Unwritten

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned.

Sharon bit down on her lip, shrugged off her jacket and carried it over her arm, weaving between the massive New York crowds as she strolled confidently down the Seventh Avenue. The sun was warm for this October afternoon and it beat down uncomfortably on Sharon's back. Still, she smiled and carried on, turning the corner just after Karl Lagerfeld, back towards the hotel. Shame, it wouldn't have done her any harm to go in and give herself a birthday treat, but Vicki would wonder where she'd gotten to.

Ascending the stairs and pulling open the only door that didn't appear to have people streaming from it, Sharon tottered into the lobby of the Marriott Hotel. Her second home.

She had stayed with Michelle ever since New Year, but had come back to New York for the week to celebrate her 36th birthday, which was 2 days away. She had been staying in an "apartment" here at a cost of $1000 for the full 7 days. Sharon knew she shouldn't really, but who cared? Certainly not her.

She went to the reception desk, smiled across at the famaliar woman sat behind it, a shiny golden badge pinned to her lapel.

"Hiya Elaine, any messages-"

Elaine smiled vaguely at Sharon, not fully concentrating on her, instead looking past her. Sharon was confused until she felt a pull on her shoulder, followed by an unmistakable excited squeal.

"Any messages for you, you say Sharon? Just one."

"And I take it it's not from you Vicks?" Sharon laughed, giving her little sister a quick hug. "Well what was it then?"

"It was from Chrissie."

"Oh yeah? It's been a while since I've heard from her."

"Yeah well, wait til you hear this - she wants us both to go back to Walford for your birthday! How great would that be?"

"Er, what? Vicki, I'm perfectly happy to just spend my birthday here with you-"

"Don't be so daft, anyway, she's already mailed the tickets, and look-" Elaine handed Vicki an envelope, "- we fly out tonight!"

"And you're happy about that yeah Vicks? To see Dad again?"

Vicki pulled a face, not unlike one you would pull if you were sucking on a lemon. "Maybe not him, but Chrissie, yeah!" She stopped abruptly, taking in Sharon's worried face. Vicki fleetingly touched her arm. "And are you happy to see Dennis again Sharon? You know, with-"

"Zoe and the baby? No, not really." Sharon forced a laugh and took the tickets from Vicki, studying them. "But we can't let these go to waste can we? C'mon, you can help me pack."

~*~

Sharon didn't mean to sound so ungrateful. On Chrissie's part it was a lovely thought. But the events of the Christmas Day just gone were still as clear and sharp in Sharon's mind as if they had happened yesterday.

"Dennis, we're having a baby."

Those had been Zoe's words. the words to tear Sharon's life apart at the seams. Just as she thought she was happy in life, just when she was going to do something for herself, there came that little bombshell. Ten months ago that had been. Sharon had no contact with Dennis since the day she had left Walford, and it had very near killed her. But somehow, she had survived on the memories of Dennis', her heart had healed, until these ten months later.

She was all packed and ready to go, looking forward to seeing Chrissie again. But at the same time, she knew she was dreading seeing Dennis, most probably having built himself a happy family life with Zoe and their new baby. She didn't think she could cope with it. 

So here she was, sat miserable in her apartment, waiting for Vicki to call her from downtown and tell her that it was time to head to the airport, dreading returning home, to her past lover and the father who took great delight in murdering that very love.

She was hoping to avoid Dennis as much as possible, maybe not even have to speak to him. But she decided it wouldn't be fair to not at least announce her arrival herself (although she was sure that Chrissie, in a state of excitement, was likely to have done that already, and put the fear of god into his heart.) 

So she headed to the computer suite next to the library on the third floor.

She tapped in his e-mail address steadily enough, having committed it to her memory many moons ago. But as she stared at the blank box, willing her to type her message, she froze. What was she supposed to say?

Just pondering it made her come out in a feverish sweat. She felt too warm, very uncomfortable, suffocated even. So she got up and opened the nearest window. She struggled but soon it opened, providing momentary relief as a cool breeze floated in.

But when Sharon sat back down, her e-mail message was still non-existent.

Staring at the blank page before you, 
Open up the dirty window,
Let the sun illuminate the words you could not find.

Dennis,
	Hi. It's been a long time, hasn't it? Still, I suppose you'll be pretty busy with Zoe and the baby; how are they both? Anyway, I'm back in New York at the moment, but I guess you've heard that Chrissie's angling for me and Vicks to come back to Walford before Thursday, for my birthday... the tickets arrived this morning. Vicki's so excited, and I thought, well, why not? We fly out tonight and should be back in Albert Square by mid-afternoon tomorrow. I just wanted to tell you myself because I know this isn't the easiest or wisest thing because of... well the past is what it is isn't it? I won't blame you if you decide to keep a wide berth, but Vicki would love to see you. Just want to let you know I'm thinking of you.

Sharon x x

And as Sharon & Vicki were soaring 3,000 feet above the city, winging their way back to England, to Walford, to their family, so was that message, heading straight for Dennis. And Sharon wasn't so sure that was a good idea anymore. Only it was too late.

~*~
I break tradition. Sometimes my tries are outside the lines
We've been conditioned not to make mistakes,
But I can't live that way.

Sharon wasn't entirely sure how it had happened, but suddenly here she was again. Albert Square. She was stood on the kerb, surrounded by her & Vicki's cases, looking up at the family home, or at least what once had been. Chrissie, with the sale of Angie's Den, had insisted on buying back Number 5, refused to live in the home of Den's past.

"Well, shall we go in and say hi to Chrissie then Sharon?"

Vicki's words bringing her back down to earth, Sharon smiled apologetically. "Erm, actually darlin', would you mind just taking my stuff and I'll catch you and Chrissie later? It feels strange being back - I could do with just walking around for a bit, stretching my legs."

"OK." Vicki kissed her goodbye. "You go ahead, I'll see you later."

"Thanks - and tell Chrissie I said hi!"

"Will do!"

So Sharon was free to wander aimlessly. Through the Gardens, the market. She paused thoughtfully outside the Vic but shook it off and carried on walking, right back into the older more rundown parts of the Square. Sharon sat against the war memorial and watched Billy through the window of the video shop. He was still there then. Sharon wondered if he was still with Little Mo. She hoped so, they were a wonderful couple.

And she smiled warmly as she saw Jim shuffle out of the Post Office, clutching his pension. No doubt that he was going to be heading straight to the bookies!

And she couldn't mistake the next person to emerge from there either. Tall, with a perfect form, the most beautiful green eyes that glittered in the sunlight. Dennis.

She knew then, seeing him there, no more than a few yards away, his shoulders hunched in that famaliar way as he studied the enevelope he held in his hand, that she wasn't ready to see him. She wanted the past to be behind her, just where it was supposed to be, but she knew it wasn't. She knew the pain was still there, raw. And yet still, she felt drawn to him, got to her feet and stepped off the kerb and wandered towards him. He caught a glimpse of her approach, and snapped his head round immediately to do a double check. A smiled flitted across his face, but it daren't stay there.

"Hello Dennis. Did you get my e-mail?"

He shook his head, blinking furiously, still as if he couldn't believe what it was he saw. "Sh-Sharon?"

She faltered, but then reached out her arms, resting them on his own. "That would be me."

Dennis dropped his arms to around her waist and hugged her, so hard that he'd lifted her off her feet, kissing her hair as he held her. "I can't believe you're here."

"What, you thought I was never going to show my face round here again or something?"

And he let her go, smiling down on her,  running his hand around her cheek affectionately, "No of course not, but God, it's really you-"

Still she smiled, smaller this time as she pushed his hand away. "Best not eh? So, er... how's Zoe? Zoe and the baby?"

Dennis bristled, ignoring her. Instead he looked the other way until she'd finished speaking, then linked his arm with hers. "Sometimes I forget how long you've been away for Sharon. Do you fancy a coffee so we can catch up?"

~*~
I come out of the post office, Sharon's birthday card all marked up and ready to post. I suppose I could have sent it off now, but I think I'll keep hold of it, just in case. Chrissie mentioned to me a few days ago that she was hoping Sharon & Vicki would come back to Walford for a few days, so maybe I'll get the chance to give this to her in person. I've had the card picked out since around Easter. The message to go in it took a hell of a lot longer. I didn't want to scare her with messages of how I felt about her, all that's gone now, no doubt she's trying to put it behind her, but then again "Happy Birthday" just didn't seem enough, so I'd had to sit down and hope something would come to me. But instead I ended up staring at the unwritten card for hours, hoping the perfect words would just materialize in front of me.

But in the end, all I could manage was "Thanks for the memories Sharon. Welcome home, happy birthday; love, Dennis x"

I hope she'd like it. And then as I looked around the Square, drenched in the autumn sun, I saw her. I saw Sharon. I was so sure of it, but at the same time, I knew I had to be wrong. So I looked again; this woman stepping towards and shit! it really was her.

"Hello Dennis. Did you get my e-mail?"

Shit, no. I never check my damn e-mail. But still I can't stop smiling, I can't believe it's her. "Sh-Sharon?"

"That would be me." she answers, fighting off a big grin.

I resist the urge to throw my arms around her as she touches me, staring up at me with those beautiful big eyes of hers. But it's deserting me. I drop my arms to around her waist and pull her to me, needing to feel her nestled into me, needing to smell her hair. It's been way too long. I kiss her on the head as I spin her round. My head feels really light.

Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open.

"I can't believe you're here." 

She is pressing her face into my shoulder, her hands curled around my neck as she clings to me. The feeling is so good.

"What, you thought I was never going to show my face round here again or something?"

I bring her back down to the floor, completely in awe of her presence, her beauty, everything about her, everything I've missed so much. "No, of course not, but God... it's really you." I have to brush my hand over her cheek. Her skin's so soft.

She smiles again, but she pushes my hand away. "Best not eh? So, er... how's Zoe? Zoe and the baby?"

I don't wanna talk about that.

I ignore her, looking away. Away, until this moment passes, is gone, when I don't have to think about it anymore. Then I montioned for her to link my arm. 

"Sometimes I forget how long you've been away Sharon-"

Dirty rotten liar, I scold myself. You remember every single night since she left. And you hated every single one Rickman.

"Do you fancy a coffee so we can can catch up?"

"Yeah, why not?"

So we start walking together back towards Bridge Street, just chatting, and it's incredible. Just to be in her company again is so amazing I can't even begin to tell you. We reach the cafe and I hold the door open for Sharon. She looks at me and then glances out at the market, towards Zoe's stall. I look too and she scowls like the stupid little girl she is when she sees me with Sharon.

Sharon gazes at me then, looking confused. But she doesn't really care, just shrugs and steps into the caff.

"Sharon!" Ian cries surprised. He leans across the counter, putting down the pot of coffee he's just made, and she lets him kiss her on the cheek. "Blimey, when did you get back?"

"Just now. I'm staying with Chrissie and Dad for my birthday. Vicki's back too."

Ian gives me an uneasy look, and Sharon notices. "Er, what's going on?"

"Two teas please Ian." I tell him.

"Yeah, yeah mate, course. S-Sit down, I'll bring them over."

~*~
Sharon pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Dennis. "Darlin', what was that?"

"What was what?"

"You & Ian. Have I missed something?"

Dennis sighed and let his hand drop over Sharon's. She stared, uncomfortable, but didn't pull away. "You've missed a lot of things Sharon."

"Yeah, so it seems."

Ian set down the teas silently, and Sharon slid her gaze to him, waiting for him at the very least to say "There you go," or "They're hot mind." But he said nothing, just gave Dennis another nervous look and hurried off.

"You see! There it was again. Dennis, what's going on!"

"Sharon, Zoe & me broke up."

She tried to look surprised or sad, but she couldn't, because she wasn't, and they both knew it. "When?"

"March."

"Oh right. Well, I'm sorry." (Dennis smirked, and Sharon knew that meant he didn't believe her in the slightest.) "But that doesn't explain Ian."

"Well, it does kind of." Dennis dropped his gaze and stared at his hand, covering Sharon's. He spoke almost to it. "Den's not here anymore."

"In Walford?" Sharon was more surprised at this. "Why not?"

"Chrissie sent him packing."

Unfortunately, Sharon could guess why.

"Did he have an affair?"

"Yeah." he muttered uncomfortably. He made to say something else, but Sharon didn't notice.

"Bastard. So like Dad that is. Poor Chrissie...."

"With Zoe Sharon. Den slept with Zoe."

She wasn't so prepared for this and spluttered on her mouthful of tea. "Wh-What? Well, what about the baby?"

"Never was one." Dennis slumped back in his chair and shrugged. "The selfish whore lied about being pregnant just so I wouldn't dump her. And this is the best bit; Den told her to do it."

"Lie? But Dad... why would he do that?"

"Why do you think Sharon? The pair of them would do anything to keep you and me apart."

That was the first mention of Sharon & Dennis as the couple they had once been. Sharon let it go over her head, too consumed with shock, grief, at imagining how Chrissie must feel, how Dennis must feel, giving up something for nothing.

"Why would they sleep together?"

"Oh you know Den. Seems he'll shag anything as long as it stands still long enough. And seeing as Zoe wasn't getting it at home, they both figured she had to get pregnant somehow-"

Sharon pushed her cup of tea away, feeling nauseated. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, she didn't want to believe it. But all she had to do was look at Dennis' fervent face, and she knew it was true.

"Dad tried to get Zoe pregnant so you wouldn't leave her?"

Dennis nodded, hurriedly wiping his tears of fury clear of his eyes. "Anyway," he said, taking in a deep breath. "He's gone, and that's why. Sorry."

Sharon smiled wryly, allowing herself to squeeze Dennis' hand comfortingly. He returned it gratefully. "Don't be. I'm not particularly keen to see him after the Christmas we all had together. Can't say I'll miss him."

"But he's your dad."

She beamed at him, shaking her head. "Hardly. I'm adopted, didn't you know?"

Dennis grinned, reached across the table to embrace her. "It's good to have you back Sharon."

"Good to be back, Dennis."

~*~

"With Zoe? Dad slept with Zoe?"

"Yes, but Vicks, calm down. It's OK really, I'm well shot of him now."

Chrissie enveloped her youngest step-daughter in a hug, but it didn't stop her angered cries. "But Chrissie, how could he? How could he do that to you? To Sharon & Dennis? How could Zoe let him? Evil cow - why didn't anyone say? I'm going to go and see her right now!"

Chrissie quickly moved into Vicki's path, holding out her hands to stop her.

"No Vicki! She thought she was in love; she wanted to be with Dennis for good. You can't blame her for that."

"But she was lying to keep him! That's not love!"

"I know, I know. When I found out, I felt exactly the same as you do now. Took one hell of a lot to get Dennis smiling again you know. Although I think I just about managed it when I chucked your dad out-"

Vicki giggled despite her anger. Chrissie took her by the shoulders, and with a warm look in her eye, spoke calmly to her. "Now Vicks, you've got to remember that Den is still your dad no matter what happened and if you want, I can tell you where he is-"

Vicki stepped back, shaking her head in certainity. "No, no - no way Chrissie, not in a million years. And when Sharon finds out, she'll say exactly the same, I know she will-"

"I don't doubt it babe. I know he said some awful stuff at Christmas, and what happened with Sharon and Dennis, well let's just say, although I want it made clear I'm not justifying what the little scumbag did in any way, that he couldn't understand what they were feeling for each other.... because, well, because they're his children-"

"No, I'm not having that. Me and Dennis are his children. I love Sharon, and yes, she is my sister, but she isn't Den's daughter. I didn't used to think so, I used to think it was wrong. But she loved Dennis, and he loved her, no-one had the right to try and end that - especially not with despicable lies like that!" 

"I know!" Chrissie said again, firmer this time. "But like I say, it's all done now, so try and be happy you're back here eh? After all, it's Sharon's birthday tomorrow... can't have her baby sister miserable can we?"

Meekly, Vicki hugged Chrissie again, trying not to let her emotions get the better of her. "I'm sorry." she whispered, "I'm sorry my dad let you go."

"Yeah well, he never did know a good thing when he saw one. So you keep hold of me for him eh? I like being with you lot and whether I'm your dad's wife or not, I don't intend on going anywhere!"

The front door slammed shut and the two women looked expectantly to the doorway. Dennis stood there, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"D-Dennis? Where's Sharon? Have you seen Sharon; I need to talk to her!"

He gazed behind him and Sharon strode in. "I'm here." she said, a scowl set on her lips. When she saw Vicki's smudged eye-make-up she gave her a hug, muttering "Oh darlin', it's not easy is it?"

"You heard then Sharon?" Chrissie said brightly, handing Vicki a tissue.

"Oh, erm..."

"I'm sorry Chrissie, but I really thought I should say something." Dennis explained, "Sharon was still expecting there to be a baby-"

Sharon looked at him apologetically as she drew back from her embrace with her sister.

"Dennis babe, it's more your business that it is mine, it's fine." She patted his shoulder and turned out of the room. "Now who's for a cup of tea?"

He wasn't sure if she realised, but Dennis stood staring at Sharon out of the corner of his eye for several moments. Then he looked away, as if he'd suddenly decided on something.

 "Not for me thanks." he interjected quickly, heading upstairs as he spoke. "There's something I've got to check."

~*~
Dennis was settled happily on his bed, tapping away at the keyboard on his laptop, a dopey grin spread across his face. But he didn't care, because no-one could see him. He was just damn glad he'd invested in this thing. He might have been unfashionably late in doing so, but he'd finally read the e-mail from Sharon, and he loved the feeling it bought about, despite mentions of Zoe. He was in half minds as to whether he should send her a cheeky reply, even though she was in this very house (and God, he'd waited 10 whole months for that to happen again.)

The "New message" box was open, but now that it was, Dennis was stumped, just like he had been with the birthday card that was propped up on his dresser. What could he say that wasn't smarmy or likely to make Sharon uncomfortable when reading and yet still said "I don't want you as a sister Sharon".

With a defeated sigh, he closed the lid and tossed the whole thing onto the bed next to him. He swung his legs round to the floor, got up and strode over to the wondow, which he pulled up with ease, and he was then able to look out across the Square, looking unusually beautiful as it basked in the golden October sun.

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words you could not find.

There came a soft knock at the door.

"Yup?" Dennis called. He turned expectantly, scratching the nape of his neck.

Sharon came in, clutching a mug of tea in each hand.

"Chrissie asked me to bring this up for you."

Dennis took it, but gave her a dubious look. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes!" she insisted, but then gave up and giggled, so beautiful and innocently. "No, she didn't really, but you'd been up here a while and I was curious as to what you were up to." she told him, sinking onto his bed next to the laptop.

"Oh, nothing much. On the net, y'know; checking my email and that."

"Really? Find anything cringeworthy on your way perchance?"

"No," he chuckled, sitting next to her, pulling his legs up and wriggling his way back up the bed, placing his tea on the beside table and opening the lid of the laptop again. "Just a cute one from my sister."

"Your sister?" Sharon flinched as she repeated the words back. It didn't sound right. Not after everything.

"Well, no-" Dennis struggled over the words, simultaneously cursing himself. "Not sister exactly.... but a lot of stuff's gone on, and I don't really know how she'd describe herself anymore Sharon."

"Why don't you ask her?" she suggested, shaking as she sipped her tea. She composed herself long enough to turn and look at him, and he returned it expectantly.

"She doesn't seem to want to talk about it. Can't say I blame her really, I wasn't the best of boyfriends-"

Sharon concentrated on his words, breathing deeply, trying to forget the longing stirring in her stomach, but she couldn't. She was too full of anticipation to do anything other than answer him, willing for this buzz to continue.

"I don't think she'd agree."

Dennis beamed at her. He seized the laptop again and tapped furiously at his keyboard for what seemed like an eternity to Sharon. It was comforting in a way, but she just longed for him to speak. Finally, she heard him click the lid shut, and take in a breath before he spoke.

"Well I hope for my sake that she doesn't. Never loved anyone as much as I love her."

She was floored, had no idea what she could say to that. Dennis cocked his head to study her reaction and soon realised her difficulty.

"I'd like to think I meant something to her- something that means a lot."

No one else, no-one else
Can speak the words on your lips

"I think you meant a lot to her Dennis. She couldn't have thought of anything better than being with you."

He edged close to her, catching his hand in her hair as he whispered against her ear. "Know that for a fact do you darlin'? Tell me then, me and this sorta sister of mine, d'you reckon we could make it, because she's come home.... and I've missed her more than she could ever imagine. I don't want her to go again."

"Dennis!" Sharon gasped, only just stopping short of begging for mercy before she leapt to her feet.

He looked at her innocently, not even a flicker of a smile gracing his face to recognise he'd done anything wrong. "Happy birthday by the way Sharon."

Reaching out for something in the distance,
So close you can almost taste it
Release your innovation

"I was wondering if we could er.... do something together tomorrow.... for your birthday, sort of thing?"

"OK, yeah, I'd like that. But what sort of thing?"

He flashed her his cocky smile. "Let that be the surprise yeah Sharon?"

~*~
Dennis hardly slept that night, tantalized by the memory of what he and Sharon had managed to say in their unique roundabout way. The air, after all this time of little contact, had been cleared, and was very warm! Sharon had proceeded in her own uncertain way, Dennis in his flirtatious confident own. He had yet to forget the pledge he and Sharon had made to each other last Christmas, had lived by it every day since he had spilt from Zoe, praying for the day Sharon would come home. Now she was here, and Dennis was completely past brotherly interaction.

He'd missed Sharon so much in the months gone by, everything about her. Her smile, her delicious smell, her soft skin, the way she murmured to herself as she slept. In Dennis' humble opinion it had been way too long since he had slept beside her, held her in his arms.

So it was in an anticipative mood that Dennis had left number 5 with Sharon early that next morning. He clasped hold of her hand and she giggled at his unpredictability as he led her past all the famaliar streets and outside of Albert Square.

"The park?" Sharon observed when they finally arrived, humoured by Dennis' huge grin.

He nodded, and pulled on her hand again, guiding her to a picnic bench he had already prepared for them. "Welcome to petit dejeuner a la Dennis Rickman!"

"Eh?" she guaffawed.

"It's French love!" Dennis explained, with a sarcastic edge that made Sharon only laugh harder. Dennis just pushed a glass of champagne into her hand.

"Oooh, strawberries! And pain au chocolat! Christ you know how to treat a girl don't you Dennis?"

"Nah, just the one. To you Sharon."

She shook her head, raising her glass in her own toast. "To this."

Dennis cast his gaze upwards as rain began to pitter patter onto the table. The sky was turning black. "Hold that thought Sharon."

And with that, the heavens well and truly opened. Sharon shrieked with laughter as she leapt up, flinging her arms out and spinning around in the rain. "C'mon Dennis; you've got to feel this, it's amazing!" 

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your innovations
Feel the rain on your skin
No-one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in

Dennis simply shook his head and laughed throatily as he watched her. Then he seized the bottle of champagne and ran, grabbing Sharon by the hand and yelling: "Leg it, c'mon!"

Sharon tried, but it wasn't easy in the shoes she was wearing and she managed to slip in a pothole that had instantly become a massive muddy puddle. Dennis having such a firm grip on her hand fell too, laughing hysterically as the champagne bottle flew out of his grasp and soaked them both, now covered in mud as well. Shifting slightly so he hovered above her (and was no longer digging his knee uncomfortably into her left ankle) he said:

"Well this is turning out to be great fun isn't it?"

"I'm not complaining - except now we smell like a £50 bottle of champers and we barely managed to actually drink one sip!"

"Well, we could always fix that."

"Dennis," Sharon murmured knowingly, "What's that look for?"

Without saying another word, Dennis leant forward and crashed his lips down on hers. She responded immediately, their tongues seemingly fighting one another, but they both knew they were both just desperate the feel this sensation again. She caught her hand in his hair, pulling him deeper into their kiss. 

Feel the rain on your skin
No-one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No-one else, no-one else
Can speak the words from your lips

And he regretfully pulled back, licking the champagne bubbles from his lips. "Hmmm, really sweet Sharon," he teased.

"Really, you're not that bad yourself!" And she kissed him again, her mind a flurry of emotions and memories. All she knew was that she loved being here, with Dennis, covered in mud, covered in champange in a downpour. She loved it all as long as she was with him...

~*~
Dennis and Sharon staggered into Number 5 amidst their own wonderfully happy laughter. The heel on Sharon's shoe had snapped on the way out of the park so they'd had to leg it back to Albert Square, dodging all ditches and puddles because Sharon had no shoes on, and it had proved to be an absolute riot; running around in the rain like a couple of kids. Had anyone seen them, Sharon guessed they would have had a hard time convincing them that they'd spilt the champagne and not drunk it, they were being so childish. Dennis had even shown Sharon a fine example of Leapfrog over some boullards outside the police station!

"I - am - never - going - out - with - you - ever - again!" Sharon gasped, hitting him playfully on the arm as he strode into the kitchen to make sure they got a hot (non-alcoholic!) drink inside them. He flicked on the kettle, turning round to lean against the sink so he could admire her.

"You had a good time though didn't you?"

"You know Dennis," Sharon sighed happily, standing next to him, "I'm covered in mud, I'm soaked through to the skin, covered in champagne, I've broken my Jimmy Choos, and I've got a big bruise on my ankle - and I've never had a better time in my life!" She nestled against him, spreading her hands across his back. Then she stretched up on her tiptoes to kiss him lightly on the mouth. "So thank you for the best birthday ever; but now, I'm going to go and jump in the shower-"

Dennis pulled her back, snaking his arms around her waist. She giggled childishly and wriggled against him trying to free herself, but he just moved on the spot, so that even if she were to break free from him, she'd be running in completely the wrong direction!

"I don't think so, somehow!" Dennis professed, suddenly letting her go and rushing to the stairs. There's was lots of laughing and squealing as she fought to get past the barricade he had created by standing in the middle of the staircase, and he fought to stop her.

"Dennis, let me past you big bully!"

"Give me a second there, erm, no - I don't think so!" Kissing her on the forehead, he raced upstairs and locked himself in the bathroom. Sharon was just too late to stop him. 

"Oooh, I'm so going to get you for that later Dennis!"

"I look forward to it!" he called above the gushing water now coming from the shower. Sharon could almost see his smile, which triggered one to play on her own lips.

Knowing she'd have to wait for the shower, Sharon left her clothes in a dirty messy heap on Dennis' bedroom floor and pulled on the shirt that had been hanging on his wardrobe door. Settling herself on his bed and eagerly awaiting his return, Sharon picked up Dennis' laptop, lifting the lid and as soon as it was booted up, connecting to the Internet. Accessing the "Net Mail" login page, Sharon entered her own details.

"Inbox (1)"

Clicking on it, Sharon saw it was from Dennis. She was confused as to when he could have mailed her, but was at the same time, intrigued, allowing an anticpative smile to creep up on her lips.

"Re: Hi
Hey,
	Well, guess what Sharon, you're here. Yes that's right, you're here, sat on my bed, inches away from me, and I can't believe how beautiful you are. It's like those ten months never existed, you're just the same. So sexy, so perfect. If only you knew how much I still love you. I'm Dennis Rickman mind, dickhead of monumental proportions, so I'm sorry if I never come out and say it to your face. If only I could. But still, I've written it here, and it's tough shit for both of us because I'm sending it.

	I'm also really sorry about all the bollocks at Christmas, I wish I could have come with you right from the off, but... well never mind, like you say it's the past now.

	The way we're talking right now Sharon, it's weird. I know you're apprehensive after everything but still we're sat here flirting with each other like crazy. I haven't got a fucking clue where we're heading right now, I just hope it's somewhere we'd wanna go, somewhere we can make a go of things. Properly this time.

	I meant what we said Christmas Day y'know. I mean for us to be forever, because whether you like it or not,  I'm in love with you Sharon.

D x x x"

	No-one else can feel it for you, 
	Only you can let it in
	No-one else, no-one else
	Can speak the words on your lips
	Drench yourself in words unspoken
	Live your life with arms wide open
	Today is where your book begins

And against all her better judgements of the ten months that passed since that fateful Christmas Day, Sharon felt so besotted with Dennis right now, it felt unreal. She kept reading the last line, pushing tears from her eyes. It felt so good to see that the unbearable angst of that goodbye hadn't been in vain.

	"Hey," Dennis murmured, in Sharon's ear, kissing her lobe. "Shower's free- what you reading?" Dennis sank down next to her in alarm. "Sharon, look at me," he commanded, cupping her face in his hands and guiding her to face him, "Are you crying?"

	She couldn't seem to decide whether to shake or nod her head and instead, lifted herself level with Dennis, pressing her palm against the back of his head and pulling him into a deep and loving kiss. 

~*~
And soon enough, another birthday was done with. Sharon had sat happily in the lounge, cross-legged on the floor as she finally managed a sip of champagne with her family around her. Vicki and Chrissie's excited babble just washed over her as she glanced at Dennis throughout the night, his eyes twinkling mischievously everytime he saw her, which made her dip her gaze into her glass, trying to stifle a soft giggle.

She'd gone into the kitchen to retrieve a second bottle and Dennis had followed her, pressing himself against her as he moved past.

"That shirt looks really good on you Sharon."

"Oh I don't know, you don't look too bad in it either."

"Really? Well-" he slid his arms around her waist, guiding her towards him; murmuring flirtatiously in her ear "maybe you best take it off then."

"Dennis, behave!"

"What?" he protested. "I'm trying really I am, but I can't take my eyes off you; you're driving me to distraction."

"Just one of my many charms sweetheart. Now give over," she instructed, giving him an affectionate look, "we can do this later."

"Is that a promise?" Dennis asked, his face lit up like a Christmas tree. 

"Yes! Now go!"

Sharon slept at Dennis' side that night a very contented woman. She concentrated on the feeling of Dennis' arms around her, the rhythm of his breathing. In fact she happily forgot that tomorrow she would be returning to America. And Dennis couldn't believe that he hadn't known, begged her to stay a few days longer as she set about packing her case again.

"No," she told him firmly. "And baby, it's no use giving me that look either - the cab's here in ten minutes!"

"But- Sharon, I thought we'd had a good time together yesterday."

She smiled warmly, carressing his cheek with her thumb. "You know we did. It was fantastic. But it doesn't change the fact I have to go home today."

"But this is home."

"Not anymore it isn't. Didn't exactly have much luck here while it was, did I?"

Dennis fell silent, slumping miserably on his bed, a scowl playing on his lips. He couldn't argue with that, but this was awful. She seemed so happy to be leaving him, and after yesterday, he didn't think this was going to really be goodbye. Not yet at least. Wanting to escape the moment, Dennis got up and tore out of the house before even Sharon could stop him.

"Dennis!"

"Hey hey," Vicki cried, colliding with her brother as she went upstairs to collect her toothbrush from the bathroom, "what's up with you Speedy Gonzales?" But then she saw he didn't laugh. "Dennis! Dennis; what's wrong?"

"Forget it! It doesn't matter!"

~*~
I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned.

Chrissie helped her stepdaughters down the staircase to the kerb outside her home with their suitcases, tears brimming in her eyes as she hugged them both to her.

"I'm going to miss you both so much - you'll come back soon won't you?"

"Yeah course we will!" Vicki assured her.

"Christmas maybe?" Chrissie laughed uneasily as she caught their worried looks. "No, maybe not such a good idea. Too many memories eh?"

Sharon vaguely nodded her head. Vicki began craning her neck in all manner of directions to gain a good view of the Square.

"Where is he? Where's Dennis Chrissie, I want to say goodbye before we go.

Staring at the blank page before you,
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words you could not find.

Sharon averted her gaze, feeling disappointed with herself. 

"I'm here." 

Dennis stepped forward, and Sharon was relieved to see him; if not slightly hurt as he walked straight past her with no recognition and hugged his little sister tight. 

"Don't be a stranger Vicki."

"I won't be," she promised, reaching up and kissing him goodbye on the cheek. Then she looked pointedly to Sharon, infering that Dennis should speak to her now. He nodded uneasily and turned to Sharon. Chrissie moved out of his pathway and embraced Vicki again. Then, standing together, they watched the goodbye.

"Well," Sharon began nervously, "it's been some visit."

"Hasn't it just?" Dennis agreed sarcastically, his lip thinning as he bit on it. "I'm er, sorry I ruined your birthday for you Sharon. Here, I've got your birthday card-"

And he shoved a pink envelope into her hand. On it he had written Michelle's address. Sharon turned it over and pulled the seal, gently pulling out the card and opening it.

Dennis shifted uncomfortably as he waited for her to take in the message. She nodded to herself, slipped the card back into the envelope and gazed at Dennis again.

"I never.... never looked for us to be a one-night stand, so I'm sorry."

Sharon placed her hand under Dennis' chin and forced him to look at her. "Well don't be."

"But it wasn't what you wanted was it? I shouldn't have pushed you; you're going back..."

Reaching, for something in the distance,
So close you can almost tatse it.
Release your innovations

She reached into her coat pocket and withdrew something, holding it within her fist. "Give me your hand Dennis." she instructed.

Bewildered, and tears beginning to form in his eyes, Dennis slowly did as he was told. Sharon dropped a pink plastic ring into his hand. "Wh-What's this?"

Feel the rain on your skin
No-one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in

"You know what it is sweetheart. It's our ring."

"B-But, that's supposed to be forever Sharon... like we said-"

No-one else, no-one else 
Can speak the words on your lips 

"I know. But see, yesterday, I got an email from this sort of brother of mine, He said he was sorry about our last goodbye, and that he wished it hadn't had to have been like that. He said that even if he could never find the courage to say it to my face-"

"-he still loved you." Dennis finished, laughing through the tears slipping down his cheeks.

Sharon nodded, lacing her fingers through his as she spoke. "He said that he'd meant for us to be together forever, just like when he gave me that ring. I kept it all this time because I was scared forever would stop existing. But now I know it won't."

"And did this sorta brother say anything else to you Sharon?"

"Yeah, he did as a matter of fact. He told me he was in love with me." She let go of Dennis' hand and opened the door of the cab. "I don't need that ring anymore."

Dennis lunged forward and pulled on Sharon's hand drawing her back from the kerb. "Why not? Why don't you need it anymore?"

"Because-" she whispered, kissing him so fleetingly on the mouth, "I'm in love with him too."

Reaching for something in the distance,
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inner visions
Only you can let it in
No-one else, no-one else 
Can speak the words on your lips 

And Dennis' saddened features gave way to a heart-rendering smile as he pulled Sharon into a tentative embrace, moving from side to side.

Vicki gave Chrissie a sly smile as she clambered into the cab. 

"Sharon, sorry, but we have to go!"

Reluctantly, Sharon moved away from Dennis, clasping tightly onto his hand until the last possible moment. Closing the door of the cab after herself, Sharon immediately wound down the window. She leant out and Dennis met her lips immediately, a soft lingering kiss.

And as the cabbie started the engine up, she mouthed "Forever."

He nodded solemnly.

Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins.

And, finally content, Sharon turned to Vicki, who had a suggestive grin on her face. "Ready for this then Sharon?"

She thought about it, nibbling on the inside of her cheek. And watching the Square slip quietly away, knowing that the future was looking just as it should have been ten months ago, Sharon knew she could only reply,

"Yeah Vicki. I'm definitely ready for this."

Today is where your book begins,
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten.

The End