Blood & Fire - Chapter Twenty-Six

The door bell rings, Liz feels one last pang of panic as she stares one more time into the mirror hoping that everything has found its place and not randomly dangling , falling or springing from nowhere.

Trying to gain a natural composure she takes one deep breath before opening the door, “Hi!  Come on in!  I’ll just grab my purse and I’ll be ready to go.”  She gives a quick anxious glance and smiles at him.

Relieved that he is wearing a lavender oxford shirt with cufflinks, but with his collar open and a pair of dark tailored slacks, Liz silently remarks to herself “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him more attractive that tonight!” 

As she is walking out to the car, Liz finds herself sliding off the walkway slightly twisting her ankle and landing her heel firmly in the soft grass.  She struggles to gracefully pull her heel out but fails. Gritting her teeth determined not to take her foot of her shoe, she tugs valiantly and the shoe is released from its muddy prison.  With momentum she flings herself forward and awkwardly catches her balance. She flips her hair behind her shoulder pretending the whole unexpected act was intentional.

Observing her routine, Darcy warmly smiles and calmly thinks “I just like her . . .”

Politely Darcy unlocks her car door on the passenger side rather than flipping the more convenient switch located on his door. Waiting for Liz to find her seat belt, he then closes the car door and heads towards his side with a swag of anticipation.   He quickly makes sure his pants are pulled down over his shoes and tucks in any material accidently hanging out from over his leather belt .  Darcy runs his hand through his hair to confirm that everything is in place before opening his door.

Feeling a little apprehensive about the evening, Liz takes a deep breath and inhales the masculine aroma of Darcy’s cologne.  Subconsciously speaking her thoughts while daydreaming out the window, Liz accidently murmurs under her breath “I should have worn the dress with the slit . . .”

Wanting to be attentive Darcy looks at her, “What did you say?  I don’t think I heard you.”

Embarrassed that he might have actually heard her, Liz flushes beet red, “uhh . . . I . . I just said “I think my blouse is wet” pretending to brush off invisible water that has not spilled on her shirt with her rapidly rotating hand.

On hearing what she originally said and liking her quick comeback, the corners of his eyes fold in a sweet smile towards her and he relaxes in the driver’s seat.

Wanting to start an easy conversation on the way to the restaurant, Darcy turns on the radio to his typical station that he likes listening to.  However, today the music is a new recording from an unknown musician.   The lyrics begin “Tell her that you need her, Tell her that you love her, tell her that you want her so”.  Not wanting to add any more pressure to the evening, he flips to another station which begins with a commercial with a warm inviting voice “Do you ever wonder how will you meet that special someone in your life? We can help you at soulmate.com”.  He quickly hits the scan for some other station for them both to enjoy, it stops at “This is your station FM96.8 for all dreamers and lovers”.  Panicked Darcy hits the CD button forgetting that he left in the music for the Singing Company competition which he is helping to judge at junior youth councils next month.  With cute little girls singing on the demo tape it is a new arrangement of “Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam”.

At this Liz bursts out laughing, stifling earlier giggles from random choices on the radio.  “I guessing this is for next month.  I’ve been helping Char during the week with her singing company group.  They’re doing really well.”

“Yes, they’ve asked me to be a judge for the divisional competition.  Since I don’t actually lead a vocal group they believe that I will be more fair and unprejudiced in selecting who will win” explains Darcy .

They pull into the parking space.  Liz steps out and adjusts her necklace and bolero see-thru jacket to make sure that everything is falling into place where it should.  Darcy walks with her to the door and holds it open as she passes through the entrance.  Liz is delighted that Darcy has such good southern manners even if he isn’t from the south.   “He might beat Rhett Butler in a duel”, she thinks to herself as her imagination runs away from her.

Darcy looks at her, “What were you just thinking about?  You had a kind-of a different look on your face.”

Calling herself to quick attention from her daydreams, Liz chuckles “oh, nothing really . . . thinking about how this restaurant reminds me of ‘Gone with the Wind’.” 

A little confused Darcy looks around at the grape and vine décor, he can’t recall a scene in the classic that looked anything similar to an Italian village.  But covering that he doesn’t know what she is talking about agrees “Yes, I can see what you mean.”

While he is standing so close to her in the crowded lobby, Liz takes one more deep breath of his manly cologne, finally the name of it comes to mind “Possession”.  It has been one of her favorites since high school. 

Darcy notices her arbitrarily sniffing and wonders if his cologne might be a little overbearing or worse yet if she is allergic to it. He moves slightly away from her to give her more breathing room hoping that his cologne will not cause her any future problems.  He considers for a moment that he might have gotten a little carried away with the shampoo, body wash, after-shave, and cologne all in the same scent profoundly wanting to impress her tonight.

Finally the hostess guides them to a table set for two in a very peaceful corner of the restaurant.  After placing her napkin in her lap, Liz looks Darcy directly in the eye and likes what she sees.  Darcy returns her gaze with an affectionate grin.

“So, how are your fund-raising efforts going for the new Kroc center?” asks Liz starting off the conversation with something she knows that Darcy is interested in.

“I’m glad you asked.  Things are going well.  We’ve reached about 80% of our fund raising goal.  I’m meeting with a couple more of potential corporate sponsors next week which seem very interested in offering their support to something that will be like a “beacon on the hill” begins Darcy taking a piece of bread and dipping it into the olive oil and grinded pepper mixture.

“What have been your some of your community contacts that have introduced you to the right people who can help build your project?” asks Liz knowing that it usually takes a friend of someone to introduce you to a stranger.

“As you know my cousin, William, is involved in that new Salvation Army auxiliary group for young adults both men and women ages 23-35 called “Eshelon” which is a military name but with a French flair.  They have a lot of initiative and show great momentum in helping us find people who will understand their cause to help the less fortunate in their community” sensing a perceptive audience Darcy continues “Just as you know my family is a social and financial leader in Pemberley , their contacts are either parents, friends of parents, friends or employers since most are in training to be eventual CEOs or CFOs and have an obvious future ahead of them.”

“It’s great that they are able to help with their resources to assist the Army in being successful in reaching out to others and providing the means to meet their needs” Liz concurs wholeheartedly supporting the kind philanthropy of the newly established group.

“So how are things going with your writing?  I’ve read a couple of your articles for the paper and I was impressed with your insight” sincerely offers Darcy taking another bite of his bread.

Thoroughly pleased that he has read anything that she has written, Liz glows “Really?  I didn’t know you had read anything of mine.  What particular articles are you talking about?”

“Well, I thought the one about conserving water was interesting because you listed both the positive and negative aspects, as well as standardized state testing for students” suggests Darcy “actually, I googled your name and found other stories on your blog which were quite entertaining.”

With her eyebrows raised, Liz can feel her eyes widen and her jaw drop a little longer than usual. She wonders exactly what he read.  Liz considers for a moment that she likes getting carried away in her stories and doesn’t review them very often as they wander the maze of the internet open to anyone perusal. “Uhh . . . thanks. I’m glad you liked them” shyly taking another sip of her sweet tea.

“Don’t worry about anything.  I found your stories funny and I like your characters.  How do you keep them all straight in your head as far as their interests and personalities?” genuinely asks Darcy.

“Oh I just like talking to myself” jokes Liz but then afraid that he might take her too seriously “Umm . . .  some of my characters remind me of people I have known and I sort of blend several people together to create one new person” taking another sip of tea “and then they become my friends”

“Really?” asks Darcy not sure what she entirely means by “friends”.

“Yes, it is a little like a child having imaginary friends, even if I am a little too old for that” smiles Liz as her eyes dance enjoying  watching Darcy’s reaction to this information in regards to her writing.

“How do you work out the conversation between the characters?” inquisitively asks Darcy wondering where she is going to go with this question.

“I role play in my mind each character and try to think of how they would respond in any given situation.  I try to experience what they might feel if they encountered certain awkward or painful events” explains Liz enjoying talking about her writing with someone that she trusts and feeling a mutual fondness for.

“Well, I don’t know about the whole talking to yourself thing, but I like what the end result is, so it is probably a good thing whatever it is that you do” rambles Darcy not sure where he is heading in his statement but trying to be encouraging and supportive of her creative talent.

“It keeps me busy in my spare time and lets my mind wander freely without too much obligation in the way” remarks Liz drifting into her own thoughts.

“Well, just don’t write about me, unless you make him ‘wonderful’, then it will be all right” teases Darcy instantly grabbing her by the hand which is lying gently on the table.  Although not planned, he lets his grasp linger enjoying feeling her soft touch.

The dinner continues as Darcy and Liz enjoy casual conversation over many topics which are of interest and in common with each other.  Much of the time is spent laughing or appreciating the value of the life experiences of the other.

After the last spoonful of dessert is finished, Liz looks down at her watch, “Did you realize what time it is?  We’ve been here for over three hours!”

“No, not really.  It’s gone by so quickly.  I think we’ve missed the movie.  We’ll definitely have to do this again” remarks Darcy as he glances over the bill.  He muses that although more than a burger, it was significantly worth every penny for this wonderful evening spent with Liz.

As Liz gets up from the table, Darcy moves closely beside her and takes her hand as they exit the restaurant.  In return, Liz feels the gentle pressure of his calming presence and looks up at the stars enjoying everything that is filling that moment.

As they return to the car, Darcy asks “It’s too late for the movies. Have you been down to Monument Park? Would you be interested in going for a walk?”

“Sounds good!  It would be nice to have a chance to walk off dinner” automatically placing her hands on her stomach but self-consciously Liz wonders if referring to anything remotely to do with her weight was really necessary at that moment.

“There is a scenic view of the city at night along the drive that is worth seeing” offers Darcy sincerely but with a desire of wanting to spend more time with Liz.

While driving, he takes Liz’s hand again in his own right hand. It seems to him that this is the happiest he has been for a very long time.  When he can, he takes glances to observe Liz’s profile and tries to capture the moment so he can remember it at a later time. 

Liz catches him a few times looking intently at her and lovingly smiles back at him knowing that she would like this moment to last forever.

After a bit of chatter about nothing in particular, they arrive at the park.  Darcy meets her on the passenger side of the car and offers his hand again to politely help her out but with the intent of not letting go of her hand.

Eventually while they are slowly walking along the cement path, Darcy lets go of her hand and moves it around her shoulder.  Liz feels comfortable and places her arm casually around his waist as they walk and admire the city lights at night.

“Liz, if you could do anything in the world without any restrictions, what would it be?” curiously asks Darcy wanting to know what her dreams are for her future.

“That’s a good question.  Well, if I didn’t have to have a paycheck to survive, I think being a novelist would be a lot of fun as long as I found a few people who enjoyed reading my books” jokes Liz feeling Darcy’s grasp tighten around her shoulder.

“What would you do?  Do you like working for the Kroc or would you do something else?” probing asks Liz “What do you enjoy doing the most?”

“I think that I would be a professional musician, but then again I would have to find people who were interested in listening to me play” teases Darcy with a twinkle in his eye “But the Kroc is all right for now.”

As they reach a strategically placed bench in a garden in the walkway, Darcy guides Liz and sits down next to her.  He gently places a hand on her cheek and looks into her eyes for a moment before he kisses her.  Liz feeling his care and admiration returns her whole hearted feelings towards him.

On arriving back at the home of Char and Collins, Darcy leans in to say goodbye again to Liz.  “I’ll call you tomorrow.  Thank you for the wonderful evening.”

Blood & Fire - Chapter Twenty-Five

Disparagingly Liz stands glaring at the mirror in the dressing room of the Giselle store in the mall.  A pile of clothes lay haphazardly tossed on the bench in the changing room. “Nothing seems to fit!  Or I just look stupid!  What do you think of this, Char?”

Standing in the hallway, Char feels the endless agony of trying to help her friend decide what will make her evening special.  Liz stands in front of her, her face buried in a collage of ruffles and frills with a waistband so high that it appears that a designer has decided that there is only one part of her body left to accent.

Char sighs with a note of comfort in her voice “I’m sure whatever you decide will be all right”. 

In a fit of disgust, Liz kicks the spare pant leg away from her body but her shoe randomly collides with her frustration knocking her shoe into the stall next to her.  Liz bends down and yells between the end of the wall and the floor “Sorry!” The shoe with deliberate momentum is kicked back with a gruff humph.  “Obviously, her clothes are not fitting her either” murmurs Liz quietly to herself.

“Thanks for helping me hang up all these clothes again” appreciatively states Liz and then sigh of feeling overwhelmed,   “He just wasn’t very clear.  I’m not sure if this is a date or not –a-date.  I don’t want to overdress and make us both uncomfortable.  In particular I don’t want to embarrass myself if we are just going out as buddies.  I guess it doesn’t matter because I can’t find anything that doesn’t make me look like an Amazon, clown, or an elephant!” rationalizes Liz as she tosses another less-than-perfect shirt on top of the large pile “But if he has really invited me out on a date, then I want to make sure that he knows that I’m really looking forward to spending the evening with him.”

“Wait a minute, I’ll be right back!” excited states Char watching another woman returning some dresses that evidently were also lost cause.

Assuredly Char returns after a few moments. “Why don’t you try these two?” suggests Char handing her a black dress on a hanger through the slight opening of the door which she spent the last ten minutes looking for tired of looking at Liz’s choices of which not seemed quite right.

After a few minutes of shuffling and banging her elbow on the door with an “owww”  Char hears a shrieking voice “I like it!” as the door finally opens “What do you think?” asks Liz.

It is a simple black spaghetti strapped blouse with a chiffon see-thru bolero top with cleavage hidden but tastefully unconcealed with matching tailored dark slacks.  “I think that is very nice!” agrees Char “You’ll definitely have to get that one!” then with some encouragement “Why don’t you try this dress on too?”

After a few more minutes of wiggling and scuffling, “Wow!” Char hears Liz’s voice through the door.  “I think that I might have to save this for a time when I know for sure it is a ‘date’!”

“What do you think?” asks Liz twirling so Char can see and measure every angle to make sure it fits right.

With eyebrows raised Char confirms and pleased for her friend “I think Darcy will like that very much!”

“I think it is a bit daring for a first date” pointing to the slit on her right leg and a neckline that decidedly plunges a little deeper than a t-shirt” admiring herself again in the mirror “but I think he will like it too! Hopefully he will ask me out on another date or a first date depending on whatever this is.”

Now realizing that it is time to pay for her items, Liz glances down at the dangling price tags from her handful of items.  Absorbing the price of each items Liz grimaces “Well, at least working the required overtime will help me pamper myself a little bit”.  She digs through the chasm of her cluttered purse to find a debit card and confidently places it on the counter in front of the clerk.  The clerk picks up each item and admires her choices boosting Liz’s confidence that she has chosen wisely.

“Did you bring some black heels with you?” asks Char cautiously aware that this might mean another trip to a different store.

“Yes, I have some black platform pumps with a peep-toe that I think will work well with both outfits.” Relieved explains Liz ready to taking her shopping conquest home and rest her feet for awhile.

“Why don’t we head over to Starcups for some good coffee?  I think that I need to find a burst of energy that seems severely lacking at the moment” announces Char alleviated that the shopping tour has ended.

Resting in a comfortable booth holding their warm cups of steaming coffee, Char casually glances around the café and notices two of her recognizable friends walking towards the counter.

“Liz, you might want to slowly look over your left shoulder.  I think a few of our friends had the same idea” instructs Char smiling at this chance meeting among friends.

Before turning hearing a familiar voice request a cappuccino, Liz feels her cheeks gently turning crimson.  Instantly, Liz grabs the store bags with large labels and pushes them under the table.  Anxiously but without reason Liz wants to remove any proof for Darcy to realize that she has been thinking about him all day during her shopping adventures.

“Hey!  Can we join you?” asks William pulling up a chair before waiting for a response “What are you doing here?”

“We’re shopping” responds Char with a twinkle in her eye towards her friend “It’s what women usually do on a Saturday or so I’ve heard.  It’s not my thing, but today we have had fun.”

Uncharacteristically Liz is quiet and goofily grins not trying to give herself away.  She starts to touch her cup but has forgotten the sleeve and it is too hot to touch.  Darcy leans his head and little to the left, noticing that something is up even if he isn’t sure what it is.

 “Just a minute . . . “politely states Darcy. He returns with a mug sleeve for her coffee. 

Noticing his kindness, Liz warmly smiles up at him “Thank you. I somehow managed to forget to pick up one”.

When Darcy attempts to pull up his discovered lone chair from across the room to the table, William competitively scoots his chair closer to Liz to make room for Darcy, but then casually rests his arm on the back of Liz’s chair while talking to the others as if claiming his seat.  Darcy looks him in the eye and then shakes his head at him and turns away.

“So, what have you been shopping for?” practically asks Char “It doesn’t look like you are carrying any shopping bags that I can see”.

“I just came along for the ride.  Darcy needed a haircut. He was insistent on wanting something more stylish than his typical mop.  He thought the mall would be the best place to find one” jokes William laughing at his cousin “He needed me as an advisor to tell him what was ‘in’ since he seems rather clueless to me.  What have you girls been up to?”

“Nothing really . . . we’ve been just mostly looking.  I found a couple of things, when we decided to take a break and have a cup of coffee” interjects Liz before Char can explain any more unwanted details “By the way Darcy, the haircut looks good on you.”

Pleased, Darcy’s cheeks turn slightly pink at the reception of her compliment “Thanks.” Then self-consciously tossing his head to the side as an after comment and softly spoken “I’m glad you like it.”

Watching him in response Liz beams thinking to herself how handsome he looks today.  She adjusts her chair so she has a better view of him and not so much of William who is sitting next to her.

“So Liz, what kind of movies do you like? Darcy and I were talking and trying to figure that out today” William looks over at Char sipping on her hot coffee and with a friendly smile and twist of his lips “Don’t worry Char, you weren’t left out, we discussed you and Collins too.”  He smiles a very large cheesy smile. Char rolls her eyes and smiles back at him as she sets her coffee on the table waiting to hear what this discussion contained.

“Umm . . .  I’d like to hear what you picked out for me” curiously responds Liz wondering how well William or Darcy know her.

“I said you like horror films and heavy action movies with futuristic military men” confidently admits William “I think Darcy was way off.  I don’t think he knows you as well as I do.”

Scrutinizing William’s choices but trying not to give her thoughts away, Liz jokingly asks “Okay Darcy confess . . . what did you choose for me?”

Darcy blushes, “I … don’t know … I was just guessing” shuffling his feet under the table “It was a conversation William started and couldn’t get away from” glaring at his cousin for the moment.

“Go on tell her, or I will.  Then we’ll see who is right!” teases William enjoying seeing Darcy look so uncomfortable about being put on the spot.

“I would guess since you like to write that stories would be something that interests you.  So, I think books made into movies, period dramas, some action if it relates to a point in history might be something that you would like, but I could be completely wrong.  I guessing from what I know about you” unusually shyly responds Darcy taking another sip of his warm coffee.

“Well, you are right.  I do really enjoy movies from history and I do like thrillers, but unfortunately not the horror scream-a-thons which most people seem to enjoy.  I do like the occasional sci-fi movie with futuristic beings, but not where the movie is one entire battle scene.  Of course my favorites which you were able to surmise are the period dramas but I like comedy and most movies in general” rambles Liz providing a more than necessary and descriptive answer which Darcy attempts to memorize for future reference.

“I’m really disappointed in you.  I thought the scream-fest would be at the top of your list” teases William “I’m not so sure about those old-fashioned costume movies though . . . not my thing” unconsciously shaking his head in response to that unwanted answer.

“What movies do you like Darcy?” curiously asks Liz to see if their interests are the same or what they might share in common.

“Adventure, action, but I also like history movies too as long as it is a realistic and mostly accurate portrayal of events in time” offers Darcy contemplating “I like some drama if it is done well and not over the top, and a good comedy is always fun.  I’ll have to take you to some of the movies I like and see what you think Liz.”

“I think that would be a great idea! Just don’t be mad if I don’t like something.  Some people are very protective of their movie opinions” smiles Liz recalling for a moment and unable to stop before expressing herself trapped within her memories “I went on a very bad first and only date experience that just went downhill from there.  Fortunately, he never called again.”

Darcy nervously chuckles “I hope those things go better with me . . .  or us . . . uh “then shaking his head “you know what I’m trying to say . . .”

“I’m not so sure Darcy” intentionally confused states William “Sometimes you are hard to figure out. But I do remember that time the group of us went to the alien movie in college and Caroline Bingley clung to you the entire movie when she wasn’t screaming at the top of her lungs in the theatre”.

Both William and Darcy rambunctiously laugh to each other until Darcy notices the look of irritation on Char’s face and an image of disappointment hanging from Liz. He suddenly gulps and takes another sip of his coffee.

“Who has Caroline been dating anyway?  Has she caught you yet?” taunts William “She’s been chasing you for years! Frankly, I don’t think she’ll ever give up until she has her trophy.”

“Caroline and I are just friends” firmly states Darcy looking at William but then directly looking into Liz’s eyes to confirm the truth of his statement.  “I think Caroline would never be happy with me, and I’m sure she’ll find someone else who is willing to keep her attention”.

“You’re probably right.  Caroline is a bit of a viper though.  You never know when she is going to bite you though if you cross her” mocks William from personal dating experience “There’s always Anne, I guess, if Caroline chains someone else.”

Feeling uncomfortable with the whole conversation, Liz interrupts “I’ll be right back” and heads towards the ladies room. Char picks up her purse and follows behind her.

Swiftly Darcy kicks William in the shin under the table. In response William squeals rubbing his leg “What did you do that for? I haven’t done anything!”

 Tightening his upper lip, “Would you quit bringing up the old girlfriends? Find something, anything else to talk about!”  Darcy crosses his arms in front of him and rests his knee on his leg too turning slightly in his chair away from the view of William beside him.

Char and Liz return after a few moments.  It appears both have refreshed their lipstick and have shared some secret communication with each other although the code is still unknown to the men whom they are sharing coffee with.

“So what are your plans for the next month or so?  Will you be seeing the Bingley’s?” curious but with a motive of intent asks Char.

“I think that I’ll be running into Bingley next week at a conference.  I don’t know when I’ll see Caroline again” offers Darcy in an attempt to make it clear that Caroline is not an item on his social calendar.

“Please say “HI!” to Bingley for me and I’m sure Jane would like me to send greetings to” offers Liz “Jane has been doing very well and likes her job.  Hopefully the Bingleys will be returning again next summer”.

“I don’t know what they are planning.  It’s difficult to keep up with their schedule” abruptly states Darcy “I suppose your sister has been spending time with her friends”.

“Yes, she has lots of friends” defensively reprimands Liz not understanding the change in tone of Darcy’s voice but trying to match it “She goes out all the time with people she cares about.”

“It figures” retorts Darcy under his breath smartly taking another sip of his coffee and ignoring any response Liz might have.

For a moment, Liz looks at him puzzled a little confused by his behavior when her sister is mentioned.  She decides to dwell on the possible reason later on her own.

“Let them know, we would like to see them again at Longbourne Citadel when you happen to run into them again!” continues Liz hoping that Darcy will encourage Bingley to make another visit.

“Well ladies, I think that it’s time Darcy and I headed out.  We’ll see you later!” chants William pushing his chair back into the table.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Liz.  I’ll be there at 6 pm” confirms Darcy rather briskly.

“See you then!”  Returns Liz with a smile still not sure if it is a ‘date’ or not.

Blood & Fire - Chapter Twenty-Four

“Thanks for letting me come over.  My mom is borrowing my car while the mini-van is in the shop to have its automatic side door fixed.  It’s been slammed shut a little too hard a few times too many.  Darcy told me that he has been waiting for this movie to come out for a long time.  I think it is great we get to see it together, don’t you?” exclaims Anne.

“Yes, I agree” nods Liz in a weak voice being a little tired of spending so much time with Anne lately but polite enough not to let her know it “I hear it has good reviews”.

“Sorry I had to bother you, when I talked to Darcy today, he told me that he had an appointment this afternoon and that unfortunately he wasn’t able to pick me up but he would see me at the theatre” insincerely explains Anne conveniently not mentioning the nineteen unanswered times she had tried to call first before he finally returned her phone call in response to a text of “I need your help!”

“I would have liked to go with all of you, but unfortunately I have corps council tonight.  It is the quarterly planning meeting for the activities of the corps.  Maybe next time, I’ll be able to go with you” sighs Char not looking forward to an evening of Myrtle and Olive arguing back and forth over who has more War Crys to distribute to the Senior Care facilities even though she has been very methodical in making sure that each woman has an equal amount.

“It’s been so much fun going out with Darcy and William!  I really hope that I’ve been able to keep up with everyone else.  You are all so quick, and it takes me awhile to catch up sometimes” noticing that Liz is not confirming or denying this statement Anne adds with more tenderness in her voice  “Darcy is so sweet though, explaining everything to me to make sure I’m not left behind.”

“Yes, that’s very thoughtful of him.  But I’m sure that you are quite able to understand most things” frankly states Liz a little annoyed with the attention and affirmation Anne is constantly seeking from Darcy.

“William seems to be one of your secret admirers” offers Anne “What do you think of him?”

“I don’t know.  William is nice, we get along.  He’s fun” describes Liz “What do you think of him?”

“I think he’s charming but not as handsome as Darcy” clarifies Anne “However, I wouldn’t mind be attached to either one of them.  Do you think Darcy likes me? We’ve been friends forever.  I wonder if he could ever see me as his girlfriend.  What do you think Liz?”

“I … I think that is something you’ll need to find out for yourself” suggests Liz not wanting to encourage Anne’s attraction to Darcy.

“Really, I’m sure you have an idea.  Do you think he could see me as his girlfriend?” pursues Anne “He likes women who are intelligent and fun.  Do you think he would ever look at me more seriously?”

“We all have our special gifts and personalities.  I’m sure if he wanted to be with you, he would find a way to do that” politely rationalizes Liz “Someday you’ll find a man who you click with better than others.”

“I know I will.  But what do you think of the idea of Darcy and me?  Don’t you think we would make such an attractive couple together?  We both know each other so well” continues Anne “Not like you and Darcy who have only known each other for such a short time.  We know his other’s history and understand one another better than anyone else.”

“Ummm … that’s interesting” answers Liz searching desperately in her mind for some other topic to talk about other than Anne’s hopeful relationship with Darcy “What are your plans for the week?”

“To get Darcy to like me!” Anne giggles to herself “What else?”

“When will your mother’s van be ready?”  asks Liz hoping that this conversation will not take place every night for the next week.

“I don’t know.  It works out best this way.  I can always get a ride with Darcy wherever I need to go” Anne adds with special emphasis “He’s always made sure that I’m taken care of.”

“Are you wearing that tonight?” asks Anne evaluating Liz’s wardrobe choice.

“Yes, I thought jeans would be the most comfortable.  None of us are on a date” defends Liz “Is there something wrong?”

“No, I just feel a little too dressed up for the occasion” offers Anne “I would hate to get all the attention”.

“I’m not worried about that” offers Liz thinking her in head that Anne is use to getting a lot of attention in one way or another “I would just like to see the movie”.

“I think that I hear Darcy’s horn!  I can recognize the sound of his car from miles away!” rushes Anne before stopping a second in front of the mirror next to door to make a last minute lipstick check.

After Anne walks out the front door, Liz pauses for a moment before the mirror and shrugs her shoulders.  She murmurs under her breath “it was the best that I could do for a non-date”.

 As Liz catches up on the sidewalk with Anne, she grabs Liz’s arm to stop her for a second. “I don’t handle being in the backseat very well when someone else drives, so I need to sit in the front seat.  I didn’t want to bring this up in front of the guys though that would be embarrassing.  I hope you don’t mind.”

“It’s fine with me” offers Liz after noticing the motive for Anne’s statement.  Darcy is at the wheel as Anne opens the front door and moves in while leaning as close as possible without being overly noticeable to the others next to Darcy.  She touches his arm and smiles at him “Thanks so much for including me tonight!  It’s so thoughtful of you to think of me too!”

In response Darcy politely smiles and looks in the review mirror as Liz adjusts her seatbelt sitting next to William.  “Liz, you look very pretty tonight! Did you do something different to your hair?”

“No, not really . . . I might have straightened it some and it decided to agree with me and stay that way” states Liz with a smile.

“Did you have a good day?  I hope your day went really well for you” offers William stroking his hair into place.

“Thanks it was good.  Char and I did some chores around the house and then spent some time shopping together.  We went to a tea room for lunch which was fun” explains Liz “I don’t suppose you’ve ever been to a tea room?”

“I can’t say that I have.  But it seems kind-of the girl thing to do”, acknowledges William “I’m more into going to see a game in my free time”.

“I’ve been to a tea room with my sister.  It’s really not that bad, at least they have good sandwiches even if they are not very large” interrupts Darcy smiling back at Liz who seems pleased with his effort “What did Char and you have for lunch?”

“I had some tomato bisque with cucumber and mint sandwiches while Char had garden vegetable quiche” Liz restates her menu “and of course scones with preserves and tea”.

“My favorite is the smoked salmon quiche” inserts Darcy hoping to inspire some admiration in Liz for his attention to details.

“I don’t think that I’ve had that before” answers Liz surprised that Darcy would remember any of the menu.

“How do you know what they serve in a tea room?” asks William “It’s a lot of fluff and lace, I don’t really see that as your thing Darcy!”

“You don’t know everything about me” hushes Darcy.

As he looks up in his review mirror, Darcy notices that William is resting his arm on the headrest behind Liz and seems quite comfortable leaning into her for conversation.  He sees an opportunity ahead of him with an incoming yellow light.  He slams on the break, thrusting everyone forward. Williams quickly removes his arm to brace himself from crashing into the Back of Darcy’s seat.

“Whoa! Be careful! You’ve got fragile cargo back here!” exclaims William readjusting himself in the seat to make sure his seatbelt is still intact.

 Darcy smiles to himself.

Upon arriving at the theatre, Darcy drops everyone off at the front so they can get in line to purchase the movie tickets while he finds a parking space.

“Liz and I need to go to the ladies room for a minute.  We’ll be right back” orders Anne grabbing Liz’s arm not waiting for her permission.

Once they are in the bathroom alone, Anne confidentially asks “What do you think Darcy thought of my outfit?  He didn’t say anything, but I’m sure he was thinking something.  Do you think he liked it?”

“You look very nice.  I’m sure he likes your dress.” Answers Liz.

“Do you think it is a good color on me?  I hope he thinks that I look pretty” states Anne and then in a more firm voice “He was watching me the whole time in the car. You’re right,  I don’t think he could keep his eyes off me.”

Liz looks puzzled for a minute not understanding when she agreed that Darcy could not keep her eyes off Anne, but then shaking her head tries to not let it bother her.  Liz tells herself  “Darcy can like whoever he wants whether it’s me or he chooses to like someone else”.

Stepping in front of her and blocking her way to the door, “Liz, are you paying attention?  I asked you a question!  Do you think Darcy will try to kiss me tonight?” emphatically asks Anne.

“I really don’t know that’s up to him and you, I guess” states Liz wanting to end this conversation as quickly as possible “I think that the guys are probably wondering where we are” as she takes a determined effort to reach the exit door before Anne can stop her again.

“You’re right.  If he gives me a chance, I can make it happened” resolvedly Anne echoes throughout the bathroom as if claiming her territory.

On arriving at the aisle where William and Darcy are already waiting, Liz finds an empty seat on the aisle, the next seat occupied by Darcy, the next seat empty, and then with William in the next chair.  A few people sit a few chairs away.  Darcy jumps out of his chair into the aisle.  Anne pushes Liz in front of her. Liz takes the chair between Darcy and William. 

Darcy appears to be disturbed and a little restless once everyone takes their seats.

Noticing that Darcy appears to be giving all of his attention to Liz sitting next to him, Anne sighs “A movie just isn’t the same without popcorn.  Darcy, why don’t you get us some popcorn.  I know how much you like it too!”

He thinks for a moment, “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

As soon as he is out of site, Anne moves into the chair next to Liz.  “Wasn’t it so nice of Darcy to offer to get popcorn for all of us!  He knows how much I love it!”

Liz smiles and turns toward William aching for some different conversation.  William on the other hand is playing a game on his cell phone. “I just got the high score!” exuberantly shares William. Liz stretches her neck looking up at the patterned ceiling hoping for some relief.

A few minutes later Darcy returns with a big bucket of popcorn.  He stops in the aisle, “Uhh … Anne weren’t you sitting in the aisle seat.  I don’t want to take your place.”

“Yes, but I thought that I would let you sit there so you have more leg room” kindly offers Anne.

“I’m okay.  Don’t worry about me.  You can sit on the aisle.  You can probably see better that way” suggests Darcy not knowing exactly how to get her to move back to her original spot.

“Don’t worry about it.  I’m comfortable where I am at and I don’t want to move now! Go ahead and sit, the movie is about to start and everyone will be wondering why you are still standing up!” coaxes Anne.

In capitulation Darcy sits in the aisle seat and sulks. This isn’t going as he had planned for the evening. He looks down the aisle, William in his classic move has arranged to place his arm behind Liz’s chair.  With some relief, Liz seems oblivious to the event and looks for a second at him catching his eyes staring at her.  She looks down but looks up again and smiles back at him.

Darcy sighs with relief, “maybe it won’t be so bad” he thinks to himself taking another handful of buttered popcorn.

A half hour into the movie, Anne yawns and leans softly against his shoulder.  Uncomfortable with this new gesture, slightly pulls away and props himself on the opposite arm rest as the movie continues.

Throughout the movie Liz has felt William’s hand gently touch her shoulder a few times.  Not exactly wanting this type of affection, Liz leans forward away from the back of her chair.  She likes William and finds him fun to be around but a date isn’t what she had in mind.  She notices that naturally Darcy and her laugh at the same comedic moments and moved by other scenes at the same time which Anne and William seem a little oblivious to.

On the way back to the car, Darcy and Liz repeat some of their favorite lines from the movie back and forth with each other and recall some of their favorite scenes.  William and Anne appear lost in the conversation.  William asks Anne if she has seen the most recent football game on TV.  They choose to talk about that instead.

Again Anne jumps for the front seat with a smirk of achievement at Liz on her arrival at the car waiting for the doors to be unlocked.

“That was fun!  When do you want to go again?  I’m free on Friday for the new thriller that is coming out” suggests William “Liz, I think that you’ll really like it.  Anne might scream a few times, however, but she can use Darcy as a shield from the parts she doesn’t want to watch”.

“Sounds like a great idea to me!” Anne concurs giving a flirtatious look to Darcy staring at the steering wheel in front of him “Darcy, you will probably need to pick me up. I can hardly wait!”

“Liz, how about it?” encouragingly asks William again moving his arm behind the headrest where Liz is re-cooperating.

“I think that will be all right.  I’ll have to check with Char’s plans for the day to see what she had in mind for us to do this week” returns Liz wishing that it were Darcy asking her out instead and not looking forward to another evening of Anne’s questions.

Darcy glances up again in his review mirror.  He sees Liz turn to look at something in her window across the parking lot. She doesn’t appear to be that happy and he cautiously wonders for a second if maybe her evening didn’t go as she hoped either.

“If you don’t mind, I’m going to drop Anne off at her house first.  I need to run by the post office and it’s on the way to her house from here” suggests Darcy.

“I don’t mind the ride. I can wait for everyone else to be dropped off first.  It doesn’t bother me!” hurriedly interjects Anne “I like to drive around the city at night”.

“Your mom is probably wondering where you are and you don’t want to leave her too long by herself” suggests Darcy “there will be other times to see the city.”

Reluctantly Anne tightens her lips and crosses her arms, sulking in her car seat.  “I guess, as long as you promise to take me for a ride some other time!”

In reply Darcy smiles and nods his head agreeing in his heart that it could take place any time during the next fifty years and it won’t have to be just the two of them.

Finally they arrive at the Debourgh’s home.  “Look, my mother didn’t leave the light on for me.  Darcy, would you mind walking me to the door.  It’s so difficult to see at night!” pleadingly asks Anne.

Reacting Liz cannot help herself and rolls her eyes as she turns her head to face the window.  William catches her response and nudges Liz in the shoulder.  They share a look of acknowledged agreement.

Grabbing his arm to steady her balance that appears to be unusually uneven tonight, Anne moves closer to Darcy almost stepping on his shoes as she treads the walkway.

Darcy politely drops her at the doorstep.  Anne raises her chin to meet him eye to eye. Darcy takes a step back, “Uh, everyone is waiting. Hope you have a good evening.  I’ll talk to you sometime later!” announces Darcy rushing as quickly as he can back down the pathway to his car.

Pouting Anne quietly stomps her foot in protest as she shuffles through her purse to find the door key.

“Liz, you can sit up front now.  There’s more room up here” offers Darcy holding the front door open waiting for her demanded response.

Obediently Liz gets out of the backseat and moves to the front. “You’re right there is a little bit more room up here!”

Without anything being said, Darcy pulls in front of William’s home.

“I thought you were going to take Liz home first.  I live closer to you than she does!” points out William disappointed that Darcy will be able to talk to Liz on his own.

Hiding his feelings, Darcy quietly does not respond waiting for his cousin to remove himself from his car. “I’ll call you later.” He finally states.

In the meantime, Liz sorts through her purse looking for her cell phone to see if she has any messages from Char.  One text reads “running late. Argument at cc.  now have to meet with both ladies.”

Finding it humorous, Liz giggles and explains the text as well as the background of the feud to Darcy as it has been relayed to her by Char.

“I’m glad it worked out to take you home last, Liz” shares Darcy “I enjoy talking with you.”

“Thanks.  I like talking to you too” responds Liz in mutual admiration.

“Would you like to go out sometime with me without everyone else?” nervously asks Darcy “There is some places I think you would like to see but I don’t know about the others.”

“Sure” states Liz shrugging her shoulders not sure if he is asking her out on a real date or asking if she is interested in spending some time with him “Just let me know when.”

“How does tomorrow night sound?” asks Darcy not looking directly at her but at the windshield in front of him.

Still not sure of the motive of his request, Liz responds “Okay, I don’t think that I have anything planned tomorrow night.”

Waiting for another moment, he wipes his palms on his pants “Great! I’ll pick you up about six and we can go to dinner together.”

“Really? Okay, sounds good to me!” agrees Liz contented the way the evening is ending “Looks like we’re here!” jumping out of the car “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Blood & Fire - Chapter Twenty-Three

Adjusting the visor and then his seat, Darcy leans back as he waits in the parking lot of the bowling alley for his other friends to arrive.  He glances at his watch.  It is a little early and gives him time to think about his hopes for the evening.

With a friendly smile, he hears the familiar sounds of “Maud” gliding around the corner.    He ducks down so that he will not be noticed.  He watches as Liz attempts three times to Parallel Park between to the white lines of the parking space.  She still misses as he sees Liz shrug her shoulders while rolling her eyes and then turning off the ignition.  

Pulling down the visor and peering at the mirror, Liz brushes her hair and then makes a face scrunching up her nose.  Darcy sees her bending over in the car seat, obviously frantically looking for something.  She again comes to attention and stares back at the mirror adjacent to her forehead.   She applies the lipstick and then appears to be growling in the mirror.  Darcy can’t figure out what she is doing, until he notices her finger brushes her teeth to remove some unwanted mauve lipstick. She does a cheesy smile, grimaces, and then throws her leftover hair back over her shoulder.

With the sound of the cranky door opening, Darcy ducks deeper beneath the dashboard but keeps enough of a periscope view to watch her disembarking.  Liz steps out of her car but is suddenly snapped back as she attempts to sling her purse over her shoulder.  The seat belt whips around her, practically choking her.  Darcy stifles his chuckles in case he should be caught observing this nonsense. 

Angrily Liz attempts to separate her errant purse from the seat belt that is stubbornly still attached to her car.  She with grace closes her car door, and then quietly looks around to see if anyone has noticed.  Convinced that she is free from shame, Liz smiles to herself unable to control her laughter at her own silliness while heading toward the entrance door of the bowling alley. 

Feeling the pain of biting his lip too hard in an attempt not to be heard, he finally lets out a guff of laughter.  Recalling how much that he has enjoyed being with Liz lately, he pulls again at his shirt to make sure that he is ready for the evening with her.

As he locks the door to his car, Anne pulls up beside him in her tiny Smart car. “Hi Darcy!  Look, how convenient, I found a space right next to you!  It’s as if you saved it for me!” suggests Anne flashing her biggest smile.

“Hi Anne.  How are you?” politely asks Darcy slowing down not to make it appear to Liz that they might have arrived together. 

Noticing the slowing of his moments, Anne continues “Don’t rush!  I’ll wait for you.  We can go in together.  I find it so hard to always be the first one to arrive or to end up going in alone.  It’s much easier having someone to meet the crowds with.  You know what I mean?”

“Yes, I do.   But I might be a moment or two; I think that I left my wallet in the car.  Go on ahead, I’ll meet you inside in just a moment” offers Darcy not sure what else to do.

“No, you didn’t.  I can see it in your back pocket.  I forget sometimes the simplest things too.  I’m always losing my keys and can’t find them anywhere then I realize that they were in my hand the whole time!  I’m sure you never do anything like that though.  You are someone others depend on to find things for them” states Anne with a twinkle in her smile and then setting her pace to match in line with Darcy’s step.

Darcy smiles as he takes in a deep breath.  This evening may not go exactly as he had originally planned.  When reaching the sidewalk, he feels a slap on his back.  Darcy turns around to see his cousin William.

“Ohhhh” in a singsong voice “I see you have a date tonight!” smirks William glad that his competition is already occupied with someone else.

“No, uh, I, uh, we, uh” stammers Darcy unable to think of a quick response to counter what he knows to be William’s thoughts.

Anne interrupts, “How funny!  Darcy and I on a date!  Yes, I can see how you might think we were together.  Sometimes people do that if they don’t ask assuming what a great couple we would make. But we’re “just friends” you know” moving in closer to Darcy and giving him a little squeeze and hug around his arm while catching William’s eyes to confirm his suspicion.

Darcy nervously smiles and moves a step in the opposite direction from her to put some distance between the two of them. 

Seeing that Darcy is quickly moving ahead of them up the cement stairs, Anne calls out “Darcy, could you wait a minute?  I wore these heels with my jeans and I think there is a pebble in the bottom of one of the shoes.  If you don’t mind, I need to borrow your shoulder to help me balance for a moment”.

William contentedly smiles at Anne’s conquest.  With one hand in his pocket and the other opening the door, enters the bowling alley for the evening of activities with Liz and his other friends.

Intentionally keeping Darcy’s attention, Anne removes and places her errant shoe a few times back on her feet until William is safely in the door and beyond being able to return.  “I think that I got it now.  I really could not have done it without your help!”

Dismissively Darcy replies, “No, problem” as he anxiously moves quickly towards the door to catch up with his cousin with Anne successfully tottering closely behind.

As they enter the bowling alley Alice Hammer greets them at the entrance, “What are you doing here?  I just saw William and Liz at the soda counter but haven’t had a chance to say hello yet.”

Although normally thrilled to see Alice Hammer, Darcy is a little agitated not to be able to talk with Liz before it appears William already has a chance.  “We’re having a get-together will some of the people of the corps and we’re running a little late”.

“Oh.  I hope I’m not holding you up!” smiles Alice Hammer chopping on some bright pink gum and attempting then to blow a bubble. “I just love Bubble bonanza gum.  It blows the biggest bubbles.  I just can’t help myself!”

Darcy relaxes and smiles at his friend.  “It’s good to see you too!  I didn’t know you played in a bowling league.”

“Oh yes!  For the last few months I’ve been on the corps Home League team with a few members from the Men’s Club.  We had to add the men after Myrtle and Olive got mad because we decided that gutter balls had to be counted rather than just being considered a practice throw. They quit, so we added Mr. Woodhouse to the team.  Jennings came up with the name “Super Salvos” for our group.  If you notice, our colors are in red, yellow, and blue.  See the name is on the back of my yellow bowling shirt” excitedly explains Alice Hammer grabbing an unobservant Jennings by the sleeve coming up next to her.  Alice Hammer models the team logo on the back of Jennings’ shirt with bright red glitter letters spelling “SUPER SALVOS” as if pretending to be Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune.

Deeply sighing, Alice Hammer continues “I wanted each of us to wear a tiara like Wonder Woman with the shield in the middle, but Jennings thought that might be a bit too much” lifting both of her wrists in a crossed formation for an easy view raising her voice in sheer excitement “However, she still allowed us to have the gold terrycloth wrist bands with the red star the middle!”

Jennings standing next to Alice Hammer now, rolls her eyes and shakes her head feeling rather helpless to make any other choice.  “What can I say?  Compromise is always a good idea if you want to make your team happy “displaying her own empowerment wrist bands “I guess we are all super heroes.  I just wish that I could manage my gutter balls a little better” excuses Jennings feeling a bit dismayed by the evening’s final team score.

“We’re about ready to go get some pizza at the “Pizza Palace” around the corner.  Maybe if it’s not too late you could join us later” kindly offers Alice Hammer,  “However, Mr. Woodhouse has a bedtime of 8 pm, so if we are not back at the Silver Crest by then, he’ll be a real cranky teddy bear tomorrow!”

Jennings standing beside her giggles at the truth of this statement. “Mr. Woodhouse functions as our manager.  But it is hard to keep him awake during the game especially if it lasts longer than we expect it to because of having to wait for a lane to open”.

“It’s good seeing you!  Hope you have a great evening together!” waves Jennings pulling Alice Hammer towards the door “Well kids, it’s time for us to go, my stomach is speaking back to me.  I’m hungry and Pizza Palace has the best croutons!”  Just behind her Mr. Woodhouse raises his arm branded with his own gold terrycloth wristband waving “Good seeing you guys!” and then with a large yawn letting the door slowly close behind him.

Trying to keep up, Anne quietly follows Darcy taking rapid tiny steps over to the shoe counter.  Darcy asks for his shoe size and turns to Anne waiting for her response.  Anne looks a little confused for a moment, but then seems to have an idea “I’ll take a nine” calmly states Anne.

Anne picks up her standard pair of bowling shoes from the counter and catches up with Darcy to walk in sync with him to the seating coral where William and Liz are chatting while waiting for the others to arrive.  Darcy aims for an empty seat on the other side of Liz.  Anne rushes to sit down next to him.

After a moment while putting on their shoes, Anne declares “I don’t think that I got the right shoes Darcy!  What am I going to do?  I think my feet are going to slip right out of these!”

“Sometimes the shoe sizes run bigger I guess they’ll probably trade them for you with no problem” offers Darcy.

“Oh, I’d be too embarrassed to go up and tell them that I intentionally chose a pair of shoes too large for myself.  I brought thick socks thinking that I would need a larger size.  Would you trade them for me?  I don’t think they would ask you too many questions” pleads Anne acting a little too afraid of her shadow.

Darcy looks up from tying his own shoes, catching Liz’ expression of a compassionate grin with closed tight lips and shrugging shoulders and feels unwillingly obligated to help Anne exchange her pair of bowling shoes.

As Darcy walks away towards the shoe counter, Anne quietly whispers to Liz but loud enough for William to hear too “He knows how exactly to take care of me.  He’s such a sweetheart!”  Anne smugly smiles to herself.

In contrast, Liz looks down at her feet doubting that she would ever ask someone else to exchange her shoes for another pair. 

As Darcy returns with a new set, Anne has moved his shoes and jacket to the next set of benches so that he and Anne are no longer sitting on the same bench as Liz and William.  A third bench remains empty for the late arrivals bursting through the front doors with the neon sign.

“We’re so sorry!  I didn’t know we were going to be this late!  Char forgot to plug in the GPS and I forgot where the bowling alley was located!  I didn’t want to stop and ask for directions because I’ve seen this place dozens of times before but it kept hiding from me!” animatedly excuses Collins wistfully entering the room so that everyone can hear his excuse for being late.

Liz tries to contain her shock at the spectacle before her.  She glances over at her best friend.  Char weakly smiles in return and helplessly unable to find a reason shakes her head hiding behind Collins. 

“Do you like me outfit?  I found this online!  It was such a deal!” exclaims Collins proud of his purchase achievement.  He is wearing a bright mango shirt with black and white panels of cow print down the front with matching cow print trousers with “Yee” and “Haw” printed on each back pocket.  For the final flare, the back heels of his brown suede shoes have a pair of Texas long horns printed on them.

Unable to control his laughter, William coaxes “Wherever did you find it? I may want to by myself an outfit too!”

“I found it on ‘this is your lane dot com’.  It’s an excellent place to find clothing and other things that you can’t find anywhere else” enthusiastically explains Collins “I was going to wear the cowboy hat that comes with it, but Char told me it was better to leave it at home in case someone accidently picks it up and takes it with them”.  Char slyly grinning sitting behind him on the bench as she reaches for a pair of socks from her purse.

“Well who is up first?” asks William ready to get the game started.

“I suggest we go in alphabetical order so that it can be fair to everyone” remarks Anne moving closer to Darcy in the seat beside her.

“Sounds good to me” states Char not really caring one way or another as she contemplates the outfit her husband has chosen for the evening finally but relinquishing her anxiety among close friends.

“Anne, you are up first” notifies William as he finishes entering their names into the computer screen.

Weakly, Anne chooses the heaviest ball from the carriage with a large 14 printed on the front.  The ball looks as if it will crash from her hand with little effort.  She appeals directly to Darcy “I don’t know what size ball to use.  I think this one might be too heavy for me.  What do you think, Darcy?”

“There are some lighter balls that you can use.  Look for the blue one that Liz chose with a 10 on the front.  I think that will work much better for you” wisely offers Darcy not realizing Anne’s intent.

“Thanks.  You’re right!  This is so much better!  Now, let’s see if I can get it down the lane!” jokes Anne smiling sweetly to Darcy “I’m not too good at things like this!”

Anne throws the ball with ease down the center of the lane hitting six pins on her first try.  She ends her turn with a spare.  Char and Liz share a look between themselves at Anne’s triumph.

Char’s turn is next.  She manages to take down four pins and is pleased with the outcome.  Collins follows her for his turn. 

He walks up to the carriage and examines all the balls.  He raises his hand and flexes each finger.  He does a unique exercise with his index finger in particular. He lifts each ball and tests each one for their weight and centrifugal force as he extends each ball back and forth twisting in the process while maintaining his hold.

A little annoyed William urges “Collins, we are going to be here all night if you don’t choose a ball already! I need to get more soda . . . “

Collins approaches the line and then gently backs up four large steps backwards while facing forward. He nearly falls from the platform but is able to catch his balance with the ball still in hand.  He intently concentrates on the ball while it is held equal to his eyes for a full moment. He then spreads his arms out before him side to side and with a fleur sort of leaps towards the penalty line with two giant lunges.  Ironically, as the ball bounces in protest against the polished wooden floor, he bowls a strike.

Everyone glances at each other in stunned amazement at his technique and victory.  Char earnestly claps at his achievement.  Collins comes quickly to her side and gives her a huge hug “That was for you, darling!”

“Darcy, I think it is your turn now to entertain us!” teases William typing in the score “However, Collins is a hard act to follow.”

Tugging at the back of his shirt, Darcy heads toward the platform.  He makes an attempt to remember the steps to achieving a good bowling score that he learned in middle school.  He glances to the arrows printed on the floor and choose to focus on one that is slightly to the right of center.  Taking three steps, he releases the bowl for a fairly good result of knocking down five pins.  He takes another turn with the result of adding another four.  He smiles proudly to the crowd of his score on returning to his reserved place on the bench next to Anne.

“Good job!” politely remarks Liz getting ready for her turn while trying to remember which ball she chose for the game.

Darcy smiles up at her “Well, I tried my best! Good luck!”

In response, Anne loudly sniffs and crosses her legs in the opposite direction accidently gently hitting Darcy on the shin.

Sorting through the weight of the balls, Liz picks a light weight ball and correctly aims for the center.  She knocks down eight pins, and then a gutter ball on her second turn. “Oh well, I’ll do better next time! Eight is not so bad.”

“You did a great job, Liz!” exclaims William “Now, we’ll have to see how I do.”

“Liz, you need to focus more when you play.  You seemed to have lost your concentration on your second turn.  You need to keep all outside influences at bay and you could do so much better” advises Collins re-tying the lace on his suede shoes with the long horn prints.

Taking a deep breath, Liz glares in return but then empathetically smiles at Char who is nervously biting her lower lip knowing that Liz does not like to be unnecessarily criticized.

As the evening continues, each takes their turn.  Finally it is William’s turn again.  Confidently, William turns to Liz with a huge friendly smile, “Wish me luck!” as he eases his way up to the platform. 

Quickly glancing over to the next bench, Darcy takes Liz in for a moment to see if she is returning William’s attention.  Relieved, he sees that she doesn’t appear to be overly interested but enjoying her time with the entire group.

With skill and ease William bowls a comfortable spare.  He raises his hands above his head like Rocky winning a championship.  Char, Anne and Liz cheer in recognition of his antics.  Darcy smirks, “It’s time to get some nachos.”

“I’ll go with you!  You may made need some help” offers Anne rushing to catch up to him as he is several strides ahead walking towards the snack bar.

Annoyed, Darcy glares at the menu.  He is tired of his cousin flirting with Liz throughout the evening.  “What do you want?” asks Anne moving very close to him.  “My favorites are the mozzarella sticks and onion rings! Have you ever tried them?  We could share if you wanted to.”

“Ummm … I think that I’ll settle for the nachos” blandly replies Darcy with other thoughts crowding his mind.

“I don’t think that I brought enough with me, would you mind letting me borrow a few dollars?” replies Anne “I just love their cheese sticks!”

“Don’t worry about it.  I’ll get it for you” kindly offers Darcy wondering what is happening with everyone else.

The waitress hands them their order.  “I might slip in these shoes, would you mind carrying my food for me?” asks Anne pretending to catch her balance.

“No problem” offers Darcy taking her paper red checkered container from her with his left hand while balancing his nachos in the other.

On arriving back with everyone else, Liz comments “that looks really good.  I’m going to get some for myself!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll let you share some of mine I’ve got plenty!” offers Darcy.

Slightly annoyed at the diversion of attention Anne interrupts “Darcy was so kind.  He got nachos and cheese sticks for us to share.  I’m sure we will have enough for you too.”

“This isn’t a restaurant!  Anne it is your turn again” sternly orders the competitive Collins “You can eat after you take her turn”.

For a second Anne narrows her eyes at Collins but quickly regains her composure realizing that she is being watched by the others.  Anne starts to step on the platform but intentionally lets her foot slide off the edge. “Oooo . . . I think that I hurt my ankle.  See I told you, Darcy the floors were too slick for my shoes.” Anne limps back to where she has been sitting next to Darcy.  “Do you think you could look at it?  It really hurts”.  Before Darcy has a chance to answer, she has lifted her foot and rested it on Darcy’s knee.

Taken by surprise, Darcy leans back away from her obnoxious foot and states, “It looks fine to me, and I think you’ll be all right.”

“Only if you say so” smirks Anne with a sly smile to the side in the direction of Liz.  She gentle removes her foot and places it where it belongs on the floor.  But moves in closer to Darcy to slightly rest against him.

Feeling uncomfortable with how things are going, Darcy quickly stands up “I think that I need another soda. Would anyone else like one?” Looking directly at Liz and then at Char.

“I’m fine.  Thanks though” offers Char “I still have the one from earlier”.

“I’ll take one” suggests Collins pounding his hand with his chest “the carbonation has a tendency to affect me, but another one sounds good right now.  I’ve been using up a lot of energy while bowling.”

Everyone is amused by this statement.  His dance routines in his effort to release the ball have been quite entertaining all evening.

“Liz would you like another soda or anything else?” asks Darcy walking over to where she is standing and inhaling her sweet floral perfume.

“Thanks.  I’ll come with you” offers Liz smiling up at him “I want to see what else they have too”.

Pleased, Darcy waits for Liz so she is able to walk and chat with him.  Anne notices his attentiveness to Liz.  Disgusted, Anne sulks in her chair plotting what to do next.

Looking up at the computer screen William notices “Collins, I think it is finally your turn again!”

Collins confidently walks to where his ball is resting quietly among the others.  Only the orange neon color of the ball stands out to reflect the personality of its owner. 

He grasps the ball tightly between his alternate fingers.  He conscientiously tests his aim raising the bowling ball to his eye level and holding it steady for several moments for effect. He focuses his energy on the center pin.  Takes his creative steps towards the foul line and swings with much gusto.  However, this time the moment of the ball shifts against the weight of its director, turning him in a 180 degree direction towards his friends where he obediently releases the force of the ball.  With great agility William ducks just in time as the ball glazes the air next to him barely missing the scoring machine.

The bright neon bowling ball comes to a disastrous conclusion falling loudly against the linoleum flooring and rolling under the bench banging again the metal rods of support.  Collins clasps his hands over his mouth to suppress a loud whelp of shock to his less than perfect throw.

Simultaneously Char laughs loudly and cannot seem to stop.  Tears stream down her cheeks as she tries to speak.  “I.. i..don..don’t think that is wha..what.. youuuu..wanted. tttto do!”

Shivering as a peacock about to spread his feathers, Collins with unnatural confidence walks over to the bench and recovers his ball that has been lodged underneath.  “I will try again.  It slipped out of my fingers.   It’s a new ball, sometimes things like that happen!”

While making a second attempt, Char’s stifled giggle can still be heard In the background with an occasional burst of laughter.   Collins knocks nine pins down.  Bursting into another stream of giggles Char quips “Great job honey!  You threw the ball in the right direction!”

In the meantime, Darcy asks Liz “How have you been doing?  I wanted a chance to talk to you tonight, but everyone has been rather busy. Are you enjoying your stay with Collins and Char?”

“I’m having a very good visit with my friends.  You know, I wondered how Char would like being married to him, but she actually seems very happy and content.  To be honest, I’m not sure I could handle him on a daily basis though.”

Darcy smiles and nods in agreement, “I think they’ve found a comfortable niche in relating to each other.  I think it is important to find someone you’re comfortable with and have an appreciation for”.

“Definitely.  I think it is much easier to be with someone you have a lot in common with as far as interests and personality rather than not.  Frankly, there is not as much explaining to do.  They just automatically understand without too much effort.” Suggests Liz.

“I don’t know about that.  I’m not sure that I will ever completely understand someone else.  I feel bewildered most of the time why things happen the way that they do especially in relationships” offers Darcy “Char is happy, but when I first met her I would have never matched her up with Collins”.

“True, he wouldn’t exactly have been my first choice” agrees Liz adding “But I think it’s important to find that person you feel you fit with rather than depending on everyone else’s opinion of what ‘might’ be good for you.  Usually that person is a version of what they would choose for themselves but not with you really in mind”.

“I think that you have a point there.  I often feel pressure from friends or family to date a certain woman who matches me in status and opportunities but they seem to be lacking in matching my soul” insightfully remarks Darcy lost in his thoughts “I want someone who can be with me on my good and bad days and still want to be with me”.

“I like that idea.  I’d like to find someone I could talk to who shares my passion and understanding of life” reflectively asserts Liz “Otherwise I think marriage could become quite a boring adventure.  I think that I would be constantly frustrated trying to find some equal ground and always falling short.”

“Well, I think we get along pretty well.  At least you are never boring to me” sincerely jokes Darcy as he moves closer to Liz and smiles tenderly at her.

Returning with their sodas, Anne announces “the game is almost over.  We’re just waiting on the two of you.  It took you long enough.  There must be some really slow help here.  My ankle is sore and I don’t think that I can play another game.  Darcy it is getting late and as you already know my mother hates for me to drive home alone.  Would you mind following me home after you finished your last round?”

Disappointed but feeling obliged because of numerous comments of nagging by Major Debourgh, Darcy agrees “Yeah.  I’ll follow you home.  Liz, do you think you’ll be alright?  I can wait for you to get to your car if you would like too”.

“I’ll take care of Liz you don’t need to worry Darcy.  Go ahead and follow Anne home.  You wouldn’t want anything to happen to her that you might be blamed for” nudges William happy to have a few more moments with Liz without the others before she goes back to Char’s home for the evening.

“We can follow Liz home.  William, you can go to your own house” states Collins oblivious to the dynamics and motives in the room.

“Uhh… okay” surprised states William not exactly sure how to handle his response.  He smiles at Liz “We definitely have to get together again sometime this week.  I’ll call you and you can let me know what your schedule is like”.

“Yes, it would be great for all of us to go out again together” interjects Darcy into the conversation.  “We need to make plans this week.  If you don’t mind, I’ll call and find out what is happening and I’ll let everyone else know.”

“Sounds like fun to me!  Just let me know.  I’ll see all of you later.  I need to stop by the store on my way back.  Hope all of you have a great evening!” states Liz walking towards the red Exit sign not sure how to absorb the last five moments and what really has been decided.