Chapter 13
I slowly made my way over to Clay, starting to tear up again. I stopped at his bedside and took his right hand. “Clay, I’m here.” I whispered, as I held his hand tight. He slowly opened his eyes, and smiled a weak smile. “Oh, Clay! Thank God you’re alright! I thought I lost I lost you!”I cried as I bent down to give him a hug. “I love you so much....”I whispered.
“I love you, too.” he replied.
As I pulled away, I realized that its now or never. I have to tell him the truth. “Clay,”I started, “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it, baby?”he asked
“This is all my fault....”
“What are you talking about?”he asked, confused.
“Do you remember six months ago, when you saved a young girls life?”
“Wait, how did you know a bout that?”
“Clay, that girl you saved was me.”
He just lay there, in shock. “You mean, you were the girl who was almost beaten to death?”he asked, starting to tear up.
“Yes, Clay, that was me.”
“But, I don’t understand. How is this your fault?”
“Well, my ex vowed to get revenge, before the cops took him away. His best friend, Jason, works for him, does his dirty work. Since you were the one who called the police, he is after you, too. He thinks it’s all your fault that he ended up in jail. Well, I would think that he has broken out by now. This is all my fault, you see? If I hadn’t agreed to go out with him in the first place.......”
“We might have never met.”Clay finished for me.
I looked at him, and said, “You’re right...”
He then patted the spot next to him, indicating for me to lay down next to him. I climbed up on the bed, very gently, and wrapped my arm around his waist. He wrapped his right arm around me and softly played with my hair. This is where I belong. Clay and I were meant to be together. I slowly fell asleep, snuggled up next to him.
The next day, Clay was able to go home. When we arrived back at the mansion, we were greeted by Kim, Ruben, and Josh.
“Hey man, how ya feeling?” asked Ruben.
“Been better.”Clay responded.
“Oh, Clay! I was so worried!”cried Kim, throwing her arms around him.
“It’s okay, Kimmie. I’m fine. Just a little headache, that’s all.”he replied, patting her head.
“We’re glad that you’re alright.”said Josh.
“Thanks.”Clay replied. “By the way, what time did you guys actually get home last night?”
Kim replied, “Well, you see, we kinda got a flat tire and were stuck. We had to wait for a tow truck to come. We finally made it home around 4:00am. Then we noticed that you two were gone, so we called both of your cell phones. We finally got a hold of Becca, who tried to tell us what happened as calmly as she could without freaking out and bursting into tears again.”
Clay smiled and looked at me. I, however, was thinking of what Kim had said.....They got a flat tire......Somehow, I didn’t think that it was a coincidence. It was Mark. He wanted them out of the way, while Clay and I were alone.
“Well, Clay, I’m sure you need your rest, so we won’t keep you.”said Josh.
“Thanks.”
Then everyone left, to go about their business. “Becca, are you okay?”he suddenly asked me.
“Clay, I’m scared.”I replied shakily.
“Oh, baby....”he said, as he wrapped his arms around me.
“I’m so scared, Clay. What are we going to do? We have no proof, so we can’t go to the police. I couldn’t live with myself if anything bad ever happens to you.”I cried into his chest.
“Shhh....it’s okay. We’ll think of something.”he whispered. “C’mon, let go get some rest.” he said, leading me upstairs to his room, where we fell asleep in each others’ arms.
Soon, it was time for another Tuesday. This time, the theme was the Beegee’s. I was so excited, because, again, Clay was dedicating his two performances to me. Of course, he always does. We went to the studio, and he pulled me aside.
“These performances are for you. The first is showing how much I love you, and the second, is well, let’s just say it will put a smile on your face.”he said, smiling himself. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”I replied. He then tucked some of my hair behind my ears and slowly, he leaned in, and we kissed, as l wrapped my arms around his neck. “Good luck.”I whispered against his lips. He smiled and kissed my forehead.
I then went to go take my seat in the front row, while he went to go get ready. Soon, it was time for the show to start.
“Hello, and welcome to American Idol, tonight’s theme is the Beegee’s. Each contestant will be singing two songs tonight. First up, is Clay Aiken, with ‘To Love Somebody.’”
He came out wearing on all black suit, with a blue tie. He looks so good in suits....heck, he looks good in anything.....
“There’s a light.......
A certain kind of light....
That never shown on me.....
I want my life to be.....
To live with you, to live with you.....
There’s a way.....
Everybody say......
To do each and every little thing.....
But what does it mean....
If I ain’t got you, if I ain’t got you....
Baby, you don’t know what it’s like......
Oh no, you don’t know what it’s like.....
To love somebody....
To love somebody, the way I love you......
To love somebody, to love somebody.......
To love somebody....
The way I love....
You.......”
It was another breathtaking performance. It was so beautiful, I had tears in my eyes. He looked at me the entire time. His next song, was “Grease”. When he came out in that red leather jacket, I knew this was going to be a good one. Then, he started to dance. I couldn’t help but giggle. All the girls in the audience were screaming for him.
I felt so lucky to be able to fall asleep in his arms every night. I could tell he was having a ball up on stage. When it was over, he looked over at me, and gave the biggest smile. I smiled back and blew him a kiss.
When the show was over, I went to look for him backstage. “Did you like them?” he asked me, when I found him in his dressing room.
“I loved them! They were so wonderful......I really loved your sexy red leather jacket....”I said, smiling.
He blushed and replied, “I’m glad.”
That night, out onto Clay’s balcony and looked at the stars, thinking about Mark. When would he strike next? As I stood leaning over the railing, I felt an arm go around my waist. I leaned back onto Clay’s chest, and he started to kiss my neck. I giggled, and said, “it’s such a beautiful night out tonight.”still looking at the stars.
I saw you dancing out the ocean
Running fast along the sand
A spirit born of earth and water
Fire flying from your hands
In the instant that you love someoneIn the second that the hammer hits
Reality runs up your spine
And the pieces finally fit
“Yeah, it is beautiful....”he replied, “Almost as beautiful as you.”
And all I ever needed was the one
Like freedom fields where wild horses run
When stars collide like you and I
No shadows block the sun
You're all I've ever needed
Baby you're the one
I blushed and turned around to face him. With our arms wrapped around each other, we started to dance in the moonlight. It was so romantic dancing under the stars. We didn’t need music. We danced to the beat of our own hearts, beating as one. Then, he started to sing to me.
“You are the love of my life....
And I’m so glad you found me....
You are the love of my life....
So baby, put your arms around me....
I guess this is how it feels...
When you finally find something real...
My angel in the night.....
You are my love....
The love of my life....”
I cried happy tears into his chest as we danced. It was so beautiful....I was at a lost for words. We continued to dance for about an hour, until I yawned into his chest. He noticed that I was tired, so he lead me back inside and closed the door behind him. He then helped me get into bed, and then he climbed in after me.
“I love you.”he whispered in my ear.
“I love you, too.” I replied, snuggling up next to him.
And all I ever needed was the one
Like freedom fields where wild horses run
When stars collide like you and I
No shadows block the sun
You're all I've ever needed
Baby you're the one
“Sweet dreams.”he said, while he kissed my forehead. In no time at all, I was sound asleep, where I was meant to be in Clay’s arms.
Chapter 14
Two weeks pass, as we say goodbye to Josh and Kim. Now, was down to Ruben and Clay for the finale. Surprisingly, I haven’t heard anything from Mark. I was so relieved. Maybe he had a change of heart, and decided to leave us alone? Somehow, I doubted that was true. He was just waiting for the right moment to strike.
It was the night of the final results show. Clay sang his heart out last night, with “This is the Night”, “Here, There, and Everywhere”,and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Now we finally get to hear who won this thing.
“Are you nervous?”I asked him before the show.
“Not at all. If God wants me to win, then I’ll win. If not, and I end up in second, then that is the way it’s supposed to be.”he replied.
“No matter what happens, you’ll always be my idol....”I whispered.
He smiled and pulled me into a hug. For some reason, I suddenly got a bad feeling. I never wanted to let go. If I did, something bad would happen.
“Well, I’d better go. The show starts in five minutes.”he said, slowly pulling away.
“No, Clay, wait.....I have this feeling....”I started.
But he was being pulled away by producers. “I don’t know about this.....I know something bad is going to happen.”
“Oh, hunny. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”he replied, while being dragged down the hallway.
“Clay! Good luck!”I yelled back to him.
Something wasn’t right....I could feel it. Reluctantly, I took my seat and tried to enjoy the show. The whole time, I couldn’t stop worrying. Then came the results......
“The winner of American Idol 2003 is.....Ruben Studdard!” Ryan announced.
“Oh no!” I was sad that Clay didn’t win, but this couldn’t have been the bad feeling that I had earlier.....it was something else.....As everyone came on stage, I lost Clay. Where did he go? I kept searching for him, but he seemed to disappear. Everyone else was to busy congratulating Ruben to even notice that Clay was gone. He wasn’t on stage.. “Oh my god.....”I whispered. “Clay!”I yelled, as I jumped on the stage, pushing through everyone.
~~~meanwhile, backstage~~~
Clay had slipped off stage undetected to be by himself for a few minutes. He had to think things through. No one was around. Everyone was out on stage. Deep down, he wanted to win, but he was happy for his friend Ruben. He went to his dressing room to sit down for a few minutes. Then, someone closed the door behind him.
He spun around to find Mark, standing in front of him pointing a gun at him.
“Who are you? What do you want?”Clay asked, terrified, backing into the wall.
“Clay, Clay, Clay.....I’m sure you would know who I am by now?”
“You’re....you’re Mark, aren’t you?”
“At your service.”he replied.
“What do you want?”asked Clay, nervously looking at the gun Mark was holding.
“Well, I want you dead of course. If I can’t have Becca, no one can.”he replied evilly.
With his heart pounding, Clay then pleaded, “Please don’t hurt Becca. You could kill me, but please, don’t hurt her.”
Mark then laughed an evil laugh. “Don’t be silly Clay! Of course I plan on hurting her. Without you, she’ll have no reason to live. Now, we’d better get out of here before everyone comes backstage and notices that you are gone. Jason, take care of him.”
Clay then turned his head and noticed Jason, in the corner. He came over and grabbed Clay’s arms and tied them behind his back. “Help! Somebody! Hmmppphh!” Clay tried to scream for help, but Jason gagged him with a piece of duct tape. Clay had no choice but to comply, because Mark was still pointing the gun at him.
“C’mon, let’s go.” Jason pushed Clay out the door and lead the way, with Mark behind, holding the gun to Clay’s back. “Remember, no sudden movements, or.....”Mark said, as he pushed Clay along with the gun.
He was then shoved into a car. They drove off to someplace not to far away. After all, Mark wanted me to come to Clay’s rescue.
~~~back on stage~~~
“Clay! Where are you?!”I yelled through the crowd. He was gone. He must be backstage or something.....So, I made my way over, and headed backstage. No one was there. “Clay! Are you here?” I yelled.
I ran over to his dressing room, where I found it empty. I then saw a note hanging off of the mirror. I slowly approached it, to find that it was addressed to me. Shaking, I pulled it down off the mirror, and tore it open.
“Becca,
if you ever want to see your little boyfriend alive again,
you will come to 53 Shadow Lane, alone, with no cops.
You have until midnight tonight.
I’ll be waiting.
Mark”
I was shaking really bad now. It can’t be......he has Clay.....No......I was terrified. I then looked at my watch. It was 11:45. I didn’t know what I would find when I got there, but I had to go now.
I ran out to the van, and sped off to find Clay. I finally made it to 53 Shadow Lane, with a few minutes to spare. It was an old rundown house, with the windows boarded up. Taking a deep breath, I got out of the van, and walked up to the house. I went up the steps, and pushed open the old door.
“Hello?” I said. No one answered, so I continued to make my way inside. “Clay? Anybody here?” I asked again. I then noticed the basement door open. With my heart pounding, I walked over to it and started down the stairs.
Then, I looked around. There, over on the ground in the corner, was Clay.
“Clay! Oh my god!”I rushed over to him. He was tied up, gagged, and they must have knocked him out. I took the piece of tape off of his mouth and proceeded to untie him. When he was freed, I tried to sit him up in my lap.
“Clay....please wake up, please.....” I held him close, and stroked his cheek with my hand. He slowly opened his eyes. “Clay! Oh my god! You’re okay!” I rejoiced, holding him close.
“Yeah, just a little bruised, but I’m fine. You shouldn’t have come here. It’s a trap. They could be back any minute. I don’t want you to get hurt.”he replied.
“What are you talking about? I had to come save you. I love you. No one, not even Mark, can keep us apart.”
“Is that so?” I heard Mark say, as he came down the stairs. I slowly turned around to find Mark and Jason, with evil grins on their faces. “I knew you would come.”he said.
I slowly got up and stood in front of Clay. “I’m here. What do you want?”I asked, afraid to know the answer.
“You, of course. I want him dead, and I want you to suffer.”he replied. A single tear rolled down my cheek. “Oh, don’t cry my dear. That is just the way things have to be. Now, Jason, would you be so kind as to move her out of the way.”
Jason did so, as he grabbed me and pulled me out of the way.
“Noooo!!”I screamed, kicking, trying to free myself. I looked at Clay, tears streaming from my eyes. He looked back at me, with a look of fear in his eyes. We just stared at each other, frozen in the moment. This can’t be happening.....this can’t be real.....This must be a dream.......a horrible nightmare.....I’m going to wake up any moment in Clay’s arms.......Come on, wake up!
“Say goodbye to you little boyfriend.....”he said, as he raised his gun. I just stood there, still trying to fight against Jason, frozen. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. BANG!
“Nooo!”I screamed. I stomped on Jason’s feet and he finally let me go, screaming himself. “Clay!” I ran to his side. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. He was shot in his side. Blood was drenching his shirt. “Hold on, Clay.”I whispered, as I held him close.
“I.....I love you.”he managed to let out, breathing very sharp.
“Oh, Clay! I’m so sorry! I love you so much!”I cried into his chest. “Please don’t leave me! I need you!”
“Jason, will you please get her out of the way, now! We don’t have all day....”yelled Mark.
Jason then grabbed my arm and pulled me away. “Nooo!!”I cried.
Clay tried to get up, but he fell back, wincing in pain. I stomped on Jason’s foot again, and he let me loose, the same time Mark shot his gun. I jumped in front of Clay just in time. The bullet hit my arm instead. If I hadn’t jumped in front of the shot, that bullet would have went straight to his heart. I fell to the ground next to Clay, clutching my arm.
“You stupid girl! Now, you will pay!”yelled Mark, as he came over and proceeded to kick me all over my body.
“Stop!”I yelled in pain. Then, just before he was about to kick me in the head, he was shot three times, and fell to the ground, dead. I looked up to see who our rescuers were. It was three policemen, followed by Kim and Ruben. I then looked over to Clay lying beside me. “Clay....we’re saved.....Clay.....Clay?”I said, weakly. He wasn’t moving. From the looks of things, he had lost too much blood, and passed out. “No....Clay....” Then everything went black. I just wanted it to go away.
Chapter 15
I awoke from a deep sleep, laying in a hospital bed. My arm was all wrapped up and I was covered in bruises. I looked to my side to find Clay, laying in the bed beside me. “Clay.....”I whispered. I then, slowly, got up, and jumped down from my bed. Carefully, I made my way over to Clay. “Clay....”I whispered, running my hand through his hair.
He slowly opened his eyes and smiled when he saw me. “Deja vu, huh?”he said, weakly.
“Yeah, except this time, you weren’t alone.”I pointed to the bed beside him. “How are you feeling?”I asked.
“Okay, I guess. My side really hurts, but other than that, I’m alright. The doctors say that I was really lucky. The bullet missed any major arteries. They said that it should heal nicely.”he replied.
“That’s a relief....Would it be okay if I......”I started, pointing to his bed.
“Sure, climb in.”he said.
So, I carefully climbed onto his bed, wrapping our arms around each other.
“I miss being able to hold you.”he said, as he gently stroked my hair.
“I love you.”I replied.
“I love you, too, baby.”he whispered, as he kissed my forehead.
Soon, we fell asleep. An hour later, Kim and Ruben came to visit.
“Awww! Isn’t that cute!”Kim squealed, as she saw us sleeping.
“Awww....”said Ruben. “Hey guys....wake up....”
We slowly opened our eyes to Ruben and Kim standing at our bedside.
“How are you guys doing?” Ruben asked.
“Alright....Hey, wait a minute.....”I said, “How did you know where we were? Before I blacked out, I saw the both of you come in with the cops. You saved our lives.”
“It was nothing.”said Ruben, blushing.
“Well,”started Kim, “When we made it backstage, we realized that both you and Clay were gone. It was very odd. It didn’t seem like you would just leave like that. So, I went to Clay’s dressing room to see if you were there. When I found the room empty, I saw a note discarded on the floor. I read it, and well, I called the cops, then we made our way over.”she finished.
“Thank you, Kimmie.”said Clay, while he ran his fingers through my hair.
“Thank you so much.”I said, smiling.
She smiled and a single tear ran down her cheek.
A few days later, Clay and I were allowed to go home. Life started to go back to normal. Mark was gone, so I was finally free. Unfortunately, we couldn’t live in the mansion anymore, so Clay and I found a cute apartment in downtown L.A., in the same building as Kim and Ruben.
Our first night in our new apartment was unforgettable. Clay and I were enjoying another evening under the stars out on the balcony. It was so romantic. Clay had lit candles all around us, filling the air with perfume. He had also laid rose pedals all around me.
“I love you so much, baby.”he whispered in my ear.
“I love you, too”I replied, snuggling up against him.
“I wrote this song for you......it took a while, but I think I have it perfected. Can I sing it for you?”he asked.
“Oh, Clay! Would you?”I replied, excited that he had actually written a song for me.
“There’s something bout the way you look tonight.....
There’s something bout the way that.....
I can’t take my eyes off you.....
There’s something bout the way your lips invite....
Maybe it’s the way that....
I get nervous when your around.....
And I want you to be mine.....
And if you need a reason why....
It’s in the way that you move me....
And the way that you tease me....
The way that I want you tonight.....
It’s in the way that you hold me....
And the way that you know me....
And when I can’t find the right words to say....
You feel it in the way.....
Feel it in the way.....
There’s something bout how you stay on my mind....
There’s something bout the way that....
I whisper your name when I’m asleep, oh girl.....
Maybe it’s the look you get in your eyes....
Oh, baby it’s the way that....
It makes me feel to see you smile.....
And the reasons they... may change....
But what I’m feeling stays...the same.....
It’s in the way that you move me...
And the way that you tease me....
The way that I want you tonight....tonight...
It’s in the way that you hold me....
And the way that you know me.....
And when I can’t find the right words to say...
You feel it in the way....
Oh, Feel it in the way.....
I can’t put my fingers on...
Just what it is that makes me....
Love you.....you, baby...
So don’t ask me to describe...
I get all choked up inside.....
Just thinking bout the way, oh.....
It’s in the way that you move me...
In the way that you tease me....
The way that I want you tonight....oh.......
It’s in the way that you hold me....hold me yeah....
In the way that you know me.....
And when I can’t find the right words to say...
You feel it in the way....
Feel it in the way.....
It’s in the way that you move me...
In the way that you tease me....
The way.......yeah.....
Feel it in the way.....
There’s something bout the way you look tonight....
There’s nothing more to say then.....
I feel it in the way....
That was the most beautiful song I have ever heard....and he wrote it.....just for me......I was smiling from ear to ear, tears falling from my cheeks. I was speechless. Then, unexpectedly, Clay got up and knelt down in front of me. I swallowed hard.
“Becca, I love you with all my heart and all my soul. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to grow old together and have many children. Will you make me the happiest man in the world, and marry me?”he finished, looking into my eyes.
“Yes, Clayton Holmes Aiken, yes! I will marry you!”I shouted with joy, happy tears rolling down my cheeks. I threw my arms around him, and we kissed. It was the most passionate kiss I have ever experienced. I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him closer, as he wrapped his arms around my waist. “I love you.”I whispered against his lips.
“I love you, too, baby.”he replied.
This was where I belonged. Clay and I were meant to be together. We held each other close, and waited for a new day to come so we could start our lives together, as husband and wife.
