Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Operation: Behind Enemy Lines
The following story is true. The names of the operatives involved have been changed to protect their identities for future missions. This will be my final write up on the goings-on that occurred this past weekend, 1-23-2010/1-24-2010.
This past weekend I took part in a very dangerous mission. About two weeks ago I received an urgent text with an offer I knew I couldn’t refuse. I placed a call to my team members but due to schedule conflicts and previous engagements they weren’t going to be able to make the trek. I still had every intention of going, even knowing that I would be with a brand new team and probably flying by the seat of my pants for most of the mission.
I made a call to my supervisor to make sure I had nothing else planned and that I had all the necessary papers. Five minutes later I had signed on for what will forever be known as Operation: Behind Enemy Lines.
With Little Pierogi and Dragon out of commission for this, I started to learn more about my new teammates, Aces and Creeper. They had gone on missions like this before, but never to such a hostile environment. It was going to be a complete war zone, and we had no idea what we would find when we arrived. Excitement coursed through my veins, mingling with the slight amount of fear that I just couldn’t shake. I don’t think even a seasoned veteran could say they had no fear. If so, they’re lying. But I digress…
At approximately 0900 hours on the twenty-third day of January 2010, I left my base camp and started the first leg of the journey. This 137 mile trip would land me at the rendezvous point to meet up with Ace and Creeper. Halfway there, I snapped a photo to keep in the mission log, and then within the edge of the green zone my schematics seemed to malfunction. I pulled into a vacant lot and tried to get in touch with my mates. Ace called me back almost immediately and talked me through the final twist and turns to get to their HQ.
After a short break, meeting the K9 members of their unit, Trixie, Mitzy and Brooks, and writing down a few last minute coordinates, we gathered all our gear together, stowed it in the cargo hold of our transport vehicle and set off for the final leg of the journey, the actual trip into enemy territory. A rucksack of rations was on the floor behind me, but we knew that we would need to stop somewhere for more liquids.
At 1400 hours the three of us agreed on a quick stop at a neutral check point. We were still far enough out that enemy forces weren’t everywhere, and we were able to blend in with the civilians since we were in camouflage and not our uniforms (we were saving those for tomorrow.).
Obtaining refreshments was a piece of cake, but when we tried to buy a much needed energy supplement, the machine refused to cooperate. There was obviously some foul play involved, and my guess was that enemy forces were already onto us, watching our movements. I just couldn’t prove it. Ace made a second attempt, but only managed to get the original package into the drop slot. Creeper went up to the machine and used what I can only assume were Jedi-like mind tricks to get things going. She took a breath and punched in 1-4-8 on the keypad and two packages fell into the slot. With our mini excursion finished we high-tailed it back to the transport. I took over the radio control operator position for a while as Ace continued in the pilot seat. Creeper stayed in the back, reading up on the enemy (fine, it was really just a normal book, but it’s more exciting this way*).
At 1430 hours we saw a sign that would lead to the base for our training unit. I would’ve loved to make a side trip and pick up some reinforcements, but hopefully Johnson was going to be enough for now. The rest of the main unit was healthy, but to me, one can never be too prepared.
Half an hour later we passed through the Lehigh Tunnel; closer and closer we were each minute to the war zone. We caught sight of the fortified base at 1630. A solid brick outer layer stared back at us. We slid by, unnoticed hopefully, and finally arrived at our temporary command post. Set among the rest of the buildings near the airport, it seemed like a good place to stay. Right in plain sight.
After checking in and bringing all our gear up to the room, we set out for some chow. The sentry at the front desk had offered up a ‘great place’ and we had agreed, hoping that it would help our cover. We honestly looked like innocent civilians, so I don’t’ think he knew our real purpose. Unless that’s why he had suggested the place. It was in the middle of downtown, what if it was a trap? Hunger won out the debate and we hopped back in the transport. I decided finally that while his intentions were good, he must’ve been a little skeptic, because the directions he gave us were bad. Perhaps he thought that we would give up. He didn’t know us very well.
Our meal was delicious, and afterwards, we got lost trying to get back to the command post. The enemy is very good at confusing you. They must set up their roads on purpose. Those from the area might get it, but we found ourselves going up and down streets… not to be swayed, we continued until we caught a lucky break and found the right route.
Getting back to command, we sat out on the landing, thinking perhaps the unit would be staying at the same place. It made the most sense. We stayed out there until 2200, hoping they’d sneak in. We did see one of the trainers, but no actual unit members… deciding to call it a night, we headed up to our room for a good night’s sleep before the insanity of battle the next day.
We woke up at 0700. Well, Creeper woke up, I didn’t rise until about 0720, and Ace refused to get up at all at first. She was the last one to bed last night though, staying up later on the computer, making sure things were ok on the front line, talking with other operatives, etc.
When the three of us were finally up and about, we donned our uniforms and a slight amount of war paint. What can I say, it never hurts to get a little dolled up* We checked out of the command post and packed everything up for a final time. We left for the enemy camp with haste, arriving there armed with only some Twizzlers and neon signs. We got by the sentries easily… by paying them off. $15 seemed like a small price to pay. And with the early arrival we were able to find a spot near the exit, in case we needed a quick escape after the battle was over.
Exiting the vehicle I scanned the area, seeing enemy operative after enemy operative. We were probably insane to take on this mission. We were going in there without any type of disguise. The enemy forces would know exactly who we were and why were there. Turning once more I saw a flash of black and some light blue. Could it be?? I yelled out a code phrase to see how they would respond. “Hey… PENGUIN PEOPLE!!” And held a hand up. They responded with hoots and laughs and motioned for us to join them. You seriously cannot imagine my relief to find friendlies so close to our flanks. It did a lot to boost morale and silence fear among our small team. Making our way to them, I kept an eye on the enemy the whole time, making sure none of them came at us.
After some idle chit chat with our newest comrades we all discussed where we would be stationed during the battle. It seemed as though we were spread out around the base, and this pleased me. It would be harder for the enemy’s forces to take us all out if we weren’t all together. I fetched my communicator out of my pocket and passed a look along to my teammates. We bid our allies farewell and snapped a final photo, in case any of them were lost during the fight.
Entering the war zone wasn’t as scary as we had thought it would be, and after getting bands that would allow us better access, we headed down to mingle among friend and foe. There were some members of each side inside already, and I was surprised that it was cadets instead of seasoned operatives that were starting trouble with us. (real good parenting)
We arrived at the neutral zone where we would stay until just before battle time. The first enemy agent stopped us there, but the twinkle in his eye told me that this man could be more than he seemed. We stood there, dealing with a slight interrogation, and I found myself smiling and laughing along with him. we were just getting ready to enter the room when Ace piped up with a “Hi Sid!” I turned and watched the captain of our platoon walk by with one of our snipers. I felt like it was going to throw up or pass out… so I dropped down into a crouch and glanced at Creeper. She seemed to be handling things about as well as I was.
I took a couple deep breaths and leaned my head back and almost bumped into one of our protectors. Skoula just laughed as I let out a gasp and tried to apologize. He just smiled calmly as Goose walked with him, laughing hysterically. I missed Cookie; he snuck by me on the other side. And one of the wingmen, Billy, sauntered by.
I was literally star struck I think. We’d had no idea that this mission would bring us in such close contact with the unit we’d come here to support. Our instructions for the mission were to cheer. To help keep morale up if the enemy took the lead. But being so close… the double agent, that’s the only way I can describe him, laughed at our enthusiasm.
We went to find a place to sit down and collect our thoughts. And pass on this amazing info the only way we could while being trapped in the war zone. Our communicators. As we sat there, gathering some sustenance before the battle, the double agent came over to us, with that twinkle still in his eye.
“Now, you didn’t hear this from me but,” he glanced around to make sure no one was listening and then leaned in close. “The cap’n and that sniper just went back through the doors, and I bet some of the others will be coming out again. They’ve got a pre-battle maneuver to run over before they suit up. If you were to come out, you might be able to get their attention, maybe get their signatures.” This sounded like a prime opportunity to see some of them up close, and it was an offer that I once again couldn’t resist.
Creeper and I glanced at one another and almost stepped over one another to get out to the area.
Billy came by with their training supplies in hand and Creeper got his attention because I was too excited. “Billy G,” she said in a high-pitched voice.
“Will you sign my jersey?”
“Sure.”
“Thank you Billy.”
“No problem.”
He signed my ticket and then I offered the use of my pen to another allied operative. A moment later, while talking to Creeper, Billy came over to me to hand me my marker.
One of our enforcers, Godsy, was the next man out. He was all smiles when we stopped him for a signature. But, like we’d expect anything else from him. Pretty sure he realized who I was, he did that head tilt thing that to me means ‘you look familiar but I’m not 100% sure why.”
Gronk saw the allied forces around and made a quick side step so that he wouldn’t have to deal with any of us. Shy misunderstood giant. Another defender, Eats, walked by. Creeper yelled out a “Good Luck Mark!” and he turned, a big smile on his face and thanked her. Then, after he’d gone through the doors he made a circle, possibly thinking of coming back out.
As Rupper went by for the maneuver Creeper said “Good luck Rupp!” and got no response. When he went back the other way, to suit up, she tried again with a “GOOD LUCK MIKE!” and he looked at her, chuckled and replied “Thank you.”
The sniper we’d seen early, the one who’d been injured in a recent battle, was walking toward the doors that would lead him to his armor. I wanted to wish him good luck, but I didn’t know if he was taking part in this battle. So, it came out more like this. “oh...uh... mmm... ugh... I hope you feel better soon Duper!" He smiled and said thanks. I thought he was through the doors and turned to Creeper and said "Wow, those were some tight shorts!" He wasn’t through the doors yet though… HA!! I swear, that man must think I’m a complete idiot.
As Adams was walking by I yelled out “Yeah Craig Adams” for Dragon and he laughed and shook his head. He loves the attention, don’t let him fool you.
One of our Russian operatives, known as Geno, was wandering by and I called out “Good luck today Geno!” and was gifted with a smile before he passed through the doors. To me, the mission was a success now because he was the last member of the platoon that I need to talk to/be acknowledged by!
Our mini escapade finished, we gathered our battle gear and headed up to find our seats. Creeper and Ace headed down to see the platoon up close once more as they warmed-up. I stayed behind to watch our things, and met an operative and his cadet. They had traveled from afar for the battle as well, and I couldn’t help myself. The cadet was so cute, and so enthusiastic in his love for our side… I traded tickets with him, giving him my Billy G signed version. Seeing the excitement on his face, and hearing the honest thanks from a fellow operative, I sat down, feeling calm and excited at the same time, happy with the deed I had just done.
I had seen the boys, met some allies, and now I knew that we were near some more allied forces. Today would be a good day. Ace and Creeper came back up and informed me that our ever-friendly sniper had seen Creeper and smiled and waved. I think they have to know us now! LOL
Three hours later the battle was over. We were victorious and we made our way back to our transport. After taking stock to make sure everything was okay, and no damage had been done to us or the vehicle, we started the drive back to their HQ. And I ended up at my home base slightly before 2300 hours Sunday night.
Our mission was a success, Operation: Behind Enemy Lines was hard fought and won, and now we’re in planning mode for another mission in the future, hopefully Dragon and Little Pierogi will be able to go on this next adventure.
Rebel Heart out.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ha! Jersey Shore! LAME...
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Pittsburgh Excursion, and moments with sexy hockey players*
We arrived at the arena hoping to see the guys after they came out from the morning skate, but we weren’t sure when that would be. So, umbrellas in tow (it had been iffy all morning) we went down and waited with a group of people for the players. The only person who stopped was Sid, and we all have his signature on things I believe.
Decided on the Cheesecake Factory for lunch, DELISH! And then we waddled (yeah, the Factory will do that to ya*) to the book store there on the South Side shopping area. Found a couple magazines about hockey for Erin, and Amanda and I both picked up a new romance novel with the main guy being a hockey player. We’re a bit obsessed recently, but it’s not our fault* It’s theirs!!
One the way back to Mellon Arena we drove by Diesel (famed nightclub) and Max’s house. What… it’s right there, don’t judge!
Got back to the arena and changed into our game outfits! Then it was down to the gate to wait for them to come in. then we would yell good luck or something after they parked. Well, I guess I should mention that we gave a Christmas card to the one sign-in lady, in hopes that she could get Godsy to sign it for Miriya! Anyways…
Max comes driving in, and my sign for the game was about him. It said ‘I just wanna GOBBLE Max up!’ Well, he gets out of the car and when he’s almost below us we yelled good luck to him. He looks up, sees the sign, and goes “Gobble Gobble,” with a head jiggle and everything! I didn’t know whether to laugh or just stand there with my mouth open. Pretty sure I did both… LOL
Amanda had her sign up for Dupes and Addsy. One side said ‘Super Duper’ and the other simply said ‘Yeah Craig Adams.’ They were both very appreciative of the fact that they had a fan* LOL
We joked that Adams probably ran into the locker room all excited about his blonde girl with a sign, and then Duper would burst his bubble with a “Oh yeah, well, I have a sign too. And mine was a blonde girl! So ha!” (This comes into play later, I swear!)
Oh, and, when Godard came in, he DID sign the card (he and Mir have this connection, it’s pretty awesome!), and he even wrote a personalized note! How freaking sweet is that?!
Lord, how could I forget about this… Amanda is in lust with Brooks Orpik ok? But she can never get up the nerve to tell him good luck or anything like that. Well, when he went walking by to go into the arena, I nudged her and she finally spoke to him. With a murmured ‘Good Luck tonight Brooks’ he finally acknowledged her. But instead of a thanks, it was just a piercing stare. And she just about passed out onto the walk way! I’m pretty sure we could’ve lost the game and she wouldn’t have cared*
Well, onto the arena adventure*
As soon as our tickets were scanned we booked it down to the glass so that we could be there when the guys came out for warm-ups! I had my sign pressed against the glass, and after Max came out he glanced over, saw the sign again and laughed. It was a pretty good sign if I do say so myself*
We were taking pictures, and Amanda kept turning her sign so that Duper and Adams got an equal amount of love* And then I stopped watching them and focused on Sid. I can’t help it, it’s natural*
So, here I am, not paying any attention, minding my own business, etcetera etcetera; when all of a sudden the pane of glass is shaking and there’s a body flung up against it. I see a rush of jersey, a giant 25, and I shrieked! I couldn’t help myself, it was pretty shocking!! Seriously scared the bejesus out of me, and I had to kind of crouch down to try and get my breath back. Jumped-up Frenchman… LOL
He and Cookie seemed to get a big kick out of it, I did not. I think he scared 10 years off of my life! But the fact that he loved the sign so much, yeah, I guess that was worth it*
We won the game, didn’t get on the jumbo-tron, but it was a good game anyway*
And now the final part*
We like to wait for the guys to come out after the games as well. We yell congratulations for the ones who scored goals. Maybe someone who landed a really nice hit, things like that. And that night was no different.
When Max came out, I think I freaked out a little* haha! I yelled MAX and waited until he turned to hold up my sign one more time. He smiled (HUGE SMILE!!!), gave me a thumbs up, and ‘gobbled’ me once more. So I had to tell him good luck in New York, and he let out an excited “Whooo!” noise that was surprisingly high-pitched*
And Brooks was the final guy out, and Amanda was standing above his car. So, we kind of forced her to talk to him again. And she told him good game, which he responded to with a thank you. And then she wished him a Happy Thanksgiving and he did the same. I think she died a little that night* HAHAHA! We were walking back to the car and she let out a squeal of pure excitement*
There were other parts to the night, and there’s funny things that happened the night we played Boston and won in overtime… but I can’t focus enough right now to write them*
Friday, October 30, 2009
Middle School Hell...
Never teach middle school... never sub for middle school... if you can help it, never GO NEAR a middle school!
I told myself on Tuesday when I filled in throughout the day as teachers went to their IEP meetings that I would NEVER return to be a substitute here. I don't even know why, but to me, I'd rather take on those scary teenagers of the high school! It's weird, but it's like there's less discipine... I know that sounds crazy! But AHHHH!!
So today I'm woken up at 7 o'clock in the morning and asked if I'll fill in for an 8th grade math teacher... and for some unholy reason I agreed! I think I must be masochistic... that's the only thing I can say to explain why I said yes.
1st period wasn't bad. They were the more gifted children and there were only 8 kids there, compared to the 24 that should've been! Some field trip. This made me a little giddy because I was thinking to myself, 'maybe all my classes will be like this.' Oh how mistaken I was... sort of...
2nd period there were 5 kids! FIVE!!! They were pretty good too, and I'm starting to feel really good about myself and the situation.
3rd period was my prep time... and since I had nothing better to do I went downstairs to visit a friend who was also filling in and had the same prep period! We shared horror stories of previous assignments and laughed at the stupidity of some children.
4th period was lunch. It's split into 3 sections, 6th, 7th, and 8th. For some reason, unknown to me, I had lunch duty and then lunch and then lunch duty. Why not just put my lunch at the beginning or end instead of fucking me over like that?? Makes no sense to me! But I had 'bricks and blood' and that made my day almost calm. For those who I've never explained this to, that's code for grilled cheese and tomato soup! It was one of my favorite lunches while I was in school, and after being out of the system for 5 years.... it's still as good as ever!! I was in the teacher's lounge, using the bathroom and grabbing a drink, and some of the teachers were like, 'good luck next period.' This didn't make me happy, but I was still in my post-blood and no student-filled classes. oh how naive...
5th period was complete hell!!! Almost all 27 of the students were there, and they were loud because they had just come up from lunch and didn't want to quiet down yet... I'm generally a nice, easy-going person. Ask any of my friends... I'm 'Little Miss Bubbly' and I don't think I cracked a smile for most of that hour of class. I had to yell at them to be quiet so many times that I finally just gave up and when one of them started getting out of line I wrote them a pass to the office to get reamed out. I just didn't care. And that made me feel horrible. But I couldn't take it. I've never been so disrespected before, and I didn't like it. After the fifth kid walked to the office the principal just came down to see whta could be done. If I tohught I was loud... man, he is one scary som'bitch! I just didn't want to deal with any more demons, so when the bell rang I almost hitmy head off the desk a few times...
But then something amazing happened. Someone must be looking out for me, and not want me to hurt myself... because when the bell rang for class to start I had 3 people sitting at the desks. And then I found out that even though there are a bunch of names on the page of his grade book, he only has 4 people in his final class of the day!! I was so happy I almost wept, or jumped for joy... We were supposed to work in the computer lab, but couldn't so we were to use the computers in the room to do this lame assignment. Well, the computers wouldn't work. So they asked if we could go to the gym. I sent one of the boys down to see if it was alright with the gym teacher. He came back and said that yes, after 3 we could join them. Deciding to cover all the bases, I sent the second boy down to the office to make sure it was ok with the principal... damn that man...He sends the boy back says that the computer lab was open so we could go down there. They didn't like the idea, but trudged behind me, down the hall. We go into the room and every chair is taken... WTF! So I talk to the teacher who is in there with his class, and ask him if he thinks we could just go to the gym then,. He agrees with me, so that we aren't just sitting in that room doing nothing. We walk down toward the gym and they're all excited to play kickball, or dodgeball, or whatever it is that's going on. And in the doorway to the gym is the principal. He gives me a questioning look and I explain everything to him, starting with what we were originally supposed to do, and ending with that my colleague had suggested. And he gives me this patronizing look and tells me that he would rather they just went back to their room to do work... THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO!!!So for the final 30 minutes of my day we were all boredo ut of our minds. The janitor came in because she thought we'd left and they ended up helping her clean the room, wash the chalkboards, and even sweep the hallways. They had a blast so I was happy for them... but seriously, why couldn't those ppoor kids just play with their peers?! UGH!!
NEVER subbing for middle school again...
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Chapter Six is up on the other blog!
Sort of like the 'free writing' that McGee from NCIS does!
I hope that you all will stick with me, because I honestly have ides for the A Lucky Shot, I just don't always have my laptop around when they hit! But I'm going to continue it! So stick with me!! Pretty please* lol
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
New Chapter will be up soon*
And if you haven't done so already, please CLICK HERE to get to the new blog where the story is* I hope that all of you will contue to follow it on there! I just felt that since it was becoming a longer story, it deserved its own page, instead of being lumped into my personal blog*
Like I said, chapter 6 will be up soon!
G'nite ladies!! (And gents if any read this story*)
Monday, September 7, 2009
This story is moving!
I've come up with a name with a little bit o' help from a fellow writer(Thanx M.*), and so I felt like with an actual name, the story needed it's own site!
So, from now on, all posts for 'A Lucky Shot' will show up HERE:
I hope you all make the jump over to the new site, but I'll post the next couple chapters on both with a reminder in case you only read my blogs that start with the word Chapter* lol
Oh, and Chapter 6 will be up soon. I took a little break and wrote a side story for a challenge on Hockey Fan Fiction. It's a great group on Yahoo! with tons of stories and stuff* You should join if you aren't already a member!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Chapter 5: Well, That Was Weird
The girls made it to Robinson in record time, which really shouldn’t have been surprising since Erin was driving! And on the way there Melany had explained why they actually needed to stop at the mall. If she was going to be having dinner with her dream guy, she wanted sexy lingerie under her Penguins tee and well-worn jeans. She didn’t want to change her look, that wasn't her, but with the slight chance that she could get him in a dark hallway… well, new undies couldn’t hurt!
“I just think that it’s a smart idea.”
“But Mel, what if he doesn’t see what’s underneath your clothes??”
“Well, then I’ve got a reason to see him again!”
Erin just shook her head and laughed at Mel’s optimism. She thought about finding something too, but would that seem over the top? As they pulled into the mall’s parking lot she asked for her friend’s opinion; mainly to get the courage to buy something since she was pretty sure she already knew Mel’s response.
“So, do you think I should get something too?”
“Duh!”
“Well, I want to… but… it’s just… I don’t expect anything to come from tonight other than dinner. I know that he broke it off with you-know-who recently. I’m not a rebound girl!”
“Listen… we’re going into the stores and we’re both going to find the sexiest, frilly underwear we can! Then we’re going to run and get the groceries, and then it’s off to Geno’s… GOT IT?”
Erin nodded and Melany grabbed her arm, dragging her towards the doors. Thirty minutes later they each had a bag holding their old unmentionables.
“Alright. Next stop is at the store to get the few things Geno didn’t already have. What exactly does that mean we have to get?
“Well, we couldn’t really get it figured out… so, we’re gonna grab it all… including bake ware.”
Mel lifted an eyebrow but said nothing.
“Don’t look at me like that! He’s a little difficult to communicate with you know.”
“Haha, that’s true. Let’s get goin’ then sister! I haven’t decided on dessert yet. You think they’ll actually eat dessert?”
They both laughed as they pulled out and drove over to Wal-Mart. Mel was just getting out of the car when her phone rang. All that came up was Unknown Caller. Oh god, it’s him! He’s probably calling to back out. Well, you won’t know unless you answer the phone.
“Hello?”
“We’ve done all the ‘cleaning’ so if you’re done you can come over now.” Phew.
“We just got to the grocery store. But it won’t take us long to get everything.”
“Ok… Melany?”
“Yes?”
“I… see you soon.”
“Ok… oh, do you eat apples?”
“Apples, yeah. Why?”
“Curiosity. Bye Crosby.”
“Bye.”
Mel turned to Erin who was looking at her rather expectantly and gave her a confused look.
“Well, that was weird.”
“What?”
“That guy is one tough nut to crack.”
“I’m sure you’ll try your hardest to figure him out though. C’mon, let’s get everything and get going! I wanna see Geno… Uh, Geno’s house…”
“Yeah, just the house… right!”
After splitting up to cover more ground, the girls met in the middle of the store to check out. They paid, packed everything into the back of Erin’s vehicle and looked at one another.
“Ready to go hit on some hockey players Mel?”
“Nope! I’m ready to go get hit on by a certain hockey player! I hope they like this combination for a meal!”
*************************
Sid hung up the phone. What were you going to tell her? I’m glad I hit you with a puck? Oh that would go over so well! God Crosby, you’re an idiot. He jumped when Geno appeared beside him. He’d been so lost in thought that he hadn’t heard the guy walk up to him.
“Sid! You call?”
“Yeah Geno. I called them. They were just getting to the store. Did you and Erin decide on the menu for tonight?”
“Huh? Oh, no. She say that they bring everything. And that we like what they make.”
“So you don’t know what we’re going to be eating?”
“No. But I’m sure taste good. Melany say anything?”
“She asked me about apples.”
“Apples? Pie?”
“Maybe. Everything put away? Is the kitchen clean?”
“Sid, calm down little buddy. Everything perfect. Come. We go relax with TV and wait.”
He smiled at Geno and nodded, laughing when the Russian flipped over the back of the couch and landed with his legs crossed against it. Obviously he’d perfected that move a while ago.
They’d been flipping through the channels when an episode of NCIS popped up. He’s watched it a few times, and Geno seemed content to keep the station. Then the bad guys came into view and started speaking in some foreign language. Geno smiled and he realized that they must be speaking Russian.
“Did they say anything funny?”
“No. Just talk about killing. Why we always bad in TV?” He said the last with a smile so Sid didn’t worry that he was offended. They watched the rest of the episode in silence and another episode was coming on when there was a knock at the door. He shot out of the lounger and laughed when Geno hauled himself over the couch in a backwards movement similar to the one he’d used to get onto it. They both raced for the door but Geno got the first. He opened it with a smile on his face.
“Hey Geno. Let us through the door. This is a little heavy to carry. Sid, what a surprise. What are you doing here?”
Sid watched the smile on Geno’s face dim a little and as he saw Erin and Melany pull into the driveway one thought passed through his head.
Shit.
**********************
Melany looked up as they pulled in and noticed there were too many cars for just Sid and Geno to be there. Oh no. What if Oksana showed up or something? She was pretty sure that they were done, but she had no way of calling to see if they were walking into a war zone. I should’ve just said we could exchange numbers. Crap.
“Who do you think is there?” Erin asked, turning to Mel as she put the car in park. “I don’t recognize the car.”
“Dunno. But Sid didn’t call me, so I guess it’s not anything that we sho--,” she was cut off by the ring of her cell. Unknown. Shit.
“Hello?”
“Houston, we have a problem.” Double shit.
“Is it Oksana?”
“What? No. Nothing like that. Max and Tanger just showed up with beer and want to order pizza.”
“Is anyone else supposed to show up?”
“Not that I know of… HOLD ON!” She snickered as she heard one of the guys yelling for Sid to get his giant ass in the living room. “Do you want to reschedule?”
“Do you want to?”
“Well, I was kind of excited to have a home-cooked meal. But I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
“Hold on, let me ask Erin.” She clicked the mute button on her phone and looked at Erin. “It’s Tanger and Max. You still wanna do this?”
“We bought enough to make two pans of dinner and dessert on the off chance some of the guys showed up. I say we do this. Besides, this underwear wasn’t cheap!” They both laughed and Melany hit her mute button again.
“Sid?”
“Yes?” She smiled at the hopefulness in his voice.
“Come to the door and let us in. We’ll be there in a jiff.”
They jumped out of the car and went to the back to get everything out. With both their hands full of bags they wandered up to the front door. Melany hit the doorbell. Both girls turned to look at one another when they heard voices, a scuffle, a couple curses and what sounded like someone or something being pushed into a wall. Then the door flew open.
“Well, what do we have here? You don’t look like pizza delivery boys.”
Mel glanced past the smiling Frenchman and noticed Sid was standing, well, leaning against the staircase trying to look nonchalant, and Geno had Tanger shoved into the wall of the foyer. She laughed and Erin looked past Max and let out a laugh as well. Max turned to see what they’d found so amusing as Geno finally let go of Tanger and pulled him from the wall.
Erin looked to her friend and then to Max who was smiling at them once again. “May we come in, this stuff is kinda heavy.”
“Oh, let me grab some of that for you. We had no idea that Geno was having company or we would NEVER have come over.”
Melany chuckled, not believing a word of it. “Well, this was supposed to be a private dinner. So if you’re SO sorry you could just help yourselves out the door.”
Max laughed as he handed Erin’s bags to Tanger and took the others out of Melany hands. “But it looks like you have plenty to go around. And I haven’t had a great home-cooked meal in a long time.”
“You really are a charmer, aren’t you Mr. Talbot?”
“Please, call me Max. Or Superstar. Or just plain Amazing.” He turned and started walking away. The girls looked at one another and just shrugged, following him and walking past the two guys they’d actually came to see. Sid grabbed Melany’s hand and stopped her.
“How’s your head?”
“I’m ok. It doesn’t hurt. But I think there may be a bit of a bruise.” She turned to show him the proof of the puck. “Is it too bad?”
She watched as he slowly lifted his hand to touch the side of her face and they both jumped back when there was literally a jolt of electricity.
***********************
“I can explain that! When we were running to the door… I mean… It was the whole socks on carpet thing and static… you know what I’m trying to say right?” He said the last part quietly, not wanting the others to hear him make a fool of himself.
“Yep. You were trying to save us from the crazy Frenchmen, and in the process tried to electrocute me. Makes total sense.”
Sid’s jaw dropped when she made fun of him but then he saw the smile on her face. He couldn’t say anything though because Max had come back into the foyer. He looked around and noticed that they’d been the only two there.
“Your presence is required in the kitchen. Your friend would like you to come help her.” Sid watched as Max slid his hand to the small of her back, turning her away as he continued to talk. “It’s Melany right? You’re the one Sid hit today. How is it that you are here to make dinner? Shouldn’t he being doing something nice for you?” He snaked his hand around her waist and started leading her toward the kitchen.
“Well,” he heard her start while they walked away from him and he followed, wanting to hear her answer. “I was so surprised when he agreed to my joke of dinner. And then I thought that it would be different if instead of us going to a restaurant where there would be crowds and fans galore, we had a quiet dinner. And unbeknownst to me, Geno had asked my friend to go out. So the two of us conspired together to do something for the two of them.”
They had all managed to wander into the kitchen where Sid saw Erin putting two pans of water onto the stove. Ok, pasta of some sort. And there’s the apples. Along with oats and flour. What the hell is that going to be? He looked and noticed that Max still had his arm around Melany. And he didn’t like it one bit.
“But Cherie, it was my idea for him to show off for you. Don’t we deserve dinner too?”
“ ‘Ey! I told him to do something to get her attention!” Tanger exclaimed, not about to let Max take all the credit. “You just agreed with what I said.”
The two of them started to bicker in French and Sid watched as Melany took the opportunity to escape from Max’s clutches. She moved over to where Geno and Erin were sort of staring at one another and not really saying anything. She asked Erin something and she just pointed toward a bag on the counter without looking at her friend.
Melany just laughed and grabbed the bag, pulling out a very large, very shiny knife. Good lord, she could kill us all with that thing. I really hope she isn’t a psycho. Or we’re doomed. Then he laughed at his own thoughts. He stopped when he saw her looking up at him with confusion. He pointed to the knife and made a “Psycho” reference and she laughed out loud.
“Don’t worry Crosby, the only thing I’ll be cutting with this are apples.”
“What exactly are you making with those apples.”
“It’s a surprise. You’ve probably noticed all of the items. You aren’t allergic to anything here are you?”
He scanned all of the items on the counter island once more and shook his head.
“Good.” She looked around. “Why don’t the four of you go watch something on TV while Erin and I make dinner. I don’t know about her, but I work a lot better when there aren’t tons of people in my work space.”
“I don’t actually have to do anything until the water boils,” Erin said, finally taking her gaze off of Geno. “So… Geno’s going to give me a tour of the house, right?” Geno nodded his head enthusiastically. Sid bit the side of his mouth to keep from smiling.
“Ok. Then how ‘bout the two Frenchies leave so I can concentrate without listening to an argument I can’t understand.” She smiled at the two of them while she said it and Sid couldn’t help himself that time. He let a small chuckle out. She turned to him, the point of the knife in his direction. “You too Crosby. If Erin’s going, you all have to go.”
He sighed but walked out behind Max and Tanger who were complaining about something and still arguing. He didn’t know why it was such a big deal that no one watch her chop fruit. At the doorway to the kitchen he turned around but she just shooed him from her spot at the island. He shook his head, confused, but did as she asked. In the dining room he stopped and took a seat, wondering what her deal was. And then he heard something. He got up and stood against the wall by the doorway.
He strained to hear what she was saying. Is she talking to herself? Or worse… is she talking to the fruit? He stopped talking to himself and listened again. Then he realized what she was doing. She sings in the kitchen. How cute is that? He smiled and let out a small laugh. She stopped and he held his breath.
“CROSBY?”
He jumped when her heard her voice right in his ear. He turned and blushed, realizing he’d been caught.
“Man, you are really sneaky!” He looked down at her face and noticed she was giving him one of those what-did-I-tell-you looks. “Sorry. Curiosity got the best of me.”
His breath caught when she beamed a huge smile at him. “Go watch TV with the others. Please?”
He nodded but couldn’t make himself move. He just kept staring at her, mainly at her lips. He moved his gaze back up to her eyes and he watched them widen. “You don’t still have the knife in your hands do you?” She quirked an eyebrow and shook her head no.
“Good.”
He grabbed her arms and pulled her closer.
“I didn’t want to get stabbed on accident when I did this.” As the last syllable escaped his mouth he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. She tasted like apples, and he decided right then and there that he would never eat another apple without thinking of this girl, this moment.
“Hey Kid, did you have anyth--” Tanger stopped in mid sentence and Sid let out a curse against her lips. “Sorry man. I’ll just let you get back to what you were doing.”
“No, he was just going to join you.” He looked at those smiling eyes and couldn’t help but laugh at her determination to keep him out of the kitchen.
“Fine. I’ll go watch the damn television. We’ll continue this conversation later though Melany.”
“Oh, I look forward to that Crosby.” Then she winked and turned to go into the kitchen again.
Sid let out a sigh and Tanger put his arm around his shoulders. “Oh man, she’s never going to be dull is she?”
“I hope not. And I hope that I have the chance to see just how interesting she can be.” He smiled at Tanger as they started toward the living room. And his smile grew when he heard the faint hum of her voice. I don’t know about dinner, but dessert is going to be delicious.
*~*~*~*
Hope you all liked it* Let me know!!