A NEW DAY by Michelle T © 2000 CHAPTER SIXTEEN Howie and Michelle sat in silence for a few minutes after they left. Michelle was trying to find the best approach to explain to Howie about her earlier tantrum. Howie was watching her and wondering what Kevin had meant. Michelle seemed nervous and was picking at the soft cast on her hand. He eased himself out of his chair and moved towards her. Her head shot up and she watched him slowly come closer. "God, I'm falling for him fast." She said to herself. He stopped next to her and then leaned down and picked up their empty glasses. "I'll be right back," he said smoothly. Michelle watched his retreating body, admiring the ease with which he carried himself. She kept her eyes trained on him as he leaned against the bar, chatting easily with the older woman behind it as she made fresh drinks. She saw him laugh out loud and thought again how incredible he was. So easy going, friendly and beautiful. He came back to her, put his drink down on the table and sat next to her, handing her a drink. "What's this?" she asked. "Sombrero, try it," he said. She lifted the glass to her lips and took a small drink. He leaned over as soon as she pulled the drink away and kissed her cool lips softly. "Mmm, good," he said. Michelle's hand started to shake so he took the glass from her and placed it back on the table. He eased back and put his arm around her shoulders and turned her face up to his. He leaned in again and brought his lips down towards her again. Before letting his lips touch hers he whispered, "I've been waiting to do this for hours." He kissed her slowly, savoring the softness and fullness of her mouth. First kissing both lips and then moving ever so gracefully to concentrate on first her top lip and then her bottom lip, before pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. She moaned slightly and shivered. He pulled back and ran his thumb over her mouth. She stared into his eyes, "Oh Howie…." She said breathlessly. He kissed her again, running his tongue lightly across her lips. She wanted him to continue so much, but finally gently pushed him back. "Howie, please, I need to talk……" He interrupted her, "I love this song, dance with me." He pulled her up from the couch and led her to the small dance floor. He held onto her hand and brought it close to his chest as he moved his other hand to the small of her back. Her bandaged hand automatically went to his upper arm and she marveled inwardly at the firmness of his body. He leaned his head against hers and sang softly: Childhood living is easy to do The things you wanted I bought them for you Graceless lady, you know who I am, You know I can't let you slide through my hands Wild Horses, Couldn't drag me away, Wild, wild horses, Couldn't drag me away... I watched you suffer a dull, aching pain Now you decided to show me the same No sweeping exits or offstage lines, Can make me feel bitter or treat you unkind Wild Horses, Couldn't drag me away, Wild, wild horses, Couldn't drag me away... I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie, I have my freedom but I don't have much time Faith has been broken, tears must be cried, Let's do some living after we die Wild Horses, Couldn't drag me away, Wild, wild horses, We'll ride them someday Wild Horses, Couldn't drag me away, Wild, wild horses, We'll ride them someday (Wild Horses, Rolling Stones) Although the song had ended, neither wanted to let go, they stood there on the empty dance floor holding each other. Finally, Howie led them back to their seat, their arms firmly wrapped around each other. They sank as one onto the sofa and sat with their foreheads touching. "Howie, you can't do this to me," Michelle said ever so quietly, "there are things I need to tell you." "Sssh, not now, Babe, we have plenty of time to talk. Right now I just want to hold you in my arms and feel my love grow." He empathized his comment by squeezing her to him gently. "Howie, I don't deserve you! I've done things, in the past, that would make you hate me." She tried to pull away, but he held his grip on her firm. "Michelle, what's in the past is over and done with, and no matter how horrible you may think they are, I'll never hate you. I love you!" he found her lips and kissed her passionately. She couldn't hold back, she grabbed the back of his neck and pushed her lips against his, just as passionately. "Howie, I've loved you since the moment I saw you yesterday. I've never felt so much love for someone so instantly." They stayed that way for a long time, relishing in and absorbing their new feelings. Alternately kissing each others lips, cheeks, eyes and neck. *********************** At the club, Kimberly was dying from laughing so hard. She'd never danced so much in her life. She had no idea what she was doing, but with AJ and Nick constantly dragging her back onto the dance floor and teaching her moves, she was having a blast. Brian and Kevin shared a table off to the side, drinking sodas in honor of Kim. "Kevin, what's happened the last two days? Everyone is more relaxed, despite the emotions flying left, right and center. I haven't seen Nick having so much fun in ages. You've got a glint back in your eyes. I've got my heart feeling whole again." Brian was watching Kevin watch the dance floor with a smile. "It's her and her mother," he said pointing to Kimberly. "They've brought something back into our lives. Kimmie has brought her youth and her giggles and her sadness. We see little kids, with their big smiles and screams, all the time, but we never really know them. We don't know what's behind those smiles. We don't know what heart break they've endured. We don't listen to their voices when they talk animatedly about something they love." He paused and took a sip of his drink and turned to Brian, "We've all felt her pain and her joy lately. Look how much fun we had this morning with her. Shit, even I couldn't stop laughing when she was mimicing her friends and how they gush over Nick. We see kids doing that all the time, but not on a personal level like this." Brian nodded his head and watched Kimberly trying to copy AJ's swinging hip moves. "I know what you mean, Train." "And Michelle, well, despite her heartaches, she's kept a positive attitude. Sure, she's feeling loads of guilt and gratitude right now, but I can see the person she really is. She's loving and caring and strong. I've just got to help her see all that in herself more. She's good for me. I've felt the same sort of anguish she has, for different reasons of course, but we've shared the same thoughts and feelings. There are things none of you could ever understand, but she could." He broke off and shook his head. "Anyway, let's get up there and show Kimberly the right way to do that move, before AJ ruins her for life." When the dancing fools returned around 8:00, they found Michelle and Howie cuddled in a corner of one of the couches, watching television. They'd taken a walk around the grounds of the hotel and had discussed their plans for the next few weeks. Michelle needed to find a new car, an apartment, a school for Kimberly, a job and most, importantly, a way to make up to her sister. Howie told her of a few promotions they were doing locally, the plans for their next video, his desire to have a few relaxing weeks and his hopes for their next tour. They walked hand in hand, comfortable in each other's presence. "Hey, Mom! Don't you look comfy?" Kimberly said with a wide grin. "Hush you!" replied Michelle laughing, "Did you have a good time?" She could tell just by the sparkle in Kim's eyes and the huge smile she couldn't get rid of. "Babe, you have got the makings of another Britney Spears here. This chick can move." Said AJ pulling Kim into a dance spin. Brian came over and flopped into a chair beside them. "God, I'm beat!" Kevin walked around the couch and bent to kiss Michelle on the top of her head. "Everything okay?" he whispered. She nodded and gave him a big smile. He smiled back and threw himself onto the other couch. AJ looked at his buddies and then exclaimed, "I can't believe you guys, I did all the dancing and you two lumps are acting like you're ready to die!" He pulled Kim towards his room, "Come on Kim, this party ain't over. Nick, you coming?" Nick ran after them exclaiming, "Count me in!" An hour later, Kim emerged from AJ's room quietly. Kevin heard the door and looked up from his position on the couch and bolted upright. He stared at Kimberly in shock and shook his head. Kim, smartly, walked behind the couch to address her mother. "Mom, you awake?" Michelle nodded and was about to turn her head when she noticed Kevin. "Kevin, what's wrong!" she was about to jump up to go over to him, when he held up his hand to stop her. "Kimberly, come over here, please!" he said slowly. Kim groaned slightly and walked between the two couches and stood before Kevin. He stood up and turned her to face Michelle. "Oh my god!! AJ MCLEAN, YOU ARE SO DEAD!" shouted Michelle. She stood up quickly and almost fell over Howie's foot. He grabbed her and prevented her from falling. He stood up and looked around in confusion. "What's going on? Oh man!" He looked at Kimberly and started chuckling. Her light brown hair was covered in purple streaks, compliments of none other than AJ. Brian woke up and started laughing quietly. "Howie, it's not funny!" cried Michelle. She heard giggling behind her and flew around to find AJ and Nick, both with purple streaks as well, doubling over in laughter.