River Flows In You

Okay this one is not the usual story... haha you'll see... Enjoy :D

~~~~~~

He sat back and watched as her mother fluffed the white lace that surrounded her head, just one more time.

“Are you completely ready now, Princess?” He smiled as she slowly turned to look at him, the few pieces of wavy, golden blond hair, that had escaped from the entrapment of bobby pins and torture, lay softly around her face, beneath the lace, extenuating the green in her eyes and the red in her cheeks and lips.

“I think so, Daddy,” She whispered, as her mum wiped a tear from her eyes.

“Okay...” Her mum's voice broke as she smoothed the lace that she just fluffed, just one more time. “Brooke, here's Nana's handkerchief, something old.” She sniffled this time, lying the small piece of white satin and lace in her daughter's, her only child, hand.

“And, mum and I got you these earrings.” He murmured handing his Princess a blue velvet box.

“Daddy, sapphires? I love them!” She cried, hugging him gently as not to smudge her make up.

“New and blue.” Her mum smiled softly, holding up one last box. “Now, baby, I want this back, but it fits in well with the borrowed part of today.” She opened the box gently to see a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet.

“Oh, Mum, it's gorgeous! Thank you.” She gushed as she quickly put in the earrings and her mum fastened the bracelet around her wrist.

“Brooke,” A new face peeked in the door. “We're ready for you.” She nodded as all of her friends waved from behind her. She laughed and shooed them away as she turned to pick up her bouquet.

“See you in a few, Mum.” She kissed her mum's cheek and wiped a tear from her mum's cheek, her mum sighed and quietly left, trying desperately to keep her tears at bay. As the woman and all of her friends left he turned her gently to face him.

“Ok, are you truly ready, Princess?” He asked her, his own green eyes full of pride, and a touch of sadness. “You don't have to, if you're not ready.”

“Daddy,” She sighed, her smile growing. “Take me to Max. I'm ready, I want to marry him. I want to be Brooke Talbot.” She stood up on her tip toes and kissed his weathered cheek. “Besides you love Max.”

“Yah, but I'm scared of loosing you, Princess...”

“Not loosing me, Daddy, gaining Max.” She smiled as he took her arm in his and lead him into the hall.

They stood together in front of the large oak doors as the girls, her bridesmaids, walked down the hall before her. He squeezed her hand gently, causing her to glance up at him and smile. She took a deep breath as the large oak doors opened in front of them.

Beautiful, light and airy, piano music filled the church as they took their first steps down the aisle. Her dad spent most of the time looking down at his daughter, but Brooke? Her eyes were glued on Max as they stopped mere feet from him. The priest smiled down at the couple who didn't have any want with anyone else right now. The world was theirs and theirs alone.
“Who gives this bride to be wed?” His voice caused the couple's gaze to separate momentarily as she looked expectantly at her dad.

“Her mother and I,” he croaked before kissing her cheek gently and pulling Max in for a hug. “Be good to her, Max.” He whispered before letting the boy go. Placing Brooke's hand in his, he turned slightly and sat next to his own wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulder to consul her as she cried happy tears silently. Max and Brooke took three steps to find themselves in front of the priest, who nodded and Brooke handed her bouquet off to Emily, her maid of honour before turning back to face Max.

“Love is a miraculous thing, and we're joined here together today to witness a pledge of that love between Maxime and Brooke. Love is something not to be taken too lightly. It's a power that gets you through the bad, and helps you enjoy the good. Love is the entity you wait home for every night. Cheer loudly for when they do well at something. And it forgives after you've messed up.” The congregation laughed softly as Max blushed, causing Brooke's hand to raise from his up to his red cheek. “Today it is Maxime, and Brooke who take the next step in their relationship, and believe me it's been a rocky flight here. But it's that Love, that binding power that kept them together, that will keep them together even longer. The couple has been ambitious and wrote their own vows.” The priest announced motioning to Max to start.

“Brooke, I have finally discovered the meaning of real love. For as long as I live I will love, respect and honour you. I will be committed to self-growth and to the growth of our relationship. I promise to be honest and to communicate my needs and feelings, just as I promise to listen to your. I will be faithful to you in mind, body and spirit. I will be your friend and life partner no matter what life brings us. Today I pledge my commitment to you.” He smiled and took his own free hand to wipe the single tear to escape onto her cheek. The congregation sighed in awe as the priest motioned Brooke to proceed. She cleared her throat and unfolded a small piece of paper she was holding.

“Max, I love you. You're my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.” She pausing her voice catching with emotion. “I promise to love you in good time and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give you today, and all the days of our life.”

“The rings please.” Emily and Marc, the best man, stepped forward and handed the rings to the appropriate people. “Max, take Brooke's left hand,” he grinned stupidly and grabbed her right hand. Brooke laughed, and switched hands for him, causing the congregation to laugh with them. “And repeat after me. Brooke, with free and-”

“Brooke, with free and-” Max gazed into her eyes holding the ring over her left ring finger.

“Unconstrained soul, I give you all I am and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love, for the rest of my life.” Max repeated the rest of the vow before sliding the ring on her finger. He then turned to Brooke. “Brooke, take Max's left hand and repeat after me. Max, with free and unconstrained soul,” Brooke took Max's left hand and held his ring over his ring finger.

“Max, with free and unconstrained soul,”

“I give you all I am and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love, for the rest of my life.” She repeated after him before sliding the ring onto his finger, fighting with it slightly over his knuckle. “By the power vested in me by God and the State of Pennsylvania I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.” The crowd cheered and jeered as Max wiggled his eyebrows at Brooke before dipping her gently and pulling her into a passionate kiss. The cheering turned to laughter as she squealed at being dipped to low and he slowly pulled her up right. She sighed loudly and accepted her bouquet back from Emily before facing the crowd. “It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time, Mr and Mrs Maxime Talbot.” The crowd cheered wildly as the couple walked slowly down the aisle, getting about halfway before looking at each other, grinning wildly and running the rest of the way out of the church.

Once in the lobby, Max pinned Brooke against a wall, kissing her neck and jaw.

“We did it, Max,” She sighed, pushing him gently away from her. “We're married.”

“Yup,” he grinned kissing her lightly, first on the nose and then the mouth. “We officially got our happily ever after.”

Liar Liar

He watched her out of the corner of his eyes as he sat on the cushioned bench in the club, his arm wrapped around the shoulder of the gorgeous red head sitting next to him. She tossed her brunette curls and took a deep breath as she started up the steps to the benches.

“Hey guys,” She smiled catching his eyes for a millisecond before moving on to those of his friends. She bit the corner of her lip gently, a trick he knew she did when she was nervous.

“Hey, Jenny! What's up?” His best friend, Colby, she thought, spoke up, enveloping her in a hug. She caught the glare his girlfriend sent her as she awkwardly hugged him back.

“Umm, I just wanted to bring you guys some tickets.” She fanned out the five pairs of tickets in her hand. One for each person sitting on the bench. “My show's tomorrow, at the Velvet Lounge. Should be good... I think.”

“Your music's great, Jen.” Another guy piped up, making her smile softly. “We'll be there. Right, V?”

“Sure... Wouldn't miss it.” V scowled at her, they all knew. Everyone but her.... Jenny's eyes slowly crossed everyone's. They boys nodded their agreement to come to the show, the girls scowled. She came to the last couple. The beautiful red head nodded enthusiastically.

“Sounds like fun. Sid's always blaring your music through out the house. You're pretty good.” She smiled sincerely as she placed her hand on his chest. He smiled up at Jenny sheepishly as if to say 'What do you want me to do? She's my girlfriend!'

“Thanks. It's nice to meet the people who enjoy my music.” She smiled half-heartedly. “I've gotta get going. The guys and I need to scope the space again. You know....” She sighed and ducked out of the room and back down the steps. She got halfway to the door before she heard her name being yelled.

“Jenny! Jen!” She turned to see him running towards her. “Jennifer....” He breathed her name as he reached her and pulled her into a dark corner before capturing her sweet lips with his. She finally pulled away placing her hand on his chest, over his heart.

“Stop, Sidney. She's mere feet away. Just stop. I'll see you tomorrow.” She smiled sadly as she ran out of the club, tears streaming down her face.

She ran the whole way to the Velvet Lounge where her band was waiting.

“Jenny, baby?” Garrett, her drummer, questioned as she stopped in front of him wiping her tears. “What's wrong, sweetheart?”

“Did he hurt you?” Brad, guitar, demanded, looking menacingly down the street, waiting for him to come running after her.

“No, I'm fine. Just stupid...” She sighed looking up at her guys. “Come on, guys, we have to get ready.”


The next night she stood to the side of the stage pacing nervously. This definitely wasn't her first show, but this one held a lot of importance to her. It was the second time he'd ever been to a show. First since they got together. First since she fell in love with him. She sighed deeply as she heard the MC start talking.

“Now folks, here she is... The new queen of Alternative rock! Jenny Steele!” The crowd went wild as she headed up on stage. Once up there she scanned the crowd and found them, all of them, sitting front and center. She smiled nervously stepping up to the mic.

“Hi guys, it's nice to see everyone here. It's great to know that someone out there likes what we're doing.” Her smile grew as people laughed and cheered. “So I hope you enjoy it, here we go!”

The set was awesome, people were into it, we were into it. But something felt off. The beautiful red head enjoyed her time. And Jenny already knew he'd enjoy it, he always did. The guys grooved along with the music, but the girlfriends sat stoically. Well they weren't her problem. Finally it came time for the last song, she turned and sat at the piano in the middle of the stage, adjusting the microphone.

“Normally, I'd go out the same way I came in, hard and fast, but tonight is different. See I've got this song, I have to get off my chest. It's about someone.” She stopped briefly and looked him right in the eyes. “Someone who made me fall, and hard, before I knew they weren't available. Here it is... Brand new, and just for you... Liar, Liar

“You said I was your everything,
You said I was the one,
You played me like a radio,
You use to love that I had no shame.

Pour my pain into words,
Hold my hand to the flame.

Tell me you love me like a star
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, oh, Liar, Liar.

Bit by bit I feel the draft,
Just sit back and watch it burn,
Hold your eyes upto my veins,
Call out, call my name

Tell me you love me like a star,
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, Oh, Liar, Liar,

Liar, Liar, Oh, Liar, Liar

Tell me you love me like a star,
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, Oh

Tell me you love me like a star,
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, Oh Liar, Liar.”
(performed by Alexz Johnson)

She sighed as the last line spilled out of her mouth. She looked up, her eyes quickly falling on his. He knew it was for him, eyes never lie. She quickly stood, causing the bench to scrap on the stage, so wrapped in her own emotions she couldn't hear the crowd cheering wildly for her.

Holding her breath to hold in the tears, she ran of the stage. Leaving the guys to finish up.

Finally in the small room backstage, she let her emotions and tears fall out of her like rain. She could feel someone enter the room, not looking up she addressed her band mates.

“Just go away guys... I need time...” A tear dripped morosely off of her chin.

“I can't stand to see you cry, Jen.” She jumped slightly, being caught off guard by his presence.

“Go away, Sid. Your girlfriend will be worried.” She sighed turning away from him. Shutting him out, or trying to. He stepped forward and turned her slowly by the shoulders.

“I don't care.” He whispered bringing his plush lips dangerously close to her own. “I don't love her. I love you. You're the only one who gets me. It's like I can't breathe with out you.”

“Then break up with her.” She whispered, almost giving into him. He sighed deeply pulling back slightly. “That's what I thought.” Her voice broke with her heart as she stepped back from him. “Liar, Liar....” She sighed and stepped around him, out of the club and into the rain.

Skin

She sat in a room, the darkness seemed to emanate from her own pain and sadness. Pictures scattered the floor like rain that fell on the pavement beyond her window. Her head hit her knees as the phone rang again and again. Silently she sobbed as the answering machine picked up again.

“Anna, please, baby, answer the phone. I know you're there. Anna, I'm sorry, I can fix it. I can. But, baby you have to let me. Please, Anna. I love you.” The voice on the answering machine crackled as it sighed and she could hear the click as the phone disconnected.

Her head raised as she glanced at the light on the machine blinked obstinately. Teasing her. Taunting her. Reminding her of all the good times that they had, they used to out weighed the bad, didn't they?

~fashback~

“C'mon, Max! Hurry up, the ferry's going to leave with out us.” She called back to her love, the man who made her world spin on it's axis, as she ran towards the dock.

“Anna,” Max ran behind her laughing, “Anna, slow down! We have plenty of time.” She squealed as he finally caught up to her and trapped her against a brick wall. “Besides, I'm a superstar. They'll wait.” He whispered against her lips before tasting them in a passionate kiss.

“Max, we have to go...” She groaned against him, not fighting, but giving into his touch. Sighing she brought her hands up to his face, pulling him closer to him. “You're incorrigible.” They laughed together as they slowly parted.

“We have to catch our ferry,” He grinned and ran, pulling her, towards the dock.

~end~

She picked up the closest picture to her. The two of them, happy together on the ferry. An older couple took their picture before advising them to make sure they treasured their love. She scoffed as the phone rang for the millionth time that day.

“Anna, it's Marc.” The voice sighed sadly. “Anna, we know you're hurt and we hope you know that we're here for you.”

“Marc, tell her we love her,” a female voice crackled through the background, causing Anna to smile at her friends.

“I am, V, just relax.” Marc whispered back to her. “Anna, look, Max isn't here, and he's not coming here. At least not if you are. We'll keep him away, but girl, you shouldn't be alone like this. All holed up in your house. Anna, it's not healthy. V's coming to get you.” The phone clicked so the answering machine picked up the dial tone before shutting off. She sighed as the room fell back into silence. She knew that she only had minutes before her friend would be there to drag her out of obscurity and solitude and into questions, and what they believed to be comfort.

It's not that she didn't love her friends, but they were his friends too. And although everyone involved knew it was his fault, she felt guilty taking them away from him. They were, after all, his friends first. What right did she have to them?

Lost in her thoughts she jumped at the insistent ringing of the phone and the quick message that followed.

“Hey it's Anna and Max, we can't come to the phone-”

“Because we're having sex!”

“MAX! I'm trying to leave a-beep.”

“Anna,” he breathed into the machine. “Please pick up, baby. I just want to talk. Anna, please....” His voice burned through the air causing the tears in her eyes to fall down her pale cheeks. “Anna... I love you... I know I screwed up, but I just... I can't live without you, baby...” She could hear a scuffle on the line and a new voice flooded the room.

“Max, you've got to leave her alone, man. Give her time... space... and accept the fact that she doesn't want to see you right now.” The new voice coached him. “I'm sorry, Anna. I'm taking the phone from him now. He shouldn't call again.”

She sighed and rested her head against the wall behind her, memories rushing back to her.

~flashback~

Music pumped through the speakers as she sat up in the VIP room sipping her water, taking a break from dancing. She smiled as she caught a glimpse of Max, her Max, heading towards the room with drinks. Her smile began to fade as last minute his direction changed and he headed towards the dance floor. What was he doing?

“Marc?” She asked his best friend sitting next to her. “What's going on?” Her eyes never left Max as he swiftly danced his way to a beautiful woman with jet black hair. He glanced around quickly before handing the woman a drink and kissing her fiercely.

“Oh shit!” Marc exclaimed after following her gaze. “Anna, it's not what it looks like.” She tried to believe him as Max wrapped his free arm around the woman pulling her closer to him.

“No, Marc, I think it's exactly what it looks like.” She sighed defeated tearing her gaze from the pair and towards Marc who looked very guilty. “How long, Marc?”

“How long for what?” He asked sheepishly.

“He knows her, Marc. I know Max, and he knows her. How long has this been going on?” She looked back briefly to find the pair walking, with their arms wound around each other, towards the bathrooms. She shook her head and turned back to Marc.

“About two years, Anna. I'm sorry, he made me promise I wouldn't tell you.” He cried as she stood up broken.

“I don't blame you. You're not the one cheating.” She sighed heavily her heart lying broken on the table. “I'm done.” She looked towards the bathroom that the couple disappeared into and walked out of the club.

~end~

She picked up a blank piece of paper and wrote the words burning into her skull, before picking up the bag sitting next to her and walking out of the house into the dark and the rain.

Five minutes later, V opened the door to the house calling her name.

“Anna? Come on, let's get out of here. We'll make some tea and just sit around for a few hours, watching movies.” She walked over to the table and found a piece of paper, picking it up she read it.

I drift away to a place
Another kind of life
Take away the pain
I create my paradise

Everything I've held
Has hit the wall
What used to be yours
Isn't yours at all

Falling apart, and all that I'm asking
Is it a crime, am I overreacting

Oh, he's under my skin
Just give me something to get rid of him
I've got a reason now to bury this alive
Another little white lie

So what you had didn't fit
Among the pretty things
Never fear, never fear
I now know where you've been

Braids have been un-tied
As ribbons fall away
Leave the consequence
But my tears you'll taste

Falling apart and all that I question
Is this a dream or is this my lesson

Oh, he's under my skin
Just give me something to get rid of him
I've got a reason now to bury this alive
Another little white lie

I don't believe I'll be alright
I don't believe I'll be OK
I don't believe how you've thrown me away
I do believe you didn't try
I do blame you for every lie
When I look in your eyes, I don't see mine

Oh, he's under my skin
Just give me something to get rid of him
I've got a reason now to bury this live
Another little white lie

Oh my permission to sin
You might have started my reckoning
I've got a reason now to bury him alive
Another little white lie

(performed by Alexz Johnson)

V sighed deeply before flipping open her phone and calling her boyfriend. “Marc, she's gone. Call Max. It's over... It's so over...” She closed the phone and walked out of the house with the poem and a heavy heart for both of her friends.

intro

Hey guys, so this is going to be a whole bunch of short storys. All to music, so the key is to find the song on the playlist that is the title of the story and that's the inspiration, and feel of the song.

Some stories will tie into others, most won't. I don't think.

Happy reading.

Comments are always appreciated. If enough people like a short, I may turn it into a longer story :D