DreamInColour © 2004
Life went back to somewhat normalcy over the following five months. Hope returned to her job and reluctantly tried to remove the images of her new found ‘friend’ out of her head. This was becoming difficult because they had gotten into a habit of talking to each other daily. Usually once at the office and once before one or the other went to bed. Sometimes the conversations lasted for hours, other times it was just a brief statement of good night or good day. After the press tour for ‘Return of the King’ finished Elijah had returned to LA with Viggo who was working on another project. Orlando had gone off to Spain to work on his newest movie, yet he maintained his contact with Hope. Viggo also maintain contact with her taking her out at least once a week for dinner. They had decided early on that they just enjoyed each other’s company and had no intentions of dating.
Elijah was grumbling about Hope’s outings with Viggo and her constant contact with Orlando as he was on his way to her apartment. He hadn’t seen her in weeks and was slightly perturbed that it was his friends who had gotten her comfortable with celebrity when she had known him for years and had never been like that with him.
A woman who held a striking resemblance to Hope but was obviously not her answered the door after he knocked. His inner complaints were shelved for a moment as he stared at this beauty, “Mercy if they’ve started cloning, Hope is a good place to start.”
The woman was staring at him just at as intently, “Damn, if Hope has taken to collecting actors I’m glad you’re one of them.” She stepped aside, “Please come in.”
“Gladly.” He grinned and followed her inside, “Do you have a name or shall I just call you Hope number 2?”
She laughed, “That’s a little bit of a mouthful. You can call me Kierra.” She extended her hand, “I’m Hope’s sister.”
“Nice to meet you Hope’s sister Kierra. You can call me Lij.”
“It’s a pleasure Lij, now how in the world do you know my sister?”
“I’ve known her for years now, she’s never spoken about me?”
“I think I would have remembered her talking about a gorgeous blue eyed actor.” Kierra stated, “She must be hoarding you for herself.”
“No such luck on my part. I know her through Dr. Forsythe. Until recently I never saw her outside his office.”
“Okay then I can forgive her.” Kierra smiled, “Besides did she ever talk about me?”
“Definitely not I think I would remember if she’d told me about a gorgeous sister.”
“Sisters actually.”
“Plural?”
“Yup, I’m a twin.” Kierra laughed at his expression, “And before you ask yes we are identical and no Kylie and I do not make out in our spare time so get that image out of your head.”
He grinned sheepishly, “You can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“I most certainly cannot.” She smiled at him; Hope was going to get an earful when she got home. “Anyway, my sister has gone out for the evening would you like to leave a message?”
“Where is she now?”
“I honestly don’t know she’s been secretly going out and talking on the phone until all hours of the night. I’ve only been here a couple of days but I’m starting to wonder what kind of secret life she’s leading.”
Elijah knew exactly whom she had been conversing with and wondered why she hadn’t told her sister. “Well I was here to take her out for dinner, I haven’t seen her in awhile. Since she’s decided to leave you alone, how about taking her place?”
Kierra smiled, she’d just broken up with a loser that she shouldn’t have dated as long as she had. Why not take this gorgeous guy up on his offer? Besides Hope wasn’t the only who could have fun. “Sounds like a plan to me.” She agreed.
“Perfect, what are you hungry for?”
“So when did your sister get here?” Viggo asked after the waitress had given them their food. He had called Hope at work and had her meet him for dinner; he was also intending to take her out to see a new movie that had just been released.
“A couple of days ago. She called me extremely distraught over a break up. Since she just finished school I figured she could use a change of scenery.” Hope explained, “Besides Kylie and Luke are so much in love I think it would be torture for Kierra to see that with her broken heart.”
“I still can’t believe you have twin sisters.” Viggo shook his head.
“Don’t even get perverted on me Vig, it’s not like they make out in their spare time.” Hope laughed.
“I didn’t say anything!”
“You’re a guy, all of you think the same thing when twins are mentioned.”
“Can’t help it.” He grinned, “So are you at all curious about the movie tonight?” He was convinced that she was holding a secret torch for Orlando and was going to prove it by taking her to the release of ‘Troy’. Orlando was unable to make it to the LA release and asked Viggo if he wanted to take his place. He had been completely unaware that Viggo would take Hope.
“If you keep asking me about it I’m going to start becoming more curious.”
“Do you know of any movies being released around now?”
Hope thought for a moment then paled, “You didn’t!”
He looked at her innocently, “I didn’t what?”
“Troy.” She inhaled, “I’ve seen the ads on TV and if I’m not mistaken tonight is it’s official release.”
“Ding ding you win the prize, which is seeing the movie. We are taking the place of Orlando, which means not only do you get to see it with me, but I do believe the person on the other side of you is Brad Pitt.”
She didn’t even hear him, she’d seen the ads for this movie and every time Orlando’s character came on screen she was transfixed. She inhaled slowly and tried to regain her composure, she wasn’t going to let Viggo win. He’d been bugging her for the last few weeks about her constant interaction with Orlando; she’d been brushing it aside and was going to finally prove that he really was just her friend. “Fine I can’t wait. I’ve always wanted to meet Jen Anniston.”
Viggo just grinned, “She’s looking forward to meeting you actually. Apparently Orlando’s been talking you up at the other premieres.”
“He has?” She was just about to elaborate then decided to change the subject, “So tell me, how is Henry doing?” Asking him about his son always diverted his focus on teasing her.
“Thank you for dinner Lij, it was amazing.” Kierra smiled at Elijah as they got into his car.
“You are quite welcome, but the evening has just begun would you like see a movie as well?”
“Only if it’s going to be a good one.”
“How about the premiere of Troy?” He asked with a sly grin, “I’ve been invited and I’d love to show up with a gorgeous date.”
“Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom on screen. Sign me up.” Kierra grinned, upon seeing his expression she leaned across and kissed his cheek lightly, “The company will be much better than who’s on screen I promise.”
He grinned at her and started his car; “Look out Kierra, I’m starting to take a liking to you.”
“By all means start and keep going if the notion hits you.” She laughed.
“Can I just say that whoever was stupid enough to break your heart did me a huge favour?” They had talked about past relationships over dinner, which was always a no no on a first date, but Kierra had established early on that she didn’t want him to be a rebound.
“He did me a favour too believe me.” She agreed as they drove to the theatre.
“Holy shit there’s a lot of people here.” Hope stared at the red carpet as Viggo slowed the car down.
“Yeah it’s weird. You tell women where Brad will be and they show up in droves.” He joked.
“I seem to remember those same women doing that for you a few months ago Aragorn.” She joked back.
He just winked and got out of the car allowing the attendant to take it. Another attendant had opened the door for Hope. He joined her and took her hand, “Just stay behind me, I shouldn’t be stopped too often.”
A few minutes later as Viggo talked to a woman from Entertainment Tonight Hope noticed two very familiar faces, “Blue? Kierra? Did I miss something?”
The two ambled up to stand next to her. As soon as the reporter saw Elijah she pulled him into the conversation with Viggo. This left the sisters a chance to talk, “Wow not only do you know the blue eyed wonder here you’re dating Viggo Mortensen. I should have visited you years ago.”
“I’m not dating him, we just hang out.” Hope hissed.
“Uh huh, next you’re going to tell me you had some OTHER gorgeous man on the other end of the phone last night.”
Hope bit her lip and said nothing. She’d gotten off the phone with Orlando at almost 3am. He kept hinting at seeing her soon and that made her nervous. It was easy to pretend she just wanted to be friends when they were on the phone, if she saw him she was afraid of what she’d do. The interview was done and the girls were escorted into the building before Hope had a chance to answer.
Due to the seating arrangements Elijah and Kierra were seated a few rows away from Viggo and Hope. As if they evening wasn’t ironic enough they were seated next to Dom and his date, Allie.
“Kiki?”
“Allie?”
The girls had spoken simultaneously. They were staring at each other silently so Dom and Elijah decided to join in.
“Dom?”
“Lij?”
“What are you doing here?” The four said together before the guys busted up laughing.
“I’m here to see a movie.” Dom said.
“No shit! Me too.” Elijah laughed.
“Shut it both of you.” Allie scolded then elbowed Dom to move so she could sit next to Kierra. “When did you get here Kiki?”
“A couple of days ago and I’ve learned more in the last six hours about my sisters life than ever. How do YOU fit into this scenario?”
The lights dimmed at that moment so Allie patted Kierra’s arm, “I’ll explain it all at the after party girl. I can’t believe Hope hasn’t told you yet.”
“Me neither.” Kierra muttered before it started.
Viggo was hardly watching the movie because Hope was turning out to be much more entertaining. Every time the character of Paris was on the screen she hardly blinked. “I knew it.” He whispered into her ear.
“Shush. Paris speaks therefore you must not.” She whispered back not breaking her stare.
“You can’t deny it now girl.” He chuckled softly.
“I do believe the girl told you to be quiet.” Jennifer Anniston said with a smile, “Besides there are others who want to see this Paris character.”
“Hey!” Brad protested.
“Shush.” Both women said again.
“No offence.” Hope patted Brad’s arm yet still maintained her gaze on the screen.
He chuckled and patted her arm in return, “None taken.”
Kierra watched the whole
interaction from her seat. She was trying to pay attention to the screen but
couldn’t stop watching her sister sitting in between Brad Pitt and Viggo
Mortensen chatting with them. The weirdest thing was Hope didn’t even seem to
notice they were there; she was too busy watching the movie. The character of
Paris was having a
conversation with his brother and it dawned on Kierra. “Hope has a crush on
Orlando Bloom.”
“That’s the understatement of the year.” Elijah had overheard her and
chuckled. “I don’t think I’d be far off in saying she’s probably in love with
him.”
“That might be pushing it.” Kierra leaned in to whisper to him since she
didn’t want to disturb the people around her. “Hope’s never been the type to be
in love with someone she doesn’t know.”
Elijah smiled at her, “Who says she doesn’t know him?”
Kierra didn’t have a chance to really process what he said because she
was trying to focus on the movie. All she knew was, when this night was done
she needed a long talk with her sister.
“I’m going to assume by your stunned expression that you enjoyed the
movie?” Viggo asked with a laugh as Hope and him drove to the place where the
after party was taking place.
“I don’t have words.”
“He’s a good actor isn’t he?”
“Fantastic.”
Viggo grinned, “Would you just admit it, even if only to me?”
“There’s nothing to admit.” Hope said stubbornly, “He’s my friend, he’s
talented and…”
“…and??”
“We’re here.” She smiled. “You really are like a girl sometimes Vig.”
“Don’t let it get out, it’ll ruin my manly image.” He said as he helped
her out of the car.
“They won’t hear a word from me.” She laughed.
“Okay Allie spill.” Kierra was with Allie in Dom’s rented car on the way
to the after party. They had both convinced the boys to go in Elijah’s car so
they could talk.
“Well Dom and I hit it off and we’ve been…”
“Yeah yeah you’re in love…dirt…on my sister…now.”
“Fine here’s the readers digest version,” She took a big breath, “By now
you’ve figured out that she’s known ol’ blue orbs for eons. Turns out he’s had
a humungo crush on her pretty much the whole time. Anywho he convinces her to
hang out at a friend’s place one night and it turns out…bam…its Orli’s new pad.
SO she has the pleasure of meeting two more hobbits and two elves. She leaves
her bra and her car so the next day…bam…Allie to the rescue. I manage to
convince her to accompany the whole lot of them to New York for the week mainly
because Dr. Forsythe rocks…during that trip everyone keeps talking about what a
ladies man Orli is so Hope decides…bam…won’t get interested…unfortunately the
man is walking sex SO on the last night she realizes she actually has feelings
for him…but she doesn’t get to see him anymore so…bam…Hope says just
friends…now they’ve been talking daily for five months and tonight…bam…” She
inhaled like she hadn’t taken a breath during the whole speech.
“He’s gonna be there.” Kierra finished. This explained the last two
nights of long phone conversations and secrecy; Hope really was in love with
him.
Allie smiled, “Exactly, but mums the word…she doesn’t know.”
“Right.” Kierra agreed with a smile.
Orlando wasn’t sure about this whole surprise thing. He had never actually
asked Hope to explain what was wrong with her that last night in New York
mainly because he was afraid she’d stop talking to him and frankly talking to
her made his day. So he kept it at the whole friends thing they had promised to
each other what seemed like forever ago. So here he was surprising her at an
after party for one of his movies and he was more nervous than he had ever
been. He saw her before she saw him; she was talking to Brad, Jen and Viggo,
which actually made him feel better because he was comfortable with them.
“Well if it isn’t the no show.” Jen noticed him first.
“Sorry I missed it. This is an amazing turnout.” He figured nonchalant
was the best way to play this. He leaned in and kissed Jen’s cheek.
Brad shook his hand and clapped him on the back, “You missed the best
part man. Maybe you would have been able to get her to blink.”
Hope blushed and looked down. “Shut up.”
“I was talking about my wife here, but if you’re admitting something
then we’re all ears.” He grinned.
She had never felt more put on the spot, luckily Viggo had some
compassion, “It’s good to see you Orlando, I’m going to take my happily married
friends here away to mingle, mind entertaining my date?”
He still wasn’t sure, she hadn’t looked at him yet but he nodded, “No
problem.”
After they left she finally made eye contact and smiled, “You never
struck me as the surprise type.”
“I’m not usually, but Liv is damn convincing and I swear we are a
project for these people or something.”
“Why is that I wonder?”
“I think it’s because you protest so much.” He shrugged and leaned on
the bar next to her. They still hadn’t touched, he thought that was
interesting, seeing as they had gotten to know each other so well over the past
few months at least a hug would have made some sense.
“Well I’m not a big fan of being discarded for a newer model.” She
really didn’t believe that he would do that, she needed to have a reason not to
absolute molest him at that very moment.
“Neither am I believe me, hurts like hell it does.”
“You mean you…”
He laughed, “I don’t know why everyone thinks I’m so irresistible to the
entire female gender. There are some who want nothing to do with me you know.”
He raised an eyebrow at her ‘Like you’ he thought.
‘Yeah like me.’ She thought, except that fact wasn’t true anymore and
him actually being there was making it painfully obvious for her, “I find that
hard to believe…”
Kierra cut her off. “Hope! Woman you have some splainin’ to do!” She
mimicked Ricky Ricardo from I Love Lucy.
“Umm.” Hope cleared her throat, “Orlando this is my sister Kierra and
you remember Allie.”
“How could I forget the lovely Allie?”
“Of course you can’t forget me ya git, I just saw you last week.” Allie
laughed.
“That’s only because you follow Dom wherever he goes.”
“The work of a girlfriend is never done.” She sighed dramatically.
“Don’t tell me you were able to draw her away from him?” Orlando joked
and smiled at Kierra, “It’s a pleasure to meet you by the way.”
She was staring, “Shit…uh…damn…umm you too.” She stuttered.
“Oh that’s just great!” Elijah exclaimed as he appeared with Dom, “You
had to go and break a perfectly good date.”
“Hi baby.” Allie smiled at Dom.
“Allo luv.” He sauntered up beside her and looped an arm around her
waist.
“I didn’t break anyone Lij, quit complaining.” Orlando laughed.
“Who’s breaking who?” Viggo had returned with Brad and Jen who were
getting a good laugh out of the group.
“Oh God.” Kierra breathed, trying to stare simultaneously at Brad,
Viggo, Orlando and Elijah.
“Too much of a good thing renders a woman immobile.” Allie laughed.
“Okay that’s enough!” Elijah stepped forward took Kierra’s face and
kissed her.
“He’s kissing my sister.” Hope exclaimed.
“It appears he is.” Orlando agreed
“He’s still kissing my sister.”
“She doesn’t seem opposed at all.” Jen laughed.
“Lij…umm…hello?” Brad grabbed Elijah’s arm and pulled him away, “I think
she got the point.”
Kierra beamed and looked at everyone, “Mmm.” She smacked her lips, “Life
is good.”
“Man I’m proud.” Hope put a hand to her head, “My sister everyone.”
“So are we continuing this conversation in front of all these people?”
Orlando leaned down and whispered into Hope’s ear.
Before she could stop herself she turned and smiled at him, “My place or
yours?”
He laughed, “Mine’s emptier.”
She nodded, “You drive and Kierra...”
“Yes?”
“We’re talking soon.”
“Most definitely.”
“And Lij…”
“Yeah I know I’ll be good…just go already.” He laughed and pushed her at
Orlando.