WithOrWithOutE
ONE love, blood, life
Hey everyone!
This story is the next installment of Adge's and my stories.So far we've had Window in the Skies and Stories for Boys.
This one takes place five years after Adge's story, Stories for Boys. It's during the JT era, with all the same characters and just something fun I wanted to write. It's a work in progress so I might not be fast to post new chapters, but I'll do my best.
I'm still a beginner so I'm not sure how good it is but it's only for fun.
Disclaimer: I don't know U2. I've never talked to or met them or anything. This is all fiction.
Enjoy!
Exit - Chapter One
She would be in the pub of course. Where else would a smart woman warm herself on a frigid afternoon like this?
I knew Adge would be at the pub, among friends and laughter. She loved to laugh and to be around people. Besides, I'd called her and left a message for her to meet me so if she wasn't there I've have a thing or two too say to her during our next phone conversation. It was so important that I talk to her now. What other time should your best friends be there for you then during the times that could change your life forever? I had to talk to her now and there was no way I could wait until I saw her again. This was too huge.
As I steered my beat up excuse for a car around the last curve that led into Dublin, I saw a few people milling around who were brave enough to go out in this weather. They were all huddled in their coats as they made their way down the street and it brought a smile to my face to see that not much had changed since my last visit. Dubliner's still didn't let anything get them down and stop their lives. It was good to be home.
There was nothing so sweet as to see the constant hum of life that I'd missed so much while I was away. Not that I'm complaining about my current home. Or about my current roommate. I felt the familiar warm fluttering in my heart at the thought of Jack. He was my roommate. My mentor, my friend, and one of the most important people in my life. I'd met him during my time at University just outside of Dublin and we'd hit it off right away. Despite the fact that he was 7 years older then me and a divorced Father. Not the typical roommate for a single 25 year old woman.
He'd started off as my tutor and than my friend and by the time I graduated there wasn't much that we didn't know about each other. I even opened up enough to tell him about Adam. Finally when it was time for me to go home and try to find a job, I'd been devastated to leave.
One day during our ritualistic daily coffee, Jack had mentioned that he had a spare room in his house that he was looking to rent out. It was about a two hour drive outside of Dublin and as soon as I drove up the path to the front gate I'd fallen in love. I moved in that night.
My parents had been displeased to say the least. But not for the reason you may be thinking. I told them that I was moving in with a divorced woman instead of a man. Hey that's not as bad right? Well, to my parents it probably was, but I absolutely couldn't tell them about Jack. At least not right away.
So far, Jack and I have been living together for six months and no one is the wiser. Well, except Adge. I never could keep anything from her and this was no exception. She pried it out of me in record time, and she never failed to tease me about the fact that she'd never met Jack in person. She'd talked to him over the phone and listened to the stories I told but when it came to meeting him I kept that back. I wasn't sure why. Maybe I felt a bit like I had two lives and if they were to ever mix then things might be harder to deal with. I never questioned too much for fear that I'd find out something about myself that I'd rather not know. But none of that mattered now anyway.
I spotted Adge's car in front of the pub and sighed in relief. At least I wouldn't have to go chasing her all over town.
I parked as close as I could to the front of the pub, which was nestled in a line of several shops. Most of them I remembered going into when I was younger. Hmm..younger. Like I was so much older now. Sometimes I felt much older then my twenty five years and other times I felt like running home to Mum and crying out all of my troubles. I was a mass of contradictions.
As I walked down the street, the wind whipping around my face made me huddle inside my fleece-lined jacket and pull my black wool cap down lower on my head. My cheeks stung and my nose felt like an ice cube on my face. I sniffed cautiously and flinched at the soreness. I would defiantly need to moisturize when I got home tonight. The thought of home brought my mood down considerably.
I was about to abandon my home with Jack and leave him all by himself to take care of his little girl Jill. I felt terribly guilty about it. No matter how many times Jack told me to get my arse in gear and stop worrying about him. I still couldn't imagine leaving Dublin for good. I just had to remember that no matter where I was in the world, Dublin would always have a special place in my heart.
It was time for me to move on and start new somewhere else. I needed to move on and I also needed to get away from everything that reminded me of...Adam. Crap I promised myself I would stop thinking about him! Always when I came home I was plagued with thoughts of him like some love sick school girl.
I mentally rolled my eyes at myself as I opened the pub door. I need to get it together or else Adge would know something was wrong,
I felt the heat nuzzle me as soon as I stepped in and glanced thankfully at the huge lit fireplaces that stood in the middle of the room. I could smell the wood burning in the fire, it's red-hot heat smoldering cheerfully. As my nose thawed I also smelled cigarette smoke, stale ale and the all too familiar layer frying chips left in the air.
I didn't spot anyone that I recognized right away and that didn't bother me. I never expected to still know all of the locals. Things had changed a bit since I'd last lived here. I'd changed too and it was a good change. I couldn't imagine if I had stayed in Dublin instead of making my own future.
My thoughts trailed off when I saw her sitting in the corner by herself. Not separate though. Not at all. Adge was as much a part of the room as the chair she sat on. She'd always had something about her that drew people and made them comfortable around her. I hadn't seen Adge in a whole three months and now I realized that it was about nine weeks and six days too long.
Adge had cut her hair so that it just brushed her shoulders and framed her face in soft auburn waves. Her face was slightly turned away from me and tilted to the side as if she was contemplating something serious. When her lips pursed and she nodded once firmly I grinned happily. Yep, this was defiantly the Adge that I'd known forever.
I approached her table slowly, feeling the first clenching of nerves in my stomach. No matter how close of friends we were I still got nervous when we met after a time apart. I'd almost reached her chair when her head shot to my direction and I froze. Her face went slack in shock and then transformed into a joyous smile as she leapt up and rushed to me.
We cried out as we hugged each other and shed a few tears into each others hair. We drew the interested gazes of a few people in the pub with our blubbering.
Adge pulled back, both of us with running noses and streaked faces and I giggled.
"Oh crap It looks like our makeup is done for."
She grinned, wiping her eyes and smearing up her face even worse. "You think I give a flying fish about make up at a time like this! I haven't seen you in so long!" She grew teary eyed again and pulled me into another quick hug.
I squeezed my eyes shut tight and hugged her back, "Adge it's only been a few months, but I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier. Jack has been teaching me so much lately. He wouldn't even let me come this time until I threatened to poison his favorite rice pudding when he wasn't looking."
Adge pulled back and smiled curiously at the mention of Jack and I snapped my mouth shut. I hadn't meant to bring up him but it had slipped out. Adge still seemed to think that there was more between Jack and I then there was. And she seemed to be of the same mind now, judging by the sparkle in her eye.
"You sure mention Jack a lot. He's your...mentor/roommate right?"
I smiled warmly. "Yes, he's my mentor, who I'm sharing a house with at the moment."
Adge was grinning, the sparkle was brighter and I hurried on.
"And our relationship is totally platonic."
Her smile didn't falter. "Of course it is."
"It is. We're only friends." I said firmly, hoping she would take the hint and let the matter drop. She caught on quickly and waved the waiter over to take our order.
Ten minutes later we were sitting at our table enjoying comfortable conversation and delicious turkey breast sandwiches.
"So!" Adge said. "I feel a little guilty, you having arrived yesterday and this is the first time I've seen you. I feel like we've lost so much time already. You absolutely have to stay with us while you're here."
"Um.."
"Oh please stay with us! You have too, and I promise that if 'you know who' comes by I'll give you plenty of notice to make yourself look drop dead gorgeous."
I smiled. "Okay. I'll stay with you. It's all right with Edge isn't it?"
"Of course it is." She took a sip of her water and waggled her eyebrows. "So why don't you tell me this fabulous news you've been dying to let loose ever since you walked in."
I smiled and leaned forward in my seat. It was true I had news but I was still terrified about sharing it with Adge. It was almost like once I told her there would be no turning back. I hadn't even told my parents yet because having my best friends support was the most important to me. Without Adge backing me on this I was a lost cause already.
I stared into Adge's smiling face and decided to get it over with quickly. Like pulling off a Band-Aid. Quick and painless. I took a deep breath and blurted out. "I got a job offer from my Aunt in Seattle and I'm thinking about accepting it and moving out of my home and I've never been so terrified in my entire life."
There was one particular moment where I'd seen this look on her face before and that was the moment I told her that Adam and I were going our separate ways. Or more like I was leaving him so I could go to school and further my education. She looked as shocked as she did then and I was getting nervous again.
"Adge..please say something.."
She blinked. "I...ah..wow."
"Well at least you said something."
"I'm sorry but this is a shock. I didn't except..."
"Except what? That I would ever be offered a job? You know that I've been putting myself out there." I was getting defensive and upset by Adge's reaction.
"I know that but...America? That's so far away! We'd never get to see you!" She was blinking faster now and I knew the tears weren't far off.
"Please don't start that or we'll both turn into leaky faucets again."
She sniffed and reached for a napkin to wipe her eyes. "It's just that...I thought you'd be here for..." She grew suddenly quiet and reached out to take my hand. Her eyes caught mine.
"We..Edge and I wanted to wait until dinner tonight to tell you but I can't keep it in until then. I'll burst if I don't tell you now."
A shiver ran down my spine and I braced for the worst, but a part of me could already tell that it was good news.
Adge's face bloomed into a wide watery smile as she squeezed my hand.
"I'm pregnant. Edge and I are going to have a baby."
Exit - Chapter Two
About an hour later found me following Adge in my car to her house. Well her and Edge's house..and their baby. A baby. Good God it was the most amazing fantastic news I'd ever heard.
I'd been shocked to my core when she'd told me because as far as I knew they weren't even trying. Adge said that it had been totally unplanned but they couldn't be more ecstatic about it. I was so happy for them and I couldn't wait to congratulate Edge.
Adge pulled off of the road onto a familiar driveway and I rolled down my window to catch the scent of the crisp fresh air as we drove.
Edge and Adge's house wasn't overly huge but they had plenty of room for their little family of two and a half. It was an adorable two story stone cottage that made me think of fairy tales. I always fell more in love with it every time I visited. The inside was decorated so that it was impossible not to know who lived there and it made me feel so comfortable and like I was home.
I parked next to Adge and sighed as I looked up at the windows. The place hadn't changed a bit since last time and I found peace in that fact. Adge knocked on my window and I grinned and waved. I opened my door and had one foot on the ground when I noticed the motorcycle parked right next to me. It wasn't just any motorcycle..it was Larry's. Larry was here.
I sucked in a deep breath in alarm. I hadn't been prepared to see anyone else. There wasn't much I could do about it now.
"Come on!" Adge took my hand, grinning, and led me to the front door. "I'm so excited you're here! Edge has been wanting to see you for a while."
"That's nice." I smiled. "I want to see him too."
As Adge fumbled with the keys I looked around anxiously for other cars. Thankfully I didn't see any. Adge finally got the lock and she pushed it open and pulled me in behind her.
"Hello!?" She bellowed in the front hall. "HELLO!?!?! Anyone home?!"
I laughed. "I think they probably heard you the first time."
"Not if they're jamming they didn't." She smiled. "Come on. I bet they're upstairs."
I finally caught on and stopped in my tracks. "By 'they' you mean just Edge and Larry right?"
Adge shrugged. "I don't know. It's like a train station around here some days. But I only saw Larry's bike outside so he's probably the only one here."
I shook my head. "But you're not sure. What if Adam's here?" I felt my throat tighten as my anxiety level rose. "I can't see him right now! I'll lose it. I can't-"
"Hey calm down." Adge took hold of my arms gently and stared into my eyes. "Why don't I go on ahead to see and you can wait in the kitchen. Help yourself to whatever. My house in your house."
My heart rate slowly returned to normal. "Okay. Thanks Adge."
She smiled warmly at me. "What are friends for. By the way I think all these extra hormones are making me nicer then usual. So don't get used to it."
I laughed. "I wont."
While Adge started up the stairs, I took a left and only got lost once and ended up in a sort of work out room, before I finally found the kitchen.
"Finally I found you!" I sighed happily as I opened their huge refrigerator and grinned at the assortment of beverages. I grabbed a bottled water for now and moved to close the door. Instead I smashed my thumb hard.
"Ow!! Mother fucker! You stupid thing!" I glared at the offending kitchen appliance. "And to think I was considering getting one of you when I move. Well, think again buddy!"
"I see you haven't stopped talking to furniture love."
I gasped and whipped around to see Adam leaning against the kitchen counter only a few feet away from me. He looked relaxed with his hip pressed against the metal and his arms crossed across his chest. The first thing I noticed was that his hair was cut off. I never looked at anything U2 anymore so I hadn't known what he looked like at all..until now.
He'd defiantly grown. His chest was filled out and his face was more sculpted. His glasses were different too, I noticed dazedly, but his eyes were the same. The same eyes that had made my knees turn to jello so many times. The same eyes that had looked into mine while he told me he loved me.
As I took in his familiar face he tossed me a roughish grin. My stomach dropped somewhere around my ankles. God he looks fabulous, I thought faintly.
"Adam..."
I didn't know what else to say. It seemed like there was so much to catch up on. I wanted to run to him and go into his arms and confess that I'd missed him terribly. I could tell him about everything that was happening in my life since he'd stopped being in it. I tried to resist the urge to talk to him and be with him but that didn't stop my mind or my body from remembering what we once had.
Adam's smile stayed as he pushed away from the counter and started towards me. My mind screamed for me to get away. To escape to anywhere that Adam wasn't.
"Love, you look like you've seen a ghost."
I opened my mouth to speak but all that came out was a small squeak. For god's sake get a hold of yourself woman! I chided myself.
Adam chuckled quietly as he got closer. "You can't be that surprised to see me." He was standing so close now that I could smell his cologne. It was unfamiliar and that scared me. It made me realize that I didn't know this Adam. Long gone was the Adam I used to love and he had been replaced with this newer version.
I gained back a little backbone and raised a hand in front of my as a kind or warning. Adam glanced at it in amusement and looked into my eyes.
"Amber." His voice was low and my stomach jumped. He took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. I watched in detached curiosity as his lips brushed over my fingers ever so slowly. Adam's gaze caught mine just as he slipped the tip on my index finger into his moist mouth.
I gasped and pulled away as if he was on fire. "Adam what do you think you're doing?" I asked shakily.
He took a step forward causing me to take one back. He smirked and shook his head knowingly. "I think you know what I'm doing. I don't remember you ever playing hard to get." His eyes had a predatory shine to them as he leaned in. I watched as his lips got closer and closer. No! I couldn't let this happen!
"No..Adam..you can't-" That was all I got out before his mouth covered mine. I had absolutely no resistance as his tongue swept into my mouth. My mind was getting fuzzier by the moment. Some part of me was thinking that maybe this was right or maybe I needed it to remind me of why I had loved Adam so much. Adam reached around me and cupped my ass and I moaned. I knew it had gone too far already.
I shoved against his chest as hard as I could and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand as Adam stumbled back.
"You shouldn't have done that. We can't just pick up where we left off." I said shakily.
Adam eyed me warily as he caught his balance and smoothed our his shirt. "I never expected to get that far to tell you the truth. I thought you'd go for my bullocks. That was some kiss." He grinned and laughed suddenly. "Damn it's good to see you again Baby."
I stiffened. "I am NOT your Baby! And I don't appreciate being mauled. If you ever do that again I will go for your bullocks!"
I moved to leave but Adam stood in my way and held his hands up in surrender. "Okay. Okay. You win." He flashed a grin and winked. "This time."
I snorted in disgust and turned to storm out. My storming was effectively ruined however when I walked straight into Larry's chest.
"Oof!" I lost my balance and Larry hands gripped my arms to steady me. "Larry!" I stared into his smooth expressionless face and wondered what was wrong. Larry's eyes traveled over my shoulder and narrowed.
"Adam. When did you get here?" Larry asked quietly.
I kept my eyes on Larry's face as Adam answered. "A few minutes ago." He said casually and then I heard the sound of a lighter flicking open. So Adam still smocked then. A filthy habit that I never could break him of.
"I don't recall Edge saying anything about you coming over today." Larry said, all the while his eyes were on my face. His eyes searched mine deeply in that way that only Larry could do and I felt started to grow uncomfortable.
Adam snorted lightly. "I don't believe that I've ever needed an invitation to visit Edge. If he has a problem with my being here then I'll hear it from him first." His voice was dripping with contempt and I was confused about what was going on. Why are Larry and Adam treating each other this way?
I pulled back from Larry's arms, and noticed he was watching me again with his intense eyes. I smiled at him. "Larry it's really good to see you."
His face relaxed for the first time since walking into the room and he smiled back. "It's good to see you too. You haven't changed at all."
I laughed dryly. "Nice try Lar but I think I can defiantly argue with you on that." I leaned back against the nearest wall and tried to relax. That was pretty much impossible with Adam standing a few feet away and watching me.
Larry's lips twitched. "Come of it. You're as beautiful as ever and you know it."
I stared at Larry, surprised that he would say that. I blushed when he grinned. I ducked my head slightly to hide my reaction and Larry chuckled.
"While your flirting is highly entertaining, Edge is expecting me." I jumped and jerked my head up as Adam commented dryly before strolling out of the room as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"Your face will stick that way if you're not careful." Larry said, lightly brushing his thumb over my frown creases. I relaxed at his touch and met his eyes.
"He drives me mad."
He nodded. "He drives us all mad."
"Yeah but at least you don't have to worry about fighting off his sexual vibes." I cringed at the total pile of goo I'd turned into at Adam's touch.
"You'd be surprised what we have to deal with where Adam is concerned." Larry scowled briefly before switching back to his normal expression. "Don't worry about him. I'll have a word with him later."
"Oh no you don't have to do that. I don't want you to argue because of me."
Larry snorted. "We may be arguing but it doesn't have anything to do with you."
I burned with curiosity, wanting to know what they were going on about. I didn't feel right about asking though so I pushed those thoughts away and laughed.
"Here we are, just seeing each other for the first time in months and I haven't hugged you yet!" I launched myself into Larry's arms and he laughed as he caught me.
"Doesn't almost running me down count?" Larry smiled as he released me. I blushed a bit.
"Sorry about that. I was kind of in a hurry to get out of here." I smiled cheerfully. "Well, I really have to pee so why don't you show me where the loo is. I've been here before but I forget every time. Does that ever happen to you? I can't seem to remember a thing." I knew I was babbling and Larry did too by the look he gave me.
"I'm fine." I answered his unasked question and slipped my hand into his arm as he led me out of the kitchen.
"So Lar, tell me what you've been up to. Besides U2 stuff.."
"I..I assume Adge told you about Jane?"
Jane was the woman that Larry had been seeing for the past few months. I'd only met her once but I'd thought she was a nice person.
I shook my head and looked at Larry closely. "No she didn't tell me." Larry looked away and my heart sank. "Oh no. You're not together anymore?"
"No. Not for a few weeks now." I stopped and gave him a quick hug.
"I'm sorry. I liked her."
"So did I. I guess she didn't feel the same about me."
I closed my eyes in pain and squeezed Larry's shoulders. "I'm so sorry Lar." I pulled back to smile into his eyes. "If you want to talk you know I'm here for you."
He smiled tiredly. "I know." The rest of the way was silent as we were each lost in our own thoughts.
"Here's the loo." Larry stopped and released my arm.
"Thanks. I'll be out in a minute if you want to wait."
"I'll wait. Wouldn't want you to get lost."
I nodded and gave him a small smile before closing the door softly. I turned and walked quietly over to the sink. I washed my face with cold water and suddenly felt refreshed. Wiping my face dry I stared at my reflection.
"What have you got yourself into this time?" Not having an adequate answer I glanced at my watch and groaned. I'd only been here for fifteen minutes and I was already talking to myself. I was well on my way to a mental breakdown and how in the world was I going to last seven more days!?
~~~~~~~~~~
Stepping out of the bathroom I felt refreshed and put together again. I sighed and smiled at Larry. He smiled back and offered me his arm again.
"So..would you like a tour so you can get used to the place again?" Larry asked.
"Ahh..not right now. I'm kind of tired."
Larry nodded and then preceded to stare off into space.
"Uh..Lar?"
He shook his head and looked at me. "Oh. Sorry. Just thinking." He paused and I was shocked to see a light blush in his cheeks. "I thought you'd been here recently but I'm just now realizing it's been a while. How long?"
"Around three months. Yeah I'd have been here sooner but Jack needed me.." I inwardly groaned and glanced at Larry to see if he'd caught my slip.
"Jack?" I guess he did.
"Yeah he's my..roommate and my teacher. He's a really nice guy."
Larry was shocked. "You live with a man? Is he married?"
"No..he's divorced actually."
"Divorced! How old is he?"
"Thirty five."
"Thirty five!" He yelled.
I cringed. "Relax! We're only friends."
Larry scowled. "I don't like it."
I blinked. "Well I don't want to seem rude but it's really not up to you who I live with. I can make my own decisions." Larry always had a way of getting under my skin!
Larry's face reddened as he yanked his arm away and glared. "Oh can you then? You didn't seem capable a moment ago in the kitchen." His voice was steadily rising. "If you didn't want Adam all over you then you shouldn't have let him kiss you! You acted like..like a-"
My mouth tightened. "Don't you dare finish that sentence! You..you JERK!"
"Is there a problem here?"
Larry and I both turned. Edge and Adge were standing two feet away, both looking highly amused.
"No problem at all." I smiled grimly and glared at Larry. "Except that Larry is being a complete arse and he needs to learn some manners!"
Larry's face darkened with rage. "ME?! What about your lover boy!? Shouldn't you be teaching him something!?"
"Jack is a perfect gentleman!"
Larry's face dissolved into shock and then his eyes flashed in anger. "I was talking about Adam. But thanks anyway for proving me right."
He brushed past me and marched down the hall. A slam of a door resounded through the house moments later.
"What a-"
"Jerk?" Adge supplied with a grin.
"This isn't funny." I rubbed my throbbing temples. "I can't believe that I've only been here for less then an hour and I'm fighting with Larry.
"He's always like that." Edge said. "And he's been worse since every thing with Jane."
"Yeah he told me about that. What happened with them anyway?"
Edge shifted and looked away, "I don't think we should discuss that now. It's still too fresh for Lar and I don't feel right about it."
"Oh..Okay that's fine." I frowned as I followed Adge and Edge back to the kitchen to get everyone drinks and help Adge start dinner.
Everyone was acting really strange. Except Adge. She was the only normal one that I'd talked to so far. And what else could I expect from the next week?
Adam had already turned me into a puddle with his advances. I had fought with Larry over something really stupid. And Edge was acting oddly cold towards me. What was next? Would Bono walk in and declare that his plans to take over the world were finally in motion?! I wasn't sure how much more of the craziness that I could take, but knowing my friends and how insane life got when I was around them, I knew that this was probably only the beginning.
This story is the next installment of Adge's and my stories.So far we've had Window in the Skies and Stories for Boys.
This one takes place five years after Adge's story, Stories for Boys. It's during the JT era, with all the same characters and just something fun I wanted to write. It's a work in progress so I might not be fast to post new chapters, but I'll do my best.
I'm still a beginner so I'm not sure how good it is but it's only for fun.
Disclaimer: I don't know U2. I've never talked to or met them or anything. This is all fiction.
Enjoy!
Exit - Chapter One
She would be in the pub of course. Where else would a smart woman warm herself on a frigid afternoon like this?
I knew Adge would be at the pub, among friends and laughter. She loved to laugh and to be around people. Besides, I'd called her and left a message for her to meet me so if she wasn't there I've have a thing or two too say to her during our next phone conversation. It was so important that I talk to her now. What other time should your best friends be there for you then during the times that could change your life forever? I had to talk to her now and there was no way I could wait until I saw her again. This was too huge.
As I steered my beat up excuse for a car around the last curve that led into Dublin, I saw a few people milling around who were brave enough to go out in this weather. They were all huddled in their coats as they made their way down the street and it brought a smile to my face to see that not much had changed since my last visit. Dubliner's still didn't let anything get them down and stop their lives. It was good to be home.
There was nothing so sweet as to see the constant hum of life that I'd missed so much while I was away. Not that I'm complaining about my current home. Or about my current roommate. I felt the familiar warm fluttering in my heart at the thought of Jack. He was my roommate. My mentor, my friend, and one of the most important people in my life. I'd met him during my time at University just outside of Dublin and we'd hit it off right away. Despite the fact that he was 7 years older then me and a divorced Father. Not the typical roommate for a single 25 year old woman.
He'd started off as my tutor and than my friend and by the time I graduated there wasn't much that we didn't know about each other. I even opened up enough to tell him about Adam. Finally when it was time for me to go home and try to find a job, I'd been devastated to leave.
One day during our ritualistic daily coffee, Jack had mentioned that he had a spare room in his house that he was looking to rent out. It was about a two hour drive outside of Dublin and as soon as I drove up the path to the front gate I'd fallen in love. I moved in that night.
My parents had been displeased to say the least. But not for the reason you may be thinking. I told them that I was moving in with a divorced woman instead of a man. Hey that's not as bad right? Well, to my parents it probably was, but I absolutely couldn't tell them about Jack. At least not right away.
So far, Jack and I have been living together for six months and no one is the wiser. Well, except Adge. I never could keep anything from her and this was no exception. She pried it out of me in record time, and she never failed to tease me about the fact that she'd never met Jack in person. She'd talked to him over the phone and listened to the stories I told but when it came to meeting him I kept that back. I wasn't sure why. Maybe I felt a bit like I had two lives and if they were to ever mix then things might be harder to deal with. I never questioned too much for fear that I'd find out something about myself that I'd rather not know. But none of that mattered now anyway.
I spotted Adge's car in front of the pub and sighed in relief. At least I wouldn't have to go chasing her all over town.
I parked as close as I could to the front of the pub, which was nestled in a line of several shops. Most of them I remembered going into when I was younger. Hmm..younger. Like I was so much older now. Sometimes I felt much older then my twenty five years and other times I felt like running home to Mum and crying out all of my troubles. I was a mass of contradictions.
As I walked down the street, the wind whipping around my face made me huddle inside my fleece-lined jacket and pull my black wool cap down lower on my head. My cheeks stung and my nose felt like an ice cube on my face. I sniffed cautiously and flinched at the soreness. I would defiantly need to moisturize when I got home tonight. The thought of home brought my mood down considerably.
I was about to abandon my home with Jack and leave him all by himself to take care of his little girl Jill. I felt terribly guilty about it. No matter how many times Jack told me to get my arse in gear and stop worrying about him. I still couldn't imagine leaving Dublin for good. I just had to remember that no matter where I was in the world, Dublin would always have a special place in my heart.
It was time for me to move on and start new somewhere else. I needed to move on and I also needed to get away from everything that reminded me of...Adam. Crap I promised myself I would stop thinking about him! Always when I came home I was plagued with thoughts of him like some love sick school girl.
I mentally rolled my eyes at myself as I opened the pub door. I need to get it together or else Adge would know something was wrong,
I felt the heat nuzzle me as soon as I stepped in and glanced thankfully at the huge lit fireplaces that stood in the middle of the room. I could smell the wood burning in the fire, it's red-hot heat smoldering cheerfully. As my nose thawed I also smelled cigarette smoke, stale ale and the all too familiar layer frying chips left in the air.
I didn't spot anyone that I recognized right away and that didn't bother me. I never expected to still know all of the locals. Things had changed a bit since I'd last lived here. I'd changed too and it was a good change. I couldn't imagine if I had stayed in Dublin instead of making my own future.
My thoughts trailed off when I saw her sitting in the corner by herself. Not separate though. Not at all. Adge was as much a part of the room as the chair she sat on. She'd always had something about her that drew people and made them comfortable around her. I hadn't seen Adge in a whole three months and now I realized that it was about nine weeks and six days too long.
Adge had cut her hair so that it just brushed her shoulders and framed her face in soft auburn waves. Her face was slightly turned away from me and tilted to the side as if she was contemplating something serious. When her lips pursed and she nodded once firmly I grinned happily. Yep, this was defiantly the Adge that I'd known forever.
I approached her table slowly, feeling the first clenching of nerves in my stomach. No matter how close of friends we were I still got nervous when we met after a time apart. I'd almost reached her chair when her head shot to my direction and I froze. Her face went slack in shock and then transformed into a joyous smile as she leapt up and rushed to me.
We cried out as we hugged each other and shed a few tears into each others hair. We drew the interested gazes of a few people in the pub with our blubbering.
Adge pulled back, both of us with running noses and streaked faces and I giggled.
"Oh crap It looks like our makeup is done for."
She grinned, wiping her eyes and smearing up her face even worse. "You think I give a flying fish about make up at a time like this! I haven't seen you in so long!" She grew teary eyed again and pulled me into another quick hug.
I squeezed my eyes shut tight and hugged her back, "Adge it's only been a few months, but I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier. Jack has been teaching me so much lately. He wouldn't even let me come this time until I threatened to poison his favorite rice pudding when he wasn't looking."
Adge pulled back and smiled curiously at the mention of Jack and I snapped my mouth shut. I hadn't meant to bring up him but it had slipped out. Adge still seemed to think that there was more between Jack and I then there was. And she seemed to be of the same mind now, judging by the sparkle in her eye.
"You sure mention Jack a lot. He's your...mentor/roommate right?"
I smiled warmly. "Yes, he's my mentor, who I'm sharing a house with at the moment."
Adge was grinning, the sparkle was brighter and I hurried on.
"And our relationship is totally platonic."
Her smile didn't falter. "Of course it is."
"It is. We're only friends." I said firmly, hoping she would take the hint and let the matter drop. She caught on quickly and waved the waiter over to take our order.
Ten minutes later we were sitting at our table enjoying comfortable conversation and delicious turkey breast sandwiches.
"So!" Adge said. "I feel a little guilty, you having arrived yesterday and this is the first time I've seen you. I feel like we've lost so much time already. You absolutely have to stay with us while you're here."
"Um.."
"Oh please stay with us! You have too, and I promise that if 'you know who' comes by I'll give you plenty of notice to make yourself look drop dead gorgeous."
I smiled. "Okay. I'll stay with you. It's all right with Edge isn't it?"
"Of course it is." She took a sip of her water and waggled her eyebrows. "So why don't you tell me this fabulous news you've been dying to let loose ever since you walked in."
I smiled and leaned forward in my seat. It was true I had news but I was still terrified about sharing it with Adge. It was almost like once I told her there would be no turning back. I hadn't even told my parents yet because having my best friends support was the most important to me. Without Adge backing me on this I was a lost cause already.
I stared into Adge's smiling face and decided to get it over with quickly. Like pulling off a Band-Aid. Quick and painless. I took a deep breath and blurted out. "I got a job offer from my Aunt in Seattle and I'm thinking about accepting it and moving out of my home and I've never been so terrified in my entire life."
There was one particular moment where I'd seen this look on her face before and that was the moment I told her that Adam and I were going our separate ways. Or more like I was leaving him so I could go to school and further my education. She looked as shocked as she did then and I was getting nervous again.
"Adge..please say something.."
She blinked. "I...ah..wow."
"Well at least you said something."
"I'm sorry but this is a shock. I didn't except..."
"Except what? That I would ever be offered a job? You know that I've been putting myself out there." I was getting defensive and upset by Adge's reaction.
"I know that but...America? That's so far away! We'd never get to see you!" She was blinking faster now and I knew the tears weren't far off.
"Please don't start that or we'll both turn into leaky faucets again."
She sniffed and reached for a napkin to wipe her eyes. "It's just that...I thought you'd be here for..." She grew suddenly quiet and reached out to take my hand. Her eyes caught mine.
"We..Edge and I wanted to wait until dinner tonight to tell you but I can't keep it in until then. I'll burst if I don't tell you now."
A shiver ran down my spine and I braced for the worst, but a part of me could already tell that it was good news.
Adge's face bloomed into a wide watery smile as she squeezed my hand.
"I'm pregnant. Edge and I are going to have a baby."
Exit - Chapter Two
About an hour later found me following Adge in my car to her house. Well her and Edge's house..and their baby. A baby. Good God it was the most amazing fantastic news I'd ever heard.
I'd been shocked to my core when she'd told me because as far as I knew they weren't even trying. Adge said that it had been totally unplanned but they couldn't be more ecstatic about it. I was so happy for them and I couldn't wait to congratulate Edge.
Adge pulled off of the road onto a familiar driveway and I rolled down my window to catch the scent of the crisp fresh air as we drove.
Edge and Adge's house wasn't overly huge but they had plenty of room for their little family of two and a half. It was an adorable two story stone cottage that made me think of fairy tales. I always fell more in love with it every time I visited. The inside was decorated so that it was impossible not to know who lived there and it made me feel so comfortable and like I was home.
I parked next to Adge and sighed as I looked up at the windows. The place hadn't changed a bit since last time and I found peace in that fact. Adge knocked on my window and I grinned and waved. I opened my door and had one foot on the ground when I noticed the motorcycle parked right next to me. It wasn't just any motorcycle..it was Larry's. Larry was here.
I sucked in a deep breath in alarm. I hadn't been prepared to see anyone else. There wasn't much I could do about it now.
"Come on!" Adge took my hand, grinning, and led me to the front door. "I'm so excited you're here! Edge has been wanting to see you for a while."
"That's nice." I smiled. "I want to see him too."
As Adge fumbled with the keys I looked around anxiously for other cars. Thankfully I didn't see any. Adge finally got the lock and she pushed it open and pulled me in behind her.
"Hello!?" She bellowed in the front hall. "HELLO!?!?! Anyone home?!"
I laughed. "I think they probably heard you the first time."
"Not if they're jamming they didn't." She smiled. "Come on. I bet they're upstairs."
I finally caught on and stopped in my tracks. "By 'they' you mean just Edge and Larry right?"
Adge shrugged. "I don't know. It's like a train station around here some days. But I only saw Larry's bike outside so he's probably the only one here."
I shook my head. "But you're not sure. What if Adam's here?" I felt my throat tighten as my anxiety level rose. "I can't see him right now! I'll lose it. I can't-"
"Hey calm down." Adge took hold of my arms gently and stared into my eyes. "Why don't I go on ahead to see and you can wait in the kitchen. Help yourself to whatever. My house in your house."
My heart rate slowly returned to normal. "Okay. Thanks Adge."
She smiled warmly at me. "What are friends for. By the way I think all these extra hormones are making me nicer then usual. So don't get used to it."
I laughed. "I wont."
While Adge started up the stairs, I took a left and only got lost once and ended up in a sort of work out room, before I finally found the kitchen.
"Finally I found you!" I sighed happily as I opened their huge refrigerator and grinned at the assortment of beverages. I grabbed a bottled water for now and moved to close the door. Instead I smashed my thumb hard.
"Ow!! Mother fucker! You stupid thing!" I glared at the offending kitchen appliance. "And to think I was considering getting one of you when I move. Well, think again buddy!"
"I see you haven't stopped talking to furniture love."
I gasped and whipped around to see Adam leaning against the kitchen counter only a few feet away from me. He looked relaxed with his hip pressed against the metal and his arms crossed across his chest. The first thing I noticed was that his hair was cut off. I never looked at anything U2 anymore so I hadn't known what he looked like at all..until now.
He'd defiantly grown. His chest was filled out and his face was more sculpted. His glasses were different too, I noticed dazedly, but his eyes were the same. The same eyes that had made my knees turn to jello so many times. The same eyes that had looked into mine while he told me he loved me.
As I took in his familiar face he tossed me a roughish grin. My stomach dropped somewhere around my ankles. God he looks fabulous, I thought faintly.
"Adam..."
I didn't know what else to say. It seemed like there was so much to catch up on. I wanted to run to him and go into his arms and confess that I'd missed him terribly. I could tell him about everything that was happening in my life since he'd stopped being in it. I tried to resist the urge to talk to him and be with him but that didn't stop my mind or my body from remembering what we once had.
Adam's smile stayed as he pushed away from the counter and started towards me. My mind screamed for me to get away. To escape to anywhere that Adam wasn't.
"Love, you look like you've seen a ghost."
I opened my mouth to speak but all that came out was a small squeak. For god's sake get a hold of yourself woman! I chided myself.
Adam chuckled quietly as he got closer. "You can't be that surprised to see me." He was standing so close now that I could smell his cologne. It was unfamiliar and that scared me. It made me realize that I didn't know this Adam. Long gone was the Adam I used to love and he had been replaced with this newer version.
I gained back a little backbone and raised a hand in front of my as a kind or warning. Adam glanced at it in amusement and looked into my eyes.
"Amber." His voice was low and my stomach jumped. He took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. I watched in detached curiosity as his lips brushed over my fingers ever so slowly. Adam's gaze caught mine just as he slipped the tip on my index finger into his moist mouth.
I gasped and pulled away as if he was on fire. "Adam what do you think you're doing?" I asked shakily.
He took a step forward causing me to take one back. He smirked and shook his head knowingly. "I think you know what I'm doing. I don't remember you ever playing hard to get." His eyes had a predatory shine to them as he leaned in. I watched as his lips got closer and closer. No! I couldn't let this happen!
"No..Adam..you can't-" That was all I got out before his mouth covered mine. I had absolutely no resistance as his tongue swept into my mouth. My mind was getting fuzzier by the moment. Some part of me was thinking that maybe this was right or maybe I needed it to remind me of why I had loved Adam so much. Adam reached around me and cupped my ass and I moaned. I knew it had gone too far already.
I shoved against his chest as hard as I could and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand as Adam stumbled back.
"You shouldn't have done that. We can't just pick up where we left off." I said shakily.
Adam eyed me warily as he caught his balance and smoothed our his shirt. "I never expected to get that far to tell you the truth. I thought you'd go for my bullocks. That was some kiss." He grinned and laughed suddenly. "Damn it's good to see you again Baby."
I stiffened. "I am NOT your Baby! And I don't appreciate being mauled. If you ever do that again I will go for your bullocks!"
I moved to leave but Adam stood in my way and held his hands up in surrender. "Okay. Okay. You win." He flashed a grin and winked. "This time."
I snorted in disgust and turned to storm out. My storming was effectively ruined however when I walked straight into Larry's chest.
"Oof!" I lost my balance and Larry hands gripped my arms to steady me. "Larry!" I stared into his smooth expressionless face and wondered what was wrong. Larry's eyes traveled over my shoulder and narrowed.
"Adam. When did you get here?" Larry asked quietly.
I kept my eyes on Larry's face as Adam answered. "A few minutes ago." He said casually and then I heard the sound of a lighter flicking open. So Adam still smocked then. A filthy habit that I never could break him of.
"I don't recall Edge saying anything about you coming over today." Larry said, all the while his eyes were on my face. His eyes searched mine deeply in that way that only Larry could do and I felt started to grow uncomfortable.
Adam snorted lightly. "I don't believe that I've ever needed an invitation to visit Edge. If he has a problem with my being here then I'll hear it from him first." His voice was dripping with contempt and I was confused about what was going on. Why are Larry and Adam treating each other this way?
I pulled back from Larry's arms, and noticed he was watching me again with his intense eyes. I smiled at him. "Larry it's really good to see you."
His face relaxed for the first time since walking into the room and he smiled back. "It's good to see you too. You haven't changed at all."
I laughed dryly. "Nice try Lar but I think I can defiantly argue with you on that." I leaned back against the nearest wall and tried to relax. That was pretty much impossible with Adam standing a few feet away and watching me.
Larry's lips twitched. "Come of it. You're as beautiful as ever and you know it."
I stared at Larry, surprised that he would say that. I blushed when he grinned. I ducked my head slightly to hide my reaction and Larry chuckled.
"While your flirting is highly entertaining, Edge is expecting me." I jumped and jerked my head up as Adam commented dryly before strolling out of the room as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"Your face will stick that way if you're not careful." Larry said, lightly brushing his thumb over my frown creases. I relaxed at his touch and met his eyes.
"He drives me mad."
He nodded. "He drives us all mad."
"Yeah but at least you don't have to worry about fighting off his sexual vibes." I cringed at the total pile of goo I'd turned into at Adam's touch.
"You'd be surprised what we have to deal with where Adam is concerned." Larry scowled briefly before switching back to his normal expression. "Don't worry about him. I'll have a word with him later."
"Oh no you don't have to do that. I don't want you to argue because of me."
Larry snorted. "We may be arguing but it doesn't have anything to do with you."
I burned with curiosity, wanting to know what they were going on about. I didn't feel right about asking though so I pushed those thoughts away and laughed.
"Here we are, just seeing each other for the first time in months and I haven't hugged you yet!" I launched myself into Larry's arms and he laughed as he caught me.
"Doesn't almost running me down count?" Larry smiled as he released me. I blushed a bit.
"Sorry about that. I was kind of in a hurry to get out of here." I smiled cheerfully. "Well, I really have to pee so why don't you show me where the loo is. I've been here before but I forget every time. Does that ever happen to you? I can't seem to remember a thing." I knew I was babbling and Larry did too by the look he gave me.
"I'm fine." I answered his unasked question and slipped my hand into his arm as he led me out of the kitchen.
"So Lar, tell me what you've been up to. Besides U2 stuff.."
"I..I assume Adge told you about Jane?"
Jane was the woman that Larry had been seeing for the past few months. I'd only met her once but I'd thought she was a nice person.
I shook my head and looked at Larry closely. "No she didn't tell me." Larry looked away and my heart sank. "Oh no. You're not together anymore?"
"No. Not for a few weeks now." I stopped and gave him a quick hug.
"I'm sorry. I liked her."
"So did I. I guess she didn't feel the same about me."
I closed my eyes in pain and squeezed Larry's shoulders. "I'm so sorry Lar." I pulled back to smile into his eyes. "If you want to talk you know I'm here for you."
He smiled tiredly. "I know." The rest of the way was silent as we were each lost in our own thoughts.
"Here's the loo." Larry stopped and released my arm.
"Thanks. I'll be out in a minute if you want to wait."
"I'll wait. Wouldn't want you to get lost."
I nodded and gave him a small smile before closing the door softly. I turned and walked quietly over to the sink. I washed my face with cold water and suddenly felt refreshed. Wiping my face dry I stared at my reflection.
"What have you got yourself into this time?" Not having an adequate answer I glanced at my watch and groaned. I'd only been here for fifteen minutes and I was already talking to myself. I was well on my way to a mental breakdown and how in the world was I going to last seven more days!?
~~~~~~~~~~
Stepping out of the bathroom I felt refreshed and put together again. I sighed and smiled at Larry. He smiled back and offered me his arm again.
"So..would you like a tour so you can get used to the place again?" Larry asked.
"Ahh..not right now. I'm kind of tired."
Larry nodded and then preceded to stare off into space.
"Uh..Lar?"
He shook his head and looked at me. "Oh. Sorry. Just thinking." He paused and I was shocked to see a light blush in his cheeks. "I thought you'd been here recently but I'm just now realizing it's been a while. How long?"
"Around three months. Yeah I'd have been here sooner but Jack needed me.." I inwardly groaned and glanced at Larry to see if he'd caught my slip.
"Jack?" I guess he did.
"Yeah he's my..roommate and my teacher. He's a really nice guy."
Larry was shocked. "You live with a man? Is he married?"
"No..he's divorced actually."
"Divorced! How old is he?"
"Thirty five."
"Thirty five!" He yelled.
I cringed. "Relax! We're only friends."
Larry scowled. "I don't like it."
I blinked. "Well I don't want to seem rude but it's really not up to you who I live with. I can make my own decisions." Larry always had a way of getting under my skin!
Larry's face reddened as he yanked his arm away and glared. "Oh can you then? You didn't seem capable a moment ago in the kitchen." His voice was steadily rising. "If you didn't want Adam all over you then you shouldn't have let him kiss you! You acted like..like a-"
My mouth tightened. "Don't you dare finish that sentence! You..you JERK!"
"Is there a problem here?"
Larry and I both turned. Edge and Adge were standing two feet away, both looking highly amused.
"No problem at all." I smiled grimly and glared at Larry. "Except that Larry is being a complete arse and he needs to learn some manners!"
Larry's face darkened with rage. "ME?! What about your lover boy!? Shouldn't you be teaching him something!?"
"Jack is a perfect gentleman!"
Larry's face dissolved into shock and then his eyes flashed in anger. "I was talking about Adam. But thanks anyway for proving me right."
He brushed past me and marched down the hall. A slam of a door resounded through the house moments later.
"What a-"
"Jerk?" Adge supplied with a grin.
"This isn't funny." I rubbed my throbbing temples. "I can't believe that I've only been here for less then an hour and I'm fighting with Larry.
"He's always like that." Edge said. "And he's been worse since every thing with Jane."
"Yeah he told me about that. What happened with them anyway?"
Edge shifted and looked away, "I don't think we should discuss that now. It's still too fresh for Lar and I don't feel right about it."
"Oh..Okay that's fine." I frowned as I followed Adge and Edge back to the kitchen to get everyone drinks and help Adge start dinner.
Everyone was acting really strange. Except Adge. She was the only normal one that I'd talked to so far. And what else could I expect from the next week?
Adam had already turned me into a puddle with his advances. I had fought with Larry over something really stupid. And Edge was acting oddly cold towards me. What was next? Would Bono walk in and declare that his plans to take over the world were finally in motion?! I wasn't sure how much more of the craziness that I could take, but knowing my friends and how insane life got when I was around them, I knew that this was probably only the beginning.
Last edited: