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Post by newestconvert on Mar 22, 2007 19:31:41 GMT -5
Nick leaves FC and starts walking along the street. He is still wrestling with the anger, embarrassment and hurt that he may well have been taken in by Brooke. There is a part of him, he reasons with himself, that doesn't want to believe Brooke capable of hurting him this way but Taylor was convinced. She thought him naive. Maybe he was, he thought, to use the designs. But the lawyers cleared it. They couldn't be wrong, could they? Unless Brooke had paid them off! Dammit, he thought, he was starting to think like Stephanie and that pained him. No, he'd have to find Brooke and ask her. But how? How to get Bridget or Donna to tell him where she was without raising concern or a red flag. He didn't think he could get the information he needed without alerting them to his anger. Surely, if they knew he was angry and looking for Brooke they would call and warn her. That wouldn't do. He wanted to confront her unexpectedly...catch her off guard. get to the truth. He hated to do it but he'd have to ask Jackie to find out where Brooke was. He didn't like to use his own mother this way but she'd understand in the end. Yes Jackie could get the information but Taylor had to keep their discovery to herself otherwise his mother might balk. He turned back to return to FC and make sure that Taylor didn't give away their secret......
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Post by newestconvert on Mar 24, 2007 7:55:31 GMT -5
A week passes as Brooke begins torelax in St. John while Nick quietly works to find out her exact location. In St. John, Sam has managed to somehow see Brooke every day, either running into her and the children on the beach, sharing a casual dinner on two more occasions or stopping in to offer some bit of news or to borrow some sugar. Katherine, of course, sees right through Sam's maneuvers and is secretly pleased by them. She, herself, is totally charmed by this handsome man who appears to have a real fondess for the children and for Brooke. Perhaps fondness is too weak a word, Katherine thought smilingly. When he is with Brooke, he rarely takes his eyes off of her and if he does, they quickly find their way back. Katherine, couldn't be happier about this turn of events although she admits that Brooke is not ready for another relationship at this point. But, Katherine notes to herself, Brooke is sleeping better, seems more relaxed and, although still a bit too thin, she is getting some color back under her light tan. Yes, Katherine thought, Sam is just the tonic that her dear friend needs and she hopes his easy friendship with Brooke can continue once they return to LA. Meanwhile, Sam, too is thinking about Brooke and how he is already crazy about her. And who wouldn't be, he thought. Yes, she was beautiful but she was so warm and caring. He loved to watch her with the children and he secretly hoped that someday he would hear that warm tone in her voice directed at him. She was an incredible woman, professional, independent yet vulnerable, a combination that few men could resist. She was far to easy to offer forgiveness which had landed her in many of her hurtful relationships. It made men want to protect her and she needed a man to protect her although she would have been the last to admit it. Still, she was the kind of woman that made a man stand taller and straighten his tie when she walked into the room as he had witnessed the one night he had taken her and the children to a local restaurant. He had to bide his time, he thought, no matter how difficult. He might not have been the first man she was with but he wanted to be the last. So far he had been able to tamper down the passion that he felt towards her and he had kept things light and friendly. But when she was ready, he'd show her how deeply she affected him. Brooke smiled at the children playing on the beach. She loved all this time she had been spending with them. It made the heartache and embarrassment she had suffered over the past year seem almost worth it. She looked along the beach expecting to see Sam. He had a habit of showing up most days when she and the children were playing on the beach. Sam, she thought with a sigh. He was incredibly handsome, Brooke thought. Even a dead woman would have to notice that, and she was far from dead. No, she thought, not dead, but definitely hibernating. He was gentle and kind and he seemed to truly enjoy the children. She enjoyed his company far more than what made her comfortable but she was not, was NOT, ready for another relationship at this point. She just hoped Sam understood that. If he were smart he'd run as fast as he could in the opposite direction, she thought. She looked up and caught sight of him walking up the beach. Run! Run, Sam, she thought to herself. Instead of running, however, the man picked up his pace to reach the woman more quickly...
Back in LA. Jackie entered Nick's office. "I've got it, Nicky," she said. "Got what?" Nick asked distracted by his thoughts of the designs and the woman who had created them. "Brooke's address and phone number," she stated, "although I think you should leave her alone as you are so intent on moving on with Taylor." "Just want to know how Hope is, Mother," Nick lied feeling guilty. Jackie looked at her son's face intently. He's lying, she thought. But why?.......
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Post by newestconvert on Mar 27, 2007 16:26:32 GMT -5
That evening, Nick is getting ready to leave on the Marone jet for St. Thomas where he'll catch a ferry tomorrow to St John and hunt down Brooke. Taylor had begged him to go, wanting to see Brooke's face when she was confronted by her duplicity but Nick stand firm on his going alone. Taylor is not happy at this turn of events and Nick placates her, telling her that there are a LOT of jewelers on St. thomas and he plans to bring her back a present. A ring. Taylor fairly glows with glee and instructs Nick to make sure that Brooke understands where they stand as well. Nick promises but states that both he and Brooke have moved on. They are done. He kisses Taylor goodbye and heads to the airport, planning to make a red eye flight so he can get to St. John in time to see Brooke tommorrow.
At the hospital, Bridget is on the swing shift. She has already put in several hours in the maternity ward, having delivered 2 babies. Dr. Mungeon, Greg he told her to call him, had been wonderful. He was very careful with her feelings but was slowly exposing her to more births and pregnancy issues. Just that evening, they had worked together on a woman in labor who was having problems. It hadn't taken long for Greg to realize that the baby was already gone and would be stillborn. He had dismissed Bridget from her duties, explaining that she was free to go work in the file room, wanting to protect her. Bridget had demanded the full story and although tempted to retreat to the file room had looked Greg in the eye and told him that she wanted to stay....needed to stay...and that she might be of some help afterwards. They had delivered the baby together and watched while the neonatal team had tried their best to revive the infant, to no avail. Bridget's heart bled for the woman and her husband. They held one another in their grief as Greg explained that the baby had apparently died some time ago in the womb.
Bridget fled the scene unable to confront her own emotions at that moment. She ended up in the file room where she grabbed a stack of files and sat down to organize them. Greg followed her to make sure she was ok. Bridget looked up with tears in her eyes and asked him if it ever got any easier. Greg sat on the edge of the desk in front of her and told her that no, it didn't. That you had to focus on the life that was happening whenever you could and pray that people, like those they had treated tonight, would have another chance. He reached out and stroked her cheek telling her that she was getting better though sometimes it might not seem like it and that he was proud of her for staying there for the delivery. He got up to leave and turned at the door and asked if she'd like to have dinner on their night off. Bridget blushed and decided that dinner with a handsome doctor was just what she needed. Once alone she glanced down at the files realizing she had picked up her own as well as her mother's. How strange, she thought, that they would be close together......
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Post by karen3012 on Mar 28, 2007 2:09:36 GMT -5
Thank you so much for continuing this. This is the first section on TSM I go to nowadays. I am really getting curious what Bridget will be finding in this file room . And I can't wait for Nick to get to St John.
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Post by am755 on Mar 28, 2007 11:17:47 GMT -5
I LOVE Fan Fic... Keep up the good work. FYI...there are some great Fan Fic stories on Dot's fan fic site...
http:/brookelogan.proboards42.com
(I hope it's ok to link to her site)
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Mar 28, 2007 22:44:31 GMT -5
I am enjoying your story, too, NC! ;D
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Post by newestconvert on Mar 31, 2007 15:29:55 GMT -5
I swear a new chapter is coming as soon as I can type it in. it's already written.. ..things are heating up...
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Post by Donna on Mar 31, 2007 16:49:43 GMT -5
Cant wait!!!
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Post by newestconvert on Apr 1, 2007 7:32:06 GMT -5
Brooke smilingly arranged the flowers she bought that morning at the market and set out tumblers and the bottle of Scotch that she knew Sam liked to drink in preparation for their dinner later that evening. At Katherine's behest, she had let her take the children over to St. Thomas for shopping and an overnight adventure. She had hesitated a little, not because she didn't trust Katherine, but because she feared she would be dreadfully lonely without her babies. But then Sam had called as if on cue and she had invited him for dinner, to pay him back for his kindness and hospitality. She would be leaving St. John in in a few weeks and would miss her new friend. She had walked down to the ferry with Katherine and the children that morning and picked up supplies for dinner on her way home. All things considered, she was feeling better than she had for quite sometime.
Nick arrived mid day on St. John and immediately checked into a small Inn relatively close to Brooke's rented villa. He had had all morning to go over things in his mind and no matter how he had gone through it, it all came out the same in his mind. Brooke was setting him up for a fall. Taylor was right. Speaking of Taylor, he had stopped at a jeweler in St. Thomas and picked up a diamond solitaire. Perhaps it was an impulse buy spurred on by his anger at Brooke, but it was time for him to move on and move on with Taylor. He touched the small box in his pocket and smiled for a moment. He sobered asking the Inn keeper how to get to the Villa. Easier by road, she told him, but he could get there by the beach as well. He chose to go the short distance on foot and by road, not wanting to waste time getting lost in the number of stairs leading up to numerous villas... The sun was sitting low in the sky as evening began to encroach on the sunshine of the day...
Brooke opened her door to an insistent ringing, thinking Sam must have gotten their dinner time mixed up. he wasn't due for over an hour yet. Nick stood in the doorway, impatient to be let in. He walked past a suprised Brooke and said, "Hello, Brooke. Suprised to see me?" Brooke was indeed suprised and stammered out a "yes" in response, confused by the apparent anger in Nick's voice. As far as she knew, they had left on a fairly neutral footing. "I'm suprised that you're suprised," Nick said sarcatically. "Did you think I'd just sit back and wait for you to drop the other shoe?" Nick begans to pace in anger. "Nick, I don't know what you are talking about. What are you doing here?" she asked still confused. "Oh, really....nothing. You know nothing! You know nothing about Forrester Creation's new anonymous designer?" he asked fury building in his voice. Brooke wasn't quite quick enough to hide the understanding that flickered in her eyes. "You have a new designer?" she asked turning away. Nick grabbed her arm and turned her back to him. "You know damn well I do! So, what was the plan Brooke? To wait until I had the designs made up or were you going to wait until the actual unveiling to show up and claim that I had stolen your designs?" he asked furiously. Brooke looked at Nick with hurt in her eyes. "No such thing, Nick! I would never do that to you!" "So, you don't deny this?" Nick continued. "You are behind this?" There is silence as Brooke considered her options. She sighed, resolved to tell the truth, at least part of it. "Nick, the designs are yours." Brooke said in resignation. "I want nothing in return..." "Since when?" Nick asked nastily. "There is always something with you. Always a trailer..." Brooke turned away again desperate to hide the hurt his words were inflicting. "I see Taylor has worked he magic," she said in a calm voice that cost her. "Dammit, Brooke. Leave Taylor out of this. This is between you and me!" he said grabbing her arm and jerking her to him. Brooke's eyes were sparkling with her own anger as she fell against Nick, off balance from his almost violent tug on her arm. As she opened her mouth to respond, she heard Nick groan in exasperation as he gaves into the passion bubbling just below the surface. Before she could get out a word he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her passionately. Brooke, suddenly overcome by the same feelings, kissed him backm meeting passion with passion. Suddenly, they couldn't get enough of one another, or get it fast enough. They began tearing at one anothers clothes anxious to feed this need for one another, so long denied, so long buried. Nick swept Brooke up into his arms and carried her up the stairs, still kissing her. Brooke pointed to her room and after kicking closed the door, they fell to the bed in a frenzy of passion, lost to all else except one another and an all-consuming passion.....
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Post by newestconvert on Apr 1, 2007 8:14:47 GMT -5
They lay side by side breathing fast, amazed and stunned by what had just happened. For a brief moment, Nick is hopeful that they can reconnect but as reason returns he chides himself and sits up on the edge of the bed, turning his back to Brooke. "That shouldn't have happened," he says cooly. Because his back is turned, he misses the hurt come into Brooke's eyes. She closes her eyes slowly, steadying her breathing and fighting back the tears. She will NOT cry over any man...ever again, she vows to herself. "You seem to have to say that a lot after sex, don't you Nick?" she replies in an equally cool voice. Nick's anger returns full force and he snaps, "I didn't hear you saying NO...in fact you were quite willing!" As soon as the words left his mouth Nick wished he could have recalled them. He had started this thing. It was unfair to lay it at Brooke's feet. A band tightened around Brooke's chest as she fought to stay in control of her emotions. She remained silent unable to deny what Nick had said. She had never felt ashamed with Nick before...she had always thought their relationship was different...but she supposed that it was inevitible that it should end up the same as all the rest of her relationships...with regrets, hurt and her own feeling of shame. He was right. This shouldn't have happened. She pushed back the shame telling herself that she would deal with it later. Nick kept his back to her while he dressed. Nick was unable to look at her, afraid that he would lose his resolve. Anger was his only protection against her right now and he held onto it like a dog with a bone. Brooke slipped out of the bed and began dressing as well. "So, this was part of the plan? First you ruin my company and then you go for my relationship with Taylor? Was that it Brooke?" he asked coldly. "I didn't hear you saying NO, in fact, you were quite willing!' she answered mimicking his very words to her. Dressed now, Brooke walked to the window. She knew she was close to coming undone with this man that she now knew, with complete conviction, she still loved. She had to get him out of here before she made a complete fool of herself, a habit she was determined to break when it came to men. "So what do you want Brooke? revenge or a cut?" he asked angered by her reminder of his weakness. "I told you downstairs Nick. I want nothing from you!" "And I told YOU downstairs that I didn't believe you. You always want or NEED something," Nick said, more angry now with himself than with her. The band around Brooke's chest tightened further, making it difficult for her to breathe. She was reminded for the millionth time in her life how much love hurt. Nick had never been truly unkind to her before but she supposed that too, like everything else, had changed. She laid her cheek against the cool glass of the window and prayed inwardly to God, to just this once, let her get through this with dignity. "Why would you do this if you didn't want something?" Nick asked again. Her silence was unnerving him. Concerned he finally turned to her and saw her with her head leaning against the window and without a vestige of color in her face. He took a step toward her, fighting the urge to pull her close in his arms and hold her until that look on her face went away. But he stood his ground and asked more quietly, "Why?" Brooke couldn't tell him that she still loved him. She couldn't. She pushed away from the window and turned to face him. With as much dignity as she could muster, she said, "I did it for Hope." "Hope?" Nick asks confused and unbelieving. "Yes, she loves you...you are her hero. She really needs a hero right now. I didn't want to see you belittled in her eyes. So I sent the designs to keep you afloat." Nick was silent for a moment. "You certainly didn't have much faith in my abilities, did you? I don't need your help!" he lied coldly, shutting down the surge of warmth her words had engendered. "Dammit Nick! Then shove the damned designs! I don't care anymore!" she said angrily starting to shake. "Are we through now? I have a date for dinner." That fact slammed Nick in the stomach. How dare she go from him to another man! "Yeah, we're through, alright" Nick said as he left the bedroom and scurried down the stairs. He strode to the door and opened it to find a tall, handsome man holding a bouquet of exotic lillies. Brooke caught up with Nick and caught sight of Sam in the doorway. The men stood for a moment sizing up one another, neither particularly liking what they saw. Sam glanced at Brooke, taking in her pale, disstressed face, he pushed past Nick into the room. "What's going on?" Sam asked concerned for Brooke. He took Brooke's hand and felt her trembling. His glance flashed back to Nick with an accusatory look. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Brooke? No?" Nick help out his hand. "I'm her ex-husband, Nick Marone. And you are?" "Samual Winston, Brooke's friend." he replied avoiding Nick's outstretched hand. "I see," said Nick suavely. "Well, I got what I came for," Nick finished smoothly, looking Brooke up and down intimately, and leaving Sam in no doubt of what had happened between them. Satisfied that he had ruined Brooke's date...possibly forever... he turned to leave. At the door he said to Brooke, "I'll send you a check. For serviced rendered...." He watched her face pale even more. "You know... the designs and all." He closed the door smartly on his nasty innuendo. Back in the room, Brooke slid bonelessly to the floor in a dead faint....
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Apr 1, 2007 13:21:34 GMT -5
The bastard! Thanks, NC! This is so good. ;D
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Post by Donna on Apr 1, 2007 14:34:26 GMT -5
OMG!!! (You are toooo good newestconvert!)
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Post by karen3012 on Apr 1, 2007 14:48:43 GMT -5
I can only join the others This is great newestconvert.
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Post by brickfan on Apr 1, 2007 15:17:31 GMT -5
:)This is so good Can't wait for the next chapter. Thanks NC ;D
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Post by newestconvert on Apr 1, 2007 19:20:47 GMT -5
Oh thank you! So glad you are liking it! I rushed to type it in this morning before heading to the baseball fields for day three of my son's tournament. His team took the championship! It was very exciting! I'll try to get one more chapter in before I head off on a mini vacation over easter break. can't have ya hatin' nick TOO much! lol...
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Apr 1, 2007 21:01:32 GMT -5
I always appreciate more of your great story ... .... but I also appreciate the fact you have a busy life! Not sure I could ever hate Nick ... but I certainly am annoyed with him right now! I bet it was exciting for you to watch your son's baseball team win! Good for them! ;D Thanks for sharing! ;D
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Post by brookennickfan on Apr 2, 2007 18:27:41 GMT -5
I don't to seem greedy or ungrateful but.... MORE, MORE, MORE please.
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Post by newestconvert on Apr 4, 2007 7:52:02 GMT -5
Nick leaned back against Brooke's door breathing heavily. He hadn't meant to say what he had but he had been so overcome by jealously when he saw the man, Sam, touch her, that it had just come out. He pushed away from the door in frustration and headed down the villa stairs to the beach below, starting back to the Inn. Nick struggled with his feelings, trying to calm his mind and look less emotionally at the afternoon's events. They shouldn't have made love, that was for sure, he thought to himself. Some would have called it sex vice making-love but for Nick, it was never just sex when Brooke was involved. He struggle again to repress the surge of jealousy he was still feeling. The man Sam was probably holding her hand or worse yet, maybe holding her in his arms, comforting her. Dammit, Nick muttered, filled with self disgust at what he had said to Brooke. He had wanted to hurt her in that moment and he was sure he had, leaving her to be comforted by someone else. He was ashamed that he had stooped to Stephanie's level to hurt her. But why, WHY would she have helped him? For Hope? He found that hard to believe. Suddenly his mind was filled with Hope's innocent and trusting face, and a moment in time when she had wrapped her little arms around his own neck telling him she loved him. The memory filled him with warmth and a surge of love for the little girl that he had also been trying to forget. In that moment, he considered that Brooke may have been telling the truth. He knew he would do anything for that little girl and Brooke was right. She had no doubt been through a rough time in recent weeks having to come to grips with yet another "daddy" disappointment. If what Brooke had said was true, then that made him one.... big.... jerk! Especially considering that he had initiated the first touch between them. The moment came back to him in an instant. It had been like match to tinder, neither having had the strength or inclination to stop the fire that had flared between them. But it HAD been a mistake........hadn't it? a little voice inside asked. Of course it was, he answered himself as the image of taylor flashed in his mind. His hand snaked into his pocket and he touched the ring that was still in there in its box. Yes..yes it had. But he would have to apologize for his parting comment to Brooke. he couldn't leave that hanging between them. He would go back...but he needed a drink first, he thought, entering the Inn and entering the bar area.
Sam caught Brooke before she had completely hit the ground. He lifted her in his arms and placed her on the sofa. He was angry. Angry with the man for hurting her, angry with her for letting him. It was obvious something had happened between them. As he leaned close he could still smell the man's aftershave hanging on her. He pushed the anger and disappontment back in his mind and let the doctor take over. He noted that she was pale and her skin a bit too cool and clammy for comfort. He covered her with a throw and stood up to get her something to drink. He caught sight of the whiskey and tumblers on the side board that Brooke had set out for him earlier that afternoon. He went over and poured 2 fingers in 2 glasses, drinking the first one himself. He wasn't much of a drinker and he had already learned that Brooke wasn't either but sometimes, alcohol was medicinal. He brought the drink back to Brooke as she struggled to sit up looking around vaguely confused. "Sam,...wwwhat happened?" she said still confused. Sam sat next to her and handed her the drink, telling her to drink it down. She downed the whiskey quickly, Sam noticed with a little admiration. Not many women could do that without a shudder. "What happened? Your ex-husband fired off one heck of a parting shot and you fainted dead at my feet, " Sam said a little curtly. It all came back to Brooke in a rush, the afternoon love-making, the argument, the insult. She glanced at Sam taking in his closed face. She sighed and looking away from Sam said, "I'm sorry...what you must think of me..." Sam reached out and turned her face to him and replied with supressed anger, "Don't look like that! And don't attribute thoughts or words to me that I am not feeling or thinking. I'm not him. I know something went on here today. It's obvious you two have unfinished business. You and I, we've only known each other for 3 weeks and while I'll admit that I harbor hopes that someday we can and will be more than just friends, I am under no illusions about that at this time. I can and will wait until you get this man out of your system and things are finally over for good." "Things ARE over for good, Sam. Today proved that. Things just.... got out of control," Brooke thought that the last part was an understatement. She stood and walked to the side board to put her glass down. Sam watched her, noting how tired and beaten she looked in that moment. His heart twisted to see her pain but he knew only time could heal some wounds. "About dinner..." they both started at the same time. They smiled at one another and Sam said that he figured Brooke would like some time alone right now. She looked thankfully at Sam thinking again what a wonderful, understanding person he was. "how about a raincheck?" Brooke asked. Sam agreed. He stood next to her and taking her hand pulled her out to the terrace showing her the beautiful sunset. "Remember, the sun sets every day on our past.." he said gently "And rises each morning on our future," Brooke finished smiling into his eyes. "Yes, and you should remember this..." Sam said gently pulling her into his arms. "It may be too soon but I want you to remember that I am here too..." he lowered his head and kissed her passionately. After a moment he lifted his head and gazed into her eyes noting the flush, the confusion...did he see pleasure? Satisfied that he at least hadn't seen revulsion, he turned to go. Brooke watched him go to the door and wave goodbye from the doorstep. She returned to the terrace and dropped into a lounge chair, pulling up her knees. I know I promised myself, she thought as her eyes filled, but just this last time...she dropped her head to her arms resting on her knees and wept again, this time for two men.
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Post by karen3012 on Apr 5, 2007 3:56:09 GMT -5
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Post by Donna on Apr 13, 2007 18:14:52 GMT -5
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Post by newestconvert on Apr 13, 2007 20:44:17 GMT -5
I promise by the end of the weekend... I started writing but right after I got back from vacation I landed a rotten cold that has about knocked me flat. I have a lot written in my head I just need to type it out... I KNEW I should have taken typing in high school! It's comin...
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Post by Donna on Apr 13, 2007 21:18:54 GMT -5
Take your time and I hope you feel better soon!!! ;D
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Apr 13, 2007 21:41:26 GMT -5
Take care of yourself ... I hope you feel better soon, too! ;D
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Post by brickfan on Apr 14, 2007 3:22:38 GMT -5
Hope you feel better soon ;D We can wait.
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Post by karen3012 on Apr 14, 2007 9:38:47 GMT -5
Hope you get better soon ;D I can imagine how you feel, I am on antibiotics still myself. Take your time, we'll be waiting (im)patiently.
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