A Second Beginning Part 3 of 3 (Mat. 8/7) Pers. FF
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:39 pm
A Second Beginning
A personalized fan fic is a fic tailored to a Roswellfanatics.net member, but also a story that can be enjoyed by all =)
Author: JRose
Disclaimer: I don't own anything pertaining to Roswell except for my imagination and as for the part of Deserea and mandy, their permission was given to me to write this by Deserea =)
Pairings: Michael/Deserea
Rating: Mature
Summary: After Deserea finds herself in a lucky situation, she meets someone who is much more than great, he’s out of this world… literally. Also, keep in mind that as a persoanlized fan fic, this is under the category of alien abyss because of the unconventional main character... enjoy! You may not be Deserea but until you get your own personalized fan fic, you can pretend to be... =)
Authors Note: This is the 3rd personalized fan fiction I have written…If you would like your own personalized fan fiction of any sort (pg –> Adult, Love based around you ->or a complete Roswell idea of your own brought to life) please respond to my post in the fan fiction discussion section/PM me or email me at theywalkbesideus@yahoo.com
Here is Desereas form so you can see what she asked for and how her wishes were granted =)
Name: Deserea Renee Becerra
Nickname?: Dez
Where are you from?: I am from Colton, California.
Name of Roswellian you’d like to be paired up with?: Michael
Any special ideas for your story you’d like me to incorporate?: Anything you want.
Tell me a bit about your personality: Wild, outgoing, love to party, loyal
Any special interests?… (i.e. – Your love of playing volleyball or your obsession with catching butterflies?): I love to play basketball and read.
Anything else you’d like to add?: Nothing really.
This kind of info will help me make the story unique to your benefit so please don’t be shy and let me know!!!
I would say any rating, but if I had to choose, M.
Friends Names: Joshua (aka:Josh): One of my best buds. He is crazy, loves to party, kind, caring, the best person you could know. Looks and acts like a gangster, chicano, mexican.
Mandy: She is also crazy, loves to party and hang out, kind, caring, great friend, outgoing, and speaks her mind. A little short, and Blond, she has a lot of blond moments.
A Second Beginning – Part 1 of 3
Michael Guerin dropped his bag onto the floor and took a step back, taking in the large hotel room he would be staying at for a while. The lonely atmosphere almost brought a tear to his tough exterior. His life was in no uncertain terms in shambles.
After leaving Roswell a year ago with his friends, he found himself alone. Sure he had Max and Isabelle, Liz, Kyle and Maria, but it just wasn’t the same. Being away from Roswell didn’t necessarily bother him because he didn’t have much of a home life there. His family consisted of the people he was friends with and they were already with him on this new journey. It was the dynamics of the group that had changed, and made him feel in adequate. Spending every waking moment with people you care about does eventually take a toll and it was tough sometimes living together. Max and Liz wanted, and rightfully so, needed their space. Kyle and Isabelle had even started to become closer. If he hadn’t known Isabelle so well he was almost starting to think that maybe something romantic was growing between the two of them.
The thing that broke his heart was his relationship with Maria. He finally thought he had become the man she needed, the man she wanted…but things just didn’t work out between them. The fiery passion they used to have in their squabbles had turned to actual flames, torturous and dangerous. After a year of on again off again between the two of them, it was over. Over. He still couldn’t comprehend it. She had made him into a better man, she brought out things in him that he couldn’t describe, but it was over. It was over.
After a few weeks of stark realization that things were never going to change, luck finally entered his life after being absent for so long. He had a vision that showed him some alien artifacts that he instinctively knew would be important for their survival. In the vision he saw the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and he knew that his vision had meant for him to find the artifacts somewhere in N.Y. The gang didn’t hesitate when he asked to go alone. They knew he needed a break and that some time alone would do him good. Maria felt the worst when he left, almost wishing things could work out between them, but knowing that they wouldn’t she carried on, wishing him the best.
He walked over to the neatly made bed and laid down. His long trip had made him tired which was unfortunate because his emotions had already reached the point of exhaustion. He slept there, ignoring his pain and willed his misfortune subconsciously away.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Deserea and her friend Mandy had been at their mutual friend Joshs house and had a bit of an impromptu party for the last few hours but had finally decided to call it quits. They both appreciated a good time and a good party, but once it starts to fizzle, it was time to go.
“Later!” Deserea called out over her shoulder and she closed the door. It was pitch black outside and the moon was beautiful. It was one of those nights that give you that great feeling. You know the feeling, the kind you get when the wind perfectly wraps around your face like a blanket and you feel like you’re going to live forever.
“So where to next?” Mandy asked with a tired smile on her face. Her blonde hair shimmered in the surprisingly heightened moonlight.
“Geez aren’t you tired?” She asked half joking half not. After a few seconds of silence they both laughed and began walking down the street.
“So seriously where to? I don’t feel like going home.” She asked again.
Deserea thought about it for a moment. She didn’t really feel like going home herself, but she wasn’t up enough for another party scene.
“I dunno, wanna go to the boulevard and get something to eat?”
Now that was one thing they could always agree on. Friendship and food, it definitely went hand in hand. They walked a bit and laughed the entire way.
“Hey lets go in the 7 11, I don’t want a meal I want junk food.” Deserea said happily nearing the store.
They walked inside, tiredness beginning to involuntarily take over them both. Deserea went for the sweets and Mandy became fixated on something behind the counter.
“Hey Dez come here!” She called her friend. Deserea walked up to her, twizzlers in tow.
“Check out that new scratch off, it looks really cute we should so get one right right now, I’m feeling lucky.”
“It says I heart NY, this is California, that’s so weird.”
“Two please.” Mandy asked the man behind the counter and Deserea paid for her twinkies at the next cashier.
“It’s because the grand prizes are either 100,000, a major shopping spree or a trip to N.Y…” she said reading the back of the ticket.
“Cool, why not? lets do it outside.”
They walked outside, both now completely sleepy.
“I can’t believe I’m doin this, you know we never EVER win these things.” Deserea said sleepily taking a bite out of her twizzler and taking a penny out of her pocket to use.
“Yeah you’re right… hey, hold up… I totally won something!” Mandy said scratching away furiously. “I won ten bucks!”
“Nice! You were lucky!” she responded with a smile and then looked back at her own ticket. Mandy went inside to cash in her prize.
“Ok lets see…” Deserea said quietly to herself as she scratched the tiny silver card. “9…Heart…8…4…Heart…Heart” She wished she could’ve just won ten bucks like her friend but instead she was destined to read the fineprint to discover what three hearts meant.
“I’m in the money… I’m in the money…you look so confused.” Mandy sang with a laugh as she walked over to her best friend. “You have THREE HEARTS!!!!”
“Yeah I know, what the hell does that mean?!”
“It means you won the trip to N.Y.!! I read the back before when you were buying your stupid twizzlers remember? See, look!!”
It was true. It was actually true.
“Oh my God!” Deserea shrieked loudly.
“You know those things always come with a guest, just remember who forced to buy that ticket missy!”
“Ahhhh!!!!!” She screamed excitedly. “We’re going to New York!”
It hadn’t really hit her until hours later when she was comfortably resting on her fluffed up pillow, and lying under her covers. She had won something. This was something that might sound like normalcy to anyone else but it was unusual for her. She had been going through a rough patch in her love life and was feeling pretty unlucky lately. But there it was, the shiny little piece of paper lying next to her bandstand that proved that luck can change. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The rest was a whirlwind. She had told her family, had a hilarious phone conversation with her other close friend Joshua, visited the lottery office to claim her prize, took some days off of work, packed her things, made sure that Mandy had packed her things and found her self standing on the plane boarding line 2 days later.
“I’m so excited!” Deserea said happily.
“Me too, but It is waaaayy too early for your enthusiasm.” Mandy replied taking a sip of her soda, yearning for the caffeine to kick in. “Ya know we’ve been so crazed trying to get ready so fast that I forgot to get any of the details like oh I dunno, where are we staying?…”
Deserea laughed. “Hmm I’m not really sure myself! Ok ok, lets see…” she said taking out her prize pack. “ Ok we’re staying at …the Hilton! Wow that’s awesome… ok and we’re staying for basically a week, 7 days four nights…”
“This is so awesome.”
“It really is, thanks for being drawn to that stupid ticket.”
“No prob, that’s what I do, I get attracted by shiny objects.” Mandy replied with a laugh.
Deserea stood there extremely excited. It was the first time in a long while that she felt things were working out in her favor. She was about to enjoy a free trip with a great friend. The sky was the limit, and in a place where skyscrapers came dangerously close to the sky, she knew she was in for something amazing. In the middle of her own happy self revelation a somewhat good looking guy nearby noticed her while passing quickly, trying to get to his own line. She smiled back and they went their separate ways. And that’s how it usually went, guys took notice of her all the time, but nothing major happened. Sometimes it’s the pretty girl that gets the least dates. Every guy assumes she’s taken, and those who have the courage to ask her out, are usually jerks. Her eyes sparkled in the dramatic sunlight that crept through the glass windows.
“The lines moving!” Mandy said excitedly waking her out of her thoughts.
They boarded the plane and took off with of them both thinking, this was a trip they would never forget. Hours later they landed, checked themselves into their new room for the next week and took a well deserved nap. After all it was a long trip, and they had to be well rested for the N.Y.C. nightlife.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Michael walked through the crowded streets, feeling more alone than ever in his life, and completely frustrated. It was almost as if the more people he had surrounding him, the smaller he felt. His vision so far had been a bust, and the more he searched for clues, the less he found. He had too much pride to go back to the others now, so he walked. He walked each day until it hurt, looking, searching and hoping, and ending each day the same, exhaustedly climbing into his way too big for one-person bed.
It was a hot and sticky day and in the constant sea of people he was getting restless. He found himself near Central Park and sat down tiredly on a park bench. It was beautiful out, the sun was shining and he had never seen grass so green, but it didn’t phase him at all. It was then that it hit him.
Like a ton of bricks slamming onto his head he had a vision right there in the middle of the park. He saw the artifact he had seen the last time but it was no longer anywhere near the Statue of Liberty, it was now on someones neck in a crowded space. Looking around desperately, he knew instantly that it was a café, and that by the shade from the windows, it was nighttime. Fearing the vision would end, he searched desperately in his mind for anything that would tell him where to find this place. He then saw a woman walking over to the counter holding a coffee mug with the words “Property of The Hoffee Couse” on it. Just as quickly as the vision overtook him, it vanished.
He was exhausted from the power it took from him, but he was relieved to finally be put on the right path once again. He headed back to the hotel in expert time to use the internet room. Typing in the silly name for a café “Hoffee Couse”, he found it to be relatively nearby. Finally he had some direction, tonight he would go there and to see if his trip to N.Y. had been worthwhile.
Hours Later...
So far worthwhile wasn’t quite the word he would use to describe the experience. He had been standing inside the café, outside the café and walking aimlessly around the café for what had seemed like hours. Nearing 2 in the morning he was getting antsy and discouraged, not to mention the fact that he had consumed so much caffeine in him that he was completely wired.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Deserea and Mandy had been dancing the night away and had a great time doing it. There was just something about an all expense paid trip to a fabulous city that just loosens you up. It was about that time of night that guys had finally had enough to drink to start really making their moves. It wasn’t much different than where she was from. You had your typical “bad dancer”, the typical “too hot for anyone”, the “holy crap please get the hell away from me”, and the “oooh I hope he comes over here” guys dispersed around the dance floor perimeter. After dancing awhile with her friend, Deserea was slowly whisked away by one of the “too hot for themselves” guys. With a look of silent disgust she noticed that her friend had also been lured away, only her man was extremely good looking with a kind face. It’ll just be one dance, I can survive this, she pleaded to herself inwardly.
It wasn’t. After 5 dances with 5 completely seedy types, she looked over longingly at Mandy who had been steadily having a great time with her partner. She tried giving her the “let’s get out of here” eyes but it wasn’t working. A somewhat 40 year old looking man asked her to dance and it was just the last straw. She walked over to Mandy.
“Hey, are you ready to get going?”
Now it was Mandy’s turn to give her “the eyes”. She was clearly having a great time and didn’t want to leave at all.
“Not yet if you don’t mind… I’m having a lot of fun with Jeff here.” She said with a smile. He extended his arm and shook Desereas hand.
“Ok well I’m gonna head out if you don’t mind.” She said pointing to the older man who was still leering after her. “I think my new boyfriend over there will survive without me so I’ll just meet you back at the hotel, you have cab fare?”
“Yeah… are you sure, I don’t want you to go back alone…”
“I’m good... have fun guys… nice to meet you Jeff!” She replied sweetly and heading for the exit. That was the thing about Deserea, she was kind and she was always loyal to her friends. If she could help someone she cared about have a great time there was no second thought to doing something about it.
She walked around for a bit taking in the beautiful buildings and the bright lights everywhere. She looked around at all the stores around her Macys, Starbucks, Les Boutique, Hoffee Couse… Hoffee Couse she laughed to herself. She had to admit it was catchy, it was almost as ingenious as the fictional “Central Perk” on friends. She decided to check it out, if New York was supposed to be famous for pizza, bagels and coffee she was gonna find out for herself firsthand.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A now very awake and jittery Michael stood at the counter ordering yet another cup.
“Should I just go ahead and switch this one to decaf?” The man behind the counter asked, looking him over suspiciously.
“Uh yeah that’s fine.” He responded. When he first walked in, he wasn’t even really sure if he even liked coffee, but after drinking more than 5 cups that decision was decided for him. Great, just what I need, to start liking something else that’s bad for me, he thought to himself. Taking his cup and turning around quickly he found himself starring into the most beautiful pair of eyes he had ever been witness to. Maybe it was the sight of her that did it or plain sheer clumsiness, but he spilled her coffee on the shiny wooden floor.
“Hey sorry about that… I didn’t get anything on ya did I?” he asked nervously.
The cashier eyed him in his annoyance, grabbing a mop.
“No no, I’m... I’m fine.” She stammered.
He was gorgeous. Not in the sense of being perfectly dressed and perfectly groomed, but in the rugged rolled out of bed gorgeous way. His eyes, they were this perfect shade of brown, and his soft hair outlined his face…
“Did you hear me?” He asked again with a smile.
She was clearly embarrassed, her thoughts about him had completely shut out whatever he had tried to say.
“No I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I asked what you ordered, I’ll buy you another one.”
“Oh no that’s alright…”
“Please, I insist… not your fault I’m a clutz, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t walk in here to pay six bucks for it to spill on the floor.”
She laughed. He was funny, she thought to herself. Funny and cute, but in a modest sort of way.
“I ordered a vanilla latte.” She said with a smile.
“One vanilla latté please.” He said to the other cashier, he didn’t dare look at the cashier who had been annoyed by him all day.
They stood there in awkward silence. She’s absolutely beautiful, he thought to himself. It was the first time he had been so attracted to someone who wasn’t Maria and it startled him.
“Here you go sir.” The man said placing it onto the counter. He grabbed it and gestured for her to take it from him.
“I have a better idea.” She said trying not to lose sight of him just yet. “I’m here alone, … would there by any chance that you want to sit with me? If your not alone or busy I understand…”
“No, that sounds great.” He said with disbelief on his face. This wasn’t the sort of thing that happened to him. Nice guys may finish last, but lately he felt like he was making it an artform.
They sat down together and had perhaps the most comfortable conversation you can have with someone that you’ve just met. They each had a similar sense of humor and an ease about each other that meshed perfectly. Her personality had always been outgoing and friendly but mixed with his vulnerability at this time of his life, they had a great flow going. After their cups were finished they had discussed everything from their dating experiences to their favorite t.v shows.
It was then that it hit him. He was there for a reason and by not paying attention he may have missed what the vision had tried to desperately show him. It was then that he noticed the words on her mug., “Property of the Hoffee Couse” It was a different type of mug than he was using, they must give different mugs for different drinks, he thought. Maybe he wasn’t meant to find the artifact tonight, he knew that when the time was right he’d find it. He laughed inwardly, now this is not the Michael Guerin Maria first met. It was then that he made peace with their breakup. She had molded him into a great guy, a guy who instead of exploding things, rationalizes and reasons situations. He watched Desereas mannerisms as this thought processed through him, he was in awe of her. After a few moments of awkward lingering, she spoke again.
“So, I guess we’ve had enough caffeine to talk each other to death, and I don’t want to leave knowing that I’ve bored you to death.” She said standing up.
“No... you didn’t, I had a great time. I would have had a pretty boring time talking to myself.”
She smiled shyly. She couldn’t look at him straight in the eye without feeling completely and utterly attracted to him.
“Listen, here’s the number to the hotel I’m staying at. “ She said grabbing her eyeliner and a napkin from the table.
“Maybe we can do something again this week?”
“That would be great.” He said taking the napkin and folding it.
“I need to catch a cab downtown, you?” She asked as they exited the café and entered the noisy street.
“Me too actually, we can go together.”
After hailing a cab and asking for two stops the driver asked her for her address first.
“Um, lets see she said taking out a business card. 454 West and 8th please thanks.”
It was uncanny.
“Are you serious, that’s where I’m staying.” He said taking out his own business card.
She grabbed it from him playfully.
“Wow, that’s hilarious!… maybe it’s fate.” She said in a flirting manner with a small laugh. “Just the one stop then please.” She called out to the driver.
“Maybe it is.” He responded looking over in her direction. They locked eyes for a moment, and the heat between them was more than apparent. It must’ve been more than a moment because before they knew it…
“Ok here ya go.” The cab driver said stopping the car. “That’ll be 7 bucks.”
Michael paid the fare and they entered the hotel together.
“I’m on the third floor.” She said pushing the button for the elevator to come.
“Fourth for me, I’ll walk you.”
It was funny. They had had an amazing time at the café, their conversation rarely contained a silent moment… but standing outside her room, they had almost morphed into young teenagers
“Well It was really nice meeting you.” Michael said extending his hand. She took it with a smile and shook it lightly. They stood there that way for a moment. It was the curse of the almost kiss. They both looked at each other clearly wanting to make a move…any move, but no one did.
“I’ll call you.” He said breaking the contact. With one last look he walked away and headed for the elevator, silently cursing himself the entire 20 steps.
She couldn’t bring herself to walk inside, and found herself just starring after him. She had never felt such a connection before in her life. There was something special about him, and she couldn’t risk him not calling.
“Michael!” She called out, she desperately tried to disguise the loud click clacking of her shoes in the quiet hallway at such a late hour, but couldn’t. His hand blocked the closing elevator door as she approached him.
She stood before him, his hand holding the door without much effort, it was almost as if he willed it to stay.
“Whats up?” he asked innocently.
“Ok I don’t want to appear like a crazy person but um… do you feel what I’m feeling?” she said stepping into the elevator with him.
He looked at her intently, seriousness locked in his eyes. Before the elevator doors closed, he walked over to her and softly pressed his lips onto hers. She closed her eyes reassuredly and reveled in the kiss, wrapping her hand around his neck.
Stay Tuned for Part 2!
Feedback is ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
And don’t forget: If you’d like your own personalized fan fiction, just reply to my post in the fanfiction discussion section, or email me the form =)
Jrose @----->Auhor of ongoing fic Everywhere This Love Goes... I Will Follow... I Will Follow... (located in the canon section)
A Tale of Two Zans (1st personalized fan fic for Sarah located in the Alien Abyss)
The Royals (2nd personalized fan fic written for kayla also located in The Alien Abyss)
Sparks will fly (pm or email)
A personalized fan fic is a fic tailored to a Roswellfanatics.net member, but also a story that can be enjoyed by all =)
Author: JRose
Disclaimer: I don't own anything pertaining to Roswell except for my imagination and as for the part of Deserea and mandy, their permission was given to me to write this by Deserea =)
Pairings: Michael/Deserea
Rating: Mature
Summary: After Deserea finds herself in a lucky situation, she meets someone who is much more than great, he’s out of this world… literally. Also, keep in mind that as a persoanlized fan fic, this is under the category of alien abyss because of the unconventional main character... enjoy! You may not be Deserea but until you get your own personalized fan fic, you can pretend to be... =)
Authors Note: This is the 3rd personalized fan fiction I have written…If you would like your own personalized fan fiction of any sort (pg –> Adult, Love based around you ->or a complete Roswell idea of your own brought to life) please respond to my post in the fan fiction discussion section/PM me or email me at theywalkbesideus@yahoo.com
Here is Desereas form so you can see what she asked for and how her wishes were granted =)
Name: Deserea Renee Becerra
Nickname?: Dez
Where are you from?: I am from Colton, California.
Name of Roswellian you’d like to be paired up with?: Michael
Any special ideas for your story you’d like me to incorporate?: Anything you want.
Tell me a bit about your personality: Wild, outgoing, love to party, loyal
Any special interests?… (i.e. – Your love of playing volleyball or your obsession with catching butterflies?): I love to play basketball and read.
Anything else you’d like to add?: Nothing really.
This kind of info will help me make the story unique to your benefit so please don’t be shy and let me know!!!
I would say any rating, but if I had to choose, M.
Friends Names: Joshua (aka:Josh): One of my best buds. He is crazy, loves to party, kind, caring, the best person you could know. Looks and acts like a gangster, chicano, mexican.
Mandy: She is also crazy, loves to party and hang out, kind, caring, great friend, outgoing, and speaks her mind. A little short, and Blond, she has a lot of blond moments.
A Second Beginning – Part 1 of 3
Michael Guerin dropped his bag onto the floor and took a step back, taking in the large hotel room he would be staying at for a while. The lonely atmosphere almost brought a tear to his tough exterior. His life was in no uncertain terms in shambles.
After leaving Roswell a year ago with his friends, he found himself alone. Sure he had Max and Isabelle, Liz, Kyle and Maria, but it just wasn’t the same. Being away from Roswell didn’t necessarily bother him because he didn’t have much of a home life there. His family consisted of the people he was friends with and they were already with him on this new journey. It was the dynamics of the group that had changed, and made him feel in adequate. Spending every waking moment with people you care about does eventually take a toll and it was tough sometimes living together. Max and Liz wanted, and rightfully so, needed their space. Kyle and Isabelle had even started to become closer. If he hadn’t known Isabelle so well he was almost starting to think that maybe something romantic was growing between the two of them.
The thing that broke his heart was his relationship with Maria. He finally thought he had become the man she needed, the man she wanted…but things just didn’t work out between them. The fiery passion they used to have in their squabbles had turned to actual flames, torturous and dangerous. After a year of on again off again between the two of them, it was over. Over. He still couldn’t comprehend it. She had made him into a better man, she brought out things in him that he couldn’t describe, but it was over. It was over.
After a few weeks of stark realization that things were never going to change, luck finally entered his life after being absent for so long. He had a vision that showed him some alien artifacts that he instinctively knew would be important for their survival. In the vision he saw the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and he knew that his vision had meant for him to find the artifacts somewhere in N.Y. The gang didn’t hesitate when he asked to go alone. They knew he needed a break and that some time alone would do him good. Maria felt the worst when he left, almost wishing things could work out between them, but knowing that they wouldn’t she carried on, wishing him the best.
He walked over to the neatly made bed and laid down. His long trip had made him tired which was unfortunate because his emotions had already reached the point of exhaustion. He slept there, ignoring his pain and willed his misfortune subconsciously away.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Deserea and her friend Mandy had been at their mutual friend Joshs house and had a bit of an impromptu party for the last few hours but had finally decided to call it quits. They both appreciated a good time and a good party, but once it starts to fizzle, it was time to go.
“Later!” Deserea called out over her shoulder and she closed the door. It was pitch black outside and the moon was beautiful. It was one of those nights that give you that great feeling. You know the feeling, the kind you get when the wind perfectly wraps around your face like a blanket and you feel like you’re going to live forever.
“So where to next?” Mandy asked with a tired smile on her face. Her blonde hair shimmered in the surprisingly heightened moonlight.
“Geez aren’t you tired?” She asked half joking half not. After a few seconds of silence they both laughed and began walking down the street.
“So seriously where to? I don’t feel like going home.” She asked again.
Deserea thought about it for a moment. She didn’t really feel like going home herself, but she wasn’t up enough for another party scene.
“I dunno, wanna go to the boulevard and get something to eat?”
Now that was one thing they could always agree on. Friendship and food, it definitely went hand in hand. They walked a bit and laughed the entire way.
“Hey lets go in the 7 11, I don’t want a meal I want junk food.” Deserea said happily nearing the store.
They walked inside, tiredness beginning to involuntarily take over them both. Deserea went for the sweets and Mandy became fixated on something behind the counter.
“Hey Dez come here!” She called her friend. Deserea walked up to her, twizzlers in tow.
“Check out that new scratch off, it looks really cute we should so get one right right now, I’m feeling lucky.”
“It says I heart NY, this is California, that’s so weird.”
“Two please.” Mandy asked the man behind the counter and Deserea paid for her twinkies at the next cashier.
“It’s because the grand prizes are either 100,000, a major shopping spree or a trip to N.Y…” she said reading the back of the ticket.
“Cool, why not? lets do it outside.”
They walked outside, both now completely sleepy.
“I can’t believe I’m doin this, you know we never EVER win these things.” Deserea said sleepily taking a bite out of her twizzler and taking a penny out of her pocket to use.
“Yeah you’re right… hey, hold up… I totally won something!” Mandy said scratching away furiously. “I won ten bucks!”
“Nice! You were lucky!” she responded with a smile and then looked back at her own ticket. Mandy went inside to cash in her prize.
“Ok lets see…” Deserea said quietly to herself as she scratched the tiny silver card. “9…Heart…8…4…Heart…Heart” She wished she could’ve just won ten bucks like her friend but instead she was destined to read the fineprint to discover what three hearts meant.
“I’m in the money… I’m in the money…you look so confused.” Mandy sang with a laugh as she walked over to her best friend. “You have THREE HEARTS!!!!”
“Yeah I know, what the hell does that mean?!”
“It means you won the trip to N.Y.!! I read the back before when you were buying your stupid twizzlers remember? See, look!!”
It was true. It was actually true.
“Oh my God!” Deserea shrieked loudly.
“You know those things always come with a guest, just remember who forced to buy that ticket missy!”
“Ahhhh!!!!!” She screamed excitedly. “We’re going to New York!”
It hadn’t really hit her until hours later when she was comfortably resting on her fluffed up pillow, and lying under her covers. She had won something. This was something that might sound like normalcy to anyone else but it was unusual for her. She had been going through a rough patch in her love life and was feeling pretty unlucky lately. But there it was, the shiny little piece of paper lying next to her bandstand that proved that luck can change. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.
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The rest was a whirlwind. She had told her family, had a hilarious phone conversation with her other close friend Joshua, visited the lottery office to claim her prize, took some days off of work, packed her things, made sure that Mandy had packed her things and found her self standing on the plane boarding line 2 days later.
“I’m so excited!” Deserea said happily.
“Me too, but It is waaaayy too early for your enthusiasm.” Mandy replied taking a sip of her soda, yearning for the caffeine to kick in. “Ya know we’ve been so crazed trying to get ready so fast that I forgot to get any of the details like oh I dunno, where are we staying?…”
Deserea laughed. “Hmm I’m not really sure myself! Ok ok, lets see…” she said taking out her prize pack. “ Ok we’re staying at …the Hilton! Wow that’s awesome… ok and we’re staying for basically a week, 7 days four nights…”
“This is so awesome.”
“It really is, thanks for being drawn to that stupid ticket.”
“No prob, that’s what I do, I get attracted by shiny objects.” Mandy replied with a laugh.
Deserea stood there extremely excited. It was the first time in a long while that she felt things were working out in her favor. She was about to enjoy a free trip with a great friend. The sky was the limit, and in a place where skyscrapers came dangerously close to the sky, she knew she was in for something amazing. In the middle of her own happy self revelation a somewhat good looking guy nearby noticed her while passing quickly, trying to get to his own line. She smiled back and they went their separate ways. And that’s how it usually went, guys took notice of her all the time, but nothing major happened. Sometimes it’s the pretty girl that gets the least dates. Every guy assumes she’s taken, and those who have the courage to ask her out, are usually jerks. Her eyes sparkled in the dramatic sunlight that crept through the glass windows.
“The lines moving!” Mandy said excitedly waking her out of her thoughts.
They boarded the plane and took off with of them both thinking, this was a trip they would never forget. Hours later they landed, checked themselves into their new room for the next week and took a well deserved nap. After all it was a long trip, and they had to be well rested for the N.Y.C. nightlife.
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Michael walked through the crowded streets, feeling more alone than ever in his life, and completely frustrated. It was almost as if the more people he had surrounding him, the smaller he felt. His vision so far had been a bust, and the more he searched for clues, the less he found. He had too much pride to go back to the others now, so he walked. He walked each day until it hurt, looking, searching and hoping, and ending each day the same, exhaustedly climbing into his way too big for one-person bed.
It was a hot and sticky day and in the constant sea of people he was getting restless. He found himself near Central Park and sat down tiredly on a park bench. It was beautiful out, the sun was shining and he had never seen grass so green, but it didn’t phase him at all. It was then that it hit him.
Like a ton of bricks slamming onto his head he had a vision right there in the middle of the park. He saw the artifact he had seen the last time but it was no longer anywhere near the Statue of Liberty, it was now on someones neck in a crowded space. Looking around desperately, he knew instantly that it was a café, and that by the shade from the windows, it was nighttime. Fearing the vision would end, he searched desperately in his mind for anything that would tell him where to find this place. He then saw a woman walking over to the counter holding a coffee mug with the words “Property of The Hoffee Couse” on it. Just as quickly as the vision overtook him, it vanished.
He was exhausted from the power it took from him, but he was relieved to finally be put on the right path once again. He headed back to the hotel in expert time to use the internet room. Typing in the silly name for a café “Hoffee Couse”, he found it to be relatively nearby. Finally he had some direction, tonight he would go there and to see if his trip to N.Y. had been worthwhile.
Hours Later...
So far worthwhile wasn’t quite the word he would use to describe the experience. He had been standing inside the café, outside the café and walking aimlessly around the café for what had seemed like hours. Nearing 2 in the morning he was getting antsy and discouraged, not to mention the fact that he had consumed so much caffeine in him that he was completely wired.
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Deserea and Mandy had been dancing the night away and had a great time doing it. There was just something about an all expense paid trip to a fabulous city that just loosens you up. It was about that time of night that guys had finally had enough to drink to start really making their moves. It wasn’t much different than where she was from. You had your typical “bad dancer”, the typical “too hot for anyone”, the “holy crap please get the hell away from me”, and the “oooh I hope he comes over here” guys dispersed around the dance floor perimeter. After dancing awhile with her friend, Deserea was slowly whisked away by one of the “too hot for themselves” guys. With a look of silent disgust she noticed that her friend had also been lured away, only her man was extremely good looking with a kind face. It’ll just be one dance, I can survive this, she pleaded to herself inwardly.
It wasn’t. After 5 dances with 5 completely seedy types, she looked over longingly at Mandy who had been steadily having a great time with her partner. She tried giving her the “let’s get out of here” eyes but it wasn’t working. A somewhat 40 year old looking man asked her to dance and it was just the last straw. She walked over to Mandy.
“Hey, are you ready to get going?”
Now it was Mandy’s turn to give her “the eyes”. She was clearly having a great time and didn’t want to leave at all.
“Not yet if you don’t mind… I’m having a lot of fun with Jeff here.” She said with a smile. He extended his arm and shook Desereas hand.
“Ok well I’m gonna head out if you don’t mind.” She said pointing to the older man who was still leering after her. “I think my new boyfriend over there will survive without me so I’ll just meet you back at the hotel, you have cab fare?”
“Yeah… are you sure, I don’t want you to go back alone…”
“I’m good... have fun guys… nice to meet you Jeff!” She replied sweetly and heading for the exit. That was the thing about Deserea, she was kind and she was always loyal to her friends. If she could help someone she cared about have a great time there was no second thought to doing something about it.
She walked around for a bit taking in the beautiful buildings and the bright lights everywhere. She looked around at all the stores around her Macys, Starbucks, Les Boutique, Hoffee Couse… Hoffee Couse she laughed to herself. She had to admit it was catchy, it was almost as ingenious as the fictional “Central Perk” on friends. She decided to check it out, if New York was supposed to be famous for pizza, bagels and coffee she was gonna find out for herself firsthand.
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A now very awake and jittery Michael stood at the counter ordering yet another cup.
“Should I just go ahead and switch this one to decaf?” The man behind the counter asked, looking him over suspiciously.
“Uh yeah that’s fine.” He responded. When he first walked in, he wasn’t even really sure if he even liked coffee, but after drinking more than 5 cups that decision was decided for him. Great, just what I need, to start liking something else that’s bad for me, he thought to himself. Taking his cup and turning around quickly he found himself starring into the most beautiful pair of eyes he had ever been witness to. Maybe it was the sight of her that did it or plain sheer clumsiness, but he spilled her coffee on the shiny wooden floor.
“Hey sorry about that… I didn’t get anything on ya did I?” he asked nervously.
The cashier eyed him in his annoyance, grabbing a mop.
“No no, I’m... I’m fine.” She stammered.
He was gorgeous. Not in the sense of being perfectly dressed and perfectly groomed, but in the rugged rolled out of bed gorgeous way. His eyes, they were this perfect shade of brown, and his soft hair outlined his face…
“Did you hear me?” He asked again with a smile.
She was clearly embarrassed, her thoughts about him had completely shut out whatever he had tried to say.
“No I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I asked what you ordered, I’ll buy you another one.”
“Oh no that’s alright…”
“Please, I insist… not your fault I’m a clutz, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t walk in here to pay six bucks for it to spill on the floor.”
She laughed. He was funny, she thought to herself. Funny and cute, but in a modest sort of way.
“I ordered a vanilla latte.” She said with a smile.
“One vanilla latté please.” He said to the other cashier, he didn’t dare look at the cashier who had been annoyed by him all day.
They stood there in awkward silence. She’s absolutely beautiful, he thought to himself. It was the first time he had been so attracted to someone who wasn’t Maria and it startled him.
“Here you go sir.” The man said placing it onto the counter. He grabbed it and gestured for her to take it from him.
“I have a better idea.” She said trying not to lose sight of him just yet. “I’m here alone, … would there by any chance that you want to sit with me? If your not alone or busy I understand…”
“No, that sounds great.” He said with disbelief on his face. This wasn’t the sort of thing that happened to him. Nice guys may finish last, but lately he felt like he was making it an artform.
They sat down together and had perhaps the most comfortable conversation you can have with someone that you’ve just met. They each had a similar sense of humor and an ease about each other that meshed perfectly. Her personality had always been outgoing and friendly but mixed with his vulnerability at this time of his life, they had a great flow going. After their cups were finished they had discussed everything from their dating experiences to their favorite t.v shows.
It was then that it hit him. He was there for a reason and by not paying attention he may have missed what the vision had tried to desperately show him. It was then that he noticed the words on her mug., “Property of the Hoffee Couse” It was a different type of mug than he was using, they must give different mugs for different drinks, he thought. Maybe he wasn’t meant to find the artifact tonight, he knew that when the time was right he’d find it. He laughed inwardly, now this is not the Michael Guerin Maria first met. It was then that he made peace with their breakup. She had molded him into a great guy, a guy who instead of exploding things, rationalizes and reasons situations. He watched Desereas mannerisms as this thought processed through him, he was in awe of her. After a few moments of awkward lingering, she spoke again.
“So, I guess we’ve had enough caffeine to talk each other to death, and I don’t want to leave knowing that I’ve bored you to death.” She said standing up.
“No... you didn’t, I had a great time. I would have had a pretty boring time talking to myself.”
She smiled shyly. She couldn’t look at him straight in the eye without feeling completely and utterly attracted to him.
“Listen, here’s the number to the hotel I’m staying at. “ She said grabbing her eyeliner and a napkin from the table.
“Maybe we can do something again this week?”
“That would be great.” He said taking the napkin and folding it.
“I need to catch a cab downtown, you?” She asked as they exited the café and entered the noisy street.
“Me too actually, we can go together.”
After hailing a cab and asking for two stops the driver asked her for her address first.
“Um, lets see she said taking out a business card. 454 West and 8th please thanks.”
It was uncanny.
“Are you serious, that’s where I’m staying.” He said taking out his own business card.
She grabbed it from him playfully.
“Wow, that’s hilarious!… maybe it’s fate.” She said in a flirting manner with a small laugh. “Just the one stop then please.” She called out to the driver.
“Maybe it is.” He responded looking over in her direction. They locked eyes for a moment, and the heat between them was more than apparent. It must’ve been more than a moment because before they knew it…
“Ok here ya go.” The cab driver said stopping the car. “That’ll be 7 bucks.”
Michael paid the fare and they entered the hotel together.
“I’m on the third floor.” She said pushing the button for the elevator to come.
“Fourth for me, I’ll walk you.”
It was funny. They had had an amazing time at the café, their conversation rarely contained a silent moment… but standing outside her room, they had almost morphed into young teenagers
“Well It was really nice meeting you.” Michael said extending his hand. She took it with a smile and shook it lightly. They stood there that way for a moment. It was the curse of the almost kiss. They both looked at each other clearly wanting to make a move…any move, but no one did.
“I’ll call you.” He said breaking the contact. With one last look he walked away and headed for the elevator, silently cursing himself the entire 20 steps.
She couldn’t bring herself to walk inside, and found herself just starring after him. She had never felt such a connection before in her life. There was something special about him, and she couldn’t risk him not calling.
“Michael!” She called out, she desperately tried to disguise the loud click clacking of her shoes in the quiet hallway at such a late hour, but couldn’t. His hand blocked the closing elevator door as she approached him.
She stood before him, his hand holding the door without much effort, it was almost as if he willed it to stay.
“Whats up?” he asked innocently.
“Ok I don’t want to appear like a crazy person but um… do you feel what I’m feeling?” she said stepping into the elevator with him.
He looked at her intently, seriousness locked in his eyes. Before the elevator doors closed, he walked over to her and softly pressed his lips onto hers. She closed her eyes reassuredly and reveled in the kiss, wrapping her hand around his neck.
Stay Tuned for Part 2!
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Jrose @----->Auhor of ongoing fic Everywhere This Love Goes... I Will Follow... I Will Follow... (located in the canon section)
A Tale of Two Zans (1st personalized fan fic for Sarah located in the Alien Abyss)
The Royals (2nd personalized fan fic written for kayla also located in The Alien Abyss)
Sparks will fly (pm or email)