(tip: in
the poetry excerpts you will notice a / within lines. This only
signifies a hard page break within the poem itself. If you can, ignore them
and pay attention only to the punctuation with the poem. That will help with
the smoothness of the reading. Also, try rereading the poem. Believe me,
it helps in the understanding.
^_^)
*
When Renee had returned from work a couple hours later, Amy had been soaking
in the tub while listening to Offenbachs Tales of Hoffman, something
Renee knew Amy only did when upset.
Renee of course had pelted Amy with questions, but she hadnt
wanted to add to the already horrendous mountain of gossip stacked against
Garret. As usual for Amy, she
wanted to give him another chance. Like she had said to his face, she was beginning to like
him as a person. If he wanted
to start a relationship, she
would.
Amy didnt sleep that night. She felt bad for
Garret. Not because of what
she had said, but because she thought he might have really believed the only
way he could get love was through his
fame. Amy didnt ever like
reading too much into situations, but she had seen and heard it all too
often.
Amy sighed now, sitting as she was on the couch while trying to study her
script before her scheduled rehearsal time with him later that
afternoon. I wasnt
too hard on him, was I? Amy
had done her best to be honest, just like her mom and dad had taught her,
while being as tactful as possible.
The only problem being that Amy had this inkling no one said
no to Sir Garret Harrison very
often. Didnt I have
a hard enough time? Amy
sighed again, giving a shake of her head just as there was a knock on the
door.
Coming.
She unfurled herself from the couch, gave the waistband of her flannel loungers
a gentle pull upward, and then headed over to the
door. She unlocked the deadbolt
but kept the chain. When she
opened the door, Garret stood on the other side dressed in pressed Calvin
Klein jeans and yet another Ralph Lauren Polo shirt of dark
blue.
Amy blinked.
Oh.
Hello. Just a
sec. Amy slightly closed the door, unfastened the chain, and
then opened it the rest of the way.
She motioned inside with an outstretched
arm. Come on
in.
Garret hesitated a moment before stepping over the threshold and standing
quite uncertain in the middle of the living
room.
Amy motioned to the couch. Have a
seat. She gathered up
her script and set it on the coffee table, then she headed for the
kitchen.
Coffee?
Yes. Thank
you.
Ill set it to brewing and then change into something a little
more
appropriate. Amy
had already ground some coffee beans earlier, so she put the appropriate
amount into the basket, filled the machine with water, and then turned it
on. It should only take
a couple minutes. Be right
back.
Amy closed the door to her bedroom and leaned against it with a
sigh. Just dont try
any approach but the right one, Garret.
Please? Give yourself
a chance. Amy pushed away
from the door and changed into her favorite jean/sweatshirt
combination. When she headed
out of her bedroom, she heard the clunk and clink of Garret in the kitchenette
preparing a mug of coffee. The idea of Sir Garret Harrison in her kitchen making
coffee settled well, but she supposed the idea of any eligible bachelor
as good looking as Garret Harrison in her kitchen would have settled
well.
Amy sat on the couch tailor-style as she said the chocolate powder
is in a glass container to the left of the
coffee-maker.
A few minutes later, Garret emerged with two cup-and-saucer combinations
in hand. He set both on the
waiting coasters on the coffee table and then sat beside her on the
couch. Garret began absently
stirring his coffee. A few moments
later, he set the spoon aside and cleared his throat, staring down at his
hands before turning to meet her gaze.
He looked about to speak several times, but then he pressed his lips
together and faced forward
again.
Amy drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her
legs. Im not mad,
you know, she said quietly.
You apologized, and I believe you meant
it. Im not one to hold
a grudge. Garret didnt
acknowledge her statement, so Amy smiled and said No more be
grieved at that which thou hast done: / Roses have thorns, and silver fountains
mud. Garrets
lips lifted in a slight smile as Amy
continued. Clouds
and eclipses stain both moon and sun, / And loathsome canker lives in sweetest
bud. / All men make
faults.
And even I in this, Garret
finished. He looked over at
her. Yet another bit of
proof that you have actually read those books I see rising up behind
you.
Amy examined her knees with a slight
smile. What else are you
supposed to do with
books?
Many own them to impress the appropriate
crowd.
Amy raised her gaze to meet his. Her expression was
truthful. The only people
Ive ever wanted to impress were my parents, and my grades did
that. Then the smile
returned. Although I must
admit Im glad you liked my Guinevere
performance.
Garret cleared his throat and looked
away.
Amy chuckled. Im
sorry. That was hitting below
the
belt.
Garret released a long breath. Miss
Burke--
Amy, she softly insisted as she watched his
profile.
He reached forward to take up the action of stirring his coffee
again. Amy, he
corrected, my actions last night have put you into an awkward situation,
to say the least. If you wish
to bow out of your role within this movie, I do not blame you in the
least.
Amy retrieved her cup and saucer to take a
sip. Then she simply stared
down at the slightly wavering caramel-colored
liquid. Do you want me
to? Garret didnt
answer, so Amy changed her gaze to his
profile. Ive never
run away from anything in my life, Garret, but if you want me to quit
I will. This is your
movie.
Garret finally turned his head to meet her
gaze. Youre an odd
one, Miss Amy Burke, he said
simply.
Amy slightly smiled as she sipped her
coffee. And whys
that?
You do not take advantage. You do not chase fame and fortune as a parched man chases
mirages for a taste of non-existent
water. You are unlike any young
woman previously
met.
Amy chuckled. And thats
a bad
thing?
Intriguing, yes.
Bad? Garret shook
his head, still gauging her as she sipped her
coffee.
No. I dont
believe
so.
Amy ran a finger lightly around the rim of her coffee cup, watching its trail
around with twinkling eyes.
Thank you. I like
being
intriguing.
Garret continued to watch her. I believe choosing you as Aeris Gainsborough to
be the best choice made thus
far.
Amy actually flushed. I
appreciate that, but I think your Sephiroth will make the
movie. Hes a wonderful
character, and youre just the man to carry the
role.
Flattery has just earned you a
pay-raise.
Amy laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she looked over at
him. The only pay-raise
I need is to hear you recite
more.
Garrets lips twitched as he regarded
her. Then, much to Amys
surprise, he began to softly quote A womans face with
Natures own hand painted / Hast thou, the master mistress of my passion;
/ A womans gentle heart but not acquainted / With shifting change as
is false womens fashion; / An eye more bright than theirs, less false
in rolling, / Gilding the object whereupon it
gazeth
Garret
continued to watch her
face.
Amy sniffed and whispered Thank you for choosing that
one. Its one of my
favorites.
Garret faintly smiled.
Shakespeare. Always
the tool to a womans
heart.
Amy chuckled. Oh, I
dont know. Sir Philip
Sydney has some wonderful works.
And I know of a poem by Queen Elizabeth that I love to
death.
On Monsieurs Departure? Garret
asked.
Amy nodded while taking another sip of
coffee. Thats the
one.
Garret retrieved his coffee with one hand while motioning with the
other. You must recite
it.
After your performance of Shakespeare? she asked,
wide-eyed.
Garret chuckled, motioning again for her to
recite. Come,
come.
Amy set down her cup and saucer and then wiped her palms on her
jeans. Alright,
she whispered. Lets
see.
Amy cleared her throat before taking in a deep breath to set the inner
mood. Then she softly and intensely
quoted I grieve and dare not show my discontent, / I love and
yet am forced to seem to hate, / I do, yet dare not say I ever meant, / I
seem stark mute but inwardly do prate. / I am and not, I freeze and yet am
burned, / Since from myself another self I
turned. Amy closed
her eyes as her spirit searched out the words, lifting her hands to her chest
in movement and mood of the poem. My care is like my shadow in the sun, / Follows
me flying, flies when I pursue it, / Stands and lies by me, doth what I have
done. / His too familiar care doth make me rue it. / No means I find to rid
him from my breast, / Till by the end of things it be
suppressed. Amy
shook her head, sadness blanketing her
expression. Some
gentler passion slide into my mind, / For I am soft and made of melting snow;
/ Or be more cruel, love, and so be kind. / Let me or float or sink, be high
or low, / Or let me live with some more sweet content, / Or die and so forget
what love ere
meant.
Garret lowered his cup and saucer to the coffee table with a slight clink,
making Amy give a startled jump as her eyes focused on his
face. He softly
applauded. Bravo,
Amy.
Bravo.
Amy flushed and quickly retrieved her
coffee.
Stop. It wasnt
that
good.
On the contrary, absolutely wonderful, he contradicted as he
again took up his cup. Have
you recited in public
often?
Amy shook her head. Not
recently. I did when I still
studied at NYU. It was required
as part of my
grade.
Garret nodded, and then he suddenly looked to his
watch.
Blast. He
set down his cup and saucer as he
stood.
Amy watched him with wide eyes. Whats the
matter?
Ive a meeting scheduled for 20 minutes
hence. Garret made his
way to the door, Amy following after
him. Now I havent
the time to change, he
mumbled.
Im sorry. You should
have told
me.
Nonsense. You arent
to blame. Garret opened
the door and turned; his expression
thoughtful. Let us postpone
this afternoons rehearsal until
tomorrow. Then I shall inform
you of my
decision.
Amy nodded, holding his gaze. Drive
carefully. Its getting
about the time the crazies are
out.
Garret continued to look down at her with an odd
expression. They
that have power to hurt and will do
none
One side of his lips twitched upward as the other seemed almost to say
Hmm. Then he stroked
Amys cheek with the back of a finger before turning away to stride
toward the elevator with long steps, long white hair streaming
behind. Amy stared after him,
eyes wide. When he entered the
elevator, he sent her a smile as he slightly
bowed. Then the elevator
closed.
Amy closed the front door and leaned against it with a slow
breath. Then she smiled and
lowered her gaze to her feet. A
part of her knew his change of heart could only be another avenue taken to
get what he wanted after all, who said no to Garret Harrison
but Amy had dedicated herself to thinking the best of
people. She wasnt going
to do any less than that for
him.
Knock knock
Amy gave a startled twitch and turned to open the door, which she hadnt
chained or locked yet. Garret
stood on the other side. Amy
blinked and then smiled. I
seriously doubt youre back from your meeting
already. And I refuse to let
you flake out of it just so we can recite more poetry to each other, fun
as it
is.
Garret sent her his usual attractive and inviting
smile. No,
no. I havent become as
irresponsible as
that.
Amy leaned against the door jam and crossed her arms, her lips still tickled
with a smile. Then what
can I do for you, Mr.
Harrison?
Garrets eyes twinkled with what must have been
mischief. One side of his lips
twitched slightly higher as he leaned against the same side of the door,
barely four inches from her.
Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss: / Her lips
sucks forth my soul, see where it flies! / Come Helen, come, give me my soul
again. / Here will I dwell, for heaven be in these lips, / And all is dross
that is not
Helena!
Amy could better control her wilting resolve now that she was more prepared
for Garrets charm and flirtation. Although his aroma of innate passion and intensity
was intoxicating.
Dr. Faustus; Scene 13, she named
softly. I think I liked
the play better than the opera Faust, although the songs are
wonderful. Amy reached
out with a single finger, which she pressed against his chest to push him
gently out of her personal space.
Now, seriously, what can I do for
you?
Garret chuckled as he straightened.
I have returned with an invitation to
accompany.
Amy arched an eyebrow.
Accompany you to
what?
My
meeting.
Your-- Amy straightened
while her arms went swiftly to her
sides.
What? She
shook her head. I
couldnt. Its
Thats
Isnt it
private?
I suppose they might construe it as such, he acknowledge with
a slight nod, but I have enjoyed our conversations too much to wish
an end to
them.
Amy flushed at the compliment but continued her
protest. Garret, I
While I appreciate the offer, I really dont think that would be a good
idea. I would feel as if I were
barging in on not only your private life, but theirs
too. I couldnt do
that.
Garret leaned against the door jam yet again, arms crossed as he slightly
smirked down at her. Even
though the attendance may mean an assurance of the pinnacle to your
career?
Amys eyes widened as her mouth dropped slightly
open. She sputtered less than
gracefully before finally saying passionately Especially
then! I cant accept special
favors from you,
Garret.
And why is that? he asked, still
smiling.
If theres going to be any kind of pinnacle, I would
like to earn it on my
own.
Garret accepted the point with another slight
nod. Yes, I acknowledge
the importance of that, but who is to say you havent earned
this opportunity? Amy, I can
very easily consider these shared meetings a type of ongoing
audition.
Amy shook her head. But
they werent, she insisted with a bit more intensity than she
wanted. Amy cleared her
throat. Garret, I would
never use you like
that.
Garret regarded her a moment, the upward lift of his lips a bit more prominent
than before. No, I dont
suppose you would. Perhaps
there is the
attraction?
Amy blinked as she leaned slightly back.
What? she asked
carefully.
Garrets eyes traced her features as he whispered Who will
in fairest book of Nature know / How Virtue may best lodged in beauty be,
/ Let him but learn of Love to read in thee, / Stella, those fair
lines, which true goodness show. / There shall he find all vices overthrow,
/ Not by rude force, but sweetest sovereignty / Of reason, from whose light
those night-birds fly.
He adjusted his crossed arms as his gaze again met
hers. Yes, Sir Philip
Sydney has the appropriate words
You continue to intrigue and surprise, a surprisingly sensual aspect
I had forgotten existed of a
woman.
Amy stared up at him in muted shock and disbelief before a smile blossomed
onto her face. She shook her
head with a chuckle, and then she reached out to take both of his upper arms
in her hands and push him a step back from her door
jam. You have a meeting
to get to, Mr. Harrison.
Punctuality,
remember?
Garret embraced her face in his hands, Amys smile vanishing with the
motion, and said But, ah, Desire still cries, give
me some food. And
then he briefly and tenderly kissed
her.
Amys heart danced at the gentle passion of it, but she still pulled
his hands from her face and her lips from his much strength drained
with the effort and shook her head
slightly.
Garret
Garret gave a bit of a nod with a whispered My lips are sweet,
inspired with Stellas
kiss.
Amy reluctantly smiled as she pulled her hands free from
his. You know all the
lines Shakespeare and Sir Philip Sydney both that make a
girls heart flutter, dont
you?
Garret smirked. Too many
years of practice with gaining a ladys
favor.
Amy nodded, and then her expression became
serious. But what does
Garret Harrison say to woo a
lady? She reached out
to gently touch his chest where his heart/soul
was. Garrets gaze lowered
to the action. Whats
in there? Amy asked
softly.
Garret stared at her finger touching his chest for a long moment before lifting
a hand to pull her touch away. I had best go, he said as he met her
gaze. Until
tomorrow.
Amy nodded, submerging her hands deep into her pockets when he released his
hold.
Alright. Have
fun, she said
softly.
Garret turned away and headed slowly for the
elevator.
Garret? Amy called
suddenly.
Garret stopped and turned. What is
it?
Amy cleared her throat. You
can call me whenever you want. Or
stop by
Or
whatever.
A slight smile lightened Garrets serious
expression. While I doubt
my schedule will permit, I appreciate the
offer.
Amy nodded as she lowered her gaze to her
toes. She rocked back onto her
heels. I know, I
I just wanted to
to let you hear the invitation, I
guess.
Garret remained quiet for a moment.
Thank you, Amy, he finally
said.
She peeked up at him with a slight
smile.
Sure.
And then Sir Garret Harrison gave a slight bow and turned again for the
elevator. The door closed, sealing
away his smile and releasing Amys
heart. She let out a slow
breath. Wheres Garret
Harrison? she whispered.
Then she turned and entered her apartment, closing the door softly
behind
her.
*