when he does, but to his surprise, she didn’t this time.

And suddenly, something he has tried to keep buried started to resurface from deep inside him. He could feel his heart beating faster and slower at the same time as he looked into her eyes.

The longing, the desire, the tenderness and love—they all just started to creep back in stronger than he thought possible. He’d been trying, subconsciously, to hold them down, but it only succeeded in making them stronger.

And it wasn’t only him. Her defenses were getting weaker and weaker every moment she spends with him.

Both of them felt like they would explode if they don’t give in to what their hearts desires. Inch by inch, breath by breath, they come closer to its fulfillment.

She leaned in closer and she could feel the warmth emanate from his skin, so hot it was only matched by his smoldering blue eyes. She gasped softly praying for relief, but none came.

Her parted lips only served as an invitation for him to come closer, to take her, to conquer.

As if carefully treading his way, he moved in slowly…and then it happened. At the moment their lips touched it was both magical and scary, like a dream coming true unexpectedly that neither knew what to do next.

And then she closed her eyes and kissed him, and it felt like his whole world came back to life from the long winter in his heart.

“Anybody here?” Someone called from outside the barn.

It pulled them back down to earth, waking them up from that moment that felt like a dream. She stood up and straightened herself out.

“Yes, we’re here!” She said, her voice still shaking.

“Ma’am, they sent me to find you. We thought you might have gotten stuck due to the rain.” He said, “There’s a car waiting outside the gate at the back at the main street, we can go ‘round the fields to the main house, it’s much closer than going through the dirt road.”

“Shoulda told us that before we left.” Randy said, coming out of the shadows.

“Sorry. We weren’t expecting the rain.” The man said.

“What about the bike?” He asked.

“Leave it here. Somebody will come back for it.” The man said, “Here take the umbrella. Let’s go.”

Randy took the umbrella and held it for himself and Ally as they walked to the car. She didn’t say anything at all after that, and neither did he. Not even when they were already driving home to St. Louis. At least until he dropped her off at her mom’s house.

“So…”

“Thank you for going with me to the farm today.” She said, “I know you must be busy…”

“No problem.” He said, “I had a great time.”

“Me, too.” She said, and regretted it immediately.

Randy thought he should ask her about what happened in the barn, how they ended up kissing. He didn’t want to make it more awkward than it already was between them, but he just couldn’t keep it in.

“Do you…want to stay over for dinner?” She asked.

“Umm…no, my mom asked me to join them for dinner tonight.” He said. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She said, “Well, I’m gonna go…”

“Ally…about what happened…” Randy said, “Can we just talk for a minute?”

“Randy...please...” She said. “There’s nothing to talk about. It shouldn’t have happened. It’s wrong.”

“Is it?” He asked. “Because it didn’t feel wrong.”

She looked at him, and for a moment, the memory of what happened at the barn flashed in her mind. She did kiss him. She felt something there that she knew she shouldn’t have.

But he’s right. It didn’t feel wrong, and that’s something she couldn’t deny.

“But it is.” She said.

“Do you love him?” He countered.

“I’m marrying him.” She answered. She knew he was talking about Louis.

They were silent for a while. She does love Louis, she supposed. She wouldn’t have accepted his proposal if she didn’t, would she? So why couldn’t she just say that she does? Randy realized that too.

“That’s not an answer.”

“As far as I’m concerned it is, and I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” She said. “Can I go now?”

“Okay.” He said.

She took his jacket off and was about to get out of the car when he said something that made her stop.

“For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you.” He said, “I hope…he gives you all the happiness you deserve.”

Then she went inside the house. Ally thought she’d dodged a bullet, but instead it haunted her all through the rest of the night. She barely touched her food during dinner, because her mind was off somewhere else.

She couldn’t sleep at all thinking about him—even when she doesn’t want to. Even when she closed her eyes, she sees him, his tender blue eyes looking at her, and his lips—how they felt on hers. She played the scene over and over in her head.

But she also knew she shouldn’t have done it. She is going to get married in less than two weeks to a man who have done nothing but be patient with her, and love her. It was wrong, but he was right. It felt good. When her lips touched his, she felt alive. If the farm assistant didn’t come, something more could’ve happened. Something she would probably regret.

Finally, she gave up trying to sleep and went downstairs. It was already past midnight, and everyone was already sleeping—or so she thought. She was eating cereal in the dark on the kitchen counter when her mom came down stairs to get some water.

“Holy mother of…Ally!” Alice said, “My gosh, you scared me!”

“Sorry…I didn’t know you were gonna come down.”

“What are you doing up anyway?” She sat across from her at the counter. “And why are you eating cereal in the dark?” She got a good look at her then, and she knew instantly that something was bothering her. “Is everything okay?

“Umm…yeah.” Ally said, “Why’d you ask?”

“I’ve noticed you’ve been pretty quiet since Randy dropped you off.” Alice said, “Like you’re lost in your thoughts, even over dinner…And usually, when you’re like that it means there’s something bothering you.”

Ally looked at her with hesitation in her eyes. Where does she start? Thinking about it, it wasn’t just about the kiss. It’s deeper than that. It’s what was behind that kiss.

All the could’ve been and might have been, all the regrets she keeps inside. All the things she couldn’t change.

Alice put her hand on Ally’s arm. “Hey, there’s no pressure.” She said. They haven’t had the mother-daughter talk in a long time, and she wants Ally to ease back into it. “You can talk to me when you want to, okay? Just like the old times.”

“Okay, mom.” Ally said.

“Alright, I’m gonna go back to bed.” Alice said as she kissed her hair. “You go to bed too. Turn the lights off, I’ll wash the bowl tomorrow.”

“It’s okay, I’ll wash it.” She said, “Good night, mom. I love you.”
Alice smiled, “I love you, too.”



After she finished her bowl of cereal, she went back up to her room and sat on her bed. She looked at the luggage she has yet to unpack beside the closet, and with a sigh she slowly went to it.

She took the bag she had as a carry on sat on the floor next to it. She opened it and started to dig in its contents until she found what she was looking for.

It was Randy’s old shirt. The one he left her wearing the last time they made love in her yet furnished studio back in Italy, before that fateful night when she made the decision not to go home with him. She had kept it all this time.

Nobody knew it, but sometimes when she’s alone, she would wear it to bed when she misses him.

Those occasions became rarer since Louis saw her wearing it. She told him she had nothing else clean to wear to bed so she wore it. He made her promise not to wear it anymore because he didn’t want to see it.

She had thrown it in the trash in front of him, but retrieved it after, cleaned it and kept it in the back of her closet, and eventually forgot about it.

She found it again when she was packing for the trip to St. Louis. She didn’t want to leave it, in case Louis finds it.

She sighed softly as she looked at the shirt on her lap, running her fingers over it as her tears involuntarily flow and her heart spoke the words she wants to tell him but will never do.

“Randy…I still love you.” She said, in between sobs. “No matter how I try to forget…after everything, I still do. You’re still what my heart wants…I wish I didn’t let you go and if I could go back in time, I would’ve gone with you…I wish I wasn’t so scared to follow my heart…but it’s too late now. It’s too late…and it’s my fault. I have to live with that.”

Outside her door, Alice heard everything she said. It broke her heart. She knew exactly what happened between them—how and why she chose to stay behind. But she also knew that even though she made that choice, that she still loves him.

That’s why she was surprised when Ally and Louis called her to say they have gotten engaged. She thought she had moved on finally. But now, standing outside her door listening to her spill her heart out to the shadows, she doesn’t think so anymore.

She knew she had to do something.


------------------------------------------------


Randy lay naked on his bed. His eyes were shut but his mind is wide awake. He should be so tired and sleepy, and he tried his best to sleep but he just couldn’t.

Ally’s all that’s on his mind ever since they kissed at the barn. She’s all he could think about, even over dinner at his parents’. She’s all he could see when he close his eyes. He knew that kiss meant something and he couldn’t just let it go.

Finally, with a very audible sigh of frustration, he sat up on his bed. He walked over to the closet and reached for an old shoebox at the top and brought it to his bed. He stared at it for a while before deciding to open it.

It was full of pictures of the two of them from way back when, and all the letters she wrote to him. He has never shown it to anybody, and nobody knew he still have them—not his friends, not his family.

For the longest time, after she decided not to come home with him, he had wanted to forget about them, even to get rid of them—and he tried. He tried several times.

In fact, some of them have burn marks on them. He had been that close to destroying them. But at the last moment he always changes his mind. He just couldn’t do it.

He picked a few random pictured and looked at them. Each one brought him back memories. Happy memories of the times they had together, when all that mattered to them was each other. Times he wishes he could have again.

He put the pictures back in the box and suddenly threw it across the floor, in frustration.

“Ally…what are you doing to me?” He said, grabbing a forehead as he plopped back onto the bed.

He knows he’s supposed to be mad, but he’s not. He’s supposed to hate her for what she did, but he doesn’t. And most of all, he’s not supposed to love her anymore, but he couldn’t deny that he still does.

But she’s still marrying someone else. She made that fact clear. There’s nothing he can do about that now but to give up, and try to be happy for her, like he said he was. He wants her to be happy.

He was deep in his thoughts with his hands still over his face, when his cell phone suddenly rang. He searched anxiously for the phone, and found it still in the pocket of his pants hanging by the chair. It flashed the telephone number at the Waldorfs’ house, and he thought maybe it’s Ally. But it wasn’t.

“Hello? Ally?” He said, “I’m so glad you called, we need to talk.”

“No, Randy. It’s Alice.” She said, “What happened between the two of you at the farm?”

“Oh…umm…well, it’s sort of a long story…” Randy said, “Why? Did Ally say something?”

“No, she didn’t. That’s why I called you, because I’m worried.” Alice explained, “She’s so quiet…and she just seems…so lost.” She thought about telling Randy what she heard Ally was saying in her room by herself. “Randy, if something happened, I want to know. I can’t…I can’t let her make a mistake she’s going to regret for the rest of her life.”

Randy thought about it for a second. Why was Alice saying that Ally could be making a mistake? Something she could regret for the rest of her life? And why was he involved in that? Does she know something he doesn’t?

“Can we meet tomorrow? I’ll tell you everything you want to know.” He said, “But I need to know a few things too.”

“Okay.”

[Annaya]

Chapter 32

“Come on, Caleb! We’re gonna be late.” Ally said.

She picked her stepbrother up from school, because her mom had some important meeting to go to. They were supposed to pick her up on the way, so they could deliver several invitations to her old high school friends.

“You got everything?” She asked.

“Yep! Let’s go!” Caleb said, “Oh, umm…can you wave hi to my friends? I told them you’re my new sister.”

Ally smiled. She likes being a sister. “Sure. Where are they?”

Caleb beamed, “Over there, on the yellow bench by the tree!”

She waved to his friends, and then they left. Ally didn’t even know where the mall she was supposed to pick Alice up at, since she’s basically new in the town. Fortunately, Caleb knew the streets like the back of his hands so they didn’t get lost.

Caleb led her around the mall to the café where they were supposed to meet Alice. When they got there, she saw Alice talking to a man. His back was turned to her, but she couldn’t be mistaken as to who it was. It was Randy, and she wondered if he was who her mom had a meeting with, and if so, why?

Caleb also recognized Randy, and he let go of Ally’s hands to run to him.

“Randy!” He called.

Randy turned around and saw them. “Hey, buddy!” He said, “Put ‘em up!” He put his fist up and Caleb bumped it.

“What are you doing here?” Caleb asked excitedly. “Did you know Ally was coming so you came too?”

He was a little taken aback with his question. He didn’t expect Caleb would know or even care about that kind of things. He looked up at Ally then, and stood up.

“Ally…” He said, as he stood up to move to the other seat.

“Randy…” She said. She sat down next to her mom, where Randy was sitting before. “Mom…what’s going on?”

“Oh, we just met here.” Alice said, shooting Randy a look, telling him to ride on. “I saw him walk past after my meeting and invited him for coffee.”

Ally looked at Randy, and he grinned sheepishly. “That’s what happened.” He said.

“Okay…” She said, “Can we go now, mom?”

“Ah…well, actually…” Alice said, “Andrew called just now and he needs me to go to dinner with him to meet a client. It’s a very important client, and I can’t not go.”

“Oh…we can give out the invites tomorrow.” Ally said, “It’s fine…”

“No, no, the wedding’s already next week!” Alice said, “You have to give them out now. Randy will go with you. He knows the city, where all your friends live…Right, Randy?”

“Yeah, yeah…of course.” Randy said, “I’d be happy to help.”

“Can I go with them?” Caleb chimed in. “Please? Please? Please?”

“Oh…right... No, you can’t come with them, honey.” Alice said, “Your dad wants me to take you along.”

“To a meeting?” Ally asked, suspiciously, squinting her eyes at Alice. She knew what she was up to.

“Yes…to the meeting.” Alice said, “The client loves children.”
Ally leaned closer to Alice, “Are you trying to set me up with him?”

“Of course not.” Alice said, “Why would I do that? You’re getting married in a week.”

Ally’s eyes grew quiet at the fact. Even if Alice was setting her up, what is that gonna do? She’s still marrying Louis, and that’s all there is to it.

“Okay…well, if we’re going we better get started.” Ally said, “I don’t want to be out late…”

“We won’t be out late.” Randy said firmly. He stood up, signaling he’s ready to leave. “See you later, buddy.” He said to Caleb.

“See you later.” Caleb said, sadly.

“Aunt Alice.” He said to Alice. He leaned closer to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Take care of her.” Alice whispered, “Good luck. I’m rooting for you.”

“Thank you.” He whispered back.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Ally and Randy delivered the wedding invitations to her friends in the city, all of whom were familiar with Randy from their high school days. They were fairly surprised to see them together especially when the invitations said she was marrying someone else.

It all made for a very awkward situation, especially when they went to Ally’s high school best friend, Leslie. She ended up marrying Tyler, Ally’s old boyfriend. They were both home with their 6-month old baby when Randy and Ally showed up.

“Oh my, gosh, Ally!” Leslie said. She gave Ally a hug. “How long has it been?”

“Too long! Too long!” Ally said, “Hey, Tyler! So you bagged my best friend huh?”

“Yeah…” Tyler smiled, “We met at a convention out of town a couple of years ago…We thought both our families are here, so we settled here as well.”

“That’s good! At least it was easy locating you.” Ally said, “Randy knew where to find you, so I can give you this!” She handed Leslie the invitation.

“I know!” Leslie said, “Oh my, goodness! Congratulations! You two are finally getting married! It’s a long time coming!”

“Yeah, yeah…man.” Tyler said, putting his arm over Randy’s shoulder. “We saw each other last month at the airport…I asked him about you. I didn’t know you guys are gonna do this…” He joked.

Ally and Randy looked at each other knowingly. They knew what the two had assumed.

“We’re not…getting married.” Randy said.

“I’m getting married…to someone else.” Ally said.

Leslie then read what the invitation said, “Oh my, gosh…” She said, “I’m so sorry…I assumed…” She handed the invite to Tyler.

“That’s fine.” Ally said, “Everyone else kind of did.”

“Can you blame us?” Tyler said, “We know what the two of you have gone through…You don’t just throw something like that away.”

“I haven’t.” Randy said, looking at Ally.

She glanced at him for a second, and then looked away. It’s like she’s afraid to see what’s in his eyes because it’s exactly what she’s keeping inside her, and she doesn’t want to face it as it would break her.

“Well, it’s getting late.” Ally said, “It’s still a bit of a drive back…we should get going.”

“Can’t you stay for dinner?” Leslie said, “I didn’t cook, but we could order pizza, talk and catch up…”

“I’d love to, but I really have to get home.” Ally said, “We’ll do that before the wedding, I expect you to be at the bachelorette party. And Tyler, you have to go to the bachelor’s party and meet Louis…umm, my fiancé.”

“We’ll be there.” Tyler said. “You’ll be there too, right, Randy?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Randy said, still looking at her. Even Tyler and Leslie could see the sadness in his eyes. “Even if the groom might not want me around.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I should've been chasing you
I should've been trying to prove
That you were all that mattered to me...

On the drive back, Randy tried to strike up a conversation with Ally, but she almost always replies with single syllable answers, until finally Randy couldn’t contain his frustrations anymore and decided to make a detour.

“This isn’t the way to our house.” Ally said when she realized it.

“No, it isn’t.” Randy said.

“Where are you taking me?” Ally asked.

“Just let me drive.” He said. “You’ll see.”

He almost expected her to be mad or worried and protest about taking a detour without her permission, but when she didn’t, he thought—hoped that she was finally ready to talk about things.


_{The view from hillside}

He took her to the hill overlooking the city that they used to go to hang out often when they were younger. He stopped the car then, and they were both quiet, both of them waiting for each other to speak first.

“Why are we here?” She asked.

“I don’t know…” He said. “I guess I just want to remember.”

She knew what he meant. He wants to remember the good times they had together, when they were younger. It all seems light years ago now, but it was still fresh in her mind. She was restraining her tears by controlling her breathing.

“I need to know something.” He said.

“What do you want to know?”

“Do you love him?”

“I already answered that last night.”

“No, you didn’t!” He said, his tone going up a notch. “You said you’re going to marry him, you didn’t answer the question!”

“I don’t know what you want me to say!” She asked, matching his tone, despite her tears bidding to fall.

“The truth, for once!” He screamed, before he could control himself. He stopped for a second, before he spoke again in a more calm tone. But then, she could hear the despair in his voice and that ripped her apart. “I just want the truth… I know you still love me.”

She didn’t respond. Was she supposed to deny it? How could she, when it’s the truth? For a moment that seemed like forever, they were both quiet again, just staring out the windshield at the city lights and bright stars below and above them.

“I know you were there…At the airport.” He said, finally. “Why didn’t you come with me?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said, looking away.

“Stop lying!” He said, desperately. “Ally, please…This is all very confusing to me. I know you were there! Your mom told me everything! Why didn’t you come home with me?”

She looked at him in surprise, “Why would she do that?” She asked.

“Because I told her everything! I told her what happened yesterday. Because she knows you love me, and I love you too.” He said, “She doesn’t want you to make a mistake by marrying that…Louis!”

“It’s not going to be a mistake! He loves me and I…I love him.” She said.

Her voice trembled as she did. It wasn’t a lie. She does love him. But why did it feel wrong to say it? Was it because she knew it was going to hurt Randy?

“I don’t believe you!” He said, his chest heaving from the heaviness of his emotions. “You’re lying again. To me and to yourself.”

“You asked me and I gave you an answer!” She said, “What do you want from me?”

“Fine.” He said, in gritted teeth. “Just tell me you don’t love me then. Come on. It’s your chance. I’ll leave you alone if you do it.”

He said. He turned to look at her, and he knew she wasn’t going to call his bluff. “Just look at me and tell me you don’t love me. Right now! Do it!”

She felt caught with what he said. She felt suffocated with the idea of doing what he asked. She tried to say it. In her mind, she was forcing herself to say it. But she couldn’t.

“You know I can’t do that.” She said finally. Her eyes were getting warm as the tears bid to form. “I can’t…”

“Because you love me.” He said. He felt almost victorious.

“Because I will always love you.” She said, looking at him with tears in her eyes. “I’ve never loved anyone more than I love you. I’ll love you till the day I die…And no one could ever take your place in my heart…”

Randy couldn’t control his emotions anymore and he just had to grab her and kiss her. What she said felt like a validation for him, especially when she started to kiss him back, his passion burning her into submission, and for a moment she lost herself. He locked her tightly in his arms as she wrapped hers around his shoulders.

But it wasn’t to last long. Louis suddenly crossed her mind. She remembered herself, and she remembered that it’s wrong.

“No…no…no….stop!” She said, as she pulled away from him.

“What? What’s wrong?” Randy asked, confused.

“This!” She said, “This is wrong. I can’t do this. This is wrong.”

“What are you talking about?!” Randy said, “How can this be wrong when you just said you love me?!”

“I’m engaged!” She argued, putting her hands up to show her engagement ring.

“You’re not married yet!” He insisted. “We could go! We could leave right now…We can leave this all behind. You don’t have to marry him! Marry me instead!”

“I’m sorry…” She said. She buried her face in her hands, bursting in tears.

She wanted to say so much more. She wants to tell him she’s sorry for all the wrong decisions she made that led them into this situation. How she should’ve chose to go with him. That she shouldn’t have been so afraid, that she should’ve trusted him. But all those things are useless now because for her, it is too late. She can’t back out of this anymore. She can’t hurt Louis like that.

“I’m sorry...”

He felt so bad seeing her break down like that that. He listened to her muffled sobs, full of regrets and he knew she wants what he wants too. He knew she wants to be with him, but he also knew where she’s coming from somehow. Her family fell apart because her father cheated on her mom.

But isn’t it even worse to cheat yourself of the happiness you deserve? He thought. Isn’t it worse to cheat on yourself and not be with the person you love because it’s wrong? Who is to say it’s wrong anyway?

He sat there quietly as she cried, looking at the city lights and the stars above outside. It would’ve been a perfect night, if only things worked out.

“Do you remember?” He asked. “It was here…On a night like this. It’s when you planned your dream wedding. We planned it together. We made those plans...You’re supposed to marry me…”

She gasped and whimpered softly. “I do…” She said, “But we can’t go back to that anymore…”

“Why not?” He asked. He suddenly found himself crying too. He didn’t even realize it until he felt the warm tears roll down his cheeks.

“It’s too late now.” She said, “It’s too late for us.”

“It’s not too late…” Randy said.

“Randy, please…” She pleaded. “Let’s not do this…Don’t do this. It’s hard enough already. Just take me home.”

She fell asleep on the drive home. She hasn’t slept well in the last few nights because of him, and coupled with the internal turmoil and heaviness of her emotions of the past few days, it finally caught up to her. It was all very exhausting.

When they got to her house, he woke her up and that was the last words he said to her. He was going back to work tomorrow, and he’ll be gone for the next few days.

It doesn’t mean he’s given up though, and as he lay awake in his bed, he promised himself that.

“I’m not giving up, Ally. Especially now that I know you love me too. I’ve given up on you before, and I was wrong…I should’ve gone after you then. I should’ve looked for you. I shouldn’t have left without you. I’m not giving up on us so easily again.” He said, with newfound resolve.

“I’m not gonna let you marry him. I can’t let you do it…I’ll find a way. I’ll find a way for us to be together. I promise you that.”

[Annaya]

Chapter 33

Wednesday, the following week.

Ally was at Lambert International Airport that afternoon, waiting for Louis. She had been anxious for him to arrive since the night before. Perhaps she was hoping that when Louis is with her, that she would have more power or restraint to hold Randy off.

She doesn’t want to do anything that would hurt Louis, but it’s hard when Randy is around. She even asked her mother not to tell Louis anything she knows about what had happened between her and Randy since she arrived—especially what she now know about what happened in the barn.

If she was going to have her way, she would have taken his invitation back, so she won’t have to see him again. But then, every one of their friends would wonder and think something went wrong.

Fate had another plan though. As she was waiting at the arrival area for Louis, it was someone else she saw. And he was equally surprised as she was to see her.

“Ally…what are you doing here?” He asked, “Did you know I’m…”

“I’m waiting for Louis.” She said, “He arrives today. He should be here any minute now.”

“Oh.” He thought—hoped that she was waiting for him instead. That maybe she’s changed her mind and picked him. “Of course…The groom…” He said, bitterly.

“Anyway, how’s your shoulder?” She asked.

“My shoulder?” He asked, like he didn’t know what she meant. “What about my shoulder?”

“I watched last Monday…and you were hurt.” She stammered.

“I called your mom and she didn’t…”

“Oh, right!” Randy said after he realized what she was pertaining to. “I’m ‘injured’. It’s not real…I’m not really hurt. So…You called my mom to ask how I was?” He smiled a little. “Why didn’t you just call me?”

“Well…I um…” She evaded his gaze, regretting about telling him what she did.

Suddenly, a woman approached them, or specifically, Randy, throwing her arms around his shoulder. Ally was a little taken aback, especially when Randy didn’t even seem surprised.

“Didn’t you see me? I was waving at you from over there!” She said.

“Uh…sorry.” Randy old her, “I was a little distracted. You came alone?”

“Yeah, I did.” She looked at Ally, and then to Randy. “Who’s she?”

He looked at Ally and saw her reaction. “Right!” He said, “Sam, this is Ally…an old friend. Ally, this is Sam.”

Sam put her hand out for a handshake, “Hi, Ally. So, you’re the one who’s getting married this weekend? I heard a lot from his mom and sister about you…But Randy never mentions you to me, I didn’t know you were friends too. It’s nice to meet you, though.” She said, smiling sweetly. “I’m his girlfriend.”

“N-nice to meet you…too.” Ally said, as she shook Sam’s hand.

She tried to smile, but she couldn’t. She felt like there is a big lump in her throat, and her heart sank to her stomach. Randy noticed her become pale and not able to hold eye contact as she talked. He knew meeting Sam made her that way, and he got an idea.

“Isn’t she pretty.?” He asked Ally, putting his arm over Sam’s shoulder.

Ally looked at him momentarily, straight in the eyes, and as quick as it was, he was pretty sure he saw pain in her eyes.

“Not as beautiful as my bride.” Someone said from behind Ally.

They all turned to see Louis approach, and no one was more surprised as Ally, even though she was the one who’s supposed to be expecting him.

“Louis!” She said, wide-eyed.

“Ally, my darling.” Louis said, “Why do you look so surprised? You’re here to pick me up, aren’t you?”

“Of course.” Ally said, composing herself. “How was your flight?”

“Long and boring.” Louis said, “But it was worth it, because I know I’ll be seeing my beautiful bride soon.” He put his arms around Ally, and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Ally felt a little uncomfortable with all the public display of affection from Louis, and Randy felt annoyed by it. To him, it’s like he’s showing him and everybody who’d look that Ally belongs to him.
Randy had never met him before, but as soon as he saw him, he immediately took a dislike to him.

Louis was dressed all formal, becoming a businessman of his status, and Randy felt like he was some stuck up rich guy who thinks he owns the ground he’s stepping on.

“Louis…” She said, pulling away a little, glancing at Randy and Sam.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Louis said, looking at Randy who looked unhappy. “I forgot we’re in public. I just missed my lovely fiancée so much, I couldn’t control myself. You understand, right? I see you have just arrived, yourself.”

“Right.” He said.

“I’m Louis, by the way.” He offered a handshake, “Louis Salvatorre. Ally’s…”

“Fiancé. Yeah, we know!” Randy snapped. “You’ve said it like ten times already since you got here.”

“Randy!” Ally and Sam said at the same time.

“It’s alright, ladies.” Louis said, “Maybe he didn’t have a pleasant flight either.”

“Sorry.” Ally said, “Anyway, this is uh…my old friend…”

“Randy Orton. Yes, I know who he is.” Louis said, with a smug little smile. “Good to meet you.”

“Whatever.” Randy said.

“I’m Samantha.” Sam shook Louis’ hand instead, “I’m his girlfriend. Please forgive him, he gets grumpy after these flights.”

“Of course…I’m sure that’s the reason.” Louis said, knowingly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Samantha.”

“Pleasure’s all mine.” Sam said, “Say, do you guys have a ride? I got the car at the parking…”

“No!” Ally said. She doesn’t want to be around them for much longer than she has to. “We’ll just call a cab. Thanks anyway.”

But Randy wasn’t going to let her get away so easily. “Naw, come on, Ally.” He said, “You know how hard it is to call a cab from here. Why don’t you and your fiancé just ride with us? I feel like I owe him for being an ass.” He looked at Louis.

“Yes, Ally, why don’t we?” Louis asked Ally, even though he knew the answer. She was not comfortable being in the situation.


The truth is, it just hurts Ally to see Randy with someone else. And more so because there was nothing she could do about it. She couldn’t even be real to herself and act like it was bothering her because Louis is there.

Besides, she was the one who’ve been pushing Randy away. But why does it hurt so much now that he has someone else? She didn’t want to make it so obvious though, so she agreed in the end.

“Well, if you insist.” She said.

“I do insist.” Randy said.

"What'd you do when you're stuck, cause the one that you love
Has pushed you away, and you can't deal with the pain?"

It was the most distressing ride of Ally and Randy’s lives. Louis would be doing something to show his affection to Ally, like putting his arms around her shoulders, or kissing her cheeks or her hand and it makes Ally uncomfortable.

It was not because he has never done those things, but because he was never that showy in public. But she would play it down, smile and act as if it’s okay.

Randy, on the other hand, would be glancing at the rearview mirror from time to time and see what’s happening in the backseat and it pisses him the hell off.

But instead of reacting violently like he so wanted to deep inside, he would return the favor in kind. He would hold Sam’s hand and kiss it.

Sometimes he would even put his arms around her, and kiss her behind the ears while at the stop light. He did it so openly so as to make sure Ally would see, and look at her reaction—which is always as he expected it to be.

She felt like her heart was being whipped and torn into pieces, and it showed on her face. She wanted to cry, but she couldn’t as it would it seem weird.

Ally just wanted it to end, so as soon as they stopped at their driveway, she went out of the car and went inside the house. She didn’t even say a word to Randy and Sam. She went to her room and didn’t come out until the evening, saying she wasn’t feeling well.

Sam, as clueless of what’s really going on around her as she was, still felt something was weird. But she didn’t say anything, and just ultimately took it as one of Randy’s mood swings.

Louis, on the other hand, knowing the two’s history, just left Ally alone. He felt a little guilty about how it all was affecting Ally, but he couldn’t help himself. Even if he already has Ally, he still felt angry at Randy for almost taking her away from him and wanted to show him up.

It wasn’t the only incident that went down like that though. It got even worse when the other guests from Europe arrived, and Randy and Ally being around each other became more frequent and inevitable.

So bad in fact, that it just became very apparent to everyone.

-------------------------------------------------

"And now you're trying to fix me, mend what he did
And find the piece that I'm missing. But I still miss him, I miss him, I'm missing him..."

Thursday. Three days before the wedding.


Alice and Andrew hosted a dinner at a restaurant that evening for some of Ally and Louis’ friends. The guests from Europe arrived that morning and were put up at the hotel for the meantime, before they can move to the wedding venue the following day with the rest of the guests.

There were three of them: Jean, Louis’ bestfriend, Cesc and his girlfriend Elyse, who is also friends with Ally. Her friends from high school, Leslie and her husband Tyler were also there. And of course Randy who brought Sam along.


Fig.1. Dinner Table



Ally was very quiet during dinner. She avoided making eye contact with Randy and Sam as much as she could. She couldn’t help but glance at Randy when he isn’t looking, and he would catch her sometimes.

Even though it was his plan to make her jealous, it hurt him to know that he was hurting her that way. And even though she had this smile on for everyone to see, he knew she was just faking it.

After the dinner, Andrew and Alice decided to leave and let them enjoy the rest of the night. Besides, it was a school night and they need to take Caleb home.

Andrew gave his credit card to Ally to pay for whatever they would be consuming—which were primarily liqueurs from the hotel bar. That’s when the fun began. For everyone else, except for Ally and Randy, that is.


Their friends were telling each other stories about the couple when they were younger, or how they each met them. Cesc, Louis’ best friend told a story about how they met at a football club in school when they were six and have been friends since, while Jean became friends with him in business school in London.

Leslie told them about how she became friends with a very smart and talented Ally in high school. Then it was Tyler’s turn.

“I was a junior then, playing quarterback for the varsity football team of our school, and she was a sophomore.” Tyler said, “We bumped into each other one time in the school cafeteria, and she didn’t even give me a second look. She just said sorry and went on her way. Nobody ever snubbed me like that before, as you would imagine.”

“Oh, I remember that!” Leslie said, “She didn’t even know your name!”

“She didn’t?” He looked at Ally, “You didn’t know my name then?”

“I wasn’t into football!” Ally defended. “I wasn’t in the whole popularity thing in high school either.”

“That’s true.” Tyler said, “But anyway, I thought she was so cute. I had to know her name. So when I saw Leslie and their other friend who I knew were her friends, I asked them about her...and the rest is history.”

“Wait, so you’re married to the best friend of your former girlfriend?” Elyse asked.

“Uhh…No, actually.” Tyler said, “Ally and I never really got to that point. She turned me down. On a Christmas day, no less!”

“She did?” Elyse asked, “But why?”

“Well…” Tyler scratched his head, laughing. “I don’t know… But I think Randy should answer that.” He joked.

Everyone suddenly looked at Randy, waiting for him to say something. Leslie grew quiet because she knew why. Randy looked at Ally and she couldn’t look at him. And then finally, he answered.

“She’s in love with someone else.”

Ally looked terrified. She couldn’t even look at Randy, silently praying that would be the end of the topic.

“Ooh! That must have hurt!” Cesc said.

“At the time.” Tyler said, “But it all worked out for the both of us. And it’s in the past. I’m happy now.”

“He’s right. Let’s not talk about that anymore.” Ally said, trying to close the topic. “Tyler and Leslie are very happily married now. Just like how I would be with…um…Louis.”

“But who’s the guy?”Jean asked Tyler. “Who was Ally in love with?”

“I really don’t want to talk about this…” Ally said, desperately.

“Oh, come on, Ally…” Cesc said. “We want to know!”

“Yeah, it sounds romantic.” Elyse said.

It was another nail-biter. Randy had not taken his eyes off of Ally, and when she looked at him, she looked like she was pleading at him not to say anything.

If she could reach over and put her hands over Randy’s mouth to make sure he’s not going to say anything, she would have. She doesn’t want that topic to be opened at all, and Randy could see it in her eyes.

“Actually…” He started to say. He noticed how heavy she was breathing, out of nervousness. He fully intended to say the truth, but then, all of a sudden, he changed his mind.

“Let’s not talk about that.” He said, “We’re here to celebrate the upcoming wedding of Louis and Ally, it’s not appropriate to dig into that.”

It wasn’t only Ally who was surprised at what he said. Louis was as well. He was almost expecting Randy to talk about his and Ally’s past openly, since they both have some kind of contempt against each other.

He supposed he got the wrong idea about Randy. He thought perhaps Randy has accepted that Ally and he are getting married, and that he and Ally are now really just friends.

Louis looked at Randy and nodded at him. It was his way of showing his appreciation to him for not opening the topic further. Randy returned the gesture, and then looked at Ally again.

She was more cautious and suspicious about what he did, but expressed her appreciation hesitantly, by mouthing thank you to him.

He knew what she was thinking, and she would be right. He smirked in return, and turned his attention to Sam, whispering sweet nothings in her ears, as the rest of them continued their partying.—All except for Ally, who despite her relief of Randy not saying a thing about their past relationship still felt a jab of jealousy seeing him being attentive to Sam.

She was so jealous in fact, that she couldn’t stand it. She suddenly stood up and excused herself to go to the ladies’ room in a hurry. Louis didn’t think of it much, as he was busy talking with his friends.


Randy felt guilty then, especially when she didn’t come back too soon. So, he decided to check up on her.

He told Sam he was going to the men’s room, but everyone else was having fun drinking, so they didn’t even notice him get up. He was very cautious when he got to the men’s room’s door. He made sure no one in their table was looking, before he snuck into the ladies’ room.

"He's the thorn in my flesh, that I can't take out
He's stealing my breath, when you're around..."

There was another woman inside who gave him a look as she was getting out.

“What?” He shrugged.

The woman just rolled her eyes at him, and ignored him. Ally, who was inside one of the stalls, trying to control her tears to no avail, heard his voice though.

“Randy?” She called out.

“Ally! Yeah, it’s me.” He said, “Where are you?”

She went out of the cubicle, with mascara stains under her eyes, and looked at him rather confused. “W-what are you doing here? This is the ladies’ room.”

“Looking for you…” He said, as he locked the door so no one can come in. “I see you’ve been crying…just as I suspected.”

“I wasn’t crying.” She said, turning her back to him.

“Right…that’s why there’s mascara stains on your face.” Randy said, “Just admit it. Admit that you’re jealous.”

“Jealous of what?” She pulled a bunch of tissue papers and wiped the mascara stain off from under her eyes.

“Of Sam and me.” Randy said, bluntly.

“Oh, please!” She said, putting her hands down on the sink counter. “Why would I be jealous?”

He stood right behind her. “Oh, I don’t know…Maybe because I whisper to her the way I used to whisper to your ears.” He whispered.

She held her breath as goose bumps form on her skin when she felt his warm breath on the nape of her neck.

“Or maybe because I touch her…” He let his words hang in the air as he put his hands over shoulder, running all the way down her arms. “…the way I used to touch you.”

She gasped softly, as she grasped the edge of the counter like it’s the only thing preventing her from falling to her feet, because her legs felt weak. It was the exact reaction he was expecting from her.

He moved closer to her body, and she could feel his warmth through her clothes. She wanted to say no, but her body was betraying her and she backed up into him instead.

“Or perhaps…” He whispered softly, slowly into her ears, letting his lips touch her skin. “…because I kiss her, the way you like me kissing you.” He breathed on her skin, teasing her, rubbing the tip of his nose behind her ear.

She could barely hold on to her senses. It was getting too much to bear for her, being that close to him. She couldn’t deny the electricity flowing through her body. She fears she could lose herself if it gets any worse. She prayed in her mind to make it stop, but that wasn’t going to be.

“So what is it?” He asked, kissing her hair and pushing himself even closer to her, pinning her between him and the counter. “Am I getting hotter?”

“Stop…” She said, trying to pull out what little control she has left. “Stop…”

“Admit it first…admit you’re jealous.” Randy said, “Because you want me. You love me. You want to be with me.”

“Stop!” She said out loud, as she turned around and pushed him off of her.

It felt like it took all her strength to do it, and she could barely unlock and open the door. She hurried out of there when she finally did, and tried to catch her breath before she went back to their table.

Randy was left there in the ladies’ room. It wasn’t just Ally who was struggling to keep her self-control. He wanted her right at that moment, and it took a lot of effort for him keep himself from taking it all the way.

He stared at himself in the mirror telling himself to calm down. He needs to keep his wits about him, if his plan was going to work.

“Calm down, Randy.” He said, “You’ll get her back…you’ll get her back.”

He took several deep breaths and splashed his face with water, before he went back out and returned to their table.

"And now you're trying to convince me, he wasn't worthy
But you can't complete me, he's the thought that is missing, I miss him, I'm missing him...."

The rest of the night became very awkward. Every time he would look at her, she feels like she was on fire. She couldn’t take her mind off of what happened in the ladies room, and how close she was to giving in to him. How close she was to letting go of her self-control.

Even when she’s dancing with Louis, she felt like he was stealing her breath when she looks at him from across the room. He was right. Everything he said in there about her was right no matter how much she tries to deny it.

She is jealous of Sam and all of those things he does to her. His kisses belong to her. He belongs to her. She loves him. She wants him. She wants to be with him. And as the night progressed, that thought—that desire just kept getting stronger and stronger, and harder and harder to fight.

The only thing that’s keeping her fighting was Louis, and the fact that he’s there right in front of her. She tried to keep her focus on him, and give all her attention to him, but it just wasn’t working. She always finds herself looking for Randy. He permeates her every thought no matter how she tries to avoid it

As for Randy, as much as it hurt him to see her in the arms of another man, he kept telling himself that it will all be worth it. He was sure his plan is going to work and that she will give up trying to get away from him sooner rather than later, because she knows deep in her heart, it’s him she should be with.

She can run all she wants, and she can try and hide her feelings as much as she wants. It’s only just a matter of time.


"You could be my hero, if only I can let go
But his love is still in me, like a broken arrow..."

--------------------------------------------------

Friday Afternoon. Two Days before the Wedding.


The rest of the guests from Europe arrived and they were finally able to move to the venue in Potosi. The bachelorette and stag party will be that night too, and Alice and Andrew will be hosting each party that evening.

Ally and Louis will also be moving there, but won’t be in the same house. Louis will be in the guest cottage with a few guests, while Ally will stay in the main house with the others.

When they got there, Ally thought the place look even more amazing than when she and Randy were there the first time. She couldn’t help but recall what happened between them either. It brought back feelings and sensations only he could ever make her feel, and it just takes her breath away.

The old lady welcomed them, and told them his husband was out of town but will be back before the wedding. Ally introduced the guests and Louis to her as courtesy, and she introduced the helpers that would be assisting them for the duration of their stay there.

Randy arrived with Sam soon afterwards, and they were welcomed by the old lady as well. She asked one of her helpers to take Sam to the main house, then she walked with Randy to the guest cottage where the other men are.

“I saw the man she’s going to marry. He’s a good looking man, seems nice too.” She told him, and he just smiled. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m still rooting for you.”

“Thanks.” Randy said, “I’m rooting for me too.”

"What do you do when your heart's in two places?
You feel great but you're torn inside...
You feel love, but you just can't embrace it
When you found the right one, at the wrong time..."

[Annaya]

Chapter 34

That evening…

The men left the guest cottage to go to town and meet up with the others for the Bachelor Party. Andrew had the whole night planned out, and he guaranteed everyone was going to enjoy. He said he’d been a bachelor before so he knows the kind of things a married man would miss.

Randy would really rather be somewhere else than pretending to be happy about a stag party being thrown for his rival. He barely knew anyone in there, and he didn’t exactly like the company, aside from Andrew. He couldn’t leave though, because Sam was at the bridal shower and she had no ride home.

So he just sat in a corner and started to message Ally. He thought he was going to get a sympathetic reply, but he was wrong. He wasn’t going to let it discourage him though.

<Randy 8:30PM:> How’s it going over there?
<Randy 8:33PM:> Are you busy?
<Ally 8:35PM:> I am. Stop texting me.
<Randy 8:35PM:> Why did you reply if you’re busy?
<Ally 8:36PM:> Randy, please just stop this.
<Randy 8:36PM:> I’m just texting you because I’m bored. I hate everyone…except your step dad.
<Ally 8:38PM:> Then leave.
<Randy 8:40PM:> Great idea.


He has other ideas, though. He was about to sneak out of the club, when Andrew saw him.

“Randy, where are you going?” Andrew asked

“Ah...I’m leaving, actually.” Randy said, “Sam’s at the other party and she doesn’t have a ride home. I can’t get drunk either, so…I really can’t stay.”

“Oh, right!” Tyler said, hearing their convo. “I guess I shouldn’t drink much either…Leslie’s at the other party, too. I should go with you.”

“Uh, no, no…It’s okay. I’ll drive you guys home.” He told Tyler, “You should stay here.”

“Really? Thanks, man!” Tyler said.

“No problem.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to go with us, son?” Andrew said.

He knows why Randy doesn't want to stay. He won’t enjoy it either if he was in a stag party for a guy who’s marrying the woman he loves.

“Yeah.” Randy said, “Just ah…tell Louis I’m really sorry I can’t hang out longer.”

---------------------------------------------

9:30pm, Bachelorette Party


The girls started the night with opening their gifts to Ally. They gave her gifts from sexy lingerie which she didn’t think she’d ever really wear, to sex toys and other stuff like whips and dildos of different sizes and shapes. They were having a great time and the games haven’t even started yet.

They were just about to start with the games, when suddenly the doorbell rang. One of Ally’s college friends, Luciana, who arrived that morning, went to get the door.

“Okay, ladies…I thought you said there will be no male strippers tonight!” She yelled when she saw who it was.

“I didn’t hire male strippers…” Alice said, looking to see who it is. “Oh, my goodness! He’s not a male stripper! Come in!”

“Oh, that’s too bad…he’s hot!” Luciana said.

“Randy!” Sam called

“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not stripping tonight.” Randy said, quickly tracking where Ally was sitting.“Not in front of you all, anyway.”

She was stunned to see him, and almost immediately felt her heart beat faster.

“What are you doing here?” Sam asked, “I thought you were going with the other guys?”

“I was, but I wasn’t gonna drink because I have to drive you home so I…decided to leave.” He said, looking at Ally, emphasizing the last word.

She looked at him and knew what he was doing there. It wasn’t enough to bother her through text messages. He had to be there.

“Oh, that’s so sweet.” Elyse remarked. “Cesc never do that for me.”

“I wasn’t enjoying it there anyway.” He said, “I’d much rather be here…I hope the bride doesn’t mind.”

Everyone looked at Ally, putting her on the spot.

“I don’t mind at all.” She said. What else could she have said? She can’t make him leave.

She grabbed the glass of wine she hadn’t touched all night and drank its content, hoping it would calm her nerve at the fact that Randy is there.

“Awesome.” Randy said, “Don’t let me get in the way of your fun though. Just pretend I’m not here. I’ll just sit over here.” He sat by the window pane, right across from Ally.

“Well, then…Let the games begin!” Leslie said.

Alice decided to leave then. Leslie told her the games they were going to play and she didn’t think she’d want to be around for it. She had to go home anyway, because Caleb was alone with only the babysitter.

They played a couple of drinking games that were pretty innocent, and then it they played a game called “I Have Never.” It’s a drinking game where each one of them would take a turn and tell everyone one thing that they have not done, or something they’ve fantasized about doing.If the other girls have done it then they would have to take a shot of tequila.

It was going pretty good and was a lot of fun, until it was Kaye’s turn. It just got worse from then, especially when they’ve already drank quite a bit.

“Okay, you’re next Kaye!” Leslie said, as she filled the empty shot glasses.

“Come on, Kaye!” Luciana said, “Spill the beans! What’s your dirty fantasy?”

“Hmm…Okay, what dirty thing have I never done?” She joked.
The girls laughed.

“Oh, I have never…had sex in a car.”

Some of the girls drank their shot of tequila with no second thoughts, but Ally just had to glance at Randy before she took her shot. She remembered all the things she and Randy did in his old car when they were younger.

Randy saw her glance at him as quick as it was, since he had been staring at her the whole time, and smirked. He knew what she was thinking because he was thinking of it too.

He just kept staring at her, and she could feel his eyes on her. It makes her feel like he was setting her on fire. In fact, it made her so hot she had to take another shot.

“Hey, just one shot!” Kaye said.

“I’m thirsty!” Ally said.

“Okay, hold on!” Leslie said, “You mean to tell us, that with all your five boyfriends in the past, you have never had sex in a car with any of them?”

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying!” Kaye said, “I don’t know, I guess none of them was that adventurous.”

“Okay…Next!” Leslie said, “Draw a name, Al!

Ally drew a name from the bowl. “Ahh…I’ve been waiting for this one!” She said, “It’s you.”

“Holy crap, it’s me!” Leslie said.

They cheered for her turn since the game was her idea.

“Okay…Y’all know I’m a country girl at heart.” She said, “But I have never…made out with anyone...in a barn.”

Ally almost choked on her drink, and started coughing so badly, Randy had to stand up to help her.

“Are you okay?” He asked, rubbing her back. “Do you want some water?”

“I’m fine, Randy.” She said, still coughing a little.

Being closer, he noticed that she looked quite drunk too. “Maybe you should stop downing those shots.” He said.

Leslie and Kaye looked at each other with knowing smiles. But they weren’t the only ones who have been observing Randy and Ally. Sam had caught the glances and stares between the two, as well as Leslie’s and Kaye exchanging glances. And as much as she didn’t understand any of it, she got a feeling in her guts that there is something between Randy and Ally that she didn’t know about.

“I’m fine.” She said, taking his hands off her. “I have to follow the rules...”

She stressed on her words as if to tell him that he must follow the rules, not about the game, but with their situation. He got the message, but he wasn’t going to relent.

“Change the game then.” Randy said, firmly. He was actually saying it to Ally, but then he looked at Leslie and changed his tone. “Play something else. Don’t make her drink anymore.”

“Okay…” Leslie said, “I guess we’ll do the next game. Who’s up for truth or dare!?”

“Ooh! I love this game!” Luciana said, “Randy, why don’t you join us for this game? You look pretty bored sitting at the corner.”

He looked at Ally, and she gave him a disapproving look. She doesn’t want him to take part in the game for fear of what he might ask or what he might make her do.

“Sure.” He said, “Why not?”

He sat right in front of Ally in the circle, next to Sam. Antonietta was the first one to be subject to the game. She’s Louis’ friend’s wife, and is also a friend of Ally’s. She chose Truth, and was asked the question of she has ever been with another man.

There couldn’t have been a better question for Randy to keep teasing Ally with. He just kept staring at her,and smirking, making her feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t just because he was staring at her either. She was wary of the others noticing the tension between them.

“I actually have never had other boyfriends other than my husband.” Antonietta said, “But sometimes, you know, I wonder what it would have been like to be with other men…”

“But do you want to?” Luciana asked.

“That my dear, is for another turn!” Antonietta said.

They were all laughing at her defensiveness, aside from Ally who was as uncomfortable as hell and kept fanning herself. It was really the alcohol, but Randy staring at her didn’t help either. She was so distracted that she didn’t notice the bottle pointed at her.

“Oh! It’s the bride!” Antonietta said, clapping her hands.

“This should be good.” Randy remarked.

“So, what’s it gonna be Al?” Kaye asked, “Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” She said.

Elyse whispered something to Antonietta about what they were going to dare Ally to do. Finally Antonietta told her what the dare is going to be.

“I dare you to…answer five random questions!”

“What?!” Ally said, “But that’s not fair! That’s like five truths!”

“Why so scared?” Randy said, looking straight at her, challenging her. “You have nothing to hide, right?”

“No, I don’t.” She said, firmly.

“Great, then!” Elyse said, “So…who was the guy that Leslie’s husband was talking about? Did he become your boyfriend?”

“Yes...” She said. She took the bottle of vodka and opened it and poured herself a shot. “He was the only man in my life…Other than Louis.

“Ally, I didn’t know you had other boyfriends!” Luciana said, “We’re classmates through college and I had no idea?”

“You’ve never talked to me about it, Al.” Antonietta remarked.

“I didn’t figure I had to tell anyone.” Ally drank the shot and poured herself another.
“Well, Louis isn’t here.” Elyse said, “You can tell us about it now. Who was it? Was he your first love?”

“Yes, he was my first love.” She answered, glancing at Randy. “But it’s over now. It’s been over a long time ago.”

There was something in her voice when she said it. A sense of loss and regret that was still evident even though she tried to mask by drinking a shot of vodka.

Perhaps it was the alcohol that was making her lose control of her emotions a little, magnifying it ten times over. Or perhaps, she was just really getting to the breaking point, because Randy just kept pushing her and pushing her to the brink.

“Was it a bad break up?” Luciana asked.

“You can say that.” Ally said, simply. She took the bottle of vodka and cradled it on her lap. “Probably hurt more than my parent’s divorce.” She said, looking at it. “This vodka’s really good!”

Randy just felt so sorry for her. He knew her well enough to know how she must be breaking apart inside. He knew she’d been trying to control her feelings for a long time. That’s just the way she is. Although he has never seen her drunk and this open expressive about her feelings in front of other people.

“Do you still miss him?” Antonietta asked.

“All the time.” She said, opening the bottle again. “I think about him…all the time…”

She was about to take a swig of the vodka on the bottle, and Randy just had to do something.

“That’s enough, Ally!” Randy said, snatching the bottle from her. “I told you to stop drinking!”

Everybody was a little shocked at how quickly things escalated. It was like they were all just watching a scene unfold from the outside looking in. They didn’t understand what’s happening, but they knew it wasn’t just what it seems.

“Give it back!” She stood up and tried to take the bottle from him. But she couldn’t reach it, because he was holding her to one side while holding the bottle on his other outstretched hand “I want to drink!”

“No! You’ve had enough.” He said firmly, putting his body between her and the bottle. “You don’t have to go through this…if you’d just…”

If you’d just pick me.

He wanted to say it in front of everyone. But he stopped himself just in time. She looked at him barely able to hold herself together. It breaks his heart to see her that way, as he looked deep into her eyes.

For a moment there was silence, and it felt like everything stood still. And at that moment, everyone else in the room came to a realization that there is something between them.

Then Ally started to feel nauseous from the all the alcohol she drank, and had trouble staying upright up. She has never drunk as much as she has before and it was just too much for her.

“Ally! Are you okay?” Randy put the bottle down to help her.

“I’m fine.” She said, trying to push him away but she was too weak. “Let go of me.”

Sam suddenly stood up and walked to the door.

“Where are you going?” Randy said.

“Home!” She said.

She stomped away from there and slammed the door behind her. Randy couldn’t decide if he should stop Sam, or stay with Ally.

“I’ll take care of her.” Leslie said, taking Ally from him. “Go after Sam. Go!”

He didn’t want to leave her, but he knew he had to follow Sam even though he was miffed because he didn’t want to leave Ally in her condition.

“Okay. I’ll be back.” He said, “Don’t let her drink!”

Leslie nodded, and she assisted Ally to the kitchen as Randy ran off to follow Sam. Fortunately, she hasn’t gotten far yet.

“Just wait a f**king second!” Randy called after Sam who hurried when she saw him catching up. “What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me?” Sam asked, “I don’t know Randy. Nothing is wrong with me. It’s you who has something wrong.”

“What are you talking about?” He said, playing innocent.

“Stop it, okay? I understand everything now!” She stopped walking and faced him. “That’s why you never talked about her with me. That’s why you act extra sweet and caring towards me when she’s around. Because she used to be your girlfriend! Because you’re trying to make her jealous! And because you’re still in love with her! And you’re using me in this plot of yours to get her back! I’m not stupid, Randy.”

“I…I’m sorry.” He said. It was all he could utter, faced with the truth.

“You should be.” She said, “I won’t be anyone’s second choice. I’m not gonna stick around for it.”

A helper walked by and she called him. “Excuse me, mister!” She said, “Can you give me a ride to the gate? I’m leaving now.”

“I’ll just get the service cart, ma’am.” The man said.

He sighed, “Come on, let me at least drive you home…?”

“No.” Sam said, “I think its best that we don’t see each other for a while until you figure things out. I’ll accept that you don’t love me as much as you love her. But she’s getting married in a couple of days, Randy. You should accept that, too.”

As if on cue, the helper came back with the service cart then. She got on and left him standing there, contemplating. He should have never involved her, and he felt bad about that. But it doesn’t mean he’s going to give Ally up. Not now, not ever. He can’t turn around now.

He decided to come back inside then. The girls were all looking at him when he came through the door, like he was some stranger, but he didn’t care.

“Where’s Ally?” He asked Kaye.

“They’re at the kitchen.”

He went to the kitchen then and found Ally and Leslie, just sitting there quietly.

“Leslie, can you give us a minute to talk?” Randy said.

Leslie was about to stand up, but Ally stopped her.

“Don’t go.” She said, putting her hand on Leslie’s arm, pleading.

“Leslie, please?” Randy said.

“You two need to talk, Al.” Leslie said, “I’m sorry.”

As soon as Leslie left, she stood up and went to the pantry, to try and take another bottle of vodka out. Randy saw it, and rushed towards her to try and stop her. He caught her from behind before she could get one.

“No! No, stay away!” She said, trying to get away from him. “Just leave me alone!”

“Al, Stop it!” He said. He put his arms around her,trying to hold her down as she struggled to get away from him. “Just stop it!”

“Just let me drink...” She said.

She gave up then, collapsing in his arms for a moment. Her tears started to flow out of her eyes then. “Just let me drink so I don’t have to feel anything…just for a while.”

“You don’t have to feel this way.” He said.

“But you’re the one who’s hurting me!” She said.

She pushed him away and leaned over on the counter for support instead. “Don’t you know how much it hurts me to see you? It hurts every time! It hurts when I see you with her! It hurts when I’m with him and all I can think about is you!”

“So be with me instead!” He argued.

He followed her and cupped her face in his hands, looking intently into her eyes. “Listen to me! I’m not going to let you make this mistake. I’d rather sabotage your wedding than let you be in a marriage that’s gonna destroy you. I can’t let you marry him, Ally. And I’m not going to stop, until I have you back…You love me! Not him! You told me that.”

“It doesn’t matter what I said…” She said, weakly.

“Yes, it does!” He said.

He could hardly keep his emotions from bursting out of his chest.

“Ally, don’t do this…Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to yourself. We’ve done things we both regret…I can’t let you do another one that you’re gonna regret for the rest of your life because you didn’t give us a chance. Ally…please…”

She was silent for a while, thinking about what he said. He’s right. She regrets a lot of things. He thought she didn’t want to hear anymore—to listen to what he has to say anymore, and he felt like a knot was forming in his stomach in disappointment.

“What do you want me to do?” She said, suddenly.

He was so surprised at what she was asking, that he could barely think over the sound of his heart beat racing.

“Come with me." He took her hand into his, and looked into her eyes, so full of hope. "Let’s get away from all of this.”

“I-I can’t just leave.” She said, “I-I have to tell him. He deserves that much.”

“What are you gonna tell him?” He asked. “Do you think he’ll let you go?”

“I don’t know.” She said, “But I’ll think of something. I can’t just leave without a word.”

He thought about it for a minute. The last thing he wants to do right now was to let her stay in that place and with another man for one more night, especially now. But he figured she’s right.

“Okay.” He sighed. “I love you.”

She didn’t answer immediately, and he felt like his heart was going to implode if she doesn’t say it back. He held his breath for what seemed like eternity, as he looked in her eyes full of doubt and apprehension.

Then in one quick second, it all changed. It was like she found her strength and courage within herself. She grabbed him, and daringly kissed him. He wasted no time to kiss her back. It was like the moment he has been waiting for has finally happened and he wanted to have it—savor it. And savor it, he did…

[Annaya]

Chapter 35

Meanwhile…


The girls were sitting around, waiting for Ally to come back out in the living area. Leslie and Kaye were sitting away from the others, talking about what just happened.

They know about Ally and Randy’s history from their days in high school, but figured something must have still happened after that they didn’t know about, for things to be as intense as it seems.

But even though they didn’t know how deep the root of the matter is, they know how much the two loved each other even from before. So as unaware as they are, they weren’t so surprised.

It was another case with the other girls though. They all assumed that Louis and Ally’s relationship was so perfect, and that they were so made for each other.

Leslie talked to the other girls to keep what happened to their selves, especially from Louis. They were all friends of Ally’s, and they want the best for her even though they have different opinions of what happened, so they agreed.

Leslie got anxious when Tyler sent her a message that they’re almost there though, because Ally and Randy haven’t come out of the kitchen yet, and they couldn’t hear anything anymore. So she decided to let them know that the guys were coming soon.

----------------------------------------------------

He kissed her so fervently she had to hold on to him. But they still couldn’t get enough. It was like their desires and emotions exploded and they just had to get more of each other, give more of themselves to each other, to be one with each other.

Everything was so sudden and so full of passion that there just wasn’t time to think, but to react and follow their instincts. Her body responded to his touch, and her lips to his. She felt like the world was spinning around her and she needs to hold on to him.

She hung on to him as if he was her only source of strength, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He held her and took her in as if she was his only source of life.

He lifted her up and sat her down on the kitchen stool, placing himself between her legs. She hooked her legs around his, reeling him in closer, tighter.

He held her in his arm tightly, with his other hand grasping at her thigh, pulling himself closer to her, as they continue to kiss passionately.

That was the scene that Leslie almost walked into. Almost, because she saw them through the window on the door of the kitchen and she couldn’t make herself go inside in surprise of what she saw.

She went back to the living room, and sat down next to Kaye, completely speechless.

“I thought you were going to call them?” Kaye asked, “Are they still talking?”

“No.” Leslie said, “No, they’re not talking. Not anymore.”

“So why aren’t they out yet?” Kaye asked, “Did you call them?”

“Umm…well, I couldn’t.” Leslie said, “They’re umm…a little busy. Very busy, actually.”

“Busy? What are they cooking or something?” Kaye asked, getting confused.

“No…but something is definitely cooking.” Leslie said.

She was trying to stifle her smile even though she doesn’t really know if it was something to be happy about. She would love for Randy and Ally to end up together, because she knows how much they loved each other back then, and as it turns out, until now.

But she also knows what they’re doing is wrong because she’s engaged to Louis, and he has a girlfriend.

Kaye knows her well enough to know that there’s something she wasn’t telling her though, and that made her even more curious.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Kaye said, “What are they doing in there?”

“Shh! They’ll hear you!” Leslie said, “Come closer.”

And she whispered to Kaye what she saw.

“Oh, my God!” Kaye whispered, obviously twitterpated. “Are you serious? Holy crap…”

Suddenly, they heard the cars coming in the drive way and they knew it must be Louis and the others.

“Holy shit, they’re here!” Kaye said, “What are we gonna do? They’re still in there…what if they’re already having…”

“Shh! We gotta tell them!” Leslie said, “You go and call them, I’ll stall here.”



Fortunately, Ally and Randy didn’t go further than what they’ve already gone, and didn’t cross any more lines at the moment. They were still holding each other in a tight embrace when Kaye came though. She saw them through the glass window of the kitchen door, but decided to knock first before coming in, so they let go of each other then.

“Hey, guys…” Kaye said, “Don’t worry, I didn’t see much and I’m sorry to interrupt, but Louis and the others just pulled up the drive way. I think you better come out.”

“W-we’ll be right out.” Ally said, fixing her hair.

“You really didn’t see…much?” Randy asked Kaye, struggling to straighten his shirt.

“No, and Leslie saw more than I did.” Kaye said, “But don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone. You guys have to fix this soon, though.”

Ally looked at her, and she knew what she meant. She has to tell Louis, but how?

“We will.” Randy said, with finality.

Kaye nodded, sure that he meant what he said, and then left. Randy turned to Ally with the determined but gentle look in his eyes and despite the inner turbulence she still has in the back of her mind, it calmed her nerves down.

“We’ll be okay.” He whispered, as he planted a kiss on her forehead softly.

“Yeah…” She whispered back.

Right then, they heard Louis and the guys come in the living room, and as much as they didn’t want to, they had to let go of each other for now.

“I’ll just go to the bathroom first, freshen up.” She said, “You go on ahead.”

“Alright.” He said, “I love you.”

This time, she didn’t hesitate. “I love you, too.”

--------------------------------------------------------------

In the bathroom…


She stood there, looking at herself in the mirror, thinking about what she just agreed to do. She knows it is wrong, to sneak off with Randy behind Louis’ back.

But why is her heart telling her it’s the right thing to do? Perhaps, it’s because Randy is right? That she would regret marrying someone else when he’s the one she really loves?

She has to give it a chance. She has to give their selves a chance.

“I have to give us a chance.” She whispered, to herself in the mirror.

“Darling, are you okay in there?” Louis asked, knocking on the door, much to her surprise.

“I-I’m okay.” She said, “I’ll be out in a minute. I’m just…retouching my makeup.”

“Okay.” Louis said, “The others are leaving soon, so hurry, alright?”

“Alright, Louis.” She said.

She cleaned her face up, and went out. She could barely look the others in the eye, thinking they must suspect something happened between her and Randy in the kitchen, especially after the scene she created that made Sam leave. But then they all acted normal towards her so she loosened up.

Leslie, Tyler and Randy said their good byes and left soon after. He casually gave her a hug and inconspicuously whispered how he couldn’t wait to be with her tomorrow, before he followed the couple outside. It took her breath away, even though Louis was right there.

Randy drove them home since he promised Tyler he would. Tyler can’t drive because his alcohol level was obviously above legal, and Leslie had a lot to drink too. He left his car there and said he’d just come back for it.The rest of the guys moved back to their quarters after wards as well.

The ladies went to their room and called it a night, leaving Ally and Louis at the living room. He was telling her about the Bachelor party, and she barely paid attention to what he was saying because her mind wanders back to what happened in the kitchen.

She just couldn't take her mind off of Randy.

“Are you listening to me?” Louis asked.

“Huh? Umm…” She tried to shake him off her mind, “Yeah…actually, no, I wasn't…I’m sorry, I’m just really tired. I drank more than I should have and I’m really…just out of it right now.”

“Oh, that’s ok.” Louis said, kissing her hand. “I should let you rest. Get some proper sleep. My bride should be the most beautiful on our wedding day, after all, right?”

“Right.” She said, feeling guilty.

How will she ever tell him that she wants out? He’s so excited about the wedding. Everything was ready, even her gown had arrived from Paris that morning.

She’s going to break his heart when she tells him that she doesn't want to marry him anymore, because she still wants to be with Randy. That she’s still in love with Randy.

“Alright, you do look really tired.” Louis said, “I’m gonna go back to the men’s quarters. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He kissed her forehead. “Good night.”

“Good night.” She said.

------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning…


It was already around eleven in the morning when Ally woke up. She fell asleep really late thinking about what she has to do. What was she going to tell Louis? His father?Her mom? That she changed her mind and doesn't want to marry him anymore? It can’t be that easy.

The ladies tried to wake her up a few hours earlier because they wanted to go around the vineyard and the winery with the men, so she was alone in the house—at least she thought she was.

She found Louis in the kitchen when she went to get something to eat. He was sitting right where she was the night before when she was there with Randy, and it just made her feel so uneasy as she remembered the feeling.

“Good morning, I made you pancakes with berries for breakfast!” He said when he saw her come in, “Well, brunch. Would you like some coffee, darling?”

“Umm…Yeah, sure.” She said, sitting across from him at the counter. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you mean?” He asked. He poured some coffee in a mug and took it around the counter to sit with her. “ Shouldn't I be here?”

“No, that’s not what I mean…I just thought you went with our friends.” She stood up and took the mug with her as she walked to the door. “You know to…go around the farm, sight-see. The place is beautiful.”

“Hmm…I’m not really the farm type.” He said, “ I've always liked the city better. Anyway, I invited your parents over for dinner.”

“What?!” She turned around surprised, “You didn't tell me about a dinner.”

“Why so surprised?” He asked, curious to her reaction. “I just wanted to spend some time with them, just us, as a family. Is there something wrong with that?”

She composed herself and tried to think of what to say, “No…umm, nothing’s wrong.” She said, “It’s just that…we’re not supposed to see each other the night before the wedding. Until we meet at the altar…It’s kind of tradition. You know, they say it's bad luck.”

“Oh, darling…” He walked over to her and cupped her face, “Do you believe any of that stuff? It’s the twenty-first century! Nothing is going to go wrong with our wedding, trust me.”

He kissed her on the forehead to reassuringly. But that wasn’t what she needed. She needs to find a way to get away to meet Randy, and having her family over would give her no chance to do that.

She doesn’t even know how to tell Louis about her change of heart. Now she has to deal with her own family about it too, and all at the same time.

She almost wishes something does go wrong. If only he knew.

------------------------------------------------------------------

1PM at the Orton Residence


“Are you sure the two of you want to do that?” Elaine asked. She’s sitting across the counter from Randy. “I have a feeling this could end really badly.”

Randy came home to their house last night, and he didn’t even have the slightest idea why. He supposed he needed to be around his family to keep calm about what looks to be one of the most important steps in his life.

“This is a huge decision you both are making.” She said, “And you’re not the only people whose lives are going to be affected. What about her fiancé? Her parents, what about them? Sam, and us? I mean…I understand, and I will support the two of you, as long as you’re happy. I’m sure your father would too, but you’re a public figure now…”

“Mom, I love her.” He said.

He has so much conviction in what he was saying that he almost choke on every word, feeling the fire burning in his heart.

“I’ve loved her since we were young, and nothing has changed. If anything, I love her more now than any other time. I have to be with her. I need her. I love her, and that’s all the reason I need. It’s the only reason that matters.”

Elaine walked over to him and embraced him tightly. “Do what your heart tells you to.” She said, “Do what makes you happy. Your family’s always going to be here for you no matter what happens.”

“Thank you.” He said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “Thank you, mom. I love you.”

“I love you too.” She said. She kissed the top of his head before going back to her seat. “So, has she contacted you yet?”

“Not yet.” He said. He looked a little worried then. “We were texting til two in the morning. She said she’ll call me when to get her.”

“You look a little worried.” Elaine said, “Do you think…something might have happened?”

“I don’t know. I hope not.” He said, “But if she doesn’t call me in the next three hours, I’m going back there to get her. I can’t just sit here and wait…”

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ally didn’t call Randy. He texted her almost constantly all afternoon, but she wasn’t answering, so he decided to go there and see what’s going on. When he got there, he asked one of the helpers if anything happened. The helper told him everyone else left to go to downtown, except for the bride and groom.

He also told Randy that her parents were there. Randy thought that maybe she asked them to come over to talk to them about what they’ve discussed. That she wasn’t going through with the wedding anymore. That she chose him. But when he went to the main house, he heard laughter—which wasn’t what he was expecting.

He decided to go to his car and wait out a bit, thinking about what he should do. He sent her a message to meet him outside.


Meanwhile, inside the house


Ally, Louis, Alice and Andrew were at the living room after they had dinner, chatting and having wine. Alice was telling them stories about when Ally was young. How she had always been so artistically talented, and what a sweet child she was. But then she mentioned how easily she could cry, too.

“She would cry about the simplest of things.” Alice said, “Once, when she was eight she came crying home carrying an injured bird.”

“What happened to the bird?” Andrew asked, “Why was it injured?”

“She was riding a bike and she tried not to hit it, but she ended up hitting it anyway.” Alice said, “That’s what she told me.”

“I thought you didn’t know how to ride a bike?”

“I don’t.” Ally said.

“Randy was teaching her to ride.” Alice said, unmindful of what she was saying. “She stopped trying after that.”

“Randy?” Louis asked, “I thought you only knew him in high school?”

“Oh, those two practically grew up together.” Alice said, “They’ve known each other almost all their lives.”

“He knows me more than anyone else.” Ally said, before realizing it.

Louis looked at her, questioningly. There were questions in his head that he couldn’t really begin to articulate. But what was sure was that now he knows how deep Randy and Ally’s relationship—whatever it was, was rooted, and he feels he’s more of a threat than he initially had thought.

She felt a little awkward with the silence, and with Louis looking at her, so she took her cellphone out and pretended to text, when she suddenly received a text message from Randy.

She hasn’t received anything for an hour and thought Randy had listened to her and stopped. She had it on silent inside her pocket so nobody noticed that it had been ringing nonstop just an hour ago. She read what it said.

<Randy> I’m outside in my car. Come out for a minute.

<Ally> I can’t come out right now. My parents are here.

<Randy> I’m coming there if you don’t come out.


She thought about it for a minute. She knows he can and will do what he says. She was thinking of an excuse to tell everyone so she could go out of the house, but it took her just a little too long, and Randy decided to do what he told her he would. She felt chills run up her spine when somebody knocked on the door.

“I’ll get it.” Alice stood up to get the door.

Ally was holding her breath as Alice opened the door, a thousand thoughts ran around her head right at that moment.

What’s Randy going to do? She knows she could be rash, and just go and tell everyone everything that she’s not even prepared to tell them yet. But if push comes to shove, and he does, what will she do? Would she take his side and stand fast?

“Randy!” Alice said, “What are you doing here? Come in!”

“What’s he doing here?” Louis asked, looking at Ally.

She just shrugged and sat there nervously. When Randy walked in, he didn’t seem so serious like how he was in his texts.

“Hey, guys!” He said, “I was just picking up my car I left last night, I saw you guy’s car, I thought I’d say hi.”

He shook hands with Andrew, but Louis wasn’t so welcoming—as one would expect.

“Hey, Al!” He said.

“H-hey.,,” She said.

“You look tired, did you commute?” Andrew asked. “Sit down.”

“Actually, yeah…” Randy said, sitting right across from Ally and looked right at her. “Traffic was terrible! I got tired of sitting on my ass. But it’s worth it…I got to see the beautiful bride…before she gets married.”

Ally looked at him, and he held her gaze. There was so much tension between the two that everyone else could almost feel it in the air.

It was none more obvious to anyone else than with Alice, since she’s the only one in the room who truly knows their history. She doesn’t know what’s happened after she talked to Randy the week before, so she decided to take it a step further.

“Are you hungry? We have leftover food from dinner.” Alice said, “Ally will fix up something for you in the kitchen.” She looked at Randy, meaningfully.

Randy understood what she was trying to express. “That sounds perfect.” He smiled at Ally.

“Ally, take Randy to the kitchen, see what he’ll like.” Alice told Ally, with the same look. “Go on, honey.”

“Okay.” Ally said.

She stood up and Randy followed closely behind her to the kitchen. Louis was apprehensive about the two being alone together, but he couldn't say anything to Alice and Andrew about it. He doesn’t know what it is, but he just had the most awful feeling in his gut.


In the kitchen, Ally was standing in front of the refrigerator and Randy was standing behind her, leaning on the counter. She could feel his eyes on her back and it’s making her heart beat so fast.

“We got mashed potatoes, Parmesan chicken…I could make you a sandwich.” She said, “What do you want to eat?”

“I don’t know. I’ll take whatever you have to give me.”He said, meaningfully.

She sighed, feeling bad about what he said. “I’m sorry…I know you’re mad.” She said, “I’m gonna tell them, I just need to find…”

She didn't finish she was saying, because he walked up behind her and embraced her, kissing her hair.

She couldn't explain it, but his embrace made her feel protected and vulnerable at the same time. He felt so good and warm, and she just wants to stay in his arms forever.

She held on to his arms, pulling them tighter around her.They stood like that silently for a while, with the whirring of the fridge and her quiet sobbing the only sound that can be heard.

“Shh…” He whispered, kissing her hair. “I’m not mad.”

“You’re not?” She asked.

“No…I couldn’t if I tried.” He said, “I mean, when I was driving here, I was a little angry. I was really pissed when I was waiting in the car for you to come out. I knocked on the front door with the intent to just let it all out there. Tell them about us, and just take you—just take you away from here and never look back.”

He turned her around, and cupped her face in his hands, looking at her straight in her eyes.

“But when I came in and saw you, I realized how hard it must be for you to just tell them about us. I know you…and I don’t…I don’t want to put you through that…”

She grabbed at his face, as her tears flow out of her eyes. “No! No! Listen to me. I want to be with you…”

“I know.” He said, “Shh…don’t cry.” He wiped her tears away with his hands, and kissed her face gently where her tears were. “I’ll wait for you at the barn at the end of the field. You remember how to go there, right?”

“I remember.” She said.

“But Ally…If you’re not there by midnight…” He didn’t even want to say it, nor think of the possibility of it. “If you don’t come by midnight then…”

“I will be there.” She said. She knew what he was thinking at the back of his head. She can’t really blame him either. She held his face close to hers, and closed her eyes. “I promise.”

After a few minutes Randy went out of the kitchen without Ally. He told them he remembered he had to be somewhere, and said good bye.

“Are you sure you don’t want to eat anything?” Alice asked, “Where’s Ally?”

“She went upstairs.” Randy said, “I think she’s not feeling well…”

“She was fine just a few minutes ago.” Louis said. “I’ll go see how she’s feeling.”

“You really shouldn't.” Randy said. The last thing he wants to be thinking about is Louis being in Ally’s room before he leaves. “She said…she’s going to sleep.”

“I’ll decide whether I’ll go to see my bride or not.” Louis couldn't contain his disdain any longer and it was obvious in his tone.

No matter what he tells himself that Randy and Ally are just friends, he couldn't help but feel animosity towards him. Now that Ally isn't around though, he doesn't have to be nice. He wasn't the only one who feels that way though. Randy doesn't like him one bit either.

“Well, suit yourself.” Randy said, with a condescending smile. “I’m just saying you shouldn't see each other the night before the wedding.”

“He’s right, you know.” Alice said, “Its tradition. It’s supposed to be bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other the night before the wedding.”

“Unless…you want to keep watch, because you’re not sure she’d still want to marry you in the morning.” Randy said, provoking Louis even more.

It was a stare down between the two men. Alice and Andrew could feel the genuine dislike the two men have for each other. And then Randy backed down.

“I’m kidding.” He said, laughing a little. “Alright then, I’m gonna go. Aunt Alice, Andrew…Louis. I’ll see you all at the wedding tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to come.” Louis said.

Randy smirked, “I’ll think about it.”

Louis couldn’t be more pissed off. A few minutes after Randy left, Louis’ friends arrived, and that eased the tension in the room at least.

Andrew and Alice decided it was time to go home then. Caleb was alone at their house with a babysitter and they didn’t want to be out so late. Alice went upstairs to Ally’s room to say goodnight.

“Ally? It’s mom.” She said, “Can I come in?”

“Come in, mom.” Ally said after a few seconds.

“Are you okay? How do you feel?” Alice asked when she came in.

Ally was sitting on the wooden trunk by the window, staring outside in the horizon. The stars were starting to come out in the dark blue canopy that was the sky.

She seemed deep in thought, and as Alice closed the door, the sound of happy voices from downstairs become muffled and ultimately faded.

“Is everything okay, honey?” Alice asked again, as she sat beside her.

She turned to her mother,“No.” She sighed. “It’s not okay, mom…I don’t think…I don’t think I can marry Louis.”

“Is it Randy?” Alice asked.

Ally nodded. “Mom…I don’t know what to do.” She said, “I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I don’t want to be without him anymore. I can’t…”

“Are you sure?” She asked, “I mean, it could just be wedding jitters…are you absolutely sure about how you feel?”

“I’ve never more sure about how I feel than when I’m with him.” She said, “I love him, mom. I always have, and I never stopped. Even when we were apart all those years, he is the only one who was ever in my heart. But I don’t want to hurt Louis…he’s been nothing but good to me.”

“What about Randy?” Alice asked, “What does he think? Did you talk to him about this?”

“He’s waiting for me…” She said, “I’m supposed to meet him tonight. We’re going away together. He’s going to take away from here…” She held both of Alice’s hands into hers. “Mom, I need your help. I want to be with him. I love him. I need to be with him.”

Alice embraced Ally tightly. “Do what you have to do.” She whispered, “I want you to be happy.”

“But…What about Louis?”

“I’ll take care of it.” Alice said, “If he loves you, he’ll understand.”

Ally looked into her eyes, and she found what she was looking for—encouragement, the assurance that everything was going to be okay. The assurance that she will support her in whatever she decides to do as long as it would make her happy.


Alice decided to stay behind. She told Andrew she wanted to be available for Ally in case she needs anything for the big day tomorrow. Andrew let her stay, of course.

He thought Alice just wanted to spend more time with Ally before she gets married.

Louis went to the quarters with his other friends soon after, and Alice went back up to Ally’s room. But when she got there, Ally was already gone.

[Annaya]

Chapter 36

They all say it, all the ones who made it
Once you find the one you claim it
But you’re gonna have to fight
When I think back, the things that threw us off track
We handle like a heart attack cause we didn’t see the light

It was almost midnight and Ally still hasn’t shown up at the barn where she was supposed to meet him. Randy was getting really anxious, sitting at the back of the barn. It didn’t help that it was dark there.

Luckily they have installed a small fluorescent light inside since the last time he was there, but it still wasn’t much since the barn was practically in the middle of nowhere. He didn’t sleep at all the night before in anticipation, and it’s all really just adding up and making him edgy.

What if Louis learned about their plan and tried to stop her? What if she changed her mind? What if she just told him she was going to come, but really had no plans of meeting him there?

He’d been thinking about calling her for a while, thinking about all the possible explanation why she isn’t there yet. He just couldn’t help but be paranoid about it, getting the feeling of déjà vu, about Ally not showing up. He was almost ready to give up.

Finally, at the last moment, he just couldn’t bear the wait any longer, and decided to go back to the main house and see what’s happened. He got up and walked to the door, but he was surprised when he opened it.

We both know our own limitations
That’s why we’re strong
Now that we spend some time apart
We’re leading each-other out of the dark,
Cause we both know...

It was Ally, carrying a flashlight. She looked so tired and sweaty.

“Ally!”

“I’m sorry, I took so long.” She said, seeing how worried he must have been, waiting for her. “I had to walk.”

“Come here.” He said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

He kissed her so passionately; she had to clutch at his shoulders. She felt herself let go for the first time, and allowed herself to feel everything she had been holding back.

For a minute, it was like the whole world stopped, and nothing and no one else existed but the two of them.

He took her inside the barn and closed the door behind her, struggling to keep his footing as she leaned onto him. She let herself be drowned in his kiss and his strong arms as he pinned her to the door behind her.

There was no time to waste. Every moment seem essential. For her, it’s like she wants to make up for all the time she wasted trying to fight off her feelings, denying herself of him.

And for him, it’s like he wants to get back all the time he’s spent without her, all the moments he’s missed.

His hands traversed behind her legs, as he maneuvered between them. And as if he couldn’t get close enough, he lifted her up, making her wrap her legs around his waist.

She held on to him, still locked in his kiss, as he carried her off to the back of the barn, where he was sitting before, almost knocking a tool shelf over.

Slowly, carefully, he put her down on the hay, only relenting on the kiss to catch their breaths for a moment. He pulled away for a second to look at her, taking his shirt off and throwing it overhead with intent.

She watched his every move. She could almost see the fire burning in his eyes, as he looked at him.It was something exciting and scary at the same time.

He crawled back up towards her, keeping his gaze at her. He reached for the tie of her coat and pulled them undone. She inched backwards like a fawn cornered by a predatory animal, taking quick shallow breaths as he came closer, making his way between her legs.

He came up to her face to face, his hands firmly planted on either side of her, leaving her with no way to escape. But then again, escaping was the last thing on her mind. As frightened as she was in the back of her mind with what was in front of her, with the line she’s about to cross with him, she wanted him. She wanted him more than anything. He knows that.

From this moment, forget what we were scared of
Say you’re never giving up
Say you’ll always try to be my helping hand
Try to be the one who understands
When things don’t go as you planned
We’re still worth it all

He slipped a hand inside her dress, up her leg. “Are you scared?” He whispered, inches from her ears.

She could feel his warm breath against her skin, so much in contrast with the cold night air surrounding them. His pheromones filled the air and she could smell him. His sweet spicy, velvety musk oozed from his naked skin filling up her senses, intoxicating her.

“I am.” She said, her voice trembling as she felt his hand slither under the string of her underwear, giving her a light squeeze on her hip, before he twirled the thin string around his fingers.

“Do you want me to stop?” He asked, kissing her at the curve of her neck and shoulder.

She looked at him, dead in the eyes, and shook her head. “No.” She whispered.

A slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, as he licked his lips. He slid his other hand up on her other leg and quickly found the other string. He was going to take his sweet time, pulling her underwear down her legs, planting soft little kisses on her shin and knee to tease her, but she has had enough.

She threw her head back and with a soft moan, right when he got her panties by her knees, and pulled her legs out herself, leaving her it in his hands, much to his surprise. And then, with no further warning, she pushed him off, turning him over.

He was so stunned by the turn of events that he couldn’t react fast enough, until she was sitting on his lap.

She took her coat off completely and placed it down on the floor beside them. He sat back up, surprised at her aggression. He looked at her and despite the innocence in her face; he could see the desire and lust in her eyes igniting, burning through her soul down to her very core.

She leaned down over him, “No more waiting.” She whispered.

He knew what she meant. “No more.” He said in agreement.

His voice was almost a low growl, as he put his arms around her and pulled her down towards him some more, until they were chest to chest and kissed her again.

Carefully, he traced his fingers up her arms and shoulders, up to the zipper of her dress at the back of her neck, and slowly slid it down. She felt her dress come loose, and the cold evening air blew inside the opening.

But it wasn’t the only thing that made her shiver. She felt him pulling the hem of her dress up, as he put his knees up between her legs, pushing her upwards. She could feel him growing underneath his pants, and it excited her, making her bite his lips.

That’s when he rolled her over--ending up on top of her as he simultaneously pulled her dress off over her head, exposing her naked body in the coldness of the night, bathed only by the warmth of the fluorescent light that hid nothing from him at all.

He savored every inch of her nakedness with his eyes for a minute as he took his pants off, before he dove back in on top of her. He was ready to take her right then, but he wanted to make sure she is ready as well.

He kissed her around her neck going down to her collar, tracing every inch of her with fiery, wet kisses, lingering over her bosom, on its most sensitive spot which made her arch her back in both pain and ecstasy.

Finally, he let go of her arms and she grabbed at his shoulders, clawing through his hair. His hands traversed down her body, down between her legs and he knew she was ready. He pulled away and looked ather, almost lost in her frenzyas he continued to torment her.

“Tell me you want me.” He said, teasing her even more.

“I want you…I want you.” She said, breathlessly. Her voice was so soft, almost like a purr. “I want you, right now. Please…Randy.”

“Tell me you love me.”

“I love you…I love you.” She opened her eyes. “Only you.” She said.

“I love you too, babe…” He said, as he went for it.

Their hearts and bodies became one right then, and everything and everyone else just didn’t matter anymore. It was their world, inside that old barn in the middle of nowhere, and that was all they need.

All the pain, all the heartaches, all the suffering they both went through was replaced by the joy, happiness and bliss they took pleasure on giving each other.

She surrendered her body, mind and soul to him with no reservations, and he took her to the highest point of nirvana that she has ever known, with a level of intensity and passion that he has never utilized before. It resulted in an unparalleled explosion of sensuality and desire that was insurmountable even in wildest dreams.

Every sound, each word, every cry to the Creator that was uttered in the midst of it all was glorious in the silence of the night, heard only and witnessed by His creatures and the angels who were probably rejoicing about their long awaited union.

Cause we both know
What we’re scared of
And what dreams are made of
They could take us further than what anybody can see, yeah
We both know our own limitations
And That’s why we’re strong
Now that we spend some time apart
We’re leading each-other out of the dark,

1:43 AM


The cold wind brushed through her skin as she lay awake, naked beside him. He was so exhausted that he fell asleep with half his body on top of her while they were cuddling. She tried to sleep too, being as tired as he was, but she couldn’t.

It wasn’t because he’s heavy, she doesn’t mind his head on her shoulders, or his arm over her chest, nor his thigh draped over her. The hay was just too rough for her to sleep on and she’s not used to sleeping naked.

He’d been sleeping for the last 20-30 minutes and she’d been watching him since. He’d been snoring softly and stirring a little bit every so often to tighten his hug, burrowing his face at the curve of her neck and occasionally kissing her even though he was asleep.

She started to trace his arm tattoos with her fingers, then the ones on his traps. His skin started to form goosebumps, and he moved closer into her, hugging her tighter.

“Are you awake?” She asked.

“No.” He said, sleepily and with his eyes closed.

“Why are you answering me then?” She giggled.

“Because you’re talking to me in my dream.” He said, then he kissed her on the neck repeatedly, tickling her.

She giggled even more, and tried to squirm away, but he was wrapped like an anaconda around her and she could barely move, until he stopped and kissed her lips, and she stopped squirming.

“Why are you still awake?” He asked, moving on top of her. “Can’t sleep?”

“Hmm…Yeah. You were so good; I can’t sleep thinking about it.”

She teased, grabbing at his butt and giving it a light squeeze and then a slap.

“Hey!” He reacted, surprised. “That was not nice!”

“You liked it.” She said.

“Yeah…a little.” He said, “But seriously, why can’t you sleep?”

“I’m just…not comfortable with the sleeping arrangement, I guess.” She said, “Hay’s not exactly the softest cushion…especially when one is naked.”

“Hmm, you got a point.” He said, pursing his lips.

“You agree, but you seem so used to sleeping naked.” She bantered.

“Well, I was sleeping over you.” He pinched her a bit in her side. “But I’m talking about the hay.”

He stood up without even attempting to cover himself, and without him over her, she felt even more naked. She looked around for her clothes but they were too far to reach.

“Come on.” He said, laying his hand out for her. “Get up!”

“What?” She said, puzzled.

She looked at him as he was standing there under the fluorescent light and she thought he looked like something straight out of a myth—like a Greek god straight from Olympus. He has always been attractive to her, but how did he manage to look like that, she wondered.

“Stop staring and get up!” He took her hand and pulled her up. She had no choice but to stand up.

“What are we doing?” She asked, crossing one of her arms across her chest to try and cover up, embarrassed.

“Don’t be shy.” He said, “You look…amazing. Perfect.”

“Shut up!” She said, pulling her hand away from him, to rub her arms because she was getting cold. But he took it back, and started to lead her towards the door.

“Come on, come with me.”

She figured out where he wanted to go and tried to stop him, “No! Where are we going?”

“Outside, to my car!” He said, dragging her along with him.

“No, Randy! Stop!” She said, pulling her arms away from him. “We’re naked! Are you kidding?! Stop!”

“Nobody’s outside, we’re in the middle of nowhere.” He said, standing just by the door. “No one will see us! Come on, live a little!”

She thought about it for a second, but he didn’t wait for her. He just suddenly grabbed her around the waist and carried her outside. He didn’t put her down until they were a couple of meters away from his car.

“What the hell, Randyyy!” She shrieked, as she tried to run back inside the barn. “You are crazy!!”

“No! Come on!” He grabbed her arm again, “Look! There’s no one around! No one can see us! My car’s right there…”

She looked at him angrily as if it was going to scare him. It didn’t of course; he just thought she looked cute. Besides, he knows what to do when she’s like that.

“Come on, babe…” He said, pulling her gently into his arms. “Don’t be mad…I just want to get a blanket to sleep on.” He put his arms around her and she just stood there still with her arms down. “Don’t be mad anymore, huh?”

“Pffft…” She sighed, and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Fine.”

She buried her face on his shoulder as he held her. She could not get mad at him if she tried anyway. At that moment, standing outside in the darkness of the night with only the moon and the stars above them, all she could think was that she needed him. She needed his arms around her, needed him to hold her and tell her that they are going to be together forever.

As if he could hear what she was thinking, he held her even tighter, and closed his eyes.

“I love you.” He whispered, “I’ll love you forever.”

He only opened his eyes when he felt a warm fluid upon his skin, and realized it was her tears.

“Are you okay? Is something wrong?” He asked, concerned.

“No…” She looked up at him, deep into his eyes. “I just never thought I’d feel like this again. Everything just feels…so right.” She said.

Randy sighed in relief and happiness as he wiped her tears away. He feels the same way. Somehow, it all felt right even when it’s all wrong. He held her into his arms again, and he could feel her heart beating so fast, in time with his.

She wrapped her arms around his waist tightly, pushing herself into his arms more.

“Let’s go get the blanket?” He asked.

“Yeah…let’s do that.” She said.

He held her hands and they walked towards the driver’s side to get the key in the ignition first. As they turn the corner of the car, they suddenly bumped into someone.

“Oh my God!” Ally shrieked.

“What the hell?!” Randy said, in surprise.

He quickly placed himself in front of Ally, to cover her, as he tried to cover his crotch with both his hands. The man just stood there coolly shining his flashlight at them, as if it was normal to find two naked people out in the middle of nowhere.

“You said no one was out here!” Ally told him, hiding behind him, with her arms around his waist.

“I don’t know where he came from!” Randy said, “Just stay behind me!”

“Oh, it’s you.” The man said, focusing his flashlight on Randy’s face.

Randy was blinded by the light, “Hey, take that off my face, man! Who the hell are you?”
“I own this farm.” That’s when the man, turn his flashlight around so he could see him. “Remember?”

“Holy shit!” Randy said. “Uh…hi!”

Ally peeked from behind him and saw who it was. “Oh, crap…”

“Wife saw the light was on from our window, sent me out here.” The old man said, “She thought there might be vagabonds looking for shelter, would’ve invited them at the house.”

“Vagabonds?” Randy laughed, “People still use that term?

“Randy!” Ally said reprimandingly, cinching her arms around his waist tighter.

“Don’t worry.” The old man said, “I won’t tell anyone I saw you kids here…’cept maybe for the wife. You go on your way. Be happy.” He winked. “I’m gonna go back home. This long walks in the middle of the night isn’t doing my knees any good.”

“Uh…thanks, sir.” Randy said, smiling awkwardly. “I can’t shake your hands right now due to ah…present circumstance.”

“I’ll shake his hands.” Ally put her hand out in front of Randy.

The old man laughed and shook her hand. “Alright. Good night, kids.” He said, walking away. “Don’t forget your clothes. I don’t think you’re allowed to drive naked ‘round these parts.”

They waited a while before they moved just to be sure the old man was far enough that he can’t see them anymore. Randy grabbed the blanket from the backseat and gave it to Ally, then they went back to the barn. He was walking behind her and she was almost at the door when he thought of pranking her.

“Ally, he’s back!” He yelled.

“What?!” Without turning around, she just head straight inside the barn and closed the door behind her. He thought she was going to run to him again like what she did earlier, but she just left her outside instead.

“Al! Al, I’m kidding!” He said, laughing as he knocked on the door. “Lemme in!”

“You are something else!” She said.

“Come on, now, let me in. It’s cold out here.” He said. He’s starting to not like what just happened. “I’m gonna get shrinkage if you don’t let me in.”

“Well, you would deserve it!” She said, walking away. He knew she did, too, because her voice seemed farther.

“Ally, I’m not kidding anymore.” He said, “I’m gonna break this door if you don’t open it.” She didn’t answer. “Al? Ally? Ally, come on!” Still no answer and he lost his cool. “Fine! I’m breaking in!”

When he pushed at the door with his shoulder, it didn’t give much resistance at all. Luckily, he had enough sense and good reflex that he was able to control his balance a little bit and didn’t fall too hard. The thick blanket also cushioned his fall.

“What the?” He uttered, sprawled on top of the blanket with a puzzled look on his face.

Why was the blanket right in the middle of the barn? Suddenly the door closed, and out of the darkness came out Ally.

“What was that shrinkage you were talking about?” She asked, as she walked over to him.

She stopped when she was right in front of him and looked straight between his legs. She put her fingertip over her lips as if she was thinking of something.

“I don’t see it.” She said, looking back at him with a mischievous little smile on her lips.

A smile crossed his face, right then. “You naughty little kitten.” He grabbed her hand and pulled at her. “Come here…”

She sat down on top of him, legs on either side of him, as he put her arms over his shoulder. He put his hands around her hips and buttocks and pulled her in closer. She could feel him coming to life again underneath her, and she instinctively grinded against him.

“You tricked me huh?” He said, looking at her. His eyes grew darker every second as desire come over him.

“I did.” She whispered in his ears, before she started to kiss him around his neck. “You gonna do something about it?”

He took one of her arms off his shoulders and bent them behind her back, putting her in some sort of arm-lock with one hand.

“I can think of a couple things.” He said, positioning himself for the task at hand.

“Just a couple?” She asked, biting his lip, as he accommodated his move.

He laughed, “More than a couple.” He grabbed a handful of her hair and kissed her.

We both know our own limitations
And That’s why we’re strong
Now when we sṗend some time apart
We’re leading each-other out of the dark...