Well, it turns out that finishing your dissertation does not automatically equal having no work to do. Silly me. Apologies for the unduly long hiatus. I'm sure I lost all but my most stalwart readers with that break. I understand. I don't have that kind of patience with blogs either.
But if you're here, hi! Welcome back.
Where were we? Ahhhhhhh yes. Angel was rapidly falling prey to Jeff's irresistible charm and armsocks. (charmsocks?) After a stupid phone conversation with Madusa, she decides to go and visit him in NC, where she plans on giving up the goods.
Violet/Marie/Nightshade/whatever lured Scott back into her evil web of seductive lies. For some reason.
Chris and Justina had the good fortune to get stuck in a hotel room next to Barry, who spent the evening entertaining a lady friend.
I think that brings us up to speed. Therefore, with no further ado, I humbly present:
Chapter 65: Discovery
“Again?” Justina cried. “How did we get stuck in a room right next to Barry and his bevy of beauties again?”
“Dumb luck, I guess.”
“I’m going to start banging on the wall with a hockey stick. That always worked in college.” [oh, how Canadian of them!]
“No hocked sticks here. You can use my boot.”
“Ugg. [as in Ugg boot? Somehow I didn’t picture Chris as wearing Ugg boots. But now I totally will.] Let’s just put the TV on again.”
“This lady is just as loud as the one in Harrisburg.”
“I know.” Justina tried burying her head under a pillow. “Oh the plus side,” she said in a muffled voice, “Now I can’t breathe.” She emerged and climbed out of bed. “Where’s the boot?”
“Foss, you can’t. I’ll make sure not to get a room next to him next time. I promise.”
She sighed. “Fine.”
“Come back to bed. I’ll find us a nice infomercial.”
“Chris? Listen.”
“Foss … eew.”
“It’s the same woman.”
“I reaffirm: eew.”
“It is!”
“So?”
“I’m just saying.”
“Saying what?”
“That I’m a busybody.”
“You can say that again. Give me the remote.”
“Hang on … I can almost make out her name.”
“Foss! Give them some privacy!”
“Privacy? If they wanted privacy, they’d moan more quietly. And they’d stop shouting each others’ names so effusively.”
“Effusively?”
“I know big words.” She left the bed. [when did she get back in bed? How can I not maintain continuity when there are only two characters in one room?]
“Apparently. Where are you going?”
“The bathroom.”
“Justina … you are not using a glass to listen in.”
“Gross. Of course not. I just have to pee.”
She reemerged a few minutes later. “Besides, I don’t need one. That last volley of theirs featured impressive enunciation.”
“Mystery solved.” Chris yawned and closed his eyes. “I think they’re done. Goodnight, Foss.”
“Night, Chris. And goodnight Barry and Alex.” She snuggled next to him.
Chris’ eyes snapped open. “Alex?”
“Yep. Problem?”
“No. I mean … it can’t be.”
“What?”
“Just a coincidence, I’m sure.”
“What?” Justina sat up.
“Another guy’s wife has the same name. But I’m sure it’s a common name and all.”
“Well, if this goes the same way it went in Harrisburg, she’ll be leaving in a few minutes. Look out the peephole.”
“Foss, that’s ridiculous.”
“Come on.”
“It’s none of my business.”
“Tell me what she looks like,” Justina said, walking to the door.
“You’re being insanely nosy,” he said, but he followed her and looked out the peephole. [how big is that peephole that both of them can look out of it at the same time?] Nothing. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Shh! She’s leaving!”
Chris watched the hallway. He heard Barry’s door open. There was muttering and giggling, and then, she walked towards the elevator, past Chris and Justina’s room.
It was Alexandra York Rhodes.
NOTES:
1) OHHHHHHHHHHHH SNAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wait, were any of you surprised? No one? Huh.
2) I can't help it. I still kind of like Justina and Chris. Maybe it's just the fact that she's not Angel, but I remember having fun writing their scenes way back when.
3) Speaking of way back when: thin walls, love triangles, level 20 drama ... hoo boy, there are a few things about college I will probably never miss. (things I do miss include, but are not limited to: eating pierogies at 2 AM, DDR marathons, being used as a human jump-rope)
COMING UP NEXT ...
Oh boy! We will be treated to one of Angel's extended internal monologues. Now there's a way to get readers back. Tune in next time for ...
Chapter 66: Driving South
Showing posts with label Alexandra York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alexandra York. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chapter 43: The Big Day
Salutations, friends. In last week’s thrilling chapter, Alex misplaced her French Maid costume and Barry made out with her until Dustin woke up from his nightmare in a convulsive fit of sobs. Then tissues spontaneously generated in Angel’s living room and he went back to sleep. Today: wedding! Bring it.
Chapter 43 – The Big Day
Angel sat next to Sting in the second pew at St. Joseph’s Church.
“Angel! You look fantastic!” he whispered, taking in Angel’s light blue dress. [did she buy it as part of a matching set with her couch?]
“Thanks! I hardly recognized you in that tux! Pretty spiffy!” she whispered back. [I do hope he’s wearing his facepaint as part of the ensemble.]
Rick and Scott Steiner found Angel and Sting and sat in the row behind them.
“Hey, Angie! Hey Stinger!”
The church was quieted and the organ sounded. Alexandra York, arm in arm with her father, entered. Her dress was exquisite. Pure white with a laced neck and sleeves. A long veil and train trailed behind her. She carried a bouquet of lilacs and baby’s breath that matched her bridesmaids’ gowns perfectly [why, why, why is this the only description of their dresses?]. Her dark-tan skin was glowing, and she was smiling from ear to ear as she approached Dustin. She stepped up to the alter [sic. But when you think about it, it works as a verb too] and turned to face her husband-to-be.
The minister cleared his throat and began.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and woman in holy matrimony. Do you, Alexandra Denise York, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, for rich or for poor, to death do you part?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Dustin Matthew Rhodes, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for rich and for poor, to death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Dustin didn’t need to be told twice. He kissed her as he had never kissed her before. The church burst into applause. Rick Steiner whistled loudly. Scott elbowed him. Angel giggled.
“You think this is bad—at our sister Crystal’s wedding, he kept asking where to buy peanuts,” Scott said.
Everyone stood as the happy couple made their exit.
NOTES:
1) Alex’s dress: Pure white with a laced neck and sleeves. H A W T. I have an excellent picture of this in my head, but so far I haven’t found anything via google images to match it. Do let me know if any of y’all have any luck.
2) That was the shortest wedding ceremony ever. Not a bad thing. But man, why not the “speak now or forever hold your peace”? Considering the fact that at the time of writing this, the only weddings I’d ever seen were on soap operas, you would think that the Dullexandra nuptials would have been a crazy drama-infested throwdown. Alas. On a related note, has anyone ever been to an actual wedding where they say that “speak now” bit? Slice and I thought it would have been funny if the judge at our wedding said it and then stared at the crowd for a full three minutes.
3) I do not understand why I was completely incapable of writing comedy. But as evidenced by any of Rick’s “goofball antics,” I most assuredly was.
COMING UP NEXT
I didn’t know the word for “reception,” so I called it “The Wedding Party.” This chapter includes: a reference to Mysterious Brother Danny, some trademark Rick goofball antics, and a couple dozen more reasons to loathe Angel. See you next time in …
Chapter 44 – The Wedding Party
Chapter 43 – The Big Day
Angel sat next to Sting in the second pew at St. Joseph’s Church.
“Angel! You look fantastic!” he whispered, taking in Angel’s light blue dress. [did she buy it as part of a matching set with her couch?]
“Thanks! I hardly recognized you in that tux! Pretty spiffy!” she whispered back. [I do hope he’s wearing his facepaint as part of the ensemble.]
Rick and Scott Steiner found Angel and Sting and sat in the row behind them.
“Hey, Angie! Hey Stinger!”
The church was quieted and the organ sounded. Alexandra York, arm in arm with her father, entered. Her dress was exquisite. Pure white with a laced neck and sleeves. A long veil and train trailed behind her. She carried a bouquet of lilacs and baby’s breath that matched her bridesmaids’ gowns perfectly [why, why, why is this the only description of their dresses?]. Her dark-tan skin was glowing, and she was smiling from ear to ear as she approached Dustin. She stepped up to the alter [sic. But when you think about it, it works as a verb too] and turned to face her husband-to-be.
The minister cleared his throat and began.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and woman in holy matrimony. Do you, Alexandra Denise York, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, for rich or for poor, to death do you part?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Dustin Matthew Rhodes, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for rich and for poor, to death do you part?”
“I do.”
“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Dustin didn’t need to be told twice. He kissed her as he had never kissed her before. The church burst into applause. Rick Steiner whistled loudly. Scott elbowed him. Angel giggled.
“You think this is bad—at our sister Crystal’s wedding, he kept asking where to buy peanuts,” Scott said.
Everyone stood as the happy couple made their exit.
NOTES:
1) Alex’s dress: Pure white with a laced neck and sleeves. H A W T. I have an excellent picture of this in my head, but so far I haven’t found anything via google images to match it. Do let me know if any of y’all have any luck.
2) That was the shortest wedding ceremony ever. Not a bad thing. But man, why not the “speak now or forever hold your peace”? Considering the fact that at the time of writing this, the only weddings I’d ever seen were on soap operas, you would think that the Dullexandra nuptials would have been a crazy drama-infested throwdown. Alas. On a related note, has anyone ever been to an actual wedding where they say that “speak now” bit? Slice and I thought it would have been funny if the judge at our wedding said it and then stared at the crowd for a full three minutes.
3) I do not understand why I was completely incapable of writing comedy. But as evidenced by any of Rick’s “goofball antics,” I most assuredly was.
COMING UP NEXT
I didn’t know the word for “reception,” so I called it “The Wedding Party.” This chapter includes: a reference to Mysterious Brother Danny, some trademark Rick goofball antics, and a couple dozen more reasons to loathe Angel. See you next time in …
Chapter 44 – The Wedding Party
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Chapter 42: Cry in the Night
Last week, Dustin showed up at Angel's house, cried on her, and slept on her sofa. But you know what? He really didn't cry enough. You could barely even call it "egregious." What do you say we make up for it today in ...
Chapter 42: Cry in the Night
Dustin stepped into his bedroom. Alex was sitting up waiting for him.
“Dustin! What’re you doing here?”
“What?”
“Don’t bother explaining. Barry told me it all.” She said nonchalantly.
“You … you … you were talking to Barry?”
“Well, yeah. I’m just surprised you didn’t find out sooner.”
“Find out what?”
“That I’m sleeping with him.”
“A … Ah … Alex. [ellipses between letters = awesome] You … you and he didn’t. He was lying.”
“Oh, come off it, Dustin.” She yawned. “Barry!” she called, “Come here!”
Barry Windham appeared from the bathroom.
“Hey, Dustin,” he greeted, as if nothing had ever happened between them. Barry climbed into bed with Alexandra.
“What kind of a joke is this? Alex, you’re gonna marry me!”
Alexandra York laughed. “I never said I’d marry you! Did you hear that, Barry?”
Barry was too consumed with laughter to reply.
“Now, Dustin, if you’ll excuse us, we have fantasies to act out! Barry, where’d you put my French Maid outfit?” She searched in the closet.
“Alex …” Dustin pleaded. Tears rolled down his cheeks. “I love you.”
Alexander came out of her closet and approached Dustin. “I know you do. But I don’t love you. I never did. You have to stop blocking out the past. I chose Barry, not you. I’m going to marry him.”
“No. No you didn’t. You’ve got it all wrong, Alex.”
“Dustin, stop it!” She was irritated now. Barry stood next to her.
“C’mon Alex,” said Barry. “Let’s pretend he’s gone, and maybe he’ll take the hint.” Barry wrapped his lips around hers and she melted into his arms.
“No! No! No!” Dustin yelled. “No!” He broke off and began to sob, chest convulsing. [convulsing? That’s something, even for Dustin.]
Angel ran down the stairs as soon as she heard Dustin’s shouts. [Angel? What’s she doing in Dustin’s bedroom … wait a minute … don’t tell me that was all a dream? Awww shucks.]
“Dustin? Oh my god, are you allright?” she stopped when she saw that he was in bed, safe. She rushed over to him and shook him gently. Dustin stopped thrashing around, but couldn’t stop crying [of course].
“Dustin, honey, it’s only a nightmare, wake up.” She shook him harder and he awoke with a start. “Dustin, it was a nightmare, calm down.” She grasped his shoulders.
“Oh, Angel. Thank god.” He blurted out, panting. He wiped at his eyes. Angel handed him a [wait for it … wait for it …] box of tissues. [HUZZAH!]
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Dustin shook his head.
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’ll be Okay.”
“You had me scared half to death.”
“Did I scream or something?”
“Yeah. You sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah. Go back to sleep, I’m fine.”
“Okay. Sweet dreams, Dustin.” She kissed his forehead.
NOTES:
1) I would say: “wait, how was that a chapter? All that happened was Dustin had a nightmare, cried, and got handed tissues.” But Barry was in it, Dustin got shot down, and Alex had lines. I’ll take it.
2) Dustin, why are you such a wuss in your own dream? Crying while conscious is not enough for you, is it? You have to turn into a puddle of tears while you’re sleeping too?
3) Barry’s strategy for getting Dustin out of the room was awesome. Let’s make out and he’ll leave. Solid plan, my friend.
COMING UP NEXT:
Will Dustin tell Alex about Barry’s outburst or Angel’s couch? Who will Angel share her buffet plate with? Will someone speak now, or will peace forever be held? Find out next week in …
Chapter 43: The Big Day
Chapter 42: Cry in the Night
Dustin stepped into his bedroom. Alex was sitting up waiting for him.
“Dustin! What’re you doing here?”
“What?”
“Don’t bother explaining. Barry told me it all.” She said nonchalantly.
“You … you … you were talking to Barry?”
“Well, yeah. I’m just surprised you didn’t find out sooner.”
“Find out what?”
“That I’m sleeping with him.”
“A … Ah … Alex. [ellipses between letters = awesome] You … you and he didn’t. He was lying.”
“Oh, come off it, Dustin.” She yawned. “Barry!” she called, “Come here!”
Barry Windham appeared from the bathroom.
“Hey, Dustin,” he greeted, as if nothing had ever happened between them. Barry climbed into bed with Alexandra.
“What kind of a joke is this? Alex, you’re gonna marry me!”
Alexandra York laughed. “I never said I’d marry you! Did you hear that, Barry?”
Barry was too consumed with laughter to reply.
“Now, Dustin, if you’ll excuse us, we have fantasies to act out! Barry, where’d you put my French Maid outfit?” She searched in the closet.
“Alex …” Dustin pleaded. Tears rolled down his cheeks. “I love you.”
Alexander came out of her closet and approached Dustin. “I know you do. But I don’t love you. I never did. You have to stop blocking out the past. I chose Barry, not you. I’m going to marry him.”
“No. No you didn’t. You’ve got it all wrong, Alex.”
“Dustin, stop it!” She was irritated now. Barry stood next to her.
“C’mon Alex,” said Barry. “Let’s pretend he’s gone, and maybe he’ll take the hint.” Barry wrapped his lips around hers and she melted into his arms.
“No! No! No!” Dustin yelled. “No!” He broke off and began to sob, chest convulsing. [convulsing? That’s something, even for Dustin.]
Angel ran down the stairs as soon as she heard Dustin’s shouts. [Angel? What’s she doing in Dustin’s bedroom … wait a minute … don’t tell me that was all a dream? Awww shucks.]
“Dustin? Oh my god, are you allright?” she stopped when she saw that he was in bed, safe. She rushed over to him and shook him gently. Dustin stopped thrashing around, but couldn’t stop crying [of course].
“Dustin, honey, it’s only a nightmare, wake up.” She shook him harder and he awoke with a start. “Dustin, it was a nightmare, calm down.” She grasped his shoulders.
“Oh, Angel. Thank god.” He blurted out, panting. He wiped at his eyes. Angel handed him a [wait for it … wait for it …] box of tissues. [HUZZAH!]
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Dustin shook his head.
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’ll be Okay.”
“You had me scared half to death.”
“Did I scream or something?”
“Yeah. You sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah. Go back to sleep, I’m fine.”
“Okay. Sweet dreams, Dustin.” She kissed his forehead.
NOTES:
1) I would say: “wait, how was that a chapter? All that happened was Dustin had a nightmare, cried, and got handed tissues.” But Barry was in it, Dustin got shot down, and Alex had lines. I’ll take it.
2) Dustin, why are you such a wuss in your own dream? Crying while conscious is not enough for you, is it? You have to turn into a puddle of tears while you’re sleeping too?
3) Barry’s strategy for getting Dustin out of the room was awesome. Let’s make out and he’ll leave. Solid plan, my friend.
COMING UP NEXT:
Will Dustin tell Alex about Barry’s outburst or Angel’s couch? Who will Angel share her buffet plate with? Will someone speak now, or will peace forever be held? Find out next week in …
Chapter 43: The Big Day
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Chapter 41: Dustin's Bachelor Party (Part II)
Last week: Dustin was having the best party ever! Until Barry crashed it and revealed that he and Alex had done the nas-tay in Dustin's bed. On noes! So Dustin punched Barry out and drove to ... you guessed it ... Chateau Angel. This week: bleeding and crying. And away we go!
Chapter 41: Dustin's Bachelor Party (Part II)
It was the middle of the night. Angel had been fast asleep, her hair neatly pinned up, her chin neatly tucked under the covers [oh gross. Angel, can’t you even sleep without being irritating?]. She heard a loud rapping at the door [please be DMX].
“Angel!” That was Dustin’s voice. She flicked on the lights and squinted at their brightness.
“Dustin?” She threw back the bolt and opened the door. Stifling a yawn, she asked, “What’s going on?” she led him inside, then re-locked the door. “What happened to your hand?” She unwrapped the towel, now soaked with blood. She held his hand under the cold tap for a few minutes. He still hadn’t responded to any of her questions.
“Dustin, what is it? What happened? Here … sit down.” She led him to the couch. He sat down, but still kept silent.
“Angel, can I stay here tonight?”
Angel was speechless. “I … sure, Dustin. The couch opens up.” She made a quick icepack for his hand and held it against his badly swollen knuckles. “Were you in a fight or something?”
“Not really.”
“What’s going on? Is it Alex? Did you have an argument with her?” [uhm … is Angel accusing him of punching Alex so hard that his hand is swollen and bleeding? If so, why is she not more alarmed?]
“No.”
Angel looked at him in frustration, but couldn’t figure out anything by his expression. “Let me see your hand again.” He did and she re-inspected it.
“Who’d you punch, Dustin?”
“How’d you …”
“When you’ve been treating wrestling injuries as long as I have, you learn to be able to know these things.” [his knuckles are bruised and bleeding and he seems emotionally distressed. what the heck else could have happened? Did he think she would assume that he accidentally shut his hand in a car door and was so emotionally traumatized by the event that he had to rush to her house in the middle of the night to brood?]
“Is it broken?”
“I wont’ know until the swelling goes down a little. Do you want me to take you to get some X-rays?”
“No thanks.”
“Dustin …”
“I guess I owe you an explanation.”
Angel didn’t respond.
“Well … tonight was my bachelor party. It was goin’ great. Then …” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Barry crashed it.”
“Oh, Dustin!” Angel gasped.
“He said that … that Alex … that my … that Alex …” He couldn’t make the words come out.”
“Shh … calm down, calm down. Take it easy.” Angel rubbed his shoulder to try to soothe him.
“Barry said that Alexandra s-s-slept with him last night in my bed.” His chest hitched as he fought back a sob. [don’t fight it, Dustin. It’s been a long time since we’ve had some egregiousness up in here]
“Hey,” Angel’s voice was whisper-soft, calming and reassuring. “Why do you believe that scum anyway?”
Dustin shrugged, unable to speak.
“You trust Alex, don’t you?”
Dustin nodded.
“Well why worry? Barry just made that up to upset you because he’s jealous.”
“You think so?” [wait … that thought never crossed Dustin’s mind?]
“I know so. Doesn’t Alex hate him?”
“Well … yeah.”
“You see?”
“I guess I jumped to conclusions.”
“No you didn’t. You just still trust Barry.”
“I suppose I do, which is pretty stupid, considering everything.”
“Was he out cold?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
“Alex still thinks I’m with the guys and will be partying til dawn.”
“You gonna tell her?”
“Should I?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea right now.” [sure, why start being honest now?]
“Me too. After the honeymoon maybe.”
Angel looked at Dustin’s hand again. “It’s not broken, but be careful with it.”
“I will.”
“You still gonna stay here tonight?”
“Can I?”
“Of course. My couch is your couch.”
“Thanks.”
Angel went to get an extra blanket and pillow for Dustin, then he helped her open up the sofabed. “Angel, I can’t thank you enough.”
“No problem. Really.” She yawned. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get up awfully early tomorrow.”
“Oh, sure.”
“Dustin … you gonna be allright?”
“Yeah. Thanks so much.”
“Goodnight, Dustin.”
“Goodnight, Angel.”
NOTES:
1) Oh, that Angel. Truly, she is the font of all wisdom. I know I mentioned it up there, but seriously, how did Dustin not even consider for a second that Barry was lying? What’s that, you say? Maybe it’s because he subconsciously wants Alex to cheat on him so that he has an easy way out of the marriage so that he can be with his twu wuv Angel? I assure you that 14-year-old me was not thinking that.
2) Where are Angel’s pets?
3) Why does Angel have to get up so early in the morning? Is there an event? If so, why doesn’t Dustin know anything about it?
4) I regret not including a description of Angel’s sleepwear. I think it probably involved pink flannel pajamas and a light blue bathrobe.
COMING UP NEXT …
One of my favorite chapters. I don’t want to give too much away, but it involves a French maid costume, panting, and a box of tissues. Guesses? Nope, not even close. Here’s another hint: it also involves convulsive sobbing. That’s more like it. See you next time for …
CHAPTER 42: Cry in the Night
Chapter 41: Dustin's Bachelor Party (Part II)
It was the middle of the night. Angel had been fast asleep, her hair neatly pinned up, her chin neatly tucked under the covers [oh gross. Angel, can’t you even sleep without being irritating?]. She heard a loud rapping at the door [please be DMX].
“Angel!” That was Dustin’s voice. She flicked on the lights and squinted at their brightness.
“Dustin?” She threw back the bolt and opened the door. Stifling a yawn, she asked, “What’s going on?” she led him inside, then re-locked the door. “What happened to your hand?” She unwrapped the towel, now soaked with blood. She held his hand under the cold tap for a few minutes. He still hadn’t responded to any of her questions.
“Dustin, what is it? What happened? Here … sit down.” She led him to the couch. He sat down, but still kept silent.
“Angel, can I stay here tonight?”
Angel was speechless. “I … sure, Dustin. The couch opens up.” She made a quick icepack for his hand and held it against his badly swollen knuckles. “Were you in a fight or something?”
“Not really.”
“What’s going on? Is it Alex? Did you have an argument with her?” [uhm … is Angel accusing him of punching Alex so hard that his hand is swollen and bleeding? If so, why is she not more alarmed?]
“No.”
Angel looked at him in frustration, but couldn’t figure out anything by his expression. “Let me see your hand again.” He did and she re-inspected it.
“Who’d you punch, Dustin?”
“How’d you …”
“When you’ve been treating wrestling injuries as long as I have, you learn to be able to know these things.” [his knuckles are bruised and bleeding and he seems emotionally distressed. what the heck else could have happened? Did he think she would assume that he accidentally shut his hand in a car door and was so emotionally traumatized by the event that he had to rush to her house in the middle of the night to brood?]
“Is it broken?”
“I wont’ know until the swelling goes down a little. Do you want me to take you to get some X-rays?”
“No thanks.”
“Dustin …”
“I guess I owe you an explanation.”
Angel didn’t respond.
“Well … tonight was my bachelor party. It was goin’ great. Then …” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Barry crashed it.”
“Oh, Dustin!” Angel gasped.
“He said that … that Alex … that my … that Alex …” He couldn’t make the words come out.”
“Shh … calm down, calm down. Take it easy.” Angel rubbed his shoulder to try to soothe him.
“Barry said that Alexandra s-s-slept with him last night in my bed.” His chest hitched as he fought back a sob. [don’t fight it, Dustin. It’s been a long time since we’ve had some egregiousness up in here]
“Hey,” Angel’s voice was whisper-soft, calming and reassuring. “Why do you believe that scum anyway?”
Dustin shrugged, unable to speak.
“You trust Alex, don’t you?”
Dustin nodded.
“Well why worry? Barry just made that up to upset you because he’s jealous.”
“You think so?” [wait … that thought never crossed Dustin’s mind?]
“I know so. Doesn’t Alex hate him?”
“Well … yeah.”
“You see?”
“I guess I jumped to conclusions.”
“No you didn’t. You just still trust Barry.”
“I suppose I do, which is pretty stupid, considering everything.”
“Was he out cold?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
“Alex still thinks I’m with the guys and will be partying til dawn.”
“You gonna tell her?”
“Should I?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea right now.” [sure, why start being honest now?]
“Me too. After the honeymoon maybe.”
Angel looked at Dustin’s hand again. “It’s not broken, but be careful with it.”
“I will.”
“You still gonna stay here tonight?”
“Can I?”
“Of course. My couch is your couch.”
“Thanks.”
Angel went to get an extra blanket and pillow for Dustin, then he helped her open up the sofabed. “Angel, I can’t thank you enough.”
“No problem. Really.” She yawned. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get up awfully early tomorrow.”
“Oh, sure.”
“Dustin … you gonna be allright?”
“Yeah. Thanks so much.”
“Goodnight, Dustin.”
“Goodnight, Angel.”
NOTES:
1) Oh, that Angel. Truly, she is the font of all wisdom. I know I mentioned it up there, but seriously, how did Dustin not even consider for a second that Barry was lying? What’s that, you say? Maybe it’s because he subconsciously wants Alex to cheat on him so that he has an easy way out of the marriage so that he can be with his twu wuv Angel? I assure you that 14-year-old me was not thinking that.
2) Where are Angel’s pets?
3) Why does Angel have to get up so early in the morning? Is there an event? If so, why doesn’t Dustin know anything about it?
4) I regret not including a description of Angel’s sleepwear. I think it probably involved pink flannel pajamas and a light blue bathrobe.
COMING UP NEXT …
One of my favorite chapters. I don’t want to give too much away, but it involves a French maid costume, panting, and a box of tissues. Guesses? Nope, not even close. Here’s another hint: it also involves convulsive sobbing. That’s more like it. See you next time for …
CHAPTER 42: Cry in the Night
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chapter 9: The Proposal
Hi all. Sorry for the long absence. I don't know if this will make up for it or not, but this is a 100% Angel-Free chapter. It's sucky and overwritten, but at least there's no crying. Well, mostly. Anyhoo, without further ado, I hereby present:
Chapter 9: The Proposal
Dustin checked for what must've been the thousandth time that night for the ring. Still there. He breathed a sigh of relief.
He rang Alexandra's doorbell. She came to the door before he could move his finger from the button. SHe was wearing a silky red blouse and a matching skirt [hawt]. Her soft brown hair was spritzed into its beautiful short style [double hawt]. Her liquid brown eyes lit up with love when she set them on Dustin.
Every time Dustin saw her his breath was robbed from him by her sheer beauty [woah, 13-year-old me, that's some line!]. He loved every inch of her [!], from her soft tan skin to her full red lips, from her incredible intelligence to her loving ways. From the tip of her toes to the top of her head, she was perfect.
A look of deep misery and sadness was distorting her lovely face. She invited him in and pulled him onto her couch before he could kiss her hello.
"Dustin, we have to talk." He held her shaking hand gently as she continued. "That is if you want to talk to me after what happened."
"What are you talking about, Alex?"
"I just totaled your friendship with Barry. It's all my fault. Please don't play innocent, it'll only hurt me more when you go."
"Alex, I won't leave you. I love you more than I've ever loved another soul. And nothing that happened between me and Barry was your fault. I don't blame you for anything."
She still looked a little doubtful. "You don't?"
"No. Of course not."
"Then you didn't come over here to break up with me?"
"No!" He said smiling. He had come over to do something else, something wonderful.
"Oh Dustin, I'm so happy to hear that. The thought of losing you is unbearable." She buried her face in his chest and held on to him like the wolrd would end tomorrow.
"I feel the same way about you, Alex."
"Then why are you here?"
It wasn't exactly the most romantic moment, but oppurtunity only knocks once. He pulled her to gently to her feet, got onto one knee, and presented the diamond ring.
"Alexandra, will you marry me?"
Her jaw dropped and tears welled in her eyes.
"Dustin! I dont know what to say! I ... I ... yes!" She threw her arms around his neck and he clapsed her around the waist and swung her around in a circle while she covered him with kisses.
NOTES:
1) Well that was exciting. And grotesquely trite. But still more romantic than the way I got my engagement ring (his mom just handed it to me). Good for you, Dullexandra. I'm sure Barry will handle this very well.
So that was a pretty short chapter. But I prefer to think of it as mercifully short. I can't believe that Angel didn't even get a mention. No worries, folks, she's back with a bland blonde vengeance in ... Chapter 10 - Spreading Good News. BONUS: We get to see Angel's house. SUPER BONUS: egregious declaration of love. Seeya next time!
Chapter 9: The Proposal
Dustin checked for what must've been the thousandth time that night for the ring. Still there. He breathed a sigh of relief.
He rang Alexandra's doorbell. She came to the door before he could move his finger from the button. SHe was wearing a silky red blouse and a matching skirt [hawt]. Her soft brown hair was spritzed into its beautiful short style [double hawt]. Her liquid brown eyes lit up with love when she set them on Dustin.
Every time Dustin saw her his breath was robbed from him by her sheer beauty [woah, 13-year-old me, that's some line!]. He loved every inch of her [!], from her soft tan skin to her full red lips, from her incredible intelligence to her loving ways. From the tip of her toes to the top of her head, she was perfect.
A look of deep misery and sadness was distorting her lovely face. She invited him in and pulled him onto her couch before he could kiss her hello.
"Dustin, we have to talk." He held her shaking hand gently as she continued. "That is if you want to talk to me after what happened."
"What are you talking about, Alex?"
"I just totaled your friendship with Barry. It's all my fault. Please don't play innocent, it'll only hurt me more when you go."
"Alex, I won't leave you. I love you more than I've ever loved another soul. And nothing that happened between me and Barry was your fault. I don't blame you for anything."
She still looked a little doubtful. "You don't?"
"No. Of course not."
"Then you didn't come over here to break up with me?"
"No!" He said smiling. He had come over to do something else, something wonderful.
"Oh Dustin, I'm so happy to hear that. The thought of losing you is unbearable." She buried her face in his chest and held on to him like the wolrd would end tomorrow.
"I feel the same way about you, Alex."
"Then why are you here?"
It wasn't exactly the most romantic moment, but oppurtunity only knocks once. He pulled her to gently to her feet, got onto one knee, and presented the diamond ring.
"Alexandra, will you marry me?"
Her jaw dropped and tears welled in her eyes.
"Dustin! I dont know what to say! I ... I ... yes!" She threw her arms around his neck and he clapsed her around the waist and swung her around in a circle while she covered him with kisses.
NOTES:
1) Well that was exciting. And grotesquely trite. But still more romantic than the way I got my engagement ring (his mom just handed it to me). Good for you, Dullexandra. I'm sure Barry will handle this very well.
So that was a pretty short chapter. But I prefer to think of it as mercifully short. I can't believe that Angel didn't even get a mention. No worries, folks, she's back with a bland blonde vengeance in ... Chapter 10 - Spreading Good News. BONUS: We get to see Angel's house. SUPER BONUS: egregious declaration of love. Seeya next time!
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