~ Chapter 13 ~

            The shrill sound of the phone on Ali’s desk interrupted her constant tapping of the keyboard.  Distracted, Ali glanced at the phone and pushed away from the computer.

            “Hello?  Meltori News, Ali Malberry speaking.”

            “Ali!  It’s me, Marie,” the enthusiastic voice on the other end said.

            “Oh hey, Marie,” Ali said absentmindedly as she shuffled the papers on her desk and organized her computer files.

            “There’s an annual Christmas Eve celebration at the studio tonight—you’re invited, of course, so come tonight at 6:30pm with Mackenzie.  I’ll be there too with Dari.  It’s a sort of formal fancy dinner and dance, so wear some jewels, put your hair up—whatever.  Okay?  Great!  Oh, the make-up artist’s calling me…so see you tonight, Ali!”

            Alison removed the phone from her ear and just stared at the receiver.  Marie had basically dominated the conversation and talked so fast that Ali could barely understand what she had said, but she had caught the main words…Christmas Eve celebration…studio tonight…6:30pm…Mackenzie…dinner and dance. 

            A quick glance at the calendar pinned up on her cubicle wall told her that it was already Christmas Eve and she had completely forgot!  She now remembered that she had to go back to Viceton the next day with Mackenzie for the family Christmas dinner…where had all the time flown?

            Since Marie had already announced that she was going to the celebration and did not exactly give her a choice, Alison sighed and called Mackenzie to confirm the times.

            Delicate-looking snowflakes drifted downwards as Ali got out of Mackenzie’s car, which was parked outside of the studio.  The area was nicely decorated in festive lights and the Christmas feeling was definitely in the air.  As Mackenzie got out from the other side of the car, a tall, busty brunette who Ali recognized as a model from the day at the studio before, rushed up to him. 

            “Mackenzie—it’s so great that you’re here!  I was wondering about my last shoot…” the brunette began to chatter on.  Mackenzie smiled politely at her, then turned his glaze to Ali to say, “You go on ahead, I’ll be in a while” before turning back to the model and talked model shop.

            Ali nodded, then grabbed her usual bag and slammed the car door shut.  She started towards the glass doors as others dressed in very formal wear cluttered in elusive groups around her and spoke animatedly to each other.  Gripping her bag tighter, she made her way towards the studio entrance, trying to ignore the fact that every female she saw carried small, classy purses—the kind that could only fit one fourth of a tissue.  She didn’t have the heart to ditch her favourite bag just because of a Christmas party. 

            Alison had, however, don a simple but not too plain black dress for the occasion.  Well, that might have been due to that fact that it was about the only semi-formal article of clothing in her closet that didn’t make her look like she was out to work. The slightly waved hem of the dress fell to her knees and hung from her slender shoulders.  She had worn a dark brown over coat but really didn’t have a chance next to the merciless December cold.  Alison shivered and mentally slapped herself.  It was practically Christmas, for Pete’s sake, and she didn’t even bother to spend a few seconds to grab a warmer coat!  Stupid!

            By the time Alison reached the glass doors of the studio, her teeth were already clicking and clattering from the cold.  Well, it’s your own fault.  At least she was inside the building now, she thought to herself as she stepped onto the plush carpet.  The hall had been turned into some sort of winter wonderland with its miniature Christmas trees (one per every square metre, thank you very much) and sparkling garlands hanging nicely around the area.  Not only that, but someone had dressed up as Santa and was currently clanging a hand bell, bubbling with merry laughter all the while ushering the guests into the special events room.  Old Saint Nic the bouncer…what a thought.    

            Following the herd of beautiful people currently flowing into the special events room, Alison gripped her bag even tighter and let the current take her.  She did not recognize the people around her now, but then again, she never met many people from the studio anyway.  The moment she was inside the room, she saw that the area was converted into a large dance space with tables of food and appetizers set out on the sides.  Since she was still frozen solid, Alison made for way to one of those tables, hoping to find something hot to warm her body up.

            Alison walked alongside one table and when her arm accidentally brushed against a small cup of what looked to be a fizzy beverage, she quickly turned and noticed the spill.  Grabbing a paper towel from the side, Alison bent down and began to wipe away the mess she had made…but froze when a deeply tanned hand pushed her hand away and took the paper towel.  The hand was connected to…Darien Winston. 

            “You really can’t walk without knocking down something, can you?” he said to Alison as he wiped the mess up himself.  Alison narrowed her eyes at him, but kept her temper on the leash when she noticed that his tone was not so much cruel mockery, but playful and gently teasing.  Instead, Alison grabbed another paper towel for herself and mopped the spill up, all the while trying to push Darien’s hand out of the way.

            “I can do this myself,” she gritted out as she rubbed the paper towel against the surface one last time before dumping it in the trashcan beside her.  Darien didn’t respond, but when Alison looked up at him, she saw that he had a cup of what looked like hot chocolate in his right hand and pushed it towards her.

            “You look like you could use a warm drink,” he said casually.  Alison took the cup cautiously, then studied the contents suspiciously. 

            “You didn’t poison this or anything?” she asked him. 

            Darien smiled secretively, then shrugged.  “I wouldn’t dream of doing such a dastardly deed!” he replied dramatically with exaggeration.

            “You have a real feel for theatrics, don’t you?” Alison muttered as she regarded the cup with unsure suspicion.  Seeing this, Darien sighed, took the cup out of her hands, and drank a bit. 

            “Oh no… I’m dying and my throat burns horribly,” he deadpanned as he handed Alison back the cup.  Alison couldn’t help but let the corners of her mouth tip upwards as she drank. 

            Darien watched as she drank and swallowed…watched the smooth expanse of her neck move and ripple as she gulped.  Suddenly, the room flew up a few degrees and he found it considerably warmer as he tore his glaze away and instead looked over the room.  There must be something wrong with the air conditioner, he thought, then frowned when he remembered it was December and snowing out. 

            “So where’s Marie?” Alison asked when she finished with the hot chocolate.  It had melted away all the sticks of solid ice inside her.

            “Exchanging make-up secrets with the studio’s assistant in the other room,” Darien said, without looking at Alison. 

            “That’s our Marie,” Alison replied, not noticing that they sounded like parents discussing their only child’s developments.  They both looked out into the room and at random people dancing in the centre.  Silence hung in the air before Darien spoke up.

            “So…where’s Lover Boy?” he asked slightly too casually, as he filled a cup for himself. 

            Alison drew her eyebrows together in confusion.  “Lover Boy?”

            Darien shrugged in the same casual mode as he took a sip.  “Yeah, you know…the ace photographer, Law.”

            “Mackenzie?” Alison asked as understanding dawned in her mind.  She would have laughed out loud at the term of ‘Lover Boy’ but immediately cut that reaction off after she fully comprehended. 

            “Don’t talk about Mackenzie,” Alison snapped, knowing whatever Darien had to say would be foul.  He lifted his hands into the air, as if he were surrendering.

            “Who said I was going to say anything about him?” he countered.  “He’s really not that interesting as a subject…but honestly, how can you stand him hanging around with those leggy models all the time?  That normally gets a female slightly sensitive.”

            Alison spun around to fully face him.  Her blood was just starting to boil. 

            “Look, asshole, that’s not any business of yours so you can just get your snooty nose out of all this and shoot yourself straight to hell,” she chipped out as coolly as she could, then quickly poured herself another cup of the first pitcher her hand located, then walked out of the room. 

            Darien stood there by the tables, stunned.  What the hell did I say? he wondered.

            Who did that jerk think he was?  None of that was any of his freaking business!  Alison saw red the whole time she marched out of the room and almost ran right into the Santa Claus outside.  Well okay, she really did run into him…and knocked him on his ass too.

            “Oh jeez, I am so sorry!  Are you okay?” Alison apologized as she bent down and helped the chubby-suited Santa sprawled on the ground up. 

            “Oh fuck…what the fuck just happened?!  Oh jesus, my fucking back!” the Santa cursed as he tried to sit up.  Alison was appalled at first…and absolutely shocked.  That jolly and sweet-looking Santa was swearing like someone in the “Jerry Springer” show.  Well, I guess you gotta earn a living somehow. 

            “I am so very sorry!  I wasn’t looking at where I was going and jeez…” Alison trailed off, then realized she had a cup of cold soda in her hand and held it out to him. 

            “Here, drink this.  You must be really hot in that suit.”

            The Santa wiped at his brow and nodded.  “No fucking shit.  This pile of crap’s gotta weigh a hundred fucking pounds!”  He took the offered drink and gulped eagerly. 

            He sighed when he finished, then turned to Alison.  “Look, it’s okay, young lady.  I’m used to this sort of thing.  People never see jolly old Saint Nic standing on street corners either.”

            Alison took his arm and helped him stand up.  He righted himself then looked at Alison again. 

            “The party’s not over yet…hell, it just started.  Where are ya going?”

            “Oh, I just wanted to get some fresh air…it’s kind of stuffy,” Alison lied.

            Santa nodded sympathetically.  “I know what you mean,” he said as he motioned to his costume again. 

            “Well, I’m just going to try to found my way out to the deck now.”

            “Yeah, you go do that.  Hey, thanks for the drink, young lady.”

            Alison smiled, then turned around.  She just had to find Mackenzie now.  He said he’d be “in a while”, and it certainly had been a while.

            As Alison walked around, she noticed Marie (dressed very much like a goddess—surprise surprise) in a room talking to a short redhead.  She didn’t see Mackenzie in there, so she passed that room and moved on. 

            Since Alison had only been to this studio once, she had no mental map of the area at all.  She imagined herself as a blind mouse in a maze because that was what the studio was—a maze.  Everything looked a little too similar and alike…

            When Alison spotted a door to the ladies’ washroom, she was relieved to see something familiar, ever if it was just a room of toilets.  Besides, she really needed go in here anyways after all that drinks she had.  Stupid Darien, I bet he schemed to have me go to the washroom.

            Her right hand gripped the door handle and she prepared to go inside, but stopped when she heard a familiar voice.  Mackenzie’s?

            “Don’t worry, you’re great.”  It was definitely Mackenzie’s voice.  Curious, Alison pushed open the door she heard the voices coming from a little to look in.

            “I’m just so nervous!  You know how this is my first year in modeling and I just thought…”  Alison recognized the brunette earlier voice.  She could even see a bit of her face and curly long hair from the door crack.

             Mackenzie laughed.  “Aimee, stop.  You worry too much—you were really good with your last shot.  Look at these pictures…”  Alison could see him pass something to the model.  Alison bit her lip…she really shouldn’t be listening in on their conversation.  Mackenzie wouldn’t have wanted her to eaves—

            “Wow!  They turned out pretty good!” the brunette exclaimed as she looked at the photos. 

            “Yep, and all because of you,” said Mackenzie.

             Alison saw the brunette look up and hug Mackenzie tightly around the middle.  “No no, it’s because of you!  You’re a wonderful photographer and such a great guy!” she exclaimed. 

             “Oh please, I’m blushing,” Mackenzie joked as he patted Aimee on the back.  Alison cocked her head to the side.  She trusted Mackenzie.

             The brunette separated herself from Mackenzie, then looked at him for a moment before she grabbed his face and pressed her lips right onto his.  Almost immediately, Mackenzie jerked himself away.

             “Aimee, please—I have a girlfriend,” Alison heard Mackenzie say.     

             The brunette tightened her arms around his waist.  “I know.  I saw her today by your car and I can tell you two won’t work out.  You don’t even look like you have the same interests as her, Mackenzie!  She doesn’t even look like she’s interested, but I am.  I am, Mackenzie and I really like you.”  Aimee pushed herself up and tried to kiss Mackenzie again but he pulled away.

            “What are you talking about, Aimee?  Alison is my girlfriend and I really adore her…”

            “But do you love her?” the brunette interrupted.

            Mackenzie hesitated, as if thinking about this himself for the first time.  “I…I think I…”

            The model placed a single, elegant finger over his lips.  “Sshh.  I really like you,” she emphasized again.

            Mackenzie’s eyes unfocused and his gaze landed on the brunette again. 

           “Your girlfriend, Alison, doesn’t love you…you’re not her type,” she said, and before he could do anything, she came forward again and placed her mouth over his.  Mackenzie just stood still for a moment, as if thinking over Aimee’s words, then responded back after, as if he had found truth in what she had said.

            Alison watched from the door with a strange feel of calm.  She felt slightly detached…what was that supposed to mean?  She had watched soaps before and she knew that after a girlfriend saw something like this, she was supposed to be teary and hurt.  Well, she wasn’t teary but she was hurt…hurt as if her friend had betrayed her.

           Friend.  The word bounced again and again inside her head as if waiting for her to comprehend.  Friend…and nothing more.

            Alison turned around and walked back from where she came from.  Suddenly, it seemed as if she had gained super memory…her body just lead her back through the maze subconsciously. 

           Mackenzie was just a friend.  Well, why did she agree to go on that very first date that started it all with him anyway?  Alison’s mind blurred.  Why?   

            As her feet took her back, Alison’s mind set itself into whirlwind mode. 

           Out of nowhere, an image of Darien holding hands with Marie outside of the Alcio’s Restaurant flashed in her mind and somehow magically, it made her lift her hands from her sides. The image served as an impulse as she dragged her hands through his straight blond hair…

            No!  No, that wasn’t it.  Can’t be it.  As if in defence, Alison shut her mind off.  She wasn’t going to think about it anymore.  She was going to go home.  Go home and sleep.  Yes, sleep.

            A moment later, she realized that she was walking towards the spot where she had knocked Santa Claus onto the ground.  She could see the glass doors…and she was walking towards them.

            She laid her hands on the glass and pushed the doors open.  It was snowing out and she was walking home.  It was cold.  She couldn’t think—wouldn’t think.  

            Alison had only walked a few steps outside before a voice from behind called her name. 

            “Alison!  Jesus Christ, Alison!  Where the hell do you think you’re going without your fucking coat?” the voice called out.

            The voice was concerned, frustrated, and angry.  The voice was…Darien’s. 

            Alison just continued walking.  She made it out of the studio’s sight before someone pulled her arm from behind and turned her around.

           “Is going deaf a hobby of yours?” snapped Darien as he held both of Alison’s shoulders.  Without waiting for an answer, he took Alison’s coat that she left on the food table from under his arm and swung it around her shoulders.  He slipped her arms through the holes, then continued to button the front. 

            “It’s freaking snowing outside and you run out here with that on!” shouted Darien as he indicated Alison’s dress.  “And nothing else!”

            Alison’s gaze was unfocused and dull.  She didn’t really register that Darien was there. 

            Darien shook his head, put his arm around her shoulders and lead her to his jeep parked quite a distance away. 

            Alison hadn’t said anything as they walked.  Darien interrupted the silence for the second time that night. 

            “I hope you don’t mind the walk,” he said, “It was the only parking spot I could find.”  When Alison still didn’t speak, Darien glanced back at her.  Knowing that something was seriously wrong, he pushed down the bubbling questions inside him and just let her be for a while.  

            When they arrived at his car, Darien opened Alison’s side of the door and basically carried her onto the seat as she seemed totally out of it.  He reached over to pull her seatbelt down and snapped it in, before tucking her in and closing the door.  He made his way over to his side of the car and got in himself.  The first thing he did was turn on the heat.  They were immediately flooded with warmth and heat.  Darien reached over and took Alison’s frozen hands in his and rubbed them together. 

            Still, Alison had said nothing.  Darien sighed.  A quick glance at the digital car clock told him that it was currently 9:30 pm…they had spent a long time diddling around the studio without noticing the time flying by. 

            Darien figured that if he were to leave with Alison now, Marie could definitely find transport in some limo or other on her own.  He wasn’t too concerned about that, but Alison…on the other hand, really scared him.  She was never this quiet.

            Without saying a word, he started the car, then drove away from the curb and decided to take Alison to a small park by Millen Street (which was probably covered in snow by now).  He drove and would occasionally glance over at Alison, just to make sure she was still there. 

            When they arrived at the park, he parked alongside Millen Street and got out to open Alison’s door.  He helped her out before locking the car doors. 

            The little park was covered in a layer of glistening white and the small playground on the side was barely recognizable.  Darien took Alison’s left hand with his right and walked her to the swings.  It was strange, he thought, how romantic it all felt.  Sure, the situation was really screwed up and Alison was being very weird, but he couldn’t deny the little tug inside him that told him this was probably the most romantic thing he had felt since…er, never.

            He flipped over the swing to get rid of the snow before he motioned Alison to sit on it.  When he sat down on his swing, he had forgotten to get rid of the snow, earning himself a deep freeze in the behind.  Making a face, he got up and flipped his swing over, then glanced over when he heard Alison laugh.   

            Hallelujah!  So she hasn’t gone mute!  Darien reached over to Alison’s swing chain on the side and pulled it back a bit to propel her in the swinging motion.  He began to swing himself.   

            “So,” he said as he pushed himself backward a bit, “what’s going on in Ali Malberry’s head?” 

            Alison used her feet to get herself going farther on the swing.  “Too much.”

            “Do tell.”

            She didn’t know what made her say anything to Darien, but she ended up telling him what she had seen back at the studio. 

            “I’m sorry,” he said after he listened.  Though of course, in his mind, Darien was thinking Haha, you’re such a sucker, Law.

            “Don’t be.  I’m not mad or anything.”

            Darien raised his infamous eyebrow.  “You aren’t?” 

           “Nope,” Alison replied.  “Mackenzie was and is a friend.”

            Darien didn’t speak for a moment, he just continued swinging.  “Okay.”

            Alison laughed.  “’Okay?’  You’re just too witty for me, Winston.”

            “I know.  Sometimes I amaze myself too,” Darien said, then grinned.  He felt good to be here, he thought.

            Alison slowed down a bit before she got up from the swing.  “It’s a December night and we’re outside in the snow.  Are we crazy?”

            He shrugged.  “I would think so.”

           Alison nodded, satisfied.  “Let’s get out of here.  It’s Christmas freaking Eve—something memorable and absolutely insane has to be done.”

           Darien got up too.  “I completely agree.”  At that moment, Darien took Alison by the face and kissed for her all it was worth in a few seconds, as he knew it might be his only opportunity.

            Then he abruptly stopped and pulled away.  “Alright, let’s go.”

Hello everyone!  First, I would just like to break down and say how I am very happy and grateful for those who did check out “Mend” and reviewed!  I’ve got many horror/suspense/romance punches packed for that one.  Just a note, I’M NOT DROPPING “VIA E-MAIL” BECAUSE OF “MEND”!  I’ll be writing both stories. 

Now, on to my wonderful Reviewers:

SLigHtLy FrEaKisH:  Thanks so much for reviewing and commenting!  I’m glad you see the progression and attraction because I tried really hard to make the process natural.  Thanks!

toastsnactcher:  Awesome name!  Anyway, thank you for leaving a review and commenting on the Santa ppl part…well, there’s another Santa tidbit in this chapter.=P  What did you think of it?  Thanks again.  

Eva:  No, never!  I haven’t give up on my stories at all.  I wouldn’t have started “Mend” if I were completely strung out or something =P.  “Room Service” will have to see.  Sorry!  It’s sort of on a prolonged hiatus.  Thanks for reviewing.

Tstj:  Lucky!  I have no A/C, just a fan.  Excellent, eh?  Thanks for reviewing.

Sun Chime:  Thanks for reviewing.  Read on!

G:  Thanks so much!  I love hearing about people’s thoughts on the humour quotient because I honestly don’t know about it.  Read on!

Phoebs:  I hope you’ll maybe warm up to Darien a bit more later on because he isn’t such a bad guy!  Okay, so he may be arrogant, snobby, etc. etc. but think qualities!  LOL.  Thanks for reviewing.

Ti:  Ahh…Ti, the reviewer of a few words.  J/k ;).  Thank you for ALWAYS reviewing (I swear you’re right there behind me!) and read on!

MKathy:  Thanks!  Canucks fans unite!  Yes, it’s too bad hockey season’s over but hey, look forward to World Cup Hockey!  The Canadian team’s gonna kick some major arse.  Yep, I’m from Vancouver.  Thanks for reviewing.

Mayumi-sama:  Thank you for leaving a review!  It makes me feel good to see that people want me to continue writing, so don’t worry about it.  Like, I would rather have people say “PLZ UPDATE BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER…” rather than have people throw tomatoes or squash (ouch!) at me.  Thanks again!

Okay, so I would just like to say that I look forward to writing “Mend” which is a very different genre from “Via E-mail” with it’s freaky-freaky feel but I’d appreciate it if you checked it out. 

Also, I believe I’m at a sort of half way point with “Via E-mail” at the moment so it’s time to bring in the MUSH.

I’m very thankful that I reached over 100 reviews and have been getting such a good reception with this story.  I love writing for you guys and it’s a real hell of a ride, so stick around for the second part of “Via E-mail”.

Read on everyone,

~Pepperminty