Jump to new as of August 9, 2000
Jump to new as of August 11, 2000
Prologue ~ How It Was Supposed to Be Posted on Wednesday, 3 November 1999
Tears. The only solace; the only comfort; the sole friend.
Sadness. The only emotion; the overwhelming sentiment; the acute grief.
Pain. The absence of joy; the perpetual anguish; the constant companion.
Loss. The feeling of betrayal; the keen trauma; the intense emptiness.
It is a sad, but inevitable course of life...the reality of death. But, its truth and predetermination does not render it any less painful and traumatic, especially if it involves a loved one. Death is a cruel stab of fate, a grim face of existence. Any amount of time cannot heal the hurt it inflicts. The worst aspect of death is the loss a young, vital person with a full life ahead. That is when the pain becomes unbearable; not only because of what was, but because of what could have been. No one plans death. It is simply not the way it is supposed to be.
The door remained closed. It had been hours, literally, and still, the door remained closed. Occasionally, a nurse hurried out, but went back without giving any chance to ask a question. William Darcy felt powerless. For the first time in his life, he felt truly out of control. The most important person in his life was undergoing the most trying time of her life, and he could not help her. The doctors had assured him that his assistance was not necessary and his presence would only hinder them, but William was not satisfied. After all, it was his wife, dammit and he felt very powerless indeed.
After much frustration, William took to pacing in front of the door. It was the only obvious release for his restless energy. Of course, it did no good, but William could not, or would not, remain inactive. He needed to contribute and this was the only way he knew how. After several minutes of pacing, William stopped when he saw a familiar figure approach him.
"Coffee?" offered the new arrival.
"No, thanks, Georgie," William semi-smiled at his sister. "I can't."
"Nervous?" asked Georgie.
William nodded, but did not reply. Georgie squeezed his hand comfortingly. William looked at her for a few moments, sighed and looked away.
"She'll be fine, Will," said Georgie. "Trust me."
William looked at his baby sister, wondering when she had grown up. But she had. William was thankful for her support and comforting words. They were essential for his sanity. He had grown up looking out for his sister, but he found that in the last few months, their roles had been reversed as Georgie looked after him more than he did her. She was a gift, William decided, a great gift for which his gratitude would be eternal.
"I,...I just wish this would all be over," Will said finally. "I could never forgive myself if...if anything happened to her."
"Nothing's going to happen, Will," said Georgie firmly and calmly. "She's very strong. She'll get through this."
"You think?"
"I'm positive," said Georgie, and she was.
William cheered up considerably and hugged his sister. Even as they parted, the door opened and Dr. Benton emerged. William approached him anxiously.
"Well?"
"Congratulations, Mr. Darcy," said Dr. Benton. "You have a baby girl..."
"Yes!" exclaimed Georgie, happily. "I knew it!"
"And my wife...?" William asked.
"I'm sorry," said Dr. Benton. "I told her before that there would be complications, but she wouldn't listen to me. She wanted this baby too much. Mr. Darcy, she does not have much more time. You'd better go in and see her."
A sick horror crept into his heart as William repeated, "Not much time...? What...what do you mean?! My wife is very strong and healthy...there must be a mistake."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy," sighed Dr. Benton. "There was nothing we could do. Your wife made a choice. We couldn't help her. Please...she wants to see you."
William stood mute, not knowing what to say or feel. This was not how it was supposed to be. They were supposed to live happily ever after. This was all wrong. The fairy tale couldn't end here. It was all wrong. She couldn't leave him. She promised. They were going to live together, grow old together and die together. No, this was all wrong. William could not accept that fate would be so cruel to him.
"Will," Georgie whispered to him, through tears. "Go on...she needs you."
William snapped out of his reverie and looked at Georgie. Her tears were flowing as William's threatened to. He shook his head and walked through the door. As soon as he entered the ward, he stopped. The room smelled of death. It was not a happy smell and how could it be? He saw her laying on the bed with a little bundle on her chest. For a moment, William allowed himself to fancy. What if? What if this had not happened? Imagine all the joy he would have felt at seeing his daughter. What if she hadn't sacrificed herself for their baby? What if he had had the power to help her? What if... But there was no use in speculating about what could have been. There was only now.
William slowly advanced towards the bed, moving quietly, deliberately. She knew he was in the room. She was exhausted, but she struggled to sit up. Her eyes met his and her face lit up. He couldn't believe it. She was still so beautiful...so very beautiful. How could it be possible? Yet, it was true. Her face glowed and her shiny black hair framed her oval shaped face. Oh, how he loved that face. William continued to approach the bed slowly. As he laid his eyes on his daughter for the first time, he felt nothing...no joy, no sorrow, nothing. He had stopped feeling.
"Anne..." he whispered, looking down upon his tired wife. She looked up at him and smiled her sweet, angelic smile and William felt his heart twist inside his chest. She was so brave, so very brave.
"Meet your daughter, Will," Anne's smile widened as she revealed the tiny bundle at her side. William just looked at the little bundle, the new life that would take away an old one. Anne's breathing was labored as she said, "I, ah...I want to name her...Elizabeth."
She whispered the last part, while stealing a glance at him. William looked at her in surprise, but did not comment. The hardened expression on his face betrayed his internal turmoil. Anne sighed in despair. "Will, I'm sorry..."
The plaintive quality of her plea struck a cord and Will could bear it no more. He sank to his knees, buried his face at her side and wept. Anne steeled herself mentally and stroked his hair gently, but did not say anything. There was nothing to say, really. Nothing that would make the pain any less or make any of it easier. William, at length, raised his head and looked at her straight in the eye. She gazed back lovingly and attempted a feeble smile to conceal the hurt inside.
"Why'd you do it?" he asked, finally.
"I wanted this baby...and so did you," sighed Anne. "I believed that I could make it..."
"But, I need you, Anne," he said.
"You'll have her, Will," reminded Anne, looking at the baby. "She'll always be there to remind you of me."
"But I want you," said William. "I love you, Anne. Please don't leave me."
"I love you, too, Will...I'm sorry..."
William said no more, just looked into her eyes, half-angry, half-sad. Anne stared at him for a moment before saying, "You mad at me?"
William averted his eyes and pouted, "Yes."
"Not talking to me?"
"No."
Anne smiled impishly and extended her hand, "Friends?"
He looked at her incredulously, then allowed the tears to escape before grasping her hand. "Friends."
Anne, who had bravely concealed her feelings, now let go of all those emotions that had been building up inside her. She cried and cried and cried. Will embraced her gently, circling his arms around her...for the very last time. He held her very close for fear of letting go and finding that she was gone. Anne's cries subsided and she said softly,
"Can you do something for me?"
"Anything," whispered William.
"I...I left 13 letters for her in my nightstand...one for each birthday. I don't want my daughter to grow up without knowing her mother. Can you give them to her...please?"
"...Yes."
William closed his eyes and just held her, for how long, he didn't know and didn't care. Tomorrow was their wedding anniversary. How ironic. Would she still be there to share it with him? He fervently hoped so, but a part of him whispered that she wouldn't. Anne was very quite in his arms; her cries had subsided. William separated himself from her and looked at her face, and then he knew. She wouldn't cry anymore. It was all over and silence reigned.
"...And those who knew her, also knew her gentle, loving nature. She could never say 'no' to anyone. She was always the first to help out a friend or anyone else who was in need. Her kindness and generosity was what made us all love her so much..."
William could not bear to hear her being talked about in the past tense. She was not gone, yet, from his heart. He looked at her best friend on the podium delivering the eulogy in the usual manner. He had not trusted himself enough to go up and speak. It would be over-whelming. William could not face the multitude of sympathetic faces who professed to understand what he was going through. How could they? All William desired at that point was to lock himself in a room and be alone in his sorrow. But then, there was the baby.
The baby. Elizabeth. Elizabeth Anne Darcy. Why had Anne chosen to name her that? William did not know. That name was forever etched in his mind because of that one person he'd never forget, but for Anne to name their baby after her, was incredible. It showed a real greatness of spirit and William mentally applauded her for it. He wondered where Elizabeth was at that moment. Who knew? He had not seen her for the past two years and there was little chance of his meeting her again. She had vanished, just like all his dreams.
The service ended and after the expected condolences, William and Georgie headed for home. Home...whatever that meant. If home was a brick house where people lived, sure it was home. But if home existed in the spirit of the persons inhabiting it, a part of their home had died with Anne. Georgie held her niece adoringly as they walked slowly to the car. William barely looked at them, engrossed in his own thoughts. He had hardly paid any attention to little Elizabeth. She would always remind him of what he'd lost and what had been. Georgie sensed his feelings and so, before they put little Elizabeth in her seat, she said,
"Here, Will, you hold her."
William looked surprised as if it were a preposterous thing to suggest. "Why?"
"Because she's your daughter," said Georgie forcefully.
William looked at the baby and then, at Georgie. He sighed and hesitantly took the baby in his arms. She stirred a little before settling comfortably into his arms. William looked at her face for a second. She had her mother's nose and her mouth. For the first time in 2 days, William smiled. He looked at Georgie who smiled encouragingly and then, looked back at his daughter. His daughter...Anne's daughter...their daughter...Elizabeth.
This was not how it was supposed to be...but William would not despair for there was a new life to live and a new world to be won.
Chapter 1 ~ The Way We Were Posted on Sunday, 7 November 1999
Note: Yes, this IS based on the Hindi movie, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai". All you romantics would really love that movie, but I'm afraid it's in Hindi and you wouldn't understand it.
13 years later...
"Good morning, Lizzy," smiled William at his daughter as he sat down at the breakfast table.
"31 hours, 28 minutes and 16 seconds left for my birthday!" Lizzy informed him brightly, her eyes shining with anticipation and excitement. "I can't wait!!! I'll finally be a teenager!"
"I know, honey," said William. "Now, sit down and eat your cereal. You'll be late for school."
She did as told and quietly ate her meal, but her excitement was hard to conceal. Lizzy Darcy, almost a teenager, had grown up to be a sweet, charming, unassuming girl, very tall for her age, almost 5 feet 8. She had inherited her height, her brown hair and dark eyes from her father. But, with every passing day, William could not help but note the subtle influences of her mother...they way she smiled, the way she talked, the highlights in her hair, her voice. Everything reminded him of Anne. His precious, little girl was growing more and more to resemble Anne.
William was thankful for it, in a way, because it prevented the memory from ever dying, not that that was even remotely possible since Anne continued to live in his heart. Not a day passed when he did not think about her or talk to her in his room. He would confide his concerns about Lizzy or relate what was going on in her life. That was his only solace, his only peace. Lizzy was, without doubt, the center of his life, his only reason for being. He could not have continued on without her. She was the only reason he survived and continued to be strong. It was all because of her.
"Lizzy," said Will, breaking his reflections.
"Yeah?"
"Aunt Georgie will be coming down today, so she'll be here when you come back from school," he informed her.
"That's good," smiled Lizzy. "Aunt Georgie promised me she'd take me shopping for my birthday!"
Will smiled gratefully. As much as he loved his daughter, he could not bear to go shopping, even for her.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Can I read my letter today?" asked Lizzy.
Will looked at his daughter. "When's your birthday?"
"Tomorrow."
"So when will you get mom's letter?"
"Tomorrow," said Lizzy in a small voice and sighed. "Well, at least I tried!"
"And it was a good try, too," said Will. "But no can do. You'll get it tomorrow."
Lizzy nodded and finished her cereal. She kissed Will good-bye and rushed out of the house to the bus stop. Will stared after her. Tomorrow she would turn 13. And she would get last of the letters. How time flew. It seemed like only yesterday when he had brought her home from the funeral. He had been so certain he wouldn't be able to raise her by himself. But he'd done it. And now, she was going to be a teenager. By all accounts, his troubles were just beginning. But he knew he could handle it. After all, he had survived these 13 years, and done okay.
"Hey Georgie!" Will hugged his sister as he came home that evening.
"Is this the time you get home every day?" demanded Georgie, indicating the time on the watch.
"Well, no," said Will. "I had a meeting today. Don't worry...I don't neglect your precious niece."
"You'd better not," laughed Georgie, smiling at Lizzy. "Now, come on, you must be hungry, Will. I've made your favorite spaghetti dinner."
"Mmmm," said Will. "I really missed you, Georgie!"
Georgie threw him a threatening look and walked on ahead. She had matured a great deal in 13 years, blossoming from the lanky girl of 18 to an attractive young woman. Although she lived about an hour's drive away, she visited Will and Lizzy almost every weekend, time permitting. It helped to give a woman's touch to the otherwise masculine household. Georgie was, for a very long time, the lifeline of Pemberley. She could never be Lizzy's mother, but was the closest thing to it and Will was very grateful for it. Georgie loved Lizzy very much and they shared a special bond that was inferior only to that of a mother and daughter.
Will was very quite at dinner, satisfied by just observing the exchange between his sister and daughter.
"Aunt Georgie," said Lizzy. "You know that boy I told you about, Josh?"
"Yes?" encouraged Georgie, exchanging glances with Will.
"Well, I think he likes me," declared Lizzy.
"Really? How do you know?" asked Georgie.
"I'm not sure, but he kinda looks at me a lot and he shared his candy with me today," said Lizzy. "Do you think he likes me?"
"Well, I don't know, Liz," smiled Georgie. "Do you like him?"
Lizzy blushed and looked away. "Um...maybe...he is cute, you know, and very sweet. I wish he'd ask me out!"
"He will, Liz," assured Georgie. "Give him some time. Guys his age are very shy."
"You think so?"
"Yeah, I know."
That seemed to ease Lizzy's mind and she finished rest of her meal with little talk. After dinner, she decided to go to bed, as she was very tired. Once the dishes were cleared away, Georgie and Will sat down together to talk.
"Oh god, it's starting," moaned Will.
"What is?"
"Lizzy is going to date."
"Will, please," admonished Georgie. "You knew this day would come."
"But not so soon," sighed Will. "She's too young."
"I started when I was younger, Will," smiled Georgie. "Don't you trust her?"
"Yeah, but I don't trust that Josh person," said Will. "Who can trust 13-year-old boys anyway?"
"Will, you can't stop her," said Georgie. "It's going to happen. You can't hold on. She's going to grow up. She's not your little baby anymore."
"I know," said Will softly.
Georgie held his hand. "Will, she needs a mother. She needs someone she can talk to about all her problems and what's going on? She needs a friend, a woman. It's been so long...Will, Anne would have wanted you to move on..."
"She has you, Georgie," said Will, looking away.
"But I can't be here for her, always," said Georgie.
"You know, she has something I don't have," replied Will. "Her mom's letters..."
"Then do it for yourself," said Georgie. "Will, you are so lonely...your life revolves around Lizzy...one day she'll be gone, leading her own life and where will that leave you? I'm not saying that you should marry the first woman you meet, but you have to start looking. You haven't been out in so long."
"I don't need anyone, Georgie," stated Will firmly. He looked at her. "We are born once, we die once, we fall in love only once." He got up and crossed the room, turning at the door. "I've already been in love, I can't do it again." With that and a parting glance, he left.
Georgie stared at the door for a few moments before quickly drying stray tears from her eyes. "Oh, Anne...I wish you were still alive. He needs you so much..."
"Dad!! Wake up! It's my birthday!" exclaimed Lizzy, shaking Will awake. He groaned and looked at the clock that read 5:00 am. He opened his eyes fully to see Lizzy standing there, excited. He sighed and dragged out of bed. He hugged Lizzy and kissed her.
"Happy birthday, darling."
"Thanks dad!" she smiled. Then, impatiently, "Can I read my letter now?"
Will sighed and nodded. He walked to the drawer and carefully extracted the precious letter, the last message from his Anne. He handed it over to Lizzy, who immediately tore it open and ran to the privacy of her room to pursue it.
It read...
My dearest Lizzy,Oh, my darling! You are 13 today. How I wish I was there to celebrate this special day with you. But I'm sure you're having a great time with your dad and aunt Georgie. Happy birthday, my dear. You are a big girl today, a teenager. I'm sure boys will be lining at your door. You are so beautiful with those dark eyes...just like your dad.
"No, I look like you..." she thought, then continued reading.
But Lizzy, since you are so grown up, I can now tell you things I couldn't before, things I think you should know. Lizzy, I know your dad very well, and if I know him at all, he's probably very alone. He will never admit it, but he's very lonely.
Yes, he is...
So, today, Lizzy, I am going to tell you a story...it involves me and your dad and another special lady. Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. It is a story of our past and of the way we were.
Chapter 2 ~ A Groovy Kind of Love
Flashbacks: Harvard; January, 1985
"Why don't you just give it up. I'm gonna beat you."
"Only because you're cheating."
"You're just a sour loser. Girls shouldn't be playing anyway."
"Oh, I see, so now you're a sexist pig too?"
"Not sexist, just pragmatic."
"Oh yeah?" With amazing quickness and agility, Elizabeth snatched the basketball away from Will and bounced it towards the opposite end of the court. Before Will knew it, she had scored another 2 points, thereby winning the said game. He cursed under his breath. She was good and she didn't mind rubbing it in.
"See that? That's what they call high class." She grinned and stuck her tongue out.
"Grow up, Lizzy." Will pouted as he marched to the sideline and took out a towel.
"Now who's the sour loser?"
Will made no comment. Instead he busied himself with packing his bag and began to head out. Elizabeth watched him and commented, "You seem to be in a rush. Got another hot date tonight?"
Will glanced over his shoulders and grinned. "Yup."
"I thought you'd exhausted the supply of bimbos in this city."
Will stopped and Elizabeth caught up to him. "They're not bimbos, thank you very much."
"But very close to it, wouldn't you say?" Elizabeth smiled pointedly. Will looked away sheepishly and she grinned, "I rest my case."
"Whatever, Lizzy. I'm just having fun. It's not like I'm going to marry any of them."
"I hope the poor girls know that!" laughed Elizabeth. Will shrugged. Elizabeth shook her head. "At this rate, Will, you'll never get married."
Will smiled, "But you forget, I'll always have you!"
"Who says I'd want you?" Elizabeth's nose wrinkled as she smiled.
"You wouldn't be able to resist." William bent down, kissed her nose and began walking away.
"Arrogant hothead!" exclaimed Elizabeth, her fingers unconsciously touching her nose.
"I love you, Lizzy!" Will called out as he exited the courts.
Elizabeth sighed. "I love you, too, Will."
~~
"You know, I just can't figure the two of you out." Charlotte Lucas unlocked the door to their apartment and went inside. Elizabeth followed her and deposited her things on the table.
"What's there to figure? We're best friends and I'm just looking out for him."
Char opened the fridge and stuck her head inside. "Uh-huh."
"What does that mean?" Elizabeth flopped on the couch.
"Nothing." Char paused. "Do we have anything to eat?"
"Some ice cream." Elizabeth responded. "Now don't try and change the subject."
"Well, if you must know, I find it highly unlikely that you and Will are 'just friends.'"
"It's not unlikely, and we're not 'just friends', he's my best friend. I've known him since ---"
"9th grade," Char finished the sentence. "I know, I know. I've heard that line only a million times. But now you're living with him."
"And so are you. We're just roommates, that's all."
Char smiled glibly. "Right, just roommates."
Elizabeth glared at her roommate. "Whatever. I need to study for the big psych test tomorrow."
Elizabeth sighed as she pulled out a thick, heavy book from her bag. She was of an average frame, barely 5'5" tall. But where she lacked in height, she made up in talent and stamina. She had played for her high school basketball team and continued to play in college. That is how she had met Will; at a basketball game back home in Chicago. Their love for the game had instantly begun a friendship that would span over several years. They had grown up to become best friends, a friendship that Elizabeth cherished more than she would like to admit. They had seen each other through tough times and good times, bad relationships and passionate loves, failures and successes. In those years, Elizabeth had come to care deeply for Will and she knew he cared for her. They were best friends, after all, were they not?
"Hey Liz," Char's voice interrupted her thoughts and forced her to look up.
"Huh?"
"Bet you were thinking about Will?"
Elizabeth blushed. "Was not."
"Liar. I can see right through you."
Elizabeth pointedly scrutinized her book. "Won't you let me study?"
"Sure, hide behind the book. That doesn't change the fact that you're in love with Will and are too stubborn to see it." Char paused. "And don't give me that 'friends' crap either."
"You're wrong," said Elizabeth firmly. "And besides, I'm not his type. He goes for the willowy blond type and not someone like me."
"Whatever you say."
"Now let me study for the test."
"Fine."
As Char left, Elizabeth flipped the page, but her mind was wandering. Char was such a nuisance. She got fantastic ideas into her head and she just wouldn't quit bothering her about it. Of course she was wrong. She was always wrong in these things. Char had never really been a good matchmaker. And Elizabeth didn't want her to begin now. She didn't want Will, not that way. The idea itself was ridiculous. Elizabeth giggled. Her and Will? That was never going to happen. Will was so gorgeous and she was...well, she wouldn't call herself ugly, but there wasn't much worth looking at. She hated dressing in the traditionally feminine clothes, she hadn't a clue about make-up or jewelry or fashion. In fact, she had always been the perfect tomboy. No, Will could never like me more than just a friend. And I don't want him to.
~~
"Hey, Lizzy. Wake up."
Elizabeth groaned as she opened her eyes. She could see the outline of Will's form. She tried to sit up straight, but her back was sore since she had fallen asleep on the couch with the book on her lap. "What time is it?" Elizabeth rubbed her eyes.
"It's 1 am," said Will. "I wouldn't have woken you up if it hadn't been ----"
The rest of his sentence was lost as Elizabeth exclaimed. "My god, what happened?!"
Will touched his right eye where he had obviously been punched. "Um...I tried to break up with Carol, but..."
"She didn't take the news too well?" Elizabeth quipped as she hurried to the first aid kit. "Wow, this doesn't look too good. Have I met Carol?"
"No, you haven't." Will flinched as Elizabeth put some ice on it.
"Must be a strong woman," Elizabeth smiled.
"You think this is funny?" Will pretended to be hurt. "She takes Tae-Bo lessons."
"Oh, poor baby!" laughed Elizabeth.
"Hey, I don't have to take this abuse from you," Will protested. "It's not like you've never had bad relationships before. Remember Wickham..."
Elizabeth shuddered. "Okay, okay, I see your point. There," Elizabeth wrapped up. "It's gonna give you a black eye tomorrow, a little swollen too, but that's to be expected, right?"
"Right," nodded Will. "And if anyone asks, I got hit by a basketball."
Elizabeth laughed. "I'm sure Carol will tell few of her friends." She watched him wince in anguish and said no more. No one deserved this, not even Will, Elizabeth decided. "I would say 'I told you so', if it would help."
Will sighed. "I know, I know. I guess I'm not the best judge when it comes to picking out women. I should just give it up entirely and leave it to you." He stood up and walked over to where she was standing. He placed his arms on her shoulders and said, "Now, oh goddess, you hold my future in your hands. Pick out a wife for me."
Elizabeth giggled. "That's more like it. I accept, oh subservient one." Will smiled. She said, "Now, do you remember what's tomorrow?"
Will scratched his head thoughtfully. "No."
Elizabeth walked to the couch and picked up the book. "De Bourgh test."
"Oh damn, I completely forgot," Will moaned.
"We still have 10 hours till the test. Get cracking, Will."
"Yes ma'am." Will sat down with a sigh. "What would I do without you, Lizzy?"
"You'd be terribly lost," said Elizabeth.
"I know I would," smiled Will. He kissed her nose in that signature move and grinned.
"You're abominable, Will Darcy."
"I love you, Lizzy." He smiled that irresistible smile.
Elizabeth tried to keep her face solemn, but failed. "I love you, too, Will."
~~
"Time's up. Put your pens down and cease work."
Elizabeth frantically finished her last sentence and put down her pen. She glanced sideways at Will who seemed calm. He had finished the test a quarter of an hour before she had. Damn him. He hardly studied at all and still managed to do better than she did. Elizabeth was vastly envious, but she tried not to show it. Once the papers had been collected and the class had been dismissed, Will came to Elizabeth and smiled.
"A piece of cake."
"Sure, Will." Elizabeth made a face.
"Come on, it wasn't that bad."
"Maybe not for you," remarked Elizabeth.
"Maybe," said Will. They began to head out the door.
"Ms. Bennet? Can I speak with you for a moment?" Mrs. De Bourgh asked in a decided British accent.
Elizabeth glanced at Will and said, "Um...sure." Will offered to wait outside.
When he was gone, Mrs. De Bourgh said, "My daughter Anne is coming from England today. She's studies at Cambridge, but she's going to spend a semester here."
"Oh, how nice," said Elizabeth politely, highly puzzled. What does this have to do with me? she wondered.
"But I can't pick her up at the airport. And I was wondering if you would be willing to pick her up?"
Elizabeth said, "Yes, of course, I'll pick her up."
"Her plane arrives at 4," smiled Mrs. De Bourgh. "Thanks, Elizabeth."
"No problem, Mrs. De Bourgh." Elizabeth walked out of the classroom, wondering why she had been chosen to do this favor.
"So, what's up?" Will was waiting for her outside.
"I have to pick up Mrs. De Bourgh's daughter, Anne from the airport."
"What?!" exclaimed Will. "We were going to play ball...can't someone else pick her up?"
"I guess not," Elizabeth shrugged. "Oh, come, Will, it's not that bad. We can play another time."
"I guess," pouted Will. "What's this Anne person doing here anyway?"
"She studies at Cambridge, but she's coming here for a semester."
"Great," said Will with little conviction. "A British brat."
"Will!" Elizabeth scolded him. "Don't be prejudiced. Why don't you come with me?"
"I don't want to."
"Oh, come on, you big baby," said Elizabeth. "Please? For me?"
Will looked at her. "Fine, for you. What time is the flight?"
"At 4."
Will looked at his watch. "We'd better get going then." He began walking.
"Hey Will," called Elizabeth as she caught up to him.
"What?"
"Thanks."
Will looked at her and smiled. "You're welcome." He bent down and kissed her nose. "Now let's get this over with."
Elizabeth smiled. "Who knows, maybe you'll like her, Will?"
Will smirked. "I doubt it, I really doubt it."
Elizabeth laughed and they continued on their way. If only they'd had any idea of what was to come and how their lives were going to change forever.
Chapter 3, Flashbacks Continued
"Lizzy, I wanna go home. She's not gonna show up," Will pouted.
"Give her 5 more minutes," said Lizzy, holding the sign with Anne's name. "The flight's just delayed."
"But we've been waiting for 2 hours," said Will.
"Patience is a rewarding virtue," said Lizzy solemnly.
Will snorted. "What reward are we getting?"
"The eternal thanks of our professor?" quipped Lizzy.
Will scoffed. "That's something I can definitely live without." He stood up, stretched and looked around. "I'm hungry. I'll go, grab a bite. Want me to bring you something?"
Lizzy nodded. "Iced cafe latte, please."
"Jeez, Lizzy, it's January!"
Lizzy made a face. "So I like cold coffees, sue me."
Will grinned and left. Lizzy smiled to herself. She enjoyed the relationship she had with Will, a relationship that had stood the test of time, a relationship that nothing - and nobody - could ever change. They had an invisible bond, a connection that bound them to one another. Her mother had always told her that she should pursue Will romantically, but she never did. Friendship was all she ever wanted, and that's exactly what she was happy with.
Will came back with her coffee and a sandwich for himself. He sat down next to her and began munching his sandwich. "I wish she'd come already so we could get outa here. I've got a paper to write."
"And dozens of girls to schmooze," added Lizzy.
"Hey, I can't help it if I'm irresistible to women," said Will, grinning.
"You, Will Darcy, are a pig," said Lizzy matter-of-factly.
"What does an attractive man have to do to get some respect around here?" complained Will.
"Maybe wipe some ketchup off his face?" said Lizzy, trying not to laugh aloud.
Will instantly began wiping the ketchup from his face, but in the process, he dropped the rest of the sandwich on his lap. "Damn," he whispered under his breath.
"Very slick, Mr. Smooth," commented Lizzy.
"I've had enough of you," muttered Will. He was busy cleaning the mess and did not look up so he could hardly see the attractive, young woman walk towards them. "I wonder what that De Bourgh chick is like. If she's anything like the old woman, she'll probably be a terror."
"Will," Lizzy warned him as she saw the woman coming closer.
But Will continued, "I mean, how dissimilar can mother-daughter be? Old woman De Bourgh is completely senile, so this De Bourgh chick must be at least partially crazy. She's a Brit., for god's sake. They're all kinda weird anyway."
"Will!" exclaimed Lizzy loudly.
"What?" he said irritably and finally looked up to get the shock of his life for there standing in front of him was the most striking woman he had ever seen. She was reasonably tall with shiny black hair that fell softly to her face. She was dressed in a fashionable leather skirt and a sweater that screamed Versace and high leather boots. Her dark eyes were dancing with amusement and she seemed as if she was about to burst into laughter.
Lizzy stood up and extended her hand. "I'm Elizabeth Bennet."
"Anne De Bourgh. Pleased to meet you." Her voice was velvety smooth and her accent distinctly British. She looked expectantly at Will.
"And this is my friend, Will Darcy," Lizzy said.
Will fumbled with his napkin to wipe off the ketchup, then shook her hand feebly. He had turned red, embarrassed at the thought of what exactly this breathtaking beauty had heard. He cleared his throat. "Um...did you have a good flight?"
"Yes, I did, thank you," smiled Anne.
"You must be really tired," said Lizzy. "Let's take you home."
"Thanks for coming to pick me up," said Anne as they claimed her baggage. "I was afraid mom would forget all about it." She stole a sly look at Will. "You know how it is with those old, British, senile types."
Will nearly choked. "Uh...when I said senile, I meant it in the most positive way."
"I'm sure you did," Anne winked at Lizzy who was thoroughly enjoying herself. "Don't worry, I'm not half as crazy as my mom."
Will looked as if he was ready to die of embarrassment. "Did I say crazy? I meant wonderful."
Anne laughed out aloud. Her laughter was music to the ears. As she and Lizzy soon outstripped Will who was carrying the heavy bags, Anne said, "Is he always this...?" She searched for words.
"Clumsy and stupid? Yes." Lizzy replied and the two young women burst into laughter.
Will saw them glance back and giggle some more and he cursed under his breath. So far it had not been going well. Why does she have to be such a babe and I have to be such an imbecile? He groaned and continued walking.
~~
"What happened to you?" commented Char as they entered the apartment.
Will looked down at his stained pants and said, "I'm a walking disaster. Just do me a favor...tie me and gag me, so I won't embarrass myself in public." He sighed and sat down on the couch next to Char. He turned his attention to the TV. "Is this Survivor and are those rats?"
"Yes and yes," said Char, then looked at Lizzy who had stuck her head in the fridge. "Are you guys gonna tell me what happened? Give me the dirt on the De Bourgh girl."
"She's not the 'De Bourgh girl,' her name is Anne," Will said.
"She's that cute?" remarked Char with a grin.
"I don't know what you're taking about." Will trained his eyes on the TV. "Eww. They're gonna eat it!!"
"Don't change the subject, Will," said Char. "You were calling her the De Bourgh chick before you left and now she is 'Anne'...seems like quite a jump to me."
Lizzy sat down on the chair with a cup of yogurt in her hands. "You should have seen him, Char. First he dropped all that stuff on his pants and then, he began to insult Mrs. De Bourgh and Brits in general..."
Will glared at Lizzy. "She's not interested in the story, Lizzy."
"Yes I am. Go on!" Char grinned.
Lizzy smiled sweetly at Will and continued, "And of course, Anne heard all of it. You should've been there, Char. Will was all apologizing and everything. He got that guilty look on his face and turned red..."
"I didn't turn red," claimed Will.
"Of course you did, silly. Red as a tomato. You just couldn't see yourself." Lizzy giggled.
Will grunted and got up, "I'm gonna order us some pizza."
As he left, Char said, "So was she really cute?"
Lizzy nodded. "Very sophisticated, if you know what I mean. Dressed in Versace and everything. Will was drooling all over her and she would have none of it. She was actually laughing at him."
Char giggled. "Poor Will. That's not good for his ego."
"Not that his ego needs to get any bigger than it already is," remarked Lizzy. "I like Anne. She seemed very sweet and funny. You'll probably get to meet her tomorrow."
"Can't wait. Anyone who is resistant to Will's charms deserves a pat on the back."
Will heard that last comment as he came back from the phone. "It's all a matter of time, Char. She'll come around."
"Not after you called her and her mother senile!" laughed Lizzy.
Will glared at Lizzy and Char, then said, "I need a nice, cold shower away from you two." He walked away muttering something about there being no real friends in the world.
Char looked at Lizzy and smiled, "This is gonna be good."
~~
"Admit it, Will. You think that a woman should give up her career and stay at home once she's married."
"That's so not what I'm saying."
"Then what are you saying?"
Lizzy and Will were going through the lunch line at the cafeteria, squabbling - eh, talking - as usual. It was the same thing nearly every single day. There were always new issues to discuss, topics to debate, opinions to tear down. More often than not, the debate turned heated and it was usually Char or someone else who intervened. They found the table that Char was sitting at and put their trays down.
"All I'm saying," began Will. "is that a woman needs to have priorities."
"As opposed to men who can work 100 hours a week, take no responsibilities at home and still expect to have a perfect loving family," Lizzy shot back. She hated the term 'feminist' because of all the negative stereotypes that surrounded it, but her opinions ran very strongly in that direction.
At that moment, Lizzy's sister Jane and her boyfriend Charlie Bingley came to the table. "You guys are at it again, huh?" commented Charlie.
Lizzy looked at Charlie. "I'm just discovering how sexist your friend really is."
"Sexist? Will? You kidding me?!" laughed Charlie, then winked at Will.
"She's being serious, Charlie," said Char, suppressing a grin.
"Oh, sorry," muttered Charlie.
"Okay, Charlie," began Lizzy. "You live with Jane. Who does the cooking?"
"Jane," replied Charlie.
"And the cleaning?" Lizzy asked.
"Jane," muttered Charlie.
"Oh! You men are all alike," complained Lizzy. She looked at Jane, who shrugged. "Don't let him get away with it, Janey or you'll find yourself cleaning after him for the rest of your life."
Jane laughed. "I don't mind." She exchanged amused glances with Charlie.
"That's exactly the kind of attitude that has kept women behind all these years," grumbled Lizzy.
Will snorted, "Whatever. Women get all the advantage. Have you ever seen a male victim of domestic violence taken seriously?" Lizzy shrugged and Will said, "All I have to say is that when I get married I want my wife to raise our kids. I'm not good with kids. I can't do it by myself."
"With your attitude, you'll be lucky if she won't leave you and the poor kids to fend for yourselves," returned Lizzy.
"Can we have a meal in peace for once?" said Jane.
Lizzy and Will nodded sheepishly.
"That would be a miracle!" exclaimed Char.
Suddenly, Will looked up and said, "Speaking of miracles. There she is."
"Who?" said the others in unison, but Will was already out of his seat.
"Hey." He caught up to her.
"It's you again," said Anne.
"You're not happy to see me?" Will pretended to be hurt.
"Oh no, I'm thrilled. It's the moment I've been waiting for all day," gushed Anne, then grinned.
"Sense of humor," remarked Will. "I like that in a girl."
"I'm glad you approve." The twinkle in her eyes was intriguing.
"You have your schedule yet?" asked Will.
"Yes, you want to see it?"
"Sure," said Will. He looked at the schedule. "We have a class together!"
"Really? Which one?" asked Anne.
"British Lit," said Will.
"What a happy coincidence!" said Anne with a grin.
Is she making fun of me? "Isn't it?" smiled Will. "So...are you free for dinner tonight? I'll show you around town."
"That sounds tempting, but I'm busy tonight. Thanks for the offer anyway."
"Oh." Disappointment.
"Well, bye. I'll see you around."
"Bye," muttered Will and returned to the table where the others had been unsuccessfully trying to eavesdrop.
"So?" said Lizzy when he returned to his seat.
"Unbelievable," muttered Will under his breath.
"What is?" asked Lizzy.
"She refused me."
Lizzy looked at Will for a moment, then smiled. "I like her more and more every day."
Will made a face. "And I like you less and less every day."
"I love you, Will," Lizzy grinned impishly.
Will looked at her, then said. "I love you, too, Lizzy."