WestFiction- "Instant Love" by Sue

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INSTANT LOVE

by Sue

Mark couldn’t sleep. He rolled over and looked at the clock. It said 12:45 a..m. He sighed deeply and tried to relax. After about half an hour he got out of bed and made himself a hot drink. He took it back to bed and propped himself up on his pillows. He thought about the events of yesterday that were causing him to lose sleep.

The boys had been rehearsing for a television show in the morning and had then gone to a local restaurant for lunch. Half-way through their lunch Mark had spotted a girl sitting at a corner table by herself. She was crying quietly. Mark wanted to go over to her and find out what was wrong. He wasn’t being nosey, he genuinely wanted to help her. She turned her face slightly and Mark could now see her face. She was very pretty and feminine. Her eyes were huge and green in colour. Her hair fell in waves down her back and it was the colour of corn. There was something about her that made Mark want to hold her and take away her troubles. She seemed very vunerable. Looking at her made Mark feel all warm and fuzzy.

“Hey Mark” said Shane waving his arms in front of Mark’s face. “Is anybody there?”

Mark turned to look at Shane.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Well,” began Shane “I have been talking to you for about two minutes and I don’t think you have heard a word I said. What is so interesting?” Shane finished turning in his seat.

Shane saw the girl and turned back to Mark with a smile.

“Ah ha, “ he said. “A damsel in distress!”

Mark blushed.

“She just looks so sad “ Mark said.

Shane looked at Mark.

“Are you going to be her knight in shining armour?” he asked grinning.

Mark sighed and blushed again.

“No, it’s none of my business why she’s crying.”

“Maybe her dog died?” said Bryan joining in the conversation.

Mark gave him a withering look.

“Shut up McFadden” he said.

Mark watched as the girl stood up and went to pay for her meal. She glanced round the room while she was waiting. Her gaze skimmed over the tables and came to rest on Mark. He smiled shyly. She looked away and handed over her money. She headed for the door. Just as she was about to leave she turned and looked back at Mark and she smiled. With that she was gone.

“Damn!” said Mark.

Shane looked at him.

“Why don’t you go after her?” he said.

Mark shook his head.

“No” he said sadly “I don’t think she wants company right now.”

They finished their meal and left the restaurant. They returned to the hotel and went to their rooms. Mark couldn’t settle so he went to Shane and Kian’s room. He knocked on the door and Kian opened it.

“Hi Ki,” Mark said. “I’m just going for a walk.”

“O.k. Mark” replied Kian. “Don’t get lost and don’t be late back. We’ve got an interview at 5p.m.”

“Yes mum” said Mark grinning.

5 minutes later he left the hotel and walked slowly down the road. He couldn’t stop thinking about the girl. He wished he had had the courage to go over to her and ask her if she needed any help. He cursed his shyness.

He saw a sign that pointed to a park so Mark headed in that direction. He walked into the park and stopped. It was breathtaking. There were flowers everywhere and the trees were beautiful. Children were running about and laughing as they played. Mark breathed deeply and went to sit on a bench. He watched the children for a while and then decided to check out the pond in the middle of the park. He leaned on the railings and stared into the water. He could see his reflection. Suddenly another reflection appeared beside his. It was the girl from the restaurant. Get a grip Feehily, he told himself. Now you are imagining her.

“The fish are beautiful aren’t they?”

Mark jumped out of his skin.

“Sorry” said the girl “I didn’t mean to make you jump.”

Mark blinked several times. She was really there!

“Erm, no, it’s o.k.” he stammered blushing. “I was miles away.”

They both turned and looked back at their reflections.

“I saw you earlier” he said “In the restaurant.”

“Yes” she said. “I saw you watching me.”

Mark blushed deeper.

“Sorry” he said “I didn’t mean to stare but you looked so sad. I mean, I could see you were upset but it’s none of my business.”

The girl studied him carefully for a minute. She looked at his enormous blue eyes and his dimples and she thought he was gorgeous. He blushed under her gaze and she smiled.

“My name is Rachel” she said holding out her hand.

Mark took her hand and held it gently.

“Hello Rachel “he said “My name is Mark.”

She blushed slightly and he realised he was still holding her hand.

“Sorry” he said and reluctantly let go.

She laughed and her green eyes shone in the sunshine. Mark’s breath caught in his throat. She was so delicate and vunerable looking. He had a strong urge to grab her and hold her tight. Good one Feehily, he thought. She’d probably knee you somewhere painful and run off screaming!

He swallowed nervously.

“Erm, do you live round here?” he said.

“Yes” she replied “I like to come here every day. It’s so beautiful and peaceful.”

She closed her eyes and turned her face to the sun.

Mark studied her. He was totally overwhelmed by her. She aroused such strong feelings in him that it scared him. He felt intoxicated by her. All he could think about was holding her. He wanted to know what had made her cry but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Supposing it was over a boyfriend or worse, a husband!

She opened her eyes and smiled at him. Mark’s heart contracted and he found it hard to breath for a moment.

“Are you o.k.?” she asked concerned.

Mark took a deep breath.

“Yes” he managed to say. “I think I may have had too much sun” he made up quickly.

“Oh dear” she said “Perhaps you should sit in the shade for a while.”

He nodded and they made their way under the trees. Mark sat on a bench and she stood in front of him.

“Stay here in the shade until the sun isn’t quite so hot “ she said. “You should feel better soon.”

She looked at her watch.

“Well” she said “I should be going.”

Mark’s face fell. He wanted her to stay longer.

“Goodbye Mark” she said reaching down to gently brush her fingers across his cheek.

Mark closed his eyes as her touch sent shivers down his spine. She began to walk away. He opened his eyes. He couldn’t just let her go.

“Rachel, wait!” he said getting up and she turned round.

“Erm, would you have dinner with me?” he asked.

She watched him fidget nervously about and she smiled.

“Yes Mark, I would love to” she said.

“Great” he replied “Where shall I pick you up?”

Her face clouded over briefly.

“Oh, no, it’s alright, I’ll meet you somewhere” she said

Mark frowned wondering why she didn’t want him to go to her house.

“O.k. then” he said “How about ‘Salvino’s’ the Italian restaurant?”

“That would be lovely” she said “Say 7:30?”

“7:30 is fine “ he said and he smiled at her.

“Good. Bye again then” she said and walked away.

“See you later” he called out and she waved.

Mark shoved his hands into his pockets and walked slowly back to the hotel.He was on cloud nine and couldn’t stop smiling.

Later that evening he was rushing about trying to get ready. Their interview had been a long one and afterwards Anto had insisted on a meeting. Now it was already gone 7:00 and he wasn’t ready.

Someone knocked on the door and he went to open it. It was Shane. Mark let him in and rushed back to the bathroom.

“Mark” said Shane sitting on the bed. “Why are you rushing about like a maniac?”

“Oh God Shane” Mark said trying not to cut himself as he shaved.

“I’m late. I’m going out for dinner with Rachel.”

Shane’s eyes widened.

“Rachel?” he said “Who is Rachel?”

Mark came back into the room wiping his face.

“She’s the girl from the restaurant.” He said and went on to tell Shane about their meeting in the park.

“Why didn’t you mention it earlier?” Shane said.

“Cos you’d have all teased me” replied Mark.

“Oh yeah,” said Shane grinning “That’s true.”

Mark returned the towel to the bathroom and shot over to the wardrobe.

“Help me Shane” he said “What the hell am I going to wear?”

Shane laughed and stood up.

“Calm down mate” he said “Where are you taking her?”

“’Salvino’s’” replied Mark looking anxiously at his clothes.

“O.k. So, black trousers and that blue shirt” Shane said pointing to a silk shirt.

Mark grabbed the clothes and started to dress.

“Shane” he said “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

Shane smiled

“You’ve got it bad haven’t you?” he replied.

Mark nodded

“I just can’t stop thinking about her” he said.

Shane looked at Mark’s face. He looked so happy.

“Actually, I do believe in it” he said quietly. “I know how you feel” he said to himself.

Finally Mark was ready. Thank God he had shaved his hair short he thought, at least that had saved time getting ready.

“Thanks Shane” Mark said as he picked up his wallet and his phone.

“No problem Mark “ replied Shane “Now go, and I want to hear all about it in the morning!”

Mark laughed and they left the room.

20 minutes later Mark was waiting outside the restaurant. He looked anxiously at his watch. Time ticked on. He checked his watch again. Rachel was late. He looked through the window of the restaurant to make sure she wasn’t already waiting inside. She wasn’t there either. He waited until 8:00p.m in case she was just running late. She didn’t come.

Mark slowly began to walk back to the hotel. He hoped he wouldn’t bump into any of the others. Shane was bound to have told them about his date and he couldn’t face having to explain why he was back so early. He got into the lift and went to his floor. He half ran to his room and sighed with relief as he closed the door behind him.

He took off his clothes and got into bed. His eyes were stinging with unshed tears and he angrily brushed them away. I should have got her number he thought. I should have given her mine. He hadn’t even told her where he was staying. He felt so stupid.

The tears slipped slowly down his cheeks. He had been so looking forward to seeing her again and spending time with her. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. It was only 9:00p.m. and he hadn’t eaten since lunch but the thought of food made him feel sick. He dozed fitfully.

Sometime later he heard Shane and Kian go into their room next door. They were laughing and joking. Mark desperately wanted to go and join them. To try and forget about Rachel but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. She seemed to have taken over his mind. All he could think about was her beautiful smile.

Now it was 12:45a.m and Mark was sitting up in bed with a hot drink. He was going over and over their meeting in his mind. He thought she had like him. She had touched his cheek so gently and the feeling had been wonderful. He spent the rest of the night tossing and turning.

Morning came and Mark’s phone rang. It was Anto.

“Morning Mark” he said “It’s time to get up. We have to be at the television studio by 10:00a.m.”

“O.k. Anto” Mark said wearily “I’m getting up.”

He got out of bed and went to the bathroom. He looked at his reflection in the mirror.

“Oh God!” he said aloud.

His eyes were bloodshot and red-rimmed and he looked dreadful. He got into the shower and let the warm water massage his skin.

15 minutes later he went down to breakfast although he didn’t feel much like eating.

The others hadn’t come down yet so he quickly ate some toast and returned to his room until it was time to go.

In the van the others tried to question him about his date. He didn’t reply and just stared out of the window. Finally Shane shook his head at the others and they left Mark alone. Shane was worried. Mark looked awful and it was obvious that last night had not gone well.

After their performance they returned to the hotel. They had the rest of the day off. Shane followed Mark to his room and pushed past him in the doorway. He sat on the bed and watched as Mark slowly shut the door.

“O.k. Mark” he said “Spill it. What happened last night?”

Mark went over to the window and looked out. He sighed deeply.

“Rachel didn’t turn up” he said quietly.

Shane could see that Mark was distressed so he got up and went to him. He put his arm round Mark’s shoulder and guided him to the bed. They sat down and Shane held Mark as he cried.

“I feel so stupid Shane” Mark sobbed. “All I know about her is her first name but there was something about her. When we were in the park it felt so right and then she touched me, it was amazing. I can’t explain it but I felt complete.”

Shane nodded and rubbed Mark’s back.

“I know what you mean” he said softly “It’s like you’ve known her forever.”

Mark shifted slightly and looked at Shane.

“Yeah” he said “That’s it!”

Shane looked at Mark’s tear-stained face.

“Oh Mark” he said “You have to find her. Don’t let her go. Not like I did.”

“What do you mean ?” asked Mark wiping his face.

Shane took a deep breath.

“Do you remember when we were in the States about 6 months ago? I met that girl at the recording studio, her name was Cathy?”

Mark nodded. Shane had been crazy about her.

“Well, I felt like that about her. It was like I’d found my soul-mate.”

“But you stopped seeing her!” said Mark confused.

“Yeah” replied Shane “I really loved her but I didn’t believe it could happen so quickly and last. I was scared of making a commitment in case it all went wrong. I pushed her away and I lost her.”

Shane bowed his head.

“By the time I realised that what we had was real it was too late. She had left the area and no-one knew where she had gone. I tried to find her but the band had to take priority and we had to come home. I will never forget what I almost had.”

Mark didn’t know what to say. He put his arm round Shane and they sat in silence for a while.

“Mark” said Shane after a while, “Find her. You said she goes to the park every day. Go there and wait for her, even if you have to wait all afternoon. Talk to her and tell her how you feel.”

“What if she doesn’t feel the same?” Mark asked. “She didn’t come last night remember!”

“Well, at least you’ll know for sure” said Shane. “She could be as shy as you about revealing her feelings.”

“I suppose so” said Mark “O.k. I’ll go to the park this afternoon.”

They hugged each other and Shane went to his room. Mark layed on the bed and thought through what he would say to Rachel if he found her.

Later that afternoon Mark went to the park. He looked nervously around. There was no sign of her. He went over to the pond and leaned on the railing as before, hoping this would conjure her up. 2 hours later his heart was in his boots. He decided to give up and go back to the hotel. It was past the time that she came yesterday. He started to walk across the grass.

“Mark!”

He turned and saw Rachel running towards him. She reached him and stood for a minute catching her breath.

“Oh Mark” she said “I’m so glad to see you.”

Mark looked at her and all the words he had planned to say flew out of his head.

“Rachel” he said quietly “What happened last night?”

Rachel looked down at the ground.

“I’m so sorry Mark” she said. “I was getting ready to come when the phone rang. It was my older sister. She told me that our parents had been in an accident.”

Her eyes filled with tears at the memory.

“I’m sorry Rachel” said Mark “Are they o.k?”

Rachel nodded.

“Yes, luckily they only had cuts and bruises but I had to go to the hospital and pick them up. My sister doesn’t drive. By the time I got home it was about 8:15. I rang the restaurant but they said you weren’t there.”

“I left about 8:00” said Mark.

“I didn’t know what else to do” Rachel said “I didn’t know where you lived or anything.”

She started to cry.

Mark reached out and took her in his arms.

“Please don’t cry” he said “I should have given you my number.”

Rachel looked at him.

“Please Mark” she said “Can we start again?”

Mark’s heart soared.

“Oh God Rachel, yes!” he practically yelled.

Rachel looked away.

“What is it?” asked Mark fearing he had said something wrong.

“I don’t know” she said “It’s just that last night when I didn’t know how to find you I felt lost. Being here with you now makes me feel safe and it feels right. You probably think I am too forward but I can’t help it.I know I have only known you for a day but I feel so strongly about you.”

She blushed and looked down.

Mark felt his heart would burst. She felt the same! He put his finger under her chin and forced her to look at him.

“Erm, Rachel” he said “I know how you feel.”

“Do you?” she replied.

“Yes” he said “Because I feel the same about you.”

They looked at each other and smiled shyly. Mark hugged her tightly. They sat on the grass and talked for ages finding out about each other. Mark told her about Westlife and she was shocked.

“I didn’t recognise you “ she said “I’m so sorry.”

Mark laughed.

“Don’t be silly” he said “I’m glad you like me as Mark Feehily and not Mark Westlife.”

“Oh” said Rachel “He’s quite cute too!”

Mark laughed again. He looked at her.

“Why didn’t you want me to come to your house?” he asked.

She blushed.

“Oh, well, it’s because of my sister. You see, she is so pretty and everybody I have ever taken home always likes her better.I was afraid that would happen with you. I couldn’t risk losing you.”

Mark didn’t know what to say. He held her tightly again.

“Rachel” he said finally “I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”

“You have?” she said.

He nodded.

“Your sister may be pretty but you are beautiful.”

Rachel looked at him with tears in her eyes.

“You are so special” he continued “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Yes please” Rachel said as her tears fell.

Mark kissed her gently. The kiss deepened until they broke apart gasping for air.

“Wow!” said Mark.

“Yes, wow!” said Rachel.

They giggled and kissed again. Suddenly Mark pulled back.

“Wait a minute” he said “You still haven’t told me why you were crying yesterday.”

Rachel sighed.

“Well” she said “You see, my dog died.”

Mark burst out laughing. Good old Bryan! Rachel looked horrified.

“Oh God! I’m sorry!” he said and went on to explain about the conversation in the restaurant yesterday.

Rachel smiled.

“I’m dying to meet your friends” she said.

“Yes, well” Mark said. “They are all a bit strange but I know you’ll like them.”

They got up and walked hand in hand to the hotel. As they entered the lobby they saw the others in the bar. Mark squeezed Rachel’s hand and they went in to meet them.

As Mark introduced them to Rachel he caught Shane’s eye.

“Thankyou” he whispered.

Shane smiled and winked at Mark. He was so happy for his friend.

Mark and Rachel sat down and Bryan went to get some drinks. Mark pulled Rachel close to him and whispered in her ear.

“Are you o.k?”

Rachel turned to face him and gently touched his cheek.

“I’m so happy Mark” she said “It must have been fate that brought you to the park yesterday.”

Mark looked at her and she could see the love shining in his eyes.

“I don’t know what it was” he said “I only know that this was meant to be. I’ve found my soul-mate.”

They held hands and relaxed in their chairs, content to let the conversation flow round them. It felt so right and so good. Mark and Rachel knew that what they had found was a special kind of love. They had an instant and everlasting bond that would keep them together for the rest of their lives. Their journey together had only just begun.

THE END

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