Picture a fella with his boots shined up
a new coat of clean on his pick up truck
Ringin' your doorbell, thinkin' about love
Hey, honey, that's me
John looked at himself in the mirror. A new aura had taken over the previous one, and this one suited him much better. He somehow looked younger, more handsome, and even livelier. He had never felt like this before, the only thing that came remotely close was when he had gained his soul back on that fateful plane escapade. John made his way down the loft stairs, to be met by his daughter. Belle whistled and looked her father up and down.
"Ok, who are you and what have you done with my father?" John placed his hand on his hip and did, at best, the worst runway model impression Belle had ever seen, sending her into fits of giggles. His hair had been recently close cropped and the silvering at his temples only set the blue off in his eyes even more. He wore a striped shirt that hugged his muscular form with great ease. The khaki pants he wore gave him that certain youthful aire. To finish the look, the boots that adorned his feet had a bright sheen to them, showing great care had been taken to polish this look for his lady fair. Grabbing his trusty leather jacket, John threw it on and went to his daughter.
"Things are gonna be okay, Belle." He kissed her forehead and hugged her to him for a moment. They walked out the door to his freshly shined SUV, no fact was overlooked to make this night one that was never to be forgotten. Starting the engine, John sent a silent prayer up, hoping that this would be where their roads converged.
Marlena had changed clothes five times in an hour. She just couldn't get the perfect look for him. She wanted him to be totally blown away by her, but she didn't want him thinking she had put too much time into her looks for this night. Finally, she settled for a short, light sheath dress in softest purple. She put her hair up and took the minimalist route with her jewelry. She was pleased with her choice and picked up the matching jacket, and headed down the stairs to wait on him.
She was pleasantly surprised to see Brady waiting at the end of the stairs, his hand extended toward her. "Well, do I pass?" She accepted his hand and finished the steps with his aide.
"Mother, I have never seen you look so beautiful! Dad is a fool if his socks aren't knocked off." Brady smiled and squeezed her hand in encouragement.
"Hmm, I wonder where he is? He's usually so on time."
That's me with a capital M
That's me ten times ten
I ain't worked up my courage yet
But that's me every chance I get
John fiddled with his watch, while waiting for the penthouse elevator to open. Belle couldn't help but to smile at his nervousness.
"Has this elevator always taken this long?" John began to wring his hands in anticipation. Belle reached over and placed her hands on his.
"Dad, don't take this the wrong way... but CHILL OUT!" John blew out a breath and patted his daughter's hand. "Point taken." The doors chimed as they opened and John felt his heart beating wildly in his throat. Belle exited the lift, looking behind her to make sure her dad followed. Taking his arm, she pulled him out. John cleared his throat and straightened his jacket. Lifting his hand to knock on the door, he pounded the air first, his courage not yet finding a way to come forth.
"Daaad..." Belle ushered him closer to the door. "She's waiting." The door vibrated under his fist and John took what had been many a deep breath again.
Picture a fella at the picture show
his arm around you in the very last row
Stealin' a kiss as the credit's roll
Yeah, honey, that's me
The movies had seemed to be the right place for them to go. A remembrance of days past, and when they had gone on their 'first' date. They snuck into the darkened theatre, stealing 2 seats in the last row. Marlena's eyes widened in wonder, not knowing what she was about to see. The theatre's dark interior brightened with the flicker of the projection on the screen. Noticing that not a soul sat in the seats around them, Marlena was transported back to the better days they had seen. Marlena's mouth fell agape as she saw the movie title.
"I'm going to retire this movie." She looked at John with knowing eyes. Bette Davis' haggard appearance graced the screen and 'Pocket Full of Miracles' graced the silver screen.
"I know, Doc. You won't ever have to be alone again, watching this old movie all by your self. Give me another chance and I will never let you be alone again." John took her hand and pressed it to his lips. Marlena's eyes filled with tears from the depth of his words. Reaching behind her, his arm draped over her shoulder, where it stayed throughout the movie, surrounding her in a wave love and emotion.
The movie's credits began to roll and Marlena wiped her eyes, not certain if it was from the movie or the fact her life was becoming her own again. John reached over and stole a tear from Marlena's cheek. Pulling her toward him, he leaned into kiss her. Marlena's hand found his lips and stopped his progress. He looked up startled, and found her smile beaming at him.
"I'm hungry. Feed me." She got up, pulling him up with her. Straightening her dress, she patted him on the cheek and brushed past him, careful to make contact with his body.
That's me with a capital M
That's me ten times ten
I ain't worked up my courage yet
But that's me every chance I get
I never delt with such a big deal, how to tell you how I feel
I'd be your fella in nothin' flat honey just picture that
John found it very hard to concentrate on his food, let alone chewing, while setting across from her. She had wound her magic spell around him again and he relished in it. Her innocent smile splayed across her face, but the twinkle that sparkled in her amber eyes told a different story. She loved him and wanted him, but it was her turn to control the game, and John made himself let her. They ate in almost complete silence, the world around them disappearing. Just to be this close to each other made the world a happier place. John, finally, broke the silence, taking her hand in his. "Marlena, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming out with me, for giving us a chance." He brought the dainty hand to his lips for a tender kiss, praying she wouldn't stop his journey. Holding her hand there, taking in the sent of her, he became lost in the moment. His heart raced.
"What if she turns you down? You've done a great deal to her, John. Do you think one crazy night will make up for months of torture to her soul?" John's mind screamed out the nightmares he had. Gripping her hand tighter, he looked her in the eyes, almost staring right into her. Swallowing, he begged his mind to say the right words and his heart to give him the boost he needed to get her back.
"Marlena, I was so wrong to let you go. I should have fought as hard for you as I did to find my past. I know I've heart you beyond measure and I know it will take time to forgive me. All I'm asking is for a chance. The past means nothing to me, if you are not in my future." John's voice came out in fierce tone, the determination for his words to reach her heart evident. Marlena put her hand to her mouth and stifled the sob that began to break from her lips. John, still holding her hand, got up and knelt beside her, removing her other hand from her face.
"Doc, I don't want to make you hurt anymore. I want to be the one to put a smile on your face, to bring tears of joy to your eyes, to hold you when you need me. I want to be all those things. I know I have been a total…"
"Moron?" John smiled at her assistance.
"Yeah, I guess that would be a good one."
"How about putz, idiot, self centered dolt shall I go on?" John bowed his head in shame.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. You know, I will do anything, anytime, anywhere to get your forgiveness. You just tell me when and where and I will be there." He kissed her hands, and placed them back on her lap. Turning to go, he stopped in his tracks when he heard her speak.
"How about here and now?"
That's me with a capital M
That's me ten times ten
I ain't worked up my courage yet
But that's me every chance I get
That's me every chance I get
Honey, that's me every chance I get
To be continued...