Follow Me Down - 3oh!3

Take me take me outta here it makes me
Feel so, feel so na na nana na

Baby baby here we all crazy
You don’t have to worry na na nana na

So follow me down
Out of this town
Girl you’re moving way too slow
So follow me down, I’ll show you around
There’s a place we gotta go

Follow me, follow me
Fa la-la-la-la

Dancing, walking clock keeps on talking
They sing, they sing la la-la-la-la

Gentlemen and ladies, animals and babies
We sing, we sing na na na-na-na

So follow me down
Out of this town
Girl you’re moving way too slow
So follow me down, I’ll show you around
There’s a place we gotta go

Follow me, follow me
Fa la-la-la-la

Ah ah ah oh oh

Down down down down. Oh okay
Down, down. Down down. Oh, oh

Follow me, follow me
Fa la-la-la-la

Chapter.11

February 24

To life at the house was not very different to the last week at the apartement. When Sidney was at home we mostly spend time together, having a lot of fun and making plans about California. Like me showing him all my favourite places, him meeting all of my friends there, us going to the beach, to some parks, to a winery. He really wanted to go there. He told me that one of his dreams is to live on a vineyard some day. And California has pretty good vineyards.

On Wednesday I had to go to Munich for a meeting with my cousine at her advertising-agency. And because Sidney had to be at the movie-set early, too I decided to go by cab to Heathrow. Boarding was around 8 am, so I had to leave the house at 5 am. That's like midnight for me. I was so tired and not ready to get up when my clock started to beep at 4 am. I growled and wanted it to shut up immediately, but a heavenly voice whisperd in my ear
'Good morning my love'
Damn, why is he always awake before me? Why is he always in such a good temper? Why is he always so wonderful?
'I don't want to get up' me still growling and now snuggeling into Sidneys arms. Inhaling his scent, kissing his neck, his chest
'I want to stay here in bed. With you. Forever.'
After a few more minutes of stroking and kissing each other he said
'I know. I would love to stay here with you. But we really need to get up. I need to be at the castle in two hours and you have a flight to catch'
I knew he was right. That's why I decided to get up, shower and dress myself. Lucky me Sidney had made me a cup of coffee, holding it to me when I entered the kitchen.
'You are looking gorgeous' he told me, making me blushing. What makes him smile even more at me, his eyes telling me, that he loves me. Well, of course he was not less beautiful. Standing right in front of me, barefoot and only wearing his black pj.
'Thank you. You are looking so wonderful, too ... making me want to take you to bed with me ... now.' but thankfully both of my hands holding the cup of coffee and I knew that I need to go to Munich.

When I landed in it was great - back at home, somehow. I'm not from Munich but from a town near by and finally it's Bavaria. The meeting was great, everybody appreciated my work and I got few more things to do. Afterwards I had also a nice afternoon with my cousine. I told her about Sidney and she told me all the news from our friends at home. Yes, we phone and eMail regularely it's quite more fun to be together again. When she took me back to the Airport at 6 pm we promised to visit each other very soon. Also because I missed my mom and my grandparents a lot, but sadly I had no time to stay longer here to visit them, too. Not this time.

Because of a delayed flight I landed in Heathrow at 10.25 pm. I've called Sidney from Munich to let him know i'll be late and he told me he'll come to get me. When I spoted him I felt like we'd been apart for a week or two. I really enjoyed the day but not comparing to any of my feelings now. I was so happy to see him again. And we hugged each other for a long time.
On our way to his car we were holding hands and Sidney told me about his day, that a stuntman was injured so they had to call an ambulance. I told him about mine, that I promised to be back home soon and that I want him to come with me. To meet my family and my friends. He was delighted and told me that we could go there before we are moving to California, which was a really wonderful idea.
'There's a surprise waiting for you at home.' he told me while driving home.
I hate surprises. Or better - I like it to get something but I don't like it not to know what it is ... it's kind of a love-hate-thing.
'Something good or something bad?' me asking carefully
'Well, I hope you'll like it. But never fear - if you don't like it, no harm is done. There will be no problem in taking it away again.'
Oh great. Now I am afraid. What could it be? What for goddess sake could he have brought to his house during this one day? He also was at work and hadn't had that much time. But he didn't say one more word about it. Him just smirking some kind of very wickedly. I think that's why I became curious now. Very curious. And after closing the house-door I turned around to face him.
'Where is it?'
'Where is what?' he asking innocent
'My surprise.' me now jumping up and down. Excited.
'Sidney, please. Don't do that to me. First telling me there is a surprise and I don't need to be afraid and now not showing me ...'
'Welcome back home my love' was his answer. Before he put his arms around me, lifting me up, kissing me
'I missed you. I missed you so much and I'm glad you are back again. Safe.' and after another very long kiss he added
'Go to our bedroom - there is your surprise. I'll wait downstairs.' and before I could free me and get away he added
'But don't forget, if you don't like it - just forget that it's there - okay?'
'Okay' and away I run.

Up the stairs and down the hall to our bedroom. I opened the door and closed it behind me again. I didn't want him to hear whatever reaction I'll have. Of course I don't want to hurt him, no matter if I like his surprise or not. But there was no need in even thinking about not liking it. Not now. Not before I knew what it is.
The packet was on the bed. A big red one. I opened it carefully. The first thing I saw was ... red. A lot of red. Red fabric. Very carefully I took it out, tossed the packet on the floor and layed it on the bed. It was a dress. The most wonderful dress I've ever seen. Made of a lot of chiffon and brocade. All in silver, black and red. Just the same bloody red as my haircolour. A kneelength dress with a corsage and a scarf. I barely had the heart to touch it. This was wonderful. Amazing. Gorgeous. I wanted to try it on. And very very carefully, so I don't scratch it anywhere, I got into it. It fit like a second skin. This was amazing. I never had anything that gorgeous. That fitting. I spined around and around and around in front of the mirror. I coudn't believe it's really me I am looking at. I felt like a princess.

Tears of pure joy were running down my cheeks when I sprinted down the stairs. This time not thinking about damaging the dress anymore I jumped in Sidneys arms and he spinned me around. When I was back standing on my feet I steped back from him, showing him my new dress. I guess I really looked proud and great.
'So, you like it?' he finally asked
'Because if not ...'
'Like it?' I interrupted him
'Like it? Are you crazy man? I love it! It's the most wonderful dress I've ever seen.' and than, suddenly I was thinking about something. What if it's just borrowed? And I have to give it back? That's why i asked
'Is this really for me? You bought that dress for me?'
'Ah - no. No, I didn't buy it for you.'
Crap - crap - crap ... I have to give it back ...
'It's made just for you. It's one of a kind, just like you my dear. But ...'
'It's made only for me? You let it do for me? Are you serious? How did you? This is ... it's fitting so perfect!'
'This is my little secret, darling.' and he was kissing the tip of my nose
'But I need to ask you a favour.'
'Anything you want. Just tell me I don't need to give that gem back.'
Now he was looking very amused at me, taking my head in both of his hands.
'That's very interesting. Everytime I ask you a favour your answer is - depends on the favour - and now you'd do anything for that dress.'
But I knew he was not mad, he just was amazed.
'So, what favour?' now me being curious again.
'I need you to wear this dress tomorrow.'
'Tomorrow?'
'Well, yes. Tomorrow night is a party after the movie premiere. And I ... I thought you'd love to be there with me. That's why I ... I decided to get you a dress.'
'You? You want me to be there? With you? Together?' tears started again to run out of my eyes. I dreamed about being there with him but I never thought about it to happen. And now he wants me to be there and he got me this most wonderful dress.
'Don't cry my dear. You don't need to. Is it that cruel to ask you that favour? If you don't want to go, no problem. And yes, that dress is yours. If you wanna come with me or not. But ... well, of course I want you to be there. With me. I want you to be everywhere together with me.'

Chocolate Cake - Crowded House

Not everyone in New York would pay to see Andrew Lloyd Webber
May his trousers fall down as he bows to the queen and the crown
I don't know what tune the orchestra played
But it went by me sickly sentimental

Can I have another piece of chocolate cake
Tammy Baker's got a lot on her plate
Can I buy another cheap Picasso fake
Andy Warhol must be laughing in his grave

The band of the night take you to ethereal heights over dinner
And you wander the streets never reaching the heights that you seek
And the sugar that dripped from the violin's bow made the children go crazy
Put a hole in the tooth of a hag

Can I have another piece of chocolate cake
Tammy Baker must be losing her faith, yeah
Can I buy another cheap Picasso fake
Andy Warhol must be laughing in his grave

And dogs are on the road, we're all tempting fate
Cars are shooting by with no number plates
And here comes Missis Hairy legs
I saw Elvis Presley walk out of a Seven Eleven
And a woman gave birth to a baby and then bowled 257
Now the excess of fat on your American bones
Will cushion the impact as you sink like a stone

Can I have another piece of chocolate cake
Tammy Baker, Tammy Baker
Can I buy another cheap Picasso fake
Cheap Picasso, cheap Picasso fake
Can I have another piece of chocolate cake
Kathy Straker boy could she lose some weight
Can I buy another slice of real estate
Liberace must be laughing in his grave

Chapter.10

February 21

Sunday morning I managed to get up before Sidney. I put on my clock but woke up 5 minutes before it has to run - lucky me. So Sidney didn't notice me getting out of bed and down to the kitchen. Preparing breakfast.
Normally Sidney is always up way before me. At least awake. Than looking at me, caressing me, holding me in his arms. But this day I wanted to be the one who does the breakfast. I made coffee, some toast and put salmon and jam on a tray. Next to a white lily and the cake I'd made the day before.
Of course, when I was back in the bedroom Sidney had noticed my absence. Also he still layed very relaxed, just waiting for me to be back. Right by his side. That he can take me back in his arm.
Anyway - there was no need anymore to be superquiet. I closed the door behind me and put the tray on the bench at the end of the bed.
While I got back under the sheets Sidney watching every step of me. Showing me that he wants me to lay in his arm.
I kissed his cheek, whispering in his ear
'Happy birthday!' and than snuggled to him
'Thank you. I'd never get such a sweet birthdaykiss before' he's teasing me
'So, lucky you. Want some more?' and I started to bombard him with kisses. I kissed every little inch in his face, neck and ears. Every but his lips. Sidney giggling like a cute little child. Having just as much fun as me. Till he made me stop. Grabbing my shoulders. Making me look at him. Than he got his real birthdaykiss. A real real real birthdaykiss.

When I took the tray between us, so we could have some breakfast Sidney smiled so adorable and happy.
'You like it?'
'It's perfect. That's so sweet of you making breakfast for us, darling.'
'Of course I do ... at least once a year. It's your birthday'
I poured us some more coffee. Sidney tried the cake. Me watching him curious. I really hope he likes it. I haven't made a cake for months, but I think my double-chocolate-cake is still okay. Mia, Christopher and Thomas always loved it.
Well, because I couldn't find any marshmellow-icing in London, there was only plain chocolate on top. But I decorated it with some Smarties. And of course there was a candle on it. Which Sidney had blown out a few moments before.
'Where the hell did you get that?' he was asking me after he swalloed his third bite.
'Why? Is it that bad?'
'Bad? No! This is ...' the next piece on his fork pointing at me
'this is the best chocolate-cake I ever had. It is amazing. It's so ... so rich ... so much chocolate. But not too sweet. Just right.'
'You like it?' me asking carefully
'Like it? I love that cake! I guess I'm already addicted to that cake.'
I was relieved that he likes it. I was just smiling and tasting it by myself. Well yes, this one was really extreme smooth and great. I think it's also not bad that the icing is missing.
'Would you now tell me where you got this? Or is that a very huge secret?'
'No. No secret. But ... I didn't buy this cake. I made it all by myself.'
that was deffinitely a surprise. Something Sidney hadn't thought about. He's looking at me. Astonished.
'What? Now you don't like it anymore?'
'You? You did that?'
'Yes. I love to bake cakes. And this is the one I'm doing best. Just had to improve some things.' me now smiling. Yes, very proud of myself. I made him speachless. I surprised him.
'Would you please, please promise me somthing? Don't make that cake very often. I can't stop myself eating it. It's so delicious.'
'But ... you don't want to eat it? Because ... it's so delicious?' me asking confused
'No. I will get fat as an Orca if you bake that more often.' and he is smiling at me. The most wonderful smile ever.

We ended our breakfast around 1 pm. And because the weather was really nice, still snow outside but sunny, we decided to go to Hyde Park for a walk.
Of course Sidney got something material from me to his birthday, too. I discovered him being a big fan of art-books - I got him the new exhibition-catalogue from MOMA. Going along with the promise to visit it next time we are in America.
We ate at some chinese-fastfood because Sidneys didn't want to go to a restaurant for diner. And than we'd been at a Pub. The one we'd visited at our first date. Yes, it was very romantic. Together we reflected our first evening. Sidney told me he wanted to kiss me every second. While I just couldn't believe that a man of his range is interested in me - as a good friend.

Back at home we were sitting on the couch for a glass of whiskey. Both of us very relaxed and happy.
'You know that was the best birthday for years. For decades.'
'I'm glad you enjoyed your day.' me lying in Sidneys arm, resting at his side
'Enjoyed is much too less to describe how awesome this day had been. But the best of all, you shared it with me.'
'Of course I did. I'm kind of a part of your present.' me smiling wickedly while my hand is running down his chest. Down to his waist. To open his belt. To open the button of his pants.
'You are the best that ever could happen to me' he growled, made me lie down on the couch. While he started to kiss and undress me.

Never Loved Before - Alan Jackson

Girl I swear you got me acting crazy...
Half the time I dont know what my name is...
Im the kind, who like to take it slow and lazy
Girl yo ugot me runnin hot and hazy

Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never loved before

Boy you got me runnin like a rocket
You stole my heart, and stuck it in your pocket
And now I got your face inside my lockett
I really tried but I dont think I can stop it baby

Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never loved before

You sat beside me last night on the sofa
I took your hand and pulled you little closer
You kissed my lips and then you let me hold yah
That feels the way that loves supposed to feel baby

Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never loved before

You held the door when we went to the movies
I like your quirky, sneeky sense of humor
Your strong and sweet and all the things I needed
Your the one that keeps my heart a beetin

Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never loved before

Oh my heart starts beatin when its time for you to leave me

Yah my heart starts spinnin...

Every time that your near me...

Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never...
Oh I love you like I never loved before

Chapter.09

February 15-20

Next week was quite busy. I had to work for the next catalogue - most of the time doing some research for pictures and editing text. Mia and me are working as designer for advertising. Our little company in California is really successful. Also every three months I am working for my cousine, too. Helping her with a sports-catalogue in Germany. And because everything I used for work was at the apartement and I needed to pack all my other stuff, we decided to stay there.
During the day Sidney was away, mostly on set or at his managers office. The evenings we spend together. He is fantastic in cooking - quite contrary to me - and every night he surprised me with delicious compositions. While he was cooking I had time to finish my work. But every now and than he came over to me, to kiss me, to hug me, to tell me he loves me - just to make me feel so great.
Friday I'd finished packing most of my few things I brought to London. Of course not that much, because we only stayed there for three or four weeks in a row. I only had to carry three cardboard-boxes with CDs, DVDs and books and two cases with my clothings. On Sunday Sidney had to do some charity-work and I decided to take my stuff to his house. I wanted to be alone while trying to make my computer stuff working again and arranging all the papers I need for work. And also I was more than happy with him I wasn't sure how my feelings will be if I'll leave the apartement - forever.
That's why Sidney asked me on Saturday morning after my second cup of coffe
'I'll leave you the car here, so you can get all of your stuff over at once. Also I don't like it that you don't want me to help you.'
'I don't want you car.' of course not - I'm much too afraid in damaging it.
'You don't want the car? May I ask how you'll get the boxes to the house? By feet? By tube?'
'No ... I'll get me a Cab. So I can also do it very quick.' me grinning at him
'You want to call a Cab? Why don't you just take my car? I don't get it, sorry.'
'Ummm ... well, one reason ... I'm afraid to damage your car ... and'
but he interrupted me
'You are afraid to damage the car?' looking at me like I am a stupid little child
'So what? Than it'll be repaired.'
Okay, I guess I have to confess the other, real reason
'And ... I am not good in drivin on the wrong side of the street.'
Sidney burst into laugher and put me in his arms
'Oh my dear. I never thought of that. I'm sorry love. I'm so used to drive here. It never occured to me that you are not used to it.'
'I'm from Germany - we drive on the right side, you know ...'
'So we should train you in driving here!' he suggested.
'Ah, no. No, I don't think so. Everytime I was here I didn't need a car. I'm just fine with that.'
'But you only stayed here for a few weeks not more ...'
Uhm, it wasn't the right time to talk about it, but I guess I needed to tell him sometime. So why not now.
'Yes, that's something I wanted to talk to you anyway ...'
we both standing in the kitchenette of the small two-room-apartement, Sidneys arm still around me, sipping our coffee
'Sandy, I know what you are going to tell me. I was thinking about it for quite a while now. I think ...' but than he stoped dead, making himself another cup of coffee. Me now looking very curious at him, how could he know that I need to tell him, that I can't stay here in London? Not forever. That I need to go back to California. To Mia. To Christopher. To our cottage. To our advertising agency. Yes, I really love Sidney but I can't give up everything I worked so hard for. And I can't stand the english weather 12 months a year. The weather it was originally a main reason me moving from Bavaria to California four years ago.
'No, I don't think ...' he finally went on
'that's not true. I know that I won't let you go. If that means I have to move to California with you, I'll do that.' and after a short break he added
'If you want me to.'
This guy was so incredible. I was stunned. I had no idea that he was thinking about it. I needed to sit down and just slid down to the floor. Sidney also got down to sit in front of me - waiting for an answer.
'You are serious?' was all I could say at that moment.
'More serious than ever before in my life. If we need to go back to California because of your work and your friends, we'll go.' he smiling at me
'and just in case you don't know. I've been living in America and Canada for a few years. Years ago ... and I don't need to stay here. All I need is to be with you.'
I couldn't say a word, I just kind of jumped in his arms, knocking him down at the floor, lying on him, hugging and kissing him.
'I guess this is a yes, you want me to come with you?' he asked when I let go of him.
'Yes, of course. I thought about how to tell you that I need to go back. That it would be so hard to leave you. I love you so much. And you just tell me that you'll come with me. As if it's the most normal thing on this planet.'
'It is the most normal thing my dear.'
'But ... and ... well ... your house? The Hotel? Your family? Your work? Your friends? You can't leave everything because me being so selfish.'
After he'd took me back in his arms he explained - as it's also the most convenient thing
'My house? It'll be still our house when we want to visit London. The Hotel? It's my brothers Hotel and the apartement will still be there when we want to be there. My family? I don't see them very often now and I think nothing will change if we live in California. My work? Yes - sometimes I'll need to be here for work but I also can work at any other place on this earth, just like you. And I think I'm old enough ... and I don't need to work anymore' he's snickering.
'And your friends?'
'My friends? Don't tell me that all of your friends are at the same place. You also have friends in Germany, Austria, Norway, Australia, England and America. So do I. You see - no problem there either.'
'May I ask you a favour?' I needed to ask that now.
'Mmmmm - depends on the favour ...' he teasing me, because that is my casual answer on that question. And I just hit him a bit to let him know that me wants a serious answer. But I went on
'Please promise that you'll never wake me up. This must be a dream. It's much too perfect to be reality. You are much too perfect ...' and than I kissed him again.

Later that day I moved in at Sidneys house in London. I got my own room, so I could work there without being interrupted. I don't need to pick up everything in the evening, it just didn't bother anybody if the room was a mess. And of course the room was just great - a lot of white wooden bookshelves, a big matching desk and a hugh lether-chair. I installed my computer and my music and started to work again on Monday.
At first I was distracted because of the pretty view outside the window. I had direct sight to some beautiful public garden. But when I got a message from Mia I was back. As almost every day we chatted a lot while working. I told her about Sidney and me coming to Cali and she was really curious about him. She wanted so desperately to finally meet him. Sadly I couldn't tell her when we'll finally be back.

Human - The Killers

I did my best to notice
When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was brought but I was kind

And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes, clear your heart
Cut the cord

Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human or are we dancer?

Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance
They always did the best they could

And so long to devotion
You taught me everything I know
Wave goodbye, wish me well
You've gotta let me go

Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human or are we dancer?

Will your system be alright
When you dream of home tonight?
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know, is your heart still beating?

Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer

You've gotta let me know
Are we human or are we dancer?
My sign is vital, my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human or are we dancer?

Are we human or are we dancer?

Chapter.08

February 14

Sunday we started by going to church, meeting a special friend of Sidney and than having a very lazy but wonderful breakfast at the Hotel. I ate so much, I wasn't sure if I'll ever be able to move again. But we needed to test everything that was available. Well, me needed to test everything. All looked so great and delicious. Sidney just sat there most of the time, watching me. But I also made him to taste a lot of stuff.
Back at our apartement I was lying fully dressed on the bed, listening to music while whining about becoming much too fat because of Sidney. He just ignored all of that by telling me
'Becoming fat means becoming more of you? So there'll be more of you I can love' and than he went to the living-room, grinning. To read some mail he got.

About an hour later the phone rang. I almost had answered it. Gosh, I was really feeling like home now. But at the last second I stoped my hand and waited Sidney to answer it.
'Sheila, how are you?' I could hear him
'Sure, come up - haven't seen you for a while. And I need to introduce you to someone very special.'
Ups. Perhaps I should go. I don't want to lie at Sidney. But that will happen if Sheila is here. Than I have to pretend I don't know her. Also they haven't seen for few weeks, so I'd only disturb.
'Your niece?' me asking Sidney after I got up very quickly.
'Yes' he's looking up at me while still sitting on the couch, a letter in his hand
'She's coming up. I hope you don't mind, darling. But I think you have to meet anyway.' now he's smiling at me, standing up and reaching his hands to tell me I should come to him.
'Ah, no. I guess I'll leave the two of you alone. So you can talk more in private ...' yes, I sounded very lame but what else to tell him? I know more about your niece than you? Not really!
Anyway, it was too late, just at that moment the doors opened and in came Sheila. Half a head taller than me, normal figure dressed up in Hotel-stuff. Her red long hair hang loose around her shoulders. She looked more pale than ever, just like she isn't great and haven't slept much.
'Uncle Sid!' she smiled and ran in Sidneys open arms.
'Sheila my dear. How are you?' Sidney had also recognised she didn't look very well, because his voice sounded worried.
'Oh uncle Sid! I'm so glad you are here! And ...' she stoped for a second, looking around till her eyes found me, still standing at the door to the bedroom, awkwardly
'and I'm also glad that you are here Sandy!'
What? She wants to confess?
'Hey Sheila' I answered very silent.
Sidney now looking curious, his eyebrows raised up, almost touching his hairline. At me first and than at Sheila. But he didn't ask, he just said
'How's about sitting down. It's more confortable.' holding his hand up to me again, so I was supposed to sit next to him. Sheila took the chair, looking at both of us. Sidney now taking my hand, squeezing it. I wasn't sure what he wanted to tell me. That it's okay if I knew her before? That he'll back me up whatever she's telling us now? That he is just glad I am here? ...
And because Sheila didn't say a word - just staring down at the floor as if she lost something, now searching for it - Sidney started the conversation. By asking her why she is looking so aweful. That made her start crying. I can't stand it when a friend of me is in pain. That's why I stood up and went to her to take her in my arms. After she was barely okay again I sat down again, next to Sidney. Him only watching us, trying to find out what's going on.
'Would you please tell me what it is, sweetheart?' Sidney asked very calm. Well I guess he asked Sheila, but it was also possible he asked me. Or maybe he just asked and hoped one of us will answer. Lucky me, Sheila got her voice back
'Oh uncle Sidney! It's so wonderful ... but also so complicated. And I ... uh, where to begin. I just need anybody to talk. You know my dad, I cannot talk to him.'
Sidney seemed to be totally relaxed, but I wasn't sure if he really was or if he just acted. Because he was again holding my hand very tight. His fingers playing with my fingers - something he is doing often, but always if he is nervous. So I could feel that he was not really as calm and relaxed that he pretended to be.
'So, how's about just start your story at the beginning? Or if it's more easy, perhaps would you first tell me why you know my wife?'
Now it was me squeezing Sidneys hand. Of course he had noticed that we know each other.
'Yes, that's a good idea. I met Sandy about a year ago. In London. She is a good friend of ...' but than she stopped, looking at me, pleadingly. So I went on - even not sure if she wants me to tell or not. If it's the right thing I was saying now or not
'Well, Sidney ... ummm, you already know I am a good friend of Barry? Barry introduced me to Sheila. That's how we know each other.'
It looks like it was the right explanation, because Sheila now smiling at me. But not the right thing for Sidney, who now faced me. Looking more curious than before
'And it never occured to you that this Sheila Rickman is my niece Sheila?'
'Nope.' I told him the truth. I really never thought about Sheila being his Sheila - not till last night, but that's something he didn't need to know.
'No, because i know her as Sheila Mulligan.'
'Mulligan? You are using your mothers name?' Sidney now looking at Sheila again.
'No, nomally not. No. Because ... well, you know why. I hate her. But that was some kind of emergency and it was the first name that came to my mind ... I'm sorry.'
'Aha ... an emergency ...' and few seconds later I litterally could hear the click in Sidneys head. When he made the connection about what I have said. Turning his head toward me he asked
'You know what I am thinking?' me only nodding. More awkward than ever. So he again faced Sheila, confronting her with what he just discovered
'So, you are Barrys girlfriend?'
Sheila now looking at me, whispering
'You - you told him???'
'No, she didn't tell me anything.' Sidney answered the question she wanted to know from me in a very angry way. But he also squeezed my hand once more.
'But I am not that stupid and senile. I am still able to count one and one together little lady. Don't blame my love for your secrets.' and with a much more softer voice he went on
'And now please tell me what your problem is. I don't like you looking that unhappy and tired and aweful.'
Me still looking at Sheila, she looking at me
'I'm sorry Sandy. I didn't want to insinuate anything to you.'
'It's okay, don't worry' I told her
'You want me to leave? Than the two of you could talk.'
'No. No, please stay. You know I like you and well, I guess you are now also like family, right?' she smiling now a bit at us. Sidney now taking his arm around my waist to pull me more close to him.

Than Sheila told her uncle and me everything. That she is in love with Barry for three years now and that they are engaged for two weeks. But she still hadn't told her father because she was afraid. Afraid that he will not let her marry. She told us that she had few boyfriends but everyone was not good enough for her. Her dad had always told her and earlier or later they dumped her or she left them. But with Barry it was some other kind of thing. They knew each other for that long and they are both interested in the Hotel. She thinks her dad is only so crazy acting because he is afraid that she'll leave him and the Hotel if she finds a nice boy.
'But I love my dad and I love this Hotel. Granddads Hotel. That's my life!'
'Snd why don't you just tell all of that to my brother?'
'Because he won't listen. He never does. He is so stubborn ...'
'He is still hurt ...'
'But that's not my fault uncle Sidney. It wasn't my fault that mom left us. Why can't he be just happy for me?'
'Hunny - he just wants to protect you. Every dad wants to protect his little girl. But you know that, right?'
'Sure. But I'm 28 and I need to make my own faults. And if it's really a fault to marry the man I love - so it should be. Also I don't think it's a fault. Not Barry. He is so wonderful.'
'What do you want me to do now? Or is all you needed is to tell anybody?'
'No. I think not. Since you arrived here I thought so much about Barry and me. First I was afraid that my secret will no longer be a secret because of Sandy. Well, I was wrong and I knew it. Also Barry told me that she would never tell anybody. Than I thought about it being some kind of destiny that you are here. Now I have to confess everything. In the end, that's why I decided to talk to you. Now I just need more courage. Because I know I need to go to dad and tell him. That I will be Barrys wife.'
I still couldn't say a word, just listen. But I was so released that she finally decided to stop that hide-and-seek. Not for my sake but for Barry and hers.
'Sheila?' Sidney now asking very softly
'you think it would be good if I escort you? To talk to my brother? Just in case ... you know.'
'You'd do that?'
'Sure! you are my most favourite niece. I care about you. And I'd do a lot for you.' and he stepped over to her and huged her for a very long time.

Than Sidney called David and the two where already at the elevator to go down to see him. When Sheila turned around, huging me and saying
'Thank you so much! Thank you so much for being such a great friend.' and after a short pause she added in a bright smile
'And welcome to the family. My grandmas ring really fits you well ... aunt.'

100 Suns - 30 Seconds To Mars

I believe in nothing
Not the end and not the start
I believe in nothing
Not the earth and not the stars
I believe in nothing
Not the day and not the dark
I believe in nothing
But the beating of our hearts

I believe in nothing
100 suns until we part
I believe in nothing
Not in Satan, not in God
I believe in nothing
Not in peace and not in war
I believe in nothing
But the truth in who we are