Parts 11 & 12

"How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face..."
-W.B. Yeats

*Part 11

The orchestra began to play signaling the end of the ceremony.  The thousands of relieved people, who had occupied the Kodak Theater for the last 4 hours, rose from their seats and readied themselves to leave.  It was a time for commiserations and congratulations for many, but it seemed to Hayden that a great deal of the latter was aimed directly at George.  Instantaneously surrounded by well-wishers, Hayden found himself smiling and shaking hands with strangers, all the while thinking only of finding Melissa.

"I can't believe they pulled it off," laughed Ron Howard to George.  "When they asked me to be the patsy in their scheme, I couldn't pass it up."

George was always good at seeing the humor in things.  There were stars in Hollywood that didn't like surprises, stars who needed preparation and planning to fully enjoy any event.  George Lucas was not one of those people.  The surprises tonight had thrilled him and, being a man of few words, the thank yous spoken had been from the heart.  It was one of the traits that Hayden admired in him, causing him to listen intently whenever George spoke.

Literally surrounded from all sides, Hayden tried to look over toward the seats where he had left Melissa, hoping to catch her eye, trying to signal her that he would be there soon.  It seemed hopeless; there were just too many people.  He hoped that she would wait for him, he wasn't sure how he would find her otherwise.  As he went back to the huddled conversation, he suddenly felt arms wrap around his waist from behind.

"It doesn't matter where you are, you know.  I can find you."

Hayden turned his head to see Melissa at his ear, grinning.  "You're search skills are right on, but now I think I could use a little rescuing," he whispered through his smile.

"I thought that was what I was doing," she replied and, before she had time to change her mind, she placed a quick kiss on his cheek.  She hadn't taken her arms from around him and soon felt one of his hands covering hers, softly holding it in place.

"Melissa!" George exclaimed.  "I told you it was a sure thing!  Everyone, may I introduce Melissa Hamilton, a friend of Hayden's and part of the search team from 'Silent Heros'."

Moving around to stand next to Hayden, Melissa was surprised when she felt him take hold of her hand.  As the people surrounding George extended their hands to her in offers of introductions and congratulations, she found Hayden's touch comforting, almost grounding.  Thankful he didn't let go, she offered back a gentle squeeze around his fingers.  With a sly glance out of the corner of his eye, she saw the corner of his mouth curl into devious smile.  George managed to catch the little exchange between the friends and decided a little help was in order.

"Isn't this fella supposed to whisk you away from this mayhem?" he asked Melissa.  "I seem to recall him telling me something about a dance."

"He promised me one and I owe him a few, but I'm sure the parties will be going for a while.  I'm not worried."

"As well you shouldn't, just like you don't need to be muddling around with us old timers."  He placed a hand on Hayden's shoulder and looked at him in a way much more serious than Melissa expected.  "The limo is waiting for you outside, show this lady the evening she deserves."

"What about you and Natalie?" Hayden questioned.

"Don't worry about us, we'll be with one of these guys," he said waving his finger around the surrounding crowd. 

"Shawn and I are headed out with Susan," Natalie added, referring to Susan Sarandon to whom she had become quite close.  "No need to worry about us either."

"See, I told you," George finished.  "Now don't argue.  Go.  Have fun."
 
Hayden let go of Melissa's hand long enough to shake Georges and thank him.  She could feel herself blush slightly as they said their goodbyes and made their way out of the theater.  She felt safe and protected on Hayden's arm.  It was a feeling she wasn't used to, but enjoyed just the same. 

As they walked out of the theater and back along the red carpet, the moon was full and illuminating the night sky.  Hayden reached over to cover Melissa's hand with his own once more, taking his time getting to the waiting car, savoring every moment of this enchanting night.

*****

The ride to the party passed quickly, Hayden keeping Melissa's hand in his, letting it go only long enough to leave the limo and extend it to her once more to help her out.

"Where are we?" she wondered.

"The In-Style party, hosted by Elton John," Hayden answered.  "I hope it's ok, a friend suggested it."

"As long as you're here, I'm sure it will be great."

With smiles that out shined the photographer's flash bulbs, the two headed inside. 
 "Do you ever get used to this?" she asked innocently.

"Get used to what?"

"Being around all these stars."

"I'll worry when I do get used to it, so far that's not a problem.  I spend just as much time in awe as the next guy.  Does it bother you, being here?"

"Not really," the concern in his voice causing her to explain further.  "They're just regular people with famous names, right?"

"Exactly," he smiled.  "Now, are you ready for a spin around the floor?"

"Lead the way."

Leading Melissa toward the dance floor, Hayden was happy to hear a slow song start up.  Their first dance together had been too fast to really hold her, yet he remembered every moment that he did.  If he could make just one wish tonight, it would be for a string of slow songs to occupy them through the evening, but he was pleased with one to start it off.

The soft sound of violins started the song as he pulled her close to him and began to move with the music.  There was no awkwardness between them, only the graceful motions of two people completely in tune with the other.

"I like the feel of your name on my lips,
And I like the sound of your sweet gentle kiss
The way that your fingers run through my hair
And how your scent lingers even when you're not there..." *

The pair continued their dance, their eyes locked on one another in a gaze of admiration and wonder as they swept across the floor.  They were sorry to hear the song end, but something cold to drink sounded good, so the two made their way to the bar.  Hayden laughed slightly at Melissa's choice of drinks.

"Cherry coke?" he asked.

"I don't drink much, it makes me sleepy and the very last thing I want to do tonight is get sleepy," she explained.  "Besides, have you ever had a real cherry coke?"

"I can't say that I have actually."

"Then say no more," she said, ordering one for Hayden and watching intently as he took a sip.

"Wow!  That's sweet!" taking another drink he added, "but really good!"

"Wow, hitting the hard stuff are ya?" came a deep voice from behind Melissa.

"Kevin!" Hayden stood up and took a step forward to accept an outstretched hand.  "Just trying out a real cherry coke.  I think I can feel my teeth rotting out," he smirked.  "Kevin, I'd like you to meet my friend Melissa.  Melissa Hamilton...Kevin Kline."

Melissa tried to breathe, repeating over and over in her head that they were normal people with famous names.  It wasn't working.  She was a big fan of Kevin's and she hoped her uneasiness wasn't as visible as it felt.

"It's very nice to meet you Mr. Kline, I love your movies," she finally sputtered out.

"Thank you," he offered in return.  "But call me Kevin.  Anytime anyone says Mr. Kline I start looking for my dad.  Try and keep this guy under wraps, he's a wild man waiting to get out."

"Oh really?" she smiled.  "Well, I don't have any plans of letting him get away from me tonight."

"That's the best thing I've heard all day," grinned Hayden, causing them all to chuckle.

Kevin said his good-byes before moving on through the crowd.  Hayden and Melissa followed soon after, making their way back toward the dance floor, but stopping along the way to talk to those who wanted to say hello.  The evening seemed to fly by, each finding they were happiest when slow songs would play.  Fast songs were fun, but the slow ones gave them a chance to be close.  As they made their way back onto the floor, Hayden knew the evening was winding down, simply by the amount of people leaving.  It was now or never, he thought.

The subtle moan of a steel guitar and a slow deep beat of a bass drum started the next song.  Hayden had always held Melissa rather formally when they danced, his arm around her waist, her hand in his.  This time he needed something more, some way to show her what he was feeling.  He brought her close to him again, putting both arms around her waist and was elated when she followed his lead, putting her arms around his neck and resting her head on his chest.

"We go to a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me
And then she asks me
Do you feel all right
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight" **

"Melissa?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she whispered back.

"Will you go out with me?"

"I am out with you," she pulled her head back to look up at him.

"Not like this," he explained.  "A real date, where I pick you up and there are no tuxedos, and no paparazzi."

"Would we be able to include no high heels in that arrangement?  I'm finding myself missing my sneakers."

"I think we could amend the agreement to include comfortable shoes," he smirked.

"Then count me in," she beamed.  "Do you have a day in mind?"

"What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Nothing yet, but I sense that's about to change."

"If you can give me the whole day, it is.  Say, 9:30ish till...whenever?"

"I'd say it's a date then," she answered, resting her head back against his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart.

"And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight"

Speaking along with the last line of the song and running his hand over Melissa's long hair, Hayden whispered, "Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight..."

With the end of the song, they reluctantly made their way back to the limo for the ride to Melissa's hotel.  There were no words necessary between the two as they climbed into the car.  Hayden put his arm around Melissa's shoulders as she snuggled into him, resting her head against him. 

As they walked through the hotel in the early hours of the morning, they said nothing, simply walked arm in arm wishing the night wasn't over.  It had been the night Melissa had dreamed of and the one Hayden had hoped for.  Arriving at the door to Melissa's room, Hayden drew her in for hug, running his hands up her back, wanting to hold her as much as he could.

"Tomorrow at 9:30 then?" she asked.  "In my sneakers?"

Everything she did made him smile.  "Yep, and whatever you usually wear to be comfortable outside on a spring day."

"Sounds like a perfect day."

"Its going to have a hard time beating out the perfect time I had tonight," he whispered, moving one hand up to cup her face, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb.  "I'm not sure if having a better day is possible."

"Anything is possible if you want it badly enough," she said, moving her hands inside Hayden's jacket and resting them on his waist, feeling the heat of his body through his shirt.

"Anything?" he asked.  His eyes bearing the very depths of his soul into hers, he bent down and softly kissed her lips. Her legs weakening, Melissa was grateful he was holding her close.  Never before had she felt so much in one soft kiss, so many promises of things to come, so many emotions yet to express.

"Absolutely," she breathed.

"Good," he grinned back, his thumb still stroking her cheek.  "I'll see you in a few hours and we'll see if that's true."

With another kiss, he bid her goodnight and sweet dreams.  She wasn't sure what she would dream of, most of them had just come true.

* "I Love The Way You Love Me" by Boyzone
** "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton

*Part 12

Having been unsuccessful in her subtle attempts to wake Beth, Melissa had curled up with Kona taking only moments to drift into a peaceful sleep.  A mere four hours later, the morning sun would find them both in the same position.  The light in the room revealed Beth's evening, books and notes completely covered the table by the window; remnants of left over Chinese take out littered the nightstand.  Beth always studied hard often-forgoing sleep, joking that it would prepare her for life as an intern.  Feeling badly about having tried to wake her, Melissa decided to do whatever she could to let her sleep.

Walking quietly toward the bathroom she passed her plum gown hanging in the open closet, the details of her incredible night flashing back, the very memories giving her chills.  Alas, daydreaming would have to wait.  Kona was bouncing around the room, ready for their run and Melissa needed to get her out of the small room before she woke up Beth.  Donning a large t-shirt, gray spandex running pants, and her favorite running shoes, they slipped silently out the door. 

Finishing their run, she and Kona returned an hour later with two lattes from the hotel coffee shop.  Melissa was thrilled to see her friend finally awake, even if she was back in front of her books again.

"How did I know you'd be studying?" she asked sarcastically.

"Better yet, how did you know I'd need a latte?  Oh bless you," Beth gushed.

"Chinese take out will only get you so far.  Besides, I was really loud coming in last night and you didn't flinch.  If you were that tired last night, history dictates that you'd be dragging today."

"Loud huh?  Loud as in 'had company' kind of loud?" Beth asked suggestively.

"BETH!" Melissa exclaimed. 

"Well?"

Melissa simply couldn't stop her face from blushing or the smile from creeping back to her lips.  "He walked me to the door," she said meekly.

"...and?"

"You have to hear the whole story Beth, not just the end.  That's like reading the last page of a book first!"

"So tell me then!"

"Ok, but you have to listen while I take a shower because he'll be here in an hour to pick me up."

The look on Beth's face was priceless, a perfect mixture of happiness and dismay.  "Pick you up?  It must have been some evening to keep it going into today!"

"We're going out on a date," she mumbled, "he asked me last night."

"Did I miss something?  Weren't you already on a date...last night?"

"Beth!  The story, you need to hear the story!"

"So tell me already!" she said following her seemingly lost friend around the room.  "What are you looking for?  You're walking around like a lost puppy."

Melissa looked up at her friend, eyes glistening with tears not yet cried.  "I had the most perfect night of my life, Beth.  It was amazing...he was amazing."

"Then wander around no more," she said, taking Melissa by the shoulders and guiding her into the bathroom, not leaving until the shower was going.  "Get in and start filling me in on the details."

For the next hour, Melissa told the stories of the night prior while preparing for the day ahead.  Beth sat on the corner of the bed, listening intently and slowly working the puzzles of the evening, matching stories to the coverage she had watched on television.  In the end, depending solely on Melissa's attention to detail, painting pictures of her own of the two of them dancing and of their goodnight kisses outside the door.  

"I'm sorry," Melissa said, poking her head from around the corner.  "I'm an idiot.  Do you mind that I'm going out today?  You must be tired of being cooped up in here with Kona by now."

"Don't give that a second thought," she said in all sincerity.  "I'm no where near done studying and Kona forces me to take breaks when she needs a walk.  You go and have a great time."

With that, a soft knock came from the door and Beth watched as Melissa lit up when she opened it revealing an equally cheerful Hayden.  This was the first time Beth had ever met him, and having only seen magazine photos previously, was taken aback by his attire.  A simple white polo shirt hung from his shoulders and over the top of his khaki colored cotton pants, which were rolled up at the bottoms around his sneakers.  He hadn't been joking when he told Melissa casual.  She had wondered about Melissa's choice of an olive colored tank top with white cotton cargo pants and her running shoes, but it seemed like a good decision now.

Hayden shook hands with Beth after Melissa had introduced them, and knelt down to rub Kona's ears.  They talked as Melissa finished putting on her shoes, images flashing through Beth's mind of how this handsome man had swept her friend completely off her feet just a few hours before.

"Melissa said you were studying?" Hayden asked Beth, "If you can spare the day, you're welcome to come with us."

"Thanks, but I really do have to study.  Have extra fun for me, doing whatever it is that you have planned for today."

Saying their goodbyes to Beth and Kona, the two left the hotel room and only made it a few yards down the hallway before Hayden stopped and pulled Melissa into a lingering hug.  "That was the slowest seven hours of my life," he said, hugging a little firmer as he spoke.

"What you needed was a friend who wanted to know all the details, it makes the time go a lot faster.  A morning jog, hot shower and the stories from last night and you were at my door." 

"I'll have to remember that," he smirked.  "Are you ready?"

"Lead on valiant prince," she joked, pestering him about where they were going during the walk to the parking lot.

Waiting for them in the front the hotel was a bright red convertible Mustang.  "My noble steed," he said motioning to the car.

"Wow!  Nice ride!"

"Well, I'll thank my manager, she arranged for me to use it while I'm in town.  Do you want me to put the top up?" he asked, opening the door for her.

"No way!" she said producing a baseball cap from her back pocket and sweeping her hair up under it before putting it on.  "I'm good to go."

"Then we're off," he said, closing her door and climbing into the drivers seat.

They drove for nearly an hour, listening to the radio and trying to determine who could tell the worst joke.  Hayden was fascinated at how different Melissa was.  She had been demure and elegant just the night before, but as he watched her singing along with the radio wearing sneakers and a baseball cap, somehow he found her even more attractive.
 
Hayden finally took a freeway off ramp and Melissa immediately knew where they were.

"Oh...no way!  Are we going where I think we're going?" she exclaimed, bouncing a bit in her seat.

Hayden couldn't help but grin as he turned to look at her, his eyes bright even under the shade of his blue baseball cap.  He said nothing, only drove toward the parking lot entrance.

"Disneyland...I can't believe we're going to Disneyland!"

"Is that ok?" he asked, his voice a bit tentative.

"Are you joking?!" she beamed.  "I absolutely love this place!"

"I've never been - feel like being my guide?"

"Not a problem!  For a bonus I'll even bore you with useless Disney trivia," she laughed.

"I can't imagine being with you could ever be boring," he said as he pulled into an empty parking space and turned off the engine.

Melissa took a travel size bottle of sun block out from one of her pockets and began coating her shoulders.  "I burn faster than toast," she laughed, getting out of the car.  "If you turn around I'll do the back of your neck, lobster red doesn't strike me as your best color."  Figuring she was probably right, he soon felt the coolness of the lotion on his neck, massaged in by gentle fingers.

"Melissa, can I ask you something?"

"Sure..."

"Did any part of last night make you feel, well...uncomfortable?"  His voice sounded a bit unsure; like he was asking a question he didn't really want the answer to.  An uncertainly only heightened for him by the feeling of Melissa removing her fingers from his skin.

He had caught her off guard, but at least it was an answer she knew she could give honestly, without thought.  Still standing behind him, she slipped her hands on his waist, quietly remembering how holding him had felt when he kissed her, feeling the slight bumps of his ribs.  "No," she said simply.  "I can think of a lot of ways to describe last night, but uncomfortable isn't one of them."

He turned around to face her, a look of relief plainly evident on the smooth features of his face.  His confidence crept back when Melissa left her hands resting on his waist, the simple pressure against his shirt enough to make his world spin.  "Really?" he questioned.  "I was thinking mostly of the way the night ended."

"Well, maybe if you reminded me," she offered with a devilish curl to her lips, "I could confirm that."

He took a step closer to her, their bodies resting against each other, one hand cupping her face as the other wrapped around her waist.  "Seems to me, it was something like this," he whispered as he slowly bent forward, brushing his lips against hers.  Even after his lips had lost contact, he remained close to her, savoring the effortless delight that came from just holding her.

"Oh...I remember now," she said looking up, her eyes telling his that she was no longer joking.  "Definitely NOT uncomfortable."

"Maybe I should check back occasionally," he smiled, "just to make sure."

"Sounds like a good plan to me," Melissa paused, wondering if they couldn't just stand there together all day.  "Would you like to see Disneyland in between checks?"

"If you're ready to lead me around," he joked.

"I think I can navigate us around fairly well.  Are you ready for a whole day with me that doesn't involve dancing, high heals or television cameras?"

"If you are..."

With that, the two adjusted their caps and walked hand in hand toward the entrance, ready for some good old-fashioned fun.