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21
CHRONICLES / Part 12
« Last post by 22639 on October 11, 2012, 06:46:36 pm »
Haley sighs as she finishes dressing. Not being able to sleep until the rooster crows apparently means one is going to end up sleeping late. Leaving her bedroom, Haley can tell that the silent house, must also be empty. Leaving the house, she starts to wander around the yard, looking for well... anybody.

Brandon leaves the barn and is on his way to the stables when he sees Haley wandering around and changes direction to go to talk to her.

Brandon: Hello?

 
Brandon says as he approaches her.

 
Haley: Brandon. Hi!

 
Haley says brightly as turns towards him.

 
Brandon: Where have you been all morning? You're not avoiding me or anything, right?

 
Brandon asks with a little puzzled frown, as far as he knew he didn't do anything that would upset her.

 
Haley: Oh, god no!! Jet lag. I didn't fall asleep until just as the sun was starting to rise.

 
Haley explains quickly, and honestly.

 
Brandon: Yes, must be hard to cross so many time zones.

 
Brandon nods looking back at the stables, and wondering if she'd be interested to see the horses.

 
Haley: Apparently.

 
Haley grins at Brandon.

 
Haley: I just found out.

 
Brandon: Yeah... well I never left Ireland so I don't really know.

 
Brandon admits as he grins back at Haley.

 
Haley: I've never been away from Washington before.

 
Haley admits with a shrug, still grinning at Brandon.

 
Brandon: Listen, I was on my way to the stables, do you want to see the horses? If you rather take a look later I understand.

 
Brandon decides to ask, he just had to finish work before lunch time, if he was going to lunch on time.

 
Haley: I'd love to.

 
Haley grins at Brandon.

 
Brandon grins back at Haley, then turns and starts walking to the stables.

 
Brandon: Come on then.

 
Haley: Alright.

 
Haley chuckles walking along side Brandon down to the stables.

 
Brandon: Don't worry I've cleaned the bays first thing in the morning, now what I need to do is to give some extra ration to the mares that are feeding.


Brandon explains chuckling softly as he walks to the stables.

 
Brandon: Oh and there's someone else I'd like you to meet.

 
Haley: Oh? And who would that be?

 
Haley asks, her face falling a little. She hadn't realized Brandon had a girl friend.

 
Brandon: My horse. Liam only gave him to me yesterday. A little before you arrived actually.

 
Brandon goes on as he enters the stables, he couldn't wait to see him again.

 
Haley brightens back up a little, but cautiously adds.

 
Haley: A new horse? That's cool. I half expected a girl friend.


 Brandon: A girlfriend?

 
Brandon bursts out laughing at the thought.

 
Brandon: Nah, too busy working and riding to find time to have one. Girls tend to take it really hard when you have more time for a horse than them.

 
Brandon sobers up a little when he thinks she probably is one of them, so she'd never find it amusing.

 
Haley: I can see that.

 
Haley grins a little and rolls her eyes slightly.

 
Brandon: Besides this is a small town, all the good looking girls are already taken. Hmm... or not...

 
Brandon looks down a little embarrassed for a moment, then decides to just go ahead and ask.

 
Haley: Or not?

 
Haley asks confused.

 
Brandon: Did you leave a boyfriend back in Washington?

 
Brandon asks while he gets a scoop and tries to look busy.

 
Haley rolls her eyes.

 
Haley: That would be a negatory.

 
Brandon: No?

 
Brandon asks surprised as he comes back with a bucket to put some horse ration in it.

 
Brandon: Coming, boy.

 
Brandon looks up and smiles when a horse starts neighing at him.

 
Haley: No. No boyfriend.

 
Haley shakes her head, but smiles as the horses react to the sight of Brandon

 
Brandon: Good.

 
Brandon smiles as he begins to scoop some horse ration inside the bucket.

 
Brandon: Yeah, I know lunch time.

 
Brandon nods when another horse neighs at him.

 
Haley: Somebody is excited.

 
Haley chuckled at the horse's enthusiasm and reached out to rub the nose of the nearest.

 
Brandon side glances at Haley still concentrated on filling the bucket to feed the horses.

 
Brandon: You like him?

 
Haley: He's lovely.

 
Haley grins at Brandon over her shoulder before turning back to the horse.

 
Haley: A handsome prince.

 
Brandon: You mean knight, no?

 
Brandon steps away from what he's doing to pat his horse's neck.

 
Haley: Last time I checked princes could be knights too. Why?

 
Haley asks with a chuckle.

 



 
Brandon: That's Ridire Dubh, Black Knight. My horse.

 
Brandon says proudly, still patting his neck.

 
Brandon: Ridire, I'd like you to meet Haley.

 
Brandon says to the horse.

 
Haley: A pleasure to meet you sir.

 
Haley says in a serious voice to the horse.

 
Brandon chuckles softly when the horse nods.

 
Brandon: I think he also liked to meet you.

 
Brandon gives one final pat to his horse and moves back to resume his work.

 
Haley: You certainly are a handsome one, aren't you.

 
Haley grins.

 
Brandon decides he has enough food for now and walks to the first box to feed one of the mares.

 
Haley: So.. Liam just gave him to you?

 
Haley asks a little enviously, looking over to Brandon.


 Brandon: Yes, we have a long way to go though. A lot of hard work if we want a chance to be in the next Olympics.

 
Brandon explains as he keeps feeding the mares.

 
Brandon: Small contests first, but we need to get used to each other.

 
Haley: I'd think so.

 
Haley grins a little.


 Haley: But the Olympics? That's pretty intense.

 
Brandon grins looking back at Haley.

 
Brandon: Well, I'm not sure I'll ever make it but...


Brandon shrugs.

 
Haley: But there is that stupid corny saying that must have some truth to it.

 
Haley says grinning back.

 
Haley: What was it? Shoot for the moon, even you miss you'll be among the stars? Or something like that.

 
Brandon: Besides that's all I ever wanted to do since I was a kid. It’s wonderful when you do what you love, doesn't feel like a job at all.

 
Brandon tells Haley as he feeds the mares until the bucket is empty. Then he comes back for more.

 
Haley: So I've heard.

 
Haley smiles at Brandon.

 
Brandon: Yes, I'm glad it's true.

 
Brandon nods smiling at Haley, then he looks down and starts filling the bucket again.

 
Haley: Lucky you.

 
Haley says wishfully.

 
Brandon smiles and looks up when his horse neighs at him.

 
Brandon: I know, I know, I didn't forget you.

 
Brandon tells his horse chuckling amused.

 
Brandon: Getting impatient, aren't we?

 
Haley: Well he's hungry.

 
Haley replies, patting Black Knight's neck.

 
Brandon: Yes, but ladies first?

 
Brandon says as he laughs at Haley and his horse.

 
Haley: Never stopped a guy from complaining about waiting before. Least not in my experience.

 
Haley smiles slightly.

 
Brandon straightens up and winks at Haley before he picks the bucket to feed the rest of the mares.

 
Brandon: Maybe you've been going out with the wrong kind of guy.

 
Brandon teases before he moves away.


 Haley: Probably.

 
Haley whispers to herself.


Brandon finishes feeding the mares and moves to his horse to give him some horse ration.

 
Brandon: There you are, Ridire. Didn't take long, did it?

 
Haley: Hungry fellow.

 
Haley chuckles, watching the horse.

 
Brandon: Yes, I could eat something myself.

 
Brandon sighs unhappily, he wanted to ask Haley to go with him for a ride but it was almost lunch time.

 
Haley: Most guys can.

 
Haley laughs.

 
Brandon brightens up when he gets an idea. So he asks Haley with a smile.

 
Brandon: Hey, why don't we get a picnic and go for a ride? Then we can stop when he find a nice spot.

 
Haley blinks at Brandon a little surprised.

 
Haley: Yeah. That'd be cool.

 
Haley nods.

 
Brandon: I'm glad you like it.

 
Brandon smiles at Haley before he moves hurriedly to put the things he'd used at the usual places.

 
Haley: If... if you tell me which horse and where the tack is, I can start saddling. If you wanted to get lunch together?

 
Haley suggests a little hesitantly.

 
Brandon: Yeah, good idea.

 
Brandon nods approvingly as he goes to the stable door and points to one of the paddocks.

 
Brandon: That white mare. You shouldn't have a problem with her, she's docile enough.

 
Haley rolls her eyes at the docile comment.

 
Haley: Tack?

 
Haley asks.

 
Brandon points to the wall on the other side of the door.

 
Brandon: There. Meanwhile I'll convince Mrs. O'Brian to get us something to eat.

 
Brandon frowns as he remembers she might still be in town.

 
Brandon: If she's not there I'm sure she left us something to eat in the fridge.

 
Haley: Okay.

 
Haley replies going to the wall, and getting a lead rein, before heading out towards the paddock after the mare.

 
Brandon: Be right back.

 
Brandon says after her, when he's sure she's not looking back, he starts running towards the house.


To be continued
22
CHRONICLES / Part 11
« Last post by 22639 on August 14, 2012, 02:33:26 am »
The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being understudied.


 
Det. Huff leans back in his chair and rubs his tired eyes.  He has been reviewing his notes on the interviews he has conducted for the past four hours without a break and everything is making less sense now than it did when he started.  A young uniformed officer walks into the squad room and up to Huff's desk and says, “Detective?  Have you got a minute?”

 
Det. Huff: Hmmm?

 
Det. Huff looks up at the officer without sitting up in his chair.  He clasps his hands behind his head.

 
Det. Huff:  Yeah.  What's up?

 
Det. Huff asks, looking lazily at the young officer.  “I was going over what history we have on Miss Flynn and I checked out the Seacouver Times Society archives and I came across these,” the uniform officer says and slips a CD into the computer on Huff's desk.  A few seconds later Huff is looking at a couple of news photos taken at a couple of charity events and the illusive Nicayla Flynn is in both of them.  Huff sits up, his interest renewed.  Then the young officer tapped the mouse button and two more news photos appear on Huff's monitor.  As with the previous photos, Ms. Flynn was visible in the crowd of event goers.  “In two of the photos,” the young officer says and flips to the previous page, pointing out the man standing next to Flynn in one of the photos on that page.  Then he flips back to the second page and points to the man whose arm Ms. Flynn is holding on to as they descend a stairway.  “The guy looks like the foreman of her ranch,” the uniform officer says and looks at Huff. The detective takes control of the mouse and flips back to the first page and the first two photos and nods his head.

 
Det. Huff: Yeah...that's him.

 
Det. Huff says and he leans closer to the monitor to get a closer look at the man in the other photo who was obviously Flynn's escort for that event.

 
Det. Huff:  I know that guy.

 
Det. Huff announces and quickly flips back to the second page and looks closer at the escort in the third photo.

 
Det. Huff:  Run a facial recognition on this guy.

 
Det. Huff says and quickly makes copies of the photos on the disk then gives it back to him.  Then he transfers the photos to his cell phone.

 
Det. Huff: If you see Ernie...

 
Det. Huff says as he gets to his feet and puts his sport jacket, that has been hanging off the back of his chair, on.

 
Det. Huff: Tell him I'm running down a lead and I'll see him at the usual for lunch.

 
Det. Huff says as he grabs his holstered gun out of his desk drawer and clips it to his belt.  Then he hurries out of the squad room.

 
***10 minutes later***


Det. Huff pulls his car up to the curb in front of the DiSalvo Martial Arts Dojo and gets out.  He walks up the stairs, enters the building, then walks into the Dojo and looks around.
 
 
Duncan is sitting at the desk in his office with the phone to his ear and his elbow resting on the desk.
 
 
 Duncan: I understand that.
 
 
Duncan says, rolling his eyes to himself.
 
 
Det. Huff sees MacLeod sitting in his office on the phone and he saunters across the Dojo floor to the open office door and knocks on the door jam.
 
 
Duncan looks up at the sound of the knock and recognizes the detective standing in the doorway.  He motions for the detective to come in.
 
 
Det. Huff walks into the office and wanders over to the photos on the back wall of the Dojo office.
 
 
 Duncan: Unfortunately that doesn't solve my problem of being 150 towels short.  If I send you 450 towels to be laundered I expect 450 clean towels in return.....not 300.  I assume that you realize that you are not the only linen laundry service in the city so I would advise you to remedy this problem promptly or I will take my business elsewhere and take another of your substantial clients with me and in today's economy I rather doubt you can afford to lose any customers.
 
 
Duncan hangs up the phone without waiting for a reply and turns to look at the detective.
 
 
 Duncan: Now....what can I do for you, Det. Huff?  I assume you're not here to join the Dojo.
 
 
Duncan says, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.
 
 
Det. Huff turns away from the photos of a Little League Baseball team, a Youth Hockey team, two bowling teams that MacLeod's Dojo sponsored and the winners of the last two National Martial Arts Conference...who were students of the DiSalvo Dojo Youth Martial Arts.  He takes his cell phone out of his pocket and flips it open. As he walks over to MacLeod, he loads up the photos he had transferred to his phone.  He holds his phone out so that MacLeod can see the photo of with him and Nicayla Flynn.
 
 
 Det. Huff: I take it you know this young lady
 
 
Det. Huff says as he holds out his phone.
 
 
 Duncan:   I do.
 
 
Duncan says and sits back in his chair.
 
 
 Det. Huff: How well do you know her?
 
 
Det. Huff asks, looking at MacLeod for any sign as to how honestly he was answering Huff's questions.
 
 
Duncan quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.
 
 
 Duncan:  If you have something specific you want to know Detective, I suggest you just ask because the vagueness of that question will only get you an equally vague answer.
 
 
Duncan says, picking up the bottle of water sitting on his desk and takes a drink.
 
 
 Det. Huff: All right then.  I have been trying to get in touch with Ms. Flynn and all I get is her voice mail.  Her foreman says that she sometimes stays in the city with friends.  You wouldn't happen to know who those friends might be...would you?
 
 
Det. Huff asks, not really expecting MacLeod to tell him.  If he had learned one thing about the mysterious Duncan MacLeod in his dealings with the man over the years it was that he wasn't forthcoming with information about his friends.
 
 
 Duncan: Sorry, Detective Huff, but I have only been back in town a couple of days and haven't seen or spoken to any of my friends.
 
 
Duncan says with a casual shrug.
 
 
 Det. Huff:When was the last time you spoke to Ms. Flynn?
 
 
Duncan thinks for a few seconds.
 
 
 Duncan:  Not long after that photo was taken.
 
 
Duncan says and leans back in his chair.  He looks up at the detective with a nonchalant smile.
 
 
Det. Huff loads the photo of Flynn and the man he couldn't identify and shows it to MacLeod
 
 
 Det. Huff: Do you know who this man is?
 
 
Duncan leans forward and looks at the photo on Huff's cell phone  He shakes his head.
 
 
 Duncan:  Can't say that I do.
 
 
Duncan says, leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands behind his head.
 
 
 Det. Huff: Yeah.  Didn't think so.
 
 
Det. Huff says, sarcastically.
 
 
 Duncan:  Sorry I couldn't be more help, Detective.  I promise to tell Miss Flynn you're looking for her if I hear from her, though.
 
 
Duncan says and sits up in his chair.
 
 
 Det. Huff: I'm sure you will.
 
 
Det. Huff says with even more sarcasm.
 
 
 Duncan: Well, Det. Huff...if there's nothing else...I have to get ready for a meeting.
 
 
Duncan says as he stands up.
 
 
Det. Huff knows he'd be wasting his time trying to get any more information out of MacLeod, so he turns and walks out of the Dojo.
 
 
Duncan waits until the detective is out of the Dojo then he takes the elevator up to hi8s loft where he takes out his cell phone and dials Methos' number.  When he gets the ancient Immortal's voice mail he says, “It's MacLeod  Meet me at Joe's around 3:00.  I need to talk to you.”  He hangs up and puts his cell phone back in his jeans pocket and changes into a clean shirt.  He checks his pocket watch and then heads out the door of his loft and takes the back stairs down to the alley where his T-Bird is parked.

 
 
 
To be continued
23
CHRONICLES / Part 10
« Last post by 22639 on August 11, 2012, 09:03:09 pm »
 Nikki follows a path that takes her into a wooded area that reminds her of home.  After several minutes the path clears the wooded area at the base of a knoll carpeted with velvety green grass.  At the top of the knoll are the ruins of what used to be a castle turret.  Nikki explores the ruins for a few minutes then sits on a pile of rock and broken brick and stares down at the valley below.  As beautiful as the Ireland countryside is, and as nice as it is to see her father again, Nikki is filled with melancholy.

Liam follows his daughter's boot prints up the sheep path.  He stops at the edge of the wooded area and watches Nikki as she halfheartedly explores the ruins at the top of the knoll.  After she has sat on the pile of rubble for several minutes, Liam walks up to the ruins.

Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal but doesn't look around, figuring it's her father.

 
Nikki: One thing about being an Immortal is that no one can sneak up on you.

 
Nikki says without looking back at Liam.

 
Liam:   Wasn't trying to.

 
Liam says, walking over and taking a seat on what's left of a rock wall. He looks down at the valley and the Smaragaid Parthas Ranch.

 
Liam: I see you found one of my favorite thinking spots.

 
Liam says as he takes his pipe out of his pocket and taps it against the heel of his hand to knock the ashes out of the bowl.  He takes a pouch of pipe tobacco out of his other pocket and proceeds to fill the pipe.

 
Nikki: It's beautiful.

 
Nikki says with a nod.

 
Nikki:   I didn't realize how big the ranch was until seeing it from up here.  It's quite a spread.

 
Liam puts the pouch back in his pocket and takes out his lighter.

 
Liam:   It's just a little bigger than the original Emerald Paradise

 
Liam says, then lights his pipe and blows 2 large smoke rings into the air.  He looks at his daughter.

 
Liam: Want to talk about it?

 
Liam asks and puffs on his pipe.

 
Nikki: Talk about what?

 
Nikki asks trying to sound nonchalant.

 
Liam shakes his head.

 
Liam:   The weather?  The price of rice in China?

 
Liam says with a little sarcasm.

 
Nikki catches the hint of sarcasm in her father's voice and remembers that, even as a child, she had never been able to hide her thoughts and feelings from her father.  He always seemed to know when she was lying.

 
Nikki:   Nothing to talk about, Da.

 
Nikki says, quietly with a shrug.  She continues to stare at the valley below.

 
Liam:   If you say so.

 
Liam says and puffs on his pipe.

 
Nikki sighs.

 
Nikki: Ok.  Answer a question for me, Da.

 
Nikki says and turns her gaze upward as she watches a flock of birds winging their way across the sky in a perfect V formation.

 
Nikki: How come doing the right thing for all of the right reasons has to involve painful sacrifices?

 
Nikki asks, still watching the birds.

 
Liam puffs on his pipe as he contemplates his daughter's question.

 
Liam:   Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you, Súile geal.  (Bright eyes in Gaelic)  I assume you're talking about what you had to leave behind.

 
Liam says as he chews on the end of his pipe, thoughtfully.

 
Nikki simply nods in silence.

 
Liam:   Did you even ask him to come with you?

 
Liam asks, looking at Nikki.

 
Nikki shakes her head.

 
Nikki: I couldn't.

 
Nikki says with a shrug and looks down at the ground by her feet.

 
Liam: Why not?  Don't you think he would have?

 
Liam puffs on his pipe and realizes that it has gone out so he takes out his lighter and lights the pipe again.

 
Nikki: I know he would have.

 
Nikki says, quietly.  She watches a trail of ants as they scurry to and from their colony under a brick a few feet from her foot.

 
Nikki:   But he had responsibilities and I didn't want him to have to choose between them and me.  Just because U chose to put my life in an uproar doesn't mean I needed to put his in one, too.

 
Nikki says, sadly.

 
Liam:   Did you tell him where you were going?

 
Liam asks, figuring if Pierson knew where she was he might show up here unexpectedly and surprise Nikki.  He'd like to see the smile he saw on her face when she and Pierson had last been here.

 
Nikki simply shakes her head.

 
Liam:   Why not?

 
Liam asks, a little surprised at her answer.

 
Nikki: Plausible deniability.

 
Nikki answers simply.

 
Liam:   Sounds like you thought it through, thoroughly.

 
Liam says and blows another smoke ring into the air.

 
Liam: This isn't the first time you've had to pull up stakes and start over.

 
Liam says, matter of factly.

 
Nikki: No....but this is the first time I've had to leave someone I love behind.  And the first time I have had to change identities.  It makes it all seem so permanent and final.

 
Nikki says with a sad sigh.

 
Nikki:   It's one of the reasons I have avoided romantic entanglements all these years.  Our life just isn't conducive to successful romantic relationships.

 
Nikki says and draws a circle in the dirt with the toe of her boot.

 
Liam:   True.  But true love finds a way.

 
Liam says, thinking about how long he, himself had avoided romantic situations...although for different reasons than his daughter.  He wonders if Beth hadn't come along...if he would have spent the rest of his immortal life alone.

 
Nikki:   And how do you know if it's true love or just an infatuation?

 
Nikki asks quietly.

 
Liam:   If it finds a way into your heart...no matter how strong your armor is...no matter how hard you fight it...  If you feel it even when you're not with that person...even when you're busy with other things...  If a scent or a song brings it all back as strong as if you're with that person...then it's true love.

 
Liam says, remembering his marriage to Mary and thinking about his relationship with Beth.

 
Nikki: Sometimes I think I made a huge mistake, letting myself fall for someone who was a best friend.  I should have left well enough alone.

 
Nikki says, erasing the circle in the dirt with her boot.

 
Liam:   What makes you say that?

 
Liam asks, straddling the wall so he is facing Nikki.

 
Nikki:   I think I may have had unrealistic expectations that I based on the way he was as my friend because it...or he...isn't what I thought he'd be like.

 
Nikki says, hoping she's making sense.

 
Liam:   How so?

 
Liam asks, puffing on his pipe.

 
Nikki:   When we were just friends I knew he saw me as a little sister who was always getting into trouble of some sort or another and he never really saw me as an independent woman with a head on her shoulders and the knowledge of how to use it and that was Ok.  But once we became romantically involved...well...it's not Ok anymore. It actually hurts when he is judgmental

 
Nikki says and draws a triangle in the dirt with her toe.

 
Liam: Just as a point of reference....how much older than you is Adam?

 
Liam asks and looks at the bowl of his pipe.  Seeing that it holds only ashes, he taps the bowl on his pant leg to empty it then puts the pipe in his pocket.

 
Nikki:   Let's just say....a lot.

 
Nikki says simply.

 
Nikki: And I respect that.  But it doesn't always make him right.

 
Nikki says, erasing her dirt drawing with her foot.

 
Liam: No.  You're right.  It doesn't.  Have you told him how you feel?

 
Nikki: A few times.  But I think it goes in one ear and out the other.

 
Nikki says with a sigh.

 
Liam looks at his daughter for several seconds before speaking.

 
Liam: Sounds like you got out in the nick of time.

 
Liam says, quirking an eyebrow inquisitively.

 
Liam:  No sense staying in a relationship when you're unhappy.

 
Liam adds...watching Nikki carefully.

 
Nikki: But I wasn't that unhappy.

 
Nikki says, looking at Liam for the first time since he sat down.

 
Nikki: I mean it wasn't that bad.  There were a lot of happy times and he could be sweet, romantic and affectionate when he was in the right mood.  I was probably expecting too much and being unfair.

 
Nikki protests.

 
Liam smiles and looks up at the sky.

 
Liam: If he were to walk up this hill right now....would you be happy to see him?

 
Liam asks, already knowing the answer.

 
Nikki looks at the path leading up the hill from the wooded area and envisions Methos walking up the path toward her.  Her heart rate quickens and she feels something overwhelmingly drawing her toward the envisioned Methos.

 
Nikki: Yes.

 
Nikki whispers and closes her eyes.

 
Liam: Then Súile geal you have your answer.

 
Liam says simply and gets to his feet.

 
Liam: Now.....I have a ranch to run so I'm going to go back to work.

 
Liam says and heads toward the path.

 
Liam: When you come back down....we'll go have a look at that white Friesian stallion you've been interested in.

 
Liam says.  He watches his daughter for a few seconds then heads down the path.

 
Nikki watches her father until he disappears into the wooded area then she looks up at the wisps of white clouds in the blue sky.

 
“That one looks like a giraffe,” Methos said, laying on his back next to Nikki and pointing to a cloud in the sky.  They were laying on the bank of a stream in a forest clearing, their horses grazing freely nearby.  “That one looks like a Volkswagen Beetle,” Nikki said pointing to another cloud.  “Nah.  Looks more like a turtle,” Methos said.  “But if we're looking for automobiles....that one looks like a Maserati,”  he said with a snicker and pointed to another cloud.  “A what?”  Nikki asked.  “Where?”  She tried to follow where he was pointing.  “There.  See?”  Methos put his arm around her and pulled her closer so she could see from his angle. “Where?”  Nikki asked, still unable to see what he was seeing. “Right....,” Methos pulled her even closer.  “...there,” he said and when she leaned even closer and looked where he was pointing, he kissed the nape of her neck.  She turned to face him when she realized he had been pulling her leg and he planted a kiss on her lips.

 
Nikki shakes her head to clear the memory before it goes any farther and a single tear trickles down her cheek.  She quickly brushes it away and stands up.  Taking a deep, cleansing breath of the clean, fresh, clover scented air, she heads back down the path to the Smaragaid Parthas Ranch.

 
To be continued
24
CHRONICLES / Part 9
« Last post by 22639 on August 07, 2012, 04:43:05 am »
 
***Around midnight***


 
Haley sighs in discuss, and tosses the covers back, getting out of bed. According to the clock by the bed, it was 12:08am, and Haley couldn't sleep.

Haley: Jet lag.

Haley growls to herself. Not wanting to stay in bed any longer, or in the room, which seems stuffy, Haley walked to the door and carefully eased it open. The house is utterly silent. Walking down the hallway, Haley comes to the living room, and sees flashes of lightening, indicating a storm in the distance.

Haley: Sweet.

A creaking board manages to filter its way through the fog of sleep and Liam wakes up, although he isn't quite sure why at first.

Haley whispers, walking over to the window to watch the approaching storm, only to trip over a footstool, and stumble. Haley, freezes listening for sounds from any of the bedrooms. Hearing nothing, she continues to the window, cursing under her breath and stopping to stare out the window.

Liam hears a crash coming from down the hall and he sits up in bed and listens. Used to being the only person in the house besides Beth and Mrs. O'Brian (the housekeeper)...and knowing that neither of the women are there has set off an inner alarm. But then he remembers that Nikki and Haley are there so he listens to see if it might be one of them.

After a few minutes of watching the storm, Haley realizes she's hungry, hoping there was something that wouldn't be missed in the fridge, me makes her way, tiptoeing, to the fridge.

Liam doesn't hear anything else and he lays back down and closes his eyes but realizes that he's too awake now to go right back to sleep. A picture of a platter of sliced roast beef that he knows is sitting on the second shelf of the fridge enters his mind and he can't get it out of his head. Plus it has made him hungry so he gets up and heads down to the kitchen. As he crosses the threshold from the dining room to the kitchen, he reaches over and flips on the overhead light.

Haley had just put her hand on the fridge, when suddenly the overhead light flipped on.

Haley: EEEK!!

Haley half screeches, spinning around and backing up as quickly as she can, putting space between her, and whoever had flipped the light on.

Liam is startled, himself, by Haley's startled reaction, since he wasn't expecting anyone to be in the kitchen. When he sees who he has startled his shocked expression softens and turns to one of reassurance.

Liam: I'm sorry, Haley. I didn't know anyone was down here.

Liam says in a soft, soothing voice.

Haley: I-I didn't touch anything.

Haley says defensively, continuing her backing up, until she was stopped by the kitchen counter.

Liam realizes how scared the girl is and remembers what Nikki had told him about the girl's history. He holds his hands up and smiles warmly.

Liam: It's Ok, Haley. I told you to make yourself at home and that includes the kitchen. I take it you're a midnight refrigerator raider?

Liam says with a mischievous smile and a jovial wink.

Haley: No.

Haley says flatly, sliding along the counter, putting a bit more space between her and Liam, her heart beating ferociously in her throat, her eyes not leaving Liam, unable to bring herself to believe that he was any different from her father. At least, not at at 12:15am.

Liam waits until Haley has moved away from the fridge and walks over to it and opens the door.

Liam: How about a roast beef sandwich? Or maybe a piece of Mrs. O'Brian's devils food cake and a glass of milk?

Liam suggests, looking into the fridge and taking a quick inventory.

Haley doesn't say anything, just eying Liam, wondering when the facade would fall and reveal his true character. All men did eventually.

Liam looks back at Haley and grins.

Liam: You look like a chocolate cake kind of girl.

Liam says and pulls out the cake dish and removes the lid, exposing a three layer chocolate cake with fudge frosting.

Haley looks from Liam to the cake and back again.

Haley: Why'r you being nice?

Haley asks, trying to remember that Nikki had said he was the opposite of her father.

Liam: Well....wow. I don't think I've ever been asked that.

Liam says and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Liam: To be honest....I don't know how to be anything else.

Liam answers as he takes the platter of sliced roast beef out of the fridge and sets it on the island counter.

Haley shakes her head slightly, more to herself than to Liam.

Haley: Why'r you being nice, to me?

Haley clarifies.

Haley: What do you want?

Haley asks, just assuming get it in the open.

Liam pulls out a head of lettuce a tomato and a jar of mayonnaise and sets them all on the center island counter.

Liam: Let's see. What do I want from you. How about your trust? Your friendship? Or....if it's too soon for either of those....how about just for you to keep an open mind that not EVERY man is like what you've been used to?

Liam suggests as he proceeds to build a roast beef sandwich.

Haley watches Liam in silence for several minutes.

Haley: That's not easy.

Haley whispers softly.

Liam: Then I guess I'll have to settle for whatever you want to give me. And hopefully....as time goes by and you get to know me....you'll learn to trust me. I'll wish for it on the next rainbow.

Liam says and winks at Haley. He hands her the cake knife, a fork and a plate and gets out a frosty glass bottle of milk and sets it on the counter along with a tall glass.

Haley: Wish for it on a rainbow?

Haley repeated a little confused, and cutting herself a piece of the cake and sliding it onto the offered plate.

Liam: Every rainbow leads to a Leprechaun's pot of gold....which is lucky. So if you wish on a rainbow....the wish trickles down the rainbow into the pot of gold and it will come true.

Liam explains.

Liam: As long as nobody steals the Leprechaun's pot of gold, that is.

Liam says with a wink as he puts the second piece of bread on top of his sandwich and takes a bite.

Haley: Never heard of that before.

Haley says softly, pouring herself a glass of the milk, then glances around for a fork.

Haley: Umm... fork?

Haley asks, not seeing one.

Liam: Oh it's an old Irish legacy. We have a bunch of them. Oh. I'm sorry. I guess that would be helpful....wouldn't it?

Liam says with a chuckle and gets a fork out of the drawer and lays it on the counter next to Haley's plate.

Haley: Thank you.

Haley whispers, trying not to flinch away from Liam when he places the fork at her plate, and steadfastly refusing to allow herself to actually Move away from him as she took a bite of the cake.

Liam smiles as he takes another bite of his sandwich. But inside he is feeling sad at what Haley must have gone through to get her to this point. It was going to take some time to get her to see that not all men were animals...slow and sure. Like breaking a young colt.

Haley chews the piece of cake, and takes another bite, then a swallow of milk.

Haley: That's really good. Did you make it?

Haley asks.

Liam: Me? Bake a cake?

Liam laughs out loud and shakes his head.

Liam: No. Our housekeeper, Mrs. O'Brian does all of the baking around here and most of the cooking.

Liam says, taking another bite of his sandwich.

Haley: You don't know how to cook?

Haley asks, a little surprised.

Liam: Well.....you had my barbequed steaks. I'm great at grilling stuff and I can make a mean omelet and Nicayla always loved my chocolate chip pancakes.

Liam says with a shrug. He opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of Guinness and opens it.

Haley: That's it? I guess I... never mind.

Haley finishes her last two words in a whisper looking back down at her plate, and not Liam, whom she had been looking at.

Liam: No. Go ahead. You just what?

Liam says, encouraging Haley to finish her thought.

Haley: I just figured it'd be something you'd have to learn, as, as a...

Haley stops before saying the word 'Immortal,' and doesn't take her eyes off her plate as she speaks, though she does watch Liam out of the corner of her eye.

Liam leans closer and looks first to the right, then to the left as if looking to make sure no one was around.

Liam: Immortal?

Liam whispers....as though it is a secret.

Haley: Yeah. As an immortal.

Haley says, still softly, but actually looking up from her plate, and at Liam.

Liam chuckles and takes a sip of his ale.

Liam: I may be an Immortal but I'm afraid I pretty much a typical bachelor. I know how to cook just what I need to survive. For more than that I go to a restaurant. Or at least I did before hiring Mrs. O'Brian and before my fiance moved in with me. Now they do most of the cooking. And when Nicayla's mother was alive...God rest her soul...

Liam crosses himself.

Liam: ...well....Mary was a fantastic cook.

Liam says with a smile.

Haley: See, its the being a bachelor, I figured would um... get you cooking.

Haley says softly.

Liam: Would you like to know the honest truth, Haley?

Liam says...leaning closer and looking from right to left like he did before. He cups his hands around his mouth and whispers, "bachelors only learn to cook to impress the girls." Then he winks and straightens back up.

Haley twitches her lips, smiling slightly.

Haley: Isn't that reason enough?

Liam shrugs and takes a bite of his sandwich. He washes it down with some Guinness.

Liam: I suppose it is for most bachelors. I...on the other hand....have never been much when it comes to the dating scene and all those games that are played. I was married to the perfect woman when I was married to Nicayla mother. And I never figured I'd ever find anyone who could live up to the standards my Mary set. At least not until I met Beth.

Liam explains.

Haley: And what about sex?

Haley asks flatly, in a way that few could, and nobody should be capable of.

Liam is a bit surprised by Haley's blunt question and he blinks a couple of times out of surprise.

Liam: Ummm.....what about it?

Liam asks, secretly wishing Nicayla would get up and come downstairs and save him from a discussion he isn't quite sure how to conduct.

Haley: You're a guy. And men don't go without sex. So if you weren't dating anyone...

Haley clarifies, wondering if she'd found Liam's Dark Mark.

Liam: Contrary to popular belief, lass....there is more to life and love than sex. Sex is....or at least it should be....the explanation point at the end of the sentence. Not the whole sentence. Does that make any sense?

Liam says and takes another quick swig of his ale.

Haley: Love is just a fairy tail, like Santa Claus, just for adults.

Haley replies with a shrug, quoting what her father had once told her.

Liam: Oh you are so wrong, dear lass. Love is a wonderful thing when it is between the right people. But there are more than one type of love, you know. For example.....there's the love that Nicayla has for you. That is a special kind of love.

Liam says realizing just how jaded Haley's life has made her.

Haley blinks a little in surprise and looks over at Liam.

Haley: That... that's love?

Haley asks, not even realizing that what she felt for Nikki and knew Nikki felt for her, even had a name.

Liam smiles broadly and nods.

Liam: Yes, stew lass. That is love. At least one kind of love.

Liam hopes he never runs into the man who dared to call himself Haley's father. He doesn't think he would be able to control his urge to slowly castrate the man.

Haley just stares at Liam in amazement.

Liam: Want another example?

Liam asks after swallowing the last bite of his sandwich.

Haley just nods her head silently, eyes wide.

Liam: You know how Nikki is with her horse back home? And how they are together?

Liam asks, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.

Liam: That is love, too. She loves Blaze and he loves her.

Liam says and finishes his ale while he gives Haley a chance to think it over.

Haley shakes her head slightly, as she eats another piece of cake.

Haley: I... I had no idea.

Liam: Then there's the love I have for her. I don't know if Nicayla has told you that Immortals have no real parents. At least none that we know of. We are all foundlings. From the time we brought Nicaea into our home.....she was just a few days old when we took her.....she was the sunshine that brightened my every day. My little princess. Mary and I loved her with every fiber of our being. Of course I used to tell Mary that I loved Nicayla more than she did because she was Daddy's little girl...but we both loved her the same. She was...is...and always will be my daughter in every sense of the word. I would die if it meant she could live.

Liam says, proudly and with total conviction.

Liam: And that is another kind of love.

Liam adds, picking up his plate and putting it in the sink.

Haley suddenly looks up, and narrows her eyes slightly at Liam.

Haley: He never really did love me. Did he?

Haley asks softly.

Liam looks down at Haley. Unable to help himself, he gently places one of his hands over one of hers....not enough to make her feel trapped but just enough to be comforting...and he shakes his head.

Liam: No, milis cailin.

Liam says (Gaelic for sweet girl).

Liam: He most certainly did not. But you are not to blame, Haley. His shortcomings and indiscretions are his and his alone. You deserved.....and still deserve to be loved. And you are. Nicayla loves you....of that I'm sure. And as you go through life.....you will find others that will also love you. You are a beautiful, intelligent and strong young lady and I can see you doing...becoming whatever you want to be. The past is the past. You have nothing but a bright future ahead of you. And you'll see.....that future will bring many good things to you.

Liam says, softly and soothingly. Then he removes his hand from hers and smiles at her.  Off in the distance a rooster crows....signifying the beginning of sunrise.

Haley jumps a little startled at the sound of the crow.

Haley: Guess that means I should go try and get a little sleep, or I'll never get over Jet lag.

Haley says, while trying to return Liam's smile, though somehow, she doubted she was real successful at it.

Liam: Go ahead on up. I'll clean up our mess. Nobody will ever know that two Leprechauns raided the fridge during the night.

Liam says and winks...a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Haley manages a real smile this time.

Haley: Thanks.

Haley says, turning to head back to bed.

To be continued
 
25
CHRONICLES / HALF MOON RISING Part 39
« Last post by Cyberfox277 on August 05, 2012, 12:05:26 pm »
***Same Day – Early evening***


[Gemini] You know, you really don't have to come with me... or take me. Whatever.

Gemini says protesting, not wanting to put Annie out.

[Annie] I can always have a drink at the bar.

Annie shrugs as she gets her raincoat and checks the swords inside the linen.

[Annie] Don't worry I won't be underway.

[Gemini] I just don't want to put you out. You're already doing so much for me.

Gemini protests.

[Annie] Gemini, just because that headhunter is dead, it doesn't mean there aren't more Immortals around. There are, and not all of them are friendly.

Annie points out and she puts the raincoat on and looks for the car keys.

[Annie] Considering what happened the last time I left you alone, I rather take you, saves trouble in the long run.

[Gemini] I just don't want to put you out.

Gemini says again softly.

[Annie] Gemini, I don't mind going to Joe's with you. I could use a drink and listen to some blues while you talk to David. No problem.

Annie shrugs again, while she walks to the door.

[Gemini] Okay.

Gemini says softly, getting her stuff together and following Annie out the door.

Annie walks to the garage to take out the Bentley, she side glances at Gemini when she remembers something.

[Annie] And I should get you a car, have any idea what do you want?

[Gemini] Something cool.

Gemini says with a bit of a smile.

Annie rolls her eyes just as she's about to enter the car, and frowns slightly at Gemini.

[Annie] Oh, that's helpful. Isn't what someone thinks it's cool a matter of opinion?

Annie shakes her head as she opens the door, and gets inside the car. She could never get a straight answer out of that kid.

[Gemini] I guess.

Gemini shrugs and gets into the car herself.

Annie hits the remote to open the garage door before she starts the car.

[Annie] So what do you think it's cool?

[Gemini] An Aston Martin One-77, a Lamborghini Aventador J, or a Ferrari 458 Spider.

Gemini replies promptly, knowing they're not exactly practice for her.

Annie side glances at Gemini while she takes the car out of the garage and hits the remote to close the door. She opens the front gate in the same move knowing it will take a while for it to open.

[Annie] Don't you think they're a little too grown up for you?

Annie asks as she moves the car slowly to the front gate, giving it time to open.

[Gemini] You asked what cars I thought was cool. Those are cars I think are cool.

Gemini says with a shrug, and a grin.

[Gemini] I never said anything about practicality.

[Annie] Besides I already have a Ferrari back in Austria, you go there and I'll let you drive it.

Annie shrugs as she exits the front gate, she stops at the entrance giving it time to close again before she moves on.

[Annie] If you were mortal I wouldn't dream of it, but since you're not...

Annie shrugs again, the worse that could happen was she woke up in the morgue.

[Gemini] What kind of Ferrari?

Gemini asks, curious.

[Annie] A Ferrari 360 Spider. Black, red doesn't go with my hair.

Gemini grins at the last comment.

Annie smiles still checking the gate, it finally closes and she moves the car in the direction of downtown.

[Gemini] The 360 spider is alright. It's not my favorite Ferrari, but it's not bad.

Gemini chuckles.

[Annie] Of course it's not, it's not flashy enough, you don't turn heads driving one.

Annie teases, chuckling softly.

[Gemini] It's still a nice car. And they made it 6 years. It is one of the nicer Ferrari's. Just not my favorite.

Gemini replies with a smile.

[Annie] I had no idea you were into cars that much.

Annie side glances at Gemini slightly surprised, then looks back at the road.

Gemini shrugs.

[Gemini] My dad was. I guess he brought it up for me to love 'em. I don't talk about it much, 'cause well... most people just don't understand why a girl would be into cars.

[Annie] Don't see a problem with it.

Annie shrugs as she keeps driving, then frowns when she sees a squad car on her tail.

[Gemini] Most guys and other girls think it's weird. So, I keep it to myself.

Gemini replies.

[Annie] Hey, you didn't rob a bank or killed someone lately, have you?

Annie tries to joke about it, she hated to have one of those behind her even when she didn't do anything.

[Gemini] No.. Why?

Gemini asks a little amused by the question.

[Annie] We have a police squad car on our tail, must be a coincidence. Ironically you've been keeping me out of trouble lately.

Annie explains with a shrug. Still keeping an eye on the rear view mirror.

[Gemini] Huh... maybe they're just bored and running random plates?

Gemini suggests.

[Annie] Maybe. Noticed out of habit I suppose.

Annie is relieved when she sees it turning to a side road.

[Annie] There. It's gone.

Gemini just shrugged to herself not responding.

Annie frowns again when two blocks down there's another squad car, luckily they're almost at Joe's, so she doesn't have to put up with them any longer.

[Annie] Shouldn't drink too much though, apparently they're trying to fine someone.

Annie murmurs as she parks the car in the parking lot.

[Gemini] Well, you wouldn't want to get a DUI. That'd be even worse than a fine.

Gemini says, hearing Annie's murmur.

[Annie] Yes, maybe we should take a cab back if all these cops are out, we'll see.

Annie shrugs unconcerned, she had no idea how much she was going to drink.

[Annie] Depends on how much I feel like drinking.

[Gemini] Yeah... and what? How quickly it burns out of your system?

Gemini asks.

[Annie] Well, it depends on how much I drink and how long I stay without drinking before I get to make that test.

Annie answers with a shrug, before she exits the car.

[Annie] Don't worry, I don't want any trouble with the law. I just got settled in, last thing I want is to have to change my name and move again.

Annie makes a face at that, the first time around had been boring enough but it couldn't be helped.

Gemini shrugs, unsure of what to say.

Annie locks the car and starts to walk towards Joe's bar.

[Annie] Come on then.

Annie says without looking back.

[Gemini] I'm comin'.

Gemini replies, moving up alongside Annie.

Annie makes a face and stops on her tracks when she gets near Joe's bar, judging by the buzz she'd felt there wasn't just David inside the bar. She takes a deep breath and resumes walking, probably it was Judge Everson and Adam Pierson.

Gemini winces slightly.

[Gemini] That's a strong one...

Gemini murmurs, more to herself than to Annie.

Annie opens the door and blinks trying to adjust to the darker interior. She takes a deep sigh of relief when she sees the somewhat familiar faces of the other Immortals.

[Annie] So far, so good.

Annie murmurs to herself as she walks inside the bar.

Gemini looks around the inside of the bar, as she follows Annie in, and feels a relaxing of the buzz, now that she's identified the sources.

[Gemini] There's David.

Gemini says, seeing the Immortal she was looking for at the bar.

[Annie] Yes, I see him.

Annie nods, she had no intention of going near him anyway.

[Annie] Why don't you go and talk to him, I'll be at a table?

Annie suggests, looking back at Gemini.

[Gemini] Alright.

Gemini says, and starts towards the bar.

[Methos] Look who we have here.

Methos whispers to Aldria, finally turning his gaze away from the door.

[Ally] You sound surprised.

Ally replies, also in a whisper.

[Methos] Not really, should have expected it since Steven got a head shorter last night.

Methos shrugs picking up his beer glass to take a sip.

[Ally] Especially given where the youngest has gone.

Ally says watching Gemini bee line it for David.

[Methos] Yes, I bet she wants to hear all the sordid details.

Methos chuckles softly, returning Annie's nod to them.

Ally also returns the nod from the younger woman.

[Ally] I don't know.

Ally shrugs slightly.

[Ally] Doesn't seem like the type to want all the sordid details.

Methos shrugs, while he looks down to play with his glass on the table.

[Methos] I wouldn't know.

Ally shrugs.

[Ally] Maybe she knows.

Ally says with the barest of nods towards Annie.

[Methos] Yes... Don't know why they're all avoiding us tonight, even your admirer is sitting at the bar.

Methos teases, remembering the kid didn't even try to sit on their table when he came in.

[Ally] Probably just as well.

Ally can't help a slight smirk.

[Methos] Do we look particularly threatening tonight?

Methos asks with a frown, he didn't think so but still there was something weird about it.

[Ally] Maybe they think we're on a date.

Ally laughs at the absurdity of the idea.

[Gemini] David.

Gemini says, greeting the other Immortal, relieved that he was safe and hale.

[David] Hello.

David looks down at her with a smile on his lips.

[David] Your teacher doesn't want to talk to me, I take it?

David points out to let her know he noticed when the other woman left.

[Gemini] She only came with, 'cause well... I don't have a vehicle, and she doesn't wanna let me out by myself, yet.

Gemini shrugs, sliding onto a bar stool next to David.

[David] Well you don't have to worry about Steven anymore.

David smiles looking around and trying to get the bartender's attention.

[Gemini] Thank God.

Gemini whispers to herself.

[Gemini] What about you? You okay?

[David] Yeah, slept 12 hours straight though. Craig is going to end up firing me if I keep skipping work.

David shrugs, well his boss knew what he'd been doing.

[Gemini] Yeah, but he's... one of us. He'll understands, won't he?

Gemini asks.

[David] Yeah, I think so.

David nods, he doesn't bother to explain to her that he was partly joking, if she didn't get the joke maybe it's because it wasn't that good anyway.

Methos frowns at Annie, sitting at a nearby table.

[Methos] Why don't you sit with us, you need a written invitation?

[Ally] We're not going to bite.

Ally chuckles.

[Gemini] So?

Gemini asks looking at David expectantly.

Annie raises an eyebrow at them, then stands up, picks up her drink and moves to their table.

[Annie] I didn't know you two were so desperate for my company.

Annie shakes her head, slightly amused, as she pulls a chair to sit down.

[David] So?

David asks a little distracted still trying to get the bartender to get him a drink.

[Gemini] You're okay, then?

Gemini asks, both wanting details, if only vague details, and not wanting details.

[David] Yes, I've rested enough, I was exhausted last night. And that thing that happens in the end...

David wrinkles his nose at the Quickening, he wasn't sure if he'd liked it or not.

[Gemini] Yeah?

Gemini says.

[David] Well, actually I passed out after a while... or died... I'm not sure. I guess it's one of the things we'll never be sure again when we're alone. When we die or not?

David says, while he thinks to himself he should reserve judgment on that until he'd felt a complete Quickening.

[Gemini] Well... I'm sure sometimes it'll be more obvious than others.

Gemini says responding to David's question, not sure what to say to the rest of it.

[David] What I remember the most it's the pain, we're literally struck by lightning and yet...

David struggles to explain, realizing it's hard to explain that to someone who never felt that before.

[David] ... In a way you feel very much alive. It's a really weird feeling.

[Gemini] I can't say that I'm anxious to experience it.

Gemini whispers.

[David] I know I wasn't, but that guy wouldn't leave me alone.

David finally manages to get the bartender's attention and orders a beer.

[Gemini] Or me.

Gemini whispers softly.

[Ally] So, how is teaching going?

Ally asks Annie, curiously, knowing that Gemini is Annie's first student.

[Annie] Better than I was expecting, maybe there's still hope for that kid.

Annie answers taking a small sip, she's trying not to drink too much tonight in case she's pulled over on the way home.

[Ally] Oh? What were you expecting?

Ally asks.

[Annie] Well for once she never complains when it's practice time, I always thought she would, don't know why.

Annie shrugs, she's old enough to know first impressions are not always right.

[Ally] Really? Most do complain. Especially after the first time or two.

Ally says a little impressed, glancing over at the young Immortal, before turning back to Annie.

[Methos] Yeah, when the novelty wears off.

Methos nods in agreement, gesturing a waitress to get him another beer.

[Methos] Besides it's really dull in the beginning.

[Annie] To the teacher or to the student?

Annie asks with a slight frown, she's not getting what he means by that.

[Methos] Both?

Methos says with a smirk, luckily he didn't remember his time as a student, probably was nothing worth remembering anyway.

Annie takes a deep breath, watching her student and that Bradford kid.

[Annie] I only wish she didn't care so much about him.

Annie murmurs under her breath.

[Ally] And why is that?

Ally asks, curious as to Annie's reasonings.

[Annie] You should have seen how she behaved last night. Apparently his cell phone got destroyed during the fight and when he didn't answer the phone...

Annie shakes her head remembering it.

[Annie] If he got killed it would take her years to get back to her normal self, if ever.

[Ally] Indeed?

Ally asks, arching an eyebrow.

[Methos] That's too bad, I always thought he preferred "older" women.

Methos teases, side glancing at Aldria.

[Methos] I may be wrong, of course.

Methos smirks picking up his beer glass.

[Ally] I think he DOES.

Ally laughs.

[Annie] Yes, I think the poor guy didn't notice it yet, but he's a guy, can't blame him for that.

Annie chuckles softly while she picks up her glass to take a sip.

[Ally] Poor girl.

Ally says, still laughing softly.

[Methos] Hey, I'm a guy and I've noticed it. Not that hard to figure out, he's just the type a teenager would fall head over heels for.

Methos points out as he turns his head to side glance at the two Immortals at the bar.

Annie looks up at her student and sighs looking down at her glass.

[Annie] I know. But it's such a bad idea to care so much about another Immortal though.

[Ally] Be that as it may, it doesn't stop most.

Ally returns.

[Methos] Yes, it's not the smartest thing to do, but it happens all the time.

Methos shrugs as he side glances at Annie, who did she think she was fooling?

[Methos] Can you tell me it didn't happen to you regarding your student?

Annie takes a deep breath, she takes a sip and only then nods in agreement.

[Annie] Yeah, I know that kid managed to sneak under my defenses when I wasn't looking. I only realized that when we had to leave the hotel.

Annie shrugs as she takes another deep breath.

[Annie] I just couldn't leave her alone.

[Ally] She managed it fairly quickly didn't she then?

Ally asks, smiling slightly.

[Annie] To someone who has been avoiding other Immortals for centuries, she managed it in a heartbeat.

Annie sighs, looking down at her glass, maybe she'd just been alone for too long.

[Ally] Funny how they can do that, isn't it?

Ally asks with a knowing smile.

[Methos] Yeah, how do you think they get us to teach them?

Methos chuckles softly, remembering some of the times he wasn't interested in teaching at all, but still had done it.

[Methos] Oh and don't be offended, but since she's your first student... I wouldn't teach her everything you know, just in case?

Methos suggests with a shrug.

[Methos] She seems a nice girl but still...

[Annie] I've learnt from one of the best, remember? I know Kronos didn't teach me everything he knew.

Annie shrugs, while she thinks that was one of the reasons she never tried to fight him, she knew he was keeping something from her.

[Ally] That is a decision to wait for, until you know her better, or are sure of her. I've had some students I've taught everything to. Others I haven't.

Ally replies.

[Methos] Really? I thought you were smarter than that. I know I haven't.

Methos smiles at Aldria amused.

[Annie] Ever?

Annie raises an eyebrow at him, slightly surprised.

[Methos] Nope?

Methos picks up his glass to drink some beer with a smirk.

[Ally] Admittedly, with one exception all the ones I taught everything to, were mortal.

Ally adds.

David frowns remembering to ask Gemini something he still didn't get, something she said last night...

[David] Why were you so worried last night? I mean, you thought I was going to lose?

David asks still frowning, after thinking about it for a while it still didn’t make sense but it was the only possible explanation.

[Gemini] I hoped not...

Gemini says softly.

[David] You hoped...

David's frown deepens, just what exactly did she mean by that?

[Gemini] Not. I didn't want anything to happen to you.

Gemini clarifies.

[David] Yes, I got the not, it's not that...

David nods still frowning puzzled, he has the feeling something is being left unsaid here.

[Annie] Yes, I can see we're all the trusting type here.

Annie shakes her head looking at the two older Immortals.

[Methos] That's the price of... surviving?

Methos shrugs looking down at his glass, he knows too trusting Immortals don't live really long.

[Ally] Yeah well, as I seem to recall there's a few certain boyscouts who always teach everything they know.

Ally replies with a smile.

[Methos] And that's one of the reason the boyscouts don't last long in our Game.

Methos points out unconcerned, if they wanted to risk they lives just to be the good guys so be it.

[Methos] Unless they're really good with a sword, and even then...

Methos shrugs again not bothering to finish it, they'd both know the rest, they were old enough to know it.

Annie takes a small sip, then stares at her glass on the table, thinking.

[Annie] Funny, what you said about the price of surviving, I've always thought the guys who write the dictionaries should come up with a word for when you can stand up for yourself. Only surviving to me sounds too... easy?

Annie looks up at the other Immortal to see if they were following her.

[Methos] Maybe too primitive? Law of the jungle easy, right?

Methos asks slightly amused, that's what they had to face every day anyway.

Annie nods.

[Annie] Yes, maybe something a little more refined?

[Ally] Yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. And what it's called.

Ally says with a little chuckle of her own.

[Annie] You do?

Annie asks surprised, she wasn't exactly waiting to get an answer to that.

[Ally] Yes. I do.

Ally smiles.

[Methos] Care to enlighten us, then?

Methos says with a smirk, side glancing at Aldria.

[Ally] It's called growing up.

Ally replies with a smirk of her own.

[Methos] Oh yeah, no one can escape it.

Methos raises his almost empty beer glass and toasts.

[Methos] So here's to growing up.

[Ally] Growing up.

Ally replies with a chuckle lifting her glass.

Annie shakes her head with a little smile on her lips, but also raises her glass.

[Annie] Why not? I've toasted to stranger things before.

Annie clicks the other two glasses.

[Annie] Growing up.

David blinks and shakes his head, for a moment he thought he'd get the answer but apparently the idea had gone before it came to his conscious thoughts, he hated when it happened.

[David] I really don't know what it meant.

David whispers almost to himself.

[Gemini] Not. I hoped not. I didn't want anything to happen to you.

Gemini says, feeling herself blush as puts together everything she had said.

David stares at Gemini for a moment, still puzzled, noticing she'd just blushed, he thinks to himself why would she be embarrassed, until it all comes to him in a flash. It couldn't be, right? She's almost young enough to be his daughter.

[David] I think I'm getting crazy or maybe it was the Quickening, for a moment I thought...

David shakes his head with a smile, while he takes a deep breath.

[Gemini] Thought what?

Gemini asks, barely glancing at David, still flushing slightly.

[David] I know it sounds crazy, but I thought you were in love with me.

David says, he almost expects she laughs on his face, but he has to find out for sure.

Gemini chews on her lower lip for a moment, blushing even harder. Finally she makes up her mind. After all, it was time to start acting an adult in an adult world.

[Gemini] I don't know if it's love, David, but...

Gemini trails off trying to figure out how to continue.


The End?

Continues with Toys in the Basement

26
WATCHERS / Calvin Hammond
« Last post by Nicole on August 02, 2012, 11:15:01 am »
Calvin Hammond



Full Name:  Calvin Hammond

AKAs:  None.

DOB:  May 15th, 1965

Age:  47

Sex:  Male

Hair color:  Brown

Eye Color:  Blue

Nationality:  American

Residence:  Arlington, VA


Close Friends:  None

Assignment:  Head of the East Coast Watcher Division

Languages:  English, French.

Personality:  Workaholic, calculating, arrogant

Any Special Skills:  A Pencil artist in his spare time.

History:  Calvin is descended from a long line of Watchers, going back on his father’s side nearly 10 generations.  While, his mother was not a Watcher, is mother’s father was, and so on back that line for 5 generations.  His father pulled stings and got Calvin admitted into the Watcher academy during his senior year of High School.  After graduating from High school and the Watchers' academy, before getting his first assignment, Calvin went back home to marry is high school sweetheart.
  While following his first assignment, Calvin and his wife found out they were expecting.  Ten months to the day after their wedding, Calvin’s wife went into labor in the early hours of the morning.  After 18 hours of labor, Calvin’s wife passed away, along with their infant son.  Mother and son were buried together.  Calvin’s father allowed him one week after the funeral to, literally, drown his sorrows, and then forced his son back to work, telling him that work would be good for him.
  Calvin did just that, and through himself into his work.  Calvin’s first assignment lost his head two years later.  Calvin proceeded to rise steadily in the ranks of Watchers after that.  His own parents died three years after his first assignment, leaving Calvin in possession of a considerable fortune.  However, Calvin felt the loneliness keenly, and began taking in foster children and guiding them, until they graduated high school and occasionally their first couple years after, before arranging for them to study abroad while in college.

 
27
CHRONICLES / Part 8
« Last post by 22639 on July 27, 2012, 11:32:00 am »
 “Ladies and gentlemen. The captain would like to let you know that we will be landing in Dublin in 20 minutes. So please put your seat backs and tray tables in their upright position and fasten your seat belts. Thank you," the flight attendant announces and Nikki folds her tray table away and sits her seat up straight. She looks over at Haley and smiles.

Nikki: Wait until you see Ireland. It is so beautiful this time of year.

Nikki says as she fastens her seat belt.

Haley: I'll take your word for it.

Haley smiles, a little nervously.

Haley: Before this... trip, I'd never been out of Washington.

Liam: Ok, Brandon.....ease up on the reins. He knows the course....let him have his head.

Liam calls out from where he's sitting on the top of the fence surrounding the small arena that Brandon is working out a new jumper in.

Brandon only nods as he does as he's instructed, he sighs inwardly though, his boss is still treating him like a kid. He might be young but he knew what he was doing.

When the horse "joggles" the bit around in his mouth and balks at the next hurdle, Liam jumps down from the fence and heads over to Brandon and the horse.

Liam: Hold up, Brandon.

Liam says as he approaches Brandon and his mount.

Brandon: What is it, duine? (Sir in Gaelic)

Brandon asks as he tries to stop the horse so Liam can get near them.

Liam steps up to the horse and takes a look in its mouth.

Liam: Aye. Just what I thought. We're going to have to use a snaffle bit with him. He's figured out a way of working his tongue over the top of the bit so he has all of the control.

Liam says shaking his head. He reaches up and scratches the horse's forehead.

Liam: Think you're pretty smart, eh, big boy?

Liam says with a chuckle to the horse.

Liam: It's obvious that he has had some training in jumping but he's still pretty green.

Liam says stepping back to look the horse over.

Liam: But if you work with him, religiously, Brandon....I think you can turn him into a winner. I know that you had to sell your horse when your parents died and you haven't had one of your own since you've been here. So if you'd like....this big boy is yours.

Liam says, lifting his hat and wiping the sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his shirt.

Brandon stares at Liam, his eyes open wide with amazement.

Brandon: I... I... Really, Mr Flynn?

Brandon manages to say after being speechless for a while.

Liam chuckles.

Liam: Yes. Really. And for God's sake, Brandon....it's about time you stopped with the Mr. Flynn. It makes me feel so....ancient. Call me Liam. Or anything but Mr. Flynn.

Liam says, shaking his head and chuckling.

Liam: Or late for a pint.

Liam adds, jokingly.

Brandon: Yes, duine.

Brandon nods without daring to take his offer to call him by his first name.

Liam looks up at Brandon. Although he shakes his head in frustration he smiles appreciatively.

Liam: You're a good lad, Brandon Cavanagh. Your Da and Ma would be proud.

Liam says and pats the horse on the hindquarters.

Liam: Go ahead and cool him off and let him out in the North pasture.

Liam says and turns and heads for the arena gate.

Brandon pats the neck of the horse before he does what he's boss has ordered him, he still can't believe he'd just given him this horse.

Brandon: Come on, boy. I'll take care of you.

Brandon murmurs before he urges him to move.

When the plane comes to a stop and the flight attendants open the door, Nikki gets up and takes her's and Haley's carry ons out of the overhead cabinet and hands Haley's to her. She leads the way out of the plane, through the passenger loading tunnel and gets in line at the Customs counter.

Nikki: Got you passport ready?

Nikki asks Haley.

Haley quickly follows after Nikki.

Haley: Yup, right here.

Haley says holding it up.

Ten minutes later, Nikki has her stamped passport and her carry on bag and she exits through the Customs turnstile then turns and waits for Haley.

A couple minutes after Nikki, Haley also passes through the turnstile with a stamped passport.

Haley: Okay, what next?

Haley asks.

Nikki: Look for a sign that says, "Executive Auto Rental. They should be around the terminal some where.

Nikki says, looking around.

Haley: You mean like that one?

Haley asks pointing to the sign that was directly next to them.

Nikki looks up and smacks her forehead with the heel of her hand.

Nikki: Duh! If it were a snake it would have bit me.

Nikki says, laughing. She heads for the car rental counter. Craig had already set it up and all she has to do is check in and the car rental agent hands her the keys to a near new Range Rover.

Nikki: Thank you.

Nikki says to the agent and turns and leads Haley out of the terminal and to the agency's lot. The valet goes and gets the SUV and a few minutes later Nikki drives out of the Dublin Airport and heads South East.

Liam finishes stacking bails of hay behind the main barn and walks inside, removing his work gloves and pounding them on the leg of his jeans to get rid of the loose hay and dust. He walks through the barn to where Brandon is giving his new horse a bath.

Liam: Say, Brandon....got any plans for tonight?

Liam asks as he grabs the hose and gets a drink of water from it.

Brandon: Not really, maybe just watch some football game on TV, or something.

Brandon shrugs before he bends down to rinse the cloth he was using in the water bucket by his feet.

Liam: Why don't you come up to the main house and have dinner with me? Beth is in London....again...and Mrs. O'Brian is at her son's house in Kilkinney and I hate to eat alone.

Liam says, setting the hose back in the bucket.

Brandon: Oh I'd love that Mr... Liam.

Brandon says tentatively, remembering in time he'd asked him to call him that way.

Liam: Great. Come on up when you've finished here. It's not going to be anything special. I'm just grilling a couple of steaks on the barbeque.

Liam says and claps Brandon on the shoulder.

Liam: See you then.

Brandon: OK, I'm about finished here.

Brandon answers after Liam, he sighs at the fact that he has to leave the horse soon, he'd almost spend the night near him if he had a choice.

Liam adds and turns to leave. He heads for his office in the main barn to finish some paperwork before going "home" for the night.

Once Nikki drives out of the city limits she takes some of the back roads to show off some of her favorite sites to Haley. The first is the cliffs that the small highway follows for a while.


 




 
Next they drive past a hillside castle and Nikki pulls over to the side of the road so that Haley can check it out.


 




 
A little farther along the coast they come to a stairway that descends down to the beach.


 




 
Haley: Oh, wow.

Haley says looking down the pathway.

Nikki: Now that's the first time I've ever seen sheep on it.

Nikki says a bit surprised.

Haley: It's a bit steep.

Haley says softly.

From there, Nikki heads inland and the landscape begins to change. They drive through small town after small town....each with its own unique "personality".


 




 
***3 hours later***

Nikki drives into Raheen. As she drives past the Inn/tavern where she and Methos had stayed the last time she was here, her stomach knots up and she begins replaying their time here. Although she is trying not to show any expression, a look of melancholy comes over her face.

Haley: So um... Nikki?

Haley asks hesitantly.

Nikki: Hmmm?

Nikki says, coming back to the here and now.

Haley: Where are we going?

Haley asks, hoping to distract Nikki from whatever thought put that sad look on her face.

Nikki: The Smaragaid Parthas Ranch just out of town here.

Nikki says.

Nikki: And that is Gaelic for Emerald Paradise

Nikki adds.

Haley: Emerald Paradise Ranch... why there?

Haley asks curiously, sensing that this is their final destination.

Nikki: My father runs it. Actually he owns it but nobody knows he's the owner. They think he's just the foreman. Oh. And FYI....he's like me.

Nikki says and glances sideways to see Haley's reaction.

Haley: Like you...

Haley says slowly and looks over to Nikki.

Nikki nods.

Haley: Like the whole heads, and lightening and immortal thing?

Haley clarifies, more for herself.

Nikki: Yep. The whole heads, lightening and Immortal thing.

Nikki says with a chuckle. She is amazed at how easily Haley has accepted everything.

Haley: Is he like you? Or like... that other guy?

Haley asks, referencing the immortal she had reason not to like.

Nikki: He was the best father a girl could have. A good man...a wonderful husband and a great father.

Nikki says, proudly. She decides Haley doesn't need to know that Liam Flynn's only transgression was not telling Nikki what she would be someday and preparing her for it.

Nikki: You'll like him.

Nikki says reassuringly.

Haley: Right, so a 180 from MY dad.

Haley says relaxing a little.

Soon Nikki turns onto a small road covered by a canopy of trees.


 




 
On either side of the road are pastures with Andalusians, Friesians, Arabians and a few random rare breeds of all colors and markings. The pastures are covered in green grasses and the white fences that separate each pasture class it all up.

Nikki: When I was a kid.....the horse ranch we lived on was called the Emerald Paradise It was where my Da was most happy so when he took over this ranch he gave it the same name. Kind of fitting, though.....right?

Nikki says as she admires the emerald green grass covered pastures.

Haley: Yeah. It's an apt name.

Haley replies, looking at all the lush emerald pastures.

Liam sets a match to the coals in the brick barbeque in the back yard of the main house. When the coals are not flaming as much he places two thick steaks on the grill and smothers one side of each steak with his own barbeque sauce concoction.

Brandon goes around the main house to the backyard, following his nose, after he stopped by his place to take a quick shower. He finds Liam busy making their dinner.

Brandon: You want some help?

Liam opens an ice chest that is sitting on one end of the picnic table and takes out a bottle of Guinness and tosses it to Brandon.

Liam: Nope. Got it all under control. Just sit back and relax. Did you say that there was a game on the telly tonight?

Liam says as he gently turns the steaks over and smothers the other side of them in sauce.

Brandon is startled when Liam throws him a bottle but manages to catch it in the air. He nods in thanks before he opens it.

Brandon: Yeah, the Olympics, Spain is playing against Japan.  I wish it was Ireland.

Brandon shrugs before he takes a sip.

Liam:What time?

Liam asks as he walks over to the table and picks up the pile of silverware laying next to the cooler and places settings on either side of the table.

Brandon moves the bottle to his other hand to check his watch.

Brandon: Should be starting I think.

Liam: Really? In that case.....

Liam says as he carries two plates over to the barbeque and places a steak on each plate. He carries them back to the table and sets them down then hurries into the house, returning pushing a portable TV stand with a 52" flat screen TV on it. He pushes it over by the table and plugs it into an outdoor socket and turns it on then he sits down at the table across from Brandon.

Liam: There's salad in that bowl...

Liam says pointing to a large bowl filled with fresh greens.

Liam: And baked potatoes, sour cream and butter.

Liam says pointing to the foil wrapped potatoes and butter dish.

Liam: I put you in charge of finding the station the game is on.

Liam says handing the TV remote to Brandon as he cuts a chunk off of his steak and puts it in his mouth.

Brandon frowns trying to remember which TV channel he read it was on, he tries the one most likely and when he doesn't see it he moves to the next until he finds a football game.

Brandon: Hey look, Great Britain against Senegal.

Brandon says in surprise.

Brandon: I think I missed reading about that.

Liam happily focuses on enjoying his steak, Guinness and the game.

Halfway down the tree covered lane Nikki sees something out of the corner of her eye that catches her attention and she stops the Range Rover to get a better look. She gets out and walks over to the fence. The pasture is on the side of a small hill and standing on the top of that hill is a pure white Friesian stallion.


 



Haley gets out, and follows Nikki to the fence.

Nikki: Oh my God. He's gorgeous.

Nikki exclaims.

Haley: Uh huh.

Haley agrees.

The stallion tosses his head and his long main seems to float around him like feathers. His coat glistens in the sunlight making him look as though he were made of glass. Nikki watches the stallion for a few minutes then turns and heads back to the car and gets back in.

Liam lets out a whoop and pounds the top of the table when the Great Britain team scores a goal.

Haley follows Nikki's lead, and returns to the range rover, when Nikki does, after admiring the beautiful animal.

Brandon: Yeah! Way to score!

Brandon hollers, almost choking on his bite of steak.

Nikki continues their drive along the lane. Just as the main house comes into view, Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and she smiles, knowing that it's her father.

Liam suddenly feels the buzz of an Immortal. He freezes in mid motion of taking a bite of his steak, then slowly lowers his fork and looks around.

Liam: Ummmmm.....Brandon? You'll have to excuse me for a minute. Let me know what happens.

Liam says and gets to his feet.

Brandon: Is anything wrong, boss?

Brandon asks, seeing the look of concern on Liam's face.

Liam: Hope not.

Liam mutters and heads into the house. He goes to the front door and takes his sword down from the display rack above the door, holds it, blade pointing upward, behind his shoulder and opens the front door.

Nikki clears the tree lined lane and pulls the Range Rover up to the white picket fence that surrounds the front yard of the main house.

Nikki: We're here.

Nikki announces to Haley, then she sees her father step out onto the front porch and she opens the car door and gets out.

Haley: He's got a sword..

Haley murmurs softly, getting out of the car, after Nikki.

Nikki: Of course he does.

Nikki says with a giggle.

Nikki: He felt me coming but didn't know it was me.

Nikki explains and waves to Liam.

Haley: Oh.

Haley says softly, slowly following Nikki.

Liam sees Nikki get out of the car and his mouth drops open in surprise. He steps back through the front door and replaces his sword in the rack then steps back out onto the front porch.

Nikki walks up to the little gate in the fence, opens it and runs toward Liam.

Liam meets his daughter halfway down the walk and scoops her up into his arms.

Liam: Nicayla? What the hell?

Liam says and laughs.

Nikki throws her arms around Liam and giggles...feeling like she did when she was a child

and would run to greet her father after he had been gone on a business trip.

Nikki: Hi, Da.

Nikki says as he whirls her around.

Haley enters the little gated fence, and carefully shuts the gate behind her, watching Nikki and her dad, wishing she could even contemplate greeting her father in such a way.

Nikki says as he whirls her around.

Liam stops and lets go of Nikki and steps back to get a look at his daughter.

Liam: What are you doing here?

Liam asks, incredulously.

Liam: And why didn't you let me know you were coming?

Liam adds.

Nikki: It was kind of a spur of the moment trip.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Nikki: It's a long story.

Nikki says a bit sheepishly.

Liam looks into his daughter's emerald green eyes and recognizes the look in them.

Liam: Ok. What kind of trouble are you in?

Liam asks softly, keeping part of his attention on the strange young girl standing by the gate.

Nikki: Who says I'm in trouble?

Nikki asks, smiling innocently up at Liam.

Liam rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

Liam: You forget who you're talking to, young lady. You were never a very good liar and you, especially, could never lie to me.

Liam says and puts his arm around Nikki's shoulder, giving her a quick, one armed hug.

Nikki: Da? I'd like you to meet some one.

Nikki says pulling away and turning back to look at Haley. She motions Haley to join her.

Haley hesitantly moves over to Nikki, and her father.

Nikki: Da? This is Haley. Haley this is my father, Liam Flynn.

Nikki says.

Liam: Nice to meet you, Haley.

Liam says and holds out his hand for her to shake.

Liam: Welcome to the Emerald Paradise Ranch.

Haley: Hi.

Haley says quite softly, reaching her hand out, to take Liam's.

Liam: Let's go inside. Are you girls hungry? I just made dinner for a friend of mine and myself.

Liam says putting his arm back around Nikki's shoulder and steering her towards the house.

Nikki: A friend? Where's Beth?

Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow.

Haley trails silently after Nikki and Liam.

Liam: She's in London. And yes. My friend is actually my right hand man here at the ranch. If I weren't the foreman he would be. I think you met him briefly when you were here last.

Liam explains as he guides the girls up the steps and into the house.

Liam: We're out in the back yard. Why don't you ladies join us and get something to eat then we can talk later in private and you can tell me what kind of trouble you're in.

Liam suggests....but his tone leaves no room for declining his suggestion.

Nikki shrugs, recognizing her father's tone of voice and knowing that it would be useless to argue with him, so she follows him through the kitchen and into the back yard.

Liam walks up to the picnic table and gestures for Nikki and Haley to have a seat.

Liam: Brandon? We have a surprise visitor. This is my daughter, Nicayla and her friend, Haley. They've come all the way from the States.

Liam announces as he cuts his large steak in two and puts a piece on plates and sets them in front of Haley and Nikki.

Haley eyes the boy, for a moment, then smiles hesitantly, as Liam introduces him, and slides into a free seat at the table.

Brandon: Nice to meet you.

Brandon says, looking up a little embarrassed, looking down at his plate when it was polite to do so.

Nikki: Hi, Brandon.

Nikki says simply as she sits down at the table. When her father places a plate with the steak on it in front of her she smiles up at him and says, Thank you, Da."

Liam: There's salad and potatoes if you want them.

Liam says and indicates the salad bowl.

Haley: Thanks, Mr. Flynn.

Haley murmurs

Liam: Please, Haley....call me Liam. We don't stand on ceremony around here.

Liam says with a grin.

Liam: What's the score?

Liam asks Brandon as he sits down across from Brandon and next to Nikki and picks up his Guinness and takes a swig.

Brandon: Still the same.

Brandon answers, thankful he has a reason to look up so he had an excuse to look around. He'd like to take a closer look to Liam's daughter friend.

Nikki: What are you watching?

Nikki asks as she takes a bite of the steak....even though it is cooked more than she likes.

Haley cuts the steak, to make it easy for more mindless eating.

Liam: Great Britain vs. Senegal.

Liam answers Nikki.

Liam: Want an ale?

Liam asks his daughter.

Nikki: Sure.

Nikki says with a nod.

Liam: Brandon? There are some sodas in the fridge in the kitchen. Would you get one for Haley, please?

Liam asks Brandon as he gets a bottle of Guinness out of the cooler, opens it and hands it to Nikki.

Brandon: Sure.

Brandon nods as he gets to his feet.

Nikki: So who's winning?

Nikki asks and takes a sip of her Guinness

Liam: I believe it's a tie.

Liam answers, taking another sip of his ale.

Liam: How's your steak?

Liam asks both Haley and Nikki.

Brandon walks to the fridge still looking back, he gets a soda and takes it to the backyard.

Haley: Very good, thank you.

Haley replies quickly, since she was in between bites.

Nikki: Good. Thank you. All I've had to eat since we got on the plane in Philly was airplane food and that’s not enough to feed a canary.

Nikki says, taking another bite of her steak.

Haley: If it doesn't kill you first.

Haley adds after Nikki, regarding the airplane food, with a smile.

Nikki: Exactly.

Nikki agrees with a giggle.

Brandon: I hope it's not too cool.

Brandon says as he puts the soda in front of Haley glad he had something to say to her.

Liam: Haley? Can I get you anything else?

Liam asks, seeing how ravished the girl seems to be.

Haley: No, I'm good.

Haley replies to Liam, and then looks to Brandon, "Thank you."

Just then Great Britain scores another goal and Liam whoops, joyfully.

Liam: They're on fire tonight.

Liam exclaims.

Nikki takes another bite of her steak and shakes her head, looking at both Liam and Brandon.

Nikki: Men and their sports.

Nikki says, still shaking her head.

Brandon hurries back to his seat, he missed the goal but luckily he still can catch on the replay.

Haley rolls her eyes as both the guys cheer. Soccer wasn't a sport she carried for.

Nikki finishes her steak and grabs the salad bowl and serves herself some of the fresh greens then pours some dressing on it and digs in.

Liam finishes his own salad and folds his paper plate in half and stuffs it in a small trash bag taped to the end of the table. He takes another sip of his ale and checks to make sure Haley and Nikki seem to be taken care of then turns his attention back to the game.

Haley finishes her steak, and refills her plate with potato salad and little lettuce salad.

Brandon keeps eating still watching the game, between watching the game and side glancing at Haley, he barely knew what he was eating.

Nikki finishes her salad and takes washes it down with some ale then sits back and holds her stomach...a look of satisfaction on her face.

Liam looks over at Nikki and smiles.

Haley sees that Nikki has finished eating, and begins to think twice about more potato salad, as she works on finishing what is currently on her plate.

Liam: Finished, Banphrionsa?

Liam asks (Gaelic for princess).

Nikki: Yes. Go raibh maith agat.

Nikki answers (Gaelic for than you).

Liam folds up Nikki's paper plate and stuffs it in the trash bag with his. Just then the Great Britain team scores another goal and Liam cheers, delightedly.

Nikki laughs at her father's excitement. When she was living at home....there was no TV and no sports for him to watch so seeing this more modernized side of him warms her heart.

Brandon: Yeah.

Brandon cheers when Great Britain scores yet another goal, only the fact that he isn't alone can keep him on his seat.

Brandon: You don't like football?

Brandon asks the girls slightly surprised, they were acting like nothing had happened.

Haley can't help but to smirk slightly.

Haley: I like football. It's soccer I find boring.

Nikki: And I only pay attention to 3 sports. Baseball, Pool and equestrian events.

Nikki answers.

Liam: My Americanized daughter.

Liam says with a laugh.

Brandon: Oh equestrian events, I'm with you on that one.

Brandon nods with a smile.

Nikki sees the way Brandon looks at Haley and she smiles inwardly.

Haley: Do you compete?

Haley asks.

Nikki: Haley's becoming quite the horsewoman herself.

Nikki says proudly, hoping to spur some conversation between the two.

Brandon: Hmm I used to but not anymore... I mean...

Brandon smiles when he remembers he just got a horse.

Brandon: I mean not yet.

Liam sees that Haley and Brandon have begun to converse so he looks over at Nikki and nods toward the house then gets to his feet.

Haley: I love to watch Three day eventing, but I have competed in barrel racing. You have to travel too far to do the three day eventing.

Haley says softly.

 
Liam: Keep track of the score, backlóg.

Liam says to Brandon (Gaelic for Buddy).  He heads for the house.

Brandon: Aye, duine.

Brandon nods remembering to keep an eye on the TV for a moment he'd forgotten all about the game.

Nikki gets up and follows her father into the house.

Liam leads Nikki into the study and closes the door behind them He takes a seat on the sofa and pats the seat next to him.

Liam: Now....tell your Da what you're running from.

Liam says with a knowing smile.

Haley: So umm... what's Liam like?

Haley asks, as Nikki and her father walk off.

Brandon: Oh, he's OK. He just got me a horse so I can start competing again.

Brandon smiles as he moves his gaze between Haley and the TV, trying not to miss anything.

Brandon: I couldn't ask for a better boss.

Haley: He got you a horse?

Haley asks a little surprised.

Brandon: Yes, a jumper... that's what I used to do... before.

Brandon sighs looking at the TV, he didn't want to mention the part he had to sell the horses.

Haley: Wow. That's pretty cool.

Haley says.

Brandon stands up and moves to the cooler to get another ale, trying to keep an eye on both Haley and the TV. Then he stares at Haley with a smile.

Brandon: You want a beer instead? I won't tell?

Haley: I'd love one.

Haley says with a smile.

Brandon gets two beers out of the cooler, and puts them on the table before he resumes his seat.

Haley opens the bottle and takes a swig of beer.

Brandon: I don't think Liam will mind, but if you rather he doesn't know just push the bottle in front of me if you sense they're coming.

Haley: Okay. I'm pretty sure, Nikki knows I've drank before but...

Haley shrugs, half smiling.

Brandon: So how long are you staying?

Brandon asks, hoping she says she's be there tomorrow at least.

Haley: I dunno for sure. A few days at least, I think... As long as Liam doesn't kick us out.

Haley replies, a little unsure.

Brandon: I don't think he'd do that.

Haley: I hope not.

Haley smiles at Brandon.

Liam listens quietly and patiently as Nikki explains the situation. When she has finished he gets up and walks over to the large desk and opens the thermadore sitting on it and fills one of the Meerschaum pipes leaning against it. He lights the pipe and walks over to the window and stares out of it as he puffs, thoughtfully on the pipe.

Brandon looks at his bottle trying to get a way to suggest they went to ride together. Then he tries to look nonchalantly, like he just got the idea.

Nikki watches her father and the longer that he is silent the more she feels like a teenager again waiting for him to figure out what punishment befit whatever "crime" she had committed. She shifts her weight in her seat, uncomfortably.

Brandon: Say, why don't I show you around tomorrow? I could get you a horse, since you ride?

Haley: That'd be awesome.

Haley beams at Brandon.

Liam sees Nikki shift her weight out of the corner of his eye but he doesn't let on. Inwardly he smiles a bit, pleased to see that she hasn't lost that sense of respect for his position as the father. Finally he takes a puff of his pipe and blows a smoke ring toward the ceiling. Then he clears his throat and turns to look at his daughter.

Brandon: Good.

Brandon smiles at Haley.

Liam: I know that your decision was not easily come by. You sacrificed a lot. Which tells me how much Haley means to you. It's a shame that we can't have kids of our own because you would have made a wonderful mother. You remind me of your Ma. May she rest in peace.

Liam says and crosses himself. He walks over and sits back down, setting his pipe in the ashtray on the end table. He turns and places the palm of his hand on Nikki's cheek and looks into her eyes, lovingly.

Liam: I am so very proud of you, Nicayla. You have grown into a fine, upstanding and intelligent woman. No father could be prouder.

Liam says, softly.

Liam: Of course you and Haley are more than welcome to stay as long as you want and I will do whatever I can to help you find a way to fix this so you and Haley can get your lives back. Consider this your home for as long as you want, bazillions

Liam says with a smile. He leans forward and kisses Nikki on her forehead.

Nikki: Go raibh maith agat, Da. Is breá liom tú.

Nikki whispers as she puts her arms around her father's neck and hugs him. (Gaelic for Thank you. I love you).

Liam: Now. What say we go check on the score of that game and when it's over I'll show you ladies to your rooms.

Liam says more as a strong suggestion than a question, and he gets to his feet.


 


 
To be continued

 
28
IMMORTAL RECIPES / Milk Chocolate Mocha Mousse Pie
« Last post by 22639 on July 26, 2012, 07:31:09 am »
 Milk Chocolate Mocha Mousse Pie





 
Ingredients

 
 
1 teaspoon hot water 1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Instant Coffee Crystals                          1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups Milk Chocolate Flavored Topping, divided    1 ready-made chocolate graham crust
1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
   Preparations

 
 
  • Combine hot water and coffee crystals in small bowl, stirring until coffee crystals dissolve completely. Stir in 1 cup milk chocolate topping until blended.
  • Beat cream cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
  • Add 1/2 cup milk chocolate-coffee mixture, mixing until well blended.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar beating on low speed until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping.
  • Spread 1 cup cream cheese mixture in bottom of crust.
  • Pour remaining milk chocolate-coffee mixture evenly over top. Spread with remaining cream cheese mixture.
  • Place 1/4 cup milk chocolate topping in small resealable plastic bag. Push to one corner. Cut small tip off corner. Drizzle half over top of pie.
  • Place remaining whipped topping in large resealable plastic bag. Cut medium tip off one corner. Decorate top of pie with small dollops of topping, encircling pie.
  • Drizzle remaining milk chocolate topping over whipped topping.
  • Freeze 6 hours or until firm.
29
IMMORTAL RECIPES / Easy Mocha Frosting
« Last post by 22639 on July 26, 2012, 07:29:26 am »
 Easy Mocha Frosting

 

 
Ingredients

 
2 teaspoons Instant Coffee Crystals1 teaspoon hot tap water
1 (16 oz.) container Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting
       Or 1 (16 oz.) container Milk Chocolate Flavored Frosting

 

 
Preparations

 
 
  • Dissolve coffee crystals in water in a small cup.
  • Make a deep well in center of frosting. Add dissolved coffee.
  • Stir slowly until coffee is completely blended into frosting.
  • Frost your favorite prepared Cake or Brownie Mix with frosting.
30
IMMORTAL RECIPES / Cafe Au Lait Ice Cream
« Last post by 22639 on July 26, 2012, 07:27:31 am »
 Cafe Au Lait Ice Cream



 
Ingredients

 
 

 
4 teaspoons Instant Coffee Crystals 1/2 cup hot water
2 cups heavy cream 1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans or almonds*

 
Preparations

 
 
  • Dissolve instant coffee in water in large bowl; cool.
  • Add cream, sweetened condensed milk and almond extract.
  • Beat with mixer 7 minutes or until light and fluffy (mixture will mound but not hold peaks).      * Fold in nuts, if desired.
  • Spoon into 8-inch square baking pan or 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Cover.
  • Freeze 4 hours or until firm.
  • To serve, scoop into dessert dishes.
>>>>To toast nuts: Place nuts in dry nonstick skillet; cook over medium heat, shaking pan until nuts are lightly browned. <<<<
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