From The Heart (A/I Teen 1/1) 2/14/06
Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 11:20 pm
FROM THE HEART
By KaraGail
Disclaimer: The characters of Roswell belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended. I don’t own the song “The Way You Look Tonight” (lyrics by Dorothy Fields & Music by Jerome Kern) and am just borrowing the lyrics as well as the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Category: Alex and Isabel
Rating: Teen
A/ N This was written for the Valentine’s Stargazer Challenge. As always, thanks to Trude who is the best “test reader” a.k.a. “Guinea Pig” HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!
*minimum word requirement is 250 words
*must be gazer although you can include the other couples or characters
*can take place in either season one or two...you can choose where to start it
*rating: well my friend that's up to you. *winks*
*AU or Alien Abyss is fine doesn't necessarily have to on the CC board
*must include the following phrases or things:
~someone's locker must get decorated in pink and red with a few hearts here and there
~someone has to sang a love song in front of people
~"If you're even thinking of playing that song again I'll do more than hurt you."
~an exchange of valentine's day cards
~"So what do you really think of me?"
~ "A kiss for each tear that you've shed"
~"What makes you think that receiving a keychain is an acceptable Valentine's Day present?"
~must include the Forget Me Not poem by Longsfellow that can be found at the Forget Me Not main page.
~a dance at midnight
1/1
Isabel Evans let out a heavy sigh as she brushed a stray blonde hair from her face, knowing that no one would hear her or even care. She was currently sitting in the back booth of the Crashdown Café alone while every one around her seemed to be paired up and in a world of their own as they celebrated the most romantic day of the year.
She gave a gentle shake of her head at the thought of the holida. Isabel had not dated anyone since Grant Sorenson and she definitely was not interested in the hordes of high school boys who just wanted the chance to get into her pants. So now she found herself alone on Valentine’s day without even a date to the Sweethearts Dance at the school that evening.
Isabel was so busy feeling sorry for herself over her loneliness that she was taken by surprise when Michael Guerin slid into the other side of the booth with a scowl on his face.
“Can you believe Maria?” He demanded as he looked over his broad shoulder at his girlfriend, who was waiting on a table a few feet away from them wearing her aqua green waitress uniform and the alien antennae on top of her blonde head.
Looking at him Isabel gave a mental groan as she realized that she was about to be pulled into one of the famous Deluca/Guerin arguments, “What?”
“She can’t stop talking about Alex.” He ran a frustrated hand through his long shaggy hair as he turned back to her, “He’s making me look bad on today of all days.”
Isabel kept her face neutral at the mention of her ex-boyfriend’s name, even as her heart skipped a small beat. Alex and she had stopped dating over 6 months prior but she still found that she missed him and the unconditional caring that the tall boy had shown her in such a short amount of time.
Of course it had been her own decision to end their short lived relationship by telling Alex that she “couldn’t see anyone right now.” Looking back, Isabel knew that nothing would ever let her forget the pain that reflected in Alex’s eyes when only a few moments after their break up she began to flirt with the older Geologist. Grant, though, had been just a simple diversion from the reality of her life and she knew even while they had dated that it would never lead to anything more.
“What about Alex?” Isabel asked casually returning back to the conversation and trying to block out the memory that had haunted her all of these months.
Michael raised an eyebrow at his pseudo sister, “You didn’t hear about how he decorated Liz and Maria’s lockers in school today?”
Isabel gave a slight frown and felt an all too familiar feeling settle in the pit of her stomach but shook it off quickly, “Alex did that?”
“Seems he thought Max and I would ruin the day somehow for the girls and decided to decorate their lockers with all this pink and red girly stuff that they love.” he rolled his eyes at the thought, “Doesn’t he know he's not suppose to do stuff like that for another guy’s girl?”
“Michael, they are best friends and you know how close they are.” she shrugged trying to calm him, “It was probably just his Valentine’s gift to them.”
Michael leaned forward across the table not wanting Maria to hear since he knew it would only lead to another argument between them, “I still don’t think it’s an appropriate gift between friends.”
Isabel raised an eyebrow at him in question,” And what makes you think that receiving a key chain is an acceptable Valentine’s Day present?”
Michael blushed slightly and dipped his head not wanting to meet her knowing eyes, “You heard about that?”
“How could I not? Maria was yelling at you when I walked in.” she gave him a sympathetic smile and a shake over her head.
He gave a groan as if in agony, “Now I have to find some way to salvage this day or Maria will never let me live it down.”
Isabel couldn’t help but laugh out loud at Michael’s conundrum. He always seemed to know just what buttons to push to rile up his feisty girlfriend.
Michael frowned at her, “Are you just going to sit there and laugh or are you going to help me?”
“I get a choice?” she chuckled and her dark brown eyes twinkled with humor.
“Come on, Iz.” he begged in an almost whisper.
“Okay..Okay.” she got herself under control thinking that maybe this was just what she needed, a project to get her mind off the fact that she was alone on Valentine’s.
20 minutes later Isabel made her way to the register and where Maria stood behind the counter. It had taken her a little longer than she thought to convince Michael to go through with their plan and now she gave a silent prayer that he wouldn’t ruin the evening for them both.
“Hey Maria.” she smiled at the petite blonde waitress “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Hey Isabel” Maria grinned up at the female alien obviously glad to see her.”I’m sorry I didn’t get to come by your table and tell you ‘hello’ but it’s been a mad house in here tonight. It seems everyone wanted to bring their date here before heading to the dance.”
Isabel couldn’t help but grin at her comment since it had something to do with what she was there for, “That reminds me...” she pulled out an envelope, “This is for you.”
Maria frowned, “You didn’t have to get me a card, Isabel. Now I feel bad that I didn’t get you one.”
“I didn’t” She said simply and handed her the card that was in the shape of a heart. It was in Michael’s scratchy handwriting, but it was Isabel’s words that would help him get the girl he wanted.
It only took Maria a few moments to open the card and read the brief note. Isabel wasn’t at all surprised to see the myriad of emotions; curiosity, disbelief and excitement, that crossed the smaller girls face.
Maria glanced back up at Isabel with a huge smile on her face while her eyes lit up in happiness, “Michael was able to get Mr. Parker to let me off work early tonight so that he can take me to the school dance.”
Isabel returned her smile and gave an inaudible sigh of relief, “That sounds terrific, Maria.. I’m sure you will have a nice time.”
Maria’s smile slowly disappeared, “Why don’t you come to the dance with us, Iz? We will have a good time.”
She gave a quick shake of her head, “No...three is a crowd.”
“No, it will be fun, Isabel. Liz and Max are going and Alex will be there with his date, so most of the gang will be there.”
Isabel found herself frowning at Maria’s words and wondering if she had heard her correctly, “Alex is taking someone to the dance?”
Maria’s smile returned as she thought of her male friend and how shocked he had been when he was asked out by a girl in his science class earlier that week, “Yes. He is taking Kim Manning.”
That uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach chose that moment to return and Isabel found herself trying to figure out which girl in their school was Kim Manning. ‘Why am I jealous? I have no claim on Alex and therefore I do not have any right to feel this way.’
“That also reminds me...”Maria started as she reached under the counter, “Alex wanted me to give this to you if I saw you. He wanted to give it to you himself but he kept missing you today.”
Isabel was surprised to see the small white bear, in the waitress’ hand, that was clutching a huge red heart in its paws. “BE MINE” was stitched across and she found herself getting a little choked up at the sight.
“He also got you a card” Maria mentioned as she slid over the small envelope.
Isabel quickly tore into the envelope, while her heart raced in excitement of what the meaning of the gift was and if the card would explain his intentions. On the cover was another bear with dozens of small hearts surrounding him as he smiled up at her as the caption read “HOPE YOU HAVE A BEARY HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!’
Flipping it over she saw where Alex’s name was scrawled on the back and right above it the words “Love always” stood out causing her heart to skip another beat at the sight of his proclamation. It was a simple statement but it was one that had her world tilting on it’s axis.
Never in the years that she had known him, or even the months where he had finally gotten to know the real Isabel, had Alex ever said those words to her. She had an idea that he had felt something for her but never thought that he could possibly love her.
As the silence grew, Maria began to look at Isabel with curiosity in her eyes as she took in her reaction to the small token. ‘Maybe Isabel still did have feeling for her male friend.’
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us tonight?”
Isabel looked up from where she was still reading Alex’s signature. She certainly didn’t think she could handle watching all the happy couples together or see HIM dancing with another girl when the image of her dancing in his arms was still fresh in her mind. “No I am fine. I plan to just go home and watch some movies.”
“Okay but if you change your mind you know where we will be.”
“Thanks” Isabel smiled before waving good bye to her friend and left the Crashdown, still clutching the bear and card tightly in her hands.
Instead of going home, as she had planned, Isabel found herself driving around town while her mind continued to swarm with images of Alex. ‘Have I truly lost him?’
It had been obvious to everyone that when he returned from the Exchange Program in Sweden he had changed. Alex was more confident than she had ever known him to be and on top of that he no longer followed her around asking for more than she could give to him. In fact, he had come back speaking of a girl he had met and dated while in Sweden. That feeling in the pit of her stomach had burned for weeks, until she had learned, from Liz, that they had broken up.
Though she had been glad that he had grown the confidence, Isabel had never thought that he would get over her so easily. She had always clung to the thought that there would always be someone that truly knew her, inside and out, and still cared for her anyway. Alex had been that guy and she had pushed him away for that very reason.
When Maria had told her that he was taking another girl to the dance tonight, Isabel had felt that certainty disappear and she knew that she couldn’t blame it on Alex. It had been her decision to no longer be with him and now he was taking another girl to the Sweethearts dance. The same dance that he had asked her to a year before and she had turned him down with just a shake of her head.
Isabel felt a tear slip down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away trying not to cry for the love she once had. If only she had put her trust in Alex, then maybe instead of being alone tonight she would be dancing in the arms of someone she loved.
She paused for a moment at that thought ‘Love? Do I love Alex?’ It only took her a moment to conclude that yes she did love Alex Whitman and always had.
Seeing a brightly lit grocery store on the right Isabel quickly turned into the parking lot. She would be damned if she let another girl have the man of her dreams.
*******
Alex Whitman stood on the side lines of the dance floor, wearing one of the nice suits that his mother had bought him for special occasions, and wondering when it would be the appropriate time to collect his date and take her home.
‘Why did I agree to go to the dance with Kim?’ He mentally groaned at the thought.
He should have known that he would be spending the evening miserable while he found himself constantly thinking about Isabel Evans, the girl he would have rather taken to the dance. Although he had been tempted to ask her a few weeks prior, he kept in mind the many long conversations he had with Leanna while in Sweden regarding his ex.
She had convinced him that he needed to get over the cool blonde, especially since Isabel had not shown any signs of wanting him in return. It had taken months, but he was now beginning to think that maybe Leanna was right. He would never be with Isabel ever again and he just needed to move on with his life and live in hope that one day he would find someone who wouldn’t mind that he would always love another.
At least the evening had not been a total bust. Alex had been there to witness Maria Deluca walk up to the DJ and confront him when it was apparent that he had been playing the same old tired songs over and over.
You could see the fear in the man’s eyes when she said, “If you’re even thinking of playing that song again I’ll do more than hurt you.”
Alex chuckled at the memory as he looked over to where Maria and Michael were standing on the dance floor just holding each other. When he had asked earlier about why they weren’t moving he had been informed that Michael did not know how to dance and that this was the only way Maria could get him out on the dance floor.
Looking around the crowded room Alex then spotted Max and Liz actually dancing. He wasn’t at all surprised that they moved in perfect sync as if they had been dance partners all of their lives. They were soul mates and it seemed to show in everything that they did together.
Finally he saw his date in the arms of Ethan Harmon, one of their classmates. Alex knew that not only was he miserable on this date but that he was also making Kim just as miserable. He really couldn’t blame her for finding someone else, but he wondered if it would be proper for him to leave her here or should he be the one to take her home.
Alex glanced down at his watch and was surprised that it was already after 11:30. The dance had been scheduled to run until Midnight since Valentine’s fell on a Friday this year and the school had obtained permission to extend the time. Most felt that the longer the students stayed at the dance the less trouble they would get into around town.
Deciding he was ready to go home and end this farce, Alex finally made his move and walked over to Kim and Ethan giving her a tap on the shoulder. He automatically saw the disappointment in her eyes when they met his.
“Hi Alex.” she gave him a small smile and he could spot the unease in her own eyes..
“Hey, I was just wondering if you would like me to take you home now.” he gave her a smile hoping that she would be just as ready as he was to get out of here.
“Ummm...well..I kind of would like to stay for a few more dances.” she gave a side ways look at Ethan who still stood beside her.
Taking the hint Alex nodded his head, “Hey Ethan do you think you can take Kim home? I am really exhausted and ready to get out of here, but I want to make sure she gets home safely.”
The other boy had been some what worried of what Alex would say since it was obvious that he had been making time with the girl he brought. Ethan, though, seemed to recognized in Alex’s voice and mannerism that he was okay with it, “Sure no problem Alex.”
Kim was now beaming when she turned back to her date, “Thanks Alex. I’m sorry our date didn’t work out. You really are a nice guy.”
He nodded and gave her another smile, “See you guys in school on Monday.”
After telling his friends good bye, Alex headed for the gymnasium door and exited into the cold February night. He was calling himself every name in the book for ruining the date since this had been his chance to finally getting over Isabel Evans, but instead all he had thought about was her.
In fact, he was seeing her every where he looked, even now she was leaning against his car in the school parking lot. Thinking that the vision would soon disappear the closer he got, Alex continued to stare at the beautiful blonde unaware that she was starring just as intensely back at him.
When she had not vanish he couldn’t help but frown when he realized that she was truly there, “Isabel?”
“Hi Alex” she gave him a tentative smile while straightening from her position against the car, her eyes darted around him looking for signs of his date, “Where’s Kim?”
He let out a deep sigh as he turned around and leaned against the hood of the car beside her, “She’s still inside.”
Isabel frowned as she glanced beside her at the tall boy who was now gazing up at the stars in the dark sky. Knowing that Alex would tell her what happened on his date in his own good time, she followed his eyes and looked up into the night sky allowing the comfortable silence to wash over them.
Alex finally broke the quiet, “Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.”
She turned to him again with wonder in her eyes, “That was beautiful.”
He glanced at her with a smile, “Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I had to memorize the poem for a literature class not so long ago. I’m surprised that I remembered it.”
“I got your Valentine’s gift and card, Alex.” Isabel turned her body toward him knowing if she didn’t tell him soon what she had come here to say she would chicken out. “I got you one as well.” she pulled out the card and watched Alex’s long fingers reach across the space between them and take it from hers.
His smile turned into a grin, while pulling out the card from the envelope, needing to reassure her as he felt the waves of unease emit from her body. ‘Why was she so nervous?’
A cartoon bee that was no doubt female with her long eyelashesand come hither look, smiled up from the card, while carrying a bouquet of flowers with a caption that read BEE MINE!
Alex chuckled and looked up at Isabel who was watching him with her top front teeth sunk into her bottom lip worrying it. He flipped the card over and looked down to read what she had written and all of a sudden he understood exactly why she was so nervous:
Alex,
I remember last year when you held me in your arms when Max was taken from us. You stayed with me as I cried with worry but most of all I will never forget what you said to me as we sat there together. You pressed your lips to my cheeks and whispered for my ears only, ‘a kiss for each tear that you’ve shed.’ With those words I handed over my heart to you and I have not seen it since. I love you Alex and I know I don’t have the right to ask this of you but I am going to any way...Will you give me another chance?
Eternally yours,
Isabel
His heart began to race as he read her words, realizing it had been all he had ever longed to hear for so many months from this girl. ‘Did she truly love him?’ Looking up into her eyes he saw the love shining there and knew that it had to be true. He knew then that if she asked for it he would gladly give her third, fourth and fifth chances. Alex would always come back to Isabel if she just asked him too.
They stood there for a moment just starring into the others eyes never wanting the moment to end. Finally Isabel broke eye contact when she held up a finger to him, grinned and then ran around the back of his car only to reappear a few seconds later on the other side of him. In her hands she was caring a small bouquet of wild flowers.
“Happy Valentine’s Day.” she said as she handed them to him. Isabel had been lucky that the grocery florist still had flowers left so she had quickly picked them up while she was purchasing the card for Alex.
He chuckled as he took the flowers from her and took in the beautiful scent that emitted from the blossoms. “Thanks.”
Isabel fidgeted while she stood there wondering what to do now. She knew what she wanted to do but she wasn’t sure if it was too early or if Alex needed to get used to the idea of them again before making a move.
Seeing her distress and having an idea why, Alex set the flowers on the hood of his car and stepped toward her. He cupped her cheeks in the palm of his hands and lifted her face to his before covering her lips with his own. After her written confession there was no way he was going to let another moment slip away and not have her in his arms.
Alex’s mouth was gentle at first but then more insistent as she opened hers beneath his letting him seek entrance, his tongue invading hers. Isabel felt her body melt into his as she wrapped her arms around his neck while he slipped his around her waist pulling her tightly to him. Because this kiss contained the certainty of their love and unspoken promises they both knew that this one had surpassed them all.
Finally they pulled back and looked into each others eyes with smiles plastered on their faces. He leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, “I love you, Isabel.”
The joy that she had felt just a few moments ago took a back seat to the happiness she now felt at the sound of those words falling from his lips, “and I love you.”
Alex grinned, “I wish I could start this night over and take you to the dance.”
“What did happen with you and Kim?” Isabel questioned as she ran her fingers through the short hairs on the back of his neck.
“I don’t think I was a very good date.” he gave a wry smile, “ Seems I was too busy thinking of a certain tall blonde and not enough on her; so she is being escorted home by Ethan Harmon.”
Isabel chuckled and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, “Well her loss is my gain.”
He nodded and then his eyes lit up, “Would you care to dance?”
She frowned, “But the dance is almost over Alex. I’m sure they are packing things up inside now”
“Why would we go inside when we could dance under the stars?”Alex smiled as he looked up into the star filled sky, “what could be more romantic?”
“Hmmmm...How about music?” She questioned but soon gave up her argument when Alex took her back into his arms and began to hum a lovely tune.
It took Isabel only a moment to realize when he quit humming and began to sing the words of an old song that she had heard in a black and white movie so many years ago..
Some day, when I’m awfully low,
when the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.
Even though she knew it was impossible, Isabel could swear that she heard the music as Alex spun her around the parking lot and they swayed to the tune that was in their hearts.
Oh but you’re lovely
with your smile so warm
and your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me
But to love you...
Just the way you look tonight.
Alex couldn’t believe that he actually remembered the words to the song. It was one of his grandparents favorite love songs and for some reason it had just come to him as he stood there looking into her eyes and knowing that he would never forget this night with her.
With each word
Your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart
And that laugh
that wrinkles your nose
touches my foolish heart.
She settled her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes once again trying to capture this moment in his arms in her memory. While he effortlessly moved her around their make shift dance floor, Isabel knew she would never regret her decision to open up to Alex and finally let him in.
Lovely, never ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won’t you please arrange it
Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight
Alex continued to hum against her ear as they continued their midnight dance underneath the stars neither one aware that they had built up quite an audience. The sounds of whistles and clapping had them lifting their heads in surprise to find themselves surrounded. Both teenagers began to blush at the display they must have put on for the crowd of students, but neither one stepped away from the other.
“Way to go Alex!” a student yelled and laughter filled the crowd.
“It’s about time!” said a familiar female voice and both Alex and Isabel turned their heads to see Maria standing there with a huge grin on her face. Along with her was Michael, Max and Liz and they all had matching smiles on their faces at the sight of their friends back together again.
Isabel turned her head back to Alex and blocked out the starring eyes of the crowd. She conjured up the memory of another dance in a dream from a long time ago. She couldn’t resist asking him, “So what do you really think of me?”
Alex turned and looked at the girl of his dreams and smiled knowing that he would never forget this night for as long as he lived, “What do I think of you?” he paused as he pressed another kiss gently to her lips and gave her another one of his heart stopping smiles, “I think you have just made me the happiest man in the world.”
The End
Thanks for reading and have a great Valentine's Day!
Kara
By KaraGail
Disclaimer: The characters of Roswell belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended. I don’t own the song “The Way You Look Tonight” (lyrics by Dorothy Fields & Music by Jerome Kern) and am just borrowing the lyrics as well as the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Category: Alex and Isabel
Rating: Teen
A/ N This was written for the Valentine’s Stargazer Challenge. As always, thanks to Trude who is the best “test reader” a.k.a. “Guinea Pig” HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!
*minimum word requirement is 250 words
*must be gazer although you can include the other couples or characters
*can take place in either season one or two...you can choose where to start it
*rating: well my friend that's up to you. *winks*
*AU or Alien Abyss is fine doesn't necessarily have to on the CC board
*must include the following phrases or things:
~someone's locker must get decorated in pink and red with a few hearts here and there
~someone has to sang a love song in front of people
~"If you're even thinking of playing that song again I'll do more than hurt you."
~an exchange of valentine's day cards
~"So what do you really think of me?"
~ "A kiss for each tear that you've shed"
~"What makes you think that receiving a keychain is an acceptable Valentine's Day present?"
~must include the Forget Me Not poem by Longsfellow that can be found at the Forget Me Not main page.
~a dance at midnight
1/1
Isabel Evans let out a heavy sigh as she brushed a stray blonde hair from her face, knowing that no one would hear her or even care. She was currently sitting in the back booth of the Crashdown Café alone while every one around her seemed to be paired up and in a world of their own as they celebrated the most romantic day of the year.
She gave a gentle shake of her head at the thought of the holida. Isabel had not dated anyone since Grant Sorenson and she definitely was not interested in the hordes of high school boys who just wanted the chance to get into her pants. So now she found herself alone on Valentine’s day without even a date to the Sweethearts Dance at the school that evening.
Isabel was so busy feeling sorry for herself over her loneliness that she was taken by surprise when Michael Guerin slid into the other side of the booth with a scowl on his face.
“Can you believe Maria?” He demanded as he looked over his broad shoulder at his girlfriend, who was waiting on a table a few feet away from them wearing her aqua green waitress uniform and the alien antennae on top of her blonde head.
Looking at him Isabel gave a mental groan as she realized that she was about to be pulled into one of the famous Deluca/Guerin arguments, “What?”
“She can’t stop talking about Alex.” He ran a frustrated hand through his long shaggy hair as he turned back to her, “He’s making me look bad on today of all days.”
Isabel kept her face neutral at the mention of her ex-boyfriend’s name, even as her heart skipped a small beat. Alex and she had stopped dating over 6 months prior but she still found that she missed him and the unconditional caring that the tall boy had shown her in such a short amount of time.
Of course it had been her own decision to end their short lived relationship by telling Alex that she “couldn’t see anyone right now.” Looking back, Isabel knew that nothing would ever let her forget the pain that reflected in Alex’s eyes when only a few moments after their break up she began to flirt with the older Geologist. Grant, though, had been just a simple diversion from the reality of her life and she knew even while they had dated that it would never lead to anything more.
“What about Alex?” Isabel asked casually returning back to the conversation and trying to block out the memory that had haunted her all of these months.
Michael raised an eyebrow at his pseudo sister, “You didn’t hear about how he decorated Liz and Maria’s lockers in school today?”
Isabel gave a slight frown and felt an all too familiar feeling settle in the pit of her stomach but shook it off quickly, “Alex did that?”
“Seems he thought Max and I would ruin the day somehow for the girls and decided to decorate their lockers with all this pink and red girly stuff that they love.” he rolled his eyes at the thought, “Doesn’t he know he's not suppose to do stuff like that for another guy’s girl?”
“Michael, they are best friends and you know how close they are.” she shrugged trying to calm him, “It was probably just his Valentine’s gift to them.”
Michael leaned forward across the table not wanting Maria to hear since he knew it would only lead to another argument between them, “I still don’t think it’s an appropriate gift between friends.”
Isabel raised an eyebrow at him in question,” And what makes you think that receiving a key chain is an acceptable Valentine’s Day present?”
Michael blushed slightly and dipped his head not wanting to meet her knowing eyes, “You heard about that?”
“How could I not? Maria was yelling at you when I walked in.” she gave him a sympathetic smile and a shake over her head.
He gave a groan as if in agony, “Now I have to find some way to salvage this day or Maria will never let me live it down.”
Isabel couldn’t help but laugh out loud at Michael’s conundrum. He always seemed to know just what buttons to push to rile up his feisty girlfriend.
Michael frowned at her, “Are you just going to sit there and laugh or are you going to help me?”
“I get a choice?” she chuckled and her dark brown eyes twinkled with humor.
“Come on, Iz.” he begged in an almost whisper.
“Okay..Okay.” she got herself under control thinking that maybe this was just what she needed, a project to get her mind off the fact that she was alone on Valentine’s.
20 minutes later Isabel made her way to the register and where Maria stood behind the counter. It had taken her a little longer than she thought to convince Michael to go through with their plan and now she gave a silent prayer that he wouldn’t ruin the evening for them both.
“Hey Maria.” she smiled at the petite blonde waitress “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Hey Isabel” Maria grinned up at the female alien obviously glad to see her.”I’m sorry I didn’t get to come by your table and tell you ‘hello’ but it’s been a mad house in here tonight. It seems everyone wanted to bring their date here before heading to the dance.”
Isabel couldn’t help but grin at her comment since it had something to do with what she was there for, “That reminds me...” she pulled out an envelope, “This is for you.”
Maria frowned, “You didn’t have to get me a card, Isabel. Now I feel bad that I didn’t get you one.”
“I didn’t” She said simply and handed her the card that was in the shape of a heart. It was in Michael’s scratchy handwriting, but it was Isabel’s words that would help him get the girl he wanted.
It only took Maria a few moments to open the card and read the brief note. Isabel wasn’t at all surprised to see the myriad of emotions; curiosity, disbelief and excitement, that crossed the smaller girls face.
Maria glanced back up at Isabel with a huge smile on her face while her eyes lit up in happiness, “Michael was able to get Mr. Parker to let me off work early tonight so that he can take me to the school dance.”
Isabel returned her smile and gave an inaudible sigh of relief, “That sounds terrific, Maria.. I’m sure you will have a nice time.”
Maria’s smile slowly disappeared, “Why don’t you come to the dance with us, Iz? We will have a good time.”
She gave a quick shake of her head, “No...three is a crowd.”
“No, it will be fun, Isabel. Liz and Max are going and Alex will be there with his date, so most of the gang will be there.”
Isabel found herself frowning at Maria’s words and wondering if she had heard her correctly, “Alex is taking someone to the dance?”
Maria’s smile returned as she thought of her male friend and how shocked he had been when he was asked out by a girl in his science class earlier that week, “Yes. He is taking Kim Manning.”
That uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach chose that moment to return and Isabel found herself trying to figure out which girl in their school was Kim Manning. ‘Why am I jealous? I have no claim on Alex and therefore I do not have any right to feel this way.’
“That also reminds me...”Maria started as she reached under the counter, “Alex wanted me to give this to you if I saw you. He wanted to give it to you himself but he kept missing you today.”
Isabel was surprised to see the small white bear, in the waitress’ hand, that was clutching a huge red heart in its paws. “BE MINE” was stitched across and she found herself getting a little choked up at the sight.
“He also got you a card” Maria mentioned as she slid over the small envelope.
Isabel quickly tore into the envelope, while her heart raced in excitement of what the meaning of the gift was and if the card would explain his intentions. On the cover was another bear with dozens of small hearts surrounding him as he smiled up at her as the caption read “HOPE YOU HAVE A BEARY HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!’
Flipping it over she saw where Alex’s name was scrawled on the back and right above it the words “Love always” stood out causing her heart to skip another beat at the sight of his proclamation. It was a simple statement but it was one that had her world tilting on it’s axis.
Never in the years that she had known him, or even the months where he had finally gotten to know the real Isabel, had Alex ever said those words to her. She had an idea that he had felt something for her but never thought that he could possibly love her.
As the silence grew, Maria began to look at Isabel with curiosity in her eyes as she took in her reaction to the small token. ‘Maybe Isabel still did have feeling for her male friend.’
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us tonight?”
Isabel looked up from where she was still reading Alex’s signature. She certainly didn’t think she could handle watching all the happy couples together or see HIM dancing with another girl when the image of her dancing in his arms was still fresh in her mind. “No I am fine. I plan to just go home and watch some movies.”
“Okay but if you change your mind you know where we will be.”
“Thanks” Isabel smiled before waving good bye to her friend and left the Crashdown, still clutching the bear and card tightly in her hands.
Instead of going home, as she had planned, Isabel found herself driving around town while her mind continued to swarm with images of Alex. ‘Have I truly lost him?’
It had been obvious to everyone that when he returned from the Exchange Program in Sweden he had changed. Alex was more confident than she had ever known him to be and on top of that he no longer followed her around asking for more than she could give to him. In fact, he had come back speaking of a girl he had met and dated while in Sweden. That feeling in the pit of her stomach had burned for weeks, until she had learned, from Liz, that they had broken up.
Though she had been glad that he had grown the confidence, Isabel had never thought that he would get over her so easily. She had always clung to the thought that there would always be someone that truly knew her, inside and out, and still cared for her anyway. Alex had been that guy and she had pushed him away for that very reason.
When Maria had told her that he was taking another girl to the dance tonight, Isabel had felt that certainty disappear and she knew that she couldn’t blame it on Alex. It had been her decision to no longer be with him and now he was taking another girl to the Sweethearts dance. The same dance that he had asked her to a year before and she had turned him down with just a shake of her head.
Isabel felt a tear slip down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away trying not to cry for the love she once had. If only she had put her trust in Alex, then maybe instead of being alone tonight she would be dancing in the arms of someone she loved.
She paused for a moment at that thought ‘Love? Do I love Alex?’ It only took her a moment to conclude that yes she did love Alex Whitman and always had.
Seeing a brightly lit grocery store on the right Isabel quickly turned into the parking lot. She would be damned if she let another girl have the man of her dreams.
*******
Alex Whitman stood on the side lines of the dance floor, wearing one of the nice suits that his mother had bought him for special occasions, and wondering when it would be the appropriate time to collect his date and take her home.
‘Why did I agree to go to the dance with Kim?’ He mentally groaned at the thought.
He should have known that he would be spending the evening miserable while he found himself constantly thinking about Isabel Evans, the girl he would have rather taken to the dance. Although he had been tempted to ask her a few weeks prior, he kept in mind the many long conversations he had with Leanna while in Sweden regarding his ex.
She had convinced him that he needed to get over the cool blonde, especially since Isabel had not shown any signs of wanting him in return. It had taken months, but he was now beginning to think that maybe Leanna was right. He would never be with Isabel ever again and he just needed to move on with his life and live in hope that one day he would find someone who wouldn’t mind that he would always love another.
At least the evening had not been a total bust. Alex had been there to witness Maria Deluca walk up to the DJ and confront him when it was apparent that he had been playing the same old tired songs over and over.
You could see the fear in the man’s eyes when she said, “If you’re even thinking of playing that song again I’ll do more than hurt you.”
Alex chuckled at the memory as he looked over to where Maria and Michael were standing on the dance floor just holding each other. When he had asked earlier about why they weren’t moving he had been informed that Michael did not know how to dance and that this was the only way Maria could get him out on the dance floor.
Looking around the crowded room Alex then spotted Max and Liz actually dancing. He wasn’t at all surprised that they moved in perfect sync as if they had been dance partners all of their lives. They were soul mates and it seemed to show in everything that they did together.
Finally he saw his date in the arms of Ethan Harmon, one of their classmates. Alex knew that not only was he miserable on this date but that he was also making Kim just as miserable. He really couldn’t blame her for finding someone else, but he wondered if it would be proper for him to leave her here or should he be the one to take her home.
Alex glanced down at his watch and was surprised that it was already after 11:30. The dance had been scheduled to run until Midnight since Valentine’s fell on a Friday this year and the school had obtained permission to extend the time. Most felt that the longer the students stayed at the dance the less trouble they would get into around town.
Deciding he was ready to go home and end this farce, Alex finally made his move and walked over to Kim and Ethan giving her a tap on the shoulder. He automatically saw the disappointment in her eyes when they met his.
“Hi Alex.” she gave him a small smile and he could spot the unease in her own eyes..
“Hey, I was just wondering if you would like me to take you home now.” he gave her a smile hoping that she would be just as ready as he was to get out of here.
“Ummm...well..I kind of would like to stay for a few more dances.” she gave a side ways look at Ethan who still stood beside her.
Taking the hint Alex nodded his head, “Hey Ethan do you think you can take Kim home? I am really exhausted and ready to get out of here, but I want to make sure she gets home safely.”
The other boy had been some what worried of what Alex would say since it was obvious that he had been making time with the girl he brought. Ethan, though, seemed to recognized in Alex’s voice and mannerism that he was okay with it, “Sure no problem Alex.”
Kim was now beaming when she turned back to her date, “Thanks Alex. I’m sorry our date didn’t work out. You really are a nice guy.”
He nodded and gave her another smile, “See you guys in school on Monday.”
After telling his friends good bye, Alex headed for the gymnasium door and exited into the cold February night. He was calling himself every name in the book for ruining the date since this had been his chance to finally getting over Isabel Evans, but instead all he had thought about was her.
In fact, he was seeing her every where he looked, even now she was leaning against his car in the school parking lot. Thinking that the vision would soon disappear the closer he got, Alex continued to stare at the beautiful blonde unaware that she was starring just as intensely back at him.
When she had not vanish he couldn’t help but frown when he realized that she was truly there, “Isabel?”
“Hi Alex” she gave him a tentative smile while straightening from her position against the car, her eyes darted around him looking for signs of his date, “Where’s Kim?”
He let out a deep sigh as he turned around and leaned against the hood of the car beside her, “She’s still inside.”
Isabel frowned as she glanced beside her at the tall boy who was now gazing up at the stars in the dark sky. Knowing that Alex would tell her what happened on his date in his own good time, she followed his eyes and looked up into the night sky allowing the comfortable silence to wash over them.
Alex finally broke the quiet, “Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.”
She turned to him again with wonder in her eyes, “That was beautiful.”
He glanced at her with a smile, “Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I had to memorize the poem for a literature class not so long ago. I’m surprised that I remembered it.”
“I got your Valentine’s gift and card, Alex.” Isabel turned her body toward him knowing if she didn’t tell him soon what she had come here to say she would chicken out. “I got you one as well.” she pulled out the card and watched Alex’s long fingers reach across the space between them and take it from hers.
His smile turned into a grin, while pulling out the card from the envelope, needing to reassure her as he felt the waves of unease emit from her body. ‘Why was she so nervous?’
A cartoon bee that was no doubt female with her long eyelashesand come hither look, smiled up from the card, while carrying a bouquet of flowers with a caption that read BEE MINE!
Alex chuckled and looked up at Isabel who was watching him with her top front teeth sunk into her bottom lip worrying it. He flipped the card over and looked down to read what she had written and all of a sudden he understood exactly why she was so nervous:
Alex,
I remember last year when you held me in your arms when Max was taken from us. You stayed with me as I cried with worry but most of all I will never forget what you said to me as we sat there together. You pressed your lips to my cheeks and whispered for my ears only, ‘a kiss for each tear that you’ve shed.’ With those words I handed over my heart to you and I have not seen it since. I love you Alex and I know I don’t have the right to ask this of you but I am going to any way...Will you give me another chance?
Eternally yours,
Isabel
His heart began to race as he read her words, realizing it had been all he had ever longed to hear for so many months from this girl. ‘Did she truly love him?’ Looking up into her eyes he saw the love shining there and knew that it had to be true. He knew then that if she asked for it he would gladly give her third, fourth and fifth chances. Alex would always come back to Isabel if she just asked him too.
They stood there for a moment just starring into the others eyes never wanting the moment to end. Finally Isabel broke eye contact when she held up a finger to him, grinned and then ran around the back of his car only to reappear a few seconds later on the other side of him. In her hands she was caring a small bouquet of wild flowers.
“Happy Valentine’s Day.” she said as she handed them to him. Isabel had been lucky that the grocery florist still had flowers left so she had quickly picked them up while she was purchasing the card for Alex.
He chuckled as he took the flowers from her and took in the beautiful scent that emitted from the blossoms. “Thanks.”
Isabel fidgeted while she stood there wondering what to do now. She knew what she wanted to do but she wasn’t sure if it was too early or if Alex needed to get used to the idea of them again before making a move.
Seeing her distress and having an idea why, Alex set the flowers on the hood of his car and stepped toward her. He cupped her cheeks in the palm of his hands and lifted her face to his before covering her lips with his own. After her written confession there was no way he was going to let another moment slip away and not have her in his arms.
Alex’s mouth was gentle at first but then more insistent as she opened hers beneath his letting him seek entrance, his tongue invading hers. Isabel felt her body melt into his as she wrapped her arms around his neck while he slipped his around her waist pulling her tightly to him. Because this kiss contained the certainty of their love and unspoken promises they both knew that this one had surpassed them all.
Finally they pulled back and looked into each others eyes with smiles plastered on their faces. He leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, “I love you, Isabel.”
The joy that she had felt just a few moments ago took a back seat to the happiness she now felt at the sound of those words falling from his lips, “and I love you.”
Alex grinned, “I wish I could start this night over and take you to the dance.”
“What did happen with you and Kim?” Isabel questioned as she ran her fingers through the short hairs on the back of his neck.
“I don’t think I was a very good date.” he gave a wry smile, “ Seems I was too busy thinking of a certain tall blonde and not enough on her; so she is being escorted home by Ethan Harmon.”
Isabel chuckled and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, “Well her loss is my gain.”
He nodded and then his eyes lit up, “Would you care to dance?”
She frowned, “But the dance is almost over Alex. I’m sure they are packing things up inside now”
“Why would we go inside when we could dance under the stars?”Alex smiled as he looked up into the star filled sky, “what could be more romantic?”
“Hmmmm...How about music?” She questioned but soon gave up her argument when Alex took her back into his arms and began to hum a lovely tune.
It took Isabel only a moment to realize when he quit humming and began to sing the words of an old song that she had heard in a black and white movie so many years ago..
Some day, when I’m awfully low,
when the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.
Even though she knew it was impossible, Isabel could swear that she heard the music as Alex spun her around the parking lot and they swayed to the tune that was in their hearts.
Oh but you’re lovely
with your smile so warm
and your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me
But to love you...
Just the way you look tonight.
Alex couldn’t believe that he actually remembered the words to the song. It was one of his grandparents favorite love songs and for some reason it had just come to him as he stood there looking into her eyes and knowing that he would never forget this night with her.
With each word
Your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart
And that laugh
that wrinkles your nose
touches my foolish heart.
She settled her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes once again trying to capture this moment in his arms in her memory. While he effortlessly moved her around their make shift dance floor, Isabel knew she would never regret her decision to open up to Alex and finally let him in.
Lovely, never ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won’t you please arrange it
Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight
Alex continued to hum against her ear as they continued their midnight dance underneath the stars neither one aware that they had built up quite an audience. The sounds of whistles and clapping had them lifting their heads in surprise to find themselves surrounded. Both teenagers began to blush at the display they must have put on for the crowd of students, but neither one stepped away from the other.
“Way to go Alex!” a student yelled and laughter filled the crowd.
“It’s about time!” said a familiar female voice and both Alex and Isabel turned their heads to see Maria standing there with a huge grin on her face. Along with her was Michael, Max and Liz and they all had matching smiles on their faces at the sight of their friends back together again.
Isabel turned her head back to Alex and blocked out the starring eyes of the crowd. She conjured up the memory of another dance in a dream from a long time ago. She couldn’t resist asking him, “So what do you really think of me?”
Alex turned and looked at the girl of his dreams and smiled knowing that he would never forget this night for as long as he lived, “What do I think of you?” he paused as he pressed another kiss gently to her lips and gave her another one of his heart stopping smiles, “I think you have just made me the happiest man in the world.”
The End
Thanks for reading and have a great Valentine's Day!
Kara