I Met Her On the Balcony

by Sandra Corton

  “Hey, Ash, sorry, but I just had to tell my brother that he didn’t irk in his duties as my brother. It was kind of weird,” she muttered, as she got into the car.

  “If you think he feels guilty… well, he’s not the only one,” Ash let out a sigh, as he steered the car onto the road.

  “What do you mean?” She asked in confusion.

  “I left you here without any protection. It’s my fault that horrible woman even came back into your life. If you had never met me…” He trailed off, looking just as sad as Daz did, while Lucy felt her anger bubble finally burst.

  “Stop this car right now!” She said ferociously. Ash looked at her, and the fury on her face shocked him. “Don’t you dare ask questions, just do as I bloody well say.” She demanded. He pulled over on the outskirts of town and looked at her.

  “What is…?”

  “Get out!” She pointed to the door, and Ash quickly did as she asked.

  She followed him out, and slammed the door behind her. Ash winced at the treatment to his poor car, but the rage in Lucy’s eyes scared him too much to say anything. She stalked over to where he was leaning against the car and faced him.

  “Do you regret, for one minute, anything that has happened between us?” She demanded, as she stared into his eyes, and awaited an answer.

  “No, I love you, and even if we haven’t had every moment perfect, I wouldn’t change it.” He told her truthfully.

  “Then why would you say something like that? Would you really rather that we had never met?” She prodded a finger into his chest, her face full of hurt, and he realised what he had inadvertently said.

  “Come here, Belle,” He crooked a finger at her, sent her a warm smile, but she just glared. “I need to explain what I meant to say.” He reached out a hand to her, but she refused to move.

  “Then tell me!”

  “You are one stubborn girl,” he mumbled, before looking at her and catching her eye. “I’ve been feeling bad about everything that happened to you, just like Daz. Meeting you that night has become the single most important moment of my life. You made my life better Lucy, and even with all this Crystal stuff… well if you can deal with it, than so can I. It doesn’t stop me feeling guilty for all you had to suffer, but my demons for yours, remember. Now, please come here.” He pointed to directly in front of him, and Lucy finally conceded.

  “Can you please stop thinking that you’re at fault here? It’s bad enough getting it from my family. As I said to Daz, there is only one person to blame. Her name is Crystal Weinburner and nobody else.” Lucy said firmly, before she grasped his hand.

  “Okay, I get it.” He said, as he tugged on her hand, and she fell into his embrace.

  He simply held her for a few minutes, needing to know that she was secure in his arms. Her vanilla, cinnamon scent surrounded him, as he reverently kissed the side of her neck. She shivered, as she felt his teeth nip against her skin. He turned her, so she backed against the car, and then he kissed her, and tightened his hold in her.

  “We have to go to my house for dinner tonight, but we have a few hours before then,” Lucy whispered in his ear, and felt his smile rather than saw it.

  “I wonder what we should do to occupy our time,” he teased, as he bit gently on her ear lobe, making her gasp.

  “Well, if you don’t say anything else stupid today, then we could keep doing what we are doing right now.” She whispered, as her fingers slid under his shirt.

  A loud wolf whistle echoed around, distracting their attention. Lucy looked around to see Ren and Col, hanging out of their friend’s car windows, as they slowed down to drive past. A blush stained Lucy's face, before she rolled her eyes at their silliness.

  “Hey, why don’t we ever get a ride in your awesome car?” Ren called out, as Lucy slid her fingers around to his back. Her friends couldn’t see what she was up to from there. Ash choked on his words, as Lucy’s hands went wild.

  “Well, that would be because you losers have never asked,” Ash managed to get the words out.

  “I believe I just did,” Ren said snootily.

  Ash stifled a groan at Lucy’s ministrations. The boys drove off with a roar, and a laugh, leaving them alone. Ash quickly snatched at her roaming hands, feeling that he was losing control. He pulled open her door, and ushered her in. She sent him an innocent look, which he didn’t believe for a second, as he got behind the wheel and drove home.

  Lucy groaned, as she looked at the time. They had to get up and moving, her family were expecting them for dinner. She pushed at Ash’s shoulder, but he didn’t budge. She admired him, as she pushed into a sitting position. She trailed her fingers along the corded muscles of his back.

  “God, Belle, seriously?” Ash muttered into his pillow, and Lucy gave a wicked giggle. She had made sure that their few short hours together were incredibly productive.

  “We have to go to dinner,” she told him, and it was his turn to groan.

  “Ugh, do we have to?” He asked sullenly, making Lucy laugh.

  “Yes, of course, we have to. I don’t need my family more freaked out about anything else.” She told him seriously.

  “Okay, okay, just give me a minute.”

  When a minute became half an hour, Lucy just sighed. Finally, he was ready and they drove over to see her family. Everyone came out of the house to greet them, with only Belinda sending them a questioning smirk. Lucy ran up to change out of her uniform, while she left Ash talking with her Dad. At the knock on her door, she looked up to see Belinda entering.

  “I know we haven’t had this conversation much before, but you guys are using protection?” She asked in concern, as she watched Lucy look through her wardrobe.

  “Mum!” Lucy gasped, as she tugged a shirt over her head.

  “I’m happy to do the lecture, Lucy,” Belinda warned her.

  “Fine, yes we are,” Lucy answered, as her face went beet red.

  “That’s all I needed to know. You know if you want to talk about that stuff or what happened the other day, I'm always here.” Belinda pulled her in for a hug.

  "I know, Mum, thanks." Lucy smiled.

  "I'll keep it secret too, if that's what you want." Belinda assured her, before leaving and going downstairs.

  Lucy stared into her mirror for a moment, wondering what had given her away. She didn’t think she looked any different. Maybe her eyes did appear a bit glazed, and she had a happy smile on her face. She let out a groan, as she noticed the huge bruise on her neck. Well, that probably hadn’t helped things either.

  “You look beautiful,” Ash said from the doorway, and she turned to peer at him.

  “Considering that I just escaped a lecture about using protection…” She sent him a look, and was surprised when his face tinged pink.

  “You know I just got the same thing from your Dad. I wonder if they are going to compare stories.” Ash let out a chuckle, while Lucy slapped a hand to her head.

  “Sorry about that,” She muttered in embarrassment.

  “Hey, at least they care.” Ash said with a shrug.

  He held his arms open to her, and she ran across the room, and let him catch her. He was laying tiny nipping kisses down her throat, when Belinda called them down for dinner. Ash let out a grumble, and refused to let her go.

  “You guys and your PDA’s. I’d say get a room, but there’s one right there.” Penny teased them, as she went to walk past. Lucy poked her tongue out at her and Penny giggled. Belinda called out again, and the three finally went downstairs.

  The table was quiet, as they all handed around the platters of food. Lucy began to worry when things remained silent. Her parents sent her an indescribable look, and Lucy felt her hunger leave her.

  “What is it?” She asked quietly, as she fiddled with her fork.

  “We wanted to talk to you about what happened on the weekend,” Bill said, and Lucy went still. She sent a quick glance to Belinda, who had just mentioned the same thing upstairs.

  “
If you two are going to be together, then you have to realise that there will always be more Crystal’s out there,” Belinda looked between Ash and Lucy, who was surprised when he just smiled.

  “It’s already set up. I just didn’t want to tell Lucy, and have her yell at me about it,” Ash told her parents, who simply both nodded, and smiled in relief at him.

  “What are you talking about?” Lucy turned to him and he quickly filled his mouth with food. Her eyes narrowed, and her foot started tapping. “I can wait, Ashton,” she assured him with a grim expression, and he quickly swallowed.

  “Um… well, as long as you know that it’s only for your protection.” He babbled looking everywhere but at her.

  “Explain,” Her voice turned harsh, and she noticed Daz’s grin, which just made her frown.

  “Don’t you wonder how the press have no idea what happened?” Daz interjected, and Lucy realised that she hadn’t honestly thought about it before now.

  “Tell me.” Lucy demanded.

  “I kind of set up the whole town with security.” Ash said it quickly, and waited for her reaction.

  “Oh, that’s the strange cars I’ve seen around town,” Penny piped up, and Ash nodded.

  “That makes sense to me.” Lucy said with a shrug, and Ash let out a breath. He had expected more of a fight from her.

  “And when Sam’s better, he’s going to be your bodyguard.” Ash stated, and Lucy sent him a startled look.

  “I’m not the famous one here.” She pointed out.

  “You’re his girlfriend, which puts you in the same category.” Daz argued, and Lucy eyed him sternly.

  “Fine.” She said, before turning back to her dinner.

  It was something she had been certain would have to happen eventually anyway. Due to Crystal’s interference, it just came sooner than expected. She looked over at Ash who still seemed worried. She reached under the table, and clasped his hand.

  In surprise, he returned her glance only to find her smiling at him. He knew then that she had accepted his extreme measures to keep her safe.

  “I get it.” She said softly, as she leaned closer to him, and he returned her smile.

  Everything had slotted into place far better than he thought it would. He squeezed her hand, and was glad that for all that had gone wrong in his life, to lead up to this moment. Life may still be far from normal, but he had found an enduring happiness, and love, right here with his beautiful Belle.

  Epilogue

  2 years later

  Music thundered into the cheering crowd, as a voice unlike any other engulfed her, mesmerised her. She was lost. He was stunning, even more so as he stood on that stage, and took everyone on a journey with his songs.

  He’s mine, Lucy thought, as she admired him from her place in the VIP stands. Penny stood next to her, beaming wildly. She was singing out the lyrics, and dancing along attracting every guy’s eye like normal. This time it was at least familiar faces. Ash’s friends made their way over to Lucy, with broad grins on their faces.

  “Hey, you!” Daniel shouted out, and Lucy returned his greeting.

  “And who exactly is this?” Quinn pointed to Penny, looking like his eyes might pop out of his skull. Lucy tugged on Penny’s arm to get her attention, but she just turned to glare at her sister.

  “Hey, he might be your boyfriend, but I can still like his songs,” Penny insisted with a shout.

  Lucy rolled her eyes, as she pointed to Quinn, and the others behind her. Penny stopped moving, which wasn’t just because the song conveniently finished. She recognised the group of guys standing behind Lucy.

  “Wow! You know Destiny’s End.” Penny said in her sister’s ear excitedly.

  “Yeah, they are all Ash’s friends. Come over here, and I’ll introduce you,” Lucy had completely tuned out the concert, as she introduced Penny to the very curious guys.

  “Damn, Lucy, you need to listen to this.” Penny cursed under her breath. She had missed her cue, and Ash would be so mad at her later.

  “What?” Lucy turned to her sister, who was pointing frantically at the stage.

  “C'mon, Belle, you haven’t got a shy bone in your body so get that cute little booty of yours up here.” Ash called to her on the microphone, and the whole crowd went quiet.

  “What the hell?” Lucy went still, while Penny pushed her from behind.

  It wasn’t until the spotlight hit her face, and blinded her that everything came together. Ash had planned something. That was why he had told her that, out of all his concerts, she had to come to this one. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy his concerts, but the screaming fans became a bit much sometimes.

  “Get moving, Lucy.” Penny shoved her in the arm, while Lucy felt uncertain. Once the crowd started chanting her name, it seemed that she had no choice in the matter.

  “I think I hear your name being called.” Sam grinned at her, as he led her onto the stage.

  The heat of the lighting was almost unbearable, as she nervously walked over to a beaming, rather sweaty Ash. She sent him a questioning look, but he just returned her one of his heated stares. The crowd hushed expectantly, and Lucy tried to look beyond the glare of the lights to what was going on.

  “Now, everybody here knows that this is my beautiful girlfriend Lucy.” Ash said, while hoots and hollers went through the crowd.

  “What are you doing?” She whispered to him, but he just sent her a sexy wink.

  Dave, one of the other guitarists, placed a stool in front of Lucy, and smiled mischievously. Lucy was feeling a bit perturbed by this time, but she sat down on the seat provided. She turned expectantly to Ash, who was still keeping quiet. The lights dimmed, spotlighting only the two of them, and once again, the huge audience hushed. They seemed to know what was happening far more than she did.

  “I bet all my fans out there remember my song, ‘I met her on the balcony’,” The crowd cheered before silencing. “I bet you didn’t know that was the first song I ever wrote about Lucy.” Ash looked into her confused sky blue eyes, and could only smile.

  “I did!” Penny shouted from down in the audience, and Ash chuckled.

  “Yeah, well you were the only one, Penny.” Ash said looking towards the girl who had become like a sister to him.

  In the dimmed lights, he could see that she stood with his friends. He was surprised to see Quinn watching her every move. Cheery blondes were never really his type of girl, but it seemed that something had struck him about her.

  He turned back to his beautiful girlfriend, and took a deep breath. He had been waiting to ask her this question for such a long time now. He could feel his nerves failing him, but he sucked in a breath, and forced some calm into his mind.

  He had a backup plan, which everybody knew about. He strummed his guitar lightly with the beginning melody of the song he had originally written for her. He smiled at her, and she just watched him curiously.

  Lucy had no clue as to why she was on stage, or why everyone that knew her was watching her every move so expectantly. From Ash’s band members, who had been playing with him since he started his career, to Sam, and apparently even her sister.

  Ash caught her eye with his, as he played her song to her. He sang the words so sweetly. His mellow voice reminding her of every other moment that he had ever sung to her. She felt tears fill her eyes at the words, which she still found hard to believe he had wrote for her.

  The cheer of the audience, as they sang along buoyed her. His fans accepted her as a part of his life, which had always made things better for them. Lucy believed that it was the normal girl having a rock star boyfriend that appeased them.

  When Ash stopped playing, and swung his guitar around to his back by its strap, she watched intently. The huge crowd went deathly silent, as though waiting for something dramatic, and Lucy couldn’t understand what. He winked one golden eye at her, teasing her, drawing things out excruciatingly.

  She could sense how nervous he was, had been since she got onstage. She
could only wonder why. He was in his element here. Whenever she came to watch him live, she had always been mesmerised by his on stage persona. Never once, had she seen him this edgy on stage, and the expectation that seemed to surround them both was driving her crazy.

  He reached out a hand to her, so that she slipped off the stool to stand in front of him. When one of the band members handed him something, Lucy tried to see, but he hid it behind his back before she could.

  He dropped to one knee in front of her, and Lucy caught her breath, she was certain that the whole crowd did. She looked down at him, feeling tears of joy slide down her cheeks. Was he really going to do this here, in front of all these people?

  “Lucy Jean McConnell, I have loved you from the first moment you broke into my room, and acted like it was a normal occurrence. From when you punched my brother in the face for acting like a jerk, you kept on surprising me. I love you so much sometimes that I finally understand the saying of love hurts. Every minute I have with you is more precious than the last. Will you please marry me?” He asked lovingly, and Lucy felt her breath whoosh from her lungs.

  He clasped her hands, as he showed her what he had hidden earlier. It was a ring box, and in it was the most wonderful, exquisite ring that she had ever seen. It was a rose gold band with an intricately placed beautiful golden coloured stone, which reflected the colour of Ash’s eyes perfectly.

  Her heart melted, as she looked at that tiny piece of jewellery. She knew that Ash had picked it, because it was simple and understated, but it was perfect. She was never one for gaudy jewellery, and he knew that. He had chosen a ring that would constantly remind her of him, whenever she looked at it.

  She hadn’t realised how long she had stood there, until she noticed a worried look enter Ash’s eyes. She smiled at him with all the emotion her heart was threatening to burst with, and squeezed the hand he was holding. He knew everything was fine, even if she hadn’t said anything.

  “Are you ever going to answer me?” Ash asked, looking up at her.

  “You do know this is like the girlfriend question?” She asked, and he let out a laugh at the reminder of that day.