December 18 (Monday Late Morning )

How did it come to this?…

Erin sat in the taxi, watching the lights of NYC fade in the distance across the Tappen Zee Bridge. She was an hour from home, the Taxi taking the familiar route through Rockland County via the Palisades Parkway, North. Her eyes were swollen, tired from crying. Her breaths were coming in short, painful gasps as she fought to hold onto her sanity.

How did it come to this? How? I wanted him so badly and I damned the consequences. He is engaged and his woman had every right to be upset and defensive and confrontational. I swore I would never go after someone elses man. I swore I would never cheat on John, again. I barely survived the last time, even though we weren’t together when I started seeing someone else. He flew into a jealous rage…and I came out with a shattered Rotator Cuff. Erin tried to clear her head of those memories. But I did it anyway. I violated all of my beliefs…all of my promises to myself. I cant blame Orlando for this, I pushed it. I wanted it. I wanted him. And then I ran.

Erin shook her head, engulfed in her thoughts. She was shaken from her thoughts by the ring of her cell phone. Digging into her evening bag, she withdrew the digital flip phone, hoping beyond hope that it was Orlando.. The LCD screen displayed Amys number.

“Hello?” She managed, weakly.

“Honey, are you alright? What happened, besides what I already think happened?”

“Well, yeah, what your thinking is right on the mark. Orlando just had this look in his eyes, I thought it was regret..but I am just not sure, anymore. I had to go. I am sorry but I had to go.” Erin hung her head as she spoke. “I should be home in like 20 minutes, we are on Route 17, now.”

“Oh honey, I am so sorry. What a dick!” Amy grumbled.

“No, this isn’t his fault. I pushed for this and I couldn’t deal with it. I just hope John isn’t there when I get home.” Erin let her voice trail.

“If he does anything stupid, I swear to all things holy, I will kill him.” Amy warned.

“Call me when you get in the house alright? Oh, Billy, Dom and Viggo send their love. Sean says he misses you and I gave him your cell number.”

“Send my love back and have a great night with Billy. I know its your last for awhile. Don’t worry about me, I will be fine.” Erin paused, wondering. “How is…”

Amy was already speaking, knowing the mind of her best friend. “Orlando looks like a kid who lost his puppy. He ran out after you, but you were already gone. Don’t you worry though, I intend to have a few words with him before he leaves with Billy tomorrow.”

“Don’t do that. Just leave it be, Amy. This is the way of fate, we don’t have a choice about that. But go ahead, have fun and I will talk to you later, okay? Love you.” Erin did not wait for Amy to respond, clicking the phone closed and hitting the button till she heard it turn off.

Leaning back against the seat, Erin felt herself drifting off with thoughts of Orlando. She could not keep from replaying the evening over and over again in her thoughts. The taxi came to a stop, jolting her back to reality, once more. Gathering her thoughts, Erin handed the driver close to 150.00 of waded up cash, looking to her apartment with a sense of dread. The door was open and the insides were dark. Her Chevy Cavalier was parked in the driveway of the duplex.

The cab sped off as Erin made her way to the opened door. Peeking inside, Erin could see no sign of movement, but most of her furniture was gone. “Hello? John?”

Erin stepped inside, bracing her hand along the wall, finding the light switch. Before she could flick it on, she heard a familiar voice. “Your home. I am surprised you weren’t lying about that too.”

Erin swallowed hard. The light from the window shinned in on John, standing against the wall. She could smell the pungent scent of liquor. “Your drunk. I am going to bed…that is, if I still have a bed. Where is all my shit, John?”

“Gone. Like our relationship. Gone, all of it. Scott helped me take it to the dump.” John pushed off the wall, moving toward her as Erin flicked on the light.

“That was my shit. What the hell is wrong with you?” Erin stood near the door, sliding out of her heels slowly, preparing to defend herself if necessary as he approached.

“You look beautiful. So, who did you fuck tonight? Must have been somebody special to go to a movie premiere looking like that.” He was closing in the distance. Erin dropped her bag onto the floor, cursing the constricting dress around her legs…legs she was trained to defend with.

“I didn’t fuck anyone, John. Your drunk and I don’t like the way you are coming toward me.” Erin felt her pulse quicken.

“Think you can kick in that dress? Martial arts don’t mean shit, Erin. I am a black belt, remember?” John lunged in one quick movement, grasping her as she attempted to deflect, disoriented she fell back against the wall. His fist connected to her face. He held her steadfast.

“Don’t do this John. You promised you would never do this again. I swear to god, I will defend myself.” Erin felt panic rush through her blood, her fingers going rigid. A palm strike connected just under his chin, forcing him to step back as Erin rushed away.

“Bitch!” John grabbed the hem of her dress, yanking it as she fell onto the floor. John drew up over her. Erin swung her leg behind his knees, knocking them out from under him. Her eye was swelling shut, leaving her depth perception markedly off. Erin rose, backing up against the wall, falling into a cat stance. Her stocking clad foot rested on the ball of the toes, as her hand hiked up her dress.

“I’ve had it with this. I tried to play nice with you, Erin. But you leave me no choice.” John was in stance faster than her limited vision could gather. With a quick motion, he hook kicked her, the back of his knee connecting with her neck as he dragged her down to the ground. Erin attempted to deflect but found herself face down on the ground. “GET OFF OF ME!” She screamed. She could feel the warm spill of blood from her mouth.

“So, did he do you good? Huh? How is this for telling you what to do, you fucking whore!” John stood above her, raising his leg for an axe kick to her spine. Erin rolled at the last moment, curling up against the wall. John came at her, grabbing her by the hair, pulling her bloodied face back to his eyes. “Look at you? Why do you make me hurt you like this Erin? Why?”

Erin sputtered blood from her mouth, her vision blurred. “Don’t, John.” She managed, curling her fingers in against her palm. In one last ditch effort, she backfisted the hold he had on her hair, spinning around as the sides of her hands connected to his pressure points. John stumbled back, the look in his blue eyes, cold. In one movement, he feigned a front right kick, connecting instead with the left. Erin went black and crumbled to the floor.

Orlando stood outside of the Limo, his bags already nestled in the trunk. With his sunglasses fastened firmly to his eyes, he fought a hangover and painful winter morning sunlight. Flicking the ash of his cigarette, he waited.

Amy and Billy had been locked in a tearful embrace against the facade of the building for several moments. Dom walked toward the limo. John Rhys Davies emerged after his bags were stored. With a smile, the towering actor braced a hand on Orlandos shoulder. “Beautiful morning for a flight, eh, mate?”

“Something like that, John.” Orlando tried to give his best impersonation of a smile.

“I always love the Concorde, feels like you are launching into the atmosphere at take off.” He paused. “You alright, lad?”

“I just cant wait to get home.” Orlando inhaled his cigarette.

John regarded Billy and Amy. “Tearful thing when lovers are forced to part. A shame really. Where is that lovely American girl, Erin? Did she not come out to wish you safe journey?”

Orlando readjusted his sunglasses, pressing them closer to his eyes. “She left last night.”

“Ahh, I see. Jemma take another flight?” John raised a brow, sensing something painful coming from Orlando.

“Yeah, she had an early shoot today.” Orlando cleared his throat, attempting to be subtle as he changed the topic. "So, are Ian and Nick meeting us at the airport?”

John nodded. “Yes. They had some last minute things to attend to.”

Liv, Viggo and Lij emerged from the hotel, giving a sorrowful look to Billy and Amy. Lij had the girl with him from last night, Shannon, as he recalled. Sean Bean was not far behind them. The entire entourage looked washed out, pale from last nights intoxication.

“So, I guess I wont see you again till the new year, will I, Orli?” Liv reached out to embrace him, holding him tightly. Orlando returned her squeeze, finding comfort in her embrace.

“Since your not coming to the Australian premiere, I guess not. We have some APR to cover for the Towers and then, back onto the Return of the King. Not much time off, but time I could use, anyway.” Orlando released her slowly.

Liv removed the sunglasses from his face. “You look like hell, Orli. You going to be alright?”

“She returned the ring last night.” Orlando looked to the ground, reaching his hand out for his sunglasses. “I have a lot going on right now. My plate is full, mate.”

Liv nodded softly. “I expect you to call me, so don’t forget my number. And send my love to Mom, Colin and Sam. Give Maude a belly scratch for me too, alright?”

Orlando nodded. Liv moved on to give her soft words to John. Viggo braced his hand before his heart before extending it outward to Orlando. Elvish Salute. “You going to be alright, Orli?” Viggo had the look of a concerned brother in his blue eyes.

“Yeah, mate. I have to get back to my life and try to sort things out.” Orlando nodded, returning the salute. “Bloody hell, Viggo, I don’t know what I am going to do.” He felt helpless, alone.

“You will figure it out. If you need me, I am only a phone call away. Have fun at the premiere and I will see you in the new year. Alright?” Viggo dropped his face down to catch Orlandos eyes beneath the sunglasses.

“Right mate.” Orlando embraced him, tightly. Viggo patted his back and let him go.

Lij was kicking at errant chunks of ice on the side walk, Shannon beside him. “Hey man, I will see you for the Premiere in a few days. Try to hold it together, alright?”

“I will, Lij. My mum went and bought some of that green tea for you. So, she is expecting a visit after the premiere. Plan on a lay over.” Orlando looked to him.

Lij embraced him, sensing the pain in his friend, slipping something into his pocket. “Hey, her number is in your jacket. Just incase, yanno? I will see you in 3 days. Keep it together, mate.”

Orlando nodded, offering his hand to Shannon. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I am sorry I didn’t have more time to chat. Take care of yourself now.”

Shannon accepted his hand. “Lij has told me some great stories about you. I am glad to have met you, Orlando. Take care of yourself.”

Lij braced his hand gently at Shannons spine, drawing her back from the entourage and toward John, Sean and Dom.

Amy and Billy joined the group before the limo. Amy had tears streaming down her eyes as she held Billys hand. She bid farewell to Dom, John and Sean with a hug. “Love, I promise to call ya every night, alright? Don’t cry love, we will work it out to see each other again. Promise.” Billys voice was etched with sadness. He leaned forward and kissed her softly.

“Thank you for all of these wonderful days, Billy. Get to Doms’ safely.” Amy wiped her eyes, looking to Orlando.

“Viggo, Liv…make sure Amy gets home safe, mates. Please?” Both nodded. With a quick hug, Billy slipped into the limo, his eyes never leaving Amy.

“Amy…” Orlando spoke softly. “Take care of yourself.” He held his hand out to her.

Amy surprised him, grasping him in close for a hug. Her voice was soft as she whispered in his ear. “She loves you, Orlando. She was afraid you would regret what you had done…that is why she ran. Call her, please.” Amy slid back, averting her eyes.

Orlando was breathless, not sure what to say. “I have to sort things out. When I do that, I promise, I will call her. Even if she doesn’t want to talk to me.”

Sean, who had been in long conversation, bid farewell to Viggo, Lij and Liv. “Keep in touch with me, mate. I will be at the set in the new year for APR’s.” Sean embraced Viggo, his best friend, patting him on the back. “Right. We are off then.”

With that, Sean and Orlando slipped into the Limo. Liv held tight to Amy as she cried with all her might. In an instant, the sleek black stretch pulled out into a throng of traffic, headed for JFK airport.

Erin awoke with the rays of mid morning light, pouring onto her form. The sun streamed into the hallway, the door left wide open. I feel like I have been hit by a truck. She was cold and in pain. Slowly, she parted her eyes, finding her left one was nearly swollen shut. Coming to her senses, Erin found she was stripped of her clothes, laying on the floor naked.

Blood stained her thighs. Instantly, she knew what had happened once she had lost consciousness. He raped me. Erin felt sick to her stomach. Rising up, she battled against soreness and felt her way along the wall to the bathroom. She could feel last nights drinks heaving forward as she leaned down into the toilet. Her ribs hurt as she buckled over, expelling the intoxicants in one fell swoop.

Erin crawled over to the bathtub, turning the water on. Only then, using all of her strength did she stand and look at herself in the mirror. Her face was swollen, her eye black and blue. She bore no other marks, save the dried blood from a split lip…and the blood on her thighs. She could not find tears, though her soul began to weep. Sliding into the tub, she let the warm water lap over her flesh. Erin curled up against the cold porcelain, shivering and scared. How could he do this to me? How? He was supposed to love me…love is not brutality. Love is not…this.

Erin shut the water off as the bath overflowed. She used every bit of remaining energy to scrub herself clean. She felt disgusting. She felt violated. She felt as if a piece of her soul had been torn away.

When her flesh had been scrubbed to the point of rawness, Erin rose out of the tub, wrapping herself in a towel She fumbled her way to the bedroom, falling onto the bed..which he had not taken. She closed the door behind her.

Erin reached into her drawers and removed a pair of sweat pants and sweat shirt. Slipping them on, Erin curled up onto the bed, drawing her knees to her chest. She felt a ripple of the bed sheets and turned her eyes forward. KittyKitty had emerged from somewhere in the room. The beautiful green eyes of the black and white long haired cat beheld her before meowing softly, bumping her affectionately.

Erin wrapped the cat into her arms and began to cry. She wept until the darkness claimed her and the soft purr of her cat lulled her to sleep.

“Are you feeling better yet?” Liv tried to smile, looking to Amy. “It wont be for long. Yeah, he has a huge part in Return of the King so it could be awhile, but I know you both will see each other again at the first available moment.”

Amy sipped her coffee, wiping her eyes. “I know that, it just doesn’t make it any easier.”

“It never does.” Viggo braced a hand on her shoulder. “But believe me, it will be better.”

“So is Erin going to be pissed off that we are on our way to her place, uninvited?” Lij fumbled with his weather beaten copy of Hunch Back of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. The group had dropped Shannon off in the city before everyone embarked. Lij was sorry to see her go, but somehow knew he would see her again, if it was meant to be.

“Nah, it will be alright. Why wouldn’t Erin want to see us?” Liv smiled. “Hey, don’t you fly back to Iowa tomorrow? I am soo glad my family lives in NY.”

“Yeah, my brother and sister, Zach and Hannah are going to meet me at the airport. Then I am off again to Australia. It will be nice to spend a couple of days home. I miss my dogs, Rascal and Levonne.” Lij let his voice trail.

“You just want to get home to your Star Wars collectibles.” Liv laughed. Lij shook his head.

“I haven’t been upstate NY in so long, its unbelievable. Even then, you are both so deep in the Catskills, I barely know this place. Henry would love this. My son is very into nature.” Viggo commented, looking out the window. They were just turning off Route 17 East, toward Liberty.

“I was really surprised Henry didn’t come to the premiere with you.” Liv smiled, looking to Viggo.

“School hasn’t gone on winter break yet. That’s part of the reason I cant hit the Australian premiere later this week. I want to spend it with him, with normal people. I don’t want his life becoming up-routed and glamorized.” Viggo stated softly. “But if it weren’t for Henry, I never would have taken this roll. I think I read the books in college but he is just a fanatic with them.”

Amy was looking out the window as they roared into the small town of Loch Sheldrake, NY. The limo pulled up alongside of her red Chevy Cavalier. The door was wide open. “Something is up, Erin never leaves her door open.” Amy mumbled, flying out of the limo.

Liv, Viggo and Lij followed instantly.

“Where is all her furniture?” Amy stood in the doorway, afraid to enter.

“Let me go in first.” Viggo slid Amy back beside Liv. Lij pulled in alongside of Viggo, refusing to let his friend go in alone. Viggo pointed to the floor. Dried blood. A puddle of it.

Lij felt his heart racing as he called out, “Erin??!!?”

Amy and Liv both rushed in, pushing past Viggo and Lij. “Erin, honey. Its Amy…Oh my god…” Amy noticed the dried well of blood on the tiles. “Erin, stop fucking around, where are you.”

A door opened in the distance. “Amy?”

Amy looked down the long hall to the bedroom. Erin was standing there, a katana she had used for martial arts training in her grip. “Oh my god, Erin.”

Erin came down the hallway, dragging the blade of the katana with her. She saw Liv, Viggo and Lij. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Jesus Christ, what happened?” Lij found himself breathless. Erins face was swollen, her eye closed and black and blue…her lip split.

“I am alright.” Erin made out before Amy grabbed her tight.

“John did this. What a fucking animal. Oh my god, honey, are you alright?” Amy appraised her.

Viggo looked on with impatient eyes, fighting the urge to find the monster and run him through. Liv braced her hand on Viggo before rushing to Erin. “Damn, what happened?”

Erin explained what she could remember and her thought on what had happened. Amy sat her down in the kitchen where the dining room table and chairs were still left in tact. Amy put on some coffee, fighting the tears in her eyes. “The last time he got out of hand, he tore her Rotator Cuff on her Right shoulder. But that was a year ago and he has kept his hands to himself, till now.”

“Did you go to the hospital and get checked out? You can press charges if he..” Viggo cleared his throat.

“I cant go there. Everyone knows me there. How would it look?” Erin let her hair fall into her face to shield their eyes from her swollen features.

“It would look like your boyfriend beat the shit out of you. He cant get away with this.” Lij paced around the kitchen, accepting a cup of coffee.

“I am alright. I am going to call my landlord and get out of here, today. I have enough put aside to get another apartment. I don’t have much to pack, as you can see.” Erin tried to smile, biting her split lip. The action instantly pained her.

“That is just bullshit, you are going to come and stay with me. I am sure Scott is not far behind John. At least he better not be, if he knows what is good for him.” Amy growled. “I will have the cops come over there with us, later. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Erin continued, “Besides, the only thing they can check in a pelvic exam is evidence of sexual contact and any remaining DNA left by the perpetrator. I have washed most of that evidence away. Not to mention, well, nevermind.” Erin slipped her hand around the hot coffee mug.

“You didn’t use protection with Orli, did you?” Liv hated herself for saying it, but had no choice. Erin shook her head.

“Wait, what? When did you and Orlando?” Lij looked around to the stern gazes of Viggo, Liv and Amy. He cleared his throat. “What can we do for you, Erin?”

“Really, I am alright. Bruises fade, swelling goes down. I will be alright.” Erin sipped her coffee, the steam irritating her swollen face. “I didn’t think I would see you all again after last night. I am really happy you are here but I apologize for the lack of hospitality.”

KittyKitty jumped up into Viggos lap, nuzzling him affectionately. “She is so pretty. What’s her name?”

“KittyKitty. Not very original, I know.” Erin tried to smile again, feeling her face burn and crackle with the movement. “But she, and Amy are what I have in this world and I consider myself pretty lucky.”

Liv found herself not knowing what to say. She wanted to blurt out that Jemma and Orlando were no more..but she could not bring herself to such words. The brutality displayed across Erins face darkened her heart. Somehow, Liv felt that by saying what she wanted, at that moment, she would batter Erins soul.

Viggo ran his fingertips along the Katana Erin had come from the bedroom with. “It’s a nice sword.” He hefted it into his hand, turning it side to side to judge the weight and craftsmanship. “You study sword play?”

“I am trained in weapons from Tae Kwon Do. Sword and Bo staff were my specialty.” Erin took a sip of her coffee, feeling Kitty rub against her legs. “Wish I had either of those last night.” She mumbled.

“I study fencing, or well, I did study fencing until the Rings started shooting. Then I had a more intensive training with swords.” Lij smiled, clicking his fingers together to get the cats attention.

“I didn’t know you studied an art. Billy is our resident Black Belt in Jeet Kun Do. Orlando as some training under him too, for the movies.” Viggo set the sword down.

Amy turned at the mention of Billy, fighting a sniffle. She set the coffee pot down hard. “Jesus Christ, Erin. Why has everything gone to shit? Can you explain this to me. Billy is far away…You and Orlando…What John has done to you…How did it come to this?”

Erin rose, bracing a hand on her friends shoulder. “I don’t know. But it is always you and me. And it always will be.”

Viggo, Liv and Lij looked in on the tender moment. Each seeming to be wondering the very same sentiment. Viggo produced a cigar, shaking his head as he looked to Erins bruised face. How did two really great women, come to all of this?

Billy sat beside Orlando, fastening his seat belt, looking out of the window in anticipation. “I love to fly, I just hate the take off an’ landin’.” Billy managed before white knuckle gripping the arm rests.

Dom leaned over from the seat behind Billy and smacked him atop the head. “Don’t be such a priss, leave that for the elf.” He chimed.

Orlando smiled, despite himself. “Need I bring up the Bungee jumping session, Dom?”

Sean Bean was laughing beside Dominic though his eyes were focused on the back of Orlandos head. Dom turned to Sean. “I forgot, your afraid to fly as well. Though Billy does much better in a helicopter than you do, mate.”

“Piss off, Hobbit.” Sean grumbled as the Concorde taxied down the runway, gaining speed at an incredible rate. “Oh, Christ.” Sean leaned back as far as he could in the seat. The jet caught wind, taking off with a choppy bit of rocking back and forth as they climbed in altitude.

“Don’t worry Bean, most crashes happen at take off and landing. The rest is smooth sailing.” Orlando smirked as he leaned over his seat, looking back at the pale face of Sean Bean.

“I’d crack ya one, mate. If I could move out of this seat. Christ!” Sean jumped with the turbulence. The plane climbed to a cruising height of 55k. Sean refused to let go of the seat. Billy kept ordering scotch, just to make it through the three hour trip. The Concorde was by far, the fastest vessel in the sky and the most lavish. The seat belt indicator flashed off and the stewardess gave the ok from the cockpit to move freely around the cabins.

Ian was moving around the cabin, lighting a cigar in the first class smoking section. Nick was already asleep, apparently worn out from the hectic schedule Ian followed. Orlando rose, removing his cigarettes from his pocket. Billy was not far behind.

“Ah, lads. Good of you to join me. We will arrive before we have left, you realize.” Ian laughed, puffing on his cigar, leaning back in the lavishly appointed lounge.

“Take your drink orders, mates?” The flight attendant asked. Ian placed his order.

“Right. I will take scotch, make it double. And I will bet the same for the Scottish one.” Orlando smiled that charming smile, lighting up a cigarette.

Billy drew up in time to see the attendant pass. “Damn it, I wanted a scotch.”

“Already taken care of, mate.” Orlando nodded, handing his pack over to Billy.

“So, how was your time in New York, Orlando. I have heard whispers here and there of some discontent in your life, boy. Before you attempt to justify rumor from fact, let me say something to you.” Ian flicked his cigar ash, drawing his drink to his lips. Orlando listened to the old gaffer intently. He deeply loved Ian as a child loves a grandfather. Ian was a wellspring of knowledge and wisdom, sage in his older years.

Ian made strong eye contact with Orlando. His voice reminiscent of Gandalf. “As I was saying, my dear boy. Life is not the destination, but rather the journey itself and the people you meet along the way. You are young to have such a serious relationship and often people grow apart. Such is the nature of the human experience.”

“I don’t know where my life is going, Ian. I just know that I am thankful for all that I have and the chances which have been afforded to me.” Orlando replied humbly.

“Hogwash, lad. A real man makes his own fate. Nothing is left to chance beneath a well discerned eye. You are young and talented, Orlando. You have strong blood and a good sense…though I am surprised it hasn’t been jostled by all those jumps from various heights with only a cord about your ankle.” Ian shrugged before continuing. “Youth is wasted upon the young, I suppose. However,” Ian took a drink before returning his gaze to Orlando. “when it all comes around, dear boy. Life is too short for regrets. Do not suffer needlessly for fear of good taste. Honor is not staying beside a bad decision. Honor is finding a new course and facing the challenges thrown at you. Erin is a nice girl. Remember that.” Ian leaned back in typical gaffer style, having said his piece.

“But what of Jemma, Ian? I gave a promise to her with that ring.” Orlando looked to him as though he held all the mystical musings of Gandalf.

“Let me see that ring you wear, lad.” Ian slipped on his glasses as Orlando took off the ring, placing it in his hand. Ian turned it round and round, reading off the Elvish, a language he had become somewhat proficient at deciphering. “To Wherever it may lead. I think that is a good bit of wisdom to follow for all your days, dear boy.”

Orlando slipped the ring onto his finger once more. “How do you mean?” He was confused.

“A very simple logic, really. Nothing is preplanned in this world, at least, not to my knowledge or experience. Though wherever you are lead, there is a sense of reason behind it. Love never comes with easy decisions. Most often, it is the most difficult actions you can take. Your heart knows the answers. Such, is an ancient vessel, filled with memories from ages past. You are left to do with that knowledge, as you like.” Ian clipped his reading glasses, placing them back into his pocket.

“Thank you, Ian.” Orlando found himself questioning the wisdom as he exhaled the smoke from his cigarette.

“I have confused you more than you were, haven’t I?” Ian noted, returning to his cigar. Billy listened without saying a word. The wisdom was clear as crystal to his mind.

“A bit, but then, my life is confusing. Even Andre does not know what to make of it.” Orlando sighed softly.

“Andre Schneider, a good lad, that one is. So full of pain and yet so full of knowledge. We spent a good deal of time talking when he came to visit you on set, for your birthday last year, if I recall correctly. He had the concern he would never find the love of his life. Has he?” Ian inquired.

“Not yet. Though he keeps telling me of this delightful mate he has met on a trip back to his homeland in Germany. Without Atti, I would be lost in this world, Ian.” Orlando smiled softly. A vision of all of the wild times Atti had dragged him into playing across his thoughts.

“You have more care around you then even you might see, Orlando. Those who know you have come to love you. You are an open book, honest and carefree. Do not neglect those resources in your times of need.” Ian looked deeply into his eyes. “Although I am not an immediate part of your supportive circle, I am here, dear boy. You and the rest of the lot, are like the children I have not been granted. I know your situation, I can read it from your eyes like a book. It takes daring and courage to go with your feelings. I am testament to that, lad. Else, I would not be with Nick. Love does not always come when you desire it, often it comes when you need it. To turn from it, is to turn from the path where only regret can be your reward. To accept it is painful but worth a lifelong battle to leave you happy in the end. Do you understand me?” Ian concluded, looking up as Sean and Dom stumbled into the lounge.

“I do, Ian. Thank you, mate.” Orlando grasped him into a hug. Ian returned his embrace with a grandfatherly laugh which echoed in the lounge.

Patting him on the back, Ian released Orlando slowly. “You will be alright, lad. You are young yet and there is always time to find the path.” Ian snuffed his cigar, walking back from the lounge to find Nick.

“Softie. Not surprised to see you here.” Sean ordered a drink, sitting in one of the appointed seats in the lounge.

“So you made it out of your seat. If I start jumping and rock the plane, what will you do then?” Orlando flicked his cigarette.

“Kill you.” He responded darkly. Billy and Dom joined Sean at his lounge table. Orlando walked over.

“So, Bill, how ya doing, mate?” Dom braced an arm around his friend, supportively.

“I miss her. I miss her so much I am ready to get back on the next plane for New York. I should never have left her. I should have taken her with me. At least then, Amy would be sitting next to me, rather than this prissy bastard.” Billy indicated Orlando.

“It cant be all that bad.” Orlando laughed. “You will see her again, Billy.”

“Cant be all that bad, Orli? I have a heart beneath all this Scottish sarcasm. I have feelin’. I don’t just shag someone I don’t love.” Billy grumbled.

Orlando was stunned. “What did you say, mate?”

“I know about you and Erin. Everyone knows it. Well, everyone except yer fiancée. Ya just let Erin run off to god knows what, while ya went home an’ felt all sorry fer yerself. Ya couldn’t be man enough to admit ya loved her…or made a mistake. Either way, ya just let her go. I…I couldn’t barely leave me Amy. Though it has been a few days, I have fallen hard fer that girl. No one ever said love had to happen over the course of years. Love knows its own. Always does.” Billy was visibly upset, his head in his hand as he thought of Amy.

“I don’t know what has gotten to all you buggers about Erin but…” Orlando began to defend himself. “She was the one who ran from me.”

“Its no use, softie. We all saw it in her cryin’ eyes when she left the club last night.” Sean downed his drink. “And mind you, something, mate. Erin is a sweet girl. I found myself really enjoying her company. I have nothing to say to you about what was done. Confirm it or deny it as you like…but don’t you dare hurt her any more than you already have, mate. What you so willingly toss to the scrap, most of us would kill to have. If I were you, I would not be quick to throw away someone who was worth their weight in honesty and dignity fer a pretty trollop in heels who can get all the boys hot with her underpants centerfolds in the latest fashion mags.” Sean lit a cigarette.

“I have just about had it with your attitude, Bean.” Orlando growled, his face flushing red with anger. “It is not my fault that Erin chose me, over you.”

“Isn’t it what you wanted, mate? Fer her to chose you? Well I was takin’ the more gentlemanly approach by not throwin’ her down and shaggin’ her. But that is just me. Sure yer fiancée has much to think about that.” Sean laughed.

“You don’t know a damn thing of it. You have such wisdom, then why did three of your marriages fall to shit.” Orlando crushed his cigarette. “I will thank you to keep your thoughts and ideas outside of my life.”

“Let me say this to you short and clear, softie. I have loved and lost, all through my life. You don’t see me belly achin’ and blamin’ my sorrows on everything around me. You are still a whip because you think that by runnin’ and hidin’ under the covers, its all going to be alright. Well, this is the game of life. You take what you want from it now..before you grow too old to regret it. Erin is someone who, in just a few short days, gave me faith in being a man, just to find someone like her. Much as Amy was to Billy. An’ I don’t mind tellin’ ya, if she would have had me, I would have done everything a man can do to keep a woman. But her heart was poisoned with you, mate. An’ now yer running home to yer life…to yer fiancée and leaving her behind as nothing more than a Sunday night fling. Makes me sick to think what a waste it is fer a good woman like that. So, keep yer troubles to yerself until yer lamenting with tears out of yer eyes, like Billy here. Least he knows the value of love.” Sean finished his tirade, ordering another drink.

Orlando looked to Dom and to Billy. With a sudden movement, he left the lounge and returned to the first class cabin. Why does everyone seem to be telling me things I already know? They think I am playing her like a game of cards but she ran away from me…they want me to admit that I love her…that I…love her.

Orlando hung his head in his hands. His thoughts were crystal clear. I love her.

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