Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
The First Time
"And so in conclusion, from the other side of the ocean we would like to thank you for bringing us together from across the world to form such wonderful and long lasting friendships. We were faraway and now we're so close..." Leigh Anne and Molly, having just hung up the phone from a conversation with their friend Jessica from Canada, whom they had met on the last leg of the tour, were putting the finishing touches on a fan letter to U2. It would probably never get to the band, but it felt good to write anyway. Molly, with her idealistic romantic notions, believed it would actually make it into the hands of the band that had changed her life.
***
It was late July, and Molly and Leigh Anne had decided to spend their summer vacation in Dublin so they could travel to as many Zooropa shows on a moment?s notice as possible before going back home to school in the fall. The one Outdoor Broadcast gig they had seen last fall in Tempe simply hadn?t been enough!
Meanwhile, on a short break before embarking on this next leg of the tour, the various members of U2 were sitting around Windmill Lane's reception area discussing the band's pets. Such light talk often prevailed when there was not much else to do.
"Poor Fleetwood," moaned Edge, ?that dog gets so lonely without me. I think he might have worms or something because he never eats!?
"JJ's nails need clipping."
"Well, if he has paws like yours, Lawrence I can see why!" snickered Adam.
"Yeah? Well you'd need a sense of humour living with that dog Naomi, or that bitch I should say, to be more correct!! " Larry and Edge exploded into gales of laughter. Bono smiled and suddenly turned around as tears suddenly sprang to his eyes. His own marriage was falling to pieces, and all because Alison had believed those horrible Christy Turlington rumours. They simply weren't true! Supermodels?they were nothing but trouble. Bono turned his attention back to the fan letter he was reading. There were some photos of some very happy looking girls. It seemed that these girls had all met because of U2. Bono smiled. This was good to see. He also noted that 2 of them were living in Dublin. Hmmmm. The phone rang. Bono picked it up.
"Yeah?" He asked huskily.
"Bono? This is Christine. You'd better sit down."
"Oh? Why?"
"I'm not going to be able to dance on the next leg."
"WHAAAAAT???"
"I'm pregnant!"
"Oh. Well then, that's all right. Ehm....congratulations. I'll see what I can arrange."
"You're a sweetie!"
"Tanks alotttt!" Bono uttered in his thickest accent. What was he going to do now? His eyes perused the letter he was holding again. '...and our Canadian dancer friend, Jessica.' Bono's eyes focused in on that sentence. Then he noticed another picture. One of him and the girl mentioned, Jessica sitting on his lap! Hmmmmmm. Then his eyes moved to the faces of the other girls.
"Hey Edge....come here." Edge padded over in his moccasins. Bono explained the situation to Adam and Larry who also went over. All 4 studied the photos in silence, taking turns reading the letter. The author of the letter, Molly, had such lovely handwriting....such a poetic style! Bono's eyes took her in. She was awfully pretty. In fact, he would even go so far as to say.....stunning.
Meanwhile, Edge?s eyes also rested on Molly?s sweet face. If this girl?s soul were as beautiful as her face, this was the woman for him. Such pale skin, and cute freckles! And her eyes were green, like his! Compared to the dark and dramatic Aislinn she was so innocent and fresh looking. A heavenly smile crossed Edge's face.
Larry meanwhile admired Leigh Anne. She quite appealed to him. Ann had dumped him because he had not married her yet and Larry's eyes were already wandering to other women. The lot of them agreed that something had to be done right away. They piled into one of Edge's new vintage cars and drove off in the direction of Phibsborough, where the girls were staying.
It was 7:00 and Leigh Anne and Molly were demolishing a large pizza when suddenly the doorbell rang. Molly, who was still hungry, began slathering jam on a piece of bread. Leigh Anne ambled over to the door, and threw it open to reveal the figures of three men (Adam was out with Naomi!).
"Yeeeah? Can I help you?"
"Ehm....are you Leigh Anne?" Bono asked eagerly. Leigh Anne had been admiring his necklace and had not even realised who it was. Bono wasn't wearing fly shades or any clothes out of the ordinary. She soon realised who it was and was utterly speechless.
"Leigh Anne, right?" Edge tried.
"OH MY GOD!!!!!!"
"SSSHHHH!" hissed Bono. You don't want the whole bleedin' neighbourhood to hear us do ye?"
"Sorry!" Leigh Anne had turned a deep vermilion colour.
"Ehm....Can we come in for a second?" asked the ever-practical Larry Mullen.
"Yeah! Sure!" Leigh Anne escorted them in and sat them down in the living room. She did not have a clue what to say to them or why, in fact, they were even here! All she knew was that Larry?s eyes were looking at her and only her, and that for the rest of her life, she would only have eyes for Larry.
"Um, is there any particular reason you're here?" Leigh Anne asked. Molly could be heard humming and crashing around in the kitchen.
"Hey Leigh Anne, I think I have a good idea for the story Jessica?s writing for me."
"Oh?" Leigh Anne was becoming rather amused with the whole situation. U2 hadn't had a chance to explain themselves but their easy and kind manner had put her right at ease.
"Yeah. I think I want to wind up with Edge though. ?Cause then she can pretend it's about herself and she'll be able to write with more feeling, y'know?" A huge grin broke across Edge's face.
"Oh, NO!" Leigh Anne groaned. Their cover had been blown.
"Oh, and Leigh Anne! You could get Bono and Jessica could get stuck with Larry!! That would be a riot!!" Various titterings came out of U2.
"It must be yer feet Lawrence!" Bono laughed.
"What was that Leigh Anne?" Molly asked.
"I said maybe you'd better get out here, Mol!" Molly padded out of the kitchen, a huge slab of white bread and raspberry jam in her hand. When she saw U2 she stood stock still, her face whitening visibly, the bread threatening to land jam down on the floor.
Suddenly Molly reacted. "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" (This reaction paled however, in comparison to the reaction from Jessica when she was later informed she would be the new official belly dancer of the Zooropa/Zoomerang tour!)
Once they had a chance to calm down, the girls invited the band to stay for drinks. While Leigh Anne was busily drowning in the blues of Larry and Bono?s eyes, Molly seized her opportunity, screwing up as much of her courage as possible. ?Edge, would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen??
?Of course!? his eyes crinkling with the delight of being asked to help, Edge followed her into the next room.
-Oh my God! The Edge is in my kitchen! What do I do now???- Molly began to panic, her ice-cold hands reaching shakily into the ice-cold refrigerator to extract some bottles of beer, the only drinks they had handy for guests. If only she?d had some warning, but even then how could she have been prepared for this?!!!
Molly?s hands shook like leaves as she tried to position the bottle opener over the first bottle of beer, but the task was impossible. Sensing her acute embarrassment, Edge jumped in, ever the gentleman.
?Here, let me help you with that.? Suddenly, he was standing close beside her and his warm hand was on top of hers, helping her to undo the bottle. ?Your hands are freezing!?
?Uh?? Molly was unable to say another word as Edge held her hands in his, rubbing warmth gently into them. As they paused, lost in each other?s eyes, they were suddenly interrupted by Bono, who barged into the kitchen.
?Hey! What?s going on in here! I?m parched! Here the Edge, hand me that bottle will ya!? Bono sashayed towards Molly and put his arm around her as Edge handed him the bottle.
?What?re you doing hiding out in the kitchen, darlin?? Come on out and be sociable!? Molly?s stomach began to quiver with delight as Bono grinned rakishly at her, escorting her into the other room. Edge rolled his eyes and put the remaining bottles and some snacks onto a tray, which he carried out unceremoniously. Once again, Bono was stealing his thunder. But one thing was certain, he felt a real chemistry with this girl, and he had to strike while the iron was hot.
By the end of the evening, the band had become so enraptured with the girls they had hired Molly and Leigh Anne as personal assistants and dressers for the tour. When it was time to go and Bono left to collect his car for the drive home, Edge saw his chance. Pulling Molly aside, he whispered urgently in her ear, ?Molly, um?ah, *blush* you know how we leave for the tour the day after tomorrow, well ah?..ah?.um?.*blush* I was wondering if you?d like to go and see a movie with me tomorrow. It?s by the same guy who did The Commitments, and I?d really like to see it before we go, and I?d rather not go alone?that is if you?re not too busy?.? Molly?s radiant grin confirmed all of Edge?s suspicions about chemistry, and a date was set for the next afternoon.
On the way home after dropping off Larry, Bono and Edge were discussing their newfound love object.
"Y'know Edge, I haven't felt this way since high school. There just...I don't know how to say it but there just isn't any spice anymore in my love life. You know how we've always wanted to put an injection into music....well, I've had an injection into my love life. Maybe it's just as well that Ali doesn't love me anymore! I'm....I'm in love with this girl. This woman,....this......resplendent jewel....*sigh*"
Edge nodded quietly, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It had been awhile since they had had one of these heart to heart talks. Edge thought about his own disintegrated marriage and was glad that he had found someone who perhaps could love him for himself and not because he was a famous rock star ? or maybe even love him despite the fact that he was a famous rock star. Those models....Yuck! They were bloodsuckers, always after recording contracts. How could Adam have been suckered into that whole routine? Edge thought about Molly and his sad eyes became round and innocent and happy. Bono's eyes became tempestuous as the sea. When he thought of her his heart throbbed with veneration, adoration and devotion. Edge thought it best not to tell Bono about his date tomorrow?for the time being.
Larry's eyes meanwhile twinkled in rapture as he lay alone in bed. Leigh Anne was perfect for him. She didn't seem madly in love with him, and this presented a challenge. Also, she wasn't a phoney. Larry hated phoneys. The problem with being the drummer was how could you seranade someone with drums? Larry would have to merely work double time trying to win her on this tour when not behind that barricade.
The next day, Molly stood nervously in the lobby of the movie theatre. The movie they were going to see was called The Snapper, and was about a teenage girl in Dublin who gets pregnant and the often humorous effects this has on her family and friends. Molly?s fears that last night had been a dream were mercifully dashed when she saw her beloved?s car pull up outside the theatre, and his sweet face beaming at her when he got inside. Edge was wearing a black tank top with a long silver necklace with a medallion, his back pants with the stud patterns and his black tea cosy hat with Zoo TV symbols. His long, glossy hair was braided at the back and tucked into the hat. Some loose strands of it framed his face.
?That?s my date!- Molly thought, on the verge of losing it altogether.
Soon they were sitting next to each other inside the theatre, with a bucket of popcorn balanced between her left leg and his right leg. Molly noted that if either of them had moved it would have all fallen to the floor.
?You know,? Edge whispered conspiratorially, ?No one knows where I am this afternoon. I?m playing hookey!?
?You ARE? What do you mean?? Molly could feel her cheeks reddening, her lips curling into an uncontrollable smile.
?Well, I?m supposed to be at some sort of business meeting but actually I think Bono can handle himself without me!? Edge and Molly giggled as the lights went down.
As the movie progressed, Molly took a number of sneak peeks at Edge, her eyes aching in their sockets from straining to look without being too obvious. The light glowed through the green of his eyes, and during the funny bits, his eyes would crinkle and he would chuckle softly. Molly noted with delight that their hands would often land in the popcorn at the same time?mmmm buttery interplay of fingers! It filled her stomach with butterflies. She wondered what would happen when the terrible and the inevitable occurred, the end of the movie. Would he want to extend their date?
Finally, as dreaded, the movie ended! Edge sat with her until the lights came up. When this happened they looked at each other. Molly's and Edge?s green eyes mixed in a verdant haze, and a tremendously sensual feeling washed over her entire body making her mouth dry and her heart and lungs burn like the familiar feeling of the heat radiating off the Arizona desert. Edge smiled sweetly at her, bowing his head a bit in shyness.
?Did you like the film??
?It was the best movie going experience of my life I can tell you that!?
?Me too. *blush*?
Edge removed the popcorn container from between their legs. Molly's leg was shaking visibly from the strain of having to hold it so still.
"Oh damn, my leg is asleep!" Molly stood up suddenly not being able to bear the pins and needles. Why did these things always have to happen to her at the most important moments? Edge motioned for her to sit down.
"Here, let me help you." Mouth agape, Molly watched as Edge began to massage her leg! Molly felt tremors ripping through her, and she worried her entire body was going to explode. Edge began talking to her as he eased the pain away with his gentle fingers.
"Oh, ehm...if ye like, the car?s waiting outside and we can maybe go out to our hotel for a drink and maybe something to eat?? Molly nodded in the affirmative, not being able to remove her concentration from Edge?s hand on her leg. Our Hotel? How exciting was THAT?
?Great! Does your leg feel better?" She had half a mind to say no so he could keep massaging, but her mouth beat her to it.
"Yes Edge, it never felt better, EVER!" Edge grinned at her. "Good, let's go!" and they proceeded to walk out of the theatre.
The ride was short and they were soon at the Clarence Hotel. Who should be sitting inside the bar, but Bono and Jessica! Bono noticed Edge instantly and rushed over as quickly as his slow, Taurean legs would carry him.
"Edge ya bastard! Where the hell have ye been?"
"Bono, didn't ye go to the meeting without me?" Edge looked like a teenager who had just been caught skipping a class.
"Nah, I sent Lawrence. He's a good egg ya?" Suddenly they both jumped as their conversation was interrupted.
"MOLLY???"
"JESSICA??" Molly and Jessica rushed over to each other. Leigh Anne had met Jessica at the airport earlier and then decided to accompany the poor, hapless Larry to the business lunch. (Jessica would've probably killed Molly for being at the movie with Edge if she hadn't just had 3 drinks with Bono).
"Ehm...listen, Edge, what were ye plannin' for this evenin'? We thought we?d have a quick Mysterious Ways rehearsal and then maybe go out dancing. What do you think?" Bono?s eyes travelled from Molly?s head to her feet much to Edge?s annoyance.
?Yeah, OK. We?ll see you at rehearsal, and then maybe we?ll join you after.? Molly?s heart began to beat faster. Maybe? What else might they be doing? Or was Edge just going to ditch her after rehearsal?
"Well, OK Edge, we'll be off then. I'm going to take Jessica to her costume fitting and I'll see you later. Bye!" And without further ado Bono put his arm around Jessica and escorted the giggling girl out of the room to his car. Edge instantly looked relieved. He turned to Molly.
"Ehm are you hungry??
"I sure am!!!" Molly and Edge walked up to a private dining room. Edge's pea green eyes sparkled with joy as he proceeded to order up the finest champagne they had and an elaborate, gourmet pasta dinner with chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. The conversation resumed with the ease of friends who had known each other a million years. Suddenly, in the middle of a mouthful of linguine, Edge got a funny look on his face. Molly's eyes widened. Did she have cream sauce all over her face?
"What?" She asked. Edge was smiling broadly at her over the table, candlelight making his pupils expand.
"This will certainly sound stupid and you'll probably think I'm a real eeedjitt but have you seen the movie Lady and the Tramp?" Molly nearly choked. What was Edge on about?
"Y-yes...why?" She queried carefully. Edge began to blush.
"Oh, never mind." He said quickly.
"WHAT???!!!" Molly was now dying to hear what he was going to say. If he was going to say what she though he was going to say, she was going to die.
"Ehm,...well, ah, oh...ehm..." Edge began to smirk.
"Just SAY IT!" Molly was twitching with anticipation.
"Alright. Molly, I am falling hard and fast for you and you know this long linguine just reminds me of?It makes me want to...ehm? *blush*
"Sure Edge I'd love to!!" Molly's heart was beating a million miles a minute. With the most sensuous expression on her face and eyes blazing, Molly picked up her fork and placed the tip of a very long piece of linguine in her mouth. She then extended the other end to Edge?s waiting lips. She could see that her inititating this was an enormous turn on for him. It was all so corny but yet so exciting and sweet. Molly thought that this was the kind of thing that would be ridiculous with Bono but perfect with Edge. The two of them began gingerly working their way towards each other. Molly could smell him, could feel his warm aura and could see him getting closer even though her eyes were closed. Finally she could feel his warm breath on her face and his warm, gentle lips closed in on hers.
She presumed that he had no further desire to eat at that moment when he suddenly stood up and pulled her out of her chair into his waiting arms. Edge hadn't expressed his love for a woman that he adored in years and it was all coming out of him with the force of a tidal wave.
Suddenly, the jangle of Edge?s cell phone rudely interrupted their embrace.
"*&^^&$%!!!!" snarled Edge as he grabbed his phone while still gently stroking Molly's hair.
"Hello?"
"Edge!! What the &^$%^$ are you doing there?! The bollocks Mysterious Ways rehearsal started half an hour ago!" It was Larry.
"Oh, Lawrence, leave me alone!"
"Edge get your arse over here NOW!!!" Edge sighed.
"Piss off!"
"FOAD! If I had a head like yours I'd bleedin' bury it! Now get over here! I've done quite enough favours for you today Dave Evans!" Edge sighed with resignation.
"Right, Larry, I'll be there soon." Edge looked at Molly with a wonderful mixture of sadness and happiness.
"Would you like to continue this after the stupid rehearsal??"
"Of course...Edge.? He hugged her tightly. He had found what he was looking for at last. Molly couldn?t believe that Edge actually preferred to be with her than at rehearsal! In a way she was relieved, because this meant she knew what was coming and had more time to prepare psychologically, and she also got to see her own private U2 rehearsal!
When Edge and Molly arrived at rehearsal hand in hand, Bono?s face fell. He was so crazy about her, why didn?t she feel the same way about him? And how had he been so blind? It was so obvious how much she and Edge loved each other. Bono decided it was best he leave her alone for all their sakes. Besides, he had to work on his marriage, and there was no harm in flirting, he would just have to flirt with someone else! Bono suddenly turned his attention to Jessica. He had always had a fascination with belly dancers?
After the rehearsal, Jessica and Bono panted and laughed together in the corner, as Edge began to play a sorrowful melody on his guitar, eyes glued to his beloved. It was a good thing Jessica was entangled with Bono, because had she seen the expression on Edge?s face, she would have wanted to kill herself.
Edge was echoing the yearning in his heart through his guitar, and soon Molly recognized what he was playing. She wanted to melt with delight at Edge's plaintive, pure voice serenading her:
In Dublin's Fair City
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly O?Hearn
As she wheel'd her wheel barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!
She died of a fever
Even Edge couldn?t save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly O?Hearn
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!
How wonderful he looked with that intense way he scrumpled up his nose when he sang, his brilliant green eyes burning unblinkingly at her.
Needless to say, they declined the kind invitation to go clubbing, instead driving straight to Edge?s house, feigning a need to get a good sleep before the flight tomorrow.
?Yeah, a good sleep. That?s important!? Adam winked. He was thrilled Edge was finally getting some.
They drove home in complete silence, the sound of heartbeats and breathing were the only sounds to fill the heavy air inside the car.
As soon as they were in the front door, Molly again felt the warmth of Edge's lips on hers and began dissolving in a pool of lust and love. She began to kiss his entire face, paying extra attention to his cheekbones and nose. Wordlessly, he picked Molly up in his arms and carried her upstairs. This wordlessness was so scary yet so sexy. Those eyes, they were always wide open and clear and oh, so sad and lost. It was as if he was holding with him all the pain and fear of past rejections, certain that no one could love him for himself. His hands were so warm and gentle. She couldn?t get enough of feeling them caressing her. She had never felt anything like this in her life and knew that with Edge as her lover, this was going to be the most exciting night of her life.
As Edge sat on the bed, she stood before him as with trembling fingers, he undid her blouse. As soon as he had removed it he pressed his cheek against her bare stomach and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly as if terrified of losing her. She thought she felt him shiver, perhaps it was even a sob. She bent towards him and held his face in her hands. Staring into his moonlit eyes, she whispered, ?I love you?I love you so much and I always will. You are the love of my life!? She wanted him to know this, without question. Edge closed his eyes and a tear trickled slowly down his cheek as he sighed deeply. ?I love you too.? He whispered, ?More than you?ll ever know.? His eyes opened again, and shining with love he pulled her face towards his and began to kiss her again.
As they lay together, clothes slowly dropping to the floor, Molly no longer felt afraid of anything. She and Edge were in passionately, overpoweringly in love and completely compatible. Everything he did, every caress, every lick of his tongue, every thrust and shiver felt like they were made for each other. It was an ecstacy unlike any she had ever known.
***
The sun shone weakly through the drawn curtains and Molly lifted up her heavy head to look at the clock. 11:32 am. It felt like the crack of dawn! Her head was filled with cobwebs. Where was she? What had happened? She decided to spread herself out like a starfish on the bed, a favourite sleeping in position. Thud. Her leg bumped into something warm and fuzzy. She looked over at the form beside her. It was Edge. The memories flooded back. The song, the moonlit drive home, and the night of passion that lasted well into the very early hours of the morning. It had been an unforgettable evening, the kind of which dreams are made. Edge stirred and his eyes slowly fluttered open. A warm smile of delirious adoration spread across his face.
?Molly?? Edge gently touched her cheek.
?Edge.? She murmured, stroking his long glossy hair, which cascaded onto the pillow. He grabbed her and pulled against him, stroking the length of her body with one hand as he cradled her head in his other arm. Soon he began to sing softly in her ear what they were both feeling in their hearts, and would feel for the rest of their lives together?
?I have a lover, a lover like no other, she?s got soul soul soul sweet soul and she?ll teach me how to sing?brings me colours when there?s none to see, gives me hope when I can?t believe and for the first time?I feel love.?
The End
"And so in conclusion, from the other side of the ocean we would like to thank you for bringing us together from across the world to form such wonderful and long lasting friendships. We were faraway and now we're so close..." Leigh Anne and Molly, having just hung up the phone from a conversation with their friend Jessica from Canada, whom they had met on the last leg of the tour, were putting the finishing touches on a fan letter to U2. It would probably never get to the band, but it felt good to write anyway. Molly, with her idealistic romantic notions, believed it would actually make it into the hands of the band that had changed her life.
***
It was late July, and Molly and Leigh Anne had decided to spend their summer vacation in Dublin so they could travel to as many Zooropa shows on a moment?s notice as possible before going back home to school in the fall. The one Outdoor Broadcast gig they had seen last fall in Tempe simply hadn?t been enough!
Meanwhile, on a short break before embarking on this next leg of the tour, the various members of U2 were sitting around Windmill Lane's reception area discussing the band's pets. Such light talk often prevailed when there was not much else to do.
"Poor Fleetwood," moaned Edge, ?that dog gets so lonely without me. I think he might have worms or something because he never eats!?
"JJ's nails need clipping."
"Well, if he has paws like yours, Lawrence I can see why!" snickered Adam.
"Yeah? Well you'd need a sense of humour living with that dog Naomi, or that bitch I should say, to be more correct!! " Larry and Edge exploded into gales of laughter. Bono smiled and suddenly turned around as tears suddenly sprang to his eyes. His own marriage was falling to pieces, and all because Alison had believed those horrible Christy Turlington rumours. They simply weren't true! Supermodels?they were nothing but trouble. Bono turned his attention back to the fan letter he was reading. There were some photos of some very happy looking girls. It seemed that these girls had all met because of U2. Bono smiled. This was good to see. He also noted that 2 of them were living in Dublin. Hmmmm. The phone rang. Bono picked it up.
"Yeah?" He asked huskily.
"Bono? This is Christine. You'd better sit down."
"Oh? Why?"
"I'm not going to be able to dance on the next leg."
"WHAAAAAT???"
"I'm pregnant!"
"Oh. Well then, that's all right. Ehm....congratulations. I'll see what I can arrange."
"You're a sweetie!"
"Tanks alotttt!" Bono uttered in his thickest accent. What was he going to do now? His eyes perused the letter he was holding again. '...and our Canadian dancer friend, Jessica.' Bono's eyes focused in on that sentence. Then he noticed another picture. One of him and the girl mentioned, Jessica sitting on his lap! Hmmmmmm. Then his eyes moved to the faces of the other girls.
"Hey Edge....come here." Edge padded over in his moccasins. Bono explained the situation to Adam and Larry who also went over. All 4 studied the photos in silence, taking turns reading the letter. The author of the letter, Molly, had such lovely handwriting....such a poetic style! Bono's eyes took her in. She was awfully pretty. In fact, he would even go so far as to say.....stunning.
Meanwhile, Edge?s eyes also rested on Molly?s sweet face. If this girl?s soul were as beautiful as her face, this was the woman for him. Such pale skin, and cute freckles! And her eyes were green, like his! Compared to the dark and dramatic Aislinn she was so innocent and fresh looking. A heavenly smile crossed Edge's face.
Larry meanwhile admired Leigh Anne. She quite appealed to him. Ann had dumped him because he had not married her yet and Larry's eyes were already wandering to other women. The lot of them agreed that something had to be done right away. They piled into one of Edge's new vintage cars and drove off in the direction of Phibsborough, where the girls were staying.
It was 7:00 and Leigh Anne and Molly were demolishing a large pizza when suddenly the doorbell rang. Molly, who was still hungry, began slathering jam on a piece of bread. Leigh Anne ambled over to the door, and threw it open to reveal the figures of three men (Adam was out with Naomi!).
"Yeeeah? Can I help you?"
"Ehm....are you Leigh Anne?" Bono asked eagerly. Leigh Anne had been admiring his necklace and had not even realised who it was. Bono wasn't wearing fly shades or any clothes out of the ordinary. She soon realised who it was and was utterly speechless.
"Leigh Anne, right?" Edge tried.
"OH MY GOD!!!!!!"
"SSSHHHH!" hissed Bono. You don't want the whole bleedin' neighbourhood to hear us do ye?"
"Sorry!" Leigh Anne had turned a deep vermilion colour.
"Ehm....Can we come in for a second?" asked the ever-practical Larry Mullen.
"Yeah! Sure!" Leigh Anne escorted them in and sat them down in the living room. She did not have a clue what to say to them or why, in fact, they were even here! All she knew was that Larry?s eyes were looking at her and only her, and that for the rest of her life, she would only have eyes for Larry.
"Um, is there any particular reason you're here?" Leigh Anne asked. Molly could be heard humming and crashing around in the kitchen.
"Hey Leigh Anne, I think I have a good idea for the story Jessica?s writing for me."
"Oh?" Leigh Anne was becoming rather amused with the whole situation. U2 hadn't had a chance to explain themselves but their easy and kind manner had put her right at ease.
"Yeah. I think I want to wind up with Edge though. ?Cause then she can pretend it's about herself and she'll be able to write with more feeling, y'know?" A huge grin broke across Edge's face.
"Oh, NO!" Leigh Anne groaned. Their cover had been blown.
"Oh, and Leigh Anne! You could get Bono and Jessica could get stuck with Larry!! That would be a riot!!" Various titterings came out of U2.
"It must be yer feet Lawrence!" Bono laughed.
"What was that Leigh Anne?" Molly asked.
"I said maybe you'd better get out here, Mol!" Molly padded out of the kitchen, a huge slab of white bread and raspberry jam in her hand. When she saw U2 she stood stock still, her face whitening visibly, the bread threatening to land jam down on the floor.
Suddenly Molly reacted. "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" (This reaction paled however, in comparison to the reaction from Jessica when she was later informed she would be the new official belly dancer of the Zooropa/Zoomerang tour!)
Once they had a chance to calm down, the girls invited the band to stay for drinks. While Leigh Anne was busily drowning in the blues of Larry and Bono?s eyes, Molly seized her opportunity, screwing up as much of her courage as possible. ?Edge, would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen??
?Of course!? his eyes crinkling with the delight of being asked to help, Edge followed her into the next room.
-Oh my God! The Edge is in my kitchen! What do I do now???- Molly began to panic, her ice-cold hands reaching shakily into the ice-cold refrigerator to extract some bottles of beer, the only drinks they had handy for guests. If only she?d had some warning, but even then how could she have been prepared for this?!!!
Molly?s hands shook like leaves as she tried to position the bottle opener over the first bottle of beer, but the task was impossible. Sensing her acute embarrassment, Edge jumped in, ever the gentleman.
?Here, let me help you with that.? Suddenly, he was standing close beside her and his warm hand was on top of hers, helping her to undo the bottle. ?Your hands are freezing!?
?Uh?? Molly was unable to say another word as Edge held her hands in his, rubbing warmth gently into them. As they paused, lost in each other?s eyes, they were suddenly interrupted by Bono, who barged into the kitchen.
?Hey! What?s going on in here! I?m parched! Here the Edge, hand me that bottle will ya!? Bono sashayed towards Molly and put his arm around her as Edge handed him the bottle.
?What?re you doing hiding out in the kitchen, darlin?? Come on out and be sociable!? Molly?s stomach began to quiver with delight as Bono grinned rakishly at her, escorting her into the other room. Edge rolled his eyes and put the remaining bottles and some snacks onto a tray, which he carried out unceremoniously. Once again, Bono was stealing his thunder. But one thing was certain, he felt a real chemistry with this girl, and he had to strike while the iron was hot.
By the end of the evening, the band had become so enraptured with the girls they had hired Molly and Leigh Anne as personal assistants and dressers for the tour. When it was time to go and Bono left to collect his car for the drive home, Edge saw his chance. Pulling Molly aside, he whispered urgently in her ear, ?Molly, um?ah, *blush* you know how we leave for the tour the day after tomorrow, well ah?..ah?.um?.*blush* I was wondering if you?d like to go and see a movie with me tomorrow. It?s by the same guy who did The Commitments, and I?d really like to see it before we go, and I?d rather not go alone?that is if you?re not too busy?.? Molly?s radiant grin confirmed all of Edge?s suspicions about chemistry, and a date was set for the next afternoon.
On the way home after dropping off Larry, Bono and Edge were discussing their newfound love object.
"Y'know Edge, I haven't felt this way since high school. There just...I don't know how to say it but there just isn't any spice anymore in my love life. You know how we've always wanted to put an injection into music....well, I've had an injection into my love life. Maybe it's just as well that Ali doesn't love me anymore! I'm....I'm in love with this girl. This woman,....this......resplendent jewel....*sigh*"
Edge nodded quietly, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It had been awhile since they had had one of these heart to heart talks. Edge thought about his own disintegrated marriage and was glad that he had found someone who perhaps could love him for himself and not because he was a famous rock star ? or maybe even love him despite the fact that he was a famous rock star. Those models....Yuck! They were bloodsuckers, always after recording contracts. How could Adam have been suckered into that whole routine? Edge thought about Molly and his sad eyes became round and innocent and happy. Bono's eyes became tempestuous as the sea. When he thought of her his heart throbbed with veneration, adoration and devotion. Edge thought it best not to tell Bono about his date tomorrow?for the time being.
Larry's eyes meanwhile twinkled in rapture as he lay alone in bed. Leigh Anne was perfect for him. She didn't seem madly in love with him, and this presented a challenge. Also, she wasn't a phoney. Larry hated phoneys. The problem with being the drummer was how could you seranade someone with drums? Larry would have to merely work double time trying to win her on this tour when not behind that barricade.
The next day, Molly stood nervously in the lobby of the movie theatre. The movie they were going to see was called The Snapper, and was about a teenage girl in Dublin who gets pregnant and the often humorous effects this has on her family and friends. Molly?s fears that last night had been a dream were mercifully dashed when she saw her beloved?s car pull up outside the theatre, and his sweet face beaming at her when he got inside. Edge was wearing a black tank top with a long silver necklace with a medallion, his back pants with the stud patterns and his black tea cosy hat with Zoo TV symbols. His long, glossy hair was braided at the back and tucked into the hat. Some loose strands of it framed his face.
?That?s my date!- Molly thought, on the verge of losing it altogether.
Soon they were sitting next to each other inside the theatre, with a bucket of popcorn balanced between her left leg and his right leg. Molly noted that if either of them had moved it would have all fallen to the floor.
?You know,? Edge whispered conspiratorially, ?No one knows where I am this afternoon. I?m playing hookey!?
?You ARE? What do you mean?? Molly could feel her cheeks reddening, her lips curling into an uncontrollable smile.
?Well, I?m supposed to be at some sort of business meeting but actually I think Bono can handle himself without me!? Edge and Molly giggled as the lights went down.
As the movie progressed, Molly took a number of sneak peeks at Edge, her eyes aching in their sockets from straining to look without being too obvious. The light glowed through the green of his eyes, and during the funny bits, his eyes would crinkle and he would chuckle softly. Molly noted with delight that their hands would often land in the popcorn at the same time?mmmm buttery interplay of fingers! It filled her stomach with butterflies. She wondered what would happen when the terrible and the inevitable occurred, the end of the movie. Would he want to extend their date?
Finally, as dreaded, the movie ended! Edge sat with her until the lights came up. When this happened they looked at each other. Molly's and Edge?s green eyes mixed in a verdant haze, and a tremendously sensual feeling washed over her entire body making her mouth dry and her heart and lungs burn like the familiar feeling of the heat radiating off the Arizona desert. Edge smiled sweetly at her, bowing his head a bit in shyness.
?Did you like the film??
?It was the best movie going experience of my life I can tell you that!?
?Me too. *blush*?
Edge removed the popcorn container from between their legs. Molly's leg was shaking visibly from the strain of having to hold it so still.
"Oh damn, my leg is asleep!" Molly stood up suddenly not being able to bear the pins and needles. Why did these things always have to happen to her at the most important moments? Edge motioned for her to sit down.
"Here, let me help you." Mouth agape, Molly watched as Edge began to massage her leg! Molly felt tremors ripping through her, and she worried her entire body was going to explode. Edge began talking to her as he eased the pain away with his gentle fingers.
"Oh, ehm...if ye like, the car?s waiting outside and we can maybe go out to our hotel for a drink and maybe something to eat?? Molly nodded in the affirmative, not being able to remove her concentration from Edge?s hand on her leg. Our Hotel? How exciting was THAT?
?Great! Does your leg feel better?" She had half a mind to say no so he could keep massaging, but her mouth beat her to it.
"Yes Edge, it never felt better, EVER!" Edge grinned at her. "Good, let's go!" and they proceeded to walk out of the theatre.
The ride was short and they were soon at the Clarence Hotel. Who should be sitting inside the bar, but Bono and Jessica! Bono noticed Edge instantly and rushed over as quickly as his slow, Taurean legs would carry him.
"Edge ya bastard! Where the hell have ye been?"
"Bono, didn't ye go to the meeting without me?" Edge looked like a teenager who had just been caught skipping a class.
"Nah, I sent Lawrence. He's a good egg ya?" Suddenly they both jumped as their conversation was interrupted.
"MOLLY???"
"JESSICA??" Molly and Jessica rushed over to each other. Leigh Anne had met Jessica at the airport earlier and then decided to accompany the poor, hapless Larry to the business lunch. (Jessica would've probably killed Molly for being at the movie with Edge if she hadn't just had 3 drinks with Bono).
"Ehm...listen, Edge, what were ye plannin' for this evenin'? We thought we?d have a quick Mysterious Ways rehearsal and then maybe go out dancing. What do you think?" Bono?s eyes travelled from Molly?s head to her feet much to Edge?s annoyance.
?Yeah, OK. We?ll see you at rehearsal, and then maybe we?ll join you after.? Molly?s heart began to beat faster. Maybe? What else might they be doing? Or was Edge just going to ditch her after rehearsal?
"Well, OK Edge, we'll be off then. I'm going to take Jessica to her costume fitting and I'll see you later. Bye!" And without further ado Bono put his arm around Jessica and escorted the giggling girl out of the room to his car. Edge instantly looked relieved. He turned to Molly.
"Ehm are you hungry??
"I sure am!!!" Molly and Edge walked up to a private dining room. Edge's pea green eyes sparkled with joy as he proceeded to order up the finest champagne they had and an elaborate, gourmet pasta dinner with chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. The conversation resumed with the ease of friends who had known each other a million years. Suddenly, in the middle of a mouthful of linguine, Edge got a funny look on his face. Molly's eyes widened. Did she have cream sauce all over her face?
"What?" She asked. Edge was smiling broadly at her over the table, candlelight making his pupils expand.
"This will certainly sound stupid and you'll probably think I'm a real eeedjitt but have you seen the movie Lady and the Tramp?" Molly nearly choked. What was Edge on about?
"Y-yes...why?" She queried carefully. Edge began to blush.
"Oh, never mind." He said quickly.
"WHAT???!!!" Molly was now dying to hear what he was going to say. If he was going to say what she though he was going to say, she was going to die.
"Ehm,...well, ah, oh...ehm..." Edge began to smirk.
"Just SAY IT!" Molly was twitching with anticipation.
"Alright. Molly, I am falling hard and fast for you and you know this long linguine just reminds me of?It makes me want to...ehm? *blush*
"Sure Edge I'd love to!!" Molly's heart was beating a million miles a minute. With the most sensuous expression on her face and eyes blazing, Molly picked up her fork and placed the tip of a very long piece of linguine in her mouth. She then extended the other end to Edge?s waiting lips. She could see that her inititating this was an enormous turn on for him. It was all so corny but yet so exciting and sweet. Molly thought that this was the kind of thing that would be ridiculous with Bono but perfect with Edge. The two of them began gingerly working their way towards each other. Molly could smell him, could feel his warm aura and could see him getting closer even though her eyes were closed. Finally she could feel his warm breath on her face and his warm, gentle lips closed in on hers.
She presumed that he had no further desire to eat at that moment when he suddenly stood up and pulled her out of her chair into his waiting arms. Edge hadn't expressed his love for a woman that he adored in years and it was all coming out of him with the force of a tidal wave.
Suddenly, the jangle of Edge?s cell phone rudely interrupted their embrace.
"*&^^&$%!!!!" snarled Edge as he grabbed his phone while still gently stroking Molly's hair.
"Hello?"
"Edge!! What the &^$%^$ are you doing there?! The bollocks Mysterious Ways rehearsal started half an hour ago!" It was Larry.
"Oh, Lawrence, leave me alone!"
"Edge get your arse over here NOW!!!" Edge sighed.
"Piss off!"
"FOAD! If I had a head like yours I'd bleedin' bury it! Now get over here! I've done quite enough favours for you today Dave Evans!" Edge sighed with resignation.
"Right, Larry, I'll be there soon." Edge looked at Molly with a wonderful mixture of sadness and happiness.
"Would you like to continue this after the stupid rehearsal??"
"Of course...Edge.? He hugged her tightly. He had found what he was looking for at last. Molly couldn?t believe that Edge actually preferred to be with her than at rehearsal! In a way she was relieved, because this meant she knew what was coming and had more time to prepare psychologically, and she also got to see her own private U2 rehearsal!
When Edge and Molly arrived at rehearsal hand in hand, Bono?s face fell. He was so crazy about her, why didn?t she feel the same way about him? And how had he been so blind? It was so obvious how much she and Edge loved each other. Bono decided it was best he leave her alone for all their sakes. Besides, he had to work on his marriage, and there was no harm in flirting, he would just have to flirt with someone else! Bono suddenly turned his attention to Jessica. He had always had a fascination with belly dancers?
After the rehearsal, Jessica and Bono panted and laughed together in the corner, as Edge began to play a sorrowful melody on his guitar, eyes glued to his beloved. It was a good thing Jessica was entangled with Bono, because had she seen the expression on Edge?s face, she would have wanted to kill herself.
Edge was echoing the yearning in his heart through his guitar, and soon Molly recognized what he was playing. She wanted to melt with delight at Edge's plaintive, pure voice serenading her:
In Dublin's Fair City
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly O?Hearn
As she wheel'd her wheel barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!
She died of a fever
Even Edge couldn?t save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly O?Hearn
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive, alive o!
How wonderful he looked with that intense way he scrumpled up his nose when he sang, his brilliant green eyes burning unblinkingly at her.
Needless to say, they declined the kind invitation to go clubbing, instead driving straight to Edge?s house, feigning a need to get a good sleep before the flight tomorrow.
?Yeah, a good sleep. That?s important!? Adam winked. He was thrilled Edge was finally getting some.
They drove home in complete silence, the sound of heartbeats and breathing were the only sounds to fill the heavy air inside the car.
As soon as they were in the front door, Molly again felt the warmth of Edge's lips on hers and began dissolving in a pool of lust and love. She began to kiss his entire face, paying extra attention to his cheekbones and nose. Wordlessly, he picked Molly up in his arms and carried her upstairs. This wordlessness was so scary yet so sexy. Those eyes, they were always wide open and clear and oh, so sad and lost. It was as if he was holding with him all the pain and fear of past rejections, certain that no one could love him for himself. His hands were so warm and gentle. She couldn?t get enough of feeling them caressing her. She had never felt anything like this in her life and knew that with Edge as her lover, this was going to be the most exciting night of her life.
As Edge sat on the bed, she stood before him as with trembling fingers, he undid her blouse. As soon as he had removed it he pressed his cheek against her bare stomach and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly as if terrified of losing her. She thought she felt him shiver, perhaps it was even a sob. She bent towards him and held his face in her hands. Staring into his moonlit eyes, she whispered, ?I love you?I love you so much and I always will. You are the love of my life!? She wanted him to know this, without question. Edge closed his eyes and a tear trickled slowly down his cheek as he sighed deeply. ?I love you too.? He whispered, ?More than you?ll ever know.? His eyes opened again, and shining with love he pulled her face towards his and began to kiss her again.
As they lay together, clothes slowly dropping to the floor, Molly no longer felt afraid of anything. She and Edge were in passionately, overpoweringly in love and completely compatible. Everything he did, every caress, every lick of his tongue, every thrust and shiver felt like they were made for each other. It was an ecstacy unlike any she had ever known.
***
The sun shone weakly through the drawn curtains and Molly lifted up her heavy head to look at the clock. 11:32 am. It felt like the crack of dawn! Her head was filled with cobwebs. Where was she? What had happened? She decided to spread herself out like a starfish on the bed, a favourite sleeping in position. Thud. Her leg bumped into something warm and fuzzy. She looked over at the form beside her. It was Edge. The memories flooded back. The song, the moonlit drive home, and the night of passion that lasted well into the very early hours of the morning. It had been an unforgettable evening, the kind of which dreams are made. Edge stirred and his eyes slowly fluttered open. A warm smile of delirious adoration spread across his face.
?Molly?? Edge gently touched her cheek.
?Edge.? She murmured, stroking his long glossy hair, which cascaded onto the pillow. He grabbed her and pulled against him, stroking the length of her body with one hand as he cradled her head in his other arm. Soon he began to sing softly in her ear what they were both feeling in their hearts, and would feel for the rest of their lives together?
?I have a lover, a lover like no other, she?s got soul soul soul sweet soul and she?ll teach me how to sing?brings me colours when there?s none to see, gives me hope when I can?t believe and for the first time?I feel love.?
The End
