Date: 01/04/2001
From: SouthernSlider

Good morning (yawn). Well, college football is over. How much longer until September?

Anyway, here's more story. And, yes, Wade did mention a mysterious man, didn't she? Well, he's out there somewhere, and eventually you'll find out who, but not today.
-----------------------------

Chapter Five

Wade started the evening with a pair of rather melancholy songs. When Tony suggested they try a few lively tunes, she then realized today’s encounter with Remmy had put her
in somewhat of a ‘blue funk’. She agreed they needed to get the place rocking or they would lose the crowd. Maybe it would help her, too -- for an hour or two, anyway.

When Remmy came in during the last set, Wade had momentarily put aside her mood and had the crowd going. On seeing his smile, she couldn’t help but return it. A
thought niggled its way into the back of her mind about being cautious. She knew she shouldn’t get too attached to this man, but she couldn’t seem to gather the strength to
deny herself. As Remmy sat back listening intently to her every note, she knew she was going to engage this man in conversation for a second time today.

“Oh, sweetheart, that was terrific,” Remmy said. He stood as she wondered over to his table at the end of the show. Wade’s heart jumped at the endearing term he used.
She tried to remind herself that most of the Remmys on all the parallel earths would probably be very close to her own.

Wade let herself be drawn completely into the situation. Every time that voice would rise and try to warn her, she gave it a mental one-two punch and sent if flying
across the room. After a couple of ka-pows, the voice surrendered and disappeared. They talked and sipped on a drink until Brad announced closing time.

Discovering his need to talk to this girl, and still having that slight little wonder about her calling him Remmy, he spoke before he thought through the situation as they
left the bar.

“Any chance we could meet again tomorrow -- maybe have some lunch?”

The warning voice had been down for the count, but found a way to rise before the count of ten concluded. A resounding punch knocked it out for good.

“I would love to, Remmy,” she said, eyes sparkling as her smile worked its way upward for the first time in a long time.

Details were discussed, and both practically skipped their way down the street in opposite directions. Wade returned to the bar to help the guys pack up the equipment,
and Remmy floated his way back to The Dominion. As he neared the place, he began to wonder about what to tell the rest of them.

“For the moment, I tell them nothing. It would serve no purpose. I know Quinn and I said we would talk to each other, but I don’t think there’s any reason to right now.
She’s not our Wade. I’m just foolishly acting out a fantasy. But it can’t be helped.”

He slowly ascended the stairs toward the room. His euphoric mood dissipated just a little as he pondered the rendezvous he was keeping from the others.

When he entered the room, he found Quinn sitting in the chair staring out the window, much the same as last night. Colin and Kelly were in each others arms on the
sofa. He could tell he had interrupted a little love fest. Kelly’s lips were slightly swollen, and Colin’s shirt was unbuttoned to his waist. Remmy tried not to smile, but was unsuccessful. He was just going to have to make light of the situation.

“You two need to find a motel room,” he said with a chuckle.

Colin’s face competed with Kelly’s to see which one would turn the reddest. He jumped up, fumbling to get his shirt re-buttoned. Kelly ran her fingers through her
disheveled hair, refusing to meet Remmy’s gaze.

“Where have you been all evening?” Colin asked, trying to change the subject.

“Just out and about, no place in particular,” Remmy lied. He pointed in Quinn’s direction. “Has he been that way all night? Or did you even know he was in the room?”

Colin’s face flushed all over again. “I am afraid he has been in a very quiet mood. I felt it best not to disturb him.”

“I guess that was wise, Farm-boy. He doesn’t look too interested in light conversation.” He paused as he stared at his friend. Should he mention seeing Wade?
He sighed as he fought for an answer. “Where’s Maggie?”

She went to check on Conrad earlier in the day and has not returned.”

“It’s a little late for her to be at the hospital. I hope she’s okay.”

“I am sure she is. You know Maggie can take care of herself,” Colin answered. “I would not worry.”

“Yeah.” Remmy wanted to take Colin’s advice. There were too many other things cluttering his mind at the moment.

Kelly walked up to the pair and put her hand on Colin’s shoulder. “I think I’ll turn in for the night.”

Remmy turned and stared at her. Her voice sounded so much like Wade’s. Her eyes, her smile -- it was almost too much to have to look at her. He thought he had gotten
used to it, but now with this world’s Wade in the picture, it seemed a heavy burden.

“Same here,” Colin said. “We will see you in the morning, Remmy.”

“Good night, you two,” Remmy said absent-mindedly as he pulled his eyes away from Kelly to, again, stare at Quinn.

He walked up to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You really should try to get some sleep, you know.”

Quinn sat silently with the fingertips of his index fingers resting against his lips. “I guess you’re right, but it just doesn’t seem to want to come,” he finally said.

Remmy sighed, thoughts of his evening and his tomorrow surfacing. He opened his mouth to speak, then decided against it. Why shouldn’t he tell Quinn about meeting
and talking to Wade? He had no answer except that he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Was it selfishness? Did he want this Wade all to himself? Whatever the reason, it
had a strong hold on him. He clamped his jaw shut, and pressed his lips together.

Quinn suddenly jumped up. “But, I should make the effort. I’ll just be glad when the doctor releases Conrad, and we can get on with our slides. This hasn’t been one of
my favorite worlds . . . twice, now.”

He tried to give his friend a smile, but it fell short. He raked his fingers through his hair as he headed for the bedroom, leaving Remmy standing alone at the window --
wide awake, and unable to take the advice he had just given Quinn. He sat down in the chair that Quinn had just vacated and took up the vigil Quinn left behind.
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Boy, one little lady sure does know how to tear up a couple of strong, macho guys, doesn't she. Ah, such power.

Previous post #s: P,1) 2532 2,3)2536 4)2540

SS

Never underestimate the power of Wade :)

Date: 01/04/2001
From: DieselMickeyDolenz

A very nice chapter, SS. But knowing you, a twist is only moments away!

DMD

P.S. FSU lost! FSU lost! FSU lost! Woo hoo!!!!! The next best thing to my Gators winning is FSU losing, and losing to a former UF coach (with Spurrier Jr. on his staff) is just that much sweeter!

Very Good

Date: 01/04/2001
From: sliderlynn

I loved this chapter.The story is getting better all the
time.WE know that both Quinn and Remmy are in love with
Wade. It will be interesting to see where it goes from
here.My money is on Quinn.

Wonderful....

Date: 01/04/2001
From: dellyone

Maggie gets lost right? ;-) Lovely Wade, what went wrong? Who's the mystery guy? Amazing writing, SS.

dellyone

Wade

Date: 01/04/2001
From: Missye

Just wanted to add my praise to the chroir and add my thoughts on Wades part.

I like the story. Its very interesting, I hope to read more soon.

My thoughts on Wade's charator, I always like that they added one girl and not two, well not until the very end any way, but she was kinda the calmer between the guys. Arguing over girls and who they hung out with and stuff like that. She has always had a power over Quinn. I think that Remmy loves her but in a father kinda way, or an uncle. Yeah sometimes its like he is intamately in love with her, but I think that it is be different between them, but a friendship that could never be anymore. And Quinn has always been in love with her, and she has always harbored feelings for him. And as any girl know we can have feelings for a man and still continue being around them when they do not show and return your feelings. Well I can. It drains you, but its there. But I think her and Quinn should finally finish what they stalled for so many years.

Can't wait to read more.
Missye

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Nominated by DieselMickeyDolenz