The New Year
By Addie Butaud
© 2000
CAUTION! This story contains foul language and mature subject matters.
Everyone was preparing for the Swans Crossing New Years Eve Ball.
Since it was the turn of the century, it was going to be huge. Codi,
Isabelle and Sanna were sitting in the soda shop making plans.
ISABELLE: I don't even know why I'm going. I'm gonna be the only one
there without a date.
CODI: You're going Iz … and I'm even gonna get you a date.
ISABELLE: It's a little late don't you think?
SANNA: Are you doubting the great Codi Walker?
ISABELLE: No, but … who?
CODI: There's this guy who works for Jimmy, Alex something. Anyway, he
kind of keeps to himself so I'm sure he's available.
ISABELLE: Great. You're going to try to set me up with a loser.
Codi smiled at her boyfriend's sister.
CODI: He's not a loser. He's only been in town for a few months.
ISABELLE: Well, what's he look like?
The door opened and Alex walked in.
CODI: Why don't you see for yourself.
Isabelle smiled.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Glory and Sydney were looking through bridal magazines. The
wedding was in six months and she hadn't even decided on a dress yet.
SYDNEY: This is pretty.
Glory looked at the dress Sydney was showing her.
GLORY: That is pretty. … God! I have no idea what I want!
SYDNEY: Glory, you are going to have to start making decisions or your
mother is going to take over.
GLORY: I know, I know. … Maybe JT and I should just run off and get
married like you did.
SYDNEY: Not a good idea. You know how long it took for our parents to
forgive your brother and me. In fact, they still bring it up.
Sydney rubbed her still flat stomach.
SYDNEY: I'm hungry. Let's go get something to eat and then go pick up
my gown for the New Years Eve Ball.
GLORY: Oh shit!
SYDNEY: Glory! I don't think I've ever heard you say that before.
GLORY: Sydney, I've been so completely wrapped up in my wedding that I
forgot to get a gown for the ball.
SYDNEY: Have no fear Sydney is here. Samantha's created six gowns for
me to choose from. Let me pick mine first and you can choose from the
other five.
Glory hugged her.
GLORY: Sydney, what would I without you?
SYDNEY: Go to the party naked. Of course JT might actually like that.
GLORY: Sydney!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mila and Grant were walking through the Swans Furniture.
MILA: This is so much fun.
GRANT III: You do enjoy this don't you?
She squeezed his hand.
MILA: How could I not? For the first time in my life, I get to make the
decisions … with you of course.
Grant pulled his wife into a hug.
GRANT III: I want our house to be whatever you want it to be. I handled
the construction of it, you handle the decorating of it.
She kissed him.
MILA: Thank you.
He looked at his watch.
GRANT III: We have about an hour before we have to pick up your dress.
Why don't you show me that bed you want for our room. Maybe we can test
it out.
MILA: Very funny.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Saja and Sandy were arguing. Since the completion of her and
Owen's CD, she'd been busy with promoting the first single. Saja was
feeling left out.
SANDY: I want to go to the ball baby, but Owen and I have to be in New
York for New Years Eve.
SAJA: Just once I'd like to come first.
SANDY: This is my dream Robert!
SAJA: I know that! … I just don't feel like I'm part of your universe
anymore.
Sandy pulled him very close to her and looked him in the eye.
SANDY: I don't want you ever to think like that. … You know how much I
love you. Please be patient a little longer. As soon as the CD hits the
stores, things will die down.
SAJA: Sandy, as soon as the CD hits the stores, you're not going to have
time to know who you are, let alone me.
SANDY: That's not true!
SAJA: My love, you're singles flying off the shelf.
Sandy was a little surprised.
SANDY: Really? Mr. Clark said it was doing well.
SAJA: Well? Sandy music stores everywhere are sold out.
SANDY: How do you know all this?
Saja kissed her forehead.
SAJA: I know the record company has tons of people who track sales for
them, but I just want to make sure no one takes advantage of you. …
You're so trusting.
SANDY: You mean gullible.
SAJA: No, I mean trusting. You have a really big heart Sandy Swan.
SANDY: Come with me to New York.
SAJA: You are going to be far too busy to have me tagging along.
SANDY: Please. Nancy's coming. You can hang out with her during the
promotional stuff.
SAJA: That's even more incentive to stay here.
Sandy kissed him hard and full of passion.
SAJA: Okay, I'll go.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No matter what her doctor gave her for nausea, nothing was
helping Callie. She was lying on the couch in the den watching talk
shows as AJ sat on the floor playing "destructo derby" with the blocks
and the toy trucks Johnny had given him for Christmas. The crashing
sound that came from the trucks slamming into the blocks had given Callie
a headache. Jimmy yelled for her when he came through the front door.
JIMMY: Callie?
Callie yelled back.
CALLIE: We're in the den.
Jimmy opened the door and walked in.
JIMMY: Why are you in here?
He leaned down and kissed her.
AJ: Daddy!
AJ ran into Jimmy's arms and Jimmy picked him up.
JIMMY: Hey little man. What have you done today?
AJ: Trucks go BANG!
JIMMY: So what are you two doing in here?
CALLIE: Well, I'm still not feeling well and this room is small enough
to contain the destruction king.
AJ was getting excited.
AJ: Down! Me show!
Jimmy put AJ down and the little boy showed his father how he
would stack the blocks and then knock then down with his trucks.
CALLIE: Remind me to thank your brother for those.
Callie's tone was sarcastic.
JIMMY: Callie…
CALLIE: I know, I'm being one of those obnoxious pregnant women who lets
every little thing get to her. But he's been doing this for an hour.
JIMMY: Why didn't you just give him something else to play with?
Callie lowered her head and spoke softly.
CALLIE: Because I didn't feel like getting off of the couch.
Jimmy laughed.
JIMMY: That's … really…
Callie started laughing too.
CALLIE: Pathetic, I know.
She got up off of the couch.
CALLIE: I'm going to take some Tylenol for my headache and then go pick
up my dress. Do you want to come?
JIMMY: Do I have time to take a shower.
Callie took a big whiff of her husband's clothes.
CALLIE: I don't know. What did you roll in?
JIMMY: Ha ha!
He kissed her sweetly.
JIMMY: I'll be down in ten minutes.
Jimmy headed upstairs. Callie picked AJ up and took him into
the kitchen with her. She grabbed a bottle of Tylenol from the cabinet.
AJ: Mama take meddysin?
CALLIE: Yes sweetie. Mommy's taking medicine.
AJ: Baby take meddysin too.
Callie was struggling to get the childproof cap off of the
bottle.
CALLIE: No baby, you don't need medicine.
AJ put his hands on his hips.
AJ: No me!
He then lay his little hand on Callie's stomach.
AJ: Baby.
Callie placed the bottle on the counter. Even though it was
safe for her to take the drug, she decided that she really didn't need
it.
CALLIE: You are a very smart little boy. Do you know that?
AJ got very excited at his mother's praise. Jimmy came down to
the kitchen.
JIMMY: Are we ready to go?
Callie smiled.
CALLIE: You clean up good.
AJ: Daddy smell pwetty.
JIMMY: You've been hanging around Miss Emily too much.
AJ: I wuv Emulwee.
Callie and Jimmy laughed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Alex was standing at the counter when Codi walked up to him.
CODI: Hey Alex.
ALEX: Hey Codi. How's your sister? I haven't seen her around for
awhile.
CODI: She's okay … if you consider constantly puking, okay.
ALEX: Was she like that with her son?
Codi shrugged.
CODI: I don't know, I didn't live here then.
ALEX: Oh.
CODI: So, are you going to the dance?
ALEX: I don't think so. I just got back into town and I don't think I
could find anyone to go with me.
CODI: What if I told you I could get you a date?
He looked at her curiously.
ALEX: With whom?
Codi pointed toward her table.
CODI: You see the gorgeous blonde sitting over there?
Alex rubbed his eyes.
ALEX: Okay, I think I'm seeing double.
CODI: The one on the left.
ALEX: You mean the one that looks exactly like the one on the right?
Codi laughed. He sounded sarcastic like David.
CODI: Yes Dav … I mean Alex. … Her name is Isabelle. She's David's
sister.
Alex was stunned by her beauty.
ALEX: What's wrong with her?
CODI: Nothing. Why would you ask that?
Isabelle glanced nervously over at him and gave him a shy smile.
ALEX: Because someone as gorgeous as she is, is bound to have hundreds
of guys after her.
CODI: I think that's the problem. She's so beautiful that none of the
guys will ask her out. … And she's too shy to ask them out.
ALEX: Why me?
CODI: Because my sister says you're a really nice guy, but you don't
have a lot of friends your age.
Alex laughed to himself.
ALEX: It's kind of the price I pay for being a book nerd.
Codi shook her head.
CODI: I'm going to go get her and bring her over here. Just be yourself
and then ask her to the dance.
Codi went and grabbed Isabelle's hand and brought her over to
Alex.
CODI: Isabelle, this is Alex. Alex, this is Isabelle. Talk.
Codi walked back to the table.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Two days later, everybody was busy readying themselves to go to
the ball. John and Maddie decided to stay home and baby-sit their
grandson and his 'girlfriend' Emily Booth. Callie and Sydney were
upstairs in Sydney's bedroom putting the final touches on. When they
came down the stairs, their husbands were awed by their beauty. Jimmy
nudged Garrett and spoke in a really bad mobster accent.
JIMMY: You know, for two chicks who's is knocked up, yous two don't look
so bad.
CALLIE: I'm flattered. I think.
The group laughed.
GARRETT: Seriously, the two of you look stunning.
He kissed Sydney's hand.
SYDNEY: Thank you.
CALLIE: Thank you Garrett.
Jimmy put his hands on Callie's hips and she straightened his
tie.
CALLIE: Not bad for a twenty-two year old father of two.
JIMMY: Yes, well, I aim to please.
He leaned in and kissed her.
GARRETT: All right you two that's enough of that. Let's go party like
it's 1999!
Callie, Jimmy and Sydney all looked at Garrett.
GARRETT: What?
SYDNEY: You do realize how lame you just sounded?
He quickly grabbed her around the waist, pulled her close up
against him and spoke in a French accent.
GARRETT: I promise it will be zee last time zis century. Now, let us
go to zee ball.
Garrett grabbed Sydney's right hand and tangoed her out the door.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Isabelle stood in front of the mirror, took a deep breath and let
it out slowly.
SANNA: You look great. Stop fidgeting.
ISABELLE: I'm sorry. I fidget when I'm nervous.
Sanna moved her twin over and proceeded to put her earrings on.
SANNA: What's there to be nervous about Izzy? Your date is so
incredibly hot.
ISABELLE: That's exactly it. I mean, what if he doesn't like me?
SANNA: Sister dear, you spent two and a half-hours with him at Swans
when you met him and over an hours on the phone with him last night. I
think he likes you.
Isabelle was still doubting herself.
ISABELLE: But he is so smart. I mean he's in college already.
Eventually he's gonna realize what an airhead I am.
Sanna grabbed her hand squeezed it.
SANNA: Stop that right now! You are not an airhead. You're smart, and
kind and funny … and drop dead gorgeous.
Mary yelled up to her daughters' room.
MARY: Sanna, Colin's here.
Sanna gently hugged her sister and grabbed her bag.
SANNA: I'll see you in a little while … and stop worrying.
ISABELLE: I'll try.
Mary met her daughter in the hall.
MARY: One a.m. young lady.
SANNA: Yes mother.
Mary stood at the bedroom door.
MARY: May I come in?
ISABELLE: Sure Mom.
Mary took in the sight of her daughter.
MARY: Baby, if Daddy was here to see you tonight…
Isabelle smiled.
ISABELLE: I know, he'd be in shock.
MARY: You were his little tomboy. You've changed so much in the last
few years.
Isabelle looked down at her red shoes that matched her dress.
ISABELLE: I was tired of being a freak.
Mary lifted her daughter's head up by her chin.
MARY: You were never a freak sweetie.
Before Isabelle could answer, David yelled to his sister.
DAVID: Let's go! We've gotta pick up Codi and then Alex.
Isabelle yelled back to her brother.
ISABELLE: I'm coming!
She picked up her bag and took another deep breath.
MARY: Belle…
ISABELLE: I know, one a.m.
Mary smiled as she watched her daughter go down the stairs and
out the door with her brother.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The Grand Ballroom of the Swan Club was beautifully decorated.
Crystal swans adorned each table. Codi and David were wrapped around
each other on the dance floor as her father watched her. Callie walked
over to Elia and gave him a hug.
CALLIE: Remind you of anybody?
ELIA: I believe it's time to have a talk with those two,
Callie laughed.
CALLIE: That's already been taken care of Dad.
Elia looked relieved.
ELIA: Thank you. I wasn't looking forward to that conversation again.
Callie smiled and rubbed her flat belly.
CALLIE: Yeah, well, if this is a girl, I've had practice.
ELIA: Speaking of the baby, are you still feeling ill?
CALLIE: Oh yeah.
ELIA: Why don't you try that herb we found off the coast of Madagascar?
CALLIE: I've decided not to take anything. Your grandson reminded me
that the baby takes the medications too. I can live with the discomfort.
ELIA: Sounds like the lad is as wise as his mother.
Jimmy came up beside his wife and slipped his arm around her
waist.
JIMMY: Pardon me Captain, but might I borrow my wife to dance?
ELIA: by all means.
Jimmy led Callie to the dance floor.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mary Ellis watched as all three of her children danced with their
dates.
MARY: They grow up so fast.
MARGARET: You don't have to tell me that. After all, my baby's having
her second baby.
Mary sighed.
MARY: Yes, but I'm not as old as you are BIG sister.
Mary laughed as Margaret swatted her arm.
MARGARET: You'll pay for that one.
MARY: I'm glad I came home.
Margaret put her arm around her sister.
MARGARET: Me too. We've been closer since you've been back then when
we were growing up.
MARY: So if we're so close, why haven't you told me that you're
pregnant?
Margaret was stunned.
MARGARET: How…
MARY: They bring me in on all cases when the mother's over forty. …
Have you told Doug yet?
MARGARET: Yes. I just haven't told Sydney yet.
MARY: Honey, you better do it soon. You're already beginning to show.
Margaret looked at her stomach and swatted her sister again.
MARGARET: I am not.
MARY: Ha! Made you look.
MARGARET: Mariana, you are still annoying.
Mary hugged Margaret.
MARY: As your younger sister, that's my job.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Alex led Isabelle off of the dance floor and back to their table.
ALEX: Would you like some punch?
ISABELLE: Yes, please.
Alex went and got their drinks and came back to the table.
ISABELLE: Thank you.
ALEX: I should be thanking you. I'm really having a great time
tonight.
ISABELLE: I am too.
ALEX: I have to be honest with you. I was really nervous about tonight.
Isabelle smiled. It made her feel more at ease knowing that he
had been just as nervous as she was.
ISABELLE: Why would you be nervous?
ALEX: I was afraid that you'd realize what a dork I really am and call
off our date.
Isabelle laughed.
ALEX: I'm glad I can amuse you.
ISABELLE: No, it's just that, well, I thought that you'd feel the same
way about me.
Alex placed his hand atop of hers.
ALEX: Looks like a couple of dorks like us belong with each other.
Isabelle smiled.
ISABELLE: Without a doubt.
Alex leaned forward and gave her a sweet, soft kiss.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mila was sitting at the table chatting with her mother and
mother-in-law about all of the new furniture she had purchased.
CORNELIA: Any plans for a nursery?
COUNTESS: Don't rush them!
MILA: Grant and I have no plans for that just yet. Talk to me in a
couple of years.
COUNTESS: That's soon enough for me. With both Sydney and Callie
pregnant, that's enough babies for now.
CORNELIA: I suppose you are right Valaira. But you'll understand the
way I feel once Mila and Grant do have a child.
Mila felt like she was in a never-ending tug of war. She spotted
her husband talking to Garrett and Sydney.
MILA: If you'll excuse me, I'm going to join my husband.
Mila stood and walked over to Grant. She kissed his cheek.
GRANT III: You look flustered sweetheart.
MILA: I had to escape the great child debate.
SYDNEY: You poor dear. Our mother-in-law can be a little…
GARRETT: Pushy?
SYDNEY: Okay, I wasn't going to use that word, but she does seem to
want a lot of grandchildren.
GRANT III: And the two of you seem to be handling things just fine on
that end … and for that we are truly grateful.
GARRETT: Hey, Sydney and I can't do this alone … well, we could, but…
SYDNEY: Two's my limit …unless we have another girl … but we're
definitely stopping at three.
MILA: To be honest, the whole idea of parenthood scares the hell out of
me.
GARRETT: It did us too, but the first time you see that tiny little
person that you created, it puts everything into perspective.
Grant patted his brother on the back.
GRANT III: What happened to that pain in the ass little brother I used
to have.
Sydney smiled.
SYDNEY: He married me.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The clock was quickly approaching midnight. The staff of the
Swan Club was busy passing out tacky hats and noisemakers to everyone.
Jimmy and Callie were cuddled up as well as most of the other couples.
Callie laid her head on Jimmy's chest and yawned.
CALLIE: I am so tired. Is it midnight yet?
JIMMY: It's getting close.
Garrett and Sydney walked up to them.
GARRETT: Looks like your prego is as wiped out as mine.
Sydney hit him across the chest.
SYDNEY: I told you not to call me that.
He kissed the top of her head.
GARRETT: I am so sorry honey. I won't do it again this century.
JIMMY: Garrett, man, that line is really getting old.
GARRETT: Sorry.
Grant Booth made the time announcement.
GRANT: It's one minute until midnight.
Jimmy helped Callie up and the foursome walked closer to their
family and friends. Then the countdown began.
EVERYBODY: Ten…nine…eight…seven…
Margaret walked up behind her daughter and whispered in her ear.
EVERYBODY: Six…five…four…
MARGARET: I'm pregnant.
SYDNEY: What?
EVERYBODY: Three… two…one. Happy New Year.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This one's dedicated to Isabelle. You send me the sweetest
encouragement. And Mary, you are truly my best friend. Thanks for
helping me straighten out my head and my heart.
Like it? Hate it? addiegirl@hotmail.com Text file Source (historic): geocities.com/hollywood/hills/2262/fanfic
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