AT THE BEGINNING
by Nikki

Based on the song lyrics of 'At the Beginning' by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis.

.script by Mirelle.

|story visited times|

We were strangers, starting out on a journey
Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through

had just flown to London from the US a few months ago to take a job as a senior record producer for Sony BMG and her first project was Westlife. didn’t know about Westlife before she met them, they never cracked the US markets. When she met them, she was surprised at how grounded they were, the other artists she had worked with were either snobby or stupid, and Westlife were neither.

“Alright lads, we’ve got work to do.” said as she motioned for them to step into the recording booth.
“Great.” They all said.

soon found out how disciplined and passionate the lads were about their job, unlike any other artist she had worked with. They were involved in every step of the pre-production process, and would be in every step of the actual production, they knew what they were doing. As songwriters, was impressed at how good they were. She had heard that they did a few cover albums but this was her project now, and she hated covers, she had them write their own songs.

“Ok, that’s it for today, lads. See you tomorrow.” said.
“Um, , can I ask you something?” asked.
“Yes, what is it?” asked, packing up her Mac Book Pro.
“I was wondering if you would want to go out with me for dinner sometime.” said.
“Oh, sure, , I’d love to.” said.
“Ok, I’ll call you.” said before he left the studio.

Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

Tonight was the night would be going out with and she was excited, she had been out with a few guys but not since she came here. She got ready and by 8, the doorbell rang.

“Hi.” said as she opened the door.
“Hi. For you.” said as he gave her a dozen roses.
“Thanks, I’ll just put this in a vase. Come in.” said as she walked towards the kitchen to get a vase.

brought to a cozy little restaurant and they chatted, told about her life in the US, how her father was her idol, how she ended up here, and pretty much everything else.

“When I was a little girl I would always go with my dad to the studio. I’d see how all those songs that were playing on the radio were made, and I was amazed by it. As I grew older, I found out more and more about recording and it eventually became my passion. My dad would teach me all these little tricks and stuff and most of my free time was spent in our studio at home, just tinkering with what I could do. Pretty soon, I was enrolled at Berkely College, taking up sound engineering. It wasn’t something I was forced to do, I really wanted it.” said.
“Wow. When I was growing up, I always wanted to see what a studio looked like, I wanted to be able to record in one and hear myself on the radio, until that happened.” said.

They talked more and more and were enjoying each other’s company. They finished their dinner, got the check and he brought home.

“I had a great time tonight, . Thank you.” said.
“I had a great time, too.” said before he kissed softly on the lips.
“Good night, .” said.
“Good night. See you tomorrow.” said before went in her flat.

The following day, everybody was back in the studio, for the final days of recording before mixing and mastering. couldn’t sleep last night, thinking about , and today, she was so sleepy.

“Are you alright?” asked during the break.
“Yeah, I’m just tired, that’s all.” said, smiling.
“Are you free tonight? I can cook for you then we can watch a movie at your place.” said.
“Sure.” said before they were back to work.

No one told me, I was going to find you
Unexpected, what you did to my heart

Weeks passed and and were officially together. Of course, the tabloids were all over them, but they just didn’t let them get on their nerves.

“So, the lads said that we’re going out tonight to celebrate finishing the album. Do you want to go?” asked.
“Sure. Where are we going?” asked.
“I don’t know exactly, but we’re surely going to a club.” said.
“I love you.” said, wrapping her arms around ’s neck.
“I love you too, babe.” said, kissing passionately.
“Now, I have to get ready.” said, walking towards her room.

A few minutes later, was ready and they left to go to the club.

“Hi!” , , , and said.
“Hi! Where are and ?” asked, sitting beside the girls.
“They’re not yet here.” said.
“First round’s on our lovely producer. Right, lads?” asked and .
“Yeah!” said before threw the boys ‘I’m going to kill you’ looks.
“What?” asked.
“Oh alright, I’ll get the drinks.” said, laughing.

For the first few hours, everybody stayed together, but after a while, the couples were all drifting into unknown places.

“Do you want to go home?” asked when he saw that she was getting a bit bored.
“Do you want to stay? I can go by myself.” said.
“No, I’ll go with you.” said as he stood up and put his arm around ’s waist.

and got into ’s car and he drove towards ’s flat. The car ride was quiet and they got there quickly.

“Why do you have this look?” asked , who was smiling a bit.
“Can’t I smile?” asked.
“Yeah, but it’s too cute.” said as they got into the elevator.
“Open the door.” whispered into ’s ear when they got to her floor.
“Why?” said before she opened the door and saw her living room full of roses and balloons, she was speechless.
“Do you seriously think that I would forget your birthday?” said.
“I thought you did.” said.
“Happy birthday.” said, giving a velvet box.
“Oh my gosh, it’s beautiful .” said when she saw a star-shaped diamond strung on a thin white gold necklace.

When I lost hope, you were there to remind me
This is the start

Months passed and was doing other projects. She was still with and this was their first Christmas together.

“Good morning.” said when he saw gradually opening her eyes,
“Good morning.” said, sitting up on the bed.
“Before I forget, Simon called a while ago and he was asking for you, he sounded worried.” said.
“I better call him, if he calls me early something must be wrong.” said, reaching for her cellphone.
“Hi, , I called a while ago. I want to rush the Girls Aloud album, in time for Christmas. Can you finish mastering it by Friday?” Simon asked.
“I’ll try my best, but I’ll need more than 50,000 Euro.” said.
“Sure, I’ll give you anything you need, just rush the album.” Simon said.
“Ok.” said before she hung up.
“What was it?” asked.
“I’m really sorry, babe. Simon said I have to rush the Girls Aloud album and finish it by Friday, that means I won’t be able to go out with you.” said, going through her wardrobe.
“That’s fine, it’s your job. I’ll visit you in the studio if you want me to.” said.

Life is a road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing

finished what she had to do and the following week, it was Christmas. was bringing her to Sligo to meet his family for the first time and she was getting nervous.

“What if they don’t like me?” asked as they were boarding the plane.
“They’ll love you, I promise.” said as they sat down in their seats settled in for the flight.
“Ok. Now tell me, are there any good clothes stores in Sligo?” asked.
“You’ll find out when we get there, missy.” said.
“I love you.” said.
“Love you too, babe.” said, kissing her forehead.

Life is a road now and forever
Wonderful journey

“See, I told you they’d love you.” said as they were in his car, driving to his house.
“Ok, you were right. What was your brother saying about this place called Hazelwoods?” asked.
“I almost forgot, I have to take you there. It’s really beautiful, I’m sure you’ll love it.” said.
“It’s beautiful, .” said.
“This place has lots of memories.” said before kissing softly.
“I love you.” said.
“Let’s go home.” said, taking ’s hand and walking with her towards his car.
and went to his house and the following day, they went out shopping and took on a tour of Sligo.

“This is ’s store, it used to be ’s family Cafe.” said, pointing to the Morgan Clothes store.
“Really?” asked.

A few days later, it was Christmas Eve. and were at ’s parents house for dinner and then they would give gifts.

“Ok, gift time, everybody.” said.

I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through

and were back in London for new year, which was still in 5 days. They did lots of lazing around their flats and watching movies, or shopping together.

“I’m bored. Let’s watch a movie.” said, standing up and heading towards the DVD rack.

It was finally New Year’s Eve and and were getting ready for the party. Westlife was singing and was hosting, with . Ever since she started dating , she had become a household name, just like him.

“Are we all ready to have fun tonight?” asked the audience, she got screams and cheers as responses.
“So, tonight’s first performer is... Mariah Carey!” said as the music started.
“Did you all like that? Well, the next performer was kept a secret from everyone, even us.” asked.
“And who could it be?” asked.
“It’s none other than, Blue!!!!!!” said.
“This is not Blue making a comeback, people, it’s just for tonight.” said.

In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Hours passed and it was 11:45, Westlife were up.

“So, you’re probably wondering why isn’t up here with me, right? Well, this party has one more surprise for you up it&s sleeve. Ladies and gentlemen, clap your hands and shout your heart out for Westlife!!!” said.

After the performance, it was already 11:58

“Ok, people, it’s almost time. But before that, I heard that the person you kiss when midnight strikes will be the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with. It just so happens that the person right here beside me is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Ok, people, 15 seconds to go.”
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1...” Everybody said before kissed passionately.
“Happy new year, baby.” said.
“Happy new year.” said, as the fireworks display lit up the night sky.
“A new year, a new start.” told .

Those events happened 4 years ago. Now, and are getting married. proposed 6 months ago, while was in the studio with Westlife.

We were strangers, on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true

“I just have to finish this track, .” said.
“Oh, alright. Your phone’s ringing, babe.” said, handing her phone.
“Hi, mom.” said after she read the caller ID.
“Hi, . Your father and I are boarding the plane now, we’ll be there by about 11 PM.” , ’s mom said.
“Oh, ok, mom. How are you and dad?” asked.
“We’re fine, darling. Now I think we have to go.” said before she hung up.
“What was it?” asked.
“My parents are boarding the plane already, they’ll be here by tonight.” said before she continued working on the last track on the Westlife album.

and went back to their flat after lunch and relaxed before they would pick up ’s parents. The wedding was in a month and it would be in a beautiful castle in Essex.

“Now, my beautiful fiancée, I want something, and I want it now.” said.
“What is it?” asked, trying to act naive.

A few hours later, and were in the airport, waiting for ’s parents’ flight to land. After a few minutes, the flight number flashed on the screen.

“They’re here.” said as she and stood up and headed for the gate.
“, darling, we missed you.” said, hugging her daughter.
“I missed you, too.” said before she hugged her dad. “Daddy.” said.
“, you better take care of her, alright?” , ’s dad said.
“Yes, sir.” said.
“Don’t call me sir, call me dad already, you’re practically married.” said, hugging .

and dropped them off at the Hilton before going back to their penthouse. The following morning, went shopping with her mom and played golf with ’s dad and .

Now here we stand, unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you

“, my darling, the past few years with you have been amazing. We’ve shared everything, we’ve been there for each other, we’ve been in a few arguments from time to time, but all of that helped build our relationship and make our bond stronger than ever. I love you so much, , and I couldn’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with you.” said his vows before .
“, you’ve taught me so much in the years that we dated, you’ve been there for me, as I have with you, you’ve waited for me during my long recording hours, you’ve been patient and understanding, you’ve been everything I could ever wish for, and I look forward to spending my life with you, sharing even more and having a stronger commitment. I love you, .” said.

Life is a road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing

“Hi, everyone. So, I’m , ’s cousin in law, band mate, best friend, and your emcee for this wedding reception.” said.
“Ok, first of all, the couple is nowhere to be seen, where are they?” asked before and came into the reception venue.
“We’re here!” said.
“Hey guys, let’s start the party, shall we?” said before and sat down on their seats.
“First off, we have a little number by one of the artists both and have worked with. Lads, come on.” said before and joined him on stage and they started to sing ‘Unbreakable’.
“Thank you, and congratulations to and .” said.

The reception was fun, and and were tired by the end of it. They went to their hotel room and had a little fun.

Life is a road now and forever
Wonderful journey

“I love you, .” said as he kissed ’s neck.
“Me too, babe.” said.

The following morning, woke up and sat up, admiring his wife’s beauty. He couldn’t believe it, they were married, they were starting a whole new chapter in their lives, together.

“Good morning, babe.” said, stroking her hair that she was fussing over yesterday.
“Good morning, husband.” said, smiling.
“We’re off to the Philippines today, for 3 weeks of seclusion on a private island.” said.
“I know. I’m excited.” said, wrapping the crisp white sheet around her naked body as she sat up.
“Let’s get going, then.” said, getting out of bed.

I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through

“This is nice, just the sun, the beach, a waiter, a butler, and us, on a tropical island.” said, smiling, as she and walked on the beach.
“For three weeks.” added, before kissing .
“It must be really nice to walk here at night.” said.
“Ehem.” said, laughing.
“What?” asked.
“Nothing.” said before pouted.
“Tell me.” said.
“No.”
“Why?” “I don’t want to.” said, before kissing again.
“You think that’s the solution to everything?” asked.
“No, but what we’ll be doing when we get back to the place is.” said, grinning.
“You and your dirty thoughts, Mr. .” said.
“Actually, I was thinking of watching a movie, Mrs. .” said, laughing.
“Liar. I know you too well.” said.
“No, you don’t.” said, smiling.
“Yes, I do.” said before pulled her close to him.

In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

“I love you.” said before he and drifted into deep sleep.

The following morning, woke up and headed to the bathroom, she didn’t notice going in a few minutes later, though.

“Good morning babe.” said as he stood in front of the sink.
“Ah! You scared me.” said, a bit shocked.
“Haha.” said.
“I hate it when you laugh like that, it’s creepy.” said, still in the shower.
“I thought you liked it.” said.
“No, that was the other laugh.” said.
“What other laugh?”
“Argh. Can you pass me a towel?” asked.

The rest of the three weeks was great, and relaxed and had a great time with each other and no press to badger them everywhere they went.

I knew there was somebody, somewhere
Like me alone in the dark

“I can’t believe it’s already been three weeks.” said as she and stepped into the plane that would bring them back home.
“We have the rest of our lives, babe.” said.
“I know, but wouldn’t it be nice to live there?” said.
“I have one last surprise for you babe.” said, taking a folder out from one of the bags and handing it to .
“What is it?” asked.
“I bought the island.” said.
“So, we can go anytime?” asked.
“Yup.” said.

The flight back to Ireland was fine, and they were back in London by no time. They went down the plane, got their luggage and got their car.

“Home, sweet home.” said as they went into their penthouse.
“Yeah, although I did sort of miss this place.” said.
“I’m tired.” said, stretching his arms out.
“You’re always tired.” said, laughing.
“Yeah, I guess so. You wear me out, you know.” said.
“Now you’re blaming me?” said, pouting.
“Yeah, why?” asked, pulling closer to him.
“I don’t know.” said before kissed her passionately.

Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart

A month later, and were back to their lives, and back to work. spent lots of time with Westlife in the studio, and they were both happy.

“Come on, I’m taking you out tonight.” said, pulling up from the sofa.
“Where?” asked.
“Just wear something nice, it’s a surprise.” said.
“I hate you, and surprises.” said.
“I know, that’s why I do it.” said.

Life is a road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep flowing

A year later, and were going strong. They were trying hard for a baby but were unsuccessful, for that time, at least.

“I love this place.” said as she and walked through Hazelwoods.
“Memories, babe, memories.” said.
“Yeah.” said, leaning on ’s shoulder.

and headed to their seaside house before they heard the doorbell ring.

“Hi!” said as he and went in.
“You’re early!” said.
“Yeah, we have nothing better to do, don’t we?” said as the two couples laughed.
“We figured.” said.
“Do you want anything to drink?” asked.

Life was normal for and and pretty soon, found out that she was pregnant.

Life is a road now and forever
Wonderful journey

“Pretty soon, there’ll be three of us here.” said.
“What do you mean?” asked.
“I’m pregnant.” whispered into ’s ear.
“I’m going to be a dad???” asked, just nodded.
“I can’t believe this.” said, taking in his arms.

That night, the lads and their partners went out for dinner.

“We’ve got some great news.” said before desert came.
“We’re listening.” said.
“’s pregnant.” said, smiling.
“That’s great!” said.
“Welcome to chaos, man.” said, patting ’s back.
“Yeah, he’s right, chaos.” said.
“Haha. Very funny.” said.

I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Months passed and stopped working for a while. Her stomach was getting bigger and bigger by the day.

“, . Wake up.” said, softly shaking .
“Huh?” asked.
“It’s time.” said.
“It’s time?” asked, waking up suddenly.
“Yup.” said, smiling.
“I’ll get the bag.” said, quickly getting out of bed.

In no time, they were in the car, and on their way to the hospital. was rushed into a room and waited outside. His parents, , , , and were there when they found out. As usual, press weas waiting outside, dying to know something, and get exclusive scoop.

“Mr. , would you like to see her?” A nurse asked.
“, it’s a girl.” said, holding their baby.
“I love you, babe.” said, kissing ’s forehead. “And I love this little girl here.” said.

Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on
Starting out on a journey

A few weeks passed and and could go home. was preparing a little surprise for with the help of and .

“Thanks a million guys, I don’t know how I would’ve pulled this off without you.” said when he saw what and had done to his and ’s penthouse.
“We’re glad to help anytime, .” said.
“I better go now and pick and up. See you later.” said, getting his keys and walking to the elevator.

was excited. They were a family now. He drove to the hospital as fast as he could without killing anyone and went to ’s room to see in her arms, all bundled up.

“Hi, babe.” said, walking in the room.
“Hi, .” said, smiling.
“And hello, my little princess.” said.
“Don’t spoil her too much, , I’m scared.” said before handing to him.
“I won’t, I won’t.” said, rocking her gently while singing softly, he couldn’t believe that she was his.

They went home and once they got to the floor, was shocked, the room was filled with roses and balloons, just like the first surprise pulled of for her during her birthday.

“Oh my gosh, .” said, speechless.
“Remember this?” asked before he saw tears rolling down ’s eyes.

Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing at the beginning with you

Years passed, was growing up and spoiled her, against ’s wishes, but she didn’t mind that much, though.

“! We’re going! Your cousin’s coming up!” shouted as took her hand.
“Yeah! Bye mom! Bye dad!” said, preoccupied with the computer.
“Well, we better get to that award show.” said as he and left the house. “I love you.” he said as they walked towards the limo.
“You know, would love to have a sibling.” said.
“Are you pregnant?” asked.
“How did you know?” asked.
“I know you too well, babe.” said before he kissed the back of her hand.

The End