And He Came Back . by Lia

AND HE CAME BACK
By Lia

.script by Mirelle.

|story visited times|

[Challenge September 2008

Lifer: Shane
Song: Everything But You
Stuff: Pipe
Quote: "Not I in threesome" [Interpol]
WL quote: "I don't wanna fight"]

“, slow down baby! You’re going to get hurt!” said to her five year old cute daughter. was an angel, but she was also a little devilish sometimes: too active, you know?
“I’m sorry mom, I’ll behave.” said, with those huge eyes in a sweet puppy look. “Mom, the corridor is empty. Let’s race?” laughed with that wish. was with her own child’s shopping cart and she loved to race with her mom.
“Ok, when I say three… One…two…THREE!” and they started running and when looked beside her to check and she bumped hardly on someone’s cart, fell over and hit her head strongly. She passed out.

When she opened her eyes again, she wasn’t at the corridor anymore, she was at the nursery room of the supermarket. The light came to her eyes and she saw the blurry of a familiar face. She passed her fingers on her eyes, trying to see it clearer and then she did. But she almost passed out again. How come could he be there, in front of her?
“Shane? Shane Filan?”
“In flesh and bones. And it’s ironic: you only recognized my face because you hit me at the corridor and passed out. If you hadn’t, I think you…would remember me, you know?” Silence. She was pale, shocked and almost running away. “It seems you just saw a ghost.”
“Go figure why. What are you doing here?”
“Oh, are you this disappointed to see me? I put some weight off…” he said, smiling. If she was shocked and negatively surprised to see him, he was just the opposite. He couldn’t be gladder, his smile couldn’t be bigger and his heart wouldn’t beat faster. It was more than good to see her again.
“You really like the funny role, don’t you? How did we meet? Where is my daughter?”
“Hey, chill…You girls were racing and we hit on each other. Kian was with me and he took her to have some ice cream. Poor kid, she was so worried about you.”
“Kian? She’ll have a seizure! She loves your songs…I mean, the band, you know?” she said, resting her eyes and passing her hand through her eyes, getting ready to stand up.
“Does she? Good to know, good to know. If genetics exists I am sure I am her favorite…” he joked, teasing , who smirked sarcastically.
“Of course not, she’s got good taste and so do I now.”
“You keep so sharp on your offenses.”
“Keep teasing me and you’ll get my brand new vocabulary.”
“You’re great!” he said, still in a good mood. There was no way he would be sad close to her. And it had been so long…
“Is she all right?”
“Indeed she is, . Just relax. When they come back, I’ll drive you guys home.”
“There is just no need of that, Shane, honestly. I am perfectly fine and…OUCH!” she said, sitting again.
“So I see. Look, I won’t do a thing. I don’t wanna fight. Couldn’t we catch up? It’s been FIVE YEARS! I don’t see you since… your wedding”. Silence, the memories of that day got them for a second. And Shane felt like a punch on his stomach. “Where is Richie, by the way?” Shane asked, more serious now. Richie was her husband, and, well, the story was certainly more complicated than it seemed. It was sort of a threesome, in fact. And he remembered very well why he was excluded.
“Richie… Richie died, Shane.” Shane’s face finally showed a trace of sadness.
“Richie died? When? How?”
“It’s been three years, he had a heart attack coming back from work and…well…”
“I am so sorry.” And then Kian and got into the room.
“Mommy! You’re ok!” said, running to her and hugging her mom tightly.
“Of course mommy is ok. Mommy is Iron Woman, remember?” smiled. “Kian, you stud, come give me a hug. It’s so good to see you!” Kian hugged her tightly.
“Yes, Kian, enjoy the privileges. Not all of us get hugs!” Shane said and she gave him an evil look. “I just became mute!” laughed.
“You are funny Mr. Filan.” said and he ruffed her hair.
“How are you ? I can’t believe we met like this. And you, always clumsy!”
“I was on the speedy highway, it was my preferential passage. It was you who messed it up!” she said, joking. “Did I stay out for too long?”
“For few minutes. It was quite a hit!”
“I can see it now, it really hurts!”
“I think you’ll get a black bruise, mommy!” laughed and kissed ’s forehead.
“Well, time to go home…” she said, still a little dizzy.
“Are you sure you can go on foot, mom?”
“I am, , don’t worry.”
“You guys are going on foot?”
“Yes, we live close. And I will step by tomorrow to buy the things. It was just chocolate and potato chips so…it can wait.”
“In fact, …” Shane started. “I told your mommy that I could give you a ride, but she didn’t accept it.”
“Why mom?” the kid asked and she really wanted to KILL Shane. Five years later, he was still annoying and impertinent. And he still was too good looking! But probably he was still a prick, a coward chicken, a plastic person who had chosen his success instead of their lives.
“She doesn’t like me much. Not anymore, I’d say.”
“Why, Mr. Filan?” she said polite and Shane smiled to that cute copy of . looked very much like her mom and, perhaps, that was the reason Shane liked the kid so much already.
“Go figure why! I do seem I nice guy, don’t I?”
“You do.”
“Time to convince your mommy of it then.”
“Right, right, I’ll accept the ride.” Kian raised Shane one eyebrow and smiled inside. Of course he couldn’t help wanting to feel close to her again. It was like feeling cold and keep looking at a blanket: why shouldn’t you cover yourself? She made him comfy.
“Are you coming Kian?” Shane asked.
“Me? Oh no. I have to take things to , otherwise I’m going to sleep with the dog tonight!” laughed.
“So you guys got married? I always hoped you would.”
“Yes. Get my phone number, we can go out one of these days to catch up. She’ll be thrilled to see you.” He handed him her number and they finally got to Shane’s car.
“WOW..It is a BMW! And look at these seats! You are rich, Mr. Filan.” said . She loved cars and she knew a lot about them, like models, colors and other stuff, even though she was only five.
“Oh, you can call me Shane, dear. And, well, I always liked this car…”
“I like it too, but it’s too expensive.”
“It is. I had to work loads to get this one.”
“Mom, may I work so I can buy a BMW?” they laughed.
“Not yet, sunshine. There is nothing wrong with our car though!”
“Of course not! It’s our batcar!” and they finally got into the car.
“Business is promising uh, Filan?”
“Yes. I don’t like this much of luxury and ostentation. But, you know, made me buy this one and…” wrong name to mention, she smirked sarcastically and he noticed he had just screwed what could be a nice conversation with her again.
“And you do everything she asks you since…I don’t know… since you guys started going out, five years ago.”
“I am not her puppet.”
“No one even thought about that. I was just mentioning how rich you are now.”
“It’s not about the money. It’s about being recognized for the work I do.”
“Congrats.”
“Mom, can Shane autograph my CD’s when we get home?”
“I don’t know honey…”
“Oh, there is just no problem. I’ll autograph as much as you wish: CD’s, DVD’s, posters, cards, notebooks, walls.” laughed loudly. Then gave the directions and they got home. He parked and said: “I was thinking about something here…are you guys doing something tonight?”
“Shane Filan…don’t you start with your ideas…” she said low in a disapproval tone.
“I only wondered if you guys are willing to show up at my house, me and the other lads are going to have a dinner there and, well, then would meet the lads and…”
“Oh mom, please! Let’s go, let’s go! C’mon mom!” There was no way would be able to deny that to her daughter. She gave Shane an evil look.
“Right honey, get in, I’ll get the address and stuff with Shane.” nodded happy, kissed Shane’s cheek and ran to their house. It was a white wood house, with a small garden. It was very simple, but still, it looked like very much. “Shane, there is just no point on manipulating my daughter so you can try to get in touch again.”
“Look, I just…”
“You had lots of opportunities. We are more than done here.”
“I didn’t mention marriage, kids, cellar when we are old or anything like that. I just would like to see you and your cute daughter tonight. The guys will be there and it’ll be fun.”
“And that’s the end of it, Shane. Don’t fuck with me, really.”
“I’m not fucking anyone here!” he gave her the address and she got in, with a huge headache and pale, dizzy and battered by all the events of that afternoon. Shane was still that piece of her life she intended to forget about. It meant too much (too much pain, too much love, too much chemistry, too much passion, too much bruises) to handle the contact easily. Would he be different now? Braver, perhaps? Was Shane Filan worth it five years older?
“Mommy, you never told me you know Shane and Kian, and Nicky and Mark!” said , happily, making come back to reality.
“Oh, it’s been a long time I don’t see them. It was just a coincidence and, well, it’s not like we’ll be friends now.”
“You used to be friends?”
“Yes. I met them before they were successful. And when I married daddy, well, we lost touch.”
“I see. Well, I am going to choose my clothes for tonight and you’d better look awesome also!”
“Really? Why is that so?”
“Well, I think Mr. Filan finds you a fox mommy!” laughed loudly. What would she say if she knew their story?
“A fox? No one uses that word!”
“He does find you a fox, mommy. And he is very cute as well!”
“All right, I am not willing to date Shane Filan.”
“You’re probably the only woman in UK who does not.”
“Well, you will understand why when you’re an Iron Woman and not an Iron Kiddo.”
“I’ll choose your clothes also, madam!” and she ran to the rooms, happy. laid on the couch and rested her energies, getting ready for that night. Shane was like an addiction. And she knew that if she kept in touch all the old buried feelings would come back like zombies getting back to life. And she was so fine now. Their break up had been so tough, with , the press and with his decision… She was really willing to be away from him, it doesn’t matter how hard it would be.

Getting to his house

“Are you sure it is here, mom?”
“I am pretty sure…it’s the address he gave me.” She said, a little confused.
“Don’t you think it’s like…a school or something? It’s way too big to one person.” It was true, Shane lived in a mansion now and she got impressed. She hadn’t known much of him. And when I say that, reader, I mean that all she knew was that he dated and was a very successful professional.
“He owns a BMW honey, don’t doubt on his wealth!” laughed.
“You have a point.” got out of the car and checked her pretty dress. It was colorful, with butterflies and flowers, very childlike. was wearing a jeans dress. It was the typical mommy-wear: right above the knees. It was right on her body: not too tight, not too loose. It doesn’t mean she looked ugly. It was just the opposite: she tried so hard not to seem sexy that she ended up the personification of sensuality. When they arrived, the security took them to the pool where Nicky, Mark, Kian and Shane were waiting. They walked to them.
In the meantime, they were all talking and then Shane gasped, seeing that beautiful and close again. She looked too sexy in his eyes and he really chocked his Guinness in surprise. It was a shock feeling like that again. “I hope she changed that perfume, Pipe… If she is still using this one, I’ll faint.” He thought, remembering how she smelt fine, how her skin was soft and how her voice always seemed to say the right words.
“Dude, are you all…FUCK! She looks awesome!” said Kian, noticing her presence. Said that, everyone turned and Nicky and Mark became open mouthed.
“Is that ? ? The one you dated before ?” asked Mark, surprised. Shane nodded, still recovering and wondering if it was a good choice inviting her.
“Is that her kid?” Nicky asked.
“Yes, , five years old.”
“It really doesn’t look like she had kids already…” Nicky said, shyly and also impressed.
“Yes, she looks hot like hell. She is almost too hot for a mommy. What is she doing here?” before there was an answer to Mark’s question, both arrived to the group.
“Hello everyone…Erm…remember me?” said shyly and had her eyes THIS BIG, shinning of happiness.
“Oh, , sure! It’s such a good surprise seeing you again. Give me a hug!” Nicky said and she did. “And who is this cute little lady? She looks so much like you!”
“Good evening, Mr. Byrne!”
“Call me Nicky. What’s your name?” and they all introduced themselves, gave the autographs, took photos and, in few minutes, was their new favorite person in the world. sat beside Shane as there were no other seats available, while they were taking pictures of and Nicky. He smelt her and noticed it was still the same perfume. And he drank the whole glass of wine at once. He felt a little dizzy, as he had always gotten drunk easily, but he didn’t mind at all. He hoped he would get drunker and drunker.
“You still use that one…”
“What?”
“Pipe…the perfume that comes into a pipe. The one of Switzerland.” She nodded. And he looked down.
“Even though I don’t have good memories of that place, I can’t get enough of this perfume.” He nodded sadly. He knew what she meant about Switzerland. It was their relationship’s last breath. The party, , papers and the end of it “You’ve got a nice place here.” She said, feeling like congratulating him for his conquers. “Who would have ever thought that a Sligo redneck would get so far? You got all you ever wished for.” He looked down, getting a little drunk and starting to miss more than her friendship. Why did she have to be that nice? To be that beautiful? To know him that much? Why couldn’t any other woman be her?
“Yes, it’s my dream house. It has seven bedrooms!” he said, coming back to reality.
“You could sleep in a room per day the whole week!” he laughed.
“Indeed I could. And there’s the playground for all my nephews and nieces. The pool, and the space to walk the horses…”
“Oh, the goddamn horses! I think you should BE a horse, Shane Filan.”
“Sometimes I think I should. It’s much easier to be a horse, that’s for sure.”
“Oh, I’d rather be a dolphin.”
“It’d suit you, I guess.”
“Are you saying I look like a dolphin?”
“You always put me trick questions. I don’t know what to say.”
“Oh, right. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it hard for you to think.”
“Oh, , trust me… you’ve put me worse decisions already.”
“Oh-oh..alarm, alarm… Not this subject.”
“Sorry, sorry.”
“And how’s , by the way?” she said, trying to make him remember he had a girlfriend and he had compromises.
“Alive and kicking. It’s …”
“Wow, you do sound excited.”
“Do we have to sound excited all the time? I am excited about my career, about my family being safe. Perhaps this means I should be romantically not excited.” She smiled sadly. That was the Shane she knew: static, never ready to decide, to make the difference. “You look disappointed.”
“You never change, Shane…”
“Does that make you sad? Cause you never change also, but that makes me glad!”
“It does. It means you’re still a prick.” She said and he felt like he was punched. What did she want from him, for God’s sake?
“It’s a shame you see things that way.”
She laughed, feeling stupid for thinking he would be different, that he would be braver or see what she always wanted him to see. And then Nicky and Mark got close to them again, with Kian and . They decided to get in and when saw the karaoke, she suggested instantly:
“Let’s sing? I wanna sing with you guys!” and, of course, asking singers to sing was always accepted.
“Of course. Do you like what songs?”
“I like old classics. Mom always listens to Elvis, Beatles, Queen and then they are my favorites also. After you guys, of course.” They laughed, amazed with that cute girl and she couldn’t be happier. And then they started singing. Shane and her sang “Yellow Submarine”, Mark sang “Somebody to Love” with her, Nicky sang “Hound Dog” with her and, finally Kian sang “Twist and Shout”. The guys sang together the rock “No I in a threesome”.
“Time to call your astonishing mom to sing with us , don’t you think?” Shane said, with too much alcohol going on already.
“YES! Mommy, come sing with us!”
“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t sing very well…”
“RUBBISH!” everyone said and laughing she went to the karaoke.
“I chose one. Sing with me?”
“Do I have any choice?” he laughed and they started singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. It was the song that played when they met, Shane sang in a pub and it was just overwhelmingly applauded. And, of course, they couldn’t help but remembering that day.

Flashback

arrived at that pub with a huge friend, Richard. It was a karaoke pub and they were willing to party, because she had just gotten a scholarship to study photography in a great art place. They drank two or three pints and then she noticed someone: there was this cute guy singing and he was singing really well.
“Hey, Richie, who is this guy singing?”
“Oh, you’re not from town, so you don’t know him. This is Shane Filan and he’s talented head to toes.”
“So I see. He is singing and people are getting insane.”
“Yes. He comes here on Fridays and he sings whatever people ask him; from Gloria Gaynor to the Police.”
“And he is yelling his lungs out singing ‘Blue Suede Shoes’.” Richie laughed. I don’t have to put here that Richie was in love with do I? “I am willing to ask him to sing a song.”
“Go ahead, .”

She got closer to him when he finished the song and she said:
“Hey!” he turned his neck to see who was calling him and then he saw that pretty girl, short and with her curly hair held by a pen, behind her head and few curls falling down. He smiled instantly.
“Hello there.”
“My name is . This is my first night here. And, erm...I really enjoyed to hear you singing, Shane. You’re really amazing and... erm… A friend of mine said I could, you know…” she said, a little shy and he opened that smile to her.
“Well, you could ask how many songs you wish, little lady.” He said, blinking gently to her and she blushed. Shane had that undeniable pop star charm. “However there is only one condition.”
“Condition?!”
“Yes…” and he got the microphone. “People, there is this new girl in the house, her name is . And I was willing to do something. I’ll sing the song she says and then I’ll choose a song and she sings with me. What do you say?” people cheered in agreement.
“No, no Shane! I am such a bad singer.”
“I truly doubt it. Besides, the audience is always right. C’mon, sing with me. It won’t hurt.” He said, still on the microphone and Richie immediately got that Shane was putting a line. And well, what would he do?
“Well, first, you have to sing the song I ask.” She said, smiling.
“Precisely. Which is..?”
“Bridge Over troubled Water”
“Fantastic, lady.” He put it on the karaoke and started singing.

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all
I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

People applauded and he got the microphone again.
“All right guys…time to choose a song to ask with my new favorite singer.”
“Be nice Shane. Be nice.”
“Let’s see if I can choose a song you like, right?” he took a look at the list and found one. “What do you think of…? ‘A Little Less Conversation’?”
“I love it!”
“Come up here then, partner!” and they sang that song together. They were just amazing and when he finished singing, he went to her table, where he met Richie. A little embarrassed about seeing the couple-to-be, Richie left to the restroom and took a while to get back.
“Is this Richard guy your boyfriend?”
“Richie? Oh no…Richie is a great friend. And I will never come back here. You made me SING!”
“Oh, it was superb! You were just great.”
“As if you would say otherwise.”
“I was about to invite you to sing with me more times. People loved you, you’re really charismactic.”

And they kept talking, changed phones and he dialed her. First meeting, second meeting. And, soon, they started dating. It was like going to the following steps: they met, they fancied each other, they got to know the other more and more and then they always wanted to be together and it kept growing and grown, but still: it was so spontaneously that it seemed like there would be no end. They were elected more than once the couple of the month at that pub and she ended up singing with him once or twice a month. and Shane were more than a couple or the feeling that joined them. They were partners. No one seemed to see them apart.

End of flashback

They sang the song and they were terrific together singing that one. It was really fantastic.

“Mommy, you’re a star!” said, hugging her. “You would be a success if you released an album!”
“Oh, darling, Iron people can’t be stars. I am pretty happy without this whole thing going on in my life.”
“Yeah, , your mom never liked much this celebrity life.”
“And how do you know my mom, Shane? She said you guys were friends.”
“We were friends and due to this life he likes and lives we couldn’t keep in touch.” said before Shane, drunk as he was, started telling they had dated for years and stuff. She would be completely electrical if she knew that, curious to know the details.
“I would have kept in touch with your mom. But she didn’t want it.”
“Really mom?”
“Not true, of course not. Shane didn’t like daddy much, and I got married and his life was such a crazy thing that there was no way we’d keep in touch.”
“You really didn’t like my daddy, Shane?”
“He was too in love with your mom for my taste.” She laughed, thinking it was a joke. But her mommy rolled her eyes. “What? Is it a lie?”
“You’re ridiculous, Shane. And I do mean it.” He blew her a kiss. And she had to laugh at him.
Then noticed Kian calling her. And he left with to the playground Shane had in his house.
“, she is an amazing kid, congratulations!” Mark said.
“Thanks Mark.”
“And…how’s your husband?” Nicky asked, remembering Richard was one of the causes of the break up. The minor one, of course, but still, a cause. Shane was too insecure to accept a close friend as Richie was. And he freaked out.
“He died three years ago. A heart attack.”
“I am so sorry.”
“And now, how does that work? You raise her by yourself?”
“Well, Nicky, I moved to the house I am living today, and I kept working, raising and living. I think Richie can rest in peace. We are all fine.”
“Do you miss him?”
“Yes. He is a very special piece of my life, but I have him into my heart, I don’t need to be sad for what happened. I’ve been through this phase already. I am free now. Richie was always a huge friend and I guess this is what I miss the most. But I know he is watching over us.”
“It must have been tough. Why didn’t get in touch?” Mark asked. And she laughed.
“Oh, it is just not my style. And things were still too… I couldn’t… I mean, there was no way that I…” She stopped, scratched her head, thinking about a way to say what she needed to say. “Well, I was doing fine by myself and I decided to keep independent.” Shane drank his pint and smirked sarcastically. He felt like she was always trying to prove that things done her way were better. And perhaps they were, but he just didn’t have the guts to go destroying the obstacles and fighting for his survival. He played it safe and deep inside he knew that and admired the way she had always dealt with her issues.
“And where are you working?” Nicky asked. Shane remained quiet.
“I am a photographer for the Art Gallery ‘Bee vine’, you know?”
“Oh, right, the one you worked with Richie. I loved the exposition of old people.” Nicky said, artsy.
“Oh, it was a partnership, me and another Brazilian guy, Sebastiao Salgado. He is an icon. It was a dream to work with him.”
“Awesome. And ? How it works for her?”
“She prays for daddy every night. But, you see, she is not melancholic at all. I never let any drop of my sadness on her. And we are all fine and Iron Women, as she says.”
“Yes, she said something about that.”
“So, in the end of the day…you are just fine, as always, aren’t you, fortress?” Shane said, really high.
“I am. As I always said I would be. I have my work, I have my daughter and this is just fine.” She said, a little shocked with his tone. He sounded hurt, bitter.
“And you have a dead husband, that’s a good way to live, I am sure.”
“Shane!” Nicky said, disapproving.
“What? Is the perfect Richard alive? It’s not offensive to say a dead man is dead, for God’s sake!” She despised him so much at that moment that she could have slapped his face at that moment, for being so disrespectful with her husband. And she felt like answering back.
“Don’t mind him Nicky. I just came so would meet you guys, because she truly loves Westlife. It has nothing to do with him, no matter how much he tries to make this his deal.” Nicky and Mark left, seeing that their conversation was going to get to their old ghosts.
“Why do you always have to put in all your sentences that I belong to your past?”
“So you never forget where you belong. Besides, why are you so hurt with my good life? What did you expect? That I was poor, homeless, suffering, being hit by my alcoholic husband and begging to get an Irish singing head who loves partying and blonde futile bitches? Oh, honey, dream!”
“You didn’t need to be so cocky!”
“I wasn’t! I just said I like the life I have. What’s the matter?”
“It’s just… You don’t get it!”
“I really don’t. In fact. I am leaving now, because I really don’t want to argue with you again.” She said, standing up. She took , said her byes and left home. They slept and the awful day had an end, finally.
And when put her head on the pillow, to sleep, she had one last thought: why couldn’t it have worked with Shane?

At his place

“Mate, mate… Is it hurting too much?” Kian asked. He knew his friend was probably in need of some conversation after the emotions of that day.
“Kian, buddy… I shouldn’t have gone to the supermarket today.”
“Well, I don’t see how it would solve the situation.”
“I wouldn’t have seen her, and wouldn’t have done all these stupid things my heart makes me do when I see her.”
“In my point of view, it just wouldn’t be too obvious that you love her. But it doesn’t mean the feeling doesn’t exist.”
“Why can’t I just let go on her? It’s been five years, Kian. FIVE bloody years. And my hands still get cold when I talk to her.”
“It just means you love her. And that you should be brave enough to admit it, dump and yell a huge fuck off to papers who criticize you for dating someone not famous and whatever else.”
“I don’t know…”
“This is your problem. You never know what to do. Even when it is written in huge letters right in front of your eyes.”

Few days later

had gone to her grandparent’s house, to spend the weekend. Feeling a little lonely, she decided to go to a pub, have few pints and relax.
She got to a pub, sat on the corner and started drinking. Since she had met Shane again, she was drinking like a skunk. It was a karaoke bar – which she didn’t know – and it only made her have the will to drink more and more.

After few hours having pints, she stood up to go the restroom and she bumped into a man.
“Sorry, I was…goddamn it, you again?” it was Shane, of course and she couldn’t hide her disappointment.
“Hello there. If you are this sad to see me, I am glad to see you again.” He was high also. And he smiled to her, smelt her perfume, Pipe and for one more time, he knew he would always love her, it doesn’t matter how many years passed, how much she would avoid him. He would always be there for her, waiting for a change of heart. Of course, he wouldn’t admit that easily, but he knew it was true.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“The guys are with their girlfriends, we are on a short vacation. And, well, I decided to come and drink, to see if on the glasses are any answers to my life.”
“Very philosophical. And where is ?”
“Shhh…” he said, putting his fingers on her lips. “You think about more than I do, that’s for sure. I don’t want to talk about her.” If she was sober, she would criticize him. But, being drunk as she was, she liked that and laughed. “Are you leaving already?”
“I was going to pee, pay and leave. I had too much Guinness already!”
“You’re such a sissy. I bet you hadn’t had more than four pints to be this drunk!”
“I had five, for a matter of fact!”
“Aren’t you a grown up woman already?” she laughed. “What do you think of going to my house so we can drink a little more there?”
“Shane, this will end no good. Drop it.”
“Oh, c’mon, you can’t be thinking I would attack you.”
“I just think we shouldn’t.”
“Why not? We always enjoyed each other’s company, we dated for four years. And then you dumped me and married Richie. I know I have no chance.”
“I married Richard and you started dating . We’re even.”
“I don’t agree but I’ll take it for now.”
“It means what? That we’re supposed to be friends?”
“Just friends, right?”
“At my place then.”
“Perfect by be.”
“I came on foot.”
“Me too.”
“Well, let’s go then, I’ll pee at home.” They paid and left.

At her house

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll go to the restroom and I’ll be right back.”
“All right.” He said and he sat on the couch. In few moments, she came back. “Where is ?”
“She is with Richie’s parents.”
“Oh, right. They must treat her as if she was their daughter.”
“Not actually. They treat me as if I were their daughter.” Shane laughed. “They helped me loads.”
“I figured.”
“But we are all fine. Beer?”
“Please.” She came back with a bottle.
“And what about you? Your family?”
“Oh…what do you wanna know? I have a brand new nephew every year. I love them all. One of them likes horses also.”
“Is this horse addiction genetic?” he laughed loudly.
“I think so. Probably my kids will have it too.”
“I hate horses. All of them!”
“It must be because you hate me also. And then you hate what I love.” She laughed. They were too high for being that close having that conversation.
“Is that right?”
“Probably.”
“I don’t hate you Shane.”
“You just don’t wanna be my friend.” He said, a little sad. She took off her sandals and he looked at her feet. She had always had cute feet and he stared for a moment, missing her too much to handle.
“I just wished you were not Shane Filan, the great pop star, the successful singer and blah, blah, blah. I guess in my mind you will always be Shane, the pub singer. The humble guy who didn’t worry so much about the front page of ‘The Sun’.”
“I am not this megalomaniac weak monster, you know?”
“I used to. And when we talk like this, it’s what I see. But when you talk about Richard like you did that day, when you play the indifferent about you and , and when you just play it safe I don’t know who you are and you frustrate me.” Silence. And then something inside him grew and for the first time, he decided he wouldn’t ler her go easily. He bloody loved her, he knew they still had things to live together and he wouldn’t give up on that.
“There is just no way you would believe me, right?”
“Shane, let’s not…” she said, noticing she had opened up too much.
“There is just no way you would believe me when if I said what I want to say, am I right?”
“Shane, there is just no point, stop it.” She said, again too serious, but almost crying.
“Oh, there is. I want to understand why we are not together. It must have a reason, I just don’t remember now. It can’t be important. It can’t be bigger than what we felt. It doesn’t make any sense to me be away from you.”
“Shane, stop it! it was your choice! It was you who chose being famous, a star and…”
“And I didn’t know what it would take me. I wouldn’t have gotten into Westlife if I was supposed to be away from you.”
“Oh, right!”
“I got so much, but nothing is worth if I am not with you.”
“It’s not about you being in Westlife. It’s about the life you have to have being in a pop band. The parties, the models, the thing you must do. It’s not about you singing, traveling, neither about your fans. It’s about the people involved and your lack of competence to back them off of you. I am not ready to be in a reality show. This is not what I want for me or my family.”
“What was I supposed to be? What did you want me to do? What do you want me to do? We dated. I loved you with all my heart. I got into the band and I thought my heart wouldn’t stand being with you and singing seriously and professionally at the same time. And then you left me. I almost died and a part of me is totally gone since you left me.”
“What? So now you are the poor guy? You are the one who was cruelly left? Who do you think you’re talking to? I won’t buy this image!”
“Stop accusing me! It was you who left! It was you who gave up on us! It was you who got married and had kids!”
“Different choices: I wanted kids, a real life. I married my best friend and had a kid with him. You chose your plastic one. Deal with it just as I dealt with it!”
“I just needed time. You never gave me the chance to do it my way. I got in the band and then you… Hell! You supported me the first two years. But then it started getting out my control and you didn’t give me the chance to make it right.”
“And then you met . And she was…what’s the word? Oh, she suited better. Do you know how that hurts Shane?”
“I know that, but you…Look, I am older and smarter now. I really think I should get a chance! I dumped her; I couldn’t look at her again since I saw you that day. And I am turning into a freak, into a maniac: I think about you 24-7. I was so out of control that Simon Cowell, the British monster gave us a week out!”
“Why? Why are we talking about this?” she yelled, impatient.
“There is a reason, . I love you.” And then he kissed her with passion. And they just let it happen. He kissed her head to toes, with all the urgency and passion that was leading him at that moment. And she gave it all back to him. They made love at her room, with all their love and passion.

The following morning

When she woke up, she felt the huge headache and felt the familiar hairy chest of Shane Filan.
“Congratulations .” She took her clothes to the bathroom, took a shower and decided to wake him up. When she went to the bedroom, he wasn’t there. “Oh, right, now he disappeared. Very convenient!”
“I didn’t disappear, I bought us breakfast.” He said, behind her.
“Gee, you scared me.”
“I always loved to do it. I brought you donuts.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, tell me…time to make a speech.”
“Shane, don’t try to convince me this was right, because you won’t pull it off.”
“I know that. You’re too righty to consider this something good.”
“I am not that righty. I married my best friend without loving him. I am not an example of behavior. But this is not the point.”
“What’s the point?”
“I am not ready to do this now. I am not ready to live this futile life you have. I didn’t change. I am older and I am a mom now. I still don’t like having my life in papers, I still don’t like the idea of you ‘working’ in parties, I still don’t like the idea of the life you have. I’d rather going with you to awards, but without all that Britney Spears atmosphere. I couldn’t deal with that five years ago, I can’t deal with that now.”
“I can change.”
“You can’t. I sincerely don’t believe it.”
“What can I do to prove you that I can be different?” she laughed.
“Invite all the press in front of my work in a rainy day and serenade me, under the summer sunshine.” She said, sarcastic.
“You may joke. But I won’t give up.”
“Shane…”
“Because I know you love me. I know we were always supposed to be together, from the beginning. And that’s how we’re gonna end: together.” He said leaving. He kissed her forehead.
Later that day, she picked up and the kid instantly noticed something had happened.

“Mom, are you all right?” asked when they got home.
“Yes darling, don’t worry.”
“I am an Iron Woman also. You can talk to me.”
“It’s complicated sunshine.”
“Are you sure? My teacher says our heart always feels better when we talk.”
“It’s adult stuff.”
“Mom, you always say we must trust each other. Trust me.”
“Did you know that mommy dated Shane?”
“You mean the Filan?” laughed. “Wow mommy, really?”
“Yes, it was eight years ago. And we broke up. But…well… we were considering getting back together. He asked me to and I have to say I am confused.”
“I think you guys are a great couple.”
“Do you?”
“And why don’t you date him again mom? Is it because you still love dad?”
“I always loved your dad in a different way that I loved Shane. And, I don’t know, Shane’s life is too complicated and I am not sure I would like to put us in the middle of so much pressure. I need to feel protected. This is why people get together; to protect, help and be there for each other. I am not sure things would be like this.”
“And that makes you sad?” nodded. “Well, lay down on my lap. I’ll caress your hair so you feel better right?” nodded and did it. “May I go to your work with you tomorrow?”
“Yes, it's your last day of vacation, right?”
“Yep.”

Going to work

and had lots of fun. She taught her daughter to take photos and it was a party. Right after lunch, they heard a lot of noise on the street.
“What’s happening outside?” asked to one of the hostess.
“I guess Shane Filan, the singer, is outside, with the UK press.” She said and then got pale. And she ran to the door, followed by .
“There she is!” and people took loads of pictures of her. And he started singing a song.

Since you left, things have changed
I got all the things I said would come my way
I got paid got accolades
Now you barely recognize the life I've made

I thought you wanted what I wanted
You left me, left me wanting you

Now I’ve got nothing I’ve got nothing
If I've got everything but you
We had something that I've been missing
Since I've got everything, everything but you
Everything, everything but you

You know I got so much,
But nothing's worth enough to put a price on us

I thought you wanted what i wanted
You left me, left me wanting you

Now I’ve got nothing I’ve got nothing
If I've got everything but you
We had something that I've been missing
Since I've got everything, everything but you
Everything, everything but you

You know I got so much
Nothing's worth enough
To put a price on us

When he stopped, said;
“Mom, I think he really loves you.”
“He does, doesn’t he?”
Then Shane got closer and ruffed ’s hair.
“Hey there…”
“I couldn’t bring all the press of the UK. And it’s not that sunny also. But I did my best.”
“Shane…are you sure that it’s going to work?”
“I am not sure of that. But I am pretty sure that it’s worth trying.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am sure. I... my life doesn’t mean a thing without you. Things are not coincidences. We are supposed to be together. Believe me. Give me a shot.” She smiled and hugged him. And they kissed. The press applauded vehemently.
“Shane…are you going to be my…step-daddy now?”
“You can say that, kiddo..”
“Cool! Can you take me to school with your car sometimes?” they laughed and they were all willing to try again.

The End