To Love Somebody (part 2 of 3)

His room was next to hers, so they stopped in front of the door to her room, and he kissed her, tenderly on the lips, before she entered. It wasn’t anything too special, but he wanted to test the waters before diving in. She liked the kiss, smiled coyly and stepped inside the room and then she closed her door and quickly went into the bathroom. She wanted to make sure her teeth were clean, her breath fresh and she didn’t look too hideous. She also had time for one more joint, which would help her relax. She knew he was older, but he didn’t seem to act that way, so perhaps this guy wasn’t too much older than she was.

She searched through her purse to find some breath mints to be safe and to offer him one if his breath was bad, since no one liked bad breath. How did they do it in the middle ages? Rotting teeth, yuck, she thought as the image popped into her head, and working in the dental field in the past didn’t help as other images soon popped into her mind.

She also pulled out her lip balm. She always said that she wants to have “soft supple lips, because you never know who you might kiss.” She lit the scented candle near the stereo to help create some sort of mood; she wasn’t too sure where this would all lead. A few minutes later there was a quiet tapping at her door, and she opened and allowed him to enter.

She was too busy looking through the songs on her iPod to notice him, but he spoke, “did you want help with your dress now?”

“Yes please,” she said as she placed the iPod back on to the dock. He stepped behind her and she lifted her hair so he could get to the zipper. As he slowly pulled down the zipper, he noticed her tattoo. He had to laugh.

“You must really like Led Zeppelin to have this tattoo on your back,” he said. “It’s very nice.”

Without turning around, she answered saying it was her favourite band, the best band really, the only band that mattered, as she stepped into the closet to remove her dress and hang it up. She continued talking as she changed into a pair of comfy pants and a t-shirt. He asked her a few questions and she answered.

“And why do you think Led Zeppelin is the greatest band?” he wanted to know what she thought.

As she started explaining that of course they had the best of the best, and the guitarist was someone that turned her on. “I mean, if you actually listen to something like Travelling Riv…” She came out into the room and in mid sentence, she looked at him, sitting there on the edge of the bed, smiling. Her jaw dropped, and she blinked twice. She was at a loss for words. It was him. Was it really?

She was too shocked to ask and he could sense this, so he introduced himself and held out his hand to shake hers. She stood there shaking her head, still speechless, but offered her hand. She quickly shut her mouth and walked across the room for her water. She took a drink, but couldn’t turn around to face him just yet. So, she took another drink. Then he spoke.

“I’m sorry, should I leave?” he asked as he stood and headed to the door. She turned around, shook her head no and then said “NO!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. You don’t have to go. I mean, if you want to go, but, I would like you to stay. Really. I’m … just that … and Danielle … and I feel like a fool,” she said, then took another drink.

He smiled and walked over to her, took the glass from her hand, placed it on the table and asked her to dance. He stood in a dance pose, one hand up and the other ready to place on her back, smiling, waiting for her to come to him. Slowly, she stepped forward.

They slowly started dancing to The Rain Song by of course, Led Zeppelin. He noticed she wasn’t breathing and felt her body tensed up. She was holding her breath. He stopped and looked into her eyes. “Let’s breathe, together. Exhale.” He felt her body relax a bit. She was looking up at him as he said, “inhale.” So they did. “Again, exhale. Very good.” He kept whispering those two words as they started to dance again.

The song ended and sure enough she tensed up again when she heard the start of the next song, Thank You, again, by Led Zeppelin. She held her breath again. He held her closer, and whispered the two words again, and breathed with her until she relaxed again.

He danced them over to the table, and turned out the light. The candle cast a softer glow in the room, and he held her closer, a bit tighter. As the music continued, he took hold of both her hands and placed them around his neck, as she had done when they were downstairs.

He placed both his hands on her waist, slowly moving his hands closer together until he laced his fingers together. She sighed. He didn’t want to rush because he was worried she might hold her breath again and pass out. So he continued to lead her to the music, her body followed his.

They danced to several more songs when he finally moved his hands up her spine saying, “I really do like your tattoo.”

She quietly said “Thank you.”

Once his hands got to her curly hair, he slowly placed his hands on the side of her head, looked at her, and kissed her. At first, she kissed back, but then he noticed as her body tensed again, so then he stopped. He pulled her head closer to his body and held her while they danced to Celine Dion singing Seduces Me.

The song was fitting since they both felt the same way. But it wouldn’t happen now, or even tonight. This girl was different and he wanted to do things differently this time around. They were both getting tired and she suggested they sit.

Earlier she had propped the pillows and so she offered him this spot on the bed. She said she would sit across from him, but he asked that she sit next to him, and propped up the other pillows. As they both sat on the bed, trying to get comfortable, he wrapped one arm around her and gently pulled her closer to him.

She turned her body to face him, placed her head on his chest, and knowing that she didn’t know what to do with her arm, he took hold of it and lay it across his torso. She sensed that it was okay to move closer, she snuggled into him.

They didn’t talk much now because they had talked most of the night, but instead enjoyed being here together. And then another Led Zeppelin song played, As Long As I Have You, from a concert way back when. Of course he knew the song, but couldn’t place the year or venue. So he asked. She told him, “Fillmore West, 1969.”

“How did you get that?” knowing it was nothing they had ever released. She told him. He was impressed but didn’t say anything. She told him her favourite part of the song and why she loved this version best. It was just under twenty minutes long and eventually she fell asleep. He held her like that for a while longer.

Then he carefully and quietly got up, leaving her to sleep. He turned off the stereo, blew out the candle and went to his room. It was four in the morning. He had plans for the morning, breakfast with his children at a restaurant close to their home.

He explained this and that he would return for her after in a note he left for her on the nightstand beside her bed.

By eleven when she finally woke. She saw the note and read it. She smiled to herself then got out of bed, showered, dressed, and headed downstairs. She knew her sister would have coffee made by now. Danielle did have the coffee made as well as breakfast for the few people who stayed the night.

Danielle asked if she had plans for the day and if she figured it out. Trix knew how to play this game, so she asked, “Figured what out?”

Danielle stared at her sister for a moment, and then the phone rang. Merrick answered. He said that it was Jim and he was on his way for Trix, he wanted to take her out this afternoon, so he was calling to see if she was awake yet.

As Merrick spoke Trix looked at her sister and smiled. She knew the jig was up. Of course she figured it out, well, the events that played out helped. And with that, they, along with the other two female guests went up stairs to talk, “girl talk.”

She gathered her things up as they all talked about what happened. Danielle was glad that her plan worked. There was a tap at the door, it was Merrick. He came to say Jim was now here, and find out if Trix was ready.

They all went down stairs and Jim was sitting and waiting for her. She went to greet him and the others headed back to the kitchen. He smiled and stood up as soon as she entered the room. He kissed her like he did last night, but this time she didn’t hold her breath or tense up.

He explained that he had a driver outside to take them wherever she wanted to go. “Don’t you drive?” she asked. He told her he didn’t but he has had a driver for a long time, but if she didn’t feel comfortable…

She said that her car was here and she would need it later to get home. He of course secretly wished she would go home with him and never leave. She had an idea so she told him what she would really like to do.

They said good-bye to everyone. Trix kissed her sister and Merrick and promised to call them tomorrow. He told his driver that he would not need him and would see him later. Jim got into the car with Trix and he gave her directions to a restaurant on the way to his house.

She wanted to see his music collection, as she knew it was huge. They talked about his career while they drove. She had so many questions and he answered all them as best as he could. Some things happened so long ago that he didn’t remember all the details.

When they arrived at his house she parked the car where he said and before they got out he said, “Trixie, or do you prefer Trix? Merrick said most people call you Trixie.”

“Whichever you prefer, it’s all good.”

“Trix, I would like to make dinner for you, if you would like to join me.” She smiled and nodded saying she would love to have dinner with him.

They got out of the car and went inside. He hung their coats and offered her something to drink. They went to the kitchen to put the kettle on for some tea. They took their tea into a room that was filled with records, CDs, videos and more.

She was in awe. She was envious. He asked if he could play some of his favourite music for her. And of course, that’s what she wanted, why she suggested they “just chill” at his place, listening to music. They spent the rest of the day doing just that, listening to a lot of great music and none of it was his. He played some great blues, great rock, and interesting pieces as well.

The hours went by so quickly and it was dark outside. He suggested they head to the kitchen and so he could fix dinner. She of course couldn’t just sit and watch, so she offered to help. They continued talking as they chopped, mixed, stirred, cooked and then ate dinner.

After dinner, they washed up the dishes together and went back into the room they were in earlier. He asked to see her iPod. He found the song he wanted and placed it on the dock of his stereo, turned up the volume and asked her to dance, Tea for One.

They slow danced to for several songs and then something from one of his bands played, so then they stopped and she sat down while he went to get them something to drink. He put their drinks on the coffee table, picked up the remote for the stereo and sat on the sofa near her.

They talked for a few minutes but when Etta James started singing At Last, he suggested for her to come closer to him. She did and he put his arm around her and kissed her. Again, she didn’t hold her breath or become stiff, but instead she put her hand on his cheek.

He held her tighter, kissing her more passionately. They would have continued but she pulled away and started laughing. It was the song. And since it was from an old TV show, the introduction with his name made her laugh, “here on top of the pops, some more of those wild and wonderful sounds that have made the name of the Yardbirds world famous. This is a Jimmy Page song called Think About It. They laughed together.

She noticed it was getting late and said she should get on her way. “I have imposed long enough on you, and I have to say, the highlight of the day, has been looking at your book. I feel guilty about that, like I have come over to play with your best toys and now I have to go,” she said with a blushing smile.

He asked where she lived and they talked about various places around London. She had only been here for five months. Merrick and Danielle were kind enough to help her settle in. She was offered a job within Merrick’s company before she came over to England.

On the weekends she would visit different places, sometimes even doing the intercity sightseeing tours. Taking in as much as she could, learning as much as she could and enjoying every minute of it.

“Correct me if I am wrong, but Merrick said your full name was Bellatrix,” he asked her. She said yes, but it was easier and cuter to have people call her Trixie. “I rather like the name Bellatrix, would you be offended if I were to call you that or even Bella.”

She said she does like being called Bellatrix but instead of Bella, just Belle. Belle. That’s what her grandmother and her dad called her. He liked the sound of that. He held her hand, and said, “Well,” he said, “it’s also quite late and I won’t feel right allowing you to drive so far home when you are tired. You keep yawning and I know you need some sleep. You can stay the night in the guest room. And in the morning, if you still want to leave, you can. Although, I would prefer it if you stayed a while longer. We can do something, anything you like tomorrow.”

He looked at her with hope in his eyes. Hope that she would stay and that tomorrow he would have another day to spend with her. She smiled at him, thinking that it was over forty minutes drive to her flat. She was very tired, and she had her overnight bag in the car. And most of all, it was Jimmy Page’s house. What an honour to be invited to stay, she thought.

She accepted his offer and he was kind enough to retrieve her bag from her car. He showed her to the guest room and showed her where his room was, in case she needed anything. He kissed her softly on the lips and left her to sleep.

Surprisingly, she had a great night of sound sleep. Unusual for her, but she wasn’t complaining at all. She was disappointed in herself for sleeping until almost eleven, but she got up, showered and made herself presentable before heading down stairs.

The house was quiet. But she could smell coffee and food coming from the kitchen so that’s where she headed. He was cooking and offered her some fresh brewed coffee. She accepted. They talked while they ate a spinach, asparagus and cheese omelette.

He asked her what she would like to do today. She asked about the weather. She loved the rain, but didn’t like being out in it. Today it was not going to rain. It would be cold and could be windy in the afternoon, but no rain.

She told him about her list of things to do and see. It was on her mobile phone, and she would have to get it from her purse upstairs. She helped him wash up the dishes and then they headed upstairs together.

She got out her mobile and they went into his room. He wasn’t dressed for going out in public, so he would change as they talked. Something that was on her list would be right up his alley, she thought. There were a few music shops she was meaning to visit. Records and CDs and much more.

He knew where the shops where and said it would be great fun to go. He suggested they drive part of the way and then take the tube. The first stop of the day, Haggle Vinyl a great place to find rare vinyl and filled with so much history. And then on to Flashback, another shop specializing in retro and rare finds, there was so much to look at in both stores, they lost track of time. After finding a few good records, they headed to his favourite guitar shop.

In there, he picked up a guitar and started strumming. He asked her what she might like to hear. Two things popped into her mind. Her second most favourite Led Zeppelin song, Tangerine or something more bluesy, like Bring It On Home. She has heard the original and many other versions of this song, but Led Zeppelin’s live version from the Royal Albert is her absolute favourite.

She smiled and laughed because she couldn’t decide. He asked her what she was thinking of so she told him. When she said Tangerine was her second favourite Zeppelin song, he asked what her favourite song was.

“It used to be Kashmir but then I really started liking The Rain Song more and more every time I heard it.” he laughed because he thought for sure her favourite would have been Stairway to Heaven, as most people say that is their favourite, the best Zep song ever.

He knew she was different, but the more he got to know her, the more he liked her, and the more he knew she had to be his. He then suggested he’d play something different, something he knew she would like, if she allowed him.

She smiled. Of course, he can play whatever he wants to, she just wanted to see him play. He remembered the song he saw her dancing to in the room at her sister’s home. He never thought the song to be sexual, but, he liked how she danced to it, as an exotic dancer would.

As soon as he started playing, she laughed and smiled so big. She loved this song. But how would he know, she thought, but who cares right now, she was watching the greatest guitarist ever play a great song.

After he finished playing he talked to a few people and they left. He took her to a restaurant for dinner where they talked and talked. It was getting late and she had to work in the morning. They headed for the tube. She told him she would drop him off at home, but tonight, she had to go to her home.

He understood. When they arrived at his place, she gathered her things and put them in the car. She turned to thank him for wonderful weekend. It was more than she ever expected or imagined. He took hold of her and kissed her passionately.

She tensed up; he stopped and looked at her. “What time are you done working tomorrow?” he asked, still holding her in a firm embrace.

“Around three or so, why?” she asked. He wanted to take her to dinner, or make dinner for her, either way, he didn’t care, he just wanted to spend time with her.

More than a month had passed since they first met. He told her how he accidentally ended up in the same room and saw her dancing. She told him things about herself she never told anyone, and he answered questions that she had about his past. She never asked about his loves or sexual partners, but she asked him about places he had been to, people he has met and performed with, his own parents and upbringing.

It was only ten days until Christmas and she had planned on returning home with her sister and Merrick for a week. She told him this. He of course has family and friends here that he would be busy with during that time.

They agreed that he would call her every night, because she would be in two provinces during this time. He also asked her to be his date for a New Years Eve party he was planning on attending. “I would love to spend New Year’s Eve with you,” she said.

One thing she never told him, he never asked, was her birthday. The evening before she was to leave for Canada, Danielle and Merrick invited Jim over for dinner. Trix would stay the night there and they would leave for the airport in the morning together.

While Danielle and Trix were in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner, Merrick let it slip about her birthday by asking what he got for her and was he planning on giving it to her before she left or when she returned.

It was December 22^nd when they left for Canada. They were to arrive in Montreal, spend time there before going to Toronto to see other relatives. It was cold and of course, there was a lot of snow. But, Danielle and Trix were used to this, as they had both lived in Montreal.

He called her that evening as he had promised. She took the call in the spare room, for a bit of privacy, but mostly because it was quiet. Over the past several weeks she had fallen in love with him, but had not told him. She didn’t even tell her sister.

They talked for about a half hour and he told her several times how much he missed her. He wanted to tell her how he felt about her, but not over the phone. He wanted to do it in person, face to face, so he could see her smile, hoping that she felt the same way.

Danielle and Trix headed out the next day to do some last minute shopping because they knew when their brother and his family arrived from Toronto the next day, no one would be going anywhere.

While they were out, Jim had called Merrick to make some arrangements to surprise Trix. Merrick was not going to tell Danielle either, just in case, because he knew she could barely keep a secret, and the dinner party secret was hard for her, but Merrick would have to step out for a few hours the following day.

Christmas Eve was cold and snowy, family and friends coming and going all day, sharing their wishes and love for everyone. Around seven in the evening, Merrick said that he and Danielle were going to go see an old friend of his, who happened to be in town and that they would return in a few hours.

Christmas in Montreal, the French version as Trix called it was different than what most people are used to, much different than what books and movies portray. Being Canadian, when you say English, it means more than just the language, but for the most part, English meant a family of European descent, mainly, British, Irish or Scottish. When you say French, again, it’s more than just the language, it’s the culture. So, coming from an English mother and a French father it meant Trix and her siblings knew the traditions of both cultures. French people, at least the family and people they knew celebrated Christmas Eve in full party mode. No watching It’s A Wonderful Life. In fact, Trix has never seen the entire movie, just bits and pieces over the years with other English people.

Danielle called home and talked to her father and brother about the surprise they were bringing for Trix. Danielle also knew that there was a Santa suit in her father’s closet and that someone was to play Santa for the children, arriving just before midnight to hand out presents. Santa was to be played by one of two people. But since this call, plans had changed slightly.

Danielle and Merrick entered through the back door around eleven thirty and prepared for the big surprise. Danielle came in and told the children she and Merrick heard on the radio that Santa was almost here.

Their dad had made a quick call upstairs to let the neighbours know now was the time to make it sound as if Santa was right upstairs by walking hard across the floor and some reindeer noises as if they were on the roof outside.

As the children gathered around, and settled down, Santa came in through the front patio door. Trix’s dad claimed since there was a fire blazing in the fireplace, and the door was right close to the fireplace, he thought it was best to use the door. They children were excited and very happy. As they were called one by one to sit on Santa’s lap, they received one gift to open now, and of course had their picture taken.

Well, in this crazy family, everyone, EVERYONE gets a gift from Santa and must sit on his lap while accepting and having their picture taken. Most people open their gifts with Santa so they can thank him right then and there.

First the children, then the adults, one by one up to Santa to get their gift. Trix was called last, but for a special reason. Danielle and Merrick had managed to tell everyone there that night what was about to happen.

Santa started to speak, and even though he had been here for a while now, she never noticed his accent. She looked around, thinking it was Merrick who was playing Santa. But Merrick was standing by the fireplace with his arms wrapped tightly around Danielle.

“Belle? Belle? Where is Bellatrix?” Santa called out. Trix stepped forward and said, “I am right here Santa.” All the children were now watching, because he never called anyone else’s name that loudly, and firmly.

“Bellatrix, as of now, it’s also your birthday, right?” Santa asked. She laughed and nodded. “Well, come here my dear and you will get a Christmas gift and a birthday gift.”

She stepped forward, knowing how much she hates this part, everyone watching her, but she sat on Santa’s lap, like everyone else had to do.

Santa asked her the same question he asked everyone else, did she think she was a good girl this year. “Yes, Santa, I did my best to be a very good girl this year,” she answered.

He asked what she wanted first, the Christmas gift or the birthday gift. She said birthday gift. He handed her a small box. As she unwrapped it, stared at it, for she knew that colour is known as Tiffany Blue and it meant a piece of jewellery could very well be inside, she became nervous.

She looked at the box, looked at her family, looked at Santa and back at the box. Slowly she opened the box. Inside was a beautiful ring box that she removed and slowly opened it, not knowing what to expect.

She stared in disbelief. It was a beautiful emerald-cut pink sapphire with two trapezoid diamonds in a platinum setting. Tears came to her eyes as Santa whispered in her ear, “I love you Belle, Happy birthday.”

Santa then kissed her. She hugged him tight and whispered to him, “I love you too, Santa.” Then she smiled at him. And her Christmas gift, it was Jim of course, and as Santa, he left the room through the same door he came in, not to upset or disappoint the children. He then went around to the back and in through the back door.

Trix went to the bedroom to meet with Santa, so he could remove the costume and she could give him a proper greeting, and of course a proper thank you.

“Why didn’t you say it was your birthday?” he asked as he kissed her tears of joy away.

“Because we just met, and I didn’t want you to do something like this,” she said as she indicated the ring that was still in the box.

He asked if she liked it. Of course she liked it. It was gorgeous. It must have cost a fortune. She looked at it again. “But it’s too expensive, and I don’t deserve this.” she said as she shook her head, “I can’t accept it. I mean, I think it is wonderful, but I could never…” and he kissed her.

He asked her again, firmly, “do you like it?” as he removed it from the box, and took her hand and placed it on her finger. 

Patience, the last part will come in a few days.