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Chapter 13
Two weeks went by and Rachel, Peter and Davy had spent almost every day together, getting to know each other again and reminiscing about life in the sixties the last time they had all been together. Rachel was starting to feel a lot better, she was so glad to be around the friends she loved so much. Mike and Melanie had returned to Texas a few days after the wedding but Rachel spoke to them on the phone and Melanie had promised that she and Mike would come back to LA when Rachel went back to England so they could say goodbye in person. Mike and Rachel's relationship had gotten better, they weren't the best of friends but they didn't seem to clash as much anymore. Rachel figured this probably had something to do with getting older, they were both a lot wiser then they used to be and learned to tolerate each other's point of view rather then jump straight into an argument like they used to. Rachel had also been spending more and more time with Jennifer. Things had been a little awkward between them at first but once they were comfortable with each other again things were pretty much back to normal between them. Peter and Davy had introduced Rachel and James to their kids and they all got on brilliantly. As for Micky, Rachel hadn't heard from him at all which was understandable considering he was on his honeymoon. Rachel thought about him constantly but was beginning to come to terms with her decision, it was for the best no matter how she tried to analyse it. Peter had kept his promise and was teaching James how to play the guitar and it was during a lesson one day that Peter got an unexpected visitor. The front doorbell rang and Peter went to answer it.
"Keep working on those scales I'll be back in a sec" He told James then went and opened the door "Micky! What are you doing here? When did you get back?" He asked
"Nice to see you too Pete" Micky said smiling slightly "We got back yesterday, is Rachel still here?"
"Yeah she's still here".
"Great, can I see her?"
"She's not in at the moment, she's out with Davy, she offered to help chaperone Jacobs school trip" Peter explained.
"Oh I see, any idea when she'll be back?" Micky asked.
"When schools out I guess. Do you wanna come in and wait? You're quite welcome to".
"No thanks Pete I better not, I told Denise I wouldn't be long. Tell Rachel I called round and I'll catch her another time ok" Micky said.
"Yeah sure thing Mick, see you later" Peter said and Micky left.
When Rachel got back Peter told her Micky was back and had been round to see her. Her first instinct was to call him but she didn't want Denise to answer the phone. She thought about going round but that would mean coming face to face with Denise and that was definably the last thing she wanted.
"What should I do Peter?" She asked later that night.
"What do you want to do?" He asked.
"You always do that, answer my question with a question. Can't you just tell me what to do" Rachel and Peter smiled.
"If I had the answer sweetheart then I'd tell you but I don't. This is something you need to figure out on your own".
"But I can't".
"Rach honey, stop acting like a child. I know the last thing you want is to lose Micky again but if you carry on like this that is exactly what will happen. He married Denise, you told him to-it's done so get over it. I don't mean any disrespect and I'm not trying to upset you here I love you, but you really need to get over this" Peter told her. Rachel looked at him, not sure how to respond. She had never heard Peter be so blunt before but his words had done there job and she realized he was right.
"Yeah I know, ok I'll call him," She said finally.
"Good, his number's in the address book next to the phone".
"Right ok" She said and started to walk over to the phone, then turned back around again. "Peter?"
"Hmm".
"Thanks" She said. Peter smiled.
"You're welcome" He replied. She walked over to the phone and picked up the book and flipped to D and found Micky's name. She tried to ignore the pang that filled hers stomach when she noticed Peter had already changed to read `Micky and Denise Dolenz'. She picked up the phone and began to dial. It took four attempts of picking up the phone, starting to dial, putting the phone back down and staring at it again and then picking it back up before she managed to dial the whole number. When she finally managed it, it connected and started to ring. It felt like forever before someone answered. The voice was female.
"Hello?"
"Hi may I speak to Micky please?" Rachel asked.
"Who's calling please?"
"Rachel Lockhart".
"Oh" Came the reply then a slight pause "Hello Rachel, this is Denise" She said. Rachel sucked in a breath, she had a feeling it would be but really didn't want it to be confirmed.
"Hi Denisehow are you?"
"I'm fine I'll just go get Micky" Denise said. Rachel couldn't help but feel as though she had been met with a hostile reaction from Denise when she revealed who she was, but wasn't sure if she was just imagining it of not.
"Thank you" She replied. Rachel started to feel very nervous and got the sudden urge to hang up the phone but before she got up the nerve Micky was there.
"Hi Rach, I'm so glad you called".
"Peter told me you dropped by to see me so I had to check in with you. How was your honeymoon?"
"Oh you know, hot. I've got a tan," Micky told her which made Rachel laugh.
"You've got a tan? Now this I've gotta see. You know, for someone who's lived in California most of his life I don't think I've ever seen you with a tan. Are you brown or bright red?"
"Depends on where you look" Micky replied with a grin "Listen, why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow night then I can show you" Micky told her.
"OhumI dunno, I'm not sure that's a very good idea" Rachel replied.
"Of course it is, bring Peter and James as well," Micky said.
"Mick, under the circumstances I really don't think it would be appropriate".
"Please Rach, come on we're still friends aren't we? I'd really like to see you" Micky said. Rachel paused for a moment as she thought about it.
"Ok I'll come and I'll bring Peter and James too".
"Excellent, I'll call Davy and invite him as well. It'll be great for us all to be together, it's a shame Mike and Mel are back in Texas" Micky said.
"Oh yeah, have you two made up yet?" Rachel asked.
"Who two?"
"You and Melanie".
"Oh you heard about that did ya, no not really I haven't spoken to her since the argument" Micky explained.
"Maybe you should call her, you of all people should know the consequences of not calling someone, it was a minor argument Mick don't let it ruin your friendship".
"I know but she really made me mad she had no right to say those things. It really hurt me".
"I know but you shouldn't be telling me, tell Mel. Look I'll get off the phone so you can call her now ok?"
"I forgot how bossy you can be," Micky said.
"I'm not bossy I'm justenthusiastic".
"Yeah right. You call it enthusiastic, I call it bossy" Micky told her and Rachel grinned.
"Just hang up the damn phone Dolenz ok," Rachel told him and Micky laughed.
"Yes ma'am, ok you've convinced me I'll call Mel".
"Good, well I guess I'll see you tomorrow".
"You bet, see you tomorrow, bye Rach". They both hung up the phone and Rachel turned around and jumped back a little with shock when she
saw Peter standing behind her.
"Sorry I didn't mean to startle you, how did it go?"
"Ok I guess, we're going over to dinner for dinner tomorrow night".
"We?" Peter repeated.
"Yes you, me and James, maybe Davy too".
"Oh, that's cool" Peter said. Rachel's mouth dropped open.
"Cool! You think it's cool! This is the worst thing in the entire universe. I can't go over there for dinner, you must be joking!" Rachel almost yelled. Peter smiled and rolled his eyes he turned around and started to walk away from her "Hay, where are you going?" She asked. Peter turned back round to face her.
"I'm not going through all this with you again, you really need to get over this Rach, ok" He told her, and then disappeared into his studio.
"Yeah thanks Peter" Rachel called.
Davy called later that night to tell them he would be joining them at the Dolenz's for dinner and they made arrangements to all go together. Rachel told James of their plans for the next evening but James informed his mother that he already knew because he had been with Natalie when Micky called to invite her too. Rachel thought about calling Micky back to see how things went with Melanie but she couldn't stomach talking to Denise again, she needed to keep all her nerve for when they came face to face to the next evening.
Chapter 14
Davy arrived at half past six the next evening. They weren't due at Micky and Denise's until half seven, but Peter had invited Davy round for a drink first. Davy came in the front door.
"Hi guys" He called. Rachel appeared from the lounge.
"Hi Davy come on in" She said.
"Thanks Rach, you look smashing this evening" He said and gave Rachel a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you Davy, so do you" She replied. Rachel had agonized practically all day over what to wear. She wanted to look nice but not go to over the top so she'd opted for a simple trouser suit and left her hair down and light make-up.
"You ready for the big meeting?" Davy asked.
"No not really but it had to happen sooner or later I suppose" Rachel replied, then she walked over to the stairs "Pete, Davy's here" She called.
"Ok thanks Rach, I'll be down in a sec" Came Peter's reply.
"Where's James then?" Davy asked.
"Already over there, Nats came and picked him up in a taxi about fifteen minutes ago" Rachel explained.
"It's gonna be hard for those two when you and James go back to England, they've been joined at the hip ever since you arrived" Davy said and Rachel laughed.
"I know, I'm glad they have a good relationship," She said. Davy looked at her for a moment then said.
"Rach, here's a wacky thought, why don't you stay? You could marry Peter I'm sure he wouldn't mind" Rachel laughed again.
"You think so huh? Well maybe I'll give it some thought," She said and Davy grinned.
"Ok, so maybe not marry Peter, marry me" Davy grinned again "No seriously now, stay Rach it's been so great having you around these past few weeks it will be weird without you" He told her.
"Davy, I can't. I've got a life in England, my job is there, my friends are there and James is in university I can't just leave".
"Of course you can, we're your friends too, you can get a new job and James could transfer schools there's nothing stopping you".
"What about a place to live?" Rachel countered.
"What do you mean? You've already got a place to live" Peter said, as he appeared at the door "You can live here with me, I think Davy's idea is brilliant".
"See" Davy said, pointing to Peter.
"Well at least think about it, talk it over with James see what he thinks" Peter told her.
"Please Rachel" Davy added and Rachel sighed.
"Ok fine I'll think about it, but that's all I'm doing, thinking about it so don't get your hopes up, ok?" Rachel said.
"Ok" Peter replied.
"Yeah ok" Davy said.
"So" Peter said clapping his hands together "What can I get you to drink, Davy?" He asked.
When they finally left, Peter drove them in his car. Rachel sat in the back and Davy sat up front. Rachel had chosen to sit in the back by herself, she wanted to think some stuff through and she knew she wouldn't be able to do that if she sat up front because Peter liked to chat while he drove so, if she sat in back Peter could chat to Davy and she wouldn't feel obligated to join in. As they drove, Rachel didn't feel nervous, just plain terrified. She had no idea how she was going to make it through the evening and was already looking forward to leaving, even though they hadn't actually arrived yet. They drove for about fifteen minutes, and then Peter pulled in to the driveway of a beautiful maisonette. Rachel was a little surprised, she had expected something a lot bigger. It had a front garden and a gravel driveway and path leading to the front door. The gravel
crunched beneath the car as Peter drove up it and the noise must've alerted the people inside because the front door opened and Micky and
Denise appeared, arms around each other's waist. Denise was forcing a polite smile but Micky had the biggest goofiest grin on his face. Peter shut off the engine and turned and looked at Rachel.
"Ready sweetheart?" He asked. Rachel took a deep breath and nodded.
"Ready" She replied. The three of them stepped out of the car. Peter locked it and put a supportive arm around Rachel. They walked forward a little and Rachel and Denise came face to face for the first time.
Chapter 15
"Hi guys" Micky called, letting go of Denise and racing forward to greet his friends. Denise walked over to Rachel, while Micky said hello to Davy and Peter.
"You must be Rachel, it's nice to meet you, Micky talks about you all the time" She said, the speech sounded rehearsed to Rachel but she
ignored it.
"Yeah well I wouldn't listen to anything he says he's been known to lie," She said, and Denise just smiled slightly.
"I can hear you Lockhart" Micky said.
"Oh yeah and what are you gonna do about it!" Rachel teased.
"Well first I'm gonna hug you, then I'm gonna tickle you to death" Micky told her.
"Ok the hugging I can handle but you even try and tickle me then there'll be trouble" Rachel said, Micky laughed and pulled Rachel into a hug.
"I've missed you so much" He whispered into her ear.
"I've missed you too," She replied. They let go of each other.
"Well I suppose we should go inside, your son is here Rachel, he's an interesting young man isn't he" Denise said.
"Yeah he takes after his father" Rachel said with a chuckle.
"Oh yes, Ronald wasn't it?" Denise asked.
"Robert" Rachel corrected.
"Whatever, and he's dead now right?" Denise said. Peter had taken hold of Rachel's hand, which she saw as a blessing because otherwise she would've used it to punch Denise hard in the face.
"Yes, he passed away" She said through gritted teeth. Micky shot her an apologetic look but she didn't take much notice, she was too busy
picturing Denise walking in to the wall and breaking her perfect nose. They went inside and were greeted by Natalie and James. Natalie gave Rachel a long hug.
"I'm so glad you're here," She whispered.
"I wish I was glad to be here" Rachel replied.
"Just ignore everything Denise says and you'll be fine" Natalie advised.
"You dislike her don't you" Rachel said.
"What was your first clue?" Natalie said and Rachel chuckled.
"Well don't worry, I'm in your club I hate her already" She said.
"Anyone want a drink?" Micky asked.
"Yes I'd love a glass of white wine please Mick" Rachel said as she walked back over to Peter.
"Do you think that's wise?" Peter asked her discreetly.
"Trust me Pete, I'm gonna need it" Rachel replied.
Dinner was served and everyone sat down at the table. Micky was at the head of the table. Rachel sat in between Peter and Davy on one
side of the table and Natalie sat in between Denise and James on the other side.
"Ok well we really should eat, Micky's worked very hard on this all day" Denise told them. Rachel looked at Micky.
"You cooked?" She asked him, Micky opened his mouth to say something but Denise cut him off.
"Oh yeah, he's quite the whiz in the kitchen" She said, patting his hand and grinning at him.
"I can't believe it! You used to burn salad, when did you learn to cook?" Rachel said. Micky waited in case Denise was going to say something but she was too busy checking her reflection in her dessert spoon.
"Oh well you know you pick these things up when your fiancé is a worse cook then you" He said.
"Wife Mick" Denise corrected and Micky looked at her.
"Right wife, sorry".
When they had finished the main course Micky disappeared in to the kitchen and after a couple of minutes Rachel wondered in, in search of him.
"Hi, need a hand?" She asked.
"No I'm ok thanks, I'll be out with the sweet in a second" He told her.
"Did you call Mel?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah I called Mel".
"And?"
"Everything's cool, we had a long chat she apologized I apologized. It was good to talk to her we're fine now".
"Good I'm glad" Rachel replied, she watched him for a moment then said, "What are you doing anyway?"
"Just putting the dishes in to soak for when I need to wash them later" Micky told her.
"You wash up too! Wow Denise has turned you into a proper little house wife hasn't she" Rachel teased.
"Hay I'm a lot more domesticated then you give me credit for you know!" Micky said
"Yeah and I also know you're extremely lazy and wouldn't do this stuff unless you really had to" Rachel told him, Micky smiled
"You take great pleasure in taking the mickey outta me don't you?" He replied and Rachel grinned.
"No, not me!" She said pretending to be shocked "I would never do a thing like that"
"Yeah of course, you know I don't believe you right?"
"Micky what are you doing, your guests are waiting" Micky turned around to see Denise standing by the door, the grin disappeared from
his face.
"Sorry Denise, it's my fault I distracted him" Rachel told her.
"Obviously" Denise replied. Rachel was starting to lose her temper with Denise, she had been nothing but rude since they arrived.
"Right, well I'll leave you to it then" Rachel said, trying her best not to shoot daggers at Denise as she walked past but failing miserable. Micky watched Rachel go then looked at his wife, unable to keep the daggers from his own eyes.
"What?" Denise asked, completely unaware she'd done anything wrong.
"Nothing, just get out to our guests and I'll bring out the sweet".
"Are you mad at me?"
"I really don't want to get into this right now ok, like you said, our guests are waiting" Micky told her.
"Well you better hurry with the rest of the food then hadn't you" Denise replied then walked out of the room. Micky rubbed his temples, took a deep breath and picked up the food and took it into the dining room. When he arrived Denise was in conversation with Peter, Davy was talking with Natalie and James and Rachel was doing her best to be polite but Micky could tell it was proving difficult for her.
"Here you go guys, something simple, double chocolate fudge cake," Micky said setting the try on the table.
"Oh Micky!" Denise whined, "You know I'm on a diet!"
"Come on babe, one slice won't do you any harm, just this once" Micky told her
"Fine but just a small piece" She replied, almost disgusted Micky got even consider making her eat it. Micky sighed mentally.
"Ok, what about you Nats?" He asked.
"Slap on a big piece there Dad, fudge cake is my weakness" Natalie said and Micky laughed.
"Aw she's her father's daughter alright," Peter said looking at Natalie and both Natalie and Micky grinned.
"Rach?" Micky asked
"You bet! As big as you can make it, I'm never one to pass up on a bit of cake" Rachel said.
"It shows" Denise said under her breath, and Micky was the only one who heard her.
Micky served the cake. Peter continued his conversation with Denise. Davy and Rachel chatted with Natalie and James. Micky didn't say much, he sat back in his chair watching Denise carefully, and listening to everything she said, just in case.
Chapter 16
Once they had finished their cake everyone moved into the lounge for coffee. James and Natalie had decided to hit the town so only the three former Monkees, Rachel and Denise were left. They had settled in the lounge. Micky and Rachel were sitting together giggling between the two of them, something that was bothering Denise so she
butted into their conversation.
"So Rachel, are you seeing anyone at the moment?" She asked.
"No...no I'm not" She replied without being able to stop herself glancing at Micky.
"Oh that's ok, people your age have trouble attracting new partners it's nothing to worry about" Denise told her.
"I'm not worried, anyway Micky's three years older then me and he did alright".
"He certainly did" Denise said with a smug grin "But he's a man it's much more difficult for a woman over a certain age".
"I didn't realise you were such an expert" Rachel said.
"I'm not really I just know certain things. Maybe it's the grey hair that's putting men off, maybe if you did something with that things would go better for you".
"Denise that's enough" Micky said.
"I attracted people just fine," Rachel told her '"Just ask your husband,"' she added mentally.
"I'm sure you do but you're not with anyone are you".
"I said that's enough" Micky said to Denise, he was starting to have just about his fill of her rudeness for one evening.
"I'm alone by choice Denise. I don't need to be with anyone I'm fine as I am thank you. I'm some pathetic school girl who thinks she needs a man to make her life complete" Rachel replied.
"Are you saying I am?"
"I didn't say a word," Rachel told her.
"No but that's what you insinuated" Denise said, starting to get even angrier
"I think you're taking it a little too personally".
"Yeah well I think you should leave" Denise told her and she stood up, Rachel did too.
"Denise! No Rach you don't have to go" Micky said standing up as well.
"It's ok Mick I was going to leave anyway, I'll call you later ok".
"Not if I can help it," Denise said, again under her breath. Peter stood up
"I'm gonna go too" He said, "I am Rachel's ride after all".
"Yeah I think I'm gonna go as well" Davy said.
"No you don't have to go guys, Denise didn't mean it" Micky told them.
"Yes I did!" Denise said defensively. Micky looked at her, unable to believe she was behaving this way in front of his oldest and best friends, then followed Davy, Peter and Rachel out the door.
"I'm so sorry Rach there's no excuse for her behaviour tonight" Micky said.
"Don't worry about it Mick, it's ok it's not your fault".
"Yes it is".
"No, it really isn't. Don't worry about it she doesn't bother me, I'm fine".
"Well it bothers me. You're a better woman then I am...um...I mean...well you know what I mean" Micky replied and Rachel laughed.
"Yes Mick, luckily I do" she said, Micky smiled.
"I really am sorry Rach, I don't understand her she's not usually like that".
"Well maybe now you're married she's showing her true colours" Rachel said, then walked away, leaving Micky to think about what she had just said.
"See you later Micky, thanks for dinner it was delicious" Davy said.
"You're welcome Davy, sorry the evening ended so abruptly" Micky told him.
"Hay don't worry about it I'm used to it. I used to be in a band with this guy from Texas, he and the worst temper" Davy said with a grin and Micky laughed.
"Yeah you'd think he would've gotten mellower as he's gotten older wouldn't you" he replied.
"Well he wouldn't be Nesmith with out the temper would he" Davy said.
"That's true, thanks for coming Davy".
"No problem mate, see you soon" Davy said then went and joined Rachel by the car.
"Thanks for everything Mick, you'll have to come over to my place next time" Peter said.
"Yeah well we'll see" Micky said.
"Don't worry about Denise Mick she's probably feeling a little threatened by Rachel's presence, she knows your history and it unsettles her" Peter said.
"I hope you're right. Thanks Pete I forget how wise you are" Micky told him and Peter smiled.
"I'm not wise, I'm just able to see the bigger picture that's all. I'll see you later ok" Peter told him then went over and opened the car. Micky watched the three of them leave then went back inside. Denise was sitting in the lounge with a glass of wine.
"Is she gone?" Denise asked.
"Oh yeah she's gone alright, I'm surprised she stayed that long. What the hell do you think you were playing at!" Micky yelled.
"Excuse me?" Denise asked, looking at him.
"You were nothing but rude to Rachel from the moment she arrived".
"She was rude to me too, I'm your wife for Christ sake, why didn't you stick up for me?"
"Because you were the one in the wrong! Damn it Denise, you know how special Rachel is to me".
"Yeah I do know!" Denise screamed, "I know ok, I can hardly forget can I. You remind me everyday. I've lived in her shadow ever since we got together and I'm sick of it. You think she's better than me, hell you even think Jennifer is better than me. It seems the only person you think I'm better than is Kathryn and that's only because she
screwed you over".
"I don't have to listen to this" Micky said starting to head out the door but Denise ran after him and grabbed his arm.
"News flash Micky I'm not your precious Rachel ok, I never will be".
"Yeah well that's a mistake I'm gonna have to live with isn't it" He said, Denise let go of his arm.
"What do you mean by that?" She asked.
"Nothing, look I can't deal with this right now, I'll see you in the morning" He turned around and headed into the hallway.
"What, where are you going?" Denise called. Micky turned back round and looked at her.
"I'm going to sleep in the guest room tonight I need to clear my head," He said. Denise looked at him with hurt in her eyes.
"You don't have to do that," She said in barely a whisper "Look I'm sorry ok, I didn't mean it,".
"Yes Denise, you did" He replied and he trudged out the door and up the stairs.
Chapter 17
Another two weeks went by and it was coming to the end of Rachel's
visit. She hadn't really had much to do with Micky after the incident
with Denise at Dinner, something that bothered her a lot because she
knew Denise was probably stopping him getting in contact with her.
She came down stairs one morning and found Peter in the kitchen
sitting at the table.
"Morning Pete" She said as she sat at the table.
"Good morning sweetheart, would you like some coffee?" He asked.
"Yes please that would be lovely" Rachel replied. Peter poured some
into a cup for her. "Thank you, listen Pete I've got something to discuss with you," she said.
"Oh yeah, well go ahead".
"Ok I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I think It's time James and I returned home" She said.
"What!" Peter shouted, almost dropping the coffee pot as he returned
it to the counter.
"I need to go home now, I'm started to miss it and I really think its time I went home" Rachel explained.
"If this is about Denise then I..." Peter tried to say but Rachel cut him off.
"No Pete, it's really not. I'm not bothered about her anymore. It's just been something that's been on my mind for a while. I thought about staying, ever since Davy asked me to and, it probably sounds silly but it frightened me. I don't have enough time left in my life to uproot myself and start over. My life is in London, that's where I belong".
"Well it sounds like you've made your mind up, I don't suppose there's anything I can do to make you stay?"
"No I'm sorry, I think the only way I'd stay now is to be with Micky but we both know that's not going to happen. You were right when you
told me I needed to get over it and I think I amIt'll take time but I'll get over it" Rachel said.
"I'm gonna miss you so much".
"I'm gonna miss you too but we're gonna stay in touch this time I'll make sure of it and you're always welcome to come stay with me in
England".
"I'd like that. It's been so great having you guys here the last couple of weeks it's gonna seem so empty with out you" Peter replied.
"I'm staying" Came a voice from behind them. Rachel turned around in
her chair and saw James standing behind her.
"I beg your pardon?" Rachel asked.
"I love it here Mum. It's so much better then home. Nats is here and
Davy and Peter, I don't want to leave".
"What about school and your friends?"
"I can transfer Schools no problem and as for my friends, well I can call and write".
"I don't know James, I don't like the idea of you staying here by yourself" Rachel told him.
"So stay too," James told her.
"I wish I could honey, anyway where would you live?"
"With Nats, we've talked about it. I knew you would want to go home
soon and I told Nats I didn't wanna go back. She said I'd be more than welcome to stay with her. She's gonna get me a job where she works and we've started looking at how to get me into school here" James explained.
"Oh you have, have you? Well it looks like you've got everything all
worked out then doesn't it" Rachel said.
"I won't stay if you don't want me too Mum," James told her.
"Ok well let me think about it ok" Rachel replied and James nodded.
"You're absolutely sure you wanna go Rach?" Peter asked her.
"Yeah Pete I am, I'm sorry".
"You don't have to apologise Rach...so um...you gonna tell Micky that
you're leaving?"
"I really don't know yet, that's another thing I need to think about. I mean it's not like he's made much of an effort to see me since dinner so perhaps he wouldn't care less if I left".
"Of course he would" Peter told her.
"Well we'll see. I do want to tell Mike and Mel though so is it ok if I call them later? Mel said they'd come back and see me before I left".
"Yeah of course it's ok" Peter replied.
So later that day Rachel called the airline then called the Nesmith range in Texas and told Melanie of her plans and Melanie kept her promise and told Rachel that she and Mike would come and say oodbye to her in person. When she had finished her call to Melanie she came back in to the lounge where she and left James and Peter watching television.
"Right that's all set then, day after tomorrow" Rachel told them.
"You sure you won't change your mind?" Peter asked her and Rachel
smiled.
"Yeah Pete I'm sure" She said then she looked at James "I thought
about this all morning James and well, you can stay if you still want to" She said. James' eyes lit up.
"Oh Mum that's great thank you so much" He said, jumping up and
hugging his mother.
"What about Micky? Did you think about that too?" Peter said.
"Yeah I thought about it and I still haven't decided yet, I think I'll sleep on it tonight and see how I feel in the morning".
"Good idea, have you got anything planned for the rest of the day?"
Peter asked her.
"No not a thing" Rachel replied.
"And what about you James?" Peter asked him.
"No me either".
"Great, come on then I'm taking you out shopping and then dinner, my
treat" Peter told them.
Chapter 18
Rachel, Peter and James spent the rest of the afternoon in town. They all spent a lot of money and had a brilliant time. When Rachel woke up the next morning she decided it was only fair that she tell Micky of her plans and called round his house in the afternoon, after spending the morning working up the courage to face Denise but to her dismay no one was home. When she arrived back at Peter's she called the house a couple of times and his cell phone but never got a reply, so she ended up leaving a message on his answer machine at home.
"Hi Mick, it's me. Listen I'm headed back to England tomorrow. It's about time I got back to my life and I just wanted to let you know. My flight back is at ten thirty and I'd love it if you'd meet me at the airport so I can say goodbye. Mike and Mel are arriving from Texas in a few hours. Well I guess that's all I needed to say. I hope I'll see you tomorrow. Bye".
Mike and Melanie arrived on Peter's doorstep earlier then planned. Davy came over not long after and the five of them and James spent
the afternoon together at Peter's just chatting and generally hanging
out.
The next morning Rachel had her things loaded in the car and was
waiting for Peter. Peter was driving Rachel to the airport. James was
with them and they were going to swing by and collect Natalie on the
way. Mike and Melanie had stayed with Davy and the three of them were going to meet them there, after picking up Jennifer. Rachel had said goodbye to Peter and Davy's kids the night before.
"Right I guess we better get going then" Peter said as he came down
the stairs.
"Yeah I guess we should".
"You're sure you're sure about this?" He asked and Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Yes Pete I was sure yesterday, I was sure this morning and I'm still
sure now" She told him. Peter smiled.
"Ok just checking, did you get through to Micky in the end?"
"No I ended up leaving a message on his answer machine, he wasn't
answering his phone" Rachel replied.
"I'm sure he'll be there".
"I hope so".
So Peter, Rachel and James left for the airport, picking up Natalie on the way. When they arrived Mike, Melanie, Davy and Jennifer were
already there. They were sitting in the rather uncomfortable plastic
chairs outside the terminal when the call for Rachel's flight came, but Rachel didn't hear it, she was watching the entrance intensely for any signs of Micky. Everyone else stood up.
"That's you then" Peter said, taking Rachel by the hand and pulling her up.
"Um...yeah" She replied, not paying any attention.
"Rach" Davy prompted.
"Sorry guys, I can't leave yet, can we just wait a minute longer?" She asked.
"Yeah of course we can" Mike said, flashing a sympathetic smile and
everyone sat back down again.
Finally the final boarding call came and there was no sign of Micky. Rachel sighed and stood up.
"Well I guess he's not coming," She said.
"I'm sure there's a very good reason Rach" Melanie told her but Rachel didn't answer.
"Come on sweetheart you better get a move on or you'll miss the flight," Peter told her.
"Yeah I know" She gave Peter a hug "Thanks for everything Pete, you're a great friend I love you".
"I love you too, call me when you land ok?"
"I will" She moved on to Davy "Bye Davy".
"Bye luv, I'm gonna miss you, I'd gotten used to having you around" He told her.
"I'd gotten used to being around" Rachel replied with a small grin "Keep in touch you hear" She added.
"You bet" Davy replied. She gave him a hug then moved on to Mike and wasn't sure whether to hug him or not, so she held out her hand.
"Goodbye Michael" She said.
"What, not good enough for a hug am I?" He asked and Rachel blushed a little.
"Well I wasn't sure if you...".
"Come here you silly thing" Mike said pulling her into a hug "Take care and make sure you stay in touch ok".
"I'll try" Rachel replied then moved on to Melanie.
"Whatever he said just ignore it ok" Melanie said jerking her thumb in Mike's direction and Mike laughed.
"He told me to take care and keep in touch" Rachel replied with a grin.
"Oh, well in that case, do exactly what he says" Melanie said and they hugged then Rachel moved to Jennifer.
"I so I guess this is it huh?" Jennifer said.
"I guess it is" Rachel replied and Jennifer pulled her into a hug.
"I can't believe you're going, you only just got here. I feel like I'm losing my best friend all over again".
"Hay I'll always only be a phone call away".
"I know but it won't be the same".
"I know, I love you Jenny you'll always be my best friend, take care
ok," Rachel told her then moved onto Natalie. "Bye Nats take care ok".
"I will bye Aunt Rach, I'm sorry things didn't work out with Dad".
"Yeah sweetheart so am I. Listen I'm counting on you to keep this one in check ok" Rachel said pointing to James "He's your responsibility now and if he gives you any trouble let me know ok".
"I will, see you soon" Natalie replied. Rachel hugged her then moved to her son.
"Bye Mum" He said.
"Bye James, I can't believe I'm letting you do this I miss you so much already" Rachel told him.
"I miss you too but I'll be ok, you don't have to worry about me, I've got Natalie and Peter to go to if I need help" James told her.
"Yeah I know, it's just a little hard to except that my baby boy is grown up, your father would be so proud of you".
"I love you Mum".
"I love you too" Rachel replied and pulled him in to a hug.
"Um...Rach, not that I'm trying to get rid of you or anything but you
really should get a move on" Peter told her.
"I know, I'm going," She said, gripping tighter on James.
"Mum, Peter's right you're gonna miss your flight" James told her.
"Ok I'm going" Rachel said and let go of James. She looked at all her
friends "I'll see you soon" She told them. She cast one more glance
at the entrance hoping to see Micky dashing towards her, but there was no sign of him. She couldn't help but feel disappointed by his no
show.
"Rach" Peter prompted.
"Right, yeah ok I'm gone" She said jerking from her thoughts "Bye guys" She said she turned and walked into the tunnel and out of sight. The terminal gate closed and Rachel was gone.
"Well that's that then" Peter said.
"Yeah I wonder what happened to Micky?" Melanie said.
"No idea" Jennifer replied.
It took all the self-control Rachel could muster not to burst into tears right there and then as she sat in her seat. She couldn't believe Micky hadn't shown, he couldn't have loved her at all if he couldn't even be bothered to say goodbye, She had never felt so hurt in her life.
The flight, which wasn't full both seats next to Rachel were empty, was about half an hour in and Rachel was staring out the window trying to forgot how miserable she was, not really paying attention to what was going on around her, so she didn't notice the form approaching her.
"Excuse me Miss, is this seat taken?"
"No" Rachel replied without looking up but as the words registered in her brain, the voice that spoke them sounded extremely familiar. "No...it can't be" She thought to herself then looked up. It was him. It was Micky, standing in the aisle, grinning at her "My god!" Rachel said.
Chapter 19
Rachel stared at him for a second.
"What on earth are you doing here?" She asked, unable to believe what she was seeing.
"Now is that anyway to greet an old friend!" Micky said, sitting down
next to her.
"I'm sorry, I just can't believe it, I didn't think you'd come."
"I've been here the whole time. Do you know how hard it was for me to sneak past all you guys without any of you noticing?" He told her
with a grin "I hear James is staying behind and moving in with Nats."
"Yeah he is, it's gonna be weird not having him around but he is twenty so I couldn't really stop him" Rachel told him.
"That's true, it's hard when your kids become grown-ups isn't it" Micky said.
"That it is, I've always been surprised you only had Natalie I would've thought you'd want more kids."
"I did, it just didn't happen with Jenny after Nat was born, and Kathryn was infertile. She knew before we married but she didn't tell me until after."
"Would you have married her if you did know?" Rachel asked and Micky shrugged.
"I don't know, I wish I'd never married her in the first place anyway, it's something I've always regretted."
"Why? I saw you together she seemed to really love you, she put up
with me so she must've loved you because she couldn't stand me"
Rachel said and laughed.
"I don't really want to talk about it just now Rach if that's ok. Maybe one day I'll tell you what happened, but let's just say she hurt me a lot and it's something that took me a long time to get over," Micky said.
"Sure ok" They were quiet for a moment then Rachel remembered where they were "Look Micky I'm sorry but there's something I don't
understand, what are you doing here?" She asked, the confusion clear
on her face. Micky looked at her, his features turning deadly serious.
"I'm here to be with you, the woman I love. I've left Denise. Rach I
can't lose you again I want us to be together we made a mistake at
the wedding we should've just left together I can't be with Denise. I
love you" Micky explained. Rachel was staring at him again, taking in
everything he had said, she couldn't help but fell completely stunned.
"You've left Denise?" She asked and Micky nodded.
"I'm not in love with her, I thought I was but then when I saw you it
made me realise that I wasn't. I don't think I ever was really. I thought a lot about what you said to me after dinner, about Denise
showing her true colours now that we were married and you were right. You and Melanie."
"Melanie?"
"Yes, you know that argument Mel and I had a couple of months back?" Rachel nodded "Well it turns out she was right. I told Denise I was going to give up everything, the music, the touring, directing,
everything so we could be together all the time and she lost it, I
mean she really went mad. It was quite frightening actually. She
screamed at me and said she forbid me to give it all up and if I did
she would leave me. So Melanie was right, she was only with me
because of what I am."
"So let me get this straight, the only reason you're here now is because you found out Denise was using you?"
"Oh god no, I made the decision to leave her days before then, the
final straw came when you guys came for dinner and the way she
treated you, someone she knew was so special to me. We had a huge
argument after you left and I've been sleeping in the guest room ever
since but I wanted to test her, find out if Melanie was right, because if I didn't I'd always wonder about it" Micky told her.
"I can't believe this, it's a lot to take in" Rachel said.
"I'm sorry maybe this wasn't the best idea I've ever had. I should
probably go."
"Go where? We're on an airplane Mick" Rachel said.
"Oh yeah, good point. I forgot. Well, uhm I'll return to my actual seat that should give you enough time to ease the shock" Micky said as he stood up but Rachel grabbed his arm.
"No please don't go, stay, stay here with me," She told him "I've got
an awful feeling I'm going to wake up at any minute back in my flat in London and none of this had ever happened and it was all a dream. I don't think I could handle losing you again. Just sit with me for the moment, please?" She said. Micky nodded.
"Of course" he replied. He sat back down then laced his fingers in hers. "Do you know when I realised I needed to be with you, not just wanted but needed as well. It was when you came to dinner, you got
out of Peter's car and he came over to you and put his arm around
you. I hated it. I couldn't stand to see another man touch you, not
even Peter and I so badly wanted it to be me, I wanted to be able to
touch you, to hold you in my arms and tell you everything was going
to be ok and we would always be together, I want it to be me Rach,
please let it be me" Micky whispered to her.
Rachel looked at him, she looked at him for a long time, getting to know every line in his face, every shape and curve. If it was a dream
she wanted to remember him exactly this way, sitting next to her,
holding her hand and loving her.
"Micky I love you so much" She said finally "I would love nothing more then to be with you but you have to be sure you're making the right decision."
"I know I am, I made the wrong decision four weeks ago when I walked down that aisle away from you, this is the right decision, it's a
decision I should of made when Jenny and I ended, I lost too much time Rach I can't lose anymore I love you" Micky told her. Rachel smiled.
"That's exactly what I needed to hear, thank you Mick."
"So is it official, are we together?" Micky asked and Rachel nodded.
"Yeah it's official, we're together," She said and Micky grinned.
"Oh that's so great, you have no idea how happy you've made me feel." He told her, Rachel was ginning too as tears started to fall gently down her cheeks.
"I think I have some idea," She told him. Micky leaned in and kissed
her and they melted into a passionate embrace.
"I love you Rachel" Micky told her when they broke apart.
"I love you so much" She replied, "I don't think this is a dream," She added and Micky smiled.
"No neither do I."
"So you're really here?" She asked.
"Always" Micky replied.
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