back at the doorstep |
chapter 9 |
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The restaurant was French. The meal was decadent. The flowers were hothouse. The band was decent. The clothes were designer. I felt like a dork. Mira said as they entered the cab. Elijah cocked his head to the side. Why? You look beautiful. And you werent the one that mispronounced your entire meal. Its not that. She tucked some strands that had come loose of her up-twist. It just... She sighed and looked off to study the cracks on the fake leather. Elijahs heart dove down to his guts. Did it feel too serious, Mira? Because, you know, if youre not comfortable with this, I can understand and No! Mira grabbed his hands. No, its not that. I just... I was hoping you might have, erm, softened Papa up to the idea already. If Billy picked up on it, youd think he would. Elijah laughed, an uncomfortable sound. I hate that were sneaking around like this. Jamming one hand in his pocket, Elijah stretched the other behind Miras shoulders, the bumps and curves of his arm fitting perfectly in the hollows and curves of her body. Christ, that felt good. We werent sneaking around. We said we were going out to dinner. We were both dressed up. Do we need to hold up neon signs? Yes! Mira laughed. She rested her head on his shoulder, a sigh escaping her lips. He smelled like lavender from staying over their house for so long but also of his cologne, musky and fresh, and very faintly of the roast and merlot hed had for dinner. She took in another deep breath. What are you doing? he asked, half-chuckling. Im smelling you. She buried her nose in his tie. Hey! That tickles! He curled to one side tyring to hold her at bay but keep her in his arms at the same time. Smelling me? What am I, a cantaloupe? No. Mira took one last deep sniff before leaning away with a happy sigh. You smell right. His chuckles became full-blown. I what? You smell right. I should hope so. I had to fight CJ for the hot water. No, no, no. Tugging lightly on the textured tie, Mira elaborated. You couldve just come from the gym and youd still smell right. Not that Id want to smell you then. Its... its just a quirk I have and I cant really explain it. You think Im daft, dont you? The cab eased to a stop in front of the house. Elijah was silent for a while. I think youre fantastic. He felt the smoothness of her cheek with his knuckles, brushed aside a blonde strand from her lips. Hand in hand, they walked up the winding slate path through the small front garden, half-leaning against each other, quiet yet content in the silence. When, at the door, they paused before knocking, it seemed to be the most natural thing for them to reach for each other and share a first kiss.
So, Orli, Billy said, Where did Lij an Mira go fer dinner? Coutre, that new place near the theatre district. Orlando poured the sweet, light drink into their goblets. Billys still got to take me there. Jill took up her goblet and took a healthy swig. I usually dont like French food but the atmosphere seems so nice and romantic. Mmm-hmm. Taking both his glass and CJs, Orlando leaned back to swing an arm around his wifes shoulders exactly. Ive got to take CJ there, too, one day. As soon as I can convince her to wear a dress. CJ snorted. I wore one on our wedding; you cant ask for anything more than that. True. He nodded, sipping thoughtfully on his drink. I can always take comfort in the knowledge that youve got naughty undies on, I suppose. Of course, to match yours. Jill put a hand to her heart. You know whats really sick, Ceej? The way you speak with such a pretty little voice but the words that come out are evil. Why, thank you, Jillian, darling. CJ batted her eyes. You say such kind things. Im sure I dont deserve half of them. She stopped, shook her head. No, no. I do. Sorry. Momentary twinge of conscience. Rolling his eyes, Orlando commented, Thank goodness Mira had Elisa to safeguard her against bad influences like CJs homicidal tendencies and Jills toilet mouth. Yeah, shes grown up real well. Jill smiled, her gaze going a bit far. I hope to God my girls do the same. She actually reminds me of Lij at that age. Billy nodded slightly as though searching his memory. Remember when we first met him, Orli? Right off of the plane from LA to Aukland? Un-bloody-forgettable. Orlando crossed his angle over a knee, shifting so that CJs arms wouldnt get crushed. Here I was bracing myself to meet some spoilt Hollywood brat and I meet an eighteen year-old going on forty. CJ was tracing figure-eights on Orlandos thigh but her look was straight on at the couple across the table. Yeah, hes a different one. Jill shifted her eyes briefly at the door and back at her best friend who nodded ever so slightly. She then squeezed Billys arm. He sighed, relieved. Another one on their team. In fact, continued CJ, the only thing hes ever completely fucked up on is Sophia. Hey, that wasnt all his fault, protested Orlando when the other two instantly agreed. He honestly tried to make it work out. Hes the one that wanted to go to marriage counselling, the one that was making all the concessions. Its not his fault she wanted a Hollywood marriage. They shouldntve have gone out in the first place, Billy pointed out. Oh, for the love of... Orlando threw his friend a disgusted look. I was with Megan at the time, you were married, Dom was getting married... can you blame him for getting lonely? We did almost everything together and all of a sudden everyone was going off in directions unknown. Hell, it was probably part of the reason I became serious with Meg. The fact remains that he shouldntve just gone with the flow, Billy pointed out. Elijah would have made a great husband to Sophie, said Orlando resolutely. She just wasnt the one for him. True. Patting her husbands leg, CJ said, As soon as Lij finds the one hell be happy with, hell know it. Of course he will. Well all know-- Orlando started. I think I hear them coming over now. He checked his watch as he rose. Bloody early. Werent they supposed to catch a film, too? CJs stomach did a funny little flip a nanosecond before Orlando turned the knob. Wait! The most horrible times of Orlandos life always happened in slow motion. To this day, he swore that the fall that broke his back took seven hours, that the phone call that ended his first serious relationship had rings that made Big Bens gongs seem tinny, that the recess the judge took before letting him sign the adoption papers was at least a week long. He should have known when took him five minutes to turn the doorknob that he wouldnt like what was on the other side. But he couldnt stop. The light on the porch flickered; he recalled promising to change it that morning. It cast a ghastly yellow tone to everything it touched, making them look sallow, sick. The neighbour who worked nights at the hospital started up her engine; it took two tries before the spark caught and her husband asked her to come home an hour early to help him see the kids off. Elijahs fingernails were still bitten to the quick, one finger that had been smashed during the accident stuck up stiffly while the rest cradled Miras chin. There was a gravy stain on his left cuff. Miras hair was coming out of its twist; shed always had a hard time styling it, which was why more often than not she kept it in a ponytail. Her dress was just the type of style that Jill eschewed but CJ loved: black, sleek, simple with a bit of a decorative sari-cloth trim at the hem. A fly buzzed across his field view close enough for him to feel the wind generated by its wings. Mira had her arms wrapped around Elijahs waist, her callused hands grasping handfuls of polyester-cotton blend. The suit was vintage by todays standards but when Lij bought it years ago, it was haut couture. His other hand was buried in her hair. Maybe that was the real reason it was coming undone. Elijahs lashes were longer than Miras. They brushed against her eyelids as he kissed her, swept from side to side as he moved his lips against hers and she tilted her chin up and to the side to fit her mouth better against his, the silky material of her dress rasping against his rougher textured trousers, their breathing momentarily stalled, their noses rubbing, hands grasping, bodies shivering against a sudden gust of winter wind that whipped Miras full-length coat around Elijahs knees, skins flushing, tongues tasting-- Next thing Orlando knew, he was being dragged off Elijahs curled body. Billy had his arm twisted up around his back. CJ and Jill were both pushing him away, away from that lousy, good for nothing piece of shit that had his hands on his daughter. Mira kneeled over Elijah, yelling something at him but he couldnt understand her past the roaring in his ears. Ill fucking kill you! Orlando struggled against his captors but Billy knew his pressure points well. He pinched something. Orlandos knees buckled. Orli, calm down! CJ tried to grab his face but he wrenched away, breathing hard. Let me go! Im going to... Christ, Ill tear his fucking head off! Stop it! Billy yelled. God dammit, Orli! You utter shit! Orlando heaved his body again. They heaved back. I fucking trusted you, you bloody, buggering-- His mind shut down once more. Nothing came out except for growls. Papa, please. Mira crouched between her father and Elijah. Please. You go to your room! roared Orlando. Papa Go to your fucking room and dont bloody leave until I bloody well tell you to! Orlando! Jill smacked his chest. Listen to yourself. Orli-- began Elijah, a hand cupped over his rapidly blackening eye. Struggling in earnest once more, Orlando managed to get an arm free. He swung at Elijah who stepped away, pulling Mira to the side with him. Get back here and let me hit you again! No, Papa, please listen. I said go to your room! But Now! Christ, Orli, will ye stop moving before I break yuir bloody arm? Stop yelling at her! Elijah stepped forward. Youre mad at me, all right? Orlando sneered. Mate, mad doesnt begin to describe what Im feeling. For fucks sake, let me go, Im not going to fucking kill him with witnesses around. He let his body relax ever so slightly. Are you going to punch him again? CJ asked, her arms and shoulder still braced around Orlandos chest. As soon as he stops hiding behind my daughter. Miras jaw dropped for a second. Thats not fair, she started to argue but Elijah took her hand. Look, you better go inside. I think your dad wants to talk to me alone. Jill snorted. Yeah, and at the end of this talk, well be driving you to the hospital. No way; Im keeping my sweet, dimpled ass parked between the two of you. I dont want to talk to him, Orlando declared. The sooner he disappears, the better. Billy tightened his hold ever so slightly. Now, Orli--- No, its okay, Billy. Elijah looked at Orlando straight on, fighting the urge to shrink back from the blast of ice that came from the older mans eyes. Maybe I should stay at Ians for tonight. Just for tonight, CJ said before Orlando could open his mouth. Ill get you a cab. Jill sprinted for the phone. CJ stepped back. Placing her palms on either of Orlandos cheeks, she forced him to meet her eyes. Orli. He shifted his chin but she yanked his face back. Orlando Bloom, promise me you wont hurt him. She eased her touch, turning the clench into a caress. Promise me. He blinked. She took it as a yes. At her acquiescence, Billy turned Orlandos arm loose. A full body shudder went over Orlando, his muscles taut with the exertion of holding back. Lets go in, you guys, CJ said softly, holding a hand out to Mira. Billy let out a huff. Yere kidding, right? CJ dipped her head. Okay, maybe not. He started to clap Orlando on the shoulder but thought better of it; he obviously didnt want to be touched right now. The click of the door closing was remarkably close to a hammer slamming home in a pistols chamber. Orlando crossed his arms and stared at the street lamp with all his might. I didnt mean for this to happen. Elijah spoked softly but unwaveringly. I wasnt even looking for it. It just happened. Boulders were more reactive. I love her, Orli. I really do. He stuck his hands in his pockets. I know you think its too early for me to know or... or that Im wrong for her or that she probably doesnt know enough about life to know about who she should fall in love with but... but dammit, Orlando, wont you even fucking look at me? Still no reply. Elijah sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. A cab rolled into the street, probably the same one that dropped him off. Dont stay mad at Mira, please. He took at step towards the statue that had recently been one of his best friends. Shes smart, you know. Intelligent, not just book smart. And, Christ, she loves you so much! Id die to have someone love me as much as she loves you, you know that? Even if I got half of what she feels for you, Id consider myself the luckiest bastard on this planet. You dont deserve her. The words were whispered but harsh. Elijah opened his mouth to agree but found himself shaking his head instead. Actually, I think youre wrong. We deserve each other. We match. Like you and CJ. Ian and Nick. God help me, even Billy and Jillian. He rolled his shoulders, sighed. Im going to go. I dont care how long you stay pissed off at me but dont go to sleep angry with Mira. The cab drove off, a black beast with the devil in its guts. Orlando shuddered again, this time from the sudden drain in adrenaline and the lactic acid build up in his muscles. He dropped to a crouch at the doorstep, letting his head fall to his hands, the balls of his palms digging into his eyes. He didnt know how many seconds or minutes or hours passed before Miras bare feet trod on the cold, wet slate, stopping in front of him. She sank to her knees and forced his arms open, not that it took too much strength. Crawling into the hollow his body formed, she laid her head on his chest and drew her knees up to her chin then draped his arms around her shoulders. Orlando hung on for dear life. |
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