Swans Crossing: Coming Home
By J.K.
© 2000
Chapter 7
* This story contains some profanity and some adult content *
Sydney woke up to the phone ringing. She rolled over and looked at
her clock. It was 7:00 in the morning. She picked up the phone.
"Hello?" She said sleepily.
"Hey there." It was Garrett. He had stayed over at his parents'
house the night before. It was a silly superstition, but they had decided
that they shouldn't see each other that day until the wedding ceremony.
Sydney smiled widely at the sound of his husky voice.
"Morning handsome. It's a little early for you, isn't it?" Garrett
laughed softly.
"Well, I was thinking. I mean, I know haven't been together for a
long time," he joked. "And we don't really know each other that well…but,
you know, our parents seem to really dig each other and stuff…" Sydney
laughed out loud. "So I was thinking that we should get married, what do
you think?" Sydney giggled and got out of bed.
"Well, I don't know," she played along. "I mean, our friends would
be so mad if we didn't include them…and I mean, a Booth/Rutledge marriage
should be kind of a big event," she said as sat down at the foot of the bed.
"Oh, forget them…let's do it. Today…c'mon." Sydney smiled.
"Well…you're very persuasive Mr. Booth. It is a little sudden and
all, but I'll tell you what…why don't you meet me at the cathedral…say
around 2:00. I'll be the one in white."
"I knew I could talk you into it." They both laughed. "I've never
felt so alive," he said softly, after a moment. "I love you Syd."
"I love you," she answered, closing her eyes.
"I'll see you soon."
"Bye." Sydney hung up the phone, smiling like a giddy child. She
walked out of the room and danced down the hallway to get in the shower.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sydney sat in a chair as Callie fixed her veil. The small, flat
tiara she was wearing sat perfectly on her head and her hair was swept up
into an intricate twist. Callie finished and the girls helped Sydney step
into her dress. She had on a delicate antique diamond necklace that matched
the tiara. They stepped back and admired her.
"You look like royalty, Sydney," Glory said, smiling. Margaret took
her daughters hand and looked at her with tears in her eyes.
"My baby…you look so beautiful, sweetheart." Sydney smiled and
kissed her mother gently on the cheek. Margaret stood back and gazed at
Sydney thinking back to when she was still a young woman.
* Flashback *
Sydney stepped through the house tentatively. She had just come
home from Swan's after the Newport game…after walking off the field with
Garrett. She thought she had made it to her room so she could go straight
to bed, but when she turned on her light, she found her mother sitting on
her bed, holding one of her pillows to her chest. Sydney jumped back.
"Mother…"
"Hello Sydney," Margaret said, almost whispering. Sydney stood
awkwardly in the doorway.
"W-what are you doing in here?" Margaret finally looked up at her
daughter with an expression mixed with anger, confusion and sadness.
"Waiting for you. We need to talk about this Sydney, no matter how
much you don't want to." Sydney's face fell and she felt her eyes flash.
"What do we need to talk about? You said I could see Garrett,
right? Are you taking it back now?" Margaret could see Sydney's annoyance.
"No, I'm not taking it back. But I was hoping I could change your
mind. Sydney…he's no good for you." Sydney scoffed under her breath. She
should've known it had been too easy.
"Oh. And you would know, wouldn't you Mother? I mean, since you've
had so many conversations with Garrett, you know exactly what he's like,
right-"
"Sydney, stop it." They both fell silent and looked at each other.
"Just tell me why, Sydney," Margaret finally said. "Why Garrett?" Sydney's
eyes began to water and she glanced down at the floor. Folding her arms
across her chest, she looked back up into her mother's eyes.
"Because I'm in love with him," she said simply, her eyes moist with
her tears. "And I have been…for so long, Mother. Long enough for me to try
to deny it…and fight it…and do everything I could to ignore it. But…I
can't."
"Sydney…he's a Booth. He's manipulative and greedy…and arrogant…and
unfeeling-"
"Unfeeling?" Sydney raised her eyebrows. "Unfeeling? You really
don't know him if that's what you think."
"I don't have to know him…I know how that family is."
"Garrett is the only person, other than you, who knows me…all of me.
Doesn't that say something?" Sydney reasoned. "He can see inside me,
Mother…like he can read my mind. It's like we're the only people on earth,"
she said dreamily, getting lost in her thoughts. "He makes everything seem
so effortless…like everything's so much clearer for him than anyone else."
"Sydney," Margaret insisted. "You're too good for him! He'll hurt
you, Sydney."
"No." Sydney said forcefully. Margaret stared in silence. "You're
wrong, Mother…I hurt him. He makes me happy," Sydney pleaded. "And Booth
or not…I need him. So if you're asking me to choose…I can't not choose him,
Mother…not again. I won't."
* End Flashback *
"You've been so brave," Margaret whispered.
"Thank you, Mother," Sydney said softly. Her mother pushed back her
tears and smiled brightly.
"Well, I better get in there and tell them you're ready." She
disappeared. Sydney breathed deeply.
"What's wrong, are you nervous," Callie asked.
"No…well, not about getting married. I just hope I don't trip when
I walk down the aisle." They all laughed. Callie handed Sydney her bouquet
and they lined up.
Garrett stood with his brother and Jimmy by the alter. He had
decided to make them both his best men. The whole cathedral was packed.
This was the wedding of the year and everyone that had been invited had
shown up.
"How you doing, little bro?" Garrett turned to Grant with a
confident smile.
"Never better…never better." The music started and the doors opened.
Dylan slowly walked down the aisle, holding the cushion that the white-gold
wedding bands rested on. He smiled at his father and everyone awed in
admiration. Nancy, Sandy, Mila, Glory, and Callie came down the aisle, all
looking beautiful. When Callie reached the front of the alter, the music
changed to the wedding march and everyone stood up. Sydney took Ralph's
arm and entered the cathedral. A few people gasped in awe at how beautiful
she looked. She could see Garrett gazing at her and suddenly everyone else
disappeared.
"Be still, my beating heart…she's breathtaking…" Garrett whispered. The
priest smiled at his words. Ralph kissed her cheek when they reached the
priest and Sydney took Garrett's arm. The priest smiled warmly and cleared
his throat.
"Please be seated… We are gathered here today to witness the union
of Sydney Rutledge and Garrett Booth in the bonds of holy matrimony. If
there is anyone here who has reason to think that these two should not be
joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." After a
moment, he continued. "Who gives the bride to this man?" Ralph and
Margaret stood.
"I do," Margaret said. They sat down and the priest proceeded.
"Sydney and Garrett would now like to declare their love to each
other. Garrett, you may begin." Garrett turned to Sydney, his eyes glowing
like she'd never seen.
"Sydney Rutledge…I don't remember a time when I didn't love you.
With every breath of my body, every shred of my soul…I have loved you
forever…for your beauty…your strength…your grace…your mere existence on this
earth. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew…I knew you were my soul
mate…and that we would love each other in a way that would transcend time…
and distance…and heartache. It was always you…and it will always be you
and me…together…for the rest of our lives." Garrett was choking back his
tears. Sydney wiped away the single tear that had slipped down her cheek.
"Sydney, you may now declare your love to Garrett," the priest said.
Sydney smiled up at Garrett.
"Garrett…I wondered for a while…if it was really possible to love
someone as much as I love you…to love so deeply that you feel each other
even when you're an ocean apart…or when the pain of separation is so
horrible, you truly feel as if your heart will stop beating. It is
possible. I know this when I look in your eyes and I see your passion…your
thoughts…your courage…and I am stunned…that it took me so long to accept
what I had already known for so long. You are my one, true love…my only
love…my protector…my soul mate. I thank God every day for putting you on
this earth. And now I will thank God every day for allowing us to be
together…forever." Garrett squeezed her hand and Sydney smiled through her
teary eyes. The priest pushed his own tears back and continued.
"Garrett, repeat after me…I, Garrett..."
"I Garrett…take you, Sydney…to be my lawfully wedded wife…to have
and to hold …to love and to cherish… from this day forward… for better or
for worse… for richer or poorer…in sickness and in health… for as long as we
both shall live." Their eyes were locked together.
"Sydney, repeat after me…I, Sydney…"
"I Sydney…take you, Garrett…to be my lawfully wedded husband…to have
and to hold …to love and to cherish… from this day forward… for better or
for worse… for richer or poorer…in sickness and in health… for as long as we
both shall live." The priest looked at Grant and Callie.
"May we have the rings please." Grant took the rings from Dylan
and handed them to the priest. Garrett slipped Sydney's ring onto her
finger. Sydney took Garrett's ring and slid it lovingly onto his
outstretched hand. They smiled at each other.
"By the power vested in me…I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride," he said to Garrett with a grin. Garrett pulled
Sydney close and she closed her eyes in bliss as they shared the sweetest
kiss. Their foreheads pressed together and they smiled.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the priest said. "I present to you Mr. and
Mrs. Garrett Booth." Everyone stood as the procession exited the cathedral.
Sydney held onto Garrett's arm and gave it a squeeze. When they got
outside, Garrett pulled her in for another long, sweet kiss.
"I love you," he whispered, smiling. She nuzzled his cheek with her
nose.
"I love you," she replied. The guests mulled around in front of the
cathedral for a little while as the photographer snapped pictures. Then
everyone headed to the country club for the reception.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Grant tapped his glass and stood up. The whole room looked up at
him to hear his speech. He cleared his throat.
"My little brother got married today…to…the woman that he has been
in love with for his entire life. For Garrett, Sydney's the only woman in
the world." He looked at Garrett. "I can't think of another person who
would compliment you as perfectly, little bro. I wish you the best and I'm
proud of you." He sat down and Jimmy stood up.
"All I can really say is that they're both with the only people they
could ever be truly happy with. Garrett's my best friend…and I know
Sydney's the only person in the world who's any match for him. She's the
only one who can handle him." Garrett and Sydney laughed. "I know you guys
will have a very long and happy marriage." He sat and Callie rose from her
chair.
"I think I can speak for all of our friends when I say that we saw
this coming back when we were in high school. This is a match made in
heaven, guided by destiny and fate. Sydney, you're the sister I never had
and the best friend I always wanted. It was always you and Garrett… and I
look at you now, feeling so proud of everything you've become and so happy
for everything that is about to happen for you. I love you." She raised
her glass and the rest of the people did the same. The attention turned
toward the dance floor as Sandy stood up then and made her way to the
microphone in front of the orchestra.
"Hi. Sydney asked me to sing here tonight. I've known her my
entire life and I've seen her grow and change a lot. But this is a special
moment for all of us that have known Sydney and Garrett. They've tackled
so much more than most of us would ever be able to handle and made it
through everything. So, Sydney, Garrett…this is another gift… from me to
you."
Garrett stood up, taking Sydney's hand and made his way down to the
dance floor, as the piano began the slow melody of "Kissing You." He
cradled her in his arms, looking deeply into her eyes as Sandy's beautiful
voice filled the room. Sydney closed her eyes and drew him closer to her,
pressing the side of her head against his. They danced together, memories
floating through their minds. The struggle, the pain, the heartache, and
the longing… It had all been worth it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Alright," Grant spoke into the microphone on stage. "I think it's
time for the bride to throw the bouquet now, so all you single women need to
gather around." Sydney stood in the middle of the dance floor as all of her
single friends gathered behind her. She turned and gave Callie a sideways
smile. Callie shook her head with a grin. Sydney raised her eyebrow and
nodded. She turned around and threw the bouquet over her shoulder and it
went high in the air. While the other girls scrambled to catch it, Callie
stood back and the bouquet landed directly in her arms. Everyone applauded
and Callie laughed, walking over to hug Sydney.
"You're next Walker," she whispered to her friend. They looked
over at Jimmy talking to Garrett.
"I wouldn't mind that too much," Callie said, gazing at Jimmy.
Sydney smiled and headed over to her husband. Callie followed her.
"Jimmy, I think this is a sign," Sydney joked. Callie smacked her
playfully.
"Sydney, shut up!" Sydney laughed wickedly and pulled Garrett close
to her. Everyone laughed. Garrett's parents came toward them and Callie
and Jimmy left to dance.
"Sydney, you looked so beautiful up there," Cornelia said as she
hugged her new daughter-in-law.
"Thank you." Mr. Booth gave Sydney a kiss on the cheek.
"We're so proud to have you in our family, Sydney." Sydney smiled
and Garrett hugged her tighter.
"Well, we're all one big family now, Dad." Garrett hinted,
gesturing to Margaret who was standing with Captain Walker. Mr. Booth
cleared his throat and let out a humored chuckle.
"Yes…I guess we are."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Garrett lifted Sydney into his arms as he carried her across the
threshold. He set her down gently in the entryway and closed the door.
Sydney took her veil and tiara off and set them down on the dresser in the
hallway. Garrett wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck.
"So…we have this whole house to ourselves, huh?" She smiled.
"Yes, we do. Mother's flying back to London as we speak. And your
parents are watching Dylan for the night. So that means that we're alone…in
this great, big house. What ever are we going to do here," she replied
with a cat-like grin, as they walked up the stairs, hand in hand.
When they got to their bedroom, Sydney quickly went into the
bathroom and Garrett stripped his clothes off. He lay on the bed, waiting
for her to come out. She stepped out, wearing a dark, burgundy teddy that
was almost transparent, showing off every curve of her body. She smiled at
Garrett who lay with a stunned expression on his face.
"What do you think?"
"I think you're a goddess." She giggled and walked over to him,
lowering herself onto the bed. He kissed her lips softly, then deeper,
rolling on top of her. She moaned as his hands ran over her body and his
lips kissed her neck. They made love like never before, pleasuring each
other for hours. Sydney lay draped in his arms staring up at the ceiling.
"Just think, in a few hours, we'll be in Venice…the most romantic
city in the world." He kissed her shoulder and stroked her hair.
"I don't need Venice to be romantic with you, baby. But it will be
nice. A gondola ride on the river, the Italian countryside…just like we
always talked about." Sydney looked up at him and gazed into his eyes.
"So, Booth…will you still love when I'm old and gray.?" She asked,
half-joking.
"You'll be just as beautiful in fifty years as you are now," he said
smiling. She raised her eyebrow, suggestively.
"What if I gain a lot of weight?" Garrett laughed and pulled her on
top of him. He kissed her gently and ran his fingers through her hair.
"Not possible, Little Miss…I mean Mrs.," he smiled, "Socialite. You
won't have time to gain weight. It'd just get in the way of your life."
Sydney laughed euphorically as her eyes danced with happiness. She leaned
down and kissed him again.
"I like that…being called Mrs. … Ralph will probably start calling
me Young Mrs. Booth now." Garrett chuckled. "God, Garrett, we're finally
married," she marveled. He kissed her forehead.
"That's us, baby…together forever." She rested her head on his
chest as he cradled her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Callie wiped her grease-stained hands on the rag that she had
stuffed in her back pocket. She grabbed the wrench and rolled back under
the car she was fixing. Jimmy was in his office filling out paper work.
She had the stereo blaring next to her and didn't someone walk in until she
felt a tap on her foot. She rolled out from under the car and looked up at
a young woman, with long jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Hi…can I help you?" Callie stood up and wiped her hands again.
"Yeah, hi, I'm Toni…I'm here for an interview with the owner," she
replied in a thick Boston accent.
"Oh, yeah…hang on, I'll get him." Callie set her tools down and
headed into the office." She tapped on the door and then opened it
slightly. Jimmy looked up and smiled.
"Hey beautiful…what's up?" Callie smiled.
"Your potential employee is here for her interview."
"Her? She's a girl?" Callie nodded.
"Yes, and a very attractive one at that." Jimmy peered out the
window and snuck a look at Toni. She had on an old T-shirt with the sleeves
ripped off, black leather pants and boots.
"She's okay," Jimmy commented. Callie pinched his sides. "I said
she's okay," Jimmy defended himself. "But you're way better than okay."
"Nice save, Clayton. Just go do your boss thing." Jimmy gave her
a kiss and walked out to the garage.
"Hi. I'm Jimmy. Nice to meet you."
"Toni." She shook his hand and they sat down.
"So did you just move into town?"
"Yeah…" Toni lowered her eyes for a second.
"I was expecting you to be a guy." Toni raised her eyebrow.
"Is that a problem?" Jimmy laughed.
"No…not at all. I'm just surprised. So, tell me about your
mechanic experience?"
"I worked in my father's garage in South Boston for seven years. He
and my three brothers are all mechanics."
"Well, I've gone over your application and you were really the most
qualified. So I'm definitely willing to give you a trial period. How does
a month sound? If it works out, then you've got a permanent place of
employment."
"That's sounds great." She stood up and shook Jimmy's hand. "Thank
you."
"No problem. You start on Monday."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So you said you were from Boston? One of my friends went to Boston
College." Callie said to Toni as they all worked in the garage. Toni let
out a humored laugh.
"It's not exactly the same area." Jimmy laughed from across the
garage. "What's her name?"
"Sydney Rutledge." Toni paused.
"Sounds familiar. I might have met her, but I don't remember."
Toni turned the wrench in her hand and threw it back in the toolbox.
"Alright, boss…what's next?"
"You're done?" Jimmy walked over to the car she was working on and
inspected it. "Wow…great job." Callie eyed them from the other side of the
garage. "You really know what you're doing. Your dad must be one hell of
a car man." Toni nodded.
"Yeah…he was."
"Was?"
"He died when I was fifteen."
"Oh…I'm sorry."
"Don't be…it was a long time ago. My brothers and I basically took
care of each other."
"Are you the youngest?"
"Yeah. The oldest is twenty-nine. He owns the garage back home."
"Where's your mom?"
"She died having me…hence my lack of knowledge in anything girly.
I was surrounded by boys my entire life." Jimmy chuckled. "So you're
pretty young to own your own garage," Toni commented.
"Yeah, well, it's an upside to having a trust fund at the age of
ten." Toni laughed.
"I wouldn't know, but I'll take your word for it." Jimmy laughed.
Callie worked silently, listening to Jimmy and Toni talk. She
couldn't help it, but she was jealous. Not only was Toni smart and
beautiful, but she was also working very closely with Jimmy, who she knew
loved girls that knew their way around a motor. That girl had always been
Callie…until now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After two romantic weeks in Venice, Sydney and Garrett came back
from their honeymoon. Sydney unlocked the front door as Garrett carried the
suitcases into the hallway. Dylan ran to the door and Sydney caught him in
her arms.
"Mom, Dad…you're home!"
"Hey little man! Oh, we missed you so much!"
"Did you have a nice time?" Ralph asked. Sydney smiled as she set
Dylan down and ruffled his hair. He hugged Garrett and then ran upstairs
to play.
"We had the best time. Venice is beautiful Ralph, absolutely
beautiful," she said happily. Garrett came up behind her and picked her up
in his arms, making her laugh.
"A beautiful city for a very beautiful newlywed," he murmured.
Sydney kissed him deeply as he spun her around. Ralph looked on, smiling at
the happy couple.
"Shall I start dinner," he asked.
"No. Ralph, take the rest of the day off. I think we'll be fine."
He bowed graciously and left.
Garrett set Sydney down as the phone rang. Sydney reached for it
and picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Sydney! You're back! How was it? Did you guys have fun?"
"Hi Sandy. Yes, we had a wonderful time. It was beautiful. What
are you still doing here?"
"Oh, Owen got a month-long gig in Newport and I had two days to
visit, so I'm here. We're all meeting at Swan's in an hour for lunch, if
you guys want to come. I'm sure everyone's waiting to see you."
"Yeah, that sounds good. Let me talk to Garrett and I'll call you
back. Okay, bye." She set the phone down and turned to her husband.
"Lunch at Swan's?" Garrett nodded in agreement, wrapping his arms around
her.
"I can't believe we have to go back to work tomorrow. Can't we
just say we're taking a really long honeymoon?" Sydney laughed as Garrett
started kissing her neck.
"Mm…I wish. But I have to prepare those samples for the new client,
and you have to meet with those stuffy business lawyers tomorrow. I think
your dad would be pretty angry with you if you blew it off." Garrett was
still kissing her neck and shoulders and her breath started to quicken.
"Yeah…I guess you're right," he said moving them into the living
room toward the couch. "When do we have to meet everyone for lunch," he
asked breathlessly.
"In an hour." Their lips brushed together and met in a deep kiss.
"Great, then we have time," he said between kisses. Sydney pulled
his shirt off and kissed him again.
"It's okay…we can be late."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"What took you guys so long?" Jimmy asked as Garrett and Sydney
walked into Swan's. Garrett gave him a sly smile and Jimmy understood.
"Oh…"
"How was Venice?" Callie asked.
"Excellent, perfect, wonderful," Sydney replied, smiling. "What have
you guys been up to?"
"Not a whole lot. Life is pretty mundane when you become a
grownie," Nancy answered. Sydney laughed.
"Oh God…has it happened already?" She asked jokingly.
"It had to at some point," Jimmy said. "Besides, it's not that bad.
We can do things now that…well, we did in high school anyway, but now it's
legal." Everyone laughed. Sydney suddenly noticed Toni sitting there.
"This is my new mechanic…Toni-" Jimmy started to introduce her.
"Holy shit, Toni Simioni!"
"Oh my god! I didn't even recognize you! Sydney Rutledge. How
are you? You live here?" The girls stood up and hugged.
"I take it, they know each other," Jimmy laughed.
"Yeah. I'm great. What are you doing here? I thought you were
looking into art schools."
"Yeah…I'm taking some classes at Yale this semester."
"Oh, that's great." Garrett cleared his throat and Sydney turned
to look at him. "Oh! Toni…this is Garrett. Garrett this is Toni…the girl
from South Boston that I told you about. She's the most amazing artist."
As the conversation continued, Callie sat back feeling left out.
She was planning to unload all of her issues about Toni on Sydney later,
but now that she knew that Toni and Sydney were old chums, she just felt
like a jealous girlfriend.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So you guys finally got hitched? It's good to hear." Toni,
Sydney and Callie were sitting in the Rutledge living room, chatting with
Jimmy and Garrett. Well, everyone else was chatting, but didn't notice
that Callie was being quiet.
"Yeah," Sydney smiled and Garrett put his arm around her as she
leaned back against him.
"How's your kid?"
"He's great. He's almost five now and totally takes after Garrett.
He can sneak his way in and out of everything and anything." They all
laughed.
"So Sydney's told me that you're quite an artist. We'd love to see
your work," Garrett said. "I know some galleries that are always looking
for new artists to commission." Toni smiled.
"Thanks. Yeah, I mean…if you'd like to see my stuff, I'd be glad
to show it to you." Toni glanced at Sydney and smiled wickedly. "So,
Garrett…does Sydney still dance on top of bars as well as she used to?"
Sydney laughed and smacked Toni jokingly. Garrett raised his eyebrows,
intrigued.
"Bars? Tell me more."
"Oh no," Sydney intervened, standing up.
"C'mon, baby. I can't have a stranger knowing more about you than
I do," Garrett teased.
"Well, if she's going to tell you, then I'm leaving the room.
Callie, come help me get some drinks." Callie stood up and followed Sydney
into the kitchen. As Sydney got the lemonade pitcher out of the fridge,
Callie opened the cabinets and pulled out glasses.
"So…were you and Toni close?" Callie asked, trying to sound casual.
Sydney started pouring the lemonade.
"Not really close…but we had some good talks."
"You told her all about you and Garrett?" Sydney looked up at
Callie.
"Yeah. I don't know…sometimes you just meet people out of
nowhere… and they just help you get your life in order." Callie smiled.
"Yeah. It seems like you really poured your heart out to her. I'm
glad she was there for you." Sydney could see Callie was a little hurt.
"I mean…sometimes it's just clearer when someone else explains
things to you…you know, someone who doesn't know the people you're talking
about." Callie brightened up and gave Sydney a grin.
"Right. No, I get it. I totally understand that." Sydney smiled.
"Good. 'Cause you know I tell you everything." She turned around
and picked up the tray as she headed back into the living room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Callie threw her wrench back in the toolbox and scowled. Toni and
Jimmy were laughing about something on the other side of the garage. She
hated this feeling. Jealousy was always something she despised in other
girls. She never thought it would be something that she would ever feel.
She needed to talk to someone.
"Baby, I'm going to go to Syd's for a little bit." Jimmy looked
up.
"Okay, babe. I'll call you later." He walked over and gave her a
quick kiss. "I love you." Callie managed a smile.
"I love you too." Callie walked out and drove to Sydney's house.
Sydney answered the door.
"Hey," she greeted her friend. "Dylan Garrett Booth, I swear if
those toys are not picked up in twenty minutes, you're going to see what
Mom was like in high school!" She yelled to the top of the stairs. They
listened and heard Dylan scrambling around in his room as he hurriedly
cleaned up the toys. Callie chuckled.
"That was good. Very motherly." Sydney laughed.
"Thanks…I've been practicing. What's up?" Callie sighed.
"I need to talk." Sydney led her into the den and flopped down on
the couch. She gathered up the files that lay next to her to make room for
Callie.
"Alright. Spill it." Callie ran a hand through her hair.
"It's Toni." Sydney raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"You don't like her?"
"It's not that. She's great. That's kind of the problem. Jimmy
thinks she's REALLY great."
"Oh. Cal, c'mon. That's crazy talk. Jimmy's head over heals for
you."
"I know…it's just…I feel like I'm getting fazed out."
"Trust me, Cal. Jimmy loves you. Besides, Toni would never step
in on someone else's guy. She's not like that."
"How would I know that? I don't really know her. She spends all
her time with Jimmy…and you."
"Well, I know her. She's not of that breed, trust me." Callie
stood up abruptly.
"I don't believe this. I come to vent to you…to get advise. And
you're just so eager to defend your little urban-wise tough girl friend.
What kind of advise is that?" Sydney looked up at Callie, shocked.
"Callie, don't get mad. I'm not taking sides here. I'm just
telling you that no one's out to steal Jimmy away from you."
"Oh, so now I'm being paranoid? How would you feel if someone went
after Garrett?" Sydney's eyes flickered. Callie had hit a big nerve and
she didn't even know it.
"Well, I would never accuse my friends of anything."
"Toni's not MY friend, she's YOUR friend. And apparently she knows
a lot about you for someone who wasn't that close to you. I'm sorry I'm
not a South Boston thug, but I don't consider myself to be a dense person
either. I know you told her things…things that you've never told me. Who
knows, maybe you've even told her things you don't even tell Garrett! What
kind of best friend is that?" Sydney stood up.
"Whoa! Look, I know you're upset Callie. But you're way out of
line. And Toni's not a thug. You don't even know her!"
"Well, what is such a big secret that you can tell a stranger, but
you can't tell your best friend?"
"Things that maybe you'd never understand, Callie…things that happen
outside of all of our 20-acre houses and our country clubs. There are
things that have happened to me that aren't a part of the life that everyone
thought that I had…things that have changed me forever…and I can't go
back."
"What, Garrett? I know what it was like being apart from the guy
you love. I went through it too, Syd. What wouldn't I understand?"
"It's not the same thing."
"Oh, I see. Your forbidden love aura is just so far above anything
I could ever understand. You know what, get over it Syd. Get off your
pedestal and stop thinking that what you and Garrett have is just so much
deeper than any other couple."
"I never put us on a pedestal. YOU do that on your own. And I
never said I was above you. God, Callie…I'm sorry that you're so insecure
about your relationship with Jimmy, but that's not my fault. And don't
come over here, into MY house and rip apart my marriage. Garrett and I
went through a lot…things that you don't know about…that no one knows about.
So don't come here and make assumptions about us." Callie stood there,
frustrated and angry.
"Fine…I won't." With that, she turned and walked out. Sydney
heard the door slam and a few minutes later, she heard Callie's car roar
down the street.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sydney heard Garrett throw his keys on the table in the entryway.
He came upstairs and found Sydney sitting on the window seat.
"What's wrong, baby?" He asked immediately. Sydney sighed deeply.
"Callie and I had a big fight." Garrett loosened his tie and
pulled it off as he sat down at the foot of the bed.
"Come here." Sydney got up and sat by him. "What happened?" He
took her hand.
"I don't even know. She's upset because she thinks Toni likes
Jimmy and vice versa."
"Did you tell her that Toni's spoken for?"
"No. That's a whole other issue entirely. Besides, it's not
really my place to be broadcasting Toni's life to people she doesn't know.
There's more going on anyway. She feels like I'm keeping her in the dark
about stuff." Garrett looked into her eyes tentatively.
"Well, babe…technically-"
"I know, I know. Technically, I am. But I think she senses that
I told Toni. I don't know, Garrett. It's just too much to get into. Am
I being a rotten friend?" Garrett brushed her hair out of her eyes.
"No. You're doing what's right for you. But think of it from her
side. It must really hurt that someone she just met knows something about
her best friend that she doesn't." Sydney sighed and rested her chin on
his shoulder.
"Yeah, I know. It's hard for me too. I tell Callie practically
everything…especially the huge stuff. But I just…I can't even begin to
explain all that stuff about my dad and us and my mom…" She groaned.
"It's just a big mess. And I told Toni…sort of on an impulse. I was going
crazy, thinking of you, missing you like every day. The day after I told
her about everything, I broke things off with Drew. It just gave me so
much clarity." Garrett smiled.
"Remind me to thank Toni some day." Sydney laughed and they both
lay back on the bed, looking at each other. "Look, you know that some day,
you'll tell Callie. It just has to be the right time for you. Don't beat
yourself up about something that can't be helped. Toni was just the right
person, in the right place, at the right time. That's life. It's
imperfect. You just have to make sure that Callie knows you still need
her. I think that's all she really needs to hear right now." Sydney
stared into his eyes.
"I love you so much," she murmured, running her hand along his
bicep. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Well, that's something you'll never have to think about," he
answered. She met his gaze, closing her eyes as their lips met. Garrett
pulled her on top of him, making her giggle and kissed her neck. Then
they sank into a deep kiss.
To be continued . . .
If you have any feedback for J.K., send it to ChunLi24@aol.com Text file Source (historic): geocities.com/hollywood/hills/2262/fanfic
geocities.com/hollywood/hills/2262geocities.com/hollywood/hills
geocities.com/hollywood
(to report bad content: archivehelp @ gmail)
|
|
|
|
|