Beginning, Section II, Section III, Section IV
Chapter 15 Posted on Monday, 12 June 2000
You're the inspiration.
"Woo hoo! Party!" Elizabeth exclaimed after she got out of the car at Charles's mansion.
"Elizabeth!" Jane laughed.
"What? Parties are fun! I love observing everybody. Who else is going to be there?" she questioned as they walked to the door.
"Well, I know his sister, Caroline is going to be there. And also a second cousin, Mrs. Hurst."
Elizabeth made a face. "They're still around? Does Mrs. Hurst still teach music?"
"I don't know."
"For the kids' sake, I hope not."
Jane was spared from responding when the reached the door and walked in as Charles told them to do. The two cousins immediately went to find their host who was talking to his sister and William.
"Elizabeth, do you know my sister, Caroline?"
"I haven't met her since high school, but yeah, I do." Elizabeth turned to Caroline and stuck out her hand. "Nice to see you again."
Caroline hesitatingly took her hand and shook it once. "Same here, I guess."
Turning away from her newly made acquaintance, Elizabeth raised her eyebrows towards William who made a face that said, "That's how she is."
Charles asked Jane to dance, so William and Caroline and Elizabeth stood in silence until Mrs. Hurst came to join the conversation, barely even greeting Elizabeth, just like her cousin.
"Caroline," Elizabeth began, "I thought you would be on Broadway now."
Caroline sniffed, "They don't need my type right now. So I'm on a break."
"Oh, really? I thought it was usually the teenagers that weren't needed. Once you got in your twenties, I thought there were parts everywhere."
"I thought you would've been on Broadway," Mrs. Hurst put in. "Doesn't look like you made it."
"I never intended to try. I always wanted to be a lawyer."
"Oh," Mrs. Hurst turned to her cousin. "Come on, Caroline. Let's mingle."
As soon as they were gone, William and Elizabeth started laughing.
"Is this the first time you've seen them, William?"
"No! I'm always stuck with them, and Caroline has taken it upon herself to cling to me."
"You poor thing!"
"No kidding. She's like a leech!"
The two just stood for a moment in comfortable silence. "Is Georgiana coming?"
"Nope. She was afraid of not knowing anyone, except Caroline. And she didn't want to have to depend on her."
"Do you know many people here?"
"Not really. You?"
"No. But Jane wanted me to come, so I was forced to come. Next time, I'll have to make sure Georgiana's coming. Why'd you come?"
"Charles forced me. And aren't I good enough company for you?" William teased.
Elizabeth laughed, "Of course! We'll just have to amuse ourselves."
"And how'd you suggest we do that?" William asked with one of his eyebrows raised.
"I don't..." Elizabeth started until a new song came on. Grabbing his hand and pulling him to where everybody was dancing, she said, "Come on! I love this song! Let's dance!"
You know our love was meant to be
The kind of love that lasts forever
And I want you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
Laughing, William allowed Elizabeth to drag him to the dance floor where he pulled her close to him. "I thought you don't like to dance!"
"I don't like to dance to fast songs or crappy songs. This is a good song."
You should know, everywhere I go
Always on my mind, in my heart
In my soul, baby
"Oh, I see," William replied as he twirled Elizabeth around.
"Ahh! What are you doing?"
"Amusing myself," William laughed.
You're the meaning in my life
You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the inspiration
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
No one needs you more than I need you
Suddenly William dipped Elizabeth low to the ground as she laughed. "How is this amusing you?"
"I like making you blush."
"Oh. And you know I blush very easily."
"Yes, I do."
And I know, yes I know that it's plain to see
We're so in love when we're together
Now I know that I need you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
"What's up with you and old music?"
"I don't know. I just grew to love it after I moved. I took my parents old c.d.'s and I would always listen to them, and I just grew to like all the old bands."
"Yeah, I have to agree that this is good music. At least better than all those boy bands that became popular during high school."
Elizabeth scrunched up her face in disgust. "Yes, and unfortunately Jane was right there liking the Backstreet Boys along with them. And I had to share the room with her!"
"Poor baby. I had to survive it, too, when Georgiana went through that phase."
You should know, everywhere I go
Always on my mind, in my heart
In my soul
Suddenly William pulled Elizabeth close to him and rested his chin on her head.
Raising her chin, Elizabeth asked with a sparkle in her eye, "What are you doing? I thought you wanted to amuse yourself?"
"Shhh." William said into her hair. "Let's just dance."
Confused at his sudden actions, Elizabeth just became quiet and swayed to the beat of the song.
You're the meaning in my life
You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the inspiration
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
No one needs you more than I need you
Elizabeth sighed in his embrace. She enjoyed being there. Better than any other man she ever danced with.
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
No one needs you more than I need you
You're the meaning in my life
You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You're the inspiration
Wanna have you near me
I wanna have you hear me saying
No one needs you more than I need you
William didn't want the song to end. At first, he wanted to just have a fun time dancing with her, but something in the lyrics made him just want to hold her close.
When you love somebody
(Always on my mind)
When you love somebody
(Till the end time)
No one needs you more than I *
At the conclusion of the song, Elizabeth tried to hide her red cheeks by drawing attention away from the dance. "I didn't realize how hungry I am."
"Why don't you go get some drinks, while I go find us some food."
"Okey dokey." William laughed at her old saying before going to find the food table.
Reaching the table where all the drinks were, Elizabeth was surprised to see Caroline come up next to her. "William and you seemed awfully close out there."
"We are. We're good friends."
"You seemed more than that out on the dance floor." When Elizabeth didn't respond, she continued, "I think I'll ask him to dance."
"Go right ahead. If you can make William happy, then I wish you all the luck in the world."
Disappointed at not getting a rise out of her new rival, Caroline left the table to go find Mrs. Hurst, who was currently trying to stop her husband from drinking himself into a stupor.
Walking over to Elizabeth, William handed her a plate and asked, "What was that all about?"
"Hmm? Oh, Caroline. She seems to think we're more than friends and wants to make sure I know she's a rival, I guess. She plans on asking you to dance."
"Thanks for the warning. I guess I'll have to hide."
"Why don't we sit over there?" Elizabeth offered pointing to two seats hidden by houseplants. "We can hide from her, and still observe the rest of the party."
Walking over to the seats, William questioned, "Did you tell her that we were only friends?"
"Yeah, why shouldn't I?" Pausing for a moment to think, Elizabeth continued, "Maybe I shouldn't have. That way she would've left us alone."
"I doubt it. She would probably bother me more trying to win my attention."
"Hmm. One of those women out to get your money?"
"Yeah, unfortunately. Why can't women be more like you? More honest."
"Haha. Because I'm special." William smiled. "Besides, you wouldn't want me for your girlfriend. I'm better as your friend," Elizabeth said as she went on observing the party.
"Yes, you are." But are you really better as a friend? William thought, looking at her profile. I'm starting to think that you aren't.
* "you're the inspiration" by Chicago
Chapter 16 Posted on Tuesday, 13 June 2000
It's a feeling like this
The rest of the month passed smoothly by with Elizabeth and William spending more time with each other. Each time, William kept falling in love with her more, and Elizabeth felt more and more comfortable in William's presence. As the weeks wore on, Elizabeth started that it wasn't just friendship she was feeling for her old friend, anymore.
She was afraid though.
Afraid that if he had no other feelings, it would ruin any friendship they had if she said anything. So she kept quiet and behaved as the friendship was the same as it has always been.
Soon, the time came to take the ride back to Rhode Island. Meeting at William's apartment, William, Georgiana, Charles, Jane, Elizabeth, and Caroline decided who went in whose car. Georgiana wanted to go with Elizabeth and Jane again, but Caroline didn't want to step foot in the car with no air conditioning. Besides, she was looking forward to being in a confined space with William for ten hours to try to make him love her. He was spending too much time with Elizabeth for comfort, and she hated those secret smiles they had.
So, originally supposed to fly, she chose instead to drive. And when she announced she was driving with William, she noticed one of those annoying looks Elizabeth gave William that looked like she was laughing. Fortunately for Caroline, she didn't see the grimace William made in turn.
Arriving in Rhode Island, they didn't see each other before sleeping, but the next morning, the Bingleys and William arrived at the Lucas's house. The men had to meet with Joseph to find tuxedoes, while the women were to go with Charlotte for bride's maids dresses. Caroline ended up being a bridesmaid also because Charlotte didn't want to leave her out if she was to arrive in Rhode Island with Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana.
Stepping outside, Elizabeth sighed while wiping off her damp forehead. "It's so hot! I thought the ocean breeze was supposed to cool things off!" Noticing that everybody was agreeing, she suggested, "Let's have a water gun fight!"
"Let's not," replied Caroline amongst the 'yes's.' "It'll ruin my curls. You know how long it takes to get my curls to look like this?"
Elizabeth eyed the blonde curls, "Umm...I don't know. And who cares? It's Summer, and nobody expects you to look perfect. Chill out for a while."
While Caroline looked offended, the others stifled their laughter. Elizabeth turned to Charlotte. "Do you have water guns?"
"Probably. Jonathan still loves things like that. I'll go check."
While the group waited for Charlotte to come back, Caroline started complaining. Sick of hearing her whiny voice, Elizabeth shot out, "Look, if you don't want to get a little H2O on you, like everybody else here wants to, stay in the house until we're done. Or else, STOP COMPLAINING!"
"Fine," Caroline huffed, and stormed back into the house. Once she was out of earshot, everybody burst out laughing, including her brother.
"I don't know what her problem is. She never like water fights because she thought it would mess up her hair. But she never had anybody put her in her place like you, Lizzy."
Elizabeth only smiled as she remembered Caroline's face. "She has to learn that not everybody has to do it her way."
"That she does," Charles agreed.
By this time, Charlotte came back with lots of water guns in her hand, including two super soakers. "All right, who gets the big ones?"
"I think Elizabeth should get one," Joseph declared, "After finally getting Caroline to stop complaining."
"William can get the other one!" Elizabeth included. Turning to him with a sparkle in her eye, "This means war!"
William laughed as he agreed, "Okay. But you're going down!"
"My dad's setting up a radio for us out back. That's where we'll have the war. Then, we have to get shopping!" Charlotte said.
Soon, the water fight started with Elizabeth and William getting everybody else, but mostly each other. William was disappointed that Elizabeth didn't wear a white shirt, but admired the way the tank top clung to her.
"Hey! Where'd William go?" Elizabeth asked as she didn't see him. Turning around, she saw him take off his soaking wet shirt and her throat suddenly went dry. Quickly turning around so he couldn't see her staring, she went after Joseph with her water gun.
I don't want another heartbreak
I don't need another turn to cry
I don't wanna learn the hard way
Baby hello, oh no, good-bye
But you got me like a rocket
Shooting straight across the sky
Turning back to William, who was back in the game, she started squirting him again, as he did the same back to her. Running out of water, he threw the gun down and started chasing her.
"Aww, crap!" Elizabeth said as she started running away. Elizabeth knew that with his longer and more powerful legs, he could catch up with her quickly.
It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss
It's that pivotal moment
It's (ah) impossible
This kiss, this kiss...unstoppable...
this kiss, this kiss
Catching up to her, he grabbed her around the waist and turned her around to face him as she laughed. Suddenly, his lips were upon hers.
In shock, Elizabeth didn't know what to do, but after a moment, she put her arms around his neck.
Cinderella said to Snow White
How does love get so off course
All I wanted was a white knight
With a good heart, soft touch, fast horse
Ride me off into the sunset
Baby, I'm forever yours
William and Elizabeth didn't notice when Georgiana went up to the rest of the group and smiled, "Mission accomplished," or all the whistles that Joseph and Charles were making.
Nor did they noticed when the women started dragging the men away so they wouldn't stare at the couple.
Nor did they notice when Caroline came out to see what all the noise was about with her hands on her hips.
It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss
It's that pivotal moment
It's (ah) unthinkable
This kiss, this kiss...unsinkable...
this kiss. this kiss
Slowly, William broke away and kissed Elizabeth's nose. At first, the two just stood there smiling at each other, but suddenly, Elizabeth brought William's head down for another kiss.
You can kiss me in the moonlight
On the rooftop under the sky...(oh)
Kiss me with the windows open
While the rain comes pouring inside...(oh)
Kiss me in sweet slow motion...
let everything slide
You got me floating, you got me flying
Looking on, Caroline was peeved at what she saw. I better fix this, and soon. Thinking for a moment, she corrected herself, Maybe not so soon. I need to think of a plan that will definitely work. Turning around, Caroline went back into the house with a satisfied smirk on her face.
It's the way you love me
It's a feeling like this
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss
It's that pivotal moment
It's (ah) subliminal
This kiss, this kiss...it's criminal...
this kiss, this kiss
It's the way you love me baby,
It's the way you love me darlin' *
Finally breaking apart, they both exclaimed, "Well!" at the same time, and then started laughing.
"So..." William began.
"So what?" Elizabeth laughed.
"So, I've wanted to do that for a long time."
"Really?" Elizabeth's eyes sparkled.
"Yeah, and I'm willing to try for something more than friendship, if you are."
"Is that a challenge, Will Darcy?"
"You bet it is."
"Then you're on," Elizabeth teased as she broke away from his embrace and ran towards the house with William right behind her.
* "This Kiss" by Faith Hill
Chapter 17 Posted on Wednesday, 14 June 2000
God speed your love to me
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Charlotte yelled over the arguments. When she got the women's attentions, she continued, "Elizabeth is Maid of Honor, so she gets to pick the color."
"Pink!" Elizabeth exclaimed with a smile.
"Why pink? I would like orange." Jane, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and the assistant turned to look at Caroline with looks of horror on their faces.
"Orange? Orange doesn't look good on anybody!" Elizabeth retorted with a pointed look at Caroline's bright orange blouse. "Besides, pink looks good on me, and pink will look good on the rest of us, too. What do you think, Jane?"
"I would rather have blue, but I think pink will look nice, too."
"Georgiana?"
"Pink's pretty," Georgiana answered quietly, fearing to offend anybody.
"And Charlotte? It's your wedding, do you mind if your bride's maids wear pink?"
"Not at all. Pink will be perfect."
"Then there you have it. Pink it is!" Elizabeth laughed. "Now let's find a style we all like."
Two hours later, the women finally chose on a style of dress. It was sleeveless, with a princess style bodice that flared out into a full skirt. The color was a very pale pink that looked good on all the bride's maids since they had fair skin with pink undertones.
Elizabeth, the last to have alterations made to her dress, stood in front of the mirror while the lady made measurements. Georgiana walked up beside Elizabeth and looked in the mirror with her.
"You're going to look beautiful, Lizzy. My brother won't be able to keep his eyes off of you."
Blushing, and at an unusual loss of words, Elizabeth looked down at her clasped hands.
"Yeah! What's going on between you and William?" Jane inquired.
"Nothing."
"Don't tell me nothing, chica," Charlotte laughed at her friend. "We saw what happened out there."
Elizabeth looked up to see her friends smiling at her, and she had to smile, too. And the sparkle in her eyes told her friends that she was truly happy.
The men didn't have as much trouble finding tuxedoes as the ladies did with their dresses. Charles soon picked out his tuxedo in a minimal amount of time, but William was starting to get picky.
"William! Come on! It's just a tuxedo!" Charles complained, impatient to see Jane again.
"I'm the best man; I have to look sharp."
"That tux is perfect. Besides," Joseph smirked, "Elizabeth will still love you even if you showed up to my wedding wearing nothing but a towel." At his cousin's smirk, he included, "I wouldn't though. You're not going to show up with a towel and ruin my wedding just to make the maid of honor blush."
"Now where'd you get an idea like that?" William replied sarcastically. But his smile returned as he thought of the maid of honor.
Joseph rolled his eyes at his cousin's look. "Come on! Just pick one!"
"Hey! Watch it! You don't have to go through the torture of picking one; you get to wear your uniform, and you know Charlotte loves you in it."
"Yep, that's right," Joseph smiled. "I don't have to worry about a thing. I can't wait until I see Charlotte in her gown though." This time it was Joseph with a dreamy smile on his face.
William rolled his eyes and threw his jacket over his cousin's head as he walked back to the dressing room. And he could've sworn it took his cousin a full five seconds before he realized something was on his head.
The day of the wedding finally arrived, and as expected, the bride was a bundle of nerves. Through the morning, Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana kept trying to calm their friend down. It wasn't as if Charlotte was afraid of doing the right thing by marrying Joseph; she was afraid of something going wrong during the ceremony or afterwards. But by time the ceremony started, the girls got Charlotte under control and persuaded her that nothing could possibly happen.
Walking down the aisle, Elizabeth caught the sight of William in a tuxedo and sighed at how handsome he looked. Catching his eye, she winked at him as she took her place on the other side of the altar.
Throughout the ceremony, Elizabeth kept glancing at the bride and groom and sighed at the way they looked at each other. Once, she caught William gazing at her, so she turned and smiled at him. For a few moments, they just gazed at each other until Elizabeth felt someone staring. Turning around she saw Georgiana and Jane smiling broadly at her back.
After the ceremony, William and Elizabeth only saw each other briefly while taking the wedding pictures. A little incident stopped those pictures from going smoothly.
While Charlotte was taking a picture with her family, she suddenly felt something slimy on her shoulder. Looking down, she shrieked when noticing the green frog sitting there.
"You found Wibbat!" her brother exclaimed, running towards her. The sudden movement, only made the frog scared and it jumped off of Charlotte's shoulder to the grass. Instead of just letting it go, Jonathan had to chase the frog all over the church yard.
What made it interesting is that the frog seemed to have a mind of its own. When it got far away from Charlotte's brother it would just sit and wait until he caught up with it again. Then, it would go on its merry little way, hopping in between people.
Finally, Jonathan had to give up when it jumped into a pond near the church. All messed up, thanks to the 'insane' frog, as Elizabeth called it, Charlotte's younger brother wasn't allowed in any more pictures. The bride was just thankful that they already got a couple of shots with him in them.
At the beginning of the reception, Elizabeth didn't even see William. Walking around the room, Elizabeth by accidentally bumped into somebody.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
"That's okay. No harm done," a pretty young lady replied.
"I'm Elizabeth," she smiled while sticking out her hand.
Smiling, the lady introduced herself, "I'm Meghan. Nice to meet you."
"Same here."
"Aren't you the maid of honor?"
"Yep. Knew Char since high school."
"Ahh. My fiancée, Mike, went to the Naval Academy with Joseph."
Hearing his name mentioned, a young, handsome man turned around and smiled. "Elizabeth, this is my fiancée, Mike Austen."
The two greeted each other and the three fell into friendly conversation. Feeling a hand on her back, Elizabeth turned around to see William smiling at her. Feeling that introductions were in order, Elizabeth introduced William to her two new friends, but as it turned out, William and Mike knew each other a little through Joseph.
Just then, the wedding song was announced and the hall grew quiet as everybody turned to see the bride and groom dance their first dance as man and wife. Elizabeth smiled as she realized it was the song "Take My Breath Away" from "Top Gun."
"Fitting," she whispered to William. "A song from a movie about Navy pilots."
"No kidding," William leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I helped them pick it out."
Turning on her tip-toes, Elizabeth kissed William on the cheek and was awarded a kiss on the temple.
As the guests clapped at the end of the dance, the next song was announced. Walking to stand in front of Elizabeth, William took her hand and kissed it.
"I believe this is my dance, Miss Gardiner."
"What presumptuous behavior, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth teased. "What makes you think that I will accept?"
"All apologies, madam," William replied, acting ashamed. "Will you do me the honor of dancing the next with me, Miss Gardiner?"
"I would love to."
Leading the maid of honor to the floor, the best man took her in the arms just as the song was starting.
Whoa, my love
My darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?" William pulled out a little way to ask.
"No, you haven't," Elizabeth's eyes sparkled.
"Well, you look ravishing."
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
"You don't look half bad yourself."
"Really?" William's eyebrows went up.
"In fact, I believe you are the handsomest man present."
"Even handsomer than all the men in uniform?"
"Much handsomer."
While William pulled her close again, Elizabeth giggled at the sensation of William laughing in her ear.
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers sigh
Wait for me, wait for me
I'll be coming home
Wait for me
The two danced there, in the middle of the floor, very close; neither willing to let go.
Whoa, my love
My darling
I've hungered, hungered for your touch
A long lonely time
And time goes by
So slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
"I love you, my Lizzy."
Elizabeth looked up to him and whispered, "I love you, too, Will."
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me*
Leaning down, William placed the gentlest of kisses on Elizabeth's lips.
*"The Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers"
Chapter 18 Posted on Thursday, 15 June 2000
You'll never know the gift you've given me
The day after the wedding, everybody who lived in Ohio had to go back home. Georgiana had to leave soon for college, and William had to help her. Jane was a music teacher at an elementary school, and it was almost time for her to go back to work, and Elizabeth already was running dangerously close to taking too much time off of work. And Charles couldn't stand being away from Jane, so he wanted to go home, too.
Through the weeks, William and Elizabeth, and Charles and Jane would go out many times a week; sometimes together. Sometimes, William and Elizabeth would meet for lunch, but never did they meet at any of their workplaces; William still didn't know for which firm Elizabeth worked for.
Elizabeth was working in her office when her phone rang. "Hello?"
"Lizzy, can you make it to lunch today?" William's voice replied.
"Of course. But I don't have much time. Why don't you meet me here, and then we'll eat somewhere close."
"Okay. What's the address?"
Elizabeth told him, along with some directions so he wouldn't get lost in the city since William constantly got lost downtown.
"I'll be there at noon. Love you."
"Love you, too," Elizabeth smiled in the phone.
Five minutes before noon, William Darcy stepped off the elevator on the floor where Elizabeth's firm was located with a bouquet of daisies in his hands. He was about to ask the secretary the way to Elizabeth's when a booming voice surprised him.
"George Darcy! Fancy you even ever coming to this office." When William turned around, the man corrected himself, "Oh! It's not the elder Darcy, but the young one. How have you been?" The elder man held out his hand and William stepped forward to shake it.
"Mr. Wilson! I've been good, thank you. And you?"
"Good, good. What can I do for you today?"
"Actually, I came to pick up Elizabeth Gardiner."
"I'm right here, Will." Turning around, William saw Elizabeth standing there, smiling, and smiled himself.
"Elizabeth. You never told me you worked for this firm. Their the law firm that handles our company's cases."
"Hmm. Just never came up as a topic of discussion," she smiled. Looking at the bouquet of flowers she asked, "Are those for me?"
"Huh?" Then, remembering the flowers, he teased, "No. They're for Mr. Wilson."
"You tease," she replied, slapping his arm.
"Of course they're for you, Lizzy," he laughed, handing her the flowers.
Mr. Wilson laughed at the couple and offered Elizabeth, "Take as much time off for lunch as you want today. I'll let you off for once."
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson," Elizabeth responded with a wide smile.
"Yes, thank you," William agreed.
Walking hand-in-hand to William's car, he said, "Now I can take you where I wanted to in the first place."
"Really? Where?" Elizabeth inquired, smelling the flowers.
"You'll see," William replied ambiguously as he kissed the top of her head.
When William turned the car on, Elizabeth laughed when she realized what song was on.
"What's wrong?" William asked, smiling at Elizabeth's shining eyes.
"Don't you remember this song?"
William listened with a serious look on his face, and finally a look of recognition came upon his face.
You never know
What you've done for me
What your faith in me
Has done for my soul
And you'll never know
the gift you've given me
I'll carry it with me, yeah
Through all the days ahead
I think of days before
You made me hope for something better
and made me reach for something more
"Oh God. It's 'N Sync."
Elizabeth laughed at the funny expression on his face. "I remember singing this song for at the class of 2000's graduation."
"Me, too." William paused. "Unfortunately."
"Actually, I think it's a pretty good song." Softly, Elizabeth began to sing.
You taught me to run
You taught me to fly
Helped me to free the me inside
Helped me hear the music of my heart
Helped me hear the music of my heart
You opened my eyes
You opened the door
To something I've never known before
And your love
Is the music of my heart
As Elizabeth sang, and the car was stopped at one of the annoying long stoplights in Columbus, William watched Elizabeth's profile, and thought of how lucky he was. I don't realize how I wait for lunchtime now; how the morning seems so long. And then how, after I leave her again, I'm anxious for the next day. Listening to the lyrics to the song, William changed his opinion of the song. This song describes what Lizzy is to me exactly.
"I think so, too"
You were the one
Always on my side
Always standing by
Seeing me through
You were the song that always made me sing
I'm singing this for you
Everywhere I go
I think of where I've been
And of the one who knew me better
Than anyone ever will again
Elizabeth turned to look at William after he replied to her comment a few moments after she said it. At the sight of him gazing at her, her heart melted and she reached over to kiss him.
You taught me to run
You taught me to fly
Helped me to free the me inside
Helped me hear the music of my heart
Helped me hear the music of my heart
You opened my eyes
You opened the door
To something I've never known before
And your love
Is the music of my heart
Suddenly, the honking cars in back of them informed the two that the light finally turned green. Laughing, they finally parted and drove on.
What you taught me
Only your love could ever teach me
You got through when no one could reach me before
'Cus you always saw in me
All the best that I could be
It was you who set me free
"So, where are you taking me?"
"My lips are sealed," William replied.
"Hmm," Elizabeth pouted. William laughed and took a hold of her hand closest to him.
You taught me to run
You taught me to fly
Helped me to free the me inside
Helped me hear the music of my heart
Helped me hear the music of my heart
You opened my eyes
You opened the door
To something I've never known before
And your love
Is the music of my heart
Is the music of my heart *
After driving some minutes in comfortable silence, William pulled into a popular park that they and their friends would go to while in high school. Driving down the road, William finally pulled into a picnic ground near the river.
Getting out of the car, he went around to the trunk and pulled out a picnic basket.
"A picnic? I love picnics!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"I know." William held out his hand to her and she took it. "Let's go eat."
The two ate the sandwiches and homemade cookies, and drank their juice boxes. ("Juice boxes?" Elizabeth asked in surprise. "Yeah, the only thing in the house I could find that I could take," William replied laughing.)
When they were done eating, and sitting on the grass with Elizabeth leaning into William's embrace, the lady wondered, "Where would've you taken me if I had only a short lunch break?"
"Probably at the Santa Maria**, but I really wanted to take you here because I know you love this place."
"Mmm," Elizabeth only responded as she leaned back into William.
After kissing her lightly on the neck, he asked, "Want to take a walk down by the river?"
"No!" Elizabeth laughed. "I don't want to fall on my bottom again! Besides, I don't have time to change if I do!" Elizabeth remembered the last day of her Junior year in high school when a group of their friends had a party at the same park. The day ended when they took a walk near the river and Elizabeth, accidentally stepping in slippery mud, fell.
William laughed, "You had to admit, that was funny!"
"Not at the time! It wasn't. I have to get back, anyway, before Mr. Wilson counts this day as a vacation day."
On the ride home, it was settled that William was to accompany her to the weekly family dinner; he insisted upon it.
Please don't let my family make fools of themselves, Elizabeth thought as she walked towards her office.
Elizabeth sighed as she sat down for dinner next to William. So far, so good. Her family members were behaving themselves: her aunt didn't ask anything about money, Mary kept quiet and didn't even bring a book to dinner or blurt out pointless facts she learned from her latest book, and although Lydia wore a rather skimpy outfit, she didn't say any embarrassing thing, neither.
It wasn't until desert that things started to go wrong. Handing William a bowl of ice cream, Mrs. Bennet asked, "So, you own a pharmaceutical company?"
"Not exactly; my father owns it."
"Is it very big?"
"We have plants around the country."
"And how much money does it bring in?"
"Aunt Elaine!" Elizabeth exclaimed seeing the growing tension on William's face. "I don't think that's any of your business."
"What's the harm in asking that?" Nobody answered Mrs. Bennet's embarrassing question. She was about to hand her niece a bowl of ice cream when she suddenly took it back and said, "Never mind. You don't need any; you look like you gained weight."
When Elizabeth's mouth dropped open, William exclaimed, "What? She's perfectly thin! Do you expect her to stop eating?"
At this, Lydia piped up, "I don't know what a hot guy like you sees in her when you could have someone like me. She's not even pretty."
At her sister's biting remark, Elizabeth suddenly stood up and walked out the front door. Jane and Charles started to get up after her, but William stopped them. Turning to Elizabeth's younger sister he quietly said, "She's beautiful."
Disgusted, William threw down his napkin on the table and went after Elizabeth. Walking through the front door, he saw her standing on the front yard, looking as if she was standing straight and proud, but as he walked closer to her he could see her trembling.
When he walked up to stand in front of her, he took her in his arms as she buried her face in his shoulder and cried, "Why does she hate me so? My own sister!"
"Shh..." William comforted while rubbing her back comfortingly. "She's just a teenager, she'll grow out of it."
"And my aunt! Asking you things like that!"
At this, William didn't have anything to say. He was shocked at the impropriety of the woman and couldn't believe questions like that could come out of anyone's mouth. And the comment she said about my Lizzy...
The two stood there on the front lawn until Elizabeth was calmed down. The ride home was made in uncomfortable silence, not like usual, when any silence was accompanied by no tension.
When they reached William's apartment, Lizzy quietly said, "Now you see why I didn't want you to come."
"I would have found out sooner or later, Elizabeth. It was just sooner. Good night, Lizzy."
* "Music of my Heart" ~ 'N Sync and Gloria Estefan
** Santa Maria is a scaled model of one of Christopher Columbus's ships docked in the river that runs through Columbus
Chapter 19 Posted on Friday, 16 June 2000
And though I make mistakes, I'll never break your heart
The weeks passed by just like the others did. Elizabeth soon got over her family's humiliation of her, and William never mentioned it. They went out just like they always did, and for a while, they acted like they had forgotten the incident.
Soon, it was the middle of October and Charles planned a Halloween costume party, and of course, both William and Elizabeth were invited.
"What shall we dress as?" Elizabeth pondered as she and William were taking a walk in his parent's neighborhood one evening after having dinner at the Darcy's. It was a particularly warm night, and the two decided to take a walk to walk off the delicious dinner Mr. Darcy made.
"Hmm. I don't know, what do you think?" William looked down at Elizabeth.
"You need to wear something that makes you look good," Elizabeth said with a wicked smile. When she caught William's sideways glance, she included, "Not that you don't already."
"Sure, whatever." William rolled his eyes as he put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
"I know! You can be a Greek god. That way, you can wear a toga!"
"Then you have to be a Greek goddess and wear a toga, too."
"Eww. Then forget it. I don't go for me freezing my butt off by wearing only a sheet."
"But you don't care if I'm cold?"
"Not at all; as long as you look good." William laughed and kissed the top of her head. "I know!"
"What now, Lizzy?" William teased.
"We can go as Tom Cruise's and Demi Moore's characters from 'A Few Good Men'."
"Whatever you say, Lizzy."
"You don't mind?"
"Nope. As long as I'm fully clothed and semi-comfortable, I'm a happy camper."
"Ooh goodie!"
The two continued walking with Elizabeth talking about plans for the costumes and William patiently listening to her.
The evening of the Halloween party quickly approached. William and Elizabeth were able to procure uniforms, courtesy of Joseph Fitzwilliam and the Lucas'. Georgiana was even able to attend, being home for a vacation.
Soon the house was filled, making the room stuffy. Half way through the party, Elizabeth needed air. It was hot and stuffy, and she was tired from dancing. So both she and William made their way outside to the back where there was a walkway.
From where they stood, the couple could clearly hear the music from the party.
I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
And I swear like the shadow that's by your side
"May I have this dance?" William asked.
"Yes, you may," Elizabeth's eyes sparkled.
Dancing close together, Elizabeth and William were the only couple out in the garden at the time.
I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
You can be sure I know my heart
"Marry me." The words were spoken so softly in her ears, that Elizabeth could hardly believe they were spoken. Lifting up her head, she looked at William to see if she was imagining the words. What she saw in his eyes was fear.
A sudden terror struck William. Afraid to be opening his heart to anybody, he thought it was best to explain himself. "When we first met again, I didn't think that you had enough class to ever be my wife, but I soon didn't care, and I wanted you as a friend." Unfortunately, William didn't feel Elizabeth's back stiffen at his words. "It would be a good alliance, also, because of you being a lawyer in the firm that my father and I use."
`Coz I'll stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart
Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. Where is the sweet, caring Will? Elizabeth closed her eyes and tried to block out the music. Oh God. The words are just mocking me.
"...And of course after we are married, you wouldn't have to put up with your family anymore. Besides, I want you as my wife because I can trust that you're not just after my money."
Tears were now freely falling down Elizabeth's cheeks now. I have to stop him. Pulling away from William's arms, Elizabeth cried, "William..."
And I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like a shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
"Yes?" William mistook Elizabeth's tears for tears of happiness.
"Just stop. Stop." William's face went white, but Elizabeth continued, "Why?"
"Why? I just told you why."
"But you don't love me?"
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear
"I never said that! You know I do!"
"No, I don't. Not once in your proposal did you say anything about wanting to marry me because you loved me. I suppose that wasn't meant to happen: you falling in love with me. You probably just did accidentally while trying to court me."
I'll give you every thing I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls
"So what exactly are you saying?"
"I can't marry you! I'm not exactly sure if you want to marry me!"
"Do you love me?" he desperately asked.
"It doesn't matter, even if I did, I can't say 'yes' to such a proposal. For goodness sake, it sounded more like a business proposition than a marriage proposal!" Elizabeth tearfully answered.
"But do you love me?"
And when just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
`Coz as the time turns the page, my love won't age at all
Elizabeth looked up to meet William's gaze. "Yes."
"Then marry me!" Without warning, William grabbed her and kissed her hard.
And I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I swear (and I swear) like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
Elizabeth was drawn into the kiss; she didn't want to, but she couldn't help it, but finally, she came back to reality and pulled away.
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear
"William, no." The answer was spoken tearfully, but firmly.
I swear (I swear) by the moon and stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
This time, William didn't fight it as Elizabeth walked away. When she turned and walked away, William finally allowed the tears to come.
When she was out of sight, William finally sunk to his knees out of weakness.
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every (single) beat of my heart
I swear, I swear, oh... I... swear... *
"Lizzy..." a soft cry escaped his lips.
William soon left after Elizabeth did, but instead of going to his apartment, he made his way back to his parents' house. He felt as if he needed to be near his parents for comfort; he could always go there for comfort.
When he entered the house, he didn't go to his room. Instead he went to the library, somewhere where he could always think and be content. But there was no comfort there that night. He just sat in the room, thinking of what he did, silently crying. Lizzy, I didn't mean it that way. Lizzy, I love you. Lizzy, come back. These thoughts just ran through his head, never ending.
Two hours later, Georgiana came home to a silent house. When she was just about to climb the stairs to her room, she noticed a light on in the library. Wondering who it was that was in there, or if somebody just left the light on, Georgiana turned around and went to the library's door. When she received no answer after knocking, she assumed the light was on with nobody in there.
Opening the door, she was surprised to see her brother sitting in his favorite armchair. She was even more surprised when she saw tears glistening on his cheek. "William?"
Not answering, William just turned to see his sister and then turned his head back to where he was staring. Walking closer, Georgiana asked again, "William?" Still not receiving an answer, she kneeled down beside him and took his hand. "William, please," she pleaded. "Tell me what's wrong. I want to help. Does it have to do with Elizabeth?"
When William turned his head away from her, she got the answer. "William, please. It will feel better if you say something."
Turning his head back to his sister and seeing her caring face, William broke down and told all that happened.
"There has to be some mistake! Of course Elizabeth would want to marry you!"
"No, Georgie. Not after what I said to her. I never even told her that I loved her in the proposal. She was right! It sounded more like a business proposition."
"And you didn't stop her when she walked away?"
"No! I couldn't! She wouldn't have listened to me then, but now I have to talk to her."
"That won't fix anything, William. She'll still feel betrayed; she'll need time," Georgiana explained.
"I know, I know! But I just want to explain to her what happened and to tell her I do love her before I go."
"Before you go?" Georgiana asked, puzzled.
"I have to get away for awhile, Georgie. I can't stay here; I'll just ask Dad if there's anyplace that needs me," William sighed. "But I have to talk to Lizzy. Will you help me?"
"I'll try, William. I'll try," Georgiana promised. "Now, go to bed. You need sleep."
"Not right now. I want to stay here for a while longer."
"Okay, William. Good night," Georgiana kissed her brother on the cheek.
Before leaving the room, she turned back to see William staring into nothing again.
Immediately after arriving at her apartment, Elizabeth changed into her pajamas and got into bed. But sleep wouldn't come. She couldn't stop thinking about what happened at the party. A part of her wished she accepted the proposal, but the other half knew what she did was right. There was no way I could have accepted. I'm not even sure if it was his heart proposing; it sounded more like his rational mind speaking.
For two hours, Elizabeth tossed and turned while crying. She heard Jane come through the apartment door, but didn't get up; she felt as if she didn't have the strength. But she didn't have to. A second later there was a knock at her door.
"Lizzy?" Jane's worried voice was heard through the door.
"Jane, come in."
"Lizzy, why are you home this early? I saw you leave two hours ago." It was at this point when Jane saw her cousin's face. "Oh, Lizzy. What's wrong?"
Elizabeth needed to tell someone, and Jane was the only one she could tell. Jane was the type of person who would just listen, not saying anything unless you asked for her opinion.
When Elizabeth was done telling her story, Jane went to her bed and put a comforting arm around her cousin. Not saying anything, Jane held Elizabeth as she cried until she fell into a restless sleep. Tucking her in, Jane left her room after looking back once at her sleeping cousin.
Oh William. What happened between you two?
* "I swear" ~ All 4 One
Chapter 20 Posted on Sunday, 25 June 2000
'Cuz she needs somebody to tell her that it's gonna last forever.
The next morning, Saturday, Jane got up early to do the shopping for the apartment. When she left, Elizabeth managed to roll out of bed, put a sweat suit on, and pull her hair up out of her face. She was just about to put in a movie when the phone rang.
Not feeling like talking to anybody, Elizabeth let the answering machine pick up.
"Hey, Lizzy, pick up. It's Georgie." A pause. "I know you're there, Lizzy. Please pick up." Another pause. "I'm not hanging up, so you might as well pick up the phone!"
Sighing, Elizabeth got up and answered the phone. "Hi Georgie."
"Lizzy! Can you come over? I have to leave again tomorrow, and I thought we can veg out and watch some movies."
"I don't think so Georgie. I'd just rather stay here and do nothing. You can come over here, though."
"But we have so many movies to choose from! Besides, you have to get out of the house sometime today."
"If you want me to go over, you'll have to come over here and drag me out yourself," Elizabeth declared.
"Fine. I'll be right over," Georgiana said before hanging up the phone.
Elizabeth groaned and went to unlock the door, knowing that once Georgiana had her mind set on something, she was determined to get it done.
Fifteen minutes later, Georgiana walked into Elizabeth's apartment to see her curled up on the couch, remote control in hand, and looking depressed.
"Lizzy, come on! Get up!"
"No."
"Please."
"Why?"
"Because you need to. And I won't stop whining until you do."
Giving up, Elizabeth reluctantly gave up and scowled at Georgiana's expression when she saw what Elizabeth was dressed like. "What now?"
"You're going out in public looking like that?"
"Georgie, once you get my age, you really don't care what you look like," Elizabeth said as she walked towards the bathroom. As soon as Elizabeth closed the door, she opened it again and peeked out. "Then again, maybe you will. Do you mind waiting a while I get showered and change?"
"Not at all," Georgiana replied with a triumphant smile. "I'll just wait here until you're done."
A half hour later, Elizabeth was ready to go, dressed in a jeans and a sweater, and wet hair pulled back into a ponytail.
"Okay, let's go."
"Great," Georgiana smiled.
Soon, the girls were at the Darcy house, and even Elizabeth was smiling after the lively conversation they had in the car.
That smile suddenly disappeared when she entered Georgiana's t.v. room.
Because there stood William looking just as depressed as Elizabeth looked earlier with his hands stuck in the pockets of his jeans and his sad eyes gazing at Elizabeth.
"Georgiana..." Elizabeth started slowly.
But before Elizabeth could continue any further, Georgiana whispered to her, "Listen to him. Please," and left the room.
The two remaining in the room stared at each other for a few moments before William finally spoke. "Lizzy, I'm sorry." When Elizabeth looked down at her feet and didn't say anything, William continued, "I just closed up. I was afraid that you would say 'no' and hurt me."
"And I did say 'no.' "
"And you did hurt me."
"You hurt me too," Elizabeth replied sadly.
"I know, I know." William exclaimed, starting to pace in front of her. "And when I hurt you, seeing you cry broke my heart," William said earnestly while looking at Elizabeth, now right in front of him, in the eye, "because I love you. I always will." William brushed his hand against Elizabeth's cheek to wipe away a tear.
"I love you, too," Elizabeth cried.
"Forgive me?"
Elizabeth sadly laughed, "You wouldn't even have to apologize, and I would always forgive you."
At this, William took her into a hug and cried into her hair, "I don't deserve you." Elizabeth just hugged William closer around his neck and cried into his shoulder.
The two stood like this for a while until William said softly into her hair, "I'm going to miss you."
Elizabeth pulled away, inquiring, "Where are you going?"
"To California for the company. I need to get away."
"Why?" Elizabeth started crying again.
"I need to think," William explained, taking Elizabeth's hands in his own.
"Oh," she said softly, looking down at their clasped hands. Although she didn't like it, Elizabeth knew it would be for the best that they separate for a while. What happened may be forgiven, but they still would feel the effects of it, and both needed time to themselves.
"Do you want to go get Georgiana now?" William asked. I think she was going to gather movies together."
"Are you going to watch them with us?"
William shuffled his feet and looked down. "I don't know, I wanted to see if you wanted me to."
"Yes, of course. But I guess we can't watch chick flicks now," Elizabeth teased.
William shrugged his shoulders, "It's okay. My dad and I watch enough of those because of Mom and Georgie."
"Then let's go find her," Elizabeth smiled.
William went to open the door to the hallway, but stopped short when he found Georgiana standing at the door - with no videos in her hand.
"Georgie, were you listening in on us?" her older brother inquired with one eyebrow raised.
"Maybe," Georgiana smirked. Turning to Elizabeth, she continued, "I thought we could all watch the movies in the family room; there are more seats there," she explained with a look towards her brother.
"Ha! I knew you were listening!" William exclaimed.
"Still can't prove anything! Come on! Let's go watch some movies."
For the rest of the afternoon, the three watched movies: Georgiana lying on the ground with William sitting on the couch and Elizabeth's head on his shoulder.
When it was time for Georgiana to take Elizabeth back home, there were held back tears as Elizabeth and William said 'good-bye', and on the ride back to the apartment, Georgiana kept compassionately silent as Elizabeth stared out the window.
The next night, William was lying in his bed, thinking of Elizabeth. He had his c.d. player in his stereo set on random, but he wasn't listening to any of the songs.
He missed Elizabeth, but he needed this time away from her, and he knew that she needed her time away from him. He knew that she forgave him, but he didn't know if she would completely enter into the relationship with him again so soon.
To really love a woman
To understand her - you gotta know her deep inside
Hear every thought - see every dream
N' give her wings when she wants to fly
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
Ya know ya really love a woman
The song suddenly caught William's attention. His proposal taught him that he really didn't understand Elizabeth no matter how much he thought he did. He thought that even if he didn't mention love, Elizabeth would still accept him because of who he was.
But now he understood her and what it takes for her to accept a marriage proposal.
When you love a woman you tell her that she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her that it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really - really really ever loved a woman?
And I didn't do that, did I? thought William. I should've said what was in my heart; not what was in my head.
To really love a woman
Let her hold you - til ya know how she needs to be touched
You've gotta breathe her - really taste her
Till you can feel her in your blood
N' when you can see your unborn children in her eyes
Ya know ya really love a woman
William knew that he really did love Elizabeth, but he didn't let her know that, and know he was feeling the effects of it. He should've known that Elizabeth needed somebody to hold her and tell her that he loved her.
When you love a woman you tell her that she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her that you'll always be together.
So tell me have you ever really - really really ever loved a woman?
You got to give her some faith - hold her tight
A little tenderness - gotta treat her right
She will be there for you, takin' good care of you
Ya really gotta love your woman...
Yes, William told her that they would be together always, but not in the right way. As William thought more and more, tears started falling down his cheeks as he fell into a restless sleep.
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
Ya know ya really love a woman
When you love a woman you tell her that she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her that it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really - really really ever loved a woman?
So tell me have you ever really - really really ever loved a woman?
So tell me have you ever really - really really ever loved a woman?*
The month passed slowly for both Elizabeth and William. Everything they did seemed mechanical, without much thought. Both of them plunged into their work, not leaving time for anything else. They both would go into work early, and come home later. William didn't have anybody at his house in California to worry about him, but Jane constantly worried about Elizabeth. She would only go out with Charles once a week, but out of concern for Elizabeth and wish to see Jane, Charles would come over to their apartment some nights to keep them company.
One night, Jane went out with Charles because Elizabeth called to say she wasn't coming home until late. But that night, Elizabeth was home earlier than Jane, and when her cousin came home she was smiling from ear to ear.
"Jane! What happened to make you smile so much?"
"I got engaged!" Jane laughed.
Elizabeth brightened up at this; she was truly happy for her cousin and went to hug her. "Oh! Jane, I'm so happy! I knew you and Charles would get married eventually!"
The two talked for about an hour before Jane declared that she was sleepy and needed to go to sleep. Elizabeth smiled as she watched her cousin make her way to the bedroom, but couldn't help thinking about William.
A week later, an invitation came to Elizabeth and Jane for a Christmas dinner at the Darcy's. The small party was to be held a week before Christmas and was only going to include some family and friends. At first, Elizabeth was reluctant to accept, but Jane and Charles managed to persuade her to think about it, and the news that Charlotte was to also be there finally made Elizabeth decided to go.
* "Have you ever really loved a woman?" by Bryan Addams