Watch What You Say

By Kelli

Jump to new as of August 31, 2004
Jump to new as of September 16, 2004

Prologue

Posted on Monday, 23 August 2004

“Please, let me play with you!” begged Alecia Bennet.

Michael Darcy stopped and turned around slowly. Alecia saw the fury in his eyes and almost cowered. Almost. But she never showed weakness.

“Allie! How many times do I have to tell you, we DO NOT want to play with you, and we really don't want you to hang out with us! You're just a stupid little seven year old. Just leave us alone! I'm tired of telling you that! Now scram, shrimp!” Michael yelled.

As soon as the words left his mouth, he had an inkling of remorse deep down. But he squashed it. Then he watched his best friend John Bingley leave his side and walk to Alecia.

“Allie, do you want to play with us? It's alright, don't listen to Mike. He's just being mean.”

Alecia looked up at him, her big green doe eyes filled with tears. Then she shook her head, about-faced, and ran away from the group.

John turned back around to face Michael. His face hardened, and Michael knew he was in for a lashing.

“Mike, I don't understand you. Why do you hate Allie so much? What did she ever do to you besides try to be your friend?”

Michael looked at his friend, an incredulous expression writ clearly across his face. “John, she's a girl. That in itself isn't all that bad, but she's such a pain! She never leaves us alone! Why do you think I run her off?”

John just shook his head in disappointment. “Whatever, Michael. I don't know what to say to you. I don't know why you think you're so high and mighty. She's seven, you're twelve. I don't know why you treat her like dirt. She's every bit as human as we are, and has feelings, like we do. Except I'm starting to think you don't have any, the way you set people down like that!”

Michael listened to John's bitter voice and knew his friend was disappointed in him. And whenever John Bingley was disappointed, you knew it was bad, because John was known for his bright smiles and sunny disposition. He almost never looked the way he did now- stiff shoulders, narrowed eyes, all the while with a melancholy look.

John looked in the direction Alecia went running off, and then spoke. “Well, I need to go. I'll see y'all later. Bye!”

Michael and the rest of their friends watched as he went running in the same direction Alecia had.

“Mike, I agree with John. You're way too harsh on Allie. You hang out with other girls, what's so wrong with her?” questioned Michael's cousin, Jeff Fitzwilliam.

Michael just rolled his eyes, clearly not caring. Then he stalked off towards his home, where his friends suspected he would brood until John came over with his smiles to brighten him up.

Once Michael was gone, Jordan Knightley and Nathan Wickham looked at Jeff. “Let's just go home. Mike and John are gone, so there's really no point in staying.” Jeff said.

The three of them went their separate ways

Later that night, John went over to Michael's house. The two of them always readily forgave each other for their arguments. Which was the case this night. The only bad thing was that John was still not happy with Michael for what he said to Alecia.

“Well, Michael, I guess you'll be happy to know that you won't have to deal with Allie anymore.”

Michael looked up from the model car he was working on. “What?”

John glanced at Michael, then got up and walked to the window. Without turning around, he responded.

“This afternoon I went to Allie's house to see how she was and explain to her parents why she was so distraught.” John didn't see Michael wince. “While I was there, I found out that Allie's dad got a job in Austin. She's moving.” John's voice cracked slightly.

Michael's head snapped up and his eyes grew wide. Allie's leaving? Was it because of what I said? No, John said her dad got a job in Austin. But I still feel guilty. Why?

While Michael's thoughts were racing in a thousand different directions, John was struggling to contain his emotion. He didn't like Alecia in that way. But he did value her friendship and bright smiles. He would miss the close camaraderie he shared with her. He wasn't sure if he'd ever see her again; he could only hope she'd come back to visit or that he could see her.

With a heavy heart, John told Michael he needed to go home.

After John had left, Michael sat on his bed pondering Alecia. He started talking to himself, trying to make sense of his jumbled thoughts.

“I can't stand her! Or can I… John and Jeff were right. I was mean to her. If only she'd not bother us as much! If she wanted to play occasionally, it'd be one thing. But she wants to play all the time.”

Michael sighed, not knowing what to do or think.

“Maybe I can go apologize to her sometime before she leaves. Maybe I can get John to take me with him when he goes to see Allie and her family off.”

The thoughts continued to swirl around inside his head for a while until out of exhaustion, he fell asleep.

Michael never got the chance to apologize. John told him that Alecia and her mother had started packing the week before, and had left the morning after the incident for Austin. Her father would join them soon after, once all the strings were tied up and everything was settled.

Michael didn't know what to do, so he decided he would wait to apologize until he saw her again.

Little did he know he wouldn't see her again for another fifteen years.

Prologue, Continued

Posted on Sunday, 29 August 2004

A year after Alecia and her family moved to Austin, John's mom got transferred there. John was excited to see Alecia again, even though he would be leaving his friends in Denver. He promised to keep in touch with all of them, most of all Michael. They had grown closer than ever in the year that Alecia wasn't there. John could sense that his friend was changing. Becoming more mature. The day John told Michael he was moving was a bittersweet one. John made his best friend promise to visit him in Austin during vacations. Michael made John promise likewise.

Over the years, both of them visited the other- they had a schedule worked out. John visited Michael and all his old friends in Denver during the summer. Michael went down to Austin during the winter vacation with his parents to spend Christmas with John's family. But when Michael was in Austin, he never saw Alecia. He never knew why. John always said she was out of town.

After what seemed like an eternity, though in truth it was only six years, the two of them graduated, and went to each other's graduations. Michael didn't realize it, but Alecia was at John's graduation. After it was over, Michael sought out John. When he found him, he saw a young girl about thirteen years old reaching up to give John a big hug. He looked away for a moment, and when he looked back, the girl was gone. As quickly as she had entered his mind, she left. He made his way over to John to congratulate him.

A few weeks after graduation, John made the customary trip up to Denver for summer vacation. This time was different however; they had graduated and would be starting college in the fall. They had both applied and been accepted to Texas Tech University.

They spent the next four years there, obtaining their degrees. And then they graduated. When they did, Michael saw the same girl he had seen at John's high school graduation, only she looked older. But he never got the chance to ask who she was, because he and John got whisked off. It never entered his mind that it might be Alecia.

She didn't notice Michael at either graduation. She had gone to see John, and only him. Alecia was almost eighteen, and would begin college in the fall. She had been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin. In the ten years since she had moved from Denver to Austin, she had grown up. She grew to a height of 5'8”; her short mousy brown hair was no more; it had naturally gone to a dark chestnut brown, falling in curls halfway down her back. But she had not changed only physically; always a bright child for her age, she continued to excel in her class. She had also blossomed and become a very sociable girl.

Since John and Alecia lived in the same city and were great friends, they saw a lot of each other and their families. Alecia had always disliked John's sisters, but now even more so. Danielle and Deanna were John's sisters. Deanna was married, while Danielle was free as a bird. Alecia called her Danni, but Danielle preferred to be called Elle- even more than her given name. Everyone who knew Danielle was aware of the fact that she was a mercenary beast. Alecia didn't know who her latest conquest was, but she felt sorry for the guy.

Little did she know it was Michael Darcy. Who she considered her sworn enemy.

Three years passed, and finally her senior year in college was upon her. Alecia had always been involved in choir, dance, and drama. And she continued to pursue these arts in college. After three months of preparing, the Fine Arts department was putting on a show featuring all the groups. John had made plans to go, and since Michael was in town visiting at the time, he decided to drag him along.

He also felt it the perfect opportunity to reunite his two best friends.

Which is how we come to the present day.

Chapter 1

“John, tell me again why you are dragging me to this spectacle?” Michael inquired.

“Because I had promised a couple of friends I would go. Since you're in town, I want you to go. Besides, I can't exactly leave you alone. Well, actually, I could, but it's rude. So come on, it'll be fun!”

Michael just rolled his eyes and acquiesced. John watched his reaction and couldn't stop the thoughts swirling around in his head. If he acts like this the whole time he is there, what will Alecia think? She'll hate him more than ever!

The two of them took their seats and waiting for the show to begin. John knew Alecia was doing a few dances- and a couple of those were rather bawdy. Everyone who knew her was aware of the fact that she was anything but raunchy, but that didn't mean she got into character sometimes to have fun. He wondered what Michael would think when he saw her. Will he even recognize her? Or will he be his good ole reliable self and call her a slut? Even when she's not one, just playing a part?

He shook his head to clear the thoughts. Then, the stage lit up and a woman walked out.

“We would like to thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to come see the show. It will feature members of our band, orchestra, choir, dance department, and theatre group. We ask that you please turn off all cell phones and pagers. Again, we thank you for coming out and we hope you will enjoy the show.”

The woman bowed her head, and then retreated back through the curtains. John looked at his program and saw that Alecia would be singing first. Suddenly the lights dimmed, and he could see a figure emerging from the curtains. Alecia started singing while the room was still darkened.

Well he used to be mine
Not so very long ago.
I was crazy to ever let him get away
Girl you should know better
Than to go braggin' in my face
So forgive me for what I'm 'bout to say:

Then the spotlight came on and focused on Alecia. With a giant grin on her face, she belted out the song.

Big deal! So what? Who cares?
You just got lucky that's all it was ...shut-up!
Don't wanna hear another word
About candlelight and long stemmed roses
And how you've fallen head over heels in love...
So what? Big deal!

He's perfect... I heard ya...
The first ten times that you told me!
Yeah, yeah it's amazing, his lovin',
I can't believe I let him go
I regret it, there I said it!
You call yourself a friend but just keep rubbin' it in

Big deal! So what? Who cares?
You just got lucky that's all it was…
I swear, if I hear another word
About candlelight and long stemmed roses
And how you've fallen head over heels
In love... So what? Big deal!

Congratulations, I'm just so happy for you
I can't contain the way I feel!

Big deal! Big deal! So what? Who cares?
You just got lucky that's all it was ...shut-up!
Don't wanna hear another word
About candlelight and long stemmed roses
And how you've fallen head over heels
In love... So what? Big deal!
In love... So what? Big deal!
Oh-oh it's a real big deal! *

The applause was thunderous, the crowd obviously appreciating Alecia's opening act. The night progressed, with Alecia singing two other songs. She was in two dances as well, with some friends. The next time she danced, it was the raunchy dance John had been dreading. Not because of her- he thought it was funny whenever she got into that character. But he didn't know what Michael's reaction would be.

Alecia had asked John to be one of her props for the dance; she would be doing a lap dance of sorts. She would also be dancing around the stage extremely provocatively. She had asked him to do it because she knew he viewed her as strictly a friend, and wouldn't react… physically… to the dance. He quietly told Michael he was to be a prop in one of the next dances, and left to take his place.

When he got backstage, he started looking around for Alecia. He saw her and made his way over.

“Well, well, well! If it isn't Miss Behavin' herself!” John laughed.

Alecia turned around, and then flashed him a grin. “And here's my prop! Thanks again, John, for doing this. I didn't think I'd be able to do it because of the way… guys… react.”

John grinned, and then replied. “It's all fun and games, Allie-girl. Glad to be of service to a friend!”

Alecia gave him a quick hug, and then hearing her name called, turned to him. “Well, this is it. Let's hope the student body doesn't think I'm some slut!”

“Naw, they won't think so. They all know that's not what you're really like.” But John had some misapprehensions. Michael didn't know she wasn't really like that. And he wasn't looking forward to what he had to say about her once the show was over.

He dragged a chair to center stage behind the curtain, and sat down. Alecia came up behind him and hugged him, and then went to stage left to wait for the music to begin.

The music began, and the curtain rose. The lights trained directly on John, and within a few seconds he saw Alecia sauntering towards him from the corner of his eyes. A few times during the dance, she faced him entirely and a giant smile appeared on her face, and she rolled her eyes. And as soon as she turned away from him, a naughty look overcame her face and eyes. He wanted to burst out laughing, but couldn't because it would ruin the act.

But all of a sudden, John could sense Michael's thoughts. He thinks she's some little ho giving me a lap dance or something! I knew it. I need to explain things to him before he and Alecia meet up again.

When the song ended, Alecia sat on John's lap, crossed her legs, and bowed at the waist, acknowledging the cat-calls, whistles, and applause coming from the audience.

Alecia ended the night with another song.

Some kids have and some kids don't
And some of us are wondering why
And mom won't watch the news at night
There's too much stuff that's making her cry

We need some help
Down here on Earth
A thousand prayers
A million words
But one voice was heard

A house a yard a neighborhood
Where you can ride your new bike to school
The kind of world where mom and dad still believe the golden rule

Life's not that simple
Down here on Earth
A thousand prayers
A million words
But one voice was heard

One voice
One simple word
Hearts know what to say
One dream can change the world
Keep believing till you find your way

Yesterday while walking home
I saw some kid on Newbury road
He pulled a pistol from his bag
And tossed it in the river below

Thanks for the help
Down here on Earth
A thousand prayers
A million words
But one voice was heard

One voice was heard
One voice was heard **

It moved the audience and seemed a fitting conclusion to the show.

Afterwards, the audience was milling out into the foyer. John saw Alecia coming out from backstage and swept her up into his arms for a big hug.

“Allie! You were great! Congratulations! I'll let you go talk to your friends and other adoring fans, but be sure to see me again before you leave. I want to introduce you to someone.”

Alecia flashed him a brilliant smile. “Thanks, John! I'll stop by in a few minutes.” With that, she went off in search of her friends.

John went in search of Michael to explain about the whole lap dance debacle. He spotted him and walked over.

“Michael, I just wanted to tell you…”

But John couldn't continue because Michael cut him off. “John, you expect me to believe that… that slut is worthy of your friendship? That's absurd!”

Unknown to both men, Alecia had come up behind them while Michael continued to rant about her. She watched them and slowly realized that the man degrading her was Michael Darcy; the boy who had been so mean to her fifteen years ago. Finally, she shouldn't take it anymore.

“Hey, John you said you wanted to talk to me.” Then she turned to Michael. “Hello, Michael. It's been a long time.”

*- Big Deal by LeAnn Rimes
**- One Voice by Billy Gilman

Chapter 2

Posted on Monday, 13 September 2004

John glanced from Alecia to Michael. He saw the hatred in Alecia's eyes and the errant question in Michael's.

“John? What's going on?” Michael asked, an edge of nervousness in his voice.

“Well, besides the fact that she obviously heard what you said…” John replied.

“I get that, John. But how does she know my name? I've never met her before!”

“Will you two stop talking about me like I'm not here?” demanded Alecia.

John and Michael both looked sheepishly at her.
“Sorry, Allie. I just… well…”

Alecia's eyes widened as she realized he had used her childhood nickname; only him and her family still called her Allie. Everyone else called her Alecia or Alise. She watched as Michael's head turned sharply in her direction.

John was the first to speak. “Um, Michael, you remember Alecia Bennet, don't you? Better known as Allie.”

Michael's eyes swerved to Alecia. He stared at her with wide eyes for a few moments, and then, in a hoarse, broken voice, said one word.

“Allie?”

She could see the regret in his eyes, but refused to acknowledge it. “Glad to see you finally recognized me. Though I suppose I do look different; fifteen years has a way of doing that to people. I guess it wasn't enough that you hurt me so bad then, now you have the gall to insult me blatantly, where half the people here can hear you! I'd have thought John would've told you I don't act like that!” But then a sense of dread came over her. “John? Did you not tell him the truth?”

John looked at her incredulously. “Allie, I tried to...”

Michael cut him off. “I'm sorry, I kept interrupting him.” Then with downcast eyes, he continued. “Allie, I waited fifteen years to apologize for the way I spoke to you that day. When I found out you had moved, I didn't know what to do. All those years I came to visit John, I had hoped to see you and apologize, but I never got the chance. I really am sorry for all the things I said, including tonight. I didn't recognize you. If I had, I wouldn't have said the things; I… I hope you'll forgive me, someday…”

Alecia looked at him with warring emotions. Of course, she was still livid. But she also had an inkling of pity. But then she remembered what he said. I didn't recognize you. If I had, I wouldn't have said those things.

Looking at him archly, she replied, “You wouldn't have called another girl a slut? Just because you didn't know her?” She shook her head. “Michael… just… leave me alone. Don't seek me out, please. I can't handle you right now.”
With that she walked away.

“John… why didn't you tell me before we came here that your “friend” Alecia was Allie?”

John sighed and answered him. “I wanted to surprise you both. I knew that she didn't like you because of the way you treated her the day before she left, and I knew you wanted apologize… so… I thought maybe you could work out your differences. But now it'll be even longer before she forgives you, if ever.”

Michael closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

“Well, there's not a whole lot I can do right now. I know. I'll send her an apology card or something, but not attempt to contact her, seeing as how she obviously doesn't want me talking to her.”

John looked at his friend with a mix of pity and sympathy. “She'll come around, Michael, just give her time. And the card with an explanation of that day so long ago and tonight is a good idea.”

After talking a little while longer, they both left to go back to John's house.

Alecia was back at the apartment she shared with Chelle, her older sister.

“Chel, why does he hate me so much?” Alecia asked as she sat down on the couch.

“Well, sister dear, from what you tell me, I get the impression that he didn't know it was you up there, nor did he realize that's not how you really act.”

Alecia let out an exasperated huff, “I know he didn't recognize me, but still! He shouldn't have said those things, regardless of who it was.”

Chelle looked at the ceiling before replying. “Allie, I know it was wrong of him to say that- believe me, I do. But that's the way most guys react. The difference is that some guys voice these opinions and some don't. Michael obviously makes his opinions known. And listen to me, please, Allie: somebody who doesn't realize that's not how you act is going to entertain the thoughts that you are, as you put it, a slut. You can't really blame him.”

Alecia was tired of arguing. “I get what you're saying, and acknowledge the truth of my position. What I don't like is that he would've said it about anyone, whether he knew them or not.”

“Allie, he probably would've said that about anyone he didn't know- or recognize.” Chelle said.

Alecia agreed with Chelle, the two of them finally reaching the crux of that point.

“Chel, do you think I should forgive him?”

“It's your decision, Allie. I think you should, but that's my opinion. At the very least you should talk to him about what he said tonight and that day back in Denver.”

Alecia looked lost in thought for a few moments, and then spoke. “Well, I'll think about it and make my decision. But for now, I'm going to bed.”

Chelle got up and gave her sister a hug, then bade her goodnight.

Once Alecia was safely ensconced in her room, Chelle let out a sigh. “I hope they become friends at the very least- hopefully more. They're so well fit for each other.”

With that thought running around in her head, she went to get ready for bed.

Michael sent Alecia the card a few days later, and then avoided her completely, sensing it was what she wanted.

Alecia tried to avoid him as well. John and Chelle, knowing that Michael and Alecia were perfectly matched to each other, tried to get them together at all costs. They were, needless to say, quite exasperated that their attempts were in vain.

Two weeks after the show, there was a gala ball that Alecia and Chelle had been invited to. Chelle naturally asked John along with her. Alecia wasn't dating anyone at the moment, and didn't know of anyone in particular to invite. She had planned on going stag, but John said he'd find a date for her.

Since receiving the apology card from Michael, she had softened to him somewhat, but she was still mad at him. Her talk with Chelle had removed her ill-will concerning his comment that if he had known who she was, he wouldn't have said what he did.

She was still mad at him for calling her a slut, however, even with the card. Most of her anger was irrational, seeing as how he didn't know her or the person she had become, as Chelle pointed out. Alecia knew in her heart, as well as the back of her mind that this was the truth, but she stubbornly hung onto her anger.

She was not averse to the possibility of Michael as a date for the gala, but she didn't exactly like the idea, either. Alecia got tired of thinking about him, and pushed him from her mind.

Thus her surprise was great when Alecia opened the door on the night of the gala to see John and Michael standing there. Alecia had seen John in a tux numerous times, but never Michael. She bit back her desire as she took in his form. I just want to run my hands up and down his chest! And those broad shoulders… Mmm. She looked at his hands and a surge of lust ripped through her. His hands! So big and strong. I can just see him pushing the straps of my dress off and cupping my…Whoa there, Allie! Back off! He hates you. You hate him! Right?

Alecia tried to calm her breathing and noticed he had a concerned look in his eyes. Beyond that, she saw lust. Hmm… I want to run my fingers through those delicious curls and kiss his full lips… Oh geez, I'm doing it again! She looked up at him again and saw amusement in his eyes. Oh great. Now he's laughing at my inability to stop fantasizing!

Michael, on the other hand, wasn't even attempting to rein in his desire. Dear lord, she's beautiful! Why on earth did I have to offend her so? I want to kiss those soft lips. I want to run my hands over her luscious curves. I want to pull the pins out of her hair and bury my hands in it. His lusty thoughts stopped as he noticed her irregular breathing. Is she ok? I hope I didn't make her mad, agreeing to be her date. He noticed her trying to control her breathing, and then observed as it became labored again. If I didn't know better, I'd say she desired me! He smiled a little at that thought.

John noticed their reactions to each other and smirked. I wonder how long it will take them to realize they are perfect for each other? He shook his head and initiated conversation.

“Hey, Allie. I hope you aren't mad I got Michael as a date for you.”

Alecia eyed him suspiciously, with a sneaking feeling that he knew exactly what he was doing.

“It's alright, John.”

John smiled, and noticed Chelle wasn't around.

“Where's Chel?”

Alecia was about to respond when Chelle appeared at her side. That night, Chelle was swathed in a beautiful blue silk dress, and her golden hair was done up nicely, with little curls springing out in different places. Alecia was wearing a deep red silk dress, the color of wine. Her dark chestnut curls were piled into a chignon. Both women's dates marveled at their respective beauty.

“I'm here, John. You do look handsome, dearest! And you look devastating, Michael! I don't know if the ladies will be able to keep their hands off of you… and I think that includes Allie here.” At that last bit, Alecia blushed crimson and looked away. Michael just chuckled.

“Why thank you, fair lady. You look beautiful! And Allie, you look stunning.” He said the last part low and seductively. Alecia shivered and desperately tried to rein in her desire.

Alecia smiled at Michael, and thanked him for the compliment, then returned it. She really couldn't tear her eyes away from him!

John took Chelle by the arm and escorted her to the limo. Michael looked expectantly at Alecia and took her arm as well.

As Michael led Alecia to the limo, he attempted conversation.

“So… what's this gala for?”

“It's not really for anything… just this obscenely wealthy guy that likes to throw extravagant parties. He hit on Chelle until she and John got together, then he started on me.” She shuddered at the thought, and then continued. “He still hits on Chelle on occasion, even though she's attached. Hopefully seeing John will make him stop completely.”

Michael stared at her, a look of muted horror mixed with jealousy on his face. “But wouldn't that mean he would hit on you more?”

Alecia sighed and looked rather despondent. “Yeah, he will.”

“Why do you keep going to these parties if you know he's gonna hit on you?” He asked incredulously.

She stopped walking for a moment, the expression on her face telling him she was lost in thought.

“You know, I don't know. I like going to parties. So does Chelle. It's fun until somebody starts practically stalking you, wanting a dance. But like I said, I do enjoy the parties.”

“Just… be careful, Allie. Some guys want more than just a dance. And some turn into stalkers.”

Alecia glanced up at him and saw lines of worry etched across his handsome face. She felt the urge to reassure him… she felt the need to kiss him.

“Thanks, Michael.” With that, she took his arm again and they made their way to the limo.

On the way to the gala, the four occupants of the limo talked like old friends. There was some tension coming from Alecia, who was by far still not comfortable with Michael.

Soon, the limo rolled up in front of the house where the gala was being held. Alecia emerged from the limo and saw the greedy, expectant eyes of the “obscenely wealthy man” holding the party. The same man who would be hitting on her the whole night.

Oh goody, she thought. Here we go.

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