"She wants to see her doctor. So she and your dad are leavin' with your grandparents. We'll drive your brother and sisters home."
Julie closed her eyes and exhaled a huge breath. Robert placed his hand on her arm. "If you want we can go now. You can pack, and I can go get the others."
She placed her hand on her chest, trying to slow the beat of her pounding heart. "Yes, I want to go. What if something happens?"
"Ok, your dad gave me his car keys. Somebody tell me how to get to wherever your brother and sisters are and I'm gone."
Aunt Kathy stood. "Follow me. I'll call Karen and tell her to get the kids ready and I'll set the address into Bill's navigation system." Robert followed her out of the room.
***
Julie sat on the edge of the bed and dragged her toe across the carpet. She'd packed all of her clothes and collected Robert's things from his room. She wasn't ready to leave. Robert had finally relaxed and told her he loved her, and she had a sad impression that when he returned to Westland, their fantasy would be over. He'd be forced to turned back into the old Robert. Not the one who felt secure enough to tell her he loved her, but the Robert who lived cringing, waiting for another slap from society.
"Hey."
She glanced up. He was standing in the doorway.
"The little ones are downstairs having a snack."
Julie sniffled back a tear. "Hug me." She stood. "And tell me you love me."
Worry crossed Robert's face as he stepped nearer and enveloped Julie in his arms. "What's the matter?"
She pressed her cheek against his chest and listened to his heart. "I'm going to miss this room."
"I'm gonna miss this weekend."
"But she's my mom."
"I understand."
"I ... oh, excuse me." Aunt Kathy stepped backed.
Julie turned. "What Aunt Kathy?"
"No, I can come back later." The red flushed to Aunt Kathy's cheeks.
"Don't be silly, come back."
She stepped back into the room. "Marie printed some of the pictures she took yesterday. I thought you might like to have these." She handed Julie the photos.
Robert peered over her shoulder. One was a picture of them just after the wedding as they walked back down the aisle. Another was him looking at Julie as they stood in the receiving line. Two were of them dancing and the final two were a close up of them kissing when they'd forgotten about the other people on the dance floor.
"Can I ask ya a question?" Robert scratched his chin.
Aunt Kathy nodded.
"Did ya set us up?"
She smiled and raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"Well, ya saved the most romantic room for Julie. Ya had the one across the hall empty. It's pretty isolated up in this end of the house. Both wood boxes were full of firewood." He flashed a grin. "It looks like someone planned this."
"I did nothing." She put her hands up to show her innocence.
Robert stepped past Julie and kissed her aunt's cheek. "Thanks for nothing."
"Can I ask you a question, Robert?"
"Sure."
"Do you love Julie?"
He nodded.
"Did you tell her that?"
"Every way I know how."
She beamed. "Then all is right with the world."
Robert looked at the floor. Only 'til we cross the Westland city line, then reality returns and I go back to bein' Shore.
Hugging her niece, Aunt Kathy said, "You made a beautiful maid of honour. Take care, love. And you...." She hugged Robert. "You were a pleasure to meet. My instinct to trust Julie was right. My advice to you is, keep loving my niece. You need each other." She kissed him on the cheek and left.
Julie reached for her purse and slid the pictures inside.
"Can I have those for a sec?" Robert held out his hand. "Just the ones of us kissin'." Julie handed him the photos. He picked a pen up off the desk, turned the photos over and signed the back of both: Within the bounds of this fantasy, I thee wed. Love, R
He handed them back with a smile. "Time to go home."
***
Clicking her seatbelt shut, Julie turned to face her siblings. "Everybody ready?"
Ashley smiled as she pressed the button and lowered the TV screen then popped her earbuds in. Jason and Sheila had already turned on whichever was the electronic game of the month and were lost in their own little worlds.
"Good to go?" Robert smiled at her.
"Yes, everybody's seat belted in and busy. So, it should be quiet for a little while."
He turned the key, put the van into drive and headed toward Westland.
Julie waved to Aunt Kathy until the van turned a corner. She released a contented sigh and patted Robert's thigh. "Good weekend?"
He glanced at her. "Awesome. Can we do it again next weekend?"
"How about every weekend for the rest of our lives?"
"Works for me."
Julie leaned back in her seat and watched the scenery pass by. Not that long ago, he was the strange, new guy in school. Distant and cold, but for some reason willing to be friends with me. Isn't it amazing how people connect? Maybe it was physics, opposites attract.
She giggled. No, I think it was biology.
"What's so funny over there?"
"Just thinking about us?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Happy thoughts?"
"Contented thoughts. Thoughts of how you are I were meant to be. How much we are in love. How wonderful it feels every time you tell me you love me." A surge of warmth flowed through her.
"Want me to tell ya again?"
"Yes."
"I love you." He chuckled. "Want me to say it again?"
Julie laughed. "Again and again and again."
"I love you. I love you." He checked his rear-view, signalled and changed lanes. "And I love you."
Joy filled Julie's heart at the sound of his words. Although his tone was playful, she could hear the underlying passion. That passion thrilled her. What a change since September. At first, she was a mouse, terrified to be near him, but soon she found her strength to reach out to break his shell and let him love her.
Rain drops splashed against the window. She smiled. The greyness of the sky could not defeat the love that shone in her world. He was hers. Julie loved Robert and Robert had learned how to love Julie. They had found their happy ending.
Nothing could separate them. Nothing.
An icy chill slithered through Julie.
THE END
###
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Dancing in Circles
Copyright © 2012 Victoria Adams
Cover art by Fantasia Frog
All rights reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All sexually active characters in this work are eighteen or older.
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Circles Divided– Book Two of the Circles Trilogy (To be released 2013) - One born into privilege and a charmed life surrounded by love and family. The other born to a life of violence on the streets as the solemn gang leader of the notorious Shoresmen. What happens next for prep school lovers, Julie and Robert, when both are caught in the passions of you
ng love and social dilemma.
Is the love of a girl from wealthy Westland and a street punk from the slums of the Shore strong enough to surpass all that life will throw at them and forge a life together? Is Julie willing to sacrifice her childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer for the man she loves? Is Robert willing to lay down his ties to the gang in order to hold onto his new found love?
Sacrifices must be made, but will they be enough?
Circles Interlocked Book Three of the Circles Trilogy (available at - Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Circles-Interlocked-ebook/dp/B005S8LI46) Having been betrayed by the man she assumed she was destined to be with forever; Julie Anderson slapped Robert Holiday in an angry ending to their brief love affair. Heartbroken that her love affair didn't end with the fairy tale Happily Ever After, Julie leaves town to pursue her dream of being a dancer. As fate has a curious sense of humor, eight years later, they wake up in bed together. Now it is up to love to fix what time cannot mend.
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Circles Divided
Chapter 1
Robert gripped the steering wheel with his left hand and held out his right to Julie. She interlaced her fingers with his and smiled. He loved her. She loved him. They'd finish at Westland Prep in a few weeks and then go off to college together. She didn't have to pursue her dance career. It was just a childhood fantasy. Being a professional dance would make it tough to have a relationship when she would always be travelling to other parts of the country or the world. There had to be something at college she could major in. What did she like besides dancing? Julie yawned and stretched, pointing her toes. I do have a beautiful pointe. And dancers feet.
"Are we there, yet?" Ashley's voice cut through the silence in the van.
Julie turned to face her youngest sister. "Not much longer." Movement in the back row caught her attention. Annoying brother, Jason pushed equally exasperating sister, Sheila, who shoved him back.
"Get off my side." Sheila stuck her tongue out.
"I'm not on your side, I'm on my side." Jason scrunched up his face and glared at her.
Julie rolled her eyes. "Cut it out, you two." Chuckling, she smiled at Robert. "The animals are getting restless."
He checked the rear-view mirror. "Should I—"
"You ask him."
"No you, Sheila."
"You're the big brother, Jason, you ask him."
"No. You."
"Ask'im what?" Robert called from the driver's seat.
"Are you still going to live with us?" Sheila yelled back.
"Only for a little while longer. I gotta find an apartment. It's been great me stayin' with you'se guys, but its time I go live on my own again."
"Not necessarily." Julie lowered her voice.
"Yes babe, it's time I moved out."
"No, I mean you don't have to be on your own."
Robert's eyebrows rose as he blinked. "Ya mean move in with me?"
Julie nodded.
Having been caught off guard by Julie's suggestion, Robert pondered the possibility for the rest of the trip. He pulled next to the Murran Estate gates, slid his pass through the card reader and entered.
"You're going to work?" Julie frowned.
"If I'm gonna be paying rent soon, yea I gotta." He parked the van next to the stables then leaned over and kissed Julie.
"Oh, gross." Sheila put her hands around her throat and pretended to vomit.
Chuckling, Robert hopped out of the van, turned and shut the door. "See you later. Hope your mom's ok. Drive careful. Bye guys."
Julie slid across the seat. Robert watched as the car drove off. Carl exited the barn. "Good weekend Robert?"
"Best two days of my life."
Carl slapped him on the back. "Good." He glanced at the sky. "Looks like it might rain." Their conversation settled into a work discussion as they walked to the stables.
***
The remainder of the ride to the Anderson house was uneventful. At home, while Mrs. Anderson explained the doctor had ordered her into bed for a rest, Julie's father called for pizza. He suggested everyone unpack and take their laundry downstairs.
After supper, Julie picked up her mother's keys. "I'm going to get Robert. It's pouring rain out and he'll probably try to hitch hike back rather than call for a ride." She zipped her raincoat and raced to the car.
Halfway between her house and the Estate, she saw him; soaking wet standing on the side of the road, thumb up. She turned the car around and stopped. "Hi."
"Hi." He slammed the door.
"I thought you'd try and hitch a ride home instead of calling."
"How's your Mom?"
"Doctor ordered her into bed for a few days." She tapped her fingernail on the steering wheel. "When we get home and you dry off, can we talk?"
"'Bout what?"
"Let's let it wait, please?"
"Did I do something wrong?" He wiped the water from his face.
Julie shook her head.
"You mad 'cause I didn't call for a ride? I figured everyone would be busy."
Julie kept her focus on the road. Robert chewed his thumbnail and watched the window wipers swish across the glass.
***
In the warmth and light of the kitchen, Julie removed her raincoat, hung it up and tossed the keys on the counter. "I unpacked your stuff from my suitcase. It's on your bed. There's some pizza in the fridge. Come up to my room when you're ready." She turned and scooted upstairs.
Robert followed, passing her closed door and entering his room. Knocking the pile of clothes off the bed, he changed in to a dry sweatshirt and jeans and left everything else in a pile in the centre of the floor. Back in the kitchen, while the pizza heated, he scoured the fridge for a cold beer, but had to settle for a Coke. When he'd eaten, he sat staring at the table. He didn't want to go upstairs and confront Julie. He couldn't figure out what he could have possibly done wrong. He rubbed his face. Man up dude and get this over with. With a big sigh, he headed to Julie's room.
Julie sat on her window ledge watching the rain stream down the glass. "Come hold me, please."
Robert settled next to her, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and waited for the other shoe to drop. Silence filled the room. He bit back asking what the problem was. He'd let her explain it.
Her shoulders shook as she sniffed. With teary eyes, she glanced at him. "Why didn't they accept me at the dance audition? You said, the others said I was good. Well I'm not. I suck." She turned, threw her arm over his shoulder and buried her face in his chest.
Yes! It's not something I did. He squeezed her tighter. "I think ya dance great."
She knocked her forehead on his sweatshirt. "You don't know anything about dance. You made me do it. I hate you for it."
"I'm sorry."
"It's all your fault."
"I'm sorry." What the hell else am I supposed to say?
Between sniffles, Julie said, "I feel so alive when I'm lost in my dancing. Why didn't they take me? You said they would." Her sobs quieted while Robert held her. Her breathing slowed. She'd fallen asleep in his arms.
Wiggling himself around, he scooped her into his arms and placed her on her bed then pulled a blanket over her and kissed her on the cheek. He retreated to his room. A large pile of clothes rested in the middle of the floor. Another in a clump in the corner. Grabbing a huge armful, he plodded down to the laundry room. After loading the washer, he settled down on the family room couch and flipped the remote until he found a movie. By the time the battle for planet Earth was in full force, his eyes were getting heavy.
"What are you watching?"
; He jumped and looked at Julie. "Just a movie."
"I'm sorry." She hit his foot.
Robert sat up.
"I'm sorry I took it out on you."
"Forget it." He shrugged. "I've got big shoulders. Ya can cry on them anytime."
Julie snuggled down on the couch next to him. "You're not mad?"
"Naw, I figured ya were just lettin' it out." He brushed a hand across her cheek. "Ya look tired, why don't ya go to bed?"
"What about you?"
"Doin' my laundry."
"I'll stay."
Robert stretched out and Julie lay on her side in front of him. He draped an arm over her waist. While he watched the movie, Julie slept. When the washing machine stopped, Robert climbed over her, switched the clothes to the dryer then settled back onto the couch.
A sharp tap on his shoulder woke him. Blinking his eyes open, he focused on Julie's mother. "Go to bed. It would be more comfortable."
"I'm doin' my laundry."
"Clothes are folded and in your room. Take Julie up to bed and go get some sleep."
"You should be in bed."
"I came downstairs to get a drink. I heard the dryer buzz then I found you two here."
Robert lifted Julie from the couch and followed Mrs. Anderson upstairs. She pulled down the blankets on Julie's bed. Robert laid her down. "Good night," he whispered. Soon the house returned to silence as everyone slept.
***
Tuesday morning, Robert wandered down the hallways of Westland Prep and stood outside the senior girl's washroom waiting for Julie to exit. To his dislike, when she did, it was with Francine. Heather and Jennifer followed closely behind. Francine stood in front of Robert, curled her lip and sneered. "What do you want?"
Ignoring her, Robert stepped closer to Julie. "What class is first period today? I'm so lost."
"Calculus." Julie smiled. "And good morning to you too."
Heather tapped him on the arm. "Are you back gracing our hallowed halls?"
"It's more like grossing out our hallowed halls." Francine crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.
"I see we still aren't on speakin' terms." He raised one eyebrow.
Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy) Page 26
