Chapter 7

Mike had been sitting waiting for Lucy for forty-five minutes and he had just decided to leave when he saw her rush in the door. She saw him and came over.

"Oh thank goodness you're still here" She said and kissed him on the cheek.

"I almost wasn't" Mike told her.

"I'm so sorry, I had to deal with the family staying in cabin 3B and they wouldn't leave my office. I finally got rid of them and then I had to go home and get changed. I'm sorry and I understand if you wanna leave".

"No of course I don't it's not your fault you've still have a job to do" Mike replied. He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down "What do you want to eat I'll go get it for you" Mike offered.

"Thank you, a cheese burger and fries would be great and a soda" So Mike went and got their food and came back and set the tray on the table.

"You look amazing" Mike said which caused Lucy to blush. She hadn't gone over the top, just a simple blouse and trousers with light make-up and again her hair was loose.

"Thank you again," She said.

"At least I managed to say it this time," Mike said with a grin.

"I must be less of a knock out today then I was yesterday," She said returning the grin.

"Not at all, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen".

"Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?"

"No I'm just telling you the truth," Mike told her. Lucy blushed again.

"Thank you yet again Michael" She smiled. The two of them happily sat and talked and got to know each other and they soon got on to the subject of career choices.

"What made you want to work in the hotel industry?" Mike asked Lucy.

"My Dad mostly, I've hung around this place all my life and it just seemed like a natural choice and plus I love meeting people and this job involves a lot of that, although this is only my day job" Lucy told him.

"What, do you become Superwoman after dark or somethin'?" Mike asked and Lucy laughed.

"I wish! It would make my day job a lot easier, no I'm a writer, or at least I'm trying to be" She explained.

"Really? That's interesting how often do you write?"

"As often as possible. It's my true passion, I mean don't get me wrong I love this place but it's just what keeps a roof over my head and food in the fridge".

"So have you had anything published?"

"Not yet but I'm hoping to get some publishers to look at my work after the holidays. My brother's an editor and he's looked over my stuff, he seems pretty confident about it but I don't know if that's just because he's my brother and he has to love everything I do" Lucy
said with a grin.

"Well if you ever need a second opinion I'd gladly look over it for you, I mean I'm no editor but I know what I like and I'm honest too, just ask the guys they'll tell you".

"Thank you Mike I'd like that. So tell me about The Monkees, how long have you been together?"

"A little over two years now".

"How did you all come together anyway? Davy's English, you're from Texas, how did you all end up in Malibu Beach?"

"To be perfectly honest none of us really know. It was just somewhere we all happened to be at the same time. Peter was only passin' through, he's been everywhere, he's from Washington DC originally but he' s lived in Connecticut and New York, then he went to LA and was on his way some place else when he stopped off in Malibu beach. Davy came over to America to star in a Broadway musical that didn't pan out. I'm not really sure how Micky ended up in Malibu Beach, hell I never know what goes on with Micky he's kind of a loose cannon".

"So I've seen, so what about you? What made you leave Texas?"

"I wanted to be a famous songwriter but I couldn't find any one to sing my songs so I figured I'd have to sing them myself. I left Texas headed for the big city but I never made it, I ran out of money in Malibu beach so I was stuck there but then I met the guys and
everythin' just fell into place".

"Wow what a great story" Lucy said genuinely impressed.

"Maybe you could turn it into your first bestseller!" Mike suggested.

"Hay that's not a bad idea, maybe I will some day" She replied with a grin. Mike remembered something and said.

"One thing I wanted to say to you, I wanted to thank you for playing along with Peter yesterday. A lot of people find it hard to accept that a full grown man still believes in Santa but it means a lot to him so thank you".

"Don't mention it. I'm beginning to get to know you guys very well and I know how important Christmas is to Peter. He's got the kindest heart and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to it, to any of you" Lucy told him. By now they had finished their food and Lucy looked down at her plate then back at Mike "You wanna get out of here? Find some place a little less formal?" She asked.

"Yeah I'd like that. Where did you have in mind?"

"Follow me, I wanna show you something" She said and got up.  Mike did the same and they left. Lucy took Mike into the mountains and they came to a small woodland area.

"Wow this place is amazing!" Mike said as Lucy led him towards a clearing in the middle.

"My brother and I used to come here all the time when we were kids, mostly to escape our mother" Lucy told him.

"Escape your mother? Why's that?" Mike asked a little confused.

"She wasn't the best mother in the world she was very self involved, she divorced my dad a few years ago and moved to New York. I haven't seen her since she got her new face".

"Sorry? Her what?"

"She married a plastic surgeon and for her birthday last year he gave her a new face" Mike couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh I see, maybe someone should write about you're life" He told her.

"It would make a very interesting novel wouldn't it. Anyway let's not talk about that, are you any good at climbing trees?" Lucy asked and Mike stared at her.

"I don't really know it's not somethin' I've done since I was a kid"
He replied a little confused as to why she would ask such a thing. "Why?"

"Look up" Lucy said pointing to the tree they were standing next to. So Mike looked and about a quarter of a way up the tree was a wooden platform "My brother build it years ago. It's an amazing view, you can see the whole resort from up there" She explained.

"Come on then let's go" Mike told her and started to climbing. Lucy giggled and followed him. When she reached the platform Mike was standing on it staring out at the view. Lucy walked over to him.

"See told ya it was amazing" She whispered slipping her arm through his. Lucy was right you could see the whole resort from there and also a view of the mountains in every direction they looked in.

"It's astonishing" Mike told her, taking in the whole view that stretched before him.

"If you look over there you can see the ocean. Of course you'll need a really powerful telescope but it is there I promise" She said with a grin and Mike chuckled. The both cleared away the snow and sat on the edge of the platform and swung their legs over. It was a bit wet where it had been covered in snow but it didn't bother them. They talked some more and at one point Mike let out a laugh.

"Look down there" He told Lucy.

"What am I looking at?" she asked.

"See down there by the dinin' room" He said pointing, "There's Peter, Micky and Davy. I think they're tryin' to spy on us," He told her.

Lucy looked down and sure enough could just make out the three Monkees peering in the windows of the dining room and after a few minutes they saw Micky shake his head and the three Monkees trudged off.

"I think they've given up then," Lucy said with a grin.

"I'm gonna kill them in the mornin'" Mike said, unable to keep the amusement from his voice. They sat for a few more hours then Lucy looked at her watch.

"Wow, it's getting late huh, I guess we should be getting back," She said. Mike looked at her.

"Yeah I guess we should" He replied but neither one of them moved "In about half and hour?" He asked. Lucy smiled and nodded. When they finally decided to go, somewhat reluctantly, Mike walked Lucy back to her place. She lived in a cabin her father had given to her so she could move out of home but still be near work.

"Well this is me," She said pointing to the small wooden building "I would ask you in for coffee but the place is a mess and I'd die if another human being saw it, I'm a neat freak you see" She admitted.

Mike smiled. "It's ok I understand I live with a neat freak so I know how neurotic you guys can be about untidiness" he told her in a teasing tone.

"I'm not sure if I should be offended or flattered by that" She replied returning his smile.

"A little of both I think".

"Ok, well I had a great time tonight Mike thank you".

"You're welcome I had a great time as well. I hope we can do it again sometime?" Mike asked.

"Absolutely, I'd like that very much" She told him.

"Great" He replied. Mike was trying to decide whether or not to kiss her. There were a lot of rules when it came to dating and one of them was a gentleman never kissed a lady on a first date, but the fact that he really wanted to kiss her wasn't helping matters. Lucy was
silently hoping that he would kiss her but the two of them just stood on the doorstep looking at each other.

"I better get to bed I've got an early start in the morning" Lucy said finally, after deciding the kiss was never going to happen.

"Oh ok sure, see you tomorrow" Mike replied and mentally kicked himself for being so stupid.

"Good night Mike".

"Night Lucy" They looked at each other for a second longer then Lucy turned on her heels and headed up the path to her front door, opened it then went in. She smiled at Mike as she disappeared behind the closed door <"You idiot!>" Mike scolded to himself <"Why didn't you kiss her!"> He added then kicked the gatepost a couple of times in pure frustration then headed back to his own cabin. When he arrived he carefully slipped the key in the lock, turned it and quietly opened the door. The room was dark and silent and he stepped in closing the door behind him and relocking it, took off his jacket and hung it up then crossed to the stairs.

"Where have you been?" Came Micky's voice through the darkness. Mike jumped round in complete shock. He couldn't see the drummer but he turned to the direction his voice had come from.

"Jeez Mick don't *do* that! You trying to give me a heart attack!"

"Sorry" Micky replied.  He switched on a lamp that barely illuminated him. Mike squinted and saw the drummer sitting in the chair in the corner "Where have you been? It's real late" Micky told him. Mike blinked.

"Sorry Dad!" he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm "I didn't realize I had a curfew".

"We were worried about you" Micky said.

"We?" Mike repeated. Another light flicked on to reveal Davy and Peter sitting on the sofa "Oh merciful heavens!" Mike said quietly.

"Where have you been Michael?" Peter asked solemnly. Mike was just about to start defending himself when something clicked in his brain and he looked at them.

"Oh yeah very clever guys, using the `we were worried about you' speech to get me to tell you all about my date. Well sorry but it's not gonna work this time" Mike told them. Micky grinned.

"Aw man! I thought we had him this time," He said to Peter and Davy. 

"I blame Peter. It's all his fault" Davy said.

"Me! How is it my fault?" Peter demanded. Mike shook his head.

"Good night fellas" He said and climbed the stairs and left Davy, Peter and Micky to argue amongst themselves.

Chapter 8

Mike hadn't been in bed very long when he heard Micky open the door and creep in. Mike pretended to be asleep to avoid further interrogation.

"Mike? Are you awake?" Micky asked but Mike didn't answer "Well if you are then I just want to apologize for my behaviour before you went out this evening. I was out of line and I'm sorry. If you're not awake, well then I'm talking to myself so I'll shut up now" The drummer said. Mike smiled slightly and turned over.

"I'm awake Mick. Thank you for apologizin' I appreciate it. I apologize for snappin' at you, there was no need for that so I'm sorry too".

"That's ok" Micky told him, he walked over to his bed and started looking for his pajamas. Mike thought about something and said.

"Hay Mick, can I ask your advice on somethin'?"

"Sure babe, what's up?" Micky replied giving up his search and sitting on the end of his bed.

"Well it's a little embarrassin' but do you kiss a girl on the first date?" Mike asked. Micky thought about this then said.

"Depends on the girl and how well the date went I suppose" Micky replied.

"Oh" Mike said as he sat up.
 
"Why did you..." Micky began to say but suddenly the pieces fell together in his brain "...oh I see" He finished, feeling slightly uncomfortable. He wasn't used to talking about girl problems with Mike, well only his own but never Mike's, but decided to go ahead
anyway "Do you want to talk about it?"

"There's not much to tell really. I wanted to kiss Lucy but I didn't".

"Why not?"

"I don't really know. I was goin' to but then my moms words started to ring in my ears and I got nervous. `A gentleman never kisses a lady on a first date' she used to tell me that all the time".

"You're hardly a gentleman Mike" Micky pointed out, as he pulled off his shoes and threw them in the corner.

"Yeah thanks Mick!" Mike replied, slightly irritated by Micky's comment.

"Look, it's never bothered you before so why now? Why this girl?" Micky asked. Mike sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Because this girl is different, she's special. With all the other girls I've gone out with it's like I've, I dunno, it's like I've just been goin' through the motions you know, but with Lucy I want everythin' to go well I want it to be perfect and I'm worried I'm gonna mess it up!"

"Don't tell me the great Michael Nesmith is scared of a girl!" Micky said in mock surprise. Mike shook his head.

"Look, if you can't take this seriously then just go to bed!" Mike said again irritated by Micky's comment.

"I'm sorry I was just teasing you I am taking it seriously I promise" Micky told him "To be perfectly honest I don't see the problem. It's just a kiss. If you wanna kiss her then kiss her, no big deal. It would be different if it was sex but it isn't. I say just go for it" Micky told him.

"Yeah I guess you're right. I'm just over thinkin' everythin' I suppose. Like I said, I really like Lucy and I don't want to mess this thing up before it even gets started you know?"

"Yeah I know babe, but trust me I don't think you've got anything to worry about, something tells me this is going to turn out just great" Micky told him as he got up from his bed and started in search of his pajamas again.

"Thanks Mick. I hope you're right" Mike replied "Oh by the way, they're in the bathroom,"

"What are?" Micky asked.

"You're pajamas, you left them in the bathroom this mornin'".

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Thanks Mike" Micky said and he left the room and headed for the bathroom.

The next morning all four Monkees were seated around the kitchen table having breakfast when Mike remembered something from the previous evening. He looked at each of his band mates.

"So, what did you guys get up to while I was out last night?" He asked, casting each of them a suspicious glance.

"Oh not much really" Davy said, "Just sat around and watched television. Peter wrote some music for some of the your new lyrics" He added.

"You did Pete?" Mike asked. Peter nodded.

"Yeah I've not finished all of them yet though just two of three" Peter told him.

"Groovy, we'll go through them later" Mike said. Then Mike realized he had wandered off the topic so he changed the subject back "So you weren't snoopin' around the dinin' room tryin' to peek on Lucy and myself then?" He asked.

"Sorry Mike we were just. hang on a minute, how did you know that?" Micky asked, returning Mike's suspicious glance.

"Oh...I...Er...I...um...never mind. I'll let you off this time".

"You were spying on us spying on you!" Peter said.

"I wasn't spyin' exactly, I just happened to see you from where I was sittin'" Mike told them.

"And where was that?" Davy asked prodding Mike with his spoon.

"Nowhere" Mike replied quickly "Anyway I'm not the one in the wrong here, you guys are but lets just all forget about it now ok!" He added.

"Yeah ok" They agreed. They didn't say anything to each other for a moment. Peter pushed his cereal around his bowl trying to think of something to say because he hated it being quiet at breakfast time, then he thought of something.

"So, have you all started packing yet?" He asked them.

"Packin'?" Mike repeated.

"Yeah we're leaving tomorrow remember" Peter told him. Mike stared at him.

"Oh man! I totally forgot" He sat back in his chair, his thoughts filling with Lucy. He would never see her again after tomorrow and that thought filled him with more fear then he had ever felt in his life! There was no way he could go without ever seeing her again it
would crush him! He sat and thought about it for a few moments then had an idea. "Guys, I need to pop into town to get a few things, Davy will you come with me I could use an extra pair of hands" Mike asked him.

"Yeah of course Mike" Davy said.

"And you two" He said to Peter and Micky "Can you guys do me a favour?" He asked. Micky and Peter looked at each other then back at Mike.

"Yeah sure Mike" Micky replied for the both of them.

Chapter 9

Lucy was in the reception going over some paper work, she looked up when she heard the door open and smiled when she saw it was Peter and Micky.

"Hi Lucy" Micky said as he came over and leaned his elbows on the desk.

"Hi Micky, hi Peter".

"Hello Lucy" Peter said, waving slightly.

"What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" She asked.

"We come bearing a message from Mike" Peter told her.

"You do?"

"Uh-huh, it's a little cryptic but Mike assured us you'd know what it means" Micky explained.

"Ok shoot".

"Right, he said to meet him at the platform for your lunch break and to not bring anything except yourself" Micky recited.

"And a coat" Peter added.

"Oh yeah, and a coat" Micky repeated.

"Thank you fellas tell him I'll be there," Lucy told them.

"So you understand what it means?" Peter asked and Lucy nodded.

"Yeah I do".

"Well then can you tell us? Because we're dying to find out," Micky pleaded.

"Sorry, I could tell ya but then I'd have to kill ya!" She said with a wink, which made Micky grin.

"I still think it has something to do with a train," Peter said to Micky.

"A train? Why a train?" Lucy asked him.

"Don't ask!" Micky said but Peter ignored him.

"A train stops at a train station and passengers wait for the train at a platform so I think you and Mike are going to have lunch on a train" Peter said proudly.

"I told you not to ask didn't I" Micky whispered and Lucy laughed.

"Sorry Peter nice try but it's an hours drive to the nearest train station, it would take the whole of my lunch break just to get there" She told Peter.

"Oh" Peter said, a little forlornly.

"So you like this Mike guy then do ya?" Micky asked Lucy.

"Yeah Dad!" She said her voice dripping with sarcasm, and then turning completely serious she added, "I really do,"

"That's great!" Peter said, getting excited and starting to jump up and down.

"It is?" Lucy asked as she watched him jump. 

"Yeah it really is," He told her.

"So, exactly how much do you like him?" Micky asked, grabbing Peter by the shoulders to stop him jumping about.

"I don't really know yet. It's still in that getting to know you stage, but I'm really excited about it" Lucy answered.

"What are you going to do after tomorrow?" Micky asked. Lucy's features filled with confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"We're going back to Malibu Beach tomorrow. I.I thought you knew that" Micky said, starting to panic.

"I guess I forgot" Lucy said, rested her head in her hands. Peter nudged Micky and gave him a `Way to go!' look. Micky shrugged.

"Well it's only a three hour drive" Micky said trying to sound optimistic "I'm sure you'll be able to work something out" He said, hoping he sounded a lot more confident on that then he felt.

"Yeah I suppose so. Well I really should get back to work. Thank you for delivering the message, tell Mike I'll see him later and I hope to see you two and Davy before you leave".

"Of course you will Lucy" Peter told her with a big dimpled grin "we'll see you later" he added and he and Micky left, when they got outside Peter slapped Micky on the arm.

"Ow! What was that for!" Micky asked rubbing his arm.

"What did you go and do that for!" Peter asked.

"What?"

"Tell Lucy we were leaving tomorrow, why did you tell her!"

"I didn't mean to! I just assumed she'd know, she is the assistant manager after all, it's not my fault" Micky defended. Peter looked at him for a moment.

"Yeah ok, I suppose it wasn't really your fault. I'm sorry I slapped you".

"I should think so too!" Micky told him, as he inspected his arm for any sign of bruising.

"Let's just go and tell Mike Lucy will meet him," Peter said, dragging Micky down the street.

Back inside Lucy had slumped back against her chair. It had completely slipped her mind that the Monkees would be leaving, not just tomorrow, but at all. She had gotten so used to having them around that she was dreading them leaving, she had no idea what to do
about Mike. On the other hand she was really looking forward to seeing him that afternoon, things had been left a little awkward the last time they went out and she really wanted to set things right again. She liked Mike, she knew that, she liked him a lot and she certainly wanted to get to know him better but he *was* leaving tomorrow and there was absolutely nothing she could do about that.

Chapter 10

When Lucy's lunch break came she slowly trudged to the platform, not really sure what to expect. Mike's message had told her to bring nothing, except her coat, so she had no food but was starting to feel rather hungry. She was glad to have her coat because it was quite chilly and although the snow was starting to melt away, some remained in the shadows where the sun couldn't quite get to it. Soon it would be spring, Lucy's favourite time of year. She loved it when the leaves started to appear on the trees again and flowers started pushing their way from the ground, and also she loved the sound of birds singing, winter depressed her slightly. It was cold and dead leaves lay on the ground. She loved spring the most because it felt to her like the earth was being reborn. She looked up at the platform but couldn't see anything, Mike had obviously placed things far away from the edge so she couldn't get a sneak peak as she approached the tree. She started to climb up and when she reached the platform almost fell down again! Mike was sitting near the trunk of the tree. A blanket had been laid out with a large picnic set out on it and a single rose in a vase. Lucy gasped, which caught Mike's attention, he turned and saw her.

"Hi" He said, smiling brightly.

"What's all this?" Lucy asked, unable to take her eyes off all the wonderful things in front if her.

"Lunch" Mike told her "Come and sit down" He said and patted the vacant spot on the blanket next to him. Lucy clambered onto the platform.

"This is amazing, thank you Mike," She said as she crossed to him and sat down. Mike handed her a sandwich "Thank you, did you do all this by yourself?" She asked taking a bite from the sandwich.

"Not the shoppin' part, I had a little help with that but the bringin' the food here and climbin' the tree part, that was all me. Davy helped prepare the food but I didn't bring him here because I know you want to keep this place a secret"

"I do thank you, I'll have to thank Davy later, I've been saying thank you a lot haven't I!" She said looking at Mike, who was looking at her, noticing how beautiful she looked today.

They sat and talked in between mouthfuls and as it drew closer and closer to the end of Lucy's break Mike knew he would have to say what he wanted to say now, or he's never get the chance, so he cleared his throat and nervously adjusted his hat.

"Lucy?" He said.

"Yes" She replied turning and facing him.

"I've got somethin' to tell you. I don't know if you know already but I'm goin' back home tomorrow," He said. Lucy frowned and looked down at her plate.

"Yes I know, I knew when you came because I had to confirm your booking but it slipped my mind until Micky reminded my this morning"

"I know it will prove difficult but I'd really like to continue to see you" Mike said, Lucy looked back at him but Mike was looking down at the ground "I guess what I'm tryin' to say is. would you consider bein' my girlfriend?" He asked, still not daring to look at her, in case she turned him down, instead he fiddled with a loose thread on the blanket. Lucy couldn't help but think how adorable he looked when he was nervous.

 "I would love to be your girlfriend Mike, nothing would make me happier" She told him. Mike looked up at her, his face breaking out into a wide grin.

"That is wonderful thank you so much".

"No, thank you".

"It will be difficult, living so far away from each other," Mike said.

"I know but we will work something out" Lucy told him "I'm sorry Mike but I really should get back to work".

"Oh yeah, of course I forgot about that, I'd love it if you joined me and the guys for dinner in the dinin' room tonight".

"I would like that too, I'll be there" She replied. They looked at each other for a moment then Mike leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips, then they melted into a passionate embrace. When they broke apart they kept their eyes closed for a moment "I really should go" Lucy whispered, not wanted to leave at all but wanting to stay in that moment of time for the rest of her life.

"Ok" Mike said, kissing her again.

"I could see if I could get the rest of the afternoon off?" She suggested and they kissed again.

"Yes I like that, do that" Mike told her.

"Right, wait here I'll see what I can do, if I'm not back in half an hour then I can't get off but if I am back then I can" Lucy said, almost confusing herself.

"Well hurry then" Mike said and kissed her again.

"I'll try" she replied as she stood up and walked over to the edge of the platform and as she started to climb down she blew Mike a kiss. She reached the bottom and as she raced back to the resort her heart was beating a mile a minute. She hadn't been this excited about anything and to be Mike's girlfriend made her the happiest she had ever been. She was just trying to keep out of her mind that tomorrow would be the last time she'd see him for probably a long time. Mike watched as Lucy disappeared out of the clearing and hoped she would to able to get the time off. He didn't know when he'd see her again after today and he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. With Lucy, his girlfriend, Lucy his girlfriend. He tried that out in his head a few times and words had never sounded so perfect to him. He smiled and leaned back and propped himself against the trunk of the tree.

He had been sitting for fifteen minutes when something on the ground caught his eye. He looked down and, although she couldn't see him he could see her, Lucy was racing towards the tree. His heart did somersaults and if Micky was around he would've teased Mike about the goofy grin he got on his face, but Mike couldn't help it, he was just so pleased to see her. She disappeared under the platform and Mike turned his head to the hole in the platform and watched for her to appear, which of course she did in a few seconds. She smiled at him and walked over and sat beside him. They didn't say anything to each other. Mike put his arm around her and she rested her head against his shoulder and he rested his cheek against the side of her head. They spent the whole afternoon together, staying on the platform for a while then explored some of the mountains before
finally heading back in to town, where Mike threw away the remains of the picnic.  

Towards the end of the afternoon, Lucy went home to shower and change. She and Mike arranged to meet in the dining room at seven. Mike went back to his cabin to get ready and decided not to let his friends in on his secret just yet. He would wait until he and Lucy were together so they could both tell them. When he entered the cabin Micky and Peter were having a sword fight with Micky's drumsticks.

"Take that you scurvy scum!" Micky yelled. Peter stopped.

"Scurvy what?" He asked lowering his drumstick. Micky shrugged.

"I dunno, I heard in a movie once" He said and attacked, causing Peter to run around the living room and screeching to a stop in front of Mike

"Michael! You're back where have you been I thought you'd only be gone for lunch" Peter said and was almost knocked over when Micky failed to stop in time and crashed in to the back of him.

"I know but somethin' came up".

"Like what?" Peter asked, happy he managed to stay on his feet but glared at Micky anyway. Micky just smiled.

"I'll tell you later, where's Davy?" Mike asked trying to direct the conversation down a different path.

"He's on the phone in the kitchen. He met some chick in town today and he's hoping to hook up with her" Micky told him.

"He does know we're leaving tomorrow right?" Mike asked.

"Yeah" Micky said nodding his head. Mike shook his head.

"Same old Davy" He said "Listen I was thinkin', as it's our last night why don't we have dinner in the dinin' room tonight instead of here" Mike suggested, hoping the other two Monkees would agree so not to mess up his plans.

"Yeah sounds good to me" Micky said and nudged Peter "What about you Pete?"

"Yeah I don't mind".

"Groovy" Mike said.

"So how did your lunch date with Lucy go?" Micky asked.

"Fine" Mike replied and disappeared upstairs before Micky or Peter could comment. They looked at each other and shrugged, and then Micky jumped into attacking position raising his drumstick.

"On guard!" He yelled and lunged at Peter.

Chapter 11

When seven `0' clock came, The Monkees were sitting in the dining room waiting to have dinner, three of them wondering why Mike had insisted on them sitting at a five seater table (although Micky was more concerned as to why Mike hadn't allowed them to eat anything yet!). The curiosity was getting the better of them and all Mike would do was grin at them knowingly. 

"It's scaring me a little" Peter whispered to Davy.

"What is Pete?"

"Mike doing all that smiling. I don't think I've ever seen him grin so much, I don't like it" Peter admitted.

"He's probably up to something," Davy said "I reckon he knows something we don't," He added.

"Like what?" Peter asked him.

"I dunno but we'll probably find out sooner or later" He replied.

Indeed they did find out sooner. Micky was whining to Mike when Mike saw Lucy come in.

"Aw come on Mike I'm hungry! Why can't we eat now?" Micky pleaded.

"Just be patient it won't be long now" Mike said, he saw Lucy and waved at her to indicate where they were sitting. She saw them and came over. Mike stood up as she approached and when she reached him they wrapped their arms around each other.

"Hello you" Lucy said.

"Hello" Mike replied and they melted into a passionate embrace, causing the other three Monkees mouths to drop to the floor. When they finally broke apart Lucy saw the stunned Monkees staring at her and Mike, she smiled a little.

"Hello fellas" She said. Mike pulled out a chair for her and she sat down.

"Er. ok, do you guys have something to tell us?" Micky asked, forgetting his hunger for the moment, as curiosity and the wanting of answers filled his body instead.

"No not really, I can't think of anythin'" Mike said, "Can you Luce?" He asked. Lucy thought about it then said.

"Nope, not a thing" She replied.

"So Mike, you just go around kissing girls for the fun of it do you?" Davy asked.

"Why not? You do" Mike replied.

That's because he's Davy. That's what Davy does but you're not Davy you're Michael!" Peter said. Lucy was trying not to giggle.

"I think you better put them out of their misery babe" She whispered to Mike.

"Yeah I suppose I should" He whispered back then turned to his friends "Ok guys I'll tell you what's going on. I had a very specific reason for wantin' to meet Lucy at lunch time today. I asked her to be my girlfriend and she very kindly accepted" Mike told them. Lucy grinned and Mike kissed her.

"Really! Wow that's great guys" Peter said, grinning his biggest dimpled grin at them.

"Yeah that is really wonderful I'm so pleased for you" Micky said, grinning almost as widely as Peter.

"I agree, it's the best news I've heard in a long time. Welcome to the mad house Lucy" Davy told her.

"Thank you Davy, I'm so happy that you guys are happy," Lucy said.

"Of course we are, you guys are gonna make a great couple, I know you are" Peter told them.

"What are you going to do after tomorrow then?" Davy asked.

"We dunno yet it's still somethin' we need to figure out" Mike told them.

"Well you're not that far away from each other really, it's only a three hour drive it shouldn't be a problem," Micky said confidently.

"Yeah I'm sure we'll work somethin' out, won't we Luce" Mike said.

"Yeah I'm sure we will" She replied and smiled.

"Great. So please, can we eat now?" Micky begged. Lucy had some news to share with Mike but she didn't want to tell him in front of the others so she made a mental note to take Mike for a walk after dinner.

The five of them sat and chatted and had dinner. Peter told Lucy all about his Christmas and all the wonderful gifts he got. The whole time Mike and Lucy held hands under the table. Mike didn't want to let her go. Ever since he met Lucy something in side him had changed, she seemed to calm him some how, just by being in the same room as him. He was dreading tomorrow like it was his last day on earth, he hated the fact that he would have to go for days without seeing her but at the same time he was trying not to think about that right now because he was with her right now, she was sitting beside him and at
that point everything in his life was perfect.

When Dinner was over Lucy took Mike for that walk and they ended up at the platform. They were lying on the platform. Lucy was lying on her stomach, resting her head on Mike's shoulder with an arm draped across his stomach. Mike had his arm wrapped around her, he was staring at the night sky, thanking his lucky stars to have Lucy in
his life. They had been laying in silence for about fifteen minutes just enjoying being together when Lucy decided that now was the right time to share her news with him. She lifted the top half of her body and rested on her elbow.

"I've got something to tell you She said, stroking some of Mike's hair away from his face

"You have?" He asked, a small feeling of panic starting to bubble in his stomach

"Yes I have and I'm really excited about it and I hope you will be too," She told him

"Ok" Mike replied cautiously

"I've been transferred to another hotel," Lucy said

"Oh. that's. um. that's great" Mike said, pasting a false smile on his face and hoping he sounded a lot happier then he felt. In reality he was a little shocked. If Lucy was being transferred then there was no way they'd ever be able to see each other again "Another hotel resort?" He asked, a little forlornly.

"No, a hotel in a small town by the sea" She told him with a grin

"Oh" Mike replied, this time unable to hide the disappointment in his voice.

"You're such an idiot," Lucy said laughing, and slapping him lightly on the arm "It's Malibu Beach" She added. Mike looked at her, not quite sure he's heard correctly.

"Sorry, where?" He asked

"Malibu Beach" She repeated

"You're kiddin'!" Mike said, his eyes shining with delight"

"No I'm not it's the truth. When I went home this afternoon I couldn't stop thinking about you, about us. I talked to my dad, he made some phone calls, called in some favours and I got a job. I start the end of next week," Lucy explained. Mike was grinning at her, he was so happy

"That's so great! I can't believe it! Wow that's the best news I've heard in my entire life" Mike told her then he realized something "Wait, what about your job here, your life is here, your dad is here"

"I know but I had a long talk with my dad. I told him how much I care about you and how excited I am about us and I want us to work out and I don't think will if we live so far apart" She explained

"Yeah I guess you're right, thank you Lucy I can't believe what a big step you're taking just to be with me. Usually I'd try and talk you out of it but this time I'm not goin' to, I'm going to be totally selfish and well, not talk you out of it" Mike said

"Good because it wouldn't work, I'm going and that's final" She said with a grin "I've got a good feeling about us Mike and I know I'm making the right decision" She added. Mike pulled her down and they kissed. Finally things were going right for Mike, he had a great job, the best friends any one could ask for and now a wonderful girlfriend who would risk anything so they could be together, he had never felt so happy in his life.

Chapter 12

Mike and Lucy stayed on the platform until around midnight then they finally dragged themselves home. Mike walked Lucy to her home and she told him she would come and say goodbye in the morning, they kissed goodnight and Mike watched to make sure she got in ok then headed back to his cabin. He came in the door, this time turning on all the lights to make sure the other Monkees were not waiting in the darkness to interrogate him like before, and breathed a sigh of relief when he found the lounge was empty. He locked the door and went over to the kitchen, pushed open the door and almost yelped in shock when Micky appeared on the other side of it.

"Will you stop doin' that!" Mike yelled.

"Sorry, I only wanted some juice" Micky replied, almost as shocked as Mike because he hadn't expected the Texan to be standing there either.

"You haven't got Pete and Davy hidin' in the fridge, have you?" Mike asked raising an eyebrow.

"No it's just me this time I promise" Micky told him "So have you and Lucy managed to sort out the long distance problem?" He asked, not expecting to get an answer because Mike was usually so reluctant to give out details of her personal life, so the drummer was surprised that Mike answered.

"She's movin' to Malibu Beach," Mike told him. He couldn't help it he had to tell someone because if he told someone else, and heard it out loud, that would mean it was true. Micky's mouth dropped open.

"You're kidding!" He said, echoing the same words Mike used when he found out.

"No she's startin' a new job at a hotel at the end of next week".

"Wow, this girl must really like you. the bizarre woman!" Micky said earning a playful slap from Mike.

"Well I'm off to bed we've got a busy day tomorrow and I'm pretty tired" Mike said, forgetting the reason why he had wanted to go in the kitchen in the first place.

"Yeah me too" Micky agreed. So they both went to bed and each of them slipped in a peaceful dream filled sleep.

When Micky awoke, he unwillingly pulled himself out of bed and went downstairs. He stopped at the bottom when he noticed all the Christmas decorations had been removed. He looked around and the room seemed so bare and empty to him now, even the stencils he'd done on the windows had been wiped off. He sighed with disappointment and walked into the kitchen. Davy and Mike were seated at the table and Peter was standing by the kettle, waiting for it to boil.

"Morning Mick" He said when he saw the drummer enter the room.

"What have you done to the lounge?" Micky asked "All the decorations have gone".

"We had to take them down Mick, we can't leave them up, we're goin' home today remember" Mike told him.

"Yeah I guess you're right" Micky said quietly, dropping into a chair.

"I was disappointed too Mick but there's still the decorations up at the pad, so it'll still be Christmas when we get home," Peter told him.

"Oh yeah, I forgot thanks Pete" He said, the usual Micky grin returning to his face "Hay Mike, have you told Pete and Davy about Lucy yet?" Micky asked as he reached over to grab a piece of toast and was surprised to find it was still warm.

"No not yet" Mike said glaring at Micky "But I'll have to now won't I!"

"What's happened? You haven't broken up already have you?" Davy asked and Mike rolled his eyes.

"No Davy we haven't broken up. Lucy is movin' to Malibu Beach at the end of next week" Mike told him.

"She is? Really?" Peter asked and Mike nodded "Wow that's brilliant, when was that decided?"

"Yesterday afternoon. She got a job at one of the hotels, I'm not sure which one. I didn't think to ask".

"That's fantastic news Mike I'm really happy for you" Davy told him.

"Thanks Davy. Now come on guys let's eat breakfast then we'll get started on loadin' up the Monkeemobile, is everythin' packed?" Mike asked.

"I'm all done" Peter replied.

"Yep me too" Davy added. Micky had suddenly found his piece of toast very interesting and was staring at it.

"Mick?" Mike asked. Micky was avoiding eye contact with Mike "Micky are you done packin'?"

"Almost, I've just got some more stuff to put in my suitcase" Micky said.

"How much is `more stuff'?" Mike asked.

"Um. all of it" Micky replied, smiling guiltily.

"Oh Micky!"

"It won't take long Mike I promise" Micky told him.

"Well go and do it now, we've only got this place until noon and I dunno about you but I really don't want someone to come and throw us out". So Micky disappeared upstairs to pack and get dressed, it took him a while because he was still half asleep but finally he bounded down stairs packed suitcase in hand, which he handed to Peter to take outside and load in the Monkeemobile then Micky began disassembling his drums, Davy came to give him a hand. Mike was standing outside by the door. One eye on Davy and Micky in case they needed a hand and the other eye on the path that lead up to the cabins, for any sign of Lucy.

"That's everything in the Monkeemobile now Mike, except Micky's drums" Peter reported as he came over to the Texan.

"Ok good, we can start packin' the pieces of drum Micky and Davy had disassembled" Mike told him. He and Peter went and collected some drum pieces and took them out to the Monkeemobile, just in time to see Lucy appear at the bottom of the path.

"Hi" She called when she saw them and she waved.

"Hi Lucy" Peter called back. Mike jogged down the path to meet her half way.

"Hi" He said and kissed her.

"Hi, are you all packed?" Lucy asked.

"Almost, we're just finishin' up loadin' Micky's drums then we'll be set" Mike told her. They walked up the path where Peter was still loading odd pieces of drum into the Monkeemobile and Davy and Micky appeared from the cabin carrying the final pieces.

"Hi Lucy" Davy called.

"Hi Davy" She replied.

"Hi Lucy, I understand you'll be joining us in Malibu Beach soon" Micky said to her as she and Mike reached the cabin.

"Yeah I will I'm really excited about it" She said.

"That's great, It'll be good to have you around" Micky told her, as he gave his drum pieces to Peter.

"Thank you Micky" Lucy replied.

"Ok that's it we're all done" Peter announced, slamming down the boot of the Monkeemobile.

"Looks like we're off then" Mike said to Lucy.

"Yeah so it does, I'll see you next week then" She said.

"Oh I almost forgot, I realized last night that I hadn't told you my address or phone number for home, so here it is" He told her handing her a piece of paper from his trouser pocket "Call me when you arrive next week" Mike said.

"Ok I will, I'll give you my number for here so you can call when you get home so I know you've arrived safely" She took out a pen and paper from her bag, wrote her number on it and handed it to Mike.

"I will" Mike said looking at the paper for a moment, then looking back at Lucy "Well I guess I should get goin'" He told her.

"Ok, have a safe trip" Lucy said. The only trouble was, Lucy didn't want him to leave she wanted him to stay there with her and never leave but she knew he had too.

"Come on Michael" Peter yelled. The other three Monkees had been sitting patiently, or as patient as was normal for the Monkees, in the Monkeemobile but now they were anxious to get home. Mike turned and looked at them then back at Lucy.

"I really do have to go now".

"Ok" Lucy said causing Mike to chuckle.

"You like that word don't you?" He said.

"I'm sorry, I don't really know what else to say. I don't want you to go," She admitted.

"I don't want to go either" Mike confessed.

"Then stay".

"I wish I could but I can't" Mike said wrapping his arms around her "I've got a gig to play tomorrow and we really need the money".

"I know," She said, "Go on then go, go now because if you don't then I'll never let you leave" She told him.

"I'll see you soon" Mike told her. He kissed her "I'll call you as soon as I get home" He said.

"Yeah you make sure you do," She told him and they kissed again. Mike reluctantly pulled himself away from her but never let go of her hand until the very last moment, jumped in the front seat of the Monkeemobile and started the engine.

"Bye Lucy" Peter called and waved.

"Bye Pete take care" She said, waving back.

"See you soon Lucy" Micky and Davy yelled in unison.

"Bye guys, be good" She yelled back.

"See you next week" Mike called as the Monkeemobile set off down the road. Lucy waved until they were out of sight but stood watching the empty road for a while longer <"A few days, that's all it is"> She told herself <"Just a few more days and you'll be back in his arms, forever"> She added as she walked slowly down the path, missing Mike
like crazy already.

Micky watched as the mountain resort of Mount Little Rock disappeared from view, the he turned around and sat properly in his seat.

"Wow, that was an amazing Christmas huh guys!" He exclaimed.

"Yeah, it sure was" Mike said smiling to himself. As he drove back to Malibu beach his thoughts were filled with Lucy. He couldn't believe she was willing to move 150 miles away from home just to be with him. He had so much respect for her and could feel himself falling in love with her already. He couldn't wait for Lucy to move to Malibu Beach so they could start on spending the rest of their lives together.

The End...or I should say...The beginning...for Mike and Lucy that is.