The Things We Never Did (2)

Chapter Two


“Angel! Hurry up!” yelled Vickie.
“I’m coming!” comes the stressed reply. Vickie sighed loudly as she continued to wait. Being patient isn’t one of her best attributes and it seems her friends and family really liked to put it to the test. At least another three more minutes passed and still there’s no sign of Nicole.
“That’s it Angel if you don’t get your butt down here right this minute I’m going to leave without you!” Vickie yelled again. A short time later a door slammed shut and footsteps ran along the hallway and down the stairs before at last Nicole made her appearance by the front door. She dumped her two backpacks on the ground, stood up straightening her elegant clothes and running her fingers through her hair quickly.
“Ok now I’m ready.” She remarked.
“Finally. Geeze how long does it take to pack, change clothes and do the hair?” Vickie rolled her eyes; Nicole just smiled innocently at her friend.
“Don’t forget we will be seeing the lads as soon as we arrive and I’d definitely like to look my best after a bit of traveling.” She said.
“Yes point taken not lets go otherwise we’ll never get there and I know you’re just desperate to see Shane again.” Vic laughed and quickly ducked her head out of the way just as Nicole swiped her hand across.
“If the roles were reversed I’d be saying the same to you.” She remarked. Vickie hesitated before making a reply. She never talked to anyone about what happened with her and Mark not even Nicole even though they are best friends. Vickie decided to just keep it to herself until she could at least get around to talking to Mark.
“It’s not quite like that with Mark.” She said. From the tone in her voice Nicole had the impression there’s something going on.
“Do you…perhaps want to talk about it?” she offered but Vickie shock her head.
“Thanks but no thanks Nic.” She answered.
“Right let’s get on the road before it’s all too late.” Nicole picked up her two backpacks and walked to the car whilst Vickie locked up the house.
The drive is going to be along one just over three a bit hours, and while for some such a drive seemed boring Nicole and Vickie had lots of talk about, and when they weren’t chatting they listened to music on the radio or from the car’s CD player.
“All right here’s something I know will cheer you up,” Nicole said once she found the CD she’d been looking for.
“Nic what are you doing?” asked Vickie suspiciously.
“You’ll see in a minute,” Nic smirked. She took the CD out and placed it into the player, scanned several songs ahead before stopping at track no: 7. Then the all too familiar strains of Westlife’s ‘World of our own’ blasted out from the stereo, Vickie couldn’t quite believe it she glanced at her friend Nicole sat there smiling brightly from ear to ear. Both of them sang along with the song at the top of their lungs, Vickie did have to admit to herself she felt a bit better. If there’s one way to cheer her up this song is her best remedy. After the song came to end Nicole quickly lowered the volume.
“So. Now perhaps you want to talk?” she asked.
“Talk about what?” Vickie tried to play silly but she knew just as well as Nicole of what she’s truly asking.
“Vic, I’m not blind you know. I’ve noticed the way you’ve been acting lately and I haven’t got a single doubt in my mind whatever is bothering you definitely has something to do with Mark, and it’s quite obvious even to the average person.” Nicole replied.
“Well you’re right as always; and to be quite honest it’s got everything to do with Mark and not all of it is good either.” Vickie said.
“It’s just us on the road and I’m listening.” Vickie rubbed her face tiredly, all the thoughts were running around inside her head and she didn’t even know where to begin.

Flashback; two weeks ago…
Vickie decided to take a little stroll. There’s been a lot on her mind lately and with so much already going on she hasn’t quite had the opportunity to let it all sink in. None of this is really helped by the fact her aunts and uncles have constantly bagging her to move over to Singapore where the rest of her family are. They didn’t like the idea of the youngest daughter living out in a completely foreign country; at least foreign to them and without any family members around. Even though Vickie had explained to them on so many occasions that she is fairly capable of looking after herself here, it just never seemed to get though their sick heads.
“Damn it why can’t they just all leave me alone? Can’t they see I don’t want to go to Singapore?” she said aloud. She knew her aunts and uncles only wanted what they perceived as best for her; but they tend to always forget she also isn’t a little child anymore. Suddenly a hand on her shoulder broke Vickie from her thoughts. She whipped around wildly having not expected any visitors and found Mark standing a short distance behind her smiling.
“Mark, what are you doing here?” she asked.
“Actually I can ask the same for you. Just hovering around in your driveway and if you don’t so much as mind me saying you’re looking pretty annoyed.” He answered.
“Yeah you’re right, and it’s not the first time either. But I wouldn’t want to dump my sorrows and worries to you, and trust me it’s not even worth talking over,” Vickie smiled.
“If you say so.” Mark said.
“I do, anyway you haven’t answered my question.” She said pointedly.
“And what question was that exactly?” he smiled ever so innocently she grinned and playfully pinched his cheek.
“Don’t try and act all innocent with me.” She answered looking serious thou Mark knew her far too well so he decided to continue to play along.
“I honestly don’t know what you’re on about; you aren’t making a lot of sense Vic so clear up.” He smirked completely loving the fact he’s just winding her up like always. She rolled her eyes to the sky now he’s so in for it and Mark seemed to know it as well.
“I think I’d better go then.” He replied slowly beginning to back away from her; Vickie stood on the spot and folded her arms across her chest she watched him leave cautiously.
“You really think I’m going to let you off so easily Mark?” she arched up her eyebrows.
“Maybe if I talked you around then perhaps you might let me off the hook,” Mark said.
“Fat chance.” Vic snorted and Mark knew instantly he’s going to have to make a run for it. Everyone had always thought Vickie to be this nice, shy, quiet placid girl when really she can be a tough cookie and very tomboyish too.
“Yes…anyway I’m out of here.” He made a quick dash towards his car but Vickie reacted in double quick time; she managed to grasp a hold of his free arm, in the same instant Mark lost his balance as he’d gotten his feet into an un-timely tangle and sent both he & Vickie tumbling onto the rough gravel drive. Mark grimaced feeling several sharp pebbles scrap his back but he’s far more aware of the fact Vickie had ended up falling atop of him, their faces no more than two inches apart; looking at her deeply Mark felt himself begin to get a little embarrassed and as it’s as though his feeling is being mirrored in Vickie’s expression too.
“Erm…ok.” She began to blush furiously thus quickly avoiding his look. Mark said nothing he just stared trying to register what had happened just then. Vickie immediately moved off him and sat on the gravel, Mark sat up brushing off his clothes they still remained silent.
“So…” Mark began awkwardly. Vickie eventually looked at his face and suddenly started laughing.
“What?” he looked confused. Still giggling helplessly like a child she gently reached out and softly brushed away some dust from his face.
“Oh.” He grinned innocently.
“Look why don’t you come in and get cleaned up a bit. It might only be a bit of dust; but if anyone is to see you walking around town looking like this…oh the gossips are just going to fly,” Vickie replied.
“Thanks for the offer Vic but I’m sure I’ll live.” Mark said now standing up and dusting off his clothing.
“Seriously Mark I’m insisting and as you know; I tend not to want to take no for an answer.” she added. Instead of answering immediately like he usually does Mark paused for at least half a second to think. For no particular reason he had this feeling of uncertainty vibrating throughout his body. * This is so wrong, I just know it and yet I can’t help wanting it. * He shock his head clear of those thoughts.
“On second thoughts Vic it’s probably a good idea. Thanks.” He said smiling. Vickie nodded and turned to head back into her house. They headed inside, Mark walked inside first he did his best to disguise a cheeky smile things are almost coming right now all he needed is the next part to happen but it won’t be quite as easy.
“Ok…” Vickie trailed off she suddenly noticed a slight smirk on Mark’s face.
“And you are smiling almost like a chest shire because…?” she asked.
“I was just wondering if maybe you might have a spare shirt lying around. This one obviously is in quite a state now.” He said.
“Sure, anyway I think you probably left some stuff here when you, Shane & Nicole stayed over a couple of weeks ago.” Vickie hurried upstairs, Mark stood by and watched her go he couldn’t keep the smile off his lips. Yet deep down he still felt this was all wrong it can’t happen this way. Thou Mark being the sometimes stubborn man he can be he usually did things his own way. Vickie dug into her wardrobe and dragged out a plastic bag stuffed with bits and pieces her friends left behind. Tipping all of the contents out she rummaged further to find something suitable and eventually after a minute or two she pulled out a dark green polo shirt.
“Mark!”
“Yeah?”
“You mind coming up here for a second?” He didn’t tend to be asked twice as he skimmed up the stairs three at a time; although in his hurry he nearly tripped up on the final two stairs. Quickly catching himself in time he paused for several seconds to catch his breath then walked to Vickie’s room. She’s still kneeling on the floor slowly placing the items back into the plastic bag. She looked up when she heard him enter she smiled.
“On the bed.” Vic nodded to where she’d placed the shirt.
“Right thanks” Mark walked over to the bed and picked up the shirt, now usually being shy guy he is he isn’t one to change clothes infront of people maybe except for his bandmates. Although even then he does get a little bit embarrassed. Forgetting all of this Mark pulled his shirt over his head; Vickie did her best not to let her jaw fall open like a gob smacked goldfish as her gaze looked upon his toned body. Mark glanced aside at her seeing the expression on her face.
“Oh erm…sorry.” She mumbled as her face flushed bright red till she looked like something resembling a traffic light. He laughed lightly as he ran his fingers through his hair.
“A bit of a surprise for you Vic?” he replied cheekily.
“No, no course not.” Vickie said still blushing furiously. Absently she stuffed the remaining items back into the plastic bag and tied it up then chucked it back inside her cupboard. Turning around she gasped aloud in shock to find Mark standing right infront of her still without his shirt. She panicked and her brain froze not knowing what to say or do and barely expecting any of this.
“Uh…Mark?” Vic asked timidly.
“Yes?” he stayed calm cool and collected.
“Wh… well if you so as don’t mind me asking but…erm…what are you doing?” He took both of her hands in his and led her over to the edge of the bed to sit down. She stared up at his face with confusion. He allowed his hands to caress her face.
“It’s just something I’ve been wanting to do for a long, long time.” He answered in a low huskily whisper. He leant over letting his lips meet with hers.
End Flashback

“You can take a very good educated guess what happened next.” Vickie remarked, as she slowed the car down at a traffic light intersection. She cast a look sideways to Nicole to see her looking back with big fish eyes.
“It wouldn’t take a moron to figure it. But…but…whoa I can’t believe it. You…you guys actually slept together?” she nearly shrieked.
“Yeah,” Vic nodded.
“So what are you going to do? We’re going to be with the lads for at least the next two months and you can’t spend that amount of time just plainly avoiding him.” Nicole said.
“Yeah I know! But the thing is I haven’t seen or spoken to Mark since…well…since that day so I honestly don’t know how either one of us will react when we do see one another again.” Vickie explained.
“I see,” Nicole chewed on her bottom lip deep in thought, knowing Vickie she wouldn’t want to get everyone else involved in this small mess but some helpful push can’t possibly do a lot of harm. Nicole smiled to herself without letting Vickie see, she had the absolute perfect plan in mind; and she’d get it straight into action once they arrived in Dublin and she had the assistant of Shane, Kian, Nicky and Bryan.