fanfic_name = The Conversation

chapter = Chapter 1

author = K_Flynn

dedicate = To everyone who's written stories on this site (I've read 'em all! Great stuff!), and to especially Carla, who brought out the inspiration!

Rating = AP

Type = Romance

fanfic = The Conversation

This story is about the conversations that we all have had….not with just each other, but with ourselves. This story focuses on three people, their conversations within themselves, and an eventual pow-wow between two rivals….who seek to gain an understanding when it comes to a certain Loud-Mouthed Pilot, who has stolen BOTH their hearts!

This story takes place roughly during, and after, “A Rainy Night”

Chapter 1

Lisa was ecstatic, and it showed in her glowing smile. Still reeling from the shock of the events of a few days ago, she was still letting the sensation settle into her mind: I told Rick Hunter I loved him….and he told me he loved me too!!! Finally! My dream come true!

(Flashback)

_______________________________________________________________________

It took some serious prodding from Claudia that day----as Lisa was sitting dejected in the officer’s mess hall…wondering how she could just go off on Rick like that---especially after he just risked his life, yet again, to save the life of a civilian. But this wasn’t just any civilian though, thought Lisa: Lynn Minmei. Little Miss Singing Star! The object of Rick’s desire for many years. Even before “Operation: Starsaver”, he admitted to Lisa that he loved her (Minmei), but he knew that they could never be together. It gave Lisa a glimmer of hope. That was before he saved Minmei----and she went running into his arms. Seeing the “little princess” in the arms of Rick made Lisa squirm….made her angry. That’s why she lashed out----to get Minmei as far away from Rick as humanly possible. By sending him to chase Khyron, it allowed Lisa the satisfaction of tearing into Minmei’s heart just a bit. If I have to suffer, watching you drape yourself all over him---by God, I’ll make sure he’s on flight duty for a month without a day off before I let you see him again! Lisa knew she could never actually do that, and scolded herself for her cruel thoughts. But she knew she had to do something to let Rick know just how much she’s cared about him for all these years…let him know just how much she’s loved him, and would do anything for him. After all….he’s the one that made her love again.

Claudia had convinced her that night, along with giving her a tin of tea, to stop wasting anymore time with wondering “what if’s”, and just tell him how she feels. So, as the rain came down that night, and Lisa ran through it----crying and wondering what to do at the same time, she finally descended upon Rick’s quarters. She stood out there in the rain…staring at him through his window, getting more drenched by the second. Knowing he was oblivious as to what was going on outside, she hesitated. What could I possibly tell you, Rick?, she wondered. You’d probably care less that I’m practically standing at your doorway, drenched, hoping you’d let me come in….so I can tell you to take my heart and hold it with yours. I wish I had the courage to tell you how I feel….can’t you see, Rick?! Can’t you see how much I’ve literally thrown myself at you?! I NEVER would’ve done that before….but you’ve changed me so much, Rick. You made me love again…you opened up my heart, and now I can’t live without you! I feel like a schoolgirl around you, by making me weak in the knees at the sight of you…..melting my heart with your smile, or just on the verge of fainting dead with just the slightest touch. Why?! Why haven’t you seen how much I love you?! Why don’t you get it?!

Had it not been for Claudia giving her an umbrella, and telling her to head over to her place if she wasn’t ready to confront Rick, Lisa would’ve practically washed away with the rivers of water that was heading into the storm drains on the curb of the streets. So…resigned to the fact that she couldn’t handle him just yet…she headed to Claudia’s.

After regaling stories about how her and Roy Fokker met….Claudia, with the help of some brandy, told Lisa “Stop being a simpering little schoolgirl! You’re a military woman, for God’s sake, and you’re made of sterner stuff than this! Don’t let Little Miss Singing Star win by quitting! If you love him, Lisa….go to him! Show him how much you love him, don’t just tell him! Fight with everything you’ve got! Now, Get outta here!! I wanna have a drink with THIS guy!” Claudia said as she picked up and pointed to a picture of Roy Fokker, and ushering Lisa out of her quarters.

Lisa, still a bit apprehensive, but feeling a bit charged up by Claudia’s speech (or just the effects of the alcohol), picked herself up off the couch, straightened herself, steeled her eyes, and walked out of Claudia’s quarters---determined to win the heart of one Rick Hunter.

Lisa continued to sit and sip her tea as she looked around the café she was sitting at, observing the life hustling around her. She smiled thinking of that rainy night. When Claudia literally threw her out of her home---giving her the confidence to march up to Rick’s quarters, and confess what was in her heart for so long, but couldn’t because of Rick’s continued fascination with Minmei. She chuckled a bit to herself as she ponders back at the moment she arrived at Rick’s door…pounding on it with determination, and the shock on his face when he opened up his door….at that moment, changing his life forever….and hers.

(Flashback 2)

Rick was laying in bed, replaying the events of the day as he heard the sounds of the rain dancing about the roof of his quarters in extreme fashion. Me and my big mouth!, he scowled at himself….How could I be such a jerk to her? I mean, the least I could’ve done was listen to what she had to say. Would that have been so hard, Hunter?! Besides…she kinda looked like she was actually HAPPY to see me when I came in with my report. But, typical me….I just HAD to shoot my mouth off, and cop an attitude to her. God, I’m such an idiot! I know things haven’t been quite as good between us lately as before…..but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about her, or think of her. And why is it--that when I hurt her, it’s as if I’m ripping my own heart out? I don’t like to hurt anyone, and I don’t like seeing a woman cry or be upset…it makes me feel helpless. Makes me feel even worse when I’M the one that does the hurting. Lisa didn’t deserve what I gave her, and now I feel really stupid. Maybe if I ask her to dinner next week? Maybe that will make up for my mistake. I hope so….if it’s one person I can’t afford to have mad at me for a long period of time---it’s Lisa. Then, thoughts of Lisa giving him stern, icy looks on the tac-net riddled Rick’s mind, as well as him trying to talk to her away from work, but hanging up on him, and completely ignoring him. It gave him a depressing shudder throughout his body to even think of that. Why do I feel this way?! What is it about you, Lisa? Why is it that when I see you hurt, or when I hurt you….it’s like a dagger in my heart? How come, when I’m around you, I forget my woes, my nightmares, and even Minmei! You have a way of bringing out the best in me….you believe in me.

Rick looks out the window, watching the rain fall steadily, continuing to contemplate the day’s events…and what they mean.

Lisa, umbrella in hand, continued to stroll towards Rick’s quarters. She knew she couldn’t wait anymore---it was now or never! Her walk was purposeful, but confident—despite the fact that deep down, her insides were telling her: Are you crazy?! He’ll never love you! He’s in love with Minmei! You’re wasting your time!, but Lisa refused to listen, and continued walking to Rick’s, hell bent on winning his heart….or die trying.

Rick got out of bed and roamed about his room. He looked at the poster of Minmei on his wall. Oh, Minmei….why couldn’t you see that I loved you? Why couldn’t you understand what I wanted? Why did you keep pushing me away? Is your career so important that you’d neglect the one person who loved you more than anything in this world?! Why couldn’t you show some assertiveness in our relationship? Help me bridge the gap, instead of looking me up when it suited your needs? Can’t you see how much that hurts me, Minmei? How much being around Kyle, and letting him run your life hurts me? I guess you’ll forever be blind. But I also know that my heart can’t afford to wait on your forever, Minmei. You’re a big star, and I’m a fighter pilot. And I can’t give up being a fighter pilot anymore than you can give up singing. I guess this is our fate, Minmei. I loved you…but I have to move on. Life’s too short for “what if’s”. Continuing to observe the poster, Rick remembers the day he came home, after a little spat with Lisa over him being in Granite City to see Minmei, while his squad was fighting renegade Zentraedi in New Portland, and found his quarters clean and orderly. He knew Lisa was here, for she usually volunteered her services when she was off duty, and he was on patrol. He remembered the pictures she gave him of herself for his photo album. He went into his room to grab the album, and when he turned around, he saw the poster of Minmei….upside down on his wall. He let out a small chuckle at the time, for Lisa’s pettiness and jealousy. But he also remembered the look in her eyes when she handed him her pictures: one of sadness, anxiety, and pain. He felt miserable that she was upset, but hoped he could make it up to her tomorrow. For that moment, he opened his album, and proceeded to insert the pictures of Lisa.

Rick had grabbed the album as he shook off the memory, and perused through it….looking at the pictures of him and Minmei, and other various pictures of her during the last 4 years. Beautiful, like a porcelain doll, he thought to himself as he flipped page after page, reliving the moments captured in the photos. As he got deeper into the book, he suddenly came upon the pictures of Lisa he had inserted. He was amazed to see her in something other than her uniform. Looking playful, pensive, funny, and most of all….happy. It was something she had not been often, but he cherished every simle she gave him, every wink she threw his way. It was as if she was lifting his own spirits with just a mere glance. Continuing, he sees pictures from various functions and moments with some of their friends: Max, Miriya, Claudia, Sammie, Kim, and Vanessa…the “Infamous Bridge Bunnies”. The Trio and everyone else always wanted him and Lisa to stand together in the pictures they took. They usually commented, when he asked ‘why?’ was because they ‘looked good together in the picture’. He sat there, rather dumbfounded at this revelation, and thought to himself: Did everyone know something that neither Lisa nor I noticed?! Or was it just me?! It’s like they’ve been trying to get us together for some time. Did they honestly think Lisa and I looked good together for real? I mean, Lisa is gorgeous, there’s no doubt about that….but why would they be so interested in getting us together…unless……..As the voice in Rick’s head trailed off, he once again scanned the pictures of him and Lisa in the group photos. He looked very closely, for any signs that might give him a clue as to what he was thinking at this moment. In every group picture, Lisa was standing, or sitting next to him. Her smile wide and beautiful, her emerald eyes sparkling with joy. Any picture he saw of her by herself, she didn’t have that glow, Rick observed. Not that she wasn’t happy, but every time he looked at the photos with him and her in it….she was radiating a glow he’d not noticed before. Does she like me?, Rick questioned himself.

After a few more double takes at the album, Rick put it down and pondered the images running through his head. Lisa’s simle, her laughter, her deep, beautiful emerald eyes, her soft brown hair……all of these images conjuring up feelings of joy within Rick. Her tenderness, kindness, and gentle heart had helped him through some pretty rough times during the war. She was there for him when she saved his life aboard Dolza’s flagship. She was there when Roy Fokker died. She was there when Ben Dixon died. And when Dolza destroyed the Earth….all he could think of was Lisa. Though all the heartache, pain and suffering he’s seen and experienced himself…he knew he could count on Lisa to be supportive---and she was. More than he ever thought she would. She went out of her way for him, he now realized. Even when they argued, she never got him in trouble with Gloval, despite her anger towards him. She cares, he discovered. As much as he thought of how much she’d been there for him, he was slowly realizing that he cared for her too…more than he thought he would. He was always willing to help her when she asked, always listened to her thoughts and dreams, and found out just how comfortable he was around her…how relaxed. As if they both broke each others’ barriers down…and simply existed in the moment. When he was close to her…he couldn’t believe how right it felt. Like it was meant to be.

Oh my God……Rick’s eyes widened at his revelation. THAT’S what’s been missing in my life! How could I be so blind?! I’ve been looking for that something that made me complete…whole. For so long I thought it was Minmei, but I was WRONG!

Rick’s sudden epiphany hit him harder than a freight train at top speed…and he gasped as loud as he could, shocked at what he discovered---not only about Lisa, but about himself…he fell back into his chair, and spouted his newest discovery in his heart and soul:

It’s LISA who completes me…..it’s LISA who I love! Oh, Lisa…..what have I done?!! I hope I haven’t driven you away! Rick panicked….hoping against hope that she’ll not hate him forever for his blatant misbehavior towards her. He was so lost in thought and depression that he didn’t notice the doorbell ringing repeatedly.

Lisa had arrived at Rick’s doorstep. She checked herself over a couple times, making sure she wasn’t too inebriated from the brandy, and looking like some disheveled woman after a wild night on the town. Well….she thought, Moment of Truth, Lisa Hayes. Make or break, you can’t turn back now. Don’t give him a chance to speak. Make your point, any way you can. But no matter what….let him KNOW that you love him!

Clearing her throat, Lisa rang the doorbell. She waited for a response, but got none. Hope he’s not asleep, she pondered. She tried again, still no reply. She was getting nervous…and a bit frustrated. I know he’s here…he can’t have gone out anywhere on a night like this! C’mon, Rick! Answer the door, you fool! I’m drowning out here! Getting a tad more upset, Lisa began pounding on the door…and shouting, “Rick! Rick!! Open the door, please!! It’s Lisa! I need to talk to you!”

Rick’s spell over his newfound feelings for Lisa were interrupted by a loud pounding eminating from his front door. Wonder who that could be? And at this time of night? They must be crazy to be out in this storm! Getting up from his chair, he moved to the front door…all the while yelling “Hang on, hang on!! I’m coming already!!” He could barely make out the voice on the other end that was shouting “Let me in!! I need to talk to you!”

He opened the door, and his jaw suddenly dropped. There…before his eyes, was the woman he’d been thinking of all night…the one he hurt earlier in the day. He was shocked to see her at his door. “Lisa!” Rick said in surprise, “What’re you doing here?!”

She looks soaked to the bone, he thought, still in shock at her presence at his door, I can’t believe she’s here! Then, his mind reacted, kicking him over and over, Well, you idiot…ask her in!! Don’t let her stay out there like that! “May I come in, Rick? I really need to talk to you!” said Lisa, with a sense of urgency. “By all means, please come in, before you catch your death!” he replied. With that, Lisa closed the umbrella, and slowly walked into Rick’s house, and he closed the door behind her.

She set the umbrella behind the door to dry, as Rick spoke up, “I’m glad you’re here, Lisa---I want to apologize for my behavior earlier today. It was uncalled for, and I acted like a jerk. Please forgive me…” Lisa was taken aback by the sudden apology, but quickly recovered and said, “It’s okay Rick---I should’ve been more specific as to why I wanted to see you today.”

“Please, have a seat.” He replied, as Lisa ushered herself to his couch. “I’m not used to having a lot of company, Lisa, so I really don’t have much to offer you.” Rick said sadly, as she settled herself on his couch, trying to get comfortable. “Don’t worry, Rick—I’ve got just the thing!” as Lisa pulled her purse up to her lap, and fished into it until she pulled out the tea tin Claudia had given her earlier that day. “How’s this for an offering?” as she tossed the tin to Rick. “Thanks, Lisa! You’re a lifesaver!” as he turned and headed into the kitchen to set a pot of water boiling for the tea.

After a few minutes, the tea pot was whistling, and Rick moved to make a couple cups for him and Lisa. Once done, along with grabbing a box of crackers he had in his cupboard, Rick moved into the living room, and sat a cup of tea in front of Lisa. “Here you go…nice, hot tea, to warm you up from the bitter cold and rain!” he said with a smile. She smiled back, with a “Thank you, kind sir”, and went about kicking off her heels, and laying her legs on his couch, while sitting upright. Rick sat down in his easy chair, and took a sip from his tea….both trying to relax in each other’s presence, gauging on what to say. After a somewhat awkward silence, Rick spoke up, “So, what brings you out during this torrential downpour, Lisa?”. Lisa, clearing her throat, and mustering up her courage from deep within the pit of her stomach, replied, “I was actually coming to see you after my shift ended. I felt really bad about not being upfront as to why I wanted to see you, and wished to explain why.” She looked at him, hoping for a sympathetic look, and understanding look---he nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Lisa---after my rude behavior today, I owe it to you to hear you out….I was totally unfair to you, and you didn’t rate that. I sincerely apologize.” He looked at her, then down in shame. She didn’t want him feeling too bad, so she said, “Forget about it, Rick. You didn’t know what I wanted, and I didn’t give you any hints. So, let’s just move on.” And she gave him a small smile. It was enough for him to drop the subject, and let her continue.

Lisa braced herself, as Rick waited patiently to continue to the reason she’s there with him…not that it mattered. The fact that she was there at all was enough for him. “Rick”, she finally spoke, after clearing her throat, “I came here tonight…..because I can’t hold back what’s been going on with me anymore. I’ve needed to share this with you…needed to tell you this for some time” she said with a nervous tone, “so please bear with me.”

Rick could tell by her tone and mannerisms that this wasn’t something so simple, and that she was truly struggling with this issue, something he could tell she kept hidden, buried deep beneath the surface for too long, and if she didn’t talk about it, it would eat her up inside. It was then that Rick got up, moved over to the couch and sat next to her. Lisa was surprised at this gesture, but even more shocked at his next one. He took Lisa’s cup of tea that was beginning to shake in her hand, set it down on the coffee table before them, and gently took her hands in his….trying to comfort her and get her to relax. Lisa looked at her hands in his, and was visibly flushed pale. Rick gently patted her hands and said “It’s okay, Lisa. Take your time—relax. Everything will be okay….I promise”, his gentle voice managed to calm her nerves, if only for a bit. It was then that they looked square at each other, right into each other’s eyes. The long pause seemed like an eternity as they got lost in each other…exploring the depths of their feelings for each other they’ve only managed to keep hidden from each other for so long. It was then that Lisa spoke. Now, Lisa!!!! Her inner voice shouted. “Rick….when I first met you, I thought you to be such an arrogant, smug kid who called me, what was it? Ah, yes…an ‘old sourpuss’…” she said calmly, yet direct. Rick looked away from her in shame, not being able to look her in the eye, because he remembered their first meeting all too well. “I’m terribly sorry, Lisa. You’re so right…I was an arrogant jerk!”. Lisa patted his hand to let him know it was okay, and she continued, “No worries, Rick….thinking back on it now, it’s kind of funny, really. In a way, you were right…..I was a bit of a sourpuss. Since Karl died, I hid myself in my duties. All I could think of was my job. My Father and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on everything, and we were so distant from each other. Added on with Riber’s death, I shied away from my feelings----buried them deep down, because I couldn’t cope with them. I was so hurt by the events of my private life, I hid in my duties to get away from them. In that process, I alienated a lot of people, save Claudia and the girls. Claudia was able to see right through me, and has kept me honest. She’s tried so hard to get me to open up, but I was so stubborn…and still am, to a point….that I’ve fought with her tooth and nail about it.” She took a sip of her tea as Rick looked on, not wavering his attention from her, keeping his eyes locked on hers, and then she continued. “I kept this up for years…which is why I ended up developing this ‘hard-nosed’ shell you and the rest of the pilots have had to deal with. Don’t think I don’t know about all the ‘Ice Queen’ remarks you boys brought up in the hanger about me. I know all the stories about how terrified of me some of you are.” Rick quickly responded, not letting her get down on herself, “Lisa…a lot of us said that, because we knew how devoted to your duty you were. But what you don’t know is that, while you did have that ‘hard edge’ as you call it…all of us pilots respected you. Roy talked in great length about your medals for courage under fire, and how much you cared about all those on board ship. You have been stern with us, but that’s only because we’ve all realized that you cared about our well being, and you wanted us to be better pilots. Believe me…despite our arguments, which, by the way, never escaped all the pilots I’ve flown with---and believe me, they used to chastise me because of it, mainly due to the fact that they didn’t want to face your ire—you’ve made ME a better pilot. Guess it was better for me to take heat from you than them. But make no mistake, Lisa….all of us pilots hold you in nothing less than the highest regard. We’ve all had admiration and respect for you, and I don’t want you to forget it! We’ve always said we’ve been grateful that you’ve been our coordinator. I know many of us…including myself…and forever indebted to you for bringing us through those many battles alive.” Lisa felt such warmth from Rick’s words as he gently rubbed her hands with his. She felt so emotional at what he said, she let a small tear trickle down her face. “Thank you for that, Rick. That means so much to me. There are times I felt I failed you all…but hearing that makes it all worthwhile”. Rick replied, “Think nothing of it…we’d do anything for you…drop of a hat. But enough of that…please continue with what you were going to say before I stopped you”. Lisa gathered herself, looked into his cobalt blue eyes, and gently spoke, “Thank you. Anyway, as I was saying, Rick….you had a way of infuriating me when you disobeyed orders, or when you challenged me on regulations. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to strangle you….but I couldn’t. No matter how mad I got, I just couldn’t do that to someone, who, after awhile of coordinating and watching you out there in battle…felt you had what it took to be a great fighter pilot. I was always so amazed at how quick you caught on to situations during battle, and even more surprised at how you were able to improvise in order to avoid being shot down. I knew how great a pilot Roy was from watching him all these years, but I didn’t know just how good a teacher he was until I saw you.” Lisa smiled weakly at Rick, but he smiled brightly back when she mentioned Roy. “When you saved me on Mars, I was so upset with you for taking me away from Karl, but in a way, I was also grateful. You kept me from doing something so incredibly foolish. Even moreso, you didn’t rat me out in your report…and you even sat in your fighter on the flight deck, looking over me. As much as I wanted to scream at you, I was so distraught over having to finally say ‘goodbye’ to Karl, you managed, in a way, to allow me to finally come to grips with my feelings”.

“I couldn’t let you die, Lisa” Rick commented. He was surprised at how open she was becoming…and it was a revelation for him, but a welcome one. He’s always wanted to know the Lisa Hayes away from the SDF-1…the woman. He broke off his thought as he looked at her to continue. “On Dolza’s flagship, you saved me from the Zentraedi twice, and I was so impressed with your bravery and determination”, Rick responded, “If I remember correctly, you saved me as well”. “I know…returning the favor, I suppose. But, as I’m trying to point out, you had begun a process that I didn’t think I’d allow to happen. Arguing with you, being saved by you….and….and….kissing you onboard Dolza’s ship---that sent me into a whirlwind of emotion.” “I DO remember you ordering me to kiss you” he smiled. “Yes,” she replied, “But in that kiss, Rick….you reawoke my passion for life. To want to live for something other than my duty. I actually let myself feel something! For the first time in a long time…I allowed myself to feel…to express my emotions. It was all because of you. Oh, Rick…if it weren’t for you, I’d still be a stern, cold-hearted, emotionless woman in search of nothing but duty. You’ve given me my life back, Rick!” She was becoming a bit more emotional now…knowing she had to get out those words, those feelings she’s wanted to share with him for oh so very long. Rick inched a bit closer to her, still holding her hands, keeping himself focused on her eyes. “When you got shot down over the Pacific Ocean in battle…I was so distraught and guilt ridden because I felt I was responsible. I know we had just started to really get along, and we were doing pretty good, actually. It was so nice to be able to spend time with you without arguing. But when you went down, I thought I’d lost the one thing that brought me out of my shell….that brought me back to life. It was then and there Rick….and ever since that day….th—that…”, she struggled as she tried to contain the lump in her throat and the tears beginning to well up in her eyes and stream down her face. Rick wanted to wipe away the tears, but Lisa held a firm grip on his hands…squeezing ever tighter. “That….I fell in love with you, Rick”.

There was a brief moment of silence….Lisa was emotionally vulnerable…and her tears were coming down even more, even shaking a bit. Rick stared at her…in a bit of shock. She’s loved me all this time?!! He thought as her confession had finally begun to sink into him. She’s loved me for so long! I can’t believe it! I knew I was growing attracted to her….but all this time…she’s LOVED me! Oh, Lisa----Lisa, I’m so very sorry for making you wait so long. I swear I’ll make it up to you…I promise!

Rick gathered himself again, as Lisa prepared to finish her speech, “Rick…I know this is a shock to you, but please understand---you’ve done so much for me without even knowing. I’ve wanted you for so long, but I was so scared to tell you….that, and of course, there was Minmei”. Rick shuddered a bit hearing her name. I’m such a fool! He chided himself, I’ve kept this wonderful woman away from me….this woman who really loves me. I kept pushing her away because of Minmei. Well…no more, Lisa! You’ve confessed your feelings for me…now it’s time I do the same for you! He looked down, then back up at Lisa, who commented, “You’ve always had this way with me, Rick. Of making me feel like a princess. I feel relaxed around you. You make me feel like a person….someone worthwhile to talk to, who listens to me, and cares about my well being. I’ve always admired you for how you put others before yourself…it’s what made me love you even more”. Rick felt a pain in his heart a bit at that last comment, thinking Yeah…some great guy I am! I’ve put everyone else before me…except when it came to you, Lisa. I’m such a jerk! But I swear upon my heart….I’ll spend all the time in the world making it up to you!

“I feel sad though,” said Lisa despondently, “Because I know how you feel about Minmei. But I know that I may never have another chance, nor possibly the courage, to tell you how I really felt about you, if I didn’t tell you now. I would completely understand if you want Minmei , Rick. I know how much you’ve loved her.” With that, Lisa looked away from him… and pulled her hands to her face, feeling the sadness well up in her, but glad she managed to say what she had to say…from her heart. It was then that Rick had decided to finally speak up…and open up his heart to her---to finally tell her how he feels.

“Lisa, “ Rick pulled her hands down from her face, and wiped away the tears welling up in her eyes, “I thank you for being honest with me, and telling me how you feel. I know it wasn’t easy. However, since we’re in the mood for ‘true confessions’, I think it’s about time I tell you my true feelings”. Lisa was taken aback by his comment, and looked at him quizicly. What is he talking about?! She wondered as he drew a bit more closer to her. She could feel the fire burning in her soul as he held her hands, and moved ever so closer to her face. Her heart was beating faster with anticipation…not knowing what is going to happen next. At the same time, Rick could feel is own heart pumping rapidly, and feeling the fire burning between the two, as he cleared his throat…stared straight into her eyes…looking into her soul, and finally speaking.

“There is no ‘Minmei and Me’…..and there never will be. I’ve come to realize that she’s not mature enough to handle the kind of relationship I’m looking for. She’s never understood me, and she’s only needed me at her own convenience. As much as I did love her….I realized I could never have her. It’s taken me awhile, but I’ve come to terms with it…and you know what? I’m at peace with it. I’m really okay. I feel I’ve moved on from it”. Lisa looked confused, but Rick was undaunted, “I know that I’ve grown as a person over the last few years than Minmei ever will. It was that realization that I knew I need someone in my life who understood me. That could relate to what I was feeling, to be able to listen to me when I needed to get something off my chest, or just to enjoy a quiet day together….talking about all the little things that made life so worthwhile. Someone who complimented me in a relationship. Someone who, with them, I had a sense of balance in my life. Someone I could share all my heart’s desires in wishes with. A friend, a confidant, a lover….someone I knew I could grow old with.” Lisa, expectant for an answer, looked on…wondering what he was getting at. Rick picked up on her questioning glace, and held her hands gently in his…looking at her with the most serious of looks. He put his hand to her face, and gently stroked it, sending shocks of electricity through Lisa’s body. Her eyes closed as she felt his gentle hand move across her cheek…cherishing it with her heart. “Lisa….I’m reminded of something Claudia told me. She said that she always saw me with someone older…someone who’s been through a romance and a broken heart. Someone who’s able to handle a committed relationship. She said that those people are all around, and that sometimes they pass so close you don’t even notice them”. Lisa could only begin to wonder where he was going with this, and she held onto his every word. “Before you got here tonight, I was looking at my album. At all the pictures you gave me, and the ones that were taken of us. In them, at least the ones taken of us with our friends…I noticed something in them I never saw before. You…the real you. Shining bright with this aura around you. I compared it to the pictures you gave me…but they didn’t generate that same glow. I only saw that glow when we were standing with each other. It was then that I realized what I’ve wanted for so long….the real you. It made me realize that I pushed away the one woman whom I’m meant to love for so long…and I was too blind to notice it. Yes, Lisa…..that woman is you! I can’t believe it….but having seen you….hear you tell me you love me….it all feels right. Like it’s meant to be. This is what I’ve been seeking…and wanting. And now,” he held her face in his hands, ever so gently, yet keeping her eyes glued to his, “I’ve only one thing to say to you, Lisa Hayes----I love you!” Lisa was absolutely stunned. If it weren’t for him holding her head in his hands, she’d have fallen completely off the couch. Her eyes were full of tears now, and they rolled continuously down her face. “Oh Rick,” she cried….her voice breaking apart, not able to contain the well of emotions coming to the surface.

She let loose all her tears, and cried, “Rick…oh Rick! You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world! I can’t believe you’re telling me this! I’m not dreaming am I, Rick?!” , he looked at her…with a smile on his face as he planted a soft kiss on her cheek, “No Lisa. It’s no dream….I love you. And I always will love you! You complete me, Lisa Hayes….and I swear to you, I will always love you and be there for you!” With that, Lisa lost it, and threw her arms around Rick…hugging him tightly, crying into his chest. Crying tears of joy. Rick held her tight, thinking I’ll never let you go, Lisa. I promise to love you forever! I’ll never let anyone or anything come between us. We’ve fought too hard to get to this, and I’ll be damned if I let anything take us away from each other!

Into the long rainy night….Rick and Lisa sat on his couch…cuddled close to each other, reveling in their newfound love.

State = Continuará/To Be Continue

feedback = Sí/Yes

email = dirkjentlyATcox.net