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One Perfect Day
Deni awoke one lazy morning, stretching
out on her smooth, cool sheets. Not wanting to open her eyes, not wanting to lose the last fragments of the dream she was
having, a smile curled on her lips, as her first thoughts were of him. She opened her eyes, and ran her hand over the empty
space in the bed next to her with a sigh.
It was a particularly gorgeous day out, and as luck would
have it, Deni had no plans or obligations for the day. She showered, threw on her favorite jeans and tshirt, and grabbed her
car keys.
She liked to go for drives out in the mountains to help her
relax and think, and today there was something special in the air, some hint of excitement that she couldn't quite put her
finger on. She grabbed a couple dvds of her favorite movies on her way out the door to play on her car's dvd player to keep
her company while she drove. She liked hearing his voice, and the dialogue was etched in her mind from the hundreds of times
she watched his movies. It made her feel close to him, safe, familiar.
Deni started driving with no specific destination
in mind. She got on the freeway and headed toward the mountains, frosted lightly by a recent snow. The air was fresh and crisp,
and Deni felt happy.
After a while, Deni saw an exit coming up that she had never
taken before. On impulse, she got off the freeway, to see where this road led to. The road was winding and picturesque, and
Deni felt some strange feeling of familiarity even though she was sure she had never been there. It was like the feeling you
get when you are going back to visit your childhood home, passing landmarks along the way.
Up ahead she saw another
road branching off to the left, and as she got closer, she saw a sign that said, "Private Property. Do Not Enter". Not being
one to ever follow the rules, she turned onto the dirt road without a second thought. A surge of adrenaline pumped through
her, as she wondered why she was taking this risk, and what she might find at the end of the road.
There were no other cars around as Deni continued down the secluded
tree-lined road. Flowers appeared and a fence alongside the road added to the scenery. Large fields stretched out on either
side of the road.
She instinctively slowed her car, her tires crunching noisily
against the gravel, as she felt herself more out in the open. Her eyes swept across the flowing field, and suddenly she saw
a figure on horseback. There was nowhere to hide, and the road was too narrow to turn around. The person on the horse was
coming towards her. She thought she should be panicking, but she felt more excited, and started to think up some story about
why she was trespassing.
She could now tell that the person was a man, with
dark hair, and looked more and more familiar as he came closer. She stopped her car, and waited. He came closer. She got out
of the car, and walked up to the fence. She could not believe what she was seeing. The man on the horse, now just a few yards
away, was him. The man in her dreams. The man who made her feel like no other person ever did. He was getting off the horse,,,he
was walking over to her,,,,her heart was pounding so hard, she thought it would explode. He was so beautiful, and he was going
to talk to her. He came up to the fence, and said, "Hey, how's it going? You lost?"
Chapter 2
"Hey, can you hear me? That's it, come
on, wake up."
The next conscious sensation Deni felt was a wave of extreme pain emanating from 2 places. The throbbing
pain in her head made it hard to focus on anything else, and as she tried to move, she felt the second stab of pain coming
from her ankle. She willed her eyes to open, and forced them to focus through the fog of pain. Was she hallucinating? Staring
down at her were the most beautiful, soulful brown eyes she had ever seen. She realized then that she was lying on the ground
and her head was in his lap, and he was smiling down at her.
"Welcome back to the living," he said.
"Did I
faint?" Deni choked.
A cocky smile appeared on his lips, and he laughed, "Well,,,I've been told that I do have that
effect on women....but no. You stepped back on that rock, twisted your ankle, fell down and hit your head. It was actually
pretty amusing until I realized you weren't getting up...so I figured I better make sure you were ok."
"Oh my god,
I'm so embarrassed." Deni tried to sit up, but was hit by a wall of dizziness, and laid her head back on his lap. She gazed
up at him, and said, "You look an awful lot like Johnny Depp."
The cocky grin returned, "Yeah...I get that a lot...but,
the 6 million dollar question is... who are you?"
Deni forced herself to sit up. She turned her body to face him,
wincing with fresh pain. "My name is Denise...Denise Miller....Mrs. Denise Miller...well Deni, really....all my friends call
me Deni..and well, the "Mrs." part is not really true anymore, sort of, well, we are separated right now...and oh my god I'm
babbling.."
"That's ok, I'm just glad you are somewhat coherent...Deni" he said.
"Oh, you called me Deni....does
that mean we're friends?" she asked.
He furrowed his brow and said, "Well,,,that all depends..Deni. What exactly are
you doing here....(he narrowed his eyes), because if you are a reporter...I'm gonna have to kill you."
"Who me? Oh
no...no no no.I'm not a reporter, honestly. I'm a nurse. And I like to take photographs. This road looked so beautiful and
serene, I thought I could get a couple of nice shots, and no one would know. I'm really sorry. Are you going to have me arrested?"
"Me? Call the police?" he chuckled " I don't think so...I try to keep a low profile, if you know what I mean."
Deni
just had to be sure,,,she didn't trust her eyes. She asked, "So, you really are him? You're really Johnny Depp?"
He
nodded, smiled, and said, "Guilty".
Deni had a million questions she wanted to ask him, but she didn't want
to scare him by coming off like some crazed fan. "Dont blow this", she thought to herself. "This is a dream come true...your
one shot to get to know this man...don't blow it!!!"
She managed to say, "So what are you doing out here, in the middle
of nowhere Nevada?"
"Well," he started,"that's a long story...and looking at that ankle of yours, I think we better
get you to the house and get some ice on it. You think you can stand up now?"
He helped her to her feet, but when
she tried to put any pressure on her ankle, the pain was too intense. She swayed and almost lost her balance, but he caught
her, and helped her hobble over to her car. She couldn't help being thrilled by the feel of his arms around her, the touch
of his hands, his face so close to hers. He opened the car door, and gently helped her to her seat. Deni etched every second
into her memory, for this was truly one day she would never forget.
"Well, if you think you're ok to drive...just
go down this road for about half a mile, and you'll see the barn. I'll take the horse, and meet you over there, ok?
"OK",
she nodded."And, thank you so much."
"No problem, " he said, "I've always been a sucker for a damsel in distress."
Deni's heart was pounding with excitement as she pulled up next to the barn. Her head and ankle were still killing
her, but she didn't care. This was the single most thrilling experience of her life. She grabbed her purse, and opened the
car door. Johnny was just riding up. She waited as he put the horse in the barn, and when he came out, he had a wheel barrow
and a blanket. He approached her car, and said "Your chariot awaits."
He helped her out of the car, and sat her down
on the blanket in the wheel barrow. He wheeled her over to the house a couple hundred feet from the barn, when they got to
the steps, he said, "Well, I guess I'll have to carry you from here. Put your arms around my neck".
This has got to
be a dream, Deni thought. How many times have I wanted Johnny Depp to say those words to me. She did as he asked, and he carried
her up the steps and into the house. He gently placed her down on the couch. He placed a pillow on the coffee table, for her
to prop her foot up on, and disappeared into the kitchen to get some ice. Deni drank in every second, reminding herself to
breathe, and looked around the sparsely furnished home.
"This is a beautiful house, Johnny. Is it yours?" Deni said,
trying not to sound like a star stuck teenager.
"It's actually my brother's place," Johnny said as he came back into
the room and carefully placed the ice bag on her ankle, "He boards horses here. I stay here sometimes when I just need to
get away."
"So, what are you getting away from, if it's ok to ask?" Deni probed.
"Well, the truth is, Vanessa and I are sort of separated
right now, too. Like I said, it's a long story, you sure you want to hear all this?"
"Sure, if you want to talk about
it".
"Well, I really do love Vanessa, with all my heart. But relationships...can be...so hard sometimes. l have
my work, and that means that I am away from my family a lot...and she is having a hard time handling that. She wants me to
stop making movies, and I totally understand where she is coming from...I mean...I love my family...my kids...god,,my kids
are my world...but acting is what I do, and I can't imagine just not doing it. I came out here to do some serious thinking."
"Vanessa is a strong woman, and that's one of the things I love
about her, but once she makes up her mind about something...she wants things her way. And I'm just not sure that her way is
my way anymore. We will always have love between us, and our children will bond us forever, but I want her to be happy too,
and if she needs someone who will be there all the time...well...right now that just can't be me. I'm not sure what will happen
right now, but I just had to get away and let us both think about what we really want."
Deni listened and was deeply
touched by the words he was saying. She always thought that Johnny Depp was not only an extremely talented actor, but also
a shy, intelligent, sensitive, down to earth kind of guy, and now after talking with him for just this short time, she knew
she was right. He was being so open with her, it made her feel more alive than she had ever felt before.
"Gosh, Johnny,
I feel so bad for you. I know just how you feel. I am going through something very similar."
"Really?" he looked up
at her, searching her face for some much needed validation.
Deni continued,"My husband Richard comes from a wealthy
family. He is an executive in his familys business. We have 2 children also, a boy and a girl, just like you. We have plenty
of money, enough so that I really dont have to work...but I was a nurse before I met Richard, and I really love what I do.
I don't do it for the money...I do it because I love taking care of my patients. It gives me a sense of self satisfaction
like nothing else. And, yes, I love my family very much, but the kids have always had nannies and their grandparents doting
on them, and I never really felt like they needed me...not like my patients do."
"Well, anyway...I sometimes work long hours, and my schedule
is always changing...I work weekends and holidays...and I never really minded that...but Richard started getting tired of
never being able to plan time for us together, and started pressuring me to quit my job. I told him, no, that I wasn't going
to quit...and finally he just said that it wasn't working for him anymore and left. He's staying at his parent's mansion,
and the kids would rather be there, so they are staying with him."
Deni looked up, and their eyes met. She could see
that he was sincerely listening, and could see the empathy in his eyes. Finally, he said "Wow....that's pretty heavy...we
really do have a lot in common."
Chapter 3
For 2 people who didn't even know each other
an hour ago, they had just shared some pretty intimate feelings. Deni felt like she had known him her whole life. She wanted
to say something that would make him feel better. It was breaking her heart to see him in pain.
He was sitting on the couch next to her, deep in thought, absent-mindedly playing with the colorful charm bracelet on his wrist. She had
seen that bracelet before, and knew it was one that Lily-Rose had made for him.
"Johnny?" He looked over and raised
his eyebrows. Deni went on, "I think Vanessa will change her mind. If she really loves you, she shouldn't try to change who
you are. She had to have known what she was getting into when she met you. I think you two will work things out".
"You
know, I have been thinking exactly the same thing. The last few days, I felt like I was losing my mind. I was feeling selfish,
and guilty, about spending so much time away..but you know...you're right. This is me. This is who I am. And she did know
that when we first got together. I can only think that becoming a mother has changed the way she looks at us as a couple."
He went back into his deep thinking mode...and after several
minutes of silence, he turned to Deni and smiled that rare and wonderful Johnny Depp smile, and said, "Thank you Deni. You're
really easy to talk to. This has really helped a lot"
Johnny stood up and walked into the kitchen.
Deni wondered
if this was his way of wrapping up the evening. She didn't want to overstay her welcome. What time was it anyway? she wondered.
Everything was a blissful blur.
"Well, I guess I should be going. Thanks for everything. It's been wonderful meeting
you." Deni started to get up, but soon realized that she was going to need some help as her ankle was still swollen and screaming
with pain. And, she still felt a bit dizzy. Her stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten anything all day.
At that
moment, Johnny returned to the living room holding 2 glasses of wine. He took a large swig off of one, and set them down on
the coffee table before rushing to Deni's aid.
"Do you have to go?" Johnny looked genuinely disappointed. "You don't
look so good. I really dont think you should be driving." And as if he were reading her mind, he went on to say, "Let me make
you something to eat, and see how you feel in a little while."
Deni sat back down, and nodded her head. "OK...whew..yeah...I
am still a little dizzy. Are you sure you don't mind?"
Johnny's expression was soft and compassionate. "I'm enjoying
your company very much. It feels nice to take care of someone. Especially someone as beautiful as you are."
OK, now
she knew she was dreaming. Did Johnny Depp just tell her she was beautiful? She was 39 years old, and in good shape, but she
couldnt remember the last time Richard told her she was beautiful.
"Beautiful?" she heard herself utter. Oh my god,
she thought, did I just say that out loud?
"Aw, come on Deni," Johnny chided her. "Don't pretend you don't know how
gorgeous you are".
"Yeah..I get that a lot..", Deni smirked.
Johnny laughed out loud. "Beautiful, AND funny........Thirsty?"
He handed her a glass of wine, and sat a little closer to her on the couch. He picked up his glass and clinked it against
hers. "To damsels in distress", he said grinning.
Deni replied with "To knights in shimmering armor".
Chapter 4
Johnny's face was an open book. His expressions were undeniable
testimony of the thoughts and feelings going through his mind. Deni watched as his mind made the connection, and he gave her
a little nod. "I think you mean shining armor" he replied a little sarcastically.
Ok, Deni thought, I'll play along.
"No, shimmering. You shimmer and you glow."
"OK", he said, "Somebody's been watching way too many movies."
"Yes..ok
I confess. I love your movies. There, the truth is out!" she tried to sound dramatic to keep the mood light.
He squinted
his eyes and made a face. She cringed inside at the thought of him discovering that she actually had several of his movies
right there in her purse. That would really freak him out! She stifled a nervous laugh.
"Aw, come on Johnny. Don't try to pretend you don't know how good an actor you are."
He shook his head, but couldn't help smiling appreciatively at her wit. "Touché"
Deni just couldnt help herself.
She had to tell him how she felt. "Johnny, I want you to listen to me, and really believe what I am saying. What you do...your
movies.... the way you portray your characters...it makes people happy. You are really good at what you do. It's a gift. I
know right now you are struggling with what to do..but don't give up on acting unless your heart tells you it's the right
thing for you. Yes, your children need your love, but you can't love others fully if you dont love yourself first. You need
to love this gift that's been given to you and let it grow. Please Johnny...dont ever feel bad about the choices you've made
in your career, because I can tell you honestly, that you have made a difference in peoples lives. You may not realize it,
but you really have. And isn't that what we all want to look back on...when were old and grey...to know that in some small
way, we touched people's lives and made them happy? Isn't that what life is all about?"
Johnny lowered his gaze, and
bit his bottom lip. He tried to stop it, but tears welled up in his eyes. He took a deep breath and let it out. He turned
towards Deni and took hold of both of her hands. Slowly, he raised his head, and looked deep into her eyes.
"Thank
you," he whispered. "I really, really needed to hear that." He lifted one of her hands and pressed her fingers to his lips.
"You're my angel, sent here to me in my hour of need. Nurse Deni...my beautiful angel of mercy."
He put his arms around
her and pulled her close. She slipped her arms around his waist and felt herself melting. They clung to each other in the
most exquisite hug she had ever experienced.
She breathed him in, recording every detail in her memory...the
smell of his skin, the warmth of his breath, how his hair felt on her neck, his heart beating against her chest. He started
to stroke her hair, and Deni felt a rush of electricity surge through her. She tightened her embrace. She could feel his breath
now near her ear, and then...ever so lightly...felt the brush of his lips on her neck. A small gasp escaped from her lips.
Johnny pulled back, "Is this ok?" his dark eyes searching hers.
Instead of answering him, Deni cupped his
face in her hands and placed a small, gentle kiss on his lips.
Chapter 5
"I'll take that as a yes", Johnny said in a smoky voice barely
above a whisper.
He responded with a similar small gentle kiss, never taking his eyes from hers. His lips were soft,
full, and warm...just like she had always imagined they would feel. He reached for his wine on the coffee table and took a
long drink from his glass. She did the same. The alcohol went straight to her head, and the room began to spin. The combination
of hitting her head, no food, good wine, and kissing Johnny Depp was making her a bit woozy.
She leaned back on the
sofa, and put her head back, so she was almost looking up at the ceiling. She could tell the sun was going down, as the room
was getting dark with a faint orange glow. She closed her eyes, and willed the room to stop spinning.
She sensed him near her...then felt his fingers brushing her bangs from her forehead...fingers
traveling down her cheek...to her neck...down her shoulder...her arm...to her fingers. "Mmmm....goosebumps," she giggled.
Oh my god, Deni, youre drunk on 2 sips of wine. She opened her eyes, and looked at Johnny. He was looking back at her and
smiling. Yes, she thought. I have died and gone to heaven.
"Oh, Deni...I'm sorry. I haven't fed you yet. You must
be starving. What would you like?" he asked.
It must have been the wine giving her courage to do what she did next.
She slid her arms around his neck and whispered, "All I want is you". No truer words were ever spoken.
He laid her
back slowly on the couch kissing her deeply. Long, passionate kisses that steadily grew more urgent. She felt the sweet agony
of desire wash over her.
He gently put his weight on top of her, and she heard herself
moan softly. Her fingers clutched at this shirt, gently pulling it up so she could feel his skin...it was hot to the touch.
He paused, quickly pulled his shirt off in one swift movement, and returned his mouth to hers. She ran her hands up and down
his back. His skin was smooth and his muscles were tensed.
He was now kissing her neck and it was the most wonderful feeling
she had ever known. "Oh, Johnny," she breathed, as he trailed his kisses down her neck ever so slowly. She never wanted this
moment to end.
But...it was about to.
Chapter 6
In one split second, the
mood went from passion and intimacy, to panic and fear. The front door flew open and 4 men burst into the room. The room was
fairly dark, but Deni could see the flash of metal and knew that 3 of the men had guns, and they were pointed at her!
"JOHNNY!! Where are you,
man? Johnny!!" a man's voice called, as he tried frantically to focus on the figures in the dark. He fumbled for the lightswitch
on the wall.
Johnny was up and on his feet,
instinctively and protectively, standing in front of Deni who was huddled in a corner of the couch. As the lights came on,
Johnny shielded his eyes from the harsh glare and yelled, "I'm right here...everything's cool...SH*T..put the guns down!!
Put em down, NOW! What the hell, Danny!!?"
"What the hell Johnny? I
should be asking you 'what the hell' ! There is a strange car in the driveway,
man..what did you expect me to think? No one's supposed to know you're here. F*ck, man, do you forget who you are? Do you
forget that there are f*cking crazy people out there that would do anything to get to you? I wasn't about to take any chances.
You coulda let someone know you had a ...uhm... visitor," Danny said, suddenly realizing what he had interrupted.
Johnny ran his hands through
his hair, and took a deep breath. "You're right...sh*t...I'm sorry... I should of called you. I wasn't thinking." The security guards had put their guns away, and were looking to Danny for further instructions.
"Thanks, guys. Sorry about
the false alarm. Looks like my kid brother has things under control here." Danny shot a patronizing look at Johnny. "I'll
be right back, he said as he escorted the security from the house.
Johnny picked up his shirt from
the floor and pulled it over his head before turning and kneeling down in front of a trembling Deni, who was still hugging
her knees and rocking in the corner of the sofa. He rubbed her leg in a comforting way and gave her a little grin before he
said, "You OK? You should of seen your face! It was priceless."
"Well, geez Johnny...it's
not everyday that I have guns pointed at me!" Deni was so relieved he was taking this whole thing lightly. She had been so
afraid that he was going to be upset and the whole evening was about to come to a disappointing end.
"Yeah...well....just another day
in the life...."
Johnny sighed as the front
door opened again, and his brother Danny came back in. He was carrying a pizza box, and walked over to the coffee table and
set it down.
Johnny turned what could
have been an extremely awkward moment, totally around with his charm and humor. He introduced Deni to his brother. "Danny,
this is Deni. Deni this is my brother, Danny....Danny ... Deni... Deni ...Danny..." He pointed back and forth between the
two, as Danny bent down to shake Deni's outreached hand.
"Pleased to meet you", said
Danny as he slapped playfully at his brother who was still gesturing back and forth.
"Nice to meet you, too. I'd
get up, but....", Deni held up her foot, and displayed her colorful ankle.
"Ouch!" responded Danny. "What
did you do to her, Johnny? Huh, Huh..you want me to beat him up for you Deni. You know I can...huh punk..." Danny bounced like a boxer, taking little jabs at Johnny, who played along, fists up... ducking and jabbing...
"Yeah, come on...you wanna a piece of me...come on...show me whatcha got."
Deni giggled as the two brothers
clowned around, and burst out laughing as they tackled each other and rolled on the floor. How adorable was this, she thought,
seeing a side of Johnny she never knew before.
"Uncle, uncle..", Johnny
was pleading as Danny unpinned him and helped him up off the floor. They were both breathing hard and laughing...and Johnny
collapsed on the couch next to Deni and laid his head in her lap. "I let him win...didn't want to embarrass him in front
of company," Johnny teased.
"You're lucky I didnt beat
the crap out of you, little brother." Danny said with a half-serious tone. Then he looked at Deni and added, "Johnny likes
to forget he's this big movie star." Johnny made a face at his brother, but nodded
because it was true.
"And I was even trying to
be nice, and brought home pizza. I could heat it up....anyone hungry?" Danny asked.
Deni and Johnny looked at each
other with big eyes and smiled. "Starving!" they both said at the same time.
Chapter 7
For the next 2 hours, the
3 of them sat on the floor, enjoying food, wine, and conversation. Danny talked about his writing, and a few of his latest
projects, and Johnny talked openly and candidly about his life. She learned so much about him, she felt like a sponge just
letting it all soak in. She thought she knew a lot about him before by what she had read in books and magazines, but hearing
first hand about his childhood, his parents, his rise to stardom, and later about his own children, and his hopes and dreams
for them...it was all so fascinating.
At one point, while they
were talking about Johnny's first passion..music...Johnny jumped up and went over to the stereo and shuffled through a stack
of cds. He put one on, and some upbeat music drifted into the room. "Is this you?" Deni asked, as he came and sat back down
next to her.
"Yeah....me and some of my
buddies from the club got together and were just fooling around at the recording studio one day. It was great...nothing rehearsed....just
jamming and going off on each other. You like it?"
"It's great! I love it..wow...so
many talents," Deni playfully shoved him.
"You can have it, if you
want....I have some other copies," Johnny offered.
Deni was thrilled. She would
not only have her memories of this one perfect day, but she would have his music to remind her of it whenever she wanted.
It was getting late, and
Danny excused himself saying he needed to go to sleep. "I'll let you two get back to ..well...whatever. He smiled at
his brother, and then at Deni. "It was very nice to meet you, Deni."
"You too, Danny," she said,
as he got up and disappeared down the hallway. They heard a door close.
"You know..." Johnny looked
at her with a scowl, as he inched his way closer to where she was sitting on the floor, "You may know too much now. I may
have to hold you hostage and systematically brainwash you."
"Hmmm...as tempting as that
sounds...you really don't have to worry. I've had too much wine to remember any of this tomorrow," Deni knew this was a lie...she
would never forget any of this day for the rest of her life. She felt the need to reassure him that he had not made a mistake
by letting her in to his private world.
"But, seriously, Johnny, I am so...honored...that
you felt you could share your memories with me. I can't imagine what it must be like for you...the bodyguards...the reporters...the
mobs of screaming fans...it must be really hard for you to stay as grounded as you are. I can see why you decided to live
in France. At least you can live a somewhat normal life without having to constantly hide from the public. You
have my word that I won't tell anyone about this place or what we've talked about tonight...I have too much respect for you
to do anything to hurt you."
The look on Deni's face was
so sincere and her words so heartfelt, that Johnny trusted and believed her. "Thanks," he said, "I dont know why, but from
the first moment I saw you...aside from thinking you were beautiful, I felt some weird connection...like I knew you already...I
knew I could trust you. Does that make any sense?"
"Perfect sense to me. I've
always felt a connection with you, too. Maybe we were lovers in a past life, huh?" Deni couldn't believe she was having this
conversation. Now that they were alone again, she could feel there was tension in the air. Where was this going? The lock
they had on each others eyes was getting uncomfortable.
They were startled by Danny's
voice. "Hey, look what I found," Danny came back in the room and was holding up a pair of crutches. "I found them in my closet
and thought you might want to use them."
"Thanks Danny...and just
in time. Uhmm...can you show me where the bathroom is?" Deni felt herself blush a little.
"Sure, follow me," Danny
said, as Johnny helped Deni to her feet and adjusted the crutches for her. She followed Danny down the hallway, and he pointed
to the bathroom door. "There you go. Good night again."
"Thanks...again," Deni said,
as Danny went into his room. She closed the bathroom door behind her, found the lightswitch, and leaned against the sink.
Suddenly alone, she let herself feel the flood of emotions that were going on inside her. She gazed at her reflection in the
mirror, and noticed that she was positively glowing. There was a teen-age girl jumping up and down inside her brain as the
prospect of spending the night with Johnny suddenly dawned on her. She quickly used the bathroom, washed her hands, checked
her teeth, fluffed her hair, took a deep breath, and hobbled back down the hallway towards the living room.
While she was gone, Johnny
had dimmed the lights and put on some softer music. He sat back on the couch and closed his eyes, thinking how strange it
was to feel such a strong attraction, on so many levels, to some woman he just met. A woman that literally had just stumbled
into his life.
It felt good...he smiled
to himself... It felt...normal... It felt...
Deni looked at Johnny in
the faintly lit room...he looked so beautiful...so peaceful, and he was sound asleep.
Chapter 8
She didn't have the heart to wake him, and to be honest with
herself, she felt a bit relieved. Since Johnny was sleeping sitting up, there was plenty of available space left on the couch
for her to lie down. She carefully positioned herself, trying not to disturb him. Johnny had taken off his shirt, and it was
still sitting next to him, so she rolled it up a bit and used it for a pillow. She loved the way it smelled....like him. She
gently placed it against his thigh and curled up next to him on her side. Johnny shifted slightly, made a little groaning
sound, and she felt his arm come around her so his hand was resting just below her breast. She tingled from the feel of his
hand...so warm...so comforting...and she drifted off into a blissful sleep.
Johnny awoke to the sound of clattering in the kitchen, and
was enveloped by the aroma of bacon cooking. His neck was stiff from sleeping with his head back all night, and went
to rub it, but suddenly realized that his fingers were intertwined with someone else's. Deni was still sleeping soundly, with
her head on his lap, and her fingers laced with his. He thought she looked even more like an angel.
He hated to wake her, but he was feeling the overwhelming
need to stretch, and go to the bathroom. He tried to slip out from under her, but she opened her eyes and looked a bit
bewildered. It took Deni a few seconds to focus and comprehend where she was.
"Morning," Johnny's voice was still husky with sleep.
"Morning to you too", Deni purred, and sat up...still not
quite believing she was still with him.
Johnny stood up and stretched. "Hey, I'm gonna grab a quick
shower. Feel free to use the bathroom at the end of the hall. Towels are in the cabinet in there. How's the ankle?"
Deni tried putting some pressure on her ankle, and was able
to stand up. The swelling had gone down quite a bit, and she was able to put her weight on it for a second or two. "It still
hurts...but it's a lot better."
"That's good. Come on, I'll help you down the hallway," Johnny
put his arm around her waist, and she put hers around his shoulder, and they walked toward the hallway. As they passed the
kitchen, Johnny called out "Morning Danny.....smells good in there!"
"Breakfast will be ready in about 20 minutes...oh, and good
morning to you too." Danny shouted over the various noises coming from the kitchen.
Once he got Deni situated at the guest bathroom, Johnny said,
"Uhmm...I guess I fell asleep on you last night....sorry bout that".
"Don't be silly...and technically...You fell asleep on the
couch..."I" fell asleep on YOU". Deni smiled.
Johnny surprised her with a quick kiss. "I'll be in the next
room if you need anything....just holler".
"OK...thanks Johnny," Deni closed the door and found herself
trembling as she slipped out of her clothes. She found a hairbrush in the top drawer, and brushed the tangles from her long
hair. She pulled out a big, fluffy towel from the cabinet, and then heard the shower in the next room turn on.
That kiss, even though it was just one second long, was still
having its effect on Deni. She thought about the kisses they had shared the night before, and felt a warm ache spreading through
her body. Deni knew she was going to have to leave here soon...and she would probably never see Johnny again. She wasn't deluding
herself that the two of them would ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. She wanted to make the most of this
once in a lifetime opportunity, and she knew this may be her only chance.
She gathered up her courage, wrapped the towel around her,
and opened the bathroom door. Cooking sounds were still coming from the kitchen. She limped towards the door where she could
hear the shower, and stepped in.
This must be Johnny's bedroom, Deni thought, as she noticed
the unmade bed.... clothes and books strewn about the room. She always had the feeling he was not a "tidy" kind of guy. She
dismissed the urge to snoop around, and fixed her eyes on the adjoining bathroom door.
Deni took a deep breath, and opened the bathroom door. Steam
struck her in the face, as she closed the door quietly behind her. She started to panic, and thought about turning around
and escaping, but the shower door slid open a crack, and Johnny's dark eyes caught her.
"Hello..." Johnny said with a chuckle in his voice. "What
a nice surprise. Did you care to join me?"
Deni could not find her voice. She just nodded her head, and
stepped through the open shower door...dropping her towel at the very last second. Johnny put his arms around her and
could feel her shaking. With soapy hands, he rubbed her back. Deni let the hot water fall on her, and gradually, her nerves
calmed. Johnny put some soap in her hands, and they started to lather each other up.
The feeling was surreal. His hands were everywhere ...touching....
massaging....exploring. Her body was on fire, and she had never wanted anyone this badly before. He kissed her neck,
and she clung to him, spontaneously rubbing her soapy body against his. Their mouths met hungrily, and they kissed like she
had never been kissed before. There was a passion inside her that she had been saving all her life, for this moment...for
him...and she knew now that fate really existed.
He reached for her hand, and placed it on his growing erection.
She massaged him, as he moaned in her ear. He pushed her gently against the shower wall, and she slid her arms around his
neck. She balanced on her good ankle, and felt him slip inside her. She gasped as he filled her completely. They rocked together
in a gentle, forceful rhythm, with the water cascading over them and Deni was overwhelmed by the almost unbearable pleasure.
Johnny watched her face as she reached her climax, and then felt his own release pulsating through their connected bodies.
The rocking slowed, then stopped, and they held each other tenderly.
Deni's breathing slowly returned to normal. And then she started
to giggle. She didn't know why, or how to stop. Her emotions were going crazy. She was just so happy, she couldn't help it.
Johnny looked at her, and wasn't sure what to think. But her giggle was becoming contagious, and he tried to talk, but started
to laugh instead.
"What? What's so funny?" he finally managed to say. "You know....this
isn't exactly the reaction that most guys want to hear after....you know..." he teased.
Deni forced herself to stop laughing. "I know..I know...I'm
sorry...I don't know what came over me. It's just that....this is so unreal....and yet it's the most real thing I've ever
felt...and I'm so happy...and sad too...and I promised you that I would never tell anyone about this...and that is going to
be really hard...because I just want to scream....and oh my god...I'm sorry, Johnny...I'm babbling again."
"It's ok. I know....I feel confused too. But, we better get
out of here before Danny comes looking for us....you know how he likes to barge in. I promise we'll talk more later."
They finished showering, and got dressed. When they finally
emerged from the hallway, Danny had breakfast all ready, and the table was filled with a feast fit for a king. "I was starting
to worry about you two," teased Danny. "Hope you're hungry."
Johnny pulled out a chair for Deni to sit, and took
a seat beside her. They looked at each other, smiled, and reading each other's minds said at the same time, "Starving!"
Chapter 9
Deni's thoughts were swirling around in her head so fast
she was getting dizzy. She picked at her food, and tried to eat, but she couldn't focus. Johnny and Danny were talking to
each other, but she couldn't hear what they were saying over the voices in her head...
"What did he mean when he said he
was "confused"
too? Is it possible that he
has feelings for me?"
"Come on, Deni. Don't be ridiculous.
He's so far out of
your league, he's
on another planet."
"But he did say that he thought I
was beautiful, and that
we had a lot in common."
"He's also still in love with
Vanessa, and she is
goddess. At most, you're
a convenient distraction."
"But when he kissed me, it felt like
more than just ....
physical attraction. He said
he felt a connection with
me. Maybe he really likes me."
"Girl, you have been watching
too many movies. This
kind of thing just doesn't
happen in real life."
"But, this really is happening.
I just made love with the
man I've dreamed about
for years. Maybe dreams
really do come true."
"Geez Deni, you got in the shower
with the man...you
practically threw yourself
at him...what was he
supposed to do..."
She was jolted away from her thoughts by Johnny nudging her
gently with his elbow. "Hey...you OK?" he said looking concerned.
"What? Yeah...fine," she stammered.
"You looked like you were a million miles away," he said,
trying to read her mind.
Deni thought quickly and said, "I was just thinking about
my kids. I always call them, every night, at bedtime, you know... to see how their day was and to say goodnight. I was just
hoping they weren't worried, because I didn't call last night."
"Hey...you want to call them? I'll get the phone," he was
already getting up before she could even answer.
Danny was looking at Deni's plate of barely touched food.
She caught him looking, and quickly said, "Everything was really good, Danny. Thank you. I'm not much of a breakfast eater,
that's all."
"Can I get you anything else?" he asked, as he got up and
started clearing the table.
"Coffee would be great," she said appreciatively.
"You got it," and he walked towards the kitchen just as Johnny
was returning with the cordless phone. He handed the phone to Deni, and their fingers briefly touched. Deni was cherishing
every touch, every look, every moment as she felt her time with Johnny was coming to an end.
"What time is it?" Deni asked.
Johnny looked at his watch. "Almost 10:00," he said.
"Oh...the kids will be at their riding lesson now. I guess
I'll wait till later." Deni told him.
"So, your kids like to ride horses?" Johnny sat down next
to Deni again.
"Yeah...we all ride. Richard's parents have some beautiful
horses....Oh, thank you Danny," Deni said as Danny put the coffee cup down in front of her.
"You're welcome...cream and sugar right here if you
want it. I've got some things to take care of...so if you'll excuse me, I'll catch you all later." Danny gave Johnny a little
wink as he turned and walked out of the room.
"Later, bro," Johnny called after him, and turned his attention
back to Deni, who was stirring sugar into her coffee. "So, I was thinking....uhmmm...if you're not busy....maybe we could
go riding today."
Deni nearly choked on her sip of coffee. "Did Johnny really
want me to stay?" she thought. She looked into his eyes and saw he was sincerely waiting for her to answer.
"Oh, uhm, wow... I'd love to..." and then the cold sting of
reality slapped her in the face. "Oh my gosh...what time did you say it was?? I have work today at noon...afternoon shift...damn!
I need to get home and change...if I leave right now, I'll just barely make it." Deni started to get up, but her ankle harshly
reminded her of how she got here in the first place.
"Ouch!" Deni yelped. Johnny was watching her with a
mischievous look on his face. Deni sat back down, and returned the look. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" she asked.
"It's totally up to you," he said with puppydog eyes. "You
need to do what you need to do. All I'm saying is.. it's a beautiful day out there, and I'd be very happy if I could spend
it with you."
That was all she needed to hear. She picked up the phone,
and did something she had only done a handful of times in her 17 year career as a nurse. She called in sick.
Her mind was spinning as she tried to concentrate. She heard
the phone ringing and then heard the voice of her supervisor and long-time friend answer at the other end.
"Hello, Ann? Hi, it's Deni. Hey, you're not going to believe
what I did yesterday. (that was the understatement of the year). I tripped and fell, and sprained my darned ankle. No,
it's ok, I'll be alright...I just think I need to stay off it today...Uh, huh...yeah...I should be able to come in tomorrow.
I'll let you know...ok...thanks hon...yeah..I will...ok. Bye."
Deni hung up the phone and grinned smugly at a smiling Johnny.
"Oooooo, you rebel ! " he teased.
"Hey...I didn't even have to lie. I really am injured. I think
I deserve a day off. And besides, you haven't brainwashed me yet. I'm your hostage, remember?" she teased back.
"Oh yeah...I almost forgot...come here hostage," Johnny grabbed
her around the waist and pulled her on to his lap.
She giggled and pretended to struggle. "No, no ... please..!!!" she cried dramatically.
"Ha Ha Ha...You can not escape my powers. Look into
my eyes...with this kiss...you'll be under my spell...", and then he kissed her, and as he commanded...she was under his spell.
Chapter 10
Deni ran her fingers through Johnny's long hair, still damp
from their shower, and wound her arms around his neck. She surrendered to his kisses....the feel of his tongue touching hers
sending tiny spasms of pleasure rushing through her....and sitting on his lap she could feel that his body was responding
as well.
Right on cue, they heard the sound of floorboards squeaking
as Danny passed through the room on his way to the front door. "Get a room," he jeered at them, as he left the house and shut
the door.
Johnny and Deni smiled at Danny's comment, but never stopped
kissing. Deni fantasized how wonderful it would be to wake up every morning and be able to kiss this man whenever she wanted.
She opened her eyes and saw his eyes smiling back at her. Next thing she knew, he was lifting her up from his lap and carrying
her across the room. She buried her face in his neck, and breathed him in.
He carried her to the bedroom, and kicked the door shut. He
gently laid her down on the bed, and with her arms still wrapped around his neck, she pulled him down next to her.
They began kissing again, more passionately now....stopping
only momentarily every few seconds to remove another piece of each other's clothing. His lips were so soft....his mouth warm
and searching......kissing her all over....and then finding her mouth again. She ran her hands over his amazing body, recording
every detail, every curve, in her memory. Johnny shifted and she melted under the weight of his body. She stretched out her
legs and felt his warmth against hers. He was slowly moving his hips in tiny little circles....unmercifully torturing her
with anticipation. It was the most erotic feeling she had ever known. She arched her back slightly and pulled him even closer.
Suddenly, he stopped kissing her, and pulled his head back.
"Don't stop....please...." Deni whispered breathlessly. She opened her eyes, and saw a questioning look on Johnny's face.
"I know it's kind of late to be asking you this....but....should
we be....you know....using something....some protection?" he asked shyly.
"Oh, baby, don't look so worried....it's ok....I'm on the pill....and
I'm not worried about anything else....are you?"
"No....not a thing." He smiled and kissed her, and she felt
herself drifting back into total ecstasy. They made love slowly....taking their time....making it last....exploring each other
completely. Finally....they both cried out in a frenzy of exquisite pleasure....and he collapsed on her, their hearts beating
fast and hard in unison.
They held each other for a long time....she was stroking his
hair....he was tracing little circles on her shoulder. She felt so emotional, she thought she might cry, but she closed her
eyes and willed herself not to. She couldn't remember ever feeling this happy.
Reading her mind, Johnny kissed her nose and said, "What is
it, smiley? You happy?"
"Yes, very," she whispered, using all her might not to cry.
He looked at her with a smile that melted her heart and said
"Me too."
Chapter 11
Johnny rolled over, and jumped out of bed feeling more energized than he had in months. He pulled back the curtain
and looked out at the beautiful day. He knew he should feel bad about being intimate with someone other than Vanessa, but
Deni was different than anybody he had ever been with. She was mature, but young at heart. She was smart and funny, and he
had to admit to himself that he was more than a little smitten with her.
She had a natural beauty..flawless, simple features...and sparkling blue eyes he couldn't seem to pull away
from. But, the most attractive thing he found about her was the fact that she
was untarnished by the glitz of Hollywood...untouched by the brand of celebrity and fame.
She was pure...real...and he was having real feelings for her.
He and Vanessa had discussed that the purpose of this separation was to get perspective on their future, if
they still had a future. To explore their feelings for each other and figure
out what direction they wanted to go in. He couldn't help but think that fate was trying to tell him something by bringing
Deni into his life. He was glad she would be spending the day with him, so he
could get to know her better. She was so easy to talk to and he hoped that despite
their physical attraction, she would be able to help him sift through his scattered emotions.
Deni gazed at Johnny as the sunlight played off his dark features. She was thinking about what Johnny had asked her. After Richard moved out, she thought about going off the pill. Now, she was so glad
she decided to keep taking them. In fact, she almost laughed out loud as she
recalled a conversation with her friend, Ann, when they were discussing that very subject.
Ann had said, "You should definitely stay on birth control. You never know when you might meet the man of your
dreams and when he sweeps you off your feet and into his bed, you'll want to be prepared!" Deni had replied, "Yeah, sure,
Annie, and maybe I'll run into Johnny Depp and he'll have his way with me!" Who
would have ever thought in a million years that those words would actually come true.
Johnny turned to her and said, "So, you ready to go for that ride? Come on, the day's a wasting!"
Deni stuck out her bottom lip and pouted at him, looking hurt. Johnny crawled over to her on the bed,
and playfully sucked her protruding lip. "Aw, come on...you know I didn't mean this was a waste of time. It's just so nice
out...let's go play," he said and began to tickle her. She screamed and smacked him with a pillow. He growled and pinned
her down...putting his lips to her neck and sucking hard, leaving a small red mark. Again she shrieked, and wiggled
out from under his grasp and tried to wrestle him down to repay him for the hickey, but he was too strong. She fell
back on the bed, breathless and laughing. "I can't find my clothes," she giggled deliriously.
"Here," Johnny rummaged through a drawer and tossed her one of his t-shirts. "But I don't think my underwear
is going to fit you," he smirked, while he quickly dressed himself.
Deni suddenly remembered that she kept a bag in her car with some clothes and things in case she had to pull
a double shift at the hospital, and asked Johnny if he would mind getting it for her. "Sure...I'll be right back." He leaned
over and gave her a peck and a wink before disappearing from the room.
Deni found her bra, and put on Johnnys t-shirt. She hugged herself in sheer delight. She gingerly stepped from the bed and used the bathroom while she waited for Johnny to return. There was a phone next to the bed, and she decided to give the kids a call. There was no answer, so she
just left a message, saying she was staying at a friend's house, and she would try calling back later. She wondered what was taking Johnny so long.
Johnny walked out to where Deni's blue Mustang was parked in the driveway.
He opened the driver's door, and pushed the seat up and found her bag in the back. As he pushed the seat back, his
eyes landed on something lying on the passenger side floor. It was a dvd case, with his picture on the front. It was the movie,
Chocolat. Under that case was another, Benny and Joon, and under that one was another, Don Juan DeMarco. They had fallen out
of Deni's purse sometime during the drive.
He bent over and picked them up, and an eerie feeling came over him. "This
is really weird," he thought. He sat there for a moment looking at the dvds trying to dismiss the suspicious thoughts that
were rushing to his mind. He finally got up and walked to the house.
Deni was sitting on the bed, suddenly very self conscious about her half dressed appearance, and smiled as Johnny
walked into the room. Her smile quickly faded as she saw the look on his face. Gone
was his playful demeanor, replaced by a look of confusion and anxiety. He tossed
her bag on the bed and held up the dvds. "Tell me the truth, Deni. Please, just
tell me the truth. Did you somehow find out I was here? Did you come here looking for me?" his eyes pleaded for her to answer
him.
"What do you mean? Johnny...please..please believe me...I had no idea where that road was leading to. I couldn't
possibly have ever dreamed that I would find you here. I swear Johnny...I'm not
....stalking you, if that's what you're thinking," Deni implored him.
"Why do you have my movies in your car?" he was trying to understand. He wanted to believe her.
"Johnny...I told you before...I love your movies...you are my favorite actor...that's all. I have almost every movie you've ever made. If that seems weird to you, I'm sorry, but it's really not
that unusual. And why I had them in my car is...well...I have a dvd player in my car...and, and I like to listen to them.
(her voice was starting to shake) There is some really great music in these movies. I just like to listen to them when I drive.
It keeps me company." She was rambling, but she was desperate for him to understand.
She crawled to the edge of the bed, and got up on her knees in
front of him. "Do you really think I planned this whole thing...spraining my ankle...hitting my head....all just a devious
plot to get you into bed??" she asked him indignantly.
"It's just...when I saw...I thought...I don't know...I just freaked out...I mean...it's just, I don't know you...I
mean ...I didn't know anything about you and here I come to find out...that you know all this stuff about me...it's kinda
spooky...can you see that?"
"Yeah...I see a lot of things... I see that this was all a huge mistake. What was I thinking?...god , I'm such
an idiot!" Deni was crying now, and not trying to hide it either. She stumbled
off the bed and searched the floor with blurry eyes. "Sh*t, where are my pants?" she said, spotting them and quickly pulling
them on. "Do you see my other sock?" she sniffed, crawling on the floor, trying not to get hysterical. She pulled on her socks, and stood up, ignoring the pain in her ankle.
She grabbed her duffle bag, and said, "I'm sorry...I'll go now...I...I...I'm just sorry.. " she swallowed hard, and
turned towards the door, head down, teeth clenched against the sting of her ankle, and her pride.
Johnny didn't know what to say. His thoughts were coming fast and furious.
"Should I let her go? It would make things less complicated. But then
why am I shaking? I'm actually f*cking shaking! I don't want her leave. Not like
this. I can't let her leave like this." He knew if he didn't do something quick, Deni was going to walk out his life forever.
"Wait," he caught her by the arm. His breathing was labored, as he felt himself choking up. "Please...don't
leave. I don't want you to go. I'm sorry...I over-reacted."
Johnny took hold of her by the shoulders, and sat her down on the bed. She didn't try to stop him, but she couldn't
look up at his eyes. "Listen," he explained, "I've been programmed not to trust anyone. I
have to be...careful...as my brother so eloquently put it, there's a lot of f*cking crazy people out there. It's a hard thing to let my guard down. But when I'm with you, it's different. I felt I could trust you
right away. I just freaked out a little ...it's a bad habit of mine. Hey, (he lifted her chin with his finger and made her look him in the eyes), I'm really sorry."
Deni couldn't help falling into his deep, dark eyes as she tried to comprehend what he was saying. "You want me to stay? You don't think I'm a crazed stalker?" she sniffed loudly.
"Crazy....maybe. After all, you do like my movies. But a stalker...no.
You can leave if you want, but...I'd really like you to stay." He leaned in to kiss her, but she leaned away.
"Wait a minute....how do I know YOU'RE not obsessed with ME?" she narrowed her eyes at him.
Johnny thought about that for a second and said, "I think I am."
Chapter 12
Deni took a deep breath and wiped her tear stained cheeks. "He
has every right to be suspicious of me," Deni admitted to herself. "I've followed his career ever since he was a teen idol...I
think that qualifies me as an obsessed fan." Deni leaned over and hugged Johnny, and he hugged her back. "I'm sorry," she
whispered, "I should have told you...that I was...you know...such a big fan... but I didn't want you to judge me based on
that."
"It's ok," he said, "I guess I should be flattered. I've made
some...how should I put this...'questionable' movies. You're a brave soul to have watched most of them."
"You're a very talented actor, Johnny. Everything you've done
has its own value. You are way too critical of yourself, you know that, dont you?" Deni tsk'ed at him.
"Well, I know I don't like to watch myself on screen. So, I
guess I'll just have to take your word for it." Johnny got up and patted his pockets, looking for his tobacco pouch, and then
shook his head. "Old habit...I could really use a smoke right now. I quit about 6 months ago. But, sometimes it's really hard"
"Well, there's another thing we have in common. I quit too,
only it was more like 10 years ago when I was pregnant with my son."
"Yeah...having kids sure
does change your life, doesn't it? One day, I was smoking my... I don't know, 20th cigarette of the day...and my baby son
was looking at me, and imitating me...you know...like with his mouth...and I just went..sh*t!! What am I doing?? I'm not only
infecting the air that my kids breathe, and being a bad role model, but I know this sh*t is going to kill me...and I want
to be around and see my kids grow up, and have kids of their own, and all that good stuff in between. So, I just did it...I
quit right then and there."
"Wow, that's great, Johnny. I'm really glad. And I'm sure your
kids are too. You're a good daddy!" Deni beamed at him. She found his devotion to his children to be his most attractive feature.
"So, tell me about your kids... what are their names?" Johnny
asked.
"Well, my son is Dean, he's 9...and my daughter is Salina...we
call her Sal...and she is 7." Deni suddenly missed them so much, she got a little choked up.
"Dean and Sal...you're kidding, right?" Johnny asked, incredulous.
"No. Those are their names. Why?" Deni thought she knew why,
but wanted to hear what he was thinking.
Johnny picked up a beat up looking backpack, and rummaged around
until he found what he was looking for. An equally beat up looking book is what he held out for her to see.
"You know what this is, right? It's a copy of Jack Kerouac's
"On the Road". It's my all-time favorite book. This book changed my life when I was growing up." Johnny said talking very
fast and animated. "I even named my son Jack, because the guy has always meant so much to me. Did you know that the main characters
in this book are Dean and Sal?"
"Yes, Johnny...I know. It's my favorite book, too. Now, promise
me you won't freak out." Deni said as she dug through her duffle bag, and produced her own worn out volume of "On the Road".
"Wow...this is bizarre. We both carry around the same book.
That's just spooky. I think I'm starting to believe your past life theory," Johnny said, flipping through the pages of the
book, but not really focusing on anything.
"Well, we just have a lot in common. Nothing so bizarre about
that," Deni wanted desperately to change the subject. "So,
you still want to go out for that ride?"
Chapter 13
"Absolutely," Johnny said. "You get ready, and I'll go pack
us a lunch."
Johnny started to leave carrying the backpack, and turned
his head briefly at the door to throw a smile at Deni. The sunlight caught one of his gold caps, and it flickered in her eye.
She returned the smile and impulsively blew him a kiss. He snatched the invisible kiss from the air with his hand and
winked at her before he disappeared from the doorway.
Deni took a deep breath and tried to collect her thoughts.
She scolded herself for the kiss-blowing thing she just did. "God Deni, he already thinks you're a freak. Don't start acting
all cutesy lovie dovie."
She shook off the embarrassment, and took her bag into the
bathroom. She was happy to see clean underwear, a toothbrush, and deodorant. She got ready, brushed her hair back
into a tight ponytail, and put on a little light makeup. Satisfied with her reflection, she hobbled out to the living
room looking for Johnny.
He had his back to her, but she could see he was on the phone,
talking in hushed tones. He turned when he heard Deni come into the room, and she heard him say, "OK...I will....well...I
don't know yet...OK,OK...uhm...listen..I have to go....kiss the kids for me, ok? OK, bye." And he hung up the phone and looked
a bit irritated.
"Everything OK?" Deni asked.
"Yeah, they're fine. Just needed to check in with them.
I miss my babies....you know how that feels." Johnny looked sympathetically at Deni. "Hey, come over here. I found something
for you.
Deni sat down on the couch next to Johnny. He had an ace bandage
in his hand, and lifted up her bad ankle and rested it across his knee. He took off her sock, and began wrapping her
ankle.
"You're very good at that," Deni grinned, "You'd do fine as
a nurse, yourself."
The playful Johnny was back. He tucked the end of the bandage
in securely, gave her foot a little squeeze, and then leaned over and seductively whispered in her ear, "I'd rather do a fine
nurse, like yourself."
He growled and kissed her neck. She giggled and pushed him
away. "Alright, Mr. Depp, come on now. Are we going for
a ride or not?" Deni asked, wondering in the back of her mind what he and Vanessa had been talking about.
Johnny raised his eyebrows up and down at her, "Sure!.....oh,
you mean the horses....oh....yeah.... ok...we can do that, I guess." Oh, how she adored his cocky grin.
Deni found her shoes, and put them on. The bandage helped
a lot, and she was able to walk with only a slight limp. Johnny grabbed the backpack he had loaded up and they were off.
Sweetly, Johnny took her hand as they walked towards the stables, slowing his pace to match hers. She felt like she
was walking in a dream...the beautiful scenery, the sun shining, a warm breeze blowing and holding hands with Johnny.
It was too perfect.
They reached the stables, and Johnny picked out 2 horses and
began preparing them for a ride. Deni reached up and stroked her horse's head, cooing at him, and kissing him on the
nose. "Hello there. You are so pretty, yes you are."
"What's this one's name?" she asked Johnny.
"I'm not sure. I've never ridden that one, but Danny says
he's nice. This one here is Blaze. He's my buddy, huh Blaze," Johnny gave the horse a loving pat, and the horse responded
with a little warble.
"Awww, he likes you, too. That's so sweet. Hi Blaze." Deni
said as she nuzzled the horse's nose. "So, what should I call mine?....he needs a name. How about ......Cesar?
"Hmmmm, why does that name make me think of shoveling more
horse crap than I care to remember? I think not." Johnny shook his head and made a face at her.
"Well, just so you know, I have some Russian heritage, and
I was deeply moved by that movie. It really shed light on the culture and society of that era. I liked how your character
and Christina's were drawn together, even though it wasn't....acceptable," Deni said as she stood closer to Johnny...close
enough to feel his breath. She looked up at him and he bent his head to kiss her. She had butterflies in her stomach
and a huge smile on her face.
"Well...I'm glad you liked it," he said, smiling back.
"The movie or the kiss?" she teased.
"Both," he said laughing, as he helped her up onto her still
nameless horse. He climbed up on Blaze, and sidled up next to her.
"Ready? Let's go." And they trotted off, eager to explore
whatever the day might bring.
Chapter 14
They headed out towards the wide open meadows that surrounded
the ranch. The horses were enjoying a much needed run. Deni loved the feeling of freedom she got whenever she went riding.
She felt a cosmic oneness with the powerful animal beneath her, as he thundered through the tall weeds, responding to her
slightest command. She could see that Johnny was also a skilled rider, and was enjoying the same kind of Zen with his
horse.
After a while, Johnny led them to a trail he had discovered
years ago. They slowed their pace, and let the horses walk side by side. Deni was positively glowing with exhilaration.
Johnny looked so natural on a horse, you could almost forget that he was a movie star.
"Hey there, cowboy. This is so incredible. I love this
place. Thank you so much...for...well...everything." Deni blushed.
Johnny ran his gaze over the vast acreage and said, "Yeah,
you can see why I like coming here. I not only get to see my brother, but I get all of this, too. It's very...I don't
know....Zen."
Deni exclaimed, "That's the exact word I was thinking!! In
fact, I was thinking about calling my horse Zen...because riding him was practically a religious experience for me. In fact,
the past 24 hours has been the most cosmic experience of my life. Meeting you....this beautiful day....did you know that it
snowed last week? And today is like a perfect 70 degrees. It's cosmic, I tell you!"
"Like it was meant to be," was all he said.
Deni was speechless. What did he mean by that? She didn't
dare to imagine. They rode for a while in silence, soaking in the tranquility of the scenery. They came upon a patch of trees,
as the trail cut through them, and Deni heard the sound of water rushing. A small creek ended their trail, and the horses
stopped for a cool drink.
"Well, I'm kinda thirsty, too. How about you? Ready for a
break?" Johnny asked, as he was already dismounting Blaze.
"Sounds good....why, thank you sir," Deni told him as he gallantly
helped her down from Zen.
Johnny took out a blanket from Blaze's saddle bag, and spread
it out under a tree. The sun speckled the blanket with patches of light through the scatter of leaves. Flowering shrubs
nearby filled the air with a fragrant breeze. Johnny took off his backpack, and pulled out a bottle of wine, a corkscrew and
two plastic cups. They sat down on the blanket, popped open the wine and Johnny held up his cup, "What shall we toast
to?"
Deni thought for a moment, and then the perfect line came
to her. "May the wind always be at your back, the sun always shine upon your face, and may the winds of destiny carry you
aloft to dance amongst the stars," she quoted George Jung.
Johnny looked at her, amazed. "Very nice....to the winds of
destiny." They touched their cups together and sipped their wine.
"This is a very nice wine," Deni commented.
"Oh yeah...the French know their wine. Good wine....good bread....good
cheese..." Johnny said almost dreamily. "It's a great country."
"I'd like to go there, someday. I've been to England, but
never to France," Deni said wistfully.
"Well...maybe you will," he said, as he laid back on the blanket
and closed his eyes. Again, Deni was unsure of what he was implying. It was probably nothing....just her imagination
running wild.
She stretched out on her side, and looked at Johnny's face.
He looked so relaxed and peaceful. She had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Was she really here in this
secluded, picturesque, romantic setting....lying next to the most remarkable man she had ever met? If it was a dream...she
never wanted to wake up.
Johnny opened one eye, and caught her looking at him.
He rolled over on his side, and propped his head up, so their faces were just inches apart. The closeness of his body
was extremely arousing. Deni felt her nipples get hard, and it didn't go unnoticed.
"My shirt looks good on you," he said softly, as he circled
the hard tip of her breast with his thumb.
Deni wanted to answer him with a witty comment, but when she
opened her mouth, all that came out was "...ooh".
He kissed her forehead....then her nose....and then their
mouths met with intensity. Johnny's kisses were like fine works of art....rich in technique and detail. The kind
of deep, passionate kisses that make your toes curl, and make you forget about everything else that is going on around you,
because all you can focus on is that tantalizing tongue exploring your soul...filling you with the desire and urgency to consume
its master.
She wrapped her leg over his, and pulled him to her. He slipped
his hand under her shirt, caressing her back. Their desire could not be denied, and they made love there under the tree...
two bodies becoming one. It was beautiful...it was natural...it was Zen.
As they snuggled in each others arms, Deni felt as if her
whole life had lead up to this moment. But then, she felt bad knowing that Johnny must be going through emotional turmoil.
She wondered if he wanted to talk about it...about Vanessa....and what he must be feeling.
She sat up, and got dressed, and so did he. Johnny rummaged
through the backpack, and brought out some bread, cheese, and fruit. He sliced off a piece of cheese with his pocket knife,
and tore her off a piece of bread. Deni suddenly realized how starved she was, since she had only picked at her breakfast.
As they ate, Deni asked him if he wanted to talk.
"About what?" he asked.
"About Vanessa. You seemed upset after you talked to her earlier,"
Deni probed.
Johnny breathed a deep sigh, and got a far away look on his
face. "I just don't know, Deni. I don't know what to do. I thought this time was forever, you know. She was my girl. We have
our beautiful family. Our home...it was everything I ever wanted. I don't want things to change...but sometimes they
do. Things change...people change...feelings change...that's the way my life has always been. My parents loved each
other...and then they didn't. Why do people fall out of love? I don't know. I wish I did. Then maybe I could fix it.
Do you still love Richard?"
The question caught her off guard. "Gosh...I'm not sure
how I feel about him anymore. He hurt me....a lot... when he left....so it's clouding my feelings. I think a part of me will
always love him....we had a lot of great times together...and he is a wonderful father. I feel guilty most of the time because
he just wanted to spend more time with me, and I couldn't give that to him."
"Exactly," Johnny said. "You understand exactly what I am
going through. I'm so glad you're here. I've been talking to Blaze, but he doesn't have much advice for me." He laughed
at his joke, and Deni smiled at him.
"So, how long are you going to stay here?" she asked.
"Well, I'm supposed to be in London next week for a
preproduction meeting. Then, I have about a week off,
and then we start shooting. I was hoping that Vanessa and I would come to some kind of resolution by then. She knows I have
a contract to do this movie, but she wants it to be my last one. I've already committed myself to 2 other films over the next
2 years. She says if I do them, then we're through. I thought she would change her mind, but she is serious. I am so
confused, and ...." Johnny put face in his hands, overcome with emotion.
Deni put her arms around him, and stroked his hair. "Shhhh,
it's ok, Johnny", she whispered, and rocked him gently.
Finally, he pulled away, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Deni."
"Don't be sorry, Johnny. I know what you're going through.
I've already cried my tears over Richard. You're only human."
"I know...but....we just made love, and here I am crying over
another woman..."
"Johnny...she is not just another woman. Do you really think
I don't realize that? I have no expectations of you....of us....I know you love her...not me..."
Johnny wiped the tears from his face, and pulled Deni close.
He looked at her with the sincerest eyes, and said, "Then
why do I feel like I'm falling in love with you?"
Chapter 15
OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! I LOVE YOU TOO JOHNNY!! There was that
hopelessly romantic teenage girl again, jumping up and down in her brain. Deni was dumbstruck by Johnny's candid vulnerability...like
a little child...wide eyed and looking for acceptance.
Deni's adoring feelings for Johnny were battling her rational,
analytical mind. She had taken some psychology in college, and recognized this classic rebound reaction... bordering
on "Nightingale" syndrome, where a patient falls in love with his nurse. Johnny was blocking out his pain over Vanessa by
this fantasy of falling in love with someone new...his angel who swooped in out of nowhere to rescue him from his nightmare.
Despite all her clinical, rational thoughts, when Deni opened
her mouth to speak, all she could say was, "I....I...I..."
Johnny cut her off, placing his finger on her lips, "It's
ok. You don't have to say anything. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I know it's crazy...we just met yesterday...it's
just...you're such an incredible woman...I guess I just got a little carried away."
"I know...I know, Johnny. And it's not that I don't have feelings
for you too...I think you know I do...," she took hold of his hands, "and nothing could make me happier than to know that
you have feelings for me too...but..."
"Ahhh...there's always a but...," he interrupted.
"Yes...but... I don't want you to make the same mistake I
did. Let me tell you a little story... About 2 months after Richard left...I started to date a doctor from work.
He was very handsome, and intelligent, and we had a lot in common, and I fell head over heels in love with him. Three
weeks later, he met someone younger and prettier, and he was gone. I spent one evening with my good friends, Ben and
Jerry, and by the time I reached the bottom of the container, I was over him. What I'm trying to say is, I wasn't really in
love with him. Yes, I was infatuated, and he helped me through a rough time in my life...but I wasn't in love with him. You and I have only known each other for one day, and although I will
agree that it has been the most wonderful, perfect day I've ever had, falling in love is an awfully big step. Maybe
we should slow things down a little... give your heart and your head a little more time to figure out your real feelings."
Johnny smiled at her sheepishly and said, "How did you get
so smart?"
"Oh...I don't know...just born that way, I guess," She leaned
over and kissed him lightly. Deni couldn't believe that she was telling Johnny Depp that he really wasn't falling in love
with her. Her mind was screaming at her that she was crazy, but her heart knew she was doing the right thing.
The sun ducked behind some ominous looking clouds, and the
temperature dipped. "Guess we should be heading back...looks like it might rain," Johnny said.
They gathered their things, and got back on the horses. The
ride back was quiet, as they were both thinking about what the other had said. Johnny knew he had to deal with his unresolved
feelings and his situation with Vanessa ... and it wasn't fair to have put Deni in the middle of that.
Deni, on the other hand, was floating on a cloud, hearing
those words she had only fantasized about before, over and over again in her mind.
They arrived back at the house just as Danny was getting home.
Johnny helped Deni off her horse, and then walked both horses to the stables. Deni and Danny went inside, and Deni went to
gather her things.
"Are you leaving?" Danny asked.
"I think so...I have a cat at home that is hating me right
now...and I have to work tomorrow...and Johnny has some things he needs to think about...alone...but I've really enjoyed meeting
you. This has been quite the experience," Deni said sadly,
not really wanting this to end. But, seeing Johnny so emotional over Vanessa had spoken volumes to her. She knew where his
heart belonged.
"Very nice meeting you too, Deni. If you don't mind me asking...what
exactly is going on with you and Johnny? You know, he's my brother...I can't help looking out for him."
"Danny...trust me...I'm looking out for him too. I would like
to think that Johnny and I are friends...at least I hope we are. Beyond that, I really don't know."
"You sure you don't want to stay for dinner?" Danny tempted.
"Hmmm...I really would love to ...but I need to get home,"
she said just as Johnny walked in the door. She could see the look of realization on his face. Their time together had come
to an end...at least for today...
Chapter 16
Johnny walked over to Deni and took the duffle bag out of
her hand, and swung the strap over his shoulder. "Did you get that CD I gave you?" he said with a sadness in his voice she
hadn't heard before.
"Yup...it's in my bag," she said fidgeting awkwardly.
"Ok then...well, I guess I'll walk you to your car," he sighed.
"Bye, Danny," she smiled and gave Danny a hug.
"Take care," Danny said, giving her a good squeeze and a wink.
Deni and Johnny walked slowly out to her car, arm in arm,
in silence.
When they got to the car, Deni turned to Johnny, and looked
up into his brooding, dark eyes. They put their arms around each other, and hugged for several, very long, very emotionally
charged minutes.
Finally, Johnny spoke. "I wish you didn't have to go."
"You need to call her, Johnny. You love her...you love your
family...trust your feelings...think about what we talked about...and in the end, things will work out for the best...and
you can tell her that I think she's a fool if she lets you get away..."
"OK...you're right...as usual..." Johnny smiled and tousled
her hair. "I had...an amazing time with you. You really are my angel...I hope I can see you again before I leave for London.
Do you have a pen?"
Deni fished around in her purse and came up with a pen and
a scrap of paper. Johnny wrote down Danny's phone number, and then asked Deni to write down hers.
"I want you to call me when you get home," he said, "Looks
like a storm's heading in...I want to make sure you made it home safely."
"OK, Dad...," Deni teased. "I promise." They hugged
again, and then he kissed her. Not the same kind of passionate kiss they had shared earlier...but a soft, sweet, caring kiss
that made her want to cry.
"Well, I guess I'll talk to you later, then," she managed
to say. "Bye Johnny."
"Bye," Johnny opened her door, and moments later watched Deni
drive away, wondering if he would ever see her again...
Deni drove towards home...her mind in a fog...barely aware
of the cars around her, or of the rain that had begun to pound her windshield. She couldn't stop reliving every moment
of the last 24 hours over and over in her mind. If it wasn't for the bump still tender on the back of her head and the
fact that she was still wearing Johnny's tshirt, she would have sworn she had hallucinated the whole thing.
Now that she was out of Johnny's hypnotizing presence, she
allowed herself to imagine what life would be like as his girlfriend. She couldn't help giggle at how ridiculous that would
have sounded just yesterday morning. She knew that chances were slim that a relationship between two people from such
different worlds would ever survive. She wasn't sure she would even have the guts to try. There would be a tremendous
amount of pressure being the girlfriend of such a famous celebrity. She was sure that the media would have a field day digging
into her private life...and what kind of effect would that have on her children? And with Johnny's schedule, and her schedule,
and the fact that his children lived in France, she imagined that their time together would be pretty scarce. "Deni,"
she thought, "if things with Johnny and Vanessa don't work out, and if by some enormous miracle he wants to be with you...well
then...we'll just have to take things one day at a time...and see what happens." It was an interesting fantasy to think about,
anyway.
She realized at the last minute that her exit was approaching,
and shortly after that, reality finally set in as she found herself pulling into her driveway. It felt like weeks since she
had skipped out her front door in search of a little adventure. She held her duffle bag over her head to shield the
rain, and walked stiffly, (her ankle still wrapped in the ace bandage), into her quiet, empty house...with the exception of
one, very hungry cat, who demanded Deni's immediate attention the minute she turned on the light.
"Oh...hello Roux...hey buddy...did you miss me...ooooh...mama's
sorry...come on... .sweetie...there you go..." Deni babytalked the chocolate colored cat as she filled his bowl.
She grabbed the phone and sat down on the floor, scratching
Roux's head, while he hungrily concentrated on his food.
She dialed Richard's number and Dean's voice answered the
phone. "Hi sweetie, it's mom!" Deni said cheerfully.
"Hi mom...how are you?" he said, suddenly sounding much older
than 9.
They chatted for a while, and then she talked with Salina,
too. They made plans for her to pick them up on her next day off so they could spend the day together. They blew
each other kisses through the phone and said good night.
Deni stared at the phone, and dug the scrap of paper with
Johnny's number on it out of her pocket. She supposed she should let him know she got home in one piece. She picked
up the phone and dialed the number.
Chapter 17
"Hello," Danny's voice said on the other end of the line.
"Hi Danny. It's Deni. Johnny wanted me to call to say
I made it home alright. Is he around?" she asked with butterflies in her stomach.
"Hey Deni. Johnny's talking to Vanessa on his cell phone in
the other room. He's been in there ever since you left. Well...almost...we did talk about you for a little while,"
Danny said, amused.
"Really? Soooo...what did he say about me?" Deni asked curiously,
feeling a little like a schoolgirl.
"You made quite an impression on my little brother. He said
you were unbelievable. He said that you made him feel so good, and gave him some really great advice...and that he'll never
forget you or this day. He said you opened his eyes. I don't know what you said to him...but he's been talking to Vanessa
for over an hour, and I can hear him laughing, and that's a lot different than the conversations they've been having since
he got here. So...did you want me to have him call you...or..."
"That's ok, Danny..." Deni interrupted. "I mean...if he wants
to, I guess..." Deni had mixed emotions. She wasn't sure if she was happy or sad that Johnny and Vanessa seemed to be
working things out. On one hand, she was happy that she had a part in helping Johnny find his way back to the happiness he
deserved, but on the other hand she had forsaken her own happiness and any future she may have had with him.
She found herself in an open and honest conversation with
Danny...telling him things she was thinking and feeling as they were occurring to her. Like how she could never have lived
with herself... being portrayed as the woman who broke up Johnny's family. They ended up talking for hours...often laughing...and
even flirting a little with each other.
It was almost 10:00 when Danny said, "Hey...Johnny just
walked out here...did you want to talk to him?"
"OK...sure...but...uhmm...hey...it was really nice talking
to you, Danny," Deni said.
"Absolutely Deni...I'll catch you later, ok....well...here's
Johnny," Danny handed the phone to his brother.
Deni heard Johnny's sultry voice on the phone for the first
time, and got chills. She realized that she had intimate knowledge of this man's body, but there was something about
hearing his voice on the telephone that was even more personal. "Hey you!" he said cheerfully.
"So...how'd it go? ", she asked, trying to sound supportive.
"Deni.....how can I ever thank you enough?...You saved me....it
was your words that helped me show Vanessa what I was feeling. And I think she finally got it...I think she understands...and
it's gonna be ok...I really think we're going to be ok. And I owe it all to you. My angel, Deni. I wish you were here, so
I could hug you," Johnny said, talking quickly and animated. She could hear the happiness in his voice, and felt happy, too.
"Oh Johnny...I'm so glad...see I told you...just trust your
feelings...and it will all work out for the best," Deni said.
"You want to hear what's crazy, Deni?...Vanessa thought that
I was taking on all these new movie roles because I was trying to get away from her...she thought I was bored with her and
wasn't in love with her anymore. That's why she was being so irrational about my working so much...not because she wanted
me to stay at home...but because she thought I didn't want to be there at all. She just needed me to reassure her that
I still love her. She knows I need to work, and she's ok with it, as long as she knows that I am missing her and the
kids every second I'm away from them. And I do miss them so much... I'm flying back tomorrow."
"Tomorrow...really? Wow...that's so......that's wonderful,
Johnny...I couldn't be happier for you," Deni said, holding back her tears. Her mind was racing...Johnny was about to
slip out of her life forever. She just wanted to see him one last time. "What time is your flight?"
"I leave tomorrow morning at 11:00. So, I should get
to the airport around 10:00."
"Can I give you a ride? The hospital isn't far from the airport,
and I have to be at work at noon anyway. I'd like to be able to say goodbye. What do you think...please?" Deni pleaded.
"I'd like that," Johnny said. "See you in the morning then,
ok?"
"OK...good night, Johnny," she said. ("I love you!" screamed
the voices in her head.)
"Sweet dreams, angel," he replied. They both hung up the phone,
and knew that their lives would be forever different now...imprinted with the time they had spent together.
Deni curled up in her empty bed, except for Roux who was snuggling
in by her feet, and tried to get to sleep. She was excited to see Johnny in the morning, even if it was just for a short time.
She was even more excited about the new bond that they now seemed to be forming...a bond of friendship...of two people who
really cared about each other.
She had put on Johnny's cd....his music filling the quiet
room, and Deni drifted off into a restless sleep.
Chapter 18
Deni woke up, feeling exceptionally groggy, like she had been
drugged, and tried to focus her eyes. She tried to move, but she was too weak and dizzy. Finally, her vision cooperated
with her brain, and she could make out a few images.
She recognized the hospital room...it was where she worked...but
instead of being the one attending to the patients...she was the one lying in the bed. There were tubes, and wires, and monitors
all around her.
She felt instant panic. How did I get here? The last thing
she could remember was being so excited that Johnny was actually in her little blue Mustang on the way to the airport.
Even though a car full of his bodyguards were right behind them, Deni was cherishing the alone-time she was having with Johnny.
They were happily chatting away, discussing Johnny's new movie...when
Deni decided that she wanted to take a picture of Johnny sitting in her car.
"No one will ever believe me that I really met you...pleeeeeeease...just
one little picture???" Deni had begged, while she held up her digital camera, trying to snap Johnny's picture, and keep her
eyes on the road.
"No, quit it," Johnny had insisted, "We had a deal, remember?"
He held his hands up in front of his face.
"Then it will be just for me...please...something to remember
you by," Deni pleaded. She took her eyes off the road for just a second to look at Johnny.
Then...she remembered ...hearing Johnny's terrified scream,
"LOOK OUT!!" and that's where her memory stopped.
She began to shake uncontrollably under the thin hospital
sheet. Oh my god! ...she thought...Johnny!...where is Johnny?!
Chapter 19
"Hey...welcome back," a kind, soothing voice said. Deni turned
her head and saw her friend Ann standing at her bedside.
Deni reached out a shaky hand and pleaded with all her strength,
"Annie!!...please tell me he's ok...there was someone else in the car with me...please..."
"Shhhh...don't excite yourself," Ann interrupted her. "Everything's
alright. As far as I know, the gentleman you were riding with was treated for minor bumps and bruises and released.
The hospital kept his room guarded...it was all very hush hush. When you are feeling up to it...you will have to fill me in
on who he was."
Deni breathed a deep sigh of relief. She was so thankful that
Johnny was ok. She was further relieved by the news that there was apparently no scandal involved. She didn't want to
be the cause of any bad publicity for Johnny, especially when he was just getting back together with Vanessa.
"Now, you just rest...I'll go get the doctor...you've been
out for quite a while," Ann said calmly.
"How long?" asked Deni.
"Now don't get upset and I'll tell you....Honey, you've been
in a coma for 5 days," Ann told her. "Witnesses say that 2 cars collided in front of your car, and you had no way of avoiding
the pile up. The driver's side took the brunt of the impact, which is why your passenger was relatively unhurt. You
hit your head pretty hard, Deni...(Ann got tears in her eyes), and...I was afraid we were going to lose you."
"Oh Annie...I'm ok...I'm too stubborn to die..." Deni smiled
as her friend leaned over and gave her a gentle hug. "Are the kids ok? Have they seen me? Has Richard been here?"
"You've had quite a few visitors. Richard and the kids have
been here everyday. I'll go give them a call with the good news in just a bit, after the doctor checks you over. Then,
there were 2 gentlemen visitors...both of them were here everyday...holding your hand, and talking to you. I didn't get their
names...and they just said they were friends of yours. I've never seen them before...and one of them...if I'm not going senile...was
wearing a disguise of some sort...I'm almost sure of it...very strange, Deni...I can't wait for the details, my friend," Ann
said, raising her eyebrows at Deni.
"OK...Annie..." and Deni's eyes closed, and she drifted back off to sleep...her last thoughts were knowing that Johnny and Danny
had been there with her...caring about her...and she felt special.
Chapter 20
She was awakened by the sound of muffled voices. Whatever
drugs they were giving her for pain, were making it hard for Deni to pull herself out of the fog that was clouding her consciousness.
She slowly recognized Danny, and he was talking to someone with a beard that she didn't recognize. Danny saw she was
awake, and came over to her bed, and so did the other person.
"Hey Deni...how are you feeling?" asked Danny softly.
"Oh...I've been better," she tried to smile a little.
"Deni...when I said you were an angel...I didn't mean for
you to take it literally...," the bearded stranger said with a sympathetic smile.
"Oh Johnny...are you ok?...I'm so sorry...if I wasn't trying
to..."
Johnny put his finger to her lips and silenced her guilty
mind. "Shhh...it wasn't your fault." He sat on the edge of her bed, and stroked her forehead. "It was an unavoidable accident.
I'm fine and I'm just so glad you're going to be ok. You scared the sh*t out of me. This has been the longest 5 days of my
life."
"Oh, no...I made you miss your plane!" Deni suddenly realized,
and was again filled with guilt.
Again, Johnny smiled sympathetically and said, "It's ok...it's
alright... I wasn't about to get on a plane until I knew you were going to be ok...and when I told Vanessa what happened,
she and the kids flew out here. Lily-Rose and Jack haven't seen their uncle in a long time, so it really worked out
for the best...just like you said it would."
"Hmmm...I'm glad," Deni sighed weakly. "So, you're not hurt?...I
can't see your face," she tugged at his fake beard.
"A few sore ribs, but the doctors here were great. I am really
impressed with this hospital and the doctors here. My bodyguards, who are fine by the way, were able to swerve out of
the way of the spinning cars...and brought me here after the ambulance had taken you away. My identity was kept quiet...there
was no press...nothing in the papers. You work with some fine people. In fact...to show my appreciation...I wrote a check
out to help with the new addition to the children's wing."
Deni marveled at the size of Johnny's heart and the vast expanse
of his goodness. "What did you tell Vanessa?" Deni asked.
"Well...I didn't lie...but I didn't exactly tell her everything
either. What happened between you and me, angel...well...that
will stay between us. I told her you were a good friend of Danny's...and of mine. And that is the truth. There's nothing
like a car wreck to put everything in perspective. When I think about what could have happened...man...it just makes me cherish
the people in my life all the more. I am the luckiest man in the world...and Vanessa and my kids are the most important people
in my life...you helped me to see that. So, don't be sorry, Deni...cuz I'm not."
He leaned over, and gave Deni a careful hug. For Deni, it
was better than any medicine.
"Unfortunately," Johnny continued, "Now that I know you are
ok, I have to leave today. My meeting in London is tomorrow. But, Danny will be here to check up on you, and there's
the phone...and know that I'll be thinking about you. You just get better, OK?"
"OK, Johnny," was all she could manage. She was wiped out
physically and emotionally, but overall, felt like the luckiest girl in the world.
Chapter 21
Deni stayed in the hospital for another week before she was
released. Her head injury had caused a slight amount of brain damage that was affecting her coordination, and she faced several
months of physical therapy to regain all her motor functions. She also needed someone to help take care of her, and
since Richard and all her friends had to work, Danny offered to have Deni, and Roux, stay with him at the ranch.
Vanessa, Lily-Rose and Jack stayed in town for a while, and
had all come to meet and visit with Deni while she was in the hospital. Deni loved them all instantly. When they had to fly
back to France, the children gave her hugs and called her Auntie Deni.
Vanessa told Deni that Johnny had spoken highly of her, and
that she knew that Deni had something to do with her and Johnny getting back together. "I'm not sure what you said to him,
but he's like a new man. I've never seen him so...alive," Vanessa had told her. Then she went on to say, "Deni...I see the
look he gets in his eyes when he talks about you...I know this look...and you don't need to tell me what happened between
you and my Johnny. I blame myself...because I had pushed him away...and now...I can forgive...because I know in my heart that
he loves me. When I got off the plane...it was like we were seeing each other for the first time....so excited...so happy...you
know? What is in the past, is in the past...all is forgiven...and we go forward, yes?"
Vanessa was so genuine and so gracious, and Deni was glad
that there were no secrets between them. They felt a special bond with each other, and became fast friends. She left, promising to keep in touch.
Deni felt right at home at Danny's house. He was so wonderful
to her...cooking for her...helping her with her exercises. Deni discovered that riding the horses was excellent therapy for
her, and it became her daily ritual.
Sometimes Danny would join her, and they spent many hours
exploring the area around his home. The physical therapist came to the house 3 times a week so Deni didn't have to travel
to the hospital. Johnny had insisted, and was paying all expenses. Deni was getting stronger everyday.
One evening, while they were watching a movie, Danny plopped
down next to Deni on the couch with a bowl of popcorn. Deni had felt her feelings growing for Danny over the past 2 months
since she arrived there, but wasn't sure how he felt about her. He was 10 years older than her, and sometime she felt like
his kid sister. She picked up a piece of popcorn and held it up to his mouth.
As he took the popcorn, his lips touched her fingers, and
he turned his head to look at her. Their eyes locked, and Deni felt a spark. They stared at each other for a long time, not
sure if they should take that next step...they were best friends...roomies...and if they kissed...everything would change.
Their faces were close...close enough to feel each other's breath. The chemistry was there...there was no denying that...but
did they want to risk the friendship?
Chapter 22
The answer was yes...and Danny leaned towards her and kissed
her. Their first kiss...and it was as wonderful and magical as a first kiss ever was.
"Wow," they both said at the same time.
"So...do we want to talk about this?" asked Danny.
"I guess we should," Deni smiled...then tried to look serious.
It wasn't working. She was too giddy to be serious.
"Well...I know what I want to say to you...but I don't want
to say it, if you're not ready to hear it or if you're not feeling the same way...or..." Danny was actually stuttering he
was so nervous.
This was a big deal for him. He hadn't felt this way about
another woman since his wife passed away 10 years before. He was also feeling a bit strange about falling for a woman
who obviously had feelings for his brother, too.
"Just tell me, Danny," coaxed Deni. She put her arms around
his neck and kissed him lightly. "I want you to say it," she whispered.
Danny looked deeply into her eyes...and knew it was right.
"I...I love you, Deni."
"I love you, too, Danny," and they embraced and kissed again...a
longer, more meaningful kiss. The bowl of popcorn spilled all over the floor, but they didn't notice.
They were blissfully in love.
Three days later, Deni was not feeling quite as happy.
It was four o'clock in the morning and she couldn't sleep because she was so sick to her stomach. She had been telling
herself for weeks that it was the pain-killers she was taking that were making her nauseous so often. She thought that because
her body had gone through such a trauma, and because she hadn't taken the pill since her accident, that her cycle was just
messed up.
But, the symptoms were all too familiar...and now that she
had missed her period for the 2nd month in a row, she knew it was time to find out for sure. She looked at her watch, and
then at the pregnancy test she had just taken.
Her fears were confirmed...she was pregnant...with Johnny's
child.
Chapter 23
The blood drained from Deni's face, and her hands trembled.
She buried the test in the trash, and collapsed in a sobbing heap on the bathroom floor. How could this happen? There had
to be a mistake!
But she knew there was no mistake. She felt pregnant, and
the test proved it. She felt her perfect world turning upside down. The past 2 months had been wonderful. Aside
from the pain, and the effects of the accident, she was enjoying some time off, getting to know Danny, and being able to spend
more time with her children. Dean and Sal had come to visit Danny's house quite often, and always had a good time. They went
riding together, and Danny was great with them. For someone who never had kids of his own, Danny was a natural, probably because
he was just a big kid himself. She caught him one day, playing Barbies with Sal, and was touched by his paternal instincts.
During this time, Deni found out that Richard was dating someone
seriously. She had mixed feelings at first...just a knee jerk reaction...after all, they had been married for a long time,
and still were, their divorce not final yet. But after realizing that she herself was starting to have feelings for
Danny, she decided to be happy for her ex.
At first, Deni was worried that she was just transferring
her feelings from Johnny to Danny, kind of like a rebound thing, but dismissed that notion since you can't replace what you
never had. Johnny was happily back with Vanessa, and Deni decided to be happy for them, too. They all kept in touch
by phone and email, and sometimes even chatted online. Johnny was busy shooting his movie, so Vanessa and Deni had time to
talk frequently, and were becoming very close friends.
Also, 2 weeks earlier, Deni had a birthday. She turned
40 years old. Danny had led her outside that morning, and to her surprise and delight, there in the driveway was a brand new
blue Mustang convertible. Since her old Mustang was demolished in the wreck, Deni had been borrowing Danny's truck if
she needed to go somewhere. But it was hard for her to drive and to get in and out of, with her new disability, so this new
automatic car was a godsend. She was overwhelmed, "I don't know what to say!"
"How about.....thanks!" Danny teased. "Happy Birthday Deni...it's
from Johnny, Vanessa and me. Hope you like it."
"Like it? Oh my gosh, Danny...I love it! Thank you so much.
(she jumped into the car and breathed in the beautiful new car smell) I can't believe you all did this for me," Deni said
with tears in her eyes. "You are too good to me...all of you....I really don't deserve this."
She had said those words just 2 weeks ago, and now she felt
they rang truer than ever. Her newly discovered secret was going to hurt people and complicate lives, and she cried even harder
sitting there on the floor, thinking she didn't deserve their love. Her new friends...more like her new family really...were
about to have their lives changed forever.
Chapter 24
Deni cried until she couldn't cry anymore. She stood up, washed
her face, and looked in the mirror. Her face and eyes were red and puffy. "What am I going to do?" she thought. "I'm 40 years
old...pregnant with a married celebrity's child...in love with his brother...it's a f*cking soap opera!"
She remembered something Johnny had said the day they went
horseback riding..."Like it was meant to be." Was this meant to be? But why? What purpose could this possibly have except
to cause pain to the people she loved?
She and Danny had stayed up late one night talking about his
first wife. They had been trying to have a baby, and after several months with no success, they went to specialists
for tests to see if there was a problem. That's when they found out that Danny probably would never be able to father a child.
But even more tragically, that's when they found out that his wife had a rare blood disease, which she eventually died from.
Danny was pretty messed up after that, and didn't have another
serious relationship with a woman until now. Maybe...Deni thought wildly...maybe this is Danny's chance to raise a child.
Maybe he will love this baby as if it was his own, and no one has to know that it is really Johnny's.
"God, you're losing it, Deni," she thought. She knew
she wouldn't be able to live that lie. She heard Roux meowing and scratching at the door...it was his bathroom, too.
She opened the door, and the cat scurried in. She gasped in surprise as she then saw Danny standing at the door, looking sleepy,
but concerned.
"Your cat woke me up...and then I heard noises," Danny could
see by her face she had been crying. "What's the matter baby? Why are you crying?" He stepped into the bathroom and put his
arms around a shaking Deni. She held on to him and buried her face in his chest, and tried not to cry.
She took a deep breath and said,"I'm ok, sweetheart...just
a little emotional...that time of the month, y'know...woke up with really bad cramps...I took something and I'm feeling better
now."
"Awww...my poor baby...come on...I'll help you back to bed.
Can I get you anything? Some tea, maybe?" Danny asked soothingly.
Why does he have to be so wonderful? Deni thought. How am
I going to do this to him? "Thanks, Danny...tea sounds good."
Deni spent the better part of the day in bed, pretending she
wasn't feeling good, and even asked Danny to cancel her therapy for the day. She just wasn't up to it. She needed time to
think...time to make the biggest decision of her life. A decision for all their lives.
By the time Danny poked his head in her room and asked her
if she wanted any dinner, she had made up her mind. She knew what she had to do.
Chapter 25
The next morning, Danny woke up and padded into the kitchen
to make breakfast. He put some food in Roux's bowl and whistled for him like he did every morning.
"Huh...wonder where he is," thought Danny. Roux was usually
pretty punctual when it came to feeding time.
After he finished cooking breakfast, he went to go wake
up Deni and see if she was feeling better. She had barely
said 2 words to him all day yesterday, but he just chalked it up to a "woman's thing".
He knocked softly on the door..."Deni...hon...you up?" he
said as he eased open the door. It didn't register at first what he was looking at. Deni's bed was made, and there was
no sign of her, or her things. In the middle of the bed was an envelope with his name on it.
"No way," he thought, as he picked up the envelope, his heart
pounding, his hands shaking, and began to read Deni's words.
"Dear Danny,
I am so sorry. Please believe me when I say that I never meant
to hurt you. I think you are a wonderful person, and this is very hard for me, too. I have been doing a lot of thinking
lately, and the truth is, I just don't think that I'm in love with you. I'm afraid that I was hoping to fall in love with
you, but really I was just wanting to be in your life to stay close to Johnny. I didn't want this to go any further, and hurt
you even more in the long run, so I am leaving...going back home...and I don't blame you if you never want to see me again.
You deserve better, Danny. Goodbye, Deni.
PS...I will return the car as soon as I get another one."
Danny was in shock. He couldn't believe she would just vanish
from his life like this. He read the letter again...thinking he must have missed something. It didn't make any sense. They
were so happy...he couldn't accept that she had been faking the love that he felt from her. He sat there for a long time,
feeling empty and alone.
Deni felt horrible...sneaking away in the middle of the night
like a coward...but she couldn't face the man that she loved, and lie to him. It was easier to put it in a letter, so the
pain in her eyes wouldn't give her away.
She knew this was for the best. Danny, Johnny and Vanessa
would all be better off if she just faded out of the picture. Johnny and Vanessa were happy now, and she didn't want to ruin
that. Danny would get over her, and go back to his life before she came along and complicated things. She would have
this baby, and raise it by herself, and no one would need to know who the father was. She loved the baby already. It
was a part of Johnny. It was the only thing keeping her going right now.
Chapter 26
The next few days were a blur for Danny. He was heartbroken
and depressed, and had to stop himself several times from picking up the phone and calling Deni. Johnny had called to check
in, and Danny told him everything. Johnny was as baffled as Danny was.
"Wow...Danny...I didn't realize you two had gotten so close.
Not that I blame you. There is something about her. It just doesn't sound like her to just take off like that. Geez,
Danny..I feel so bad...I'm really sorry, bro," Johnny had told him, feeling somewhat guilty for bringing Deni into his life.
Feeling even more guilty that Deni had apparently used Danny to stay connected to him. This did not sound like the Deni he
knew. Had he really misjudged her character that much?
"Do you want me to talk to her, Danny? Maybe I can find out
what's going on. This is too bizarre. Vanessa told me she just talked to Deni the other day, and everything was fine...never
sounded happier..." Johnny said, searching his mind for some logical explanations.
"No...Johnny..don't...she was pretty clear in her letter.
She doesn't love me, man...that's all there is to it," Danny
said with a sadness in his voice that broke Johnny's heart.
Johnny didn't know what else to say to try to make his brother
feel better. He, himself, was feeling heartsick over Deni's strange behavior. They did their best to console each other,
and ended the call. "Hang in there, bro. I'll talk to you soon."
"OK, Johnny, later," Danny managed.
Johnny called Vanessa next, and told her what had happened...leaving
out the part about Deni just wanting to be connected to him. "Did she say anything to you that would make you think that....I
don't know...that she was thinking about leaving?"
Vanessa thought back to their last conversation. "No...in
fact...she told me that she was so happy...and confided that she felt like she was falling in love with Danny. Why would she
tell me that if she wasn't feeling it?"
"I don't know, Ness...something's not right. I'm worried about
her...and Danny. He was pretty depressed. Can you check in on him later? I really have to go now..sorry love. I'll try
to call you later. Kisses to the kids," Johnny hung up...trying hard to shake the uneasy feeling he was having.
Chapter 27
On impulse, Johnny picked up the phone again, and dialed Deni's
number. After a couple rings, the answering machine picked up. Deni heard the phone, but didn't feel like talking to anyone.
Then she heard his voice, leaving a message.
"Deni...uhm...it's Johnny. Hey, I'm really worried about you.
I talked to Danny, so...what's up? Deni...whatever it is...you know you can talk to me. Please...I want to understand. I'll
be done for the day in about 2 hours, so meet me online so we can talk. Bye."
The machine clicked off, and Deni let out a long breath. She
had 2 hours to decide if she wanted Johnny to know about his baby. She knew he had a right to know...it was his child too...but
she had to think of the big picture.
She had promised him that first day they met that she would
never do anything to hurt him, and she knew this would only cause pain in his life...his marriage...maybe even his career.
She just couldn't do that to him.
Two hours later, Deni was lying in bed trying unsuccessfully
to fall asleep. Roux wasn't helping either by restlessly changing positions every 10 seconds...feeling agitated by the weather.
It was a stormy evening, and Deni could hear the wind whistling
through the trees, and rattling the windows. She hated the wind. She always had an abnormal fear of windy nights like this,
and tonight it was compounded by the fact that she was alone.
She felt guilty knowing Johnny was waiting for her online...waiting
for some answers...answers she couldn't give him. She was also desperately missing Danny, and felt her eyes start to sting
with tears.
She was shivering, and thought that maybe if she turned up
the heat, the warmth would help her fall asleep. She crept down the dark hallway, feeling the wall for the lightswitch. She
flicked on the light, but found herself still standing in the dark. No wonder is was so cold in the house...the storm must
have knocked the power out. Either that, or it was a blown fuse.
She kept her hand on the wall, and slowly worked her way towards
the basement door. The circuit breaker box was down there, but Deni never liked the basement much...especially in the dark.
It was cold and spooky down there. Roux brushed past her bare feet, and Deni screamed. Her heart was pounding. "Stop being
a baby, Deni. There's no reason to be scared," she kept telling herself as she opened the basement door, and smelled the musty
air of the rarely used stairwell. She suddenly felt a bit dizzy, so she sat down on the top step to catch her breath.
Since the accident, stairs had become an obstacle for Deni...the
part of her brain that still wasn't quite on track yet. She would tell her knee to bend, so she could take a step up or down,
but her knees wouldn't cooperate. Deni decided it was a bad idea to try to maneuver the stairs in the dark. She figured she
would just get some extra blankets to keep her warm until she could call someone to come help her in the morning.
She stood up to go back to her bedroom, finally getting one
foot up on the step, and was about to lift her other foot when she suddenly felt very dizzy again. She tightened her grip
on the handrail as she felt herself swaying, and steadied herself until the dizziness passed.
"Whoa...that was close," she said out loud to herself.
She made it back to her bedroom, and managed to find a flashlight
in her nightstand drawer. Since she couldn't sleep, and the power was out, she decided to try to read for a while. She
got into bed with her flashlight and her book, but couldn't concentrate on the words on the pages. She kept thinking about
Danny, and how badly she must have hurt him. She wanted to call him and tell him everything. Maybe he would have an answer
to the whole situation and she wouldn't have to go through this alone. But there were two other people to consider in
the equation, and she just couldn't risk it.
Without any warning, Deni felt an awful clenching in her belly,
which doubled her over in pain. The dizziness she felt earlier returned, and the rhythmic clenching pain continued.
"Oh God...no...no!!!...not the baby!..." Deni groaned, and
aimed the flashlight at the phone by the bed. She grabbed it, but there was no dial tone...the line was dead. "Noooo!!"
Deni screamed, and stumbled off the bed, doubled over, and crying.
She frantically tried to find her purse with the flashlight
so she could try her cell phone, but the pain and dizziness were making her feel like she was moving in slow motion.
In a wave of searing pain, she fell to her knees, and dropped the flashlight. The light spun around to face her...and when
she looked down...she could see that her nightgown was soaked with blood.
Chapter 28
Danny looked out the window...watching the lightning create
its light show in the sky. The news had said that much of the county had lost power, although his house was not affected.
It was late, but he couldn't sleep. He puttered around
the house, randomly picking things up that reminded him of Deni, and throwing them in the trash. It was giving him some small
feeling of satisfaction.
He continued into "her" room, where he found a few more things
to toss into the large Hefty bag he was carrying. Then he went into the bathroom, and found some of Deni's cosmetics
in a drawer, and dumped those as well. He then picked
up the wastepaper basket from the bathroom floor and emptied it into the bag. As he did, a small box caught his eye. He took
the box out of the bag, and saw that it was the box from a pregnancy test.
It didn't take Danny very long at all to put the pieces of
the puzzle together and figure out why Deni had left so mysteriously. He suddenly got a horrible premonition, and grabbed
the phone to call Deni. He had to tell her that he knew, and that he wasn't about to abandon her or Johnny's baby. He
wasn't sure what he was feeling, but he just knew that he needed to talk to her, and together they would figure things out.
He got a recording that the phone lines were down, and quickly
dialed her cell phone number. No answer. He didn't know why...but he felt panicked. He grabbed his coat and his truck
keys, and headed for the door.
Just then, the phone rang. "Deni??" he asked excitedly
into the phone.
"No, Danny, it's Vanessa...are you ok? You sound out of breath,"
she asked concerned.
"Yeah...I mean no...I mean...listen Vanessa...I can't talk
right now. I have to go see Deni. I'll call you later, ok?"
Danny heard her say, ok, and quickly hung up, and was out
the door.
Chapter 29
"Pull yourself together, Deni!" She willed herself to get
up. She picked up the flashlight, and forced herself to walk down the hallway to the kitchen. There was her purse on the kitchen
table. She dumped the contents on the table and snatched up the cell phone. "Come on... Come on!" she yelled at the
phone as it slowly came on and emitted a soft glow and a beep. She sat down on the floor, hugging herself and dialed
911...an operator answered.
"911..what's your emergency, please?"
"Hello...my name is Denise Miller...I live at 6963 Owensboro
Drive...I'm 8 weeks pregnant, and I think I'm having a miscarriage......please send an ambulance... hurry...please...hurry...ohhhhh!"
Deni cried out in pain and fear.
"Ok...Denise...stay with me...the ambulance is on the way...stay
on the line with me...ok..honey. Is there anyone there with you?" the operator said in a calming voice.
"No...," said Deni through clenched teeth.
"Ok, Denise...try to stay calm...the ambulance should be there
very soon...are you able to get to the door? Is the door locked?......Denise......Denise?? Are you still there? Denise?"
Chapter 30
"Ma'am!!?? Ma'am!!?? Can you hear us?" the paramedics yelled
through the heavy locked door of Deni's house, as they banged repeatedly.
But Deni couldn't hear them. She had passed out, having lost
quite a bit of blood, on top of her mental and physical exhaustion. Roux paced around her, meowing nervously.
As the rain poured down on the 3 paramedics, they decided they
were going to have to break a window to get inside. Just then, headlights blinded them as a truck raced up the driveway, onto
the walkway, stopping just short of the front door. Danny could see the flashing lights of the ambulance from a block away...and
got a sinking feeling in his stomach. He just knew that it was Deni, and she was in trouble.
Danny flew out of the car and ran to the door, confused by why
the paramedics were just standing there. "Sir...do you have a key? It's locked...we can't get in!"
Danny knew where Deni hid a spare key as he had come to her
house while she was in the hospital to get some of her things. He pushed over the large flowerpot next to the door, found
the key, and unlocked the door. The paramedics rushed in, shining their flashlights all around, and shouting for Deni. Danny
headed for the kitchen, moving quickly but cautiously in the dark, following the sound of Roux's fretful cries.
Deni was lying on the kitchen floor. Danny didn't have a flashlight,
and could only see her by the moonlight coming in the window. He knelt down, and put his fingers to her neck. Her pulse was
weak, and her breathing was shallow. "She's in here!!" Danny called to the paramedics, who came running in within seconds.
Danny hated to leave her side, but got out of the way so the
paramedics could do their job. His emotions were running rampant, and he felt himself starting to cry. No matter what she
had said in that letter, Danny still loved her, and he knew in his heart that she loved him too. The whole time he was driving
to her house, all he could think about was how scared Deni must have been when she found out she was pregnant. He thought
about that morning when she was crying in the bathroom. He realized that she left to protect him, as well as Johnny and Vanessa,
from the truth. And while he wished she had trusted him enough to tell him...he could understand how difficult her position
was, and why she did what she did.
Now, as he watched the paramedics hovering around her, he felt
so helpless and confused. He had no idea what was happening to her. As they shined their flashlights over her lifeless body,
Danny saw the blood covering the bottom half of her nightgown and felt sick. "Oh my god...she's losing the baby," Danny heard
himself utter.
The paramedics felt they had Deni stabilized enough to transport
her to the hospital. Danny ran to his truck and grabbed an old umbrella from the floor behind his seat, and shielded Deni
as best he could from the rain as they wheeled her to the ambulance. He drove dangerously fast for the stormy conditions,
and arrived at the hospital just moments after the ambulance. Deni was rushed into surgery to stop the bleeding. Danny paced
the waiting room, his stomach in knots... shivering in his wet clothes.
Danny's thoughts were focused on Deni and the baby. Assuming
the baby was Johnny's, what was that going to do to Johnny and Vanessa? Which parent would get custody? Would the scandal
hit the tabloids, dragging all of them through the mud? Danny was realizing more and more what a courageous thing Deni had
tried to do by running away. This was one potentially life shattering situation. "What am I going to tell Johnny?" were his
thoughts at the moment, when finally the doctor came out and approached a wide-eyed Danny.
The doctor sighed and asked Danny to sit down. Not a good sign,
Danny thought. The doctor looked Danny in the eye and said, "First of all, Denise is going to be fine. She lost a lot of blood,
but she is stable now. She regained consciousness in the ambulance and was of course agitated...but she is resting now...and
you can see her shortly. Now...this part is never easy...you were aware of the pregnancy?"
"Yes..." Danny choked.
"Are you the father?" asked the doctor.
"Yes..." Danny impulsively lied. It seemed like the best idea
at the time.
"I'm sorry...very sorry to tell you...there was nothing we could
do...Denise lost the baby...I'm really...terribly sorry. There's really no concrete reason why at this point, until the tests
come back...but it could be a combination of things. We just don't know...and there's a chance that we might never know for
sure. Sometimes...these things just aren't meant to be. "
The doctor put his hand on Danny's shoulder. "You can go see
her now...but ... she doesn't know yet. I can tell her, or you can. It's up to you."
"I'll tell her," Danny said bravely. "Thank you, doctor, for
trying...and for taking care of Deni."
"Denise is well-loved around here. Take good care of her," the
doctor said as he shook Danny's hand and turned to leave.
"I plan on it," Danny said.
Chapter 31
Danny sat on the edge of Deni's bed...holding her hand, and
contemplating what he was going to say to her when she woke up.
He watched her face as she slept, thinking how beautiful and
brave she was, and how close he had come to losing her, again. He had already forgiven her...and if she still wanted
him, he was ready to give her all his love and support to help her through this.
Deni's eyes fluttered, and Danny's heart started beating fast.
He swallowed hard as Deni slowly opened her eyes and looked around the dimly lit hospital room. She turned her head and thought
she was hallucinating when she saw Danny sitting next to her. She looked into his red-rimmed eyes and tears streamed
down her face.
"Oh...Danny...Danny...you're here...are you really here?"
Deni asked in a hushed voice.
"I'm here...where else would I be?" he said with a shaky smile.
"How?...How did you know I was here?" she asked, wondering
just how much he knew.
"I... I was worried about you...with the storm and power outages
all over...I tried to call...but the lines were down. I drove to your house just as the ambulance was getting there," Danny
said, choosing his words carefully. He still wasn't sure how he was going to break the news to her.
"Danny...I'm so glad you're here. I wanted to call you so
many times...I'm so sorry about the way I left. I never wanted to hurt you. I had a really good reason...I mean...I have a
good reason...I mean...I don't know...I don't know...oh god Danny...I'm so scared! I need to talk to the doctor...please Danny...get
the doctor!" Deni cried, and clutched at Danny's shirt as she tried to sit up.
"Shhh," Danny put his hands gently on the sides of her face
to try to calm her, and get her to lie back down. "Try to relax...I'll get the doctor for you...ok? Just try to calm down."
Deni laid back down, and took a deep breath. She closed her
eyes, and thought about the baby, her hand spontaneously moving to her abdomen. She couldn't help but fear the worst, and
her drained body started to convulse with sobs.
Danny felt helpless, knowing that her pain was far beyond
anyone's comprehension. He leaned over and put his arms around her shaking body, and she held onto him as she let her emotions
escape in a flood of tears.
He let her take as much time as she needed, and finally she
loosened her hold on him and leaned back onto her pillow. Without looking him in the eyes, she began to speak. "Danny...do
you know why I'm here?"
"...yes," he whispered.
Deni squeezed her eyes shut. "I'm sorry, Danny...I'm so sorry...
I wanted to tell you...but how could I? I couldn't expect you to keep a secret from your brother...and I can't tell
Johnny either. It's not his fault. I messed up...it's my fault...so it's my problem...and nobody else's. Can you
understand? I needed to protect you and Johnny and Vanessa... and the baby." She paused and braced herself for the answer
to her next question.
"Danny...," she looked up at him, her eyes pleading,"... the
baby?"
Danny's eyes filled with tears, and he shook his head ever
so slightly as he whispered, "I'm sorry, Deni..."
Deni nodded, and felt another wave of uncontrollable tears
take over her body. He had just confirmed what she already knew. Her baby ... Johnny's baby ...was gone.
Chapter 32
***One Year Later***
Deni threw her arms around Johnny and hugged him tight.
He hugged her back, and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek, trying not to smudge her makeup.
"Oh, Johnny. I can't believe this day is finally here.
I've never been so happy in my whole entire life. "
"Remember when we met...and I said I'd never been to France,
and you said maybe someday I would get here? Well...like so many other things we talked about that day...it's finally come
true...here I am...at this beautiful home...on my wedding day!"
"Everything is so perfect. Oh...stop it Deni...don't
cry...Oh Johnny, from the bottom of my heart...I love you," Deni hugged him again, holding back the tears that would surely
ruin her face.
"Look at you, Deni...you are absolutely stunning...you take
my breath away. You deserve to be happy...you deserve all the happiness life has to offer....Are you ready? Are you ready
to become Mrs. Depp?" Johnny asked her, smiling and looking amazingly handsome in his black tux.
"I think I've been ready for this moment all my life," she
said with love in her voice.
"OK...let's do this," Johnny said. He took hold of her hand
and peeked out of the curtain that separated them from the large group of guests sitting on the chairs set up on the expansive
lawn area of Johnny's backyard. He motioned to the
musicians to begin.
Violin music filled the air, and the wedding procession began.
Johnny's mom, Betty Sue and his dad, John Sr. started off the procession, followed by Deni's dearest friend, Ann, as her maid
of honor.
Ann was accompanied by Dean, who at the age of 10, was a man
today...the best man. Deni beamed at him, looking so dapper and grown up in his tuxedo. Salina and Lily-Rose were next,
a pair of the cutest flower girls Deni had ever seen. She could hear everyone ooohhhing and ahhhhing in delight as the two
little angels tossed their flower petals along the white satin runner leading to the alter.
Last, but not least, was 3 year old Jack, so proud of himself
to be the ring bearer, and he walked slowly and calmly as they had practiced 100 times. He had the sweetest, most serious
expression, causing a ripple of charmed laughter among the crowd.
The music changed tempo, indicating the presentation of the
bride. Deni took a deep breath as Johnny helped her place the veil over her face. She took his arm, and looked at his
face. He gave her a wink and a smile, and they began to walk down the aisle.
Deni wished her parents were alive to share this day with
her. But, since her father couldn't be there to give away his daughter, Johnny graciously offered to do the honors.
They approached the alter, where the nervous groom stood, watching in awe as his beautiful bride came towards him.
The sight of her in her flowing gown filled him with the most
unbelievable feeling of pride and happiness, and he felt like the luckiest man in the world.
Johnny presented Deni to his brother, shook his hand, and
then gave him a quick hug and a pat on the back.
He gave Deni a hug as well, before going to sit down with
Vanessa and his family. Deni took Danny's hand, gave him a big smile, and they turned to face the minister.
Chapter 33
Deni woke up in a darkened room, noticing that she felt sore
all over, and her mouth and lips were dry and parched. A ghostly figure passed in front of her bed, and she felt confused
and nervous. Deni froze as the shadowy figure stopped at the window, and parted the curtains slightly. The early morning
rays of sun filtered in, casting a warm glow around the room.
The figure in white approached the bed, and Deni saw her face.
"Oh good....you're awake...how are you feeling, honey?"
The voice belonged to Ann, and Deni realized that she was
still in the hospital. There had been no wedding...no flowing gown...no visit to Johnny's estate in France...it had all been
a dream. A beautiful fantasy of a dream.
Deni looked up into Ann's eyes, feeling a bit like Dorothy
in the Wizard of Oz.
"Well, besides the fact that waking up in this hospital is
becoming a bad habit...I guess I'm OK," Deni said hoarsely. "Can I get a drink, please?" Ann poured a cup of water from the
tray beside the bed and handed it to Deni. She took a long sip and rested her head back on the pillow, still thinking about
the dream.
"Deni...I just want you to know how sorry I am...about the
baby....if there's anything I can do....well...you know what I mean....if there's anything you need...or if you just need
someone to talk to...I'm here for you, sweetie," Ann comforted.
Deni looked gratefully at Ann, thankful to have her friend
there to confide in. "Thanks Annie. I'm sad of course, but the truth is...I only found out I was pregnant a few days ago myself.
I guess I was in denial or something. I'm still in shock over the whole thing," Deni said. "Everything happened so fast...I didn't have the chance to really think about it.....to really know...
how I felt about having a baby...especially at 40 years old .... And now it's over .....I guess it just wasn't meant to be."
"I know what you're going through, Deni...I don't think I
ever told you this, but, I had a miscarriage when I was 20. I was young...and going to college...and the father...well
he wasn't even around anymore when I found out ...and, well, after I lost the baby...I felt like...yes, I was heartbroken....but
it was really for the best...y'know, for me...at the time....you know what I mean?" Ann confessed.
"Oh, Annie...yes...I do know what you mean. I just have
to believe that all things happen for a reason, and this just wasn't part of the plan. Thank you ...for sharing that with
me," Deni reached out, and Ann gave her a hug. "I love you," Deni said.
"I love you too, kiddo," Ann replied. "So, now you must tell
me about this mystery man of yours. Isn't he the same one that was visiting you after the accident?" ...(Deni nodded)... "Well, he was here till late last night...in fact as I was coming in at around 2:00
to check on you...he was just leaving. He said to tell you he would be back later this morning. You know....he reminds
me of that one actor you like so much...that Johnny Depp...don't you think?" Ann asked.
"Annie...if I tell you something....do you swear on your life
that you won't tell another living soul?"
"Of course, Deni, what is it?"
"I mean it, Ann, you can't tell anyone...promise me...."
"OK, Deni...we've known each other for 15 years...you can
trust me....I "promise" not tell anyone...now what is it?" Ann sat down on the edge of Deni's bed, and looked anxiously at
her friend.
"The man that was here last night....his name is Danny...
Danny Depp. He looks like Johnny Depp because they're brothers. I've been living with Danny for the last 2 months....and,
Annie...I love him...he's the most wonderful man I've ever met," Deni said with tears starting to well up in her eyes.
"Oh Deni! That's wonderful! ...Ooohhhh...it makes so much
sense now. I heard that Johnny Depp had made quite a generous donation to our children's wing, and I couldn't figure out why
he had chosen our little hospital way out here in Nevada.... Oh my gosh!....that WAS him, wasn't it? The man in your
car that day...the man in the guarded room...oh my gosh...that was Johnny Depp in there? Darn...I didn't get his autograph.
So, you got to meet him? Why was he in your car? Oh, I'm sorry, Deni....listen to me...I'm all star struck!" Ann laughed.
"I know...pretty cool, huh?" Deni smiled to herself...if Ann
really knew the whole story, she'd be floored.
"So, what's the big secret?" Ann asked, not sure exactly what
she wasn't supposed to tell anyone.
"Well, sometimes Johnny comes out here to visit his brother,
and no one can know that, or there will be reporters and fans falling all over themselves trying to get to him. Danny's house
is like his private refuge...at least here in the states. Most of the time he lives in France with his wife and kids. So,
I wanted you to know about Danny and me, but no one else can know. Danny is very private, and only a few people know that
he is Johnny's brother...only people he trusts. So, please, if you love me, don't say anything to anyone," Deni told her seriously.
"I promise, Den...wow...how exciting. So, how's he taking
all this? Poor guy....must be devastating for him too...losing a child...." Ann said sympathetically.
Deni wanted to tell her friend the truth...but just couldn't
take the chance of this secret ever getting out. It was easier for her to just think the baby was Danny's. "He's my
rock, Annie...we had a little falling out a while ago, but I'm hoping that we can work things out. Having him here with me
last night ...showed me that he still cares. I love him so much."
"Well...I have a sense about these things...I see how he looks
at you...he loves you, Deni. I'd bet on it," Ann smiled at her, and squeezed her hand. "So...the doctor should be in
sometime this morning to check you over...and if you're feeling up to it...he will probably release you today. Now,
you just rest, and I'll go see about getting you some breakfast. My shift is over now...but I'll give you a call later, ok?"
"OK...thanks Annie...for everything," sighed Deni.
"Just get me Johnny's autograph, and we'll call it even!"
Ann teased, and winked at Deni as she left the room.
Two minutes later, just as Deni was recalling the sound of
violins and the smell of the flowers at her dream of a wedding, a real bouquet of flowers appeared in her doorway, followed
closely by the face she was hoping to see. Danny! He smiled a sad looking smile at her, and she was never so happy to see
anyone in her life.
Chapter 34
Deni thanked Danny for the flowers, and sat up so they could talk.
Danny said, "I hope you don't mind...I stopped off at your
house and fed Roux. I also got some clothes for you...in case you get to come home today."
"Oh ok, thank you, Danny. You're so kind...and thoughtful.
Danny...I know I hurt you...but do you think you can ever forgive me?" Deni hoped.
Danny took hold of her hand and looked her in the eye.
"Deni...I've been so miserable since you left...not just because
of what you said in the letter...but because I missed you so much. I haven't felt this way about anyone in a long time. I
don't want to lose you."
"You know I didn't mean what I said in that letter...about
just wanting to be close to Johnny...I just said that so, y'know, you would hate me and not come after me."
"I know...and it worked," Danny teased.
"So...if you hated me...why did you come over last night?"
she asked.
"Well...the truth is...I found out you were pregnant...I found
the test in the trash...and I figured the whole thing out. I wanted to talk to you, but the phone lines were down, and I was
worried about you. "
"Danny...I really do love you. I'm sorry I lied to you. I
didn't know what to do. So...we're ok now? You forgive me?" Deni pleaded.
Danny leaned over and put his strong arms around Deni. She
grabbed hold of him for dear life, and they hugged for a long time. Deni could feel her strength returning just by having
Danny back in her life. He pulled his head back and kissed her...gentle and tender.
"I love you, too, Deni."
Chapter 35
Deni moved back in with Danny and quickly regained her health.
She continued her physical therapy and finally felt strong enough to return to work. It was summer now, and the children came
to visit frequently...often staying for days at a time.
Since Deni was now back to work, Danny was more than happy to
stay home and be with the children. Deni could not believe how natural it felt to come home and see Danny and her children
waiting for her...eating dinner together...being a real family. She and Danny were very happy, except for one thing.
Deni was still sleeping in the room across the hall. She loved
Danny...she loved being with him...and talking...and they had so much fun together. She felt physically attracted to him too...and
enjoyed kissing him. But whenever they would go any farther than that...Deni would freeze. She couldn't explain it...but her
body was telling her that she was not ready yet to take this next step in their relationship.
Danny was very understanding. He realized that losing a baby
was very traumatic, both emotionally and physically, so he didn't push the subject with Deni. He was happy to have her in
his life, and felt that when the time was right, making love would come naturally.
But days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and
Deni was still refusing any sort of intimacy. Danny was starting to get frustrated, and often thought about how Deni had slept
with Johnny after only knowing him for one day, and here she was living in his house for 4 months and he hadn't even seen
her naked.
One night, out of sheer frustration, he confronted her,
"Babe...what is it? You didn't seem to have a problem jumping into bed with my brother." As soon as the words left his mouth,
he wished he could take them back. The look on Deni's face was pure devastation.
"I...I don't know what it is...it was just ...different with
Johnny," Deni started to cry. How do you tell the man that you love that you have been fantasizing about his brother for the
last 10 years?
She forced herself to stop crying...she didn't want his sympathy.
She couldn't help the way she felt. "I'm just not ready yet, Danny. If it's a problem for you, I can always move back to my
house. Maybe that's for the best."
"No...I don't want you to leave. I'm just trying to understand.
Is there something I'm doing wrong? Am I not doing something I should be? I love you Den, and I just want to show you how
much. I'm sorry about what I said...about Johnny," Danny said apologetically.
"I know, Danny...I'm sorry too. Just be patient with me, ok?
Maybe I'll even make an appointment with one of the counselors at the hospital. Maybe talking to someone will help me figure
out what's ... scaring me," Deni said as she gave Danny a hug.
"You feel scared?" Danny asked.
Deni whispered into his chest,"Terrified."
Chapter 36
A few days later, Deni found herself at the door of Dr. Elizabeth
Mays, one of the best psychologists on staff at the hospital. She waited for the receptionist to notice her, but she
was on the phone, laughing and talking animatedly. Deni did not recognize her, and was getting annoyed that she was obviously
on a personal call.
Finally, the young woman looked up, and saw Deni waiting,
and quickly hung up the phone. "Sorry...didn't see you there. Can I help you?"
"Yes...Denise Miller to see Dr. Mays. I have an appointment,"
Deni said coolly.
"OK...here you are...you can go right ahead in," said the
young blonde.
"Where's Carol, the regular receptionist?" asked Deni.
"Oh...I think she's on vacation... I'm Crystal...from the
temp agency...just filling in..." said Crystal, popping her gum.
"Nice to meet you, Crystal," said Deni politely.
"Likewise," said Crystal, as she reached for her nail file.
Deni walked into Dr. Mays office. They exchanged greetings,
and Deni sat down on the oversized, overstuffed leather
chair next to the Doctor... suddenly feeling very self conscious and nervous.
"So, Denise...tell me what brings you here today," Dr. Mays
started.
"Well...uhm...gosh...where do I start ... well... basically...
I'm having a problem...sort of...with my boyfriend....not that he's the problem...it's just...I can't seem to.... well...
I'm having a problem with intimacy...I guess you could say," Deni stumbled over her words.
"I see. So how long have you and your boyfriend been together?"
"It's been about 4 months."
"I see. And you are having doubts about entering into a physical
relationship?"
"Yes...and I really don't understand what the problem is.
I really love Danny, and he loves me. I feel attracted to him, and I trust him...but I get freaked out when he touches me...you
know...on an intimate level."
"OK, Denise...tell me why you think you may be having these
feelings."
"Uhm...Dr. Mays, anything we talk about here is strictly confidential,
right?"
"Absolutely Denise...the doctor/patient relationship is completely
confidential...you needn't worry about anything we discuss here ever leaving this room."
"OK, well...I had a miscarriage about 2 months ago.
The baby wasn't Danny's...well obviously, since Danny and I haven't even had sex yet. And, well, the truth is...I had a brief
affair with Danny's brother, before Danny and I started having feelings for each other. And, well...his brother is married...and
he's....actually...quite famous... and the baby was his. I was so confused and I ended up breaking up with Danny, because
I didn't want his brother to find out about the baby. It would have been chaos...potentially fatal for his marriage...his
career...I just couldn't be responsible for that," Deni could feel herself starting to shake just thinking about it.
She continued, "Anyway...after I lost the baby...Danny and
I got back together. He was so wonderful and understanding. We decided not to say anything about the baby to his brother since...really...what
would be the point...it would only cause him pain. So, here we are...that's about it...oh and my divorce just became final
about a month ago."
The doctor was busy writing down some notes, and then looked
up at Deni. "Well...that is quite a lot to go through. Let's talk a little about this "brother". Is it possible that
you still have feelings for him? Possibly you are subconsciously feeling like you are betraying one brother by having feelings
for the other."
Deni thought for a moment, and then shook her head, "No...no
...I don't think so...I love Danny...I am completely over Johnny..." As soon as she said his name, Deni kicked herself...she
didn't want to bring Johnny's name into this.
The doctor continued to scribble notes. "Johnny...hmmm," she
mumbled. "So, are you sure?"
No...she wasn't sure. "Yes, I'm sure. It was a one time thing...swept
up in the moment, kind of thing...it wasn't real...not like what Danny and I have," Deni said trying to convince herself.
"OK, well then, let's talk about Danny. Are you afraid that
becoming intimate with Danny may somehow change the relationship? Or perhaps you are afraid of becoming pregnant again?" the
doctor probed.
Deni pondered on what the doctor asked. It did make some sense
to her. The last time she had sex, she got pregnant and suffered horrible consequences. Maybe that's what was scaring her.
Even though Danny was fairly certain that he couldn't father a child, that didn't mean that it couldn't happen. After all,
she did get pregnant while being on the pill.
They talked some more about the possible reasons for Deni's
fears, and then the hour was over. Deni thanked the doctor, and felt that talking about this had helped.
She made another appointment for the following week with Crystal,
and went home.
Dr. Elizabeth Mays made a few more notes in her steno pad,
and then checked her appointment book. She had promised to visit a housebound patient that afternoon. She made a quick phone
call, grabbed her bag and left the office, telling Crystal she would be back in about an hour and a half.
About 15 minutes later, the phone rang, and Crystal answered,
"Dr. Mays office...may I help you?"
"Crystal, hi, it's Elizabeth Mays. I forgot to bring the address
I need with me...I remembered the street, but I don't have the exact house number. Could you please go in my office and look
in my appointment book and tell me what the address is?"
"Sure Dr. Mays...just a sec," Crystal said, as she pressed
the "hold" button. She hung up the phone and sauntered into Dr. Mays office. On her desk was a steno pad and an appointment
book. She opened the appointment book, and picked up the phone on the doctor's desk. "Dr. Mays? OK...it says 527 Melody Lane.
OK? Sure, no problem...see you in about an hour or so then...ok...bye."
Crystal looked around the doctor's office...checking out the
pictures on her desk...hmmmm nice family, she thought. Her eyes again landed on the steno pad on the desk. Her curiosity got
the better of her, and she peeked inside. She flipped through a few pages of hard to read scribbles, and then her eye was
caught by a name..."Johnny"....that name was followed by the words..."someone famous? Possibly Depp?" ...words written by
the doctor just as a note to herself...nothing that had been confirmed by Deni. Crystal eagerly read about the affair and
the secret pregnancy with shock and amazement. "Oh my god... This is too good!" she thought to herself. She impulsively
took the steno pad, and went to the copy machine, and made copies of the pages she had just read. She put the pad back exactly
where she found it, and went back to her desk.
Crystal grabbed the phone and called her girlfriend, "Hey...it's
me...you are NOT gonna believe THIS!!!!"
Chapter 37
Crystal wasn't the brightest bulb in the pack, but she wasn't
stupid either. What she lacked in formal education, she made up for in street smarts. She had dollar signs in her eyes
as she did her homework on what she believed to be the scandal of the year.
She went through Deni's file and looked up her information
on the hospital's computer. The hospital distributed an employee newsletter, which highlighted special events, and any
news going on...and that's where Crystal learned about a large donation given by none other than Mr. Johnny Depp just a few
months earlier. "Hmmm, perhaps a bribe for some cover-up?" she wondered.
She also did some research on Danny Depp, and found that he
owned a business in the same county as the hospital...a business with the same address as the one she had found in Deni's
file.
Crystal had no doubt in her mind that Deni's secret pregnancy
was the love child of Johnny Depp, and that had to worth a very substantial finder's fee.
She was turned down by the top 3 tabloids...even they could
smell lawsuit all over Crystal's stolen privileged information. But Crystal's persistence finally paid off, and she found
a small sleazy operation who's unscrupulous owner jumped at the story.
He sent a photographer out to see if he could get some shots
of Deni and Danny, while he proceeded to punch up Crystal's skeleton of a story with some juicy fabrication. The end
result was full of speculation, lies, and innuendo about unsavory, unspeakable acts...an incestuous orgy...brothers sharing
one woman...an unwanted pregnancy...a self-induced abortion...each paragraph more despicable than the last.
The photographer staked out Danny's house for several days,
and finally got a shot of the two walking out of the house together. Along with a stock photo of Johnny, and an outrageous
headline...a nightmare of a story was about to be born.
Chapter 38
Deni saw Dr. Mays again the following week, and was beginning
to understand how her emotions and insecurities were affecting her relationship with Danny. They talked about Richard, and
how she felt responsible for that failed marriage. They talked about Johnny and her lingering feelings of guilt for sleeping
with a married man. They talked about the baby and how Deni had been torn between wanting the child and not wanting the child.
Deni came to the conclusion that she just had to forgive herself
for her past, and not pass her feelings on to her new relationship. None of it had anything to do with the person that Danny
was. He loved her unconditionally, and she loved him.
One night, Deni and Danny decided to go out for a nice, romantic
dinner. They decided on a fancy hotel downtown that overlooked the river. They had just finished their food and
some nice wine, and were sitting quietly and listening to the sounds of piano music in the candlelight.
Danny took Deni's hand and looked lovingly into her eyes.
"I wanted to tell you...that you seem a lot happier lately. Are you feeling better...about things?"
"Yes...I really think I am...seeing Dr. Mays has really helped
me sort things out. I'm feeling better about...a lot of things," Deni said smiling at Danny.
"Well...that's good to hear...because I have something I want
to ask you," Danny said quietly, not taking his eyes from
hers, and reaching into his pocket. Deni held her breath in unexpected wonder, as she quickly understood what was about to
happen.
Danny held out a small box...a ring box. "Deni...I know we
haven't known each other that long, but I know in my heart that we were meant to be together. I love you so much...and I love
your children, and I want us to be a real family. Deni...Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Oh Danny...yes...yes...of course...oh my sweet Danny...I
love you," Deni said as tears fell down her face, and she leaned across the table to kiss Danny. She opened the box,
and slid the gorgeous diamond ring onto her finger. "Oh...it's so beautiful...I love it Danny!"
Danny took her hand, and kissed it, and led her on to the
dance floor, where they floated blissfully on a cloud of happiness.
Later, upstairs in the hotel room, Deni set aside all her
fears, and just let her feelings of love for Danny come to the surface. Still buzzing with the excitement of just getting
engaged, Deni's heart was pounding as she and Danny lied naked on the bed, kissing and holding each other close. It
felt right, and Deni wanted him to make love to her...wanted to show him how much she loved him.
She ran her hands over his smooth chest, planting small
butterfly kisses on his neck...chest...stomach. Danny ran his fingers gently through her hair...his eyes closed...focusing
on the wonderful sensations her kisses were causing. She was on top of him now, smiling, as they were becoming one,
moving together, consummating their love for each other. When it was over, they laid peacefully in each others arms.
"Sorry if I was a bit rusty...it's been a while," Danny said
bashfully.
Deni turned her head to look at him, her chin propped on his
chest. "Don't be silly. You were wonderful...I'm a happy woman..." Deni purred as she playfully reached up and nibbled his
earlobe.
Suddenly, they were startled by the sound of a woman screaming,
and then a loud "BANG!".
Danny jumped out of bed, wrapping the sheet around him, and
ran to the door. "Sh*t...that sounded like a gunshot," he said, as he cracked the door open.
He stepped halfway out of the door so he could look down the
hallway when suddenly a door several rooms down flew open, and a man, splattered with blood, came running out. The man
had a gun, and when he saw Danny, he aimed it right at him. Danny froze, not sure what to do...then ducked down and dove for
the man's knees as he ran by.
The man went down, but as he did, he twisted around and fired
a shot at his nemesis, hitting Danny in the neck. They hit the ground, and the gun skidded across the hall. Danny used all
his strength to pin the much smaller man on the ground, and delivered a powerful blow to his face, instantly knocking him
out. Blood was gushing from his wound, as he choked out, "Call the police!"
Chapter 39
***Earlier that same evening****
Crystal arrived at Stan's hotel room door. She touched up
her lipstick, and knocked on the door. Stan, the low-life owner of "Celebritease" magazine, had flown into town to meet
with Crystal and pay her the money he owed her for the story. He had promised her a sneak peak of the article before it went
to press the next morning. He had the article and the pictures on a disc, which he had with him in the hotel room.
The only other copy of the article was on a backup disc, in his office safe, back in Los Angeles.
Stan, who was rather short, balding, and in his mid-fifties,
opened the door. He looked Crystal up and down, liking what he saw. "Come on in, doll," his voice thick with lust.
Crystal hesitated, but wanted her money, so she entered his
room.
Stan offered Crystal a drink, which she gratefully accepted.
Her nerves had been frazzled ever since this whole venture began. "To you, Crystal...this is certainly a celebration...this
is by far the best story I've ever published...cheers!" He said, holding his glass out to hers.
Crystal quickly gulped her drink, and accepted another. "So,
when will the story come out?"she asked, as Stan proceeded to show her the article on his laptop computer.
"I have to take the disc to the typesetter tomorrow, and it
should start hitting the streets by the next morning."
"Well...Stan...let's talk about my money."
"What about it?"
"Well, if this really is the biggest story you've ever had...I
think I deserve more than we originally discussed. A lot more..."
Stan, who had already tossed back 5 or 6 drinks himself, glared
at Crystal, shaking his head in disbelief. "What the f*ck do you think gives you the right to demand more money? You stupid,
f*cking skank...yeah...I'll give you more money...but you'll have to earn it first.." he said as he grabbed Crystal...groping
her and trying to kiss her.
"Get your slimy hands off me!" Crystal shouted. She managed
to push him away, but Stan had a wild look in his eye, and came back after her. He slapped her, and pushed her onto the bed.
Crystal, now enraged, instinctively kicked at her attacker, and her pointed toe shoe caught him squarely in the groin.
Stan backed away...grabbing his injury...cursing and groaning.
Seeing red, his hand went behind his back to the gun he kept tucked into his waistband, and without a second thought, pointed
the gun at a now screaming Crystal. Even he was surprised when the gun fired....karma had finally caught up with Crystal,
and her lifeless body slumped to the floor.
Stan panicked. He hadn't meant to kill her...he just wanted
to scare her. He ran out of the room and down the hall. "D*mn it!", he thought as he saw a man in a sheet looking right
at his face. He was out of his mind now, as he pointed his gun at the man who would be able to identify him, but then the
man ducked down and lunged at him, tripping him.
Stan spontaneously tried to free himself from the man's grasp,
and just before they hit the ground, his last conscious act before everything went black was feeling his finger squeeze the
trigger.
Chapter 40
Deni had already called 911 when she heard the gunshot outside
the door. Wrapped only in a blanket, Deni rushed to Danny's form lying in the hallway. She rolled him over,.put his
head in her lap and began applying pressure to his bleeding neck wound. Deni would not allow her emotions to surface...she
was in autopilot nurse mode. Luckily she was trained in emergencies like this.
Danny had lost consciousness...and was in shock. Deni kept
checking Danny's vital signs, and was doing her best to slow down the bleeding.
Someone had called hotel security, and they arrived on the
scene. They quickly called for an ambulance. Stan was still unconscious on the floor beside them. Deni explained
as best as she could what had happened.
"We heard a woman screaming, and then a gunshot. My fiancé
opened the door to look out, and this man came running down the hall, and shot him! Danny must have knocked him out. The police
are on they way. Where is that ambulance?" Deni cried.
Two of the four security guards disappeared down the hallway
to investigate Stan's room. Just then the police arrived, closely followed by the paramedics. Deni let the paramedics
take over Danny's care, and she went into the room to get dressed. She was covered in Danny's blood, and finally broke down
in realization of all that had just happened. She tugged on her shoes, and grabbed Danny's clothes, wallet, and car keys.
She blindly followed the paramedics as they wheeled Danny
to the elevator. "Is he going to be ok?" she asked ...her eyes pleading with the young ambulance driver.
"He's breathing on his own...that's a good sign...we'll take
good care of him," the paramedic said.
A policeman came up behind Deni just as she was getting into
the elevator. "I'll need you to stay and answer some questions, ma'am."
"My name is Denise...Denise Miller...and you can find me at
Washoe Medical Hospital, where I'll be with my fiancé. I have to go! He needs me!"
"I'm sorry, miss, there has been a murder here, and I'm afraid
I can't let you leave."
"A murder? Who?" Deni was getting frantic. The elevator left
without her.
"Well, there is a dead woman in the room down the hall. Do
you know this man?" the Sergeant asked, looking at Stan. Stan was now conscious, and was standing in handcuffs glaring
at Deni. Another policeman was holding a plastic evidence bag with a gun in it. Several other policemen were questioning
other hotel guests who had opened their doors to see what was going on.
"No, I've never seen him before. Please... can I go now...I
need to get to the hospital."
"Alright...you can go...but I'll be sending a detective to
the hospital to take your statement, and your fiancé...when he is able...II hope he's alright," the Sergeant said sympathetically.
Deni arrived at the hospital, but there was no news yet about
Danny's condition. He would be in surgery for a little while longer, the nurse on duty had told her. Deni went into the restroom
and washed the blood off her hands, arms, legs and face. She couldn't stop crying. She couldn't help but think that somehow
this was all her fault...she had caused nothing but trouble to Danny and Johnny's lives since that one fateful day they met.
She felt jinxed...like nothing she ever did came out right. She slumped down on the bathroom floor and just sobbed.
"Please God...please let Danny be alright!"
Chapter 41
Deni shook herself awake. How long have I been sleeping? She
looked at her watch, and then looked at Danny, still sleeping on the cold, sterile hospital sheets...looking pale and fragile.
She stood up from the chair she had fallen asleep in, and stretched.
He was holding his own...that's what the doctors had said.
His vital signs were all stable. The bullet had passed right through, and hadn't damaged anything internally. He lost a lot
of blood, but he would have no permanent injuries...he just needed to wake up.
Deni lightly brushed his hair back, and kissed him lovingly
on the forehead. Just then, Ann came into the room. She and Deni gave each other a long, heartfelt hug.
"Poor thing...you have just been through the ringer these
past few months. I hear Danny is going to be ok, sweetie...how are you holding up?" Ann asked compassionately.
"I'm OK, I think. I can't help but think that Danny would
have been better off if he never met me though," Deni sighed.
Ironically, what Deni didn't even realize was that the
story that could have paralyzed all their lives had been confiscated by the police, and that an informant's tip led police
to raid Stan's Los Angeles operation. Stan was using his LA office as a front for a number of other illegal activities such
as drug dealing, gambling, and pornography. All records and files had been confiscated by police as evidence, and no horrifying
story of Deni and Johnny would be hitting the streets. And Stan...the hotel surveillance cameras had caught the whole scene
in the hallway on video, removing any question of doubt about Stan's guilt...he would be going away for a long time.
"Oh Deni...Danny loves you...you didn't have anything to do
with this terrible incident. You are just emotionally overwhelmed...have you slept at all?" Ann asked, concerned.
"Yeah, a little. Can you stay here with him...in case he wakes
up? I'm just gonna go grab a cup of coffe. I'll be right back."
"Sure, Deni. You go ahead. He'll be fine," Ann smiled, and
Deni tried to believe her.
Deni took the elevator down to the cafeteria, and bought a
cup of coffee. She sat down at an empty table, and dug her cell phone out of her purse. She pressed the number 3 on her speed
dial, and after a moment, she heard the line start to ring.
"Hello?" said a deep voice.
"Hi, Johnny. It's Deni. I'm so glad you are there. Are you
done filming?"
"Yeah...all done for now. Just got back home a few days ago.
Feels good to be home...the kids have grown a foot, I swear!" he said chuckling. "So, how are you?"
"Well...I have something to tell you Johnny...but try not
to get upset...Danny's in the hospital."
"Why do people say, Don't get upset, when they know you're
gonna get upset! What happened, Deni? Is he OK?" Johnny was up and pacing.
"We were at some hotel downtown...we were almost asleep when
we heard a gunshot. Danny stuck his head out the door and the gunman shot him. But he's going to be ok...the doctors say there
shouldn't be any permanent injury. He's stable now...he just hasn't regained consciousness yet."
"Oh my God...he was shot? This is like a bad dream...I'm coming
out...I'll try to get a flight out tonight. Same hospital?"
"Yes...thank you Johnny...thank you for coming...I...I need
you here. Oh...I do have some good news...Danny and I are engaged!" she said and started to cry.
Johnny was surprised by her news. He was happy for Danny when
he and Deni got back together...even though he felt as if he never really got the full story behind why Deni had written that
letter, and left in the first place. Danny seemed happy, even though he confided to Johnny that they were having some problems,
and Deni was seeing a therapist. And now they were getting married? Johnny thought it was a little fast, but maybe he was
just projecting his own feelings about marriage.
"That's great, Angel. Well, that's even more reason for me
to fly out...we'll have to celebrate as soon as Danny gets better...don't cry, babe, he's going to be ok, right? I'll be there
as soon as I can."
"OK, I'll be here. Call me, and I can pick you up."
"Uh...no offense, Angel...but I think I'll take the car service.
You just stay there with Danny. I'll see you soon."
"OK, see you soon...give my love to Vanessa and the kids,"
Deni said as she hung up and wiped away her tears.
She felt her heart pounding wildly, and realized she was so
excited...soon she'd be seeing Johnny again. She went back to Danny's room, and looked at his sweet, peaceful face.
"Come on Danny...it's me, Deni...wake up baby," Deni whispered,
her face close to his. But Danny continued to sleep. Deni laid her head down on his chest...listening to the strong beating
of his heart, and the beeping sounds of the machines he was hooked up to, and began to fall asleep. Her last thoughts
before she drifted away were of how much she loved Danny...and JOHNNY'S COMING!
Chapter 42
Danny continued to sleep. Deni hadn't left his side except
for about one hour when she forced herself to drive home, feed Roux, shower and change clothes. The doctors had no answer
to her question, "Why won't he wake up?"
When Johnny walked into the hospital room, Deni rushed to
him and they embraced. She felt a sense of security in his strong arms, and Deni couldn't help feeling like everything
would be alright now ... Johnny was here.
She looked at him, and had to smile in spite of herself. He
was wearing a fake beard and an old baseball cap...looking a little like a homeless hobo. It was a good disguise...she
wouldn't have recognized him if he passed her by on the street.
"I'm so glad you're here, Johnny...maybe Danny will wake up
if you talk to him...if he hears your voice. The doctors don't know what's wrong...or they're just not telling me...Johnny,
he just won't wake up," Deni said, leading Johnny by the
hand over to Danny's bedside.
Johnny sat on the edge of the bed, and took hold of his brother's
hand. "Hey Danny...It's Johnny...come on you big jerk...I came all the way out here to talk to you...can you hear me, Danny?"
Johnny asked, searching Danny's face for any sign of awareness.
"Did they catch the guy that did this?" Johnny asked Deni,
his tone a mixture of anger and sadness.
"Yes...thank goodness...he's a murderer, Johnny...he killed
a woman at that hotel right before he shot Danny. He might have gotten away, too, if Danny hadn't tackled him and knocked
him out...You hear that Danny? You're a hero!" Deni said, hoping that Danny could hear them. But Danny didn't move...he didn't
open his eyes...he continued to sleep.
Three days later...and still no change. Deni and Johnny slept
on cots that the hospital provided in Danny's crowded room. They spent the days talking and taking turns reading to Danny,
hoping that something would stimulate him to wake up. They tried music...massaging...a sponge bath...but nothing worked.
Deni thought back to the 5 days she had been in a coma after the car accident, and how awful it must have been for everyone
waiting and hoping for her wake up. This was pure torture.
The only thing keeping her sane was having Johnny there with
her. She hadn't realized how much she had missed him, and even with his goofy disguise, she was still in awe over him.
He was Johnny Depp, and she supposed that he would always have that certain effect on her, no matter what...even when they
became family. Johnny was going to be her brother-in-law, but back in her subconscious, he would always be her idol.
Her heart would always flutter a little faster...her spirits ride a little higher...whenever he was around. He was Johnny.
On the fourth day after Danny was shot, Deni decided to go
back to work. Luckily, since she worked in the hospital, she would be able to check on Danny throughout the day, and could
be paged at a moment's notice if there was any change in his condition.
She would be working the afternoon shift, so, that morning
she and Johnny drove back to the house to check on the horses, feed Roux, shower, change, and do some laundry. Roux
greeted them at the door, and was relentless in his meowing for attention.
"Poor Roo Roo...," Deni cooed at him, scratching him behind
his ears. "I know you miss your daddy, don't you...yes you do." She swallowed hard...she felt like she was constantly on the
verge of tears.
She heard a door close, and then heard the shower turn on.
She couldn't help but think of the last time Johnny showered at Danny's house. She felt herself blush a little, and then scolded
herself for even thinking about that when Danny was lying in a hospital bed.
But she couldn't help it. She lied down on the sofa
and closed her eyes...reliving every moment like it was happening all over again. She could almost feel the touch of
his wet, soapy hands caressing every curve of her body...the steamy hot kisses...the sensual warmth of the water showering
down on them, as their slippery bodies fit together so perfectly. She imagined the contrasting feel of the cold tile
behind her back as he pushed her up against it, over and over.
Her heart was beating hard, and her body was almost quivering
as she was quickly startled out of her fantasy by the sound of Johnny's footsteps entering the room.
"Deni? Are you OK? I thought I heard you moaning?" Johnny
asked, standing there, bare-chested, combing his still wet hair.
Deni blushed and tried to hide her embarrassment. "I'm fine...I...I
must have fallen asleep...I guess I was dreaming...," she lied, and got up to walk past him. "I'll just be going now...y'know...taking
a shower."
As she walked by him...Johnny grabbed her arm, and smiled
at her. "I was thinking about it, too," he said softly, biting his lower lip. He gave her a wink, and then proceeded
to walk into the kitchen to fix something to eat.
Deni showered and changed for work, and caught herself humming.
She instantly felt guilty for feeling happy when she should be worrying about Danny. Being around Johnny just made her happy...he
was so easy to talk to and just had a way of always saying the right things. She was glad that she would soon be going to
work...away from Johnny for a while...so she could focus on Danny.
Johnny fixed her a sandwich, and they sat at the table, talking,
before Deni had to leave for work.
"So, how's Vanessa?" Deni asked.
"Good...she would've come with me, but she had to work...she's
got this magazine photo gig thing...the kids are up at her folks house. She's gonna come out...when she's done with
the shoot. She feels really bad about not being here, but I told her...it's ok...I keep telling Danny that she loves him,
and the kids love him...and hopefully by the time she gets out here...Danny will be up and around...and we can go have that
celebration we talked about. So...you're gonna get hitched to my brother, huh? That's just so cool."
"Yeah...pretty cool. Well...I don't have to tell you what
a wonderful guy he is," Deni said.
"So, Deni...I hate to bring this up, but it's been bothering
me for a while...why did you write that letter? Why did you walk out like that? I'd really like to know," Johnny asked, as Deni feared he would eventually.
Deni was not going to tell Johnny about the baby. She hated
lying to him, but she was dead set against him knowing. It would only cause him pain and heartache, not to mention that she
was afraid that he would be very angry with her for running away and not telling him in the first place.
"It's really complicated, Johnny. I talked about it with my
therapist, and, well...I think I was going through some kind of mini-melt down...I don't know... my marriage ended badly ...I
was feeling guilty about our affair... Danny is just such a good person...I was feeling unworthy of his love...I was scared
that I wasn't...I don't know...good enough for him. But after I left...I was so miserable without him...he was all I could
think about...so when he was willing to give me a second chance...I figured I must not be so bad if he loves me so much,"
Deni said smiling...and then added seriously, "I never wanted to hurt him, Johnny...I thought it was the best thing, for everyone.
Please...I hope you have forgiven me...I never meant to hurt him...I never meant to hurt anyone..." Deni started crying, and
Johnny reached over and gave her a hug. Deni held him close, and let his healing powers over her wipe away her sorrow.
After a minute, Johnny pulled back, and looked into Deni's
red, teary eyes with his soulful dark eyes. He kissed her on the forehead as he whispered, "Of course I forgive you."
Chapter 43
"You seem to forget that I practically built my entire career
playing characters who don't quite measure up in the eyes of others," Johnny said with a sympathetic grin. "So, I can
understand how you were feeling."
Deni wiped away her tears, and gave Johnny a grateful smile.
"Thanks, Johnny...I'm so glad you're here. I think I would
be totally losing my mind if I didn't have you to talk to," she said, as she got up to get ready to leave.
"Oh, I meant to tell you...I talked to my mom, and she is
flying out here today. And, Vanessa and the kids will be here tomorrow. Is it ok with you if we all stay here? There's
plenty of room, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable...I mean, it is your home now, too," Johnny told her.
"Oh that's great!....I am so looking forward to meeting your
mom...and of course everyone will stay here...I wouldn't have it any other way. Well...I really have to go now...I guess
I'll see you later at the hospital...does your mom know about me and Danny?...about us being engaged?" Deni asked.
"Well, she knows that you and Danny are together...that you've
been living here...but I thought you'd want to tell her yourself about the engagement."
"Yeah...hmmm...I wish Danny and I could tell her together...maybe
I should wait...he just has to come out of this soon...right?" Deni asked hopefully.
"Well, with all of us here...all of us thinking positively...all
of us surrounding Danny with our positive energy...it's gonna work...I just feel it," said Johnny confidently.
"OK...I think so, too. Alright...well I'm off...see you later,"
Deni said, giving Johnny another hug, and she was out the door.
Deni arrived at the hospital, checked in at her station, and
went to go check on Danny. She opened the door, and saw a woman standing by Danny's bedside. She looked to be perhaps 30ish,
with long, straight brown hair, and very pretty. Deni had never seen her before.
When the woman saw Deni, she quickly walked right past her,
and hurried out the door without saying a word. Deni was about to go after her to find out who she was, when she heard a noise.
More of a moan, actually. DANNY! She rushed to his side, and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Danny...Danny...come on...wake up," she stroked his cheek,
and to her astonishment, his eyes began to twitch...then flutter...and finally...they slowly opened. "Oh baby...my sweet baby,"
Deni whispered with tears in her eyes. She quickly regained her composure so as not to scare Danny.
"Hey...," Danny whispered, trying to comprehend where he was,
and why he was in so much pain. "What happened?"
"Do you remember being at the hotel? Remember, we heard a
gunshot, and you tackled that man in the hall?" Deni said, talking in a quiet tone, trying not to get him excited.
Danny looked at Deni...confused, "What do you mean, "WE"?
Do I know you?"
Chapter 44
Deni's blood ran cold, until she saw the sly smile growing
on Danny's face. "Danny...cut it out...you're scaring me! Tell me you know who I am," she demanded.
Danny grinned from ear to ear, and told her, "You're my betrothed,
if I remember correctly. Sorry, babe...you just looked too d*mn serious...I couldn't help myself," Danny chuckled, but then
winced with pain. "Oww...hey nurse...can I get something for this pain?"
Deni was too happy that Danny was up and talking to be mad
at him for his evil prank. "Serves you right...you big jerk...here...maybe this will help the pain," Deni said as she leaned
over and gave Danny a soft kiss...then another. Then Danny put his arms around her, and pulled her closer, kissing her deeply.
Deni pulled back, worried he was getting too excited. "Careful,
sweetheart, you've been through quite an ordeal...I really need to go get the doctor, and tell him you're awake...babe, you've
been out for 4 days."
"Four days!? Now you're kidding me, right?"
"No, I'm not...you had us all pretty worried. Your mom will
be here soon, and so will Vanessa and the kids. Oh, Danny, I'm so happy you're alright!" she leaned over again, cupping his
face gently, planting tiny little kisses all over his face. "I'll be right back...I have to go get the doctor."
Deni walked quickly to the nurses station, and excitedly told
the other nurses of Danny's awakening. She paged Danny's doctor, who arrived within minutes and disappeared into Danny's
room. While they waited for the doctor to come out, one of the other nurses asked Deni who the young woman was who had been
asking about Danny.
"I don't know," Deni said, with a frown, "I saw her in Danny's
room...what did she say to you?"
"She just asked me where she could find Daniel Depp's room,
so I told her."
"I've never seen her before...I wonder who she is," Deni pondered.
"Well...you could ask her yourself...there she is," and Deni
turned around to see the young woman getting off the elevator. She glanced up at Deni, but then turned her gaze downward and
headed for Danny's room. She stopped at the door, and could heard talking coming from inside the room. She stood there
undecided about what to do, and then abruptly turned and headed back to the elevator. Deni and the other nurses looked at
each other baffled by this woman's behavior.
"Excuse me," Deni called to the woman, "Can I help you?"
The pretty brunette stopped, and Deni approached her. She
looked tired and anxious. She looked up at Deni, but wasn't sure what to say. Deni asked her again, "Is there anything I can
do for you...help you find someone?"
The woman spoke, "I did find him."
"Found who?" Deni asked.
"Daniel...Daniel Depp. That's him in there, right?" she asked.
"I think you better tell me who you are...how do you know
Mr. Depp?" Deni was getting protective.
"Well, that's between me and Mr. Depp. What business is it
of yours?" the woman said defiantly.
"Mr. Depp happens to be my fiancé, and it's also "my business"
to protect the safety of the patients in this hospital...Miss...what is your name?" Deni asked in her best authoritative voice.
"You're his fiancé? Oh...I didn't know...uhm...my name is
Laney. Pleased to meet you," Laney put her hand out. Deni was still confused, but shook the young woman's hand. "I'm sorry
to be so...mysterious here...but I really need to talk to Daniel first...before I tell you who I am."
The two women turned just as the doctor was coming out of
Danny's room. He approached Deni with a big smile on his face, and took her aside. "Deni, looks like Danny is going
to be fine. I wish I could tell you how exactly the brain works, and why it took so long for Danny to regain consciousness,
but I'm afraid I can't. Let's just be grateful that he is back and appears to be healthy. His wound is healing nicely, and
I think he will be ready to go home soon. I'd like him to stay overnight just for observation, and let's see how he is tomorrow,
ok?"
"That's great!" Deni beamed. "Thank you, Dr. Mallory."
Deni walked back over to Laney, and said, "Well, I think
we need to find out what this is all about. I just need to know that you aren't going to upset Danny. He has been through
a lot the past few days, and I don't want him getting agitated. Are you ready to talk to him?" Deni asked nervously.
"OK, yes, I'm ready," and the two walked in to see Danny.
Chapter 45
Danny tried to turn his head to see who was coming in the
room, but the bandages on his neck made it hard to do so. Deni led Laney to Danny's bedside, and noticed that she looked very
nervous. Deni searched Danny's face for any sign of recognition. He smiled at the woman politely, then looked at Deni, and
said, "So, who's your friend?"
Deni replied, "I was hoping you could tell me. Found her out
in the hallway...she says she knows you, though."
Danny looked at Laney. "Hello...I'm sorry...but I can't seem
to place you. Have we met before?"
Laney took a deep breath, and began her story. "Mr. Depp...my
name is Laney Conners. My mother was Monica Walker...she went to school with you in Florida...in fact...you took her to the
senior prom. That night, 32 years ago, I was conceived. Mr. Depp...you're my father."
Danny was stunned. He just sat there staring at Laney trying
to comprehend what she was telling him. Of course he remembered Monica, even though they had only dated briefly senior year.
He remembered taking her to prom, and spending the night with her. You never forget your prom night. Then he seemed to remember
that shortly after that, Monica's family had moved away, and he lost touch with her. He hadn't thought about her in ages.
Was it possible that this woman was really his daughter? She did kind of have the Depp cheekbones. He realized that she was
staring at him, waiting for some kind of reaction.
"I...I don't know what to say...she...Monica...never told
me...after all this time...why?" Danny was in shock.
Laney continued, "She never told me either...not until recently...you
see...my mom and dad, well, my stepdad, died in a car accident not too long ago. The man I thought was my father, Steven
Conners, died instantly...but my mom...well...while she was in the hospital...she told me the truth about who my father really
was. She found out she was pregnant after her family had moved away, and decided not to involve you...she said she wasn't
sure why...but probably because she always admired you, and thought you were so talented, and didn't want to burden you at
such a young age with a child. When I was almost 2, she met Steven, and they got married, and he raised me as his own.
I had a wonderful childhood...I loved my parents and they loved me. My mother told me about you, because she knew she might
not survive her injuries, and she wanted me to know my real family. Imagine my surprise, finding out you were my father, and
that my uncle is Johnny Depp! I didn't come here because I want money, or anything like that...really...it's just that ...now
that my parents are gone...I have no other family...and I just wanted to meet you...and I don't know...I hoped that we could
get to know each other," Laney took another deep breath, having used up all her courage to get her story out.
Danny was speechless, and at the same time overjoyed at the
prospect of having a daughter, even if she was 31 years old. "This is unbelievable...I mean...I want to believe you...but..wow...I
have a daughter...Deni, I have a daughter!"
Chapter 46
It was 3 days later, and Danny was home and feeling strong
enough to get out of bed and join the family outside. Johnny and Danny's two sisters, Christi and Debbie, and their families,
had come up for the weekend to join the impromptu family get together. Johnny, Vanessa and Deni had put together a nice barbeque
to celebrate Deni and Danny's engagement, welcoming Laney into the family, and Danny's heroic recovery. Dean and Salina were
there, as well as Lily-Rose and Jack, and Betty Sue, Danny and Johnny's mom, was happy as a clam bonding with all her grandchildren.
They were all sitting around a huge picnic table, under a
majestic willow tree, talking, eating, and laughing. Johnny was being his funny, animated self...doing his impression of Sam
from Benny and Joon, and making the dinner rolls dance. The kids were literally rolling on the grass in laughter.
Danny and Laney were engrossed in conversation, and seemed
to have really hit it off. Laney was a budding writer herself, so she and Danny already had a common bond. Betty
Sue, Vanessa, Christi and Debbie were all enjoying talking about and planning the upcoming wedding of Deni and Danny.
It was an absolutely beautiful summer evening...the sun was
going down, the birds were singing, and there was a cool breeze blowing the wonderful scent of lilacs through the air.
As Deni sat there, admiring her new family, she couldn't help
but think about how truly blessed she was at this very moment. She could feel the tears of happiness welling up in her eyes,
and she looked at all of them, and thought, "This is really my family. I have a wonderful man who loves me and wants to marry
me...I have Johnny Depp for a brother-in law and a friend...and all the rest of these amazing people who have welcomed me
into their lives with open arms."
She was reminded of a saying she had once heard. "Life is
not measured by how many breaths you take...but by the moments that take your breath away." This was certainly one of those
moments. And she owed it all to that ONE PERFECT DAY!
Well....that's it! A Happy Ending. Johnny
is happily back with his family, and Deni gets to see him and talk to him because she is FAMILY!! How cool would that be!!!
I would definitely settle for being Johnny's friend, seeing as how he is already taken. Vanessa...I hope you know how lucky
you are!!! Anyway, I wanted to thank all my loyal readers. You guys are the best. Thank you for all your great comments and
emails. It really means the world to me that you all liked my story. I loved writing it, and I am sad that it is over. Hmmmm,,,,maybe
a sequel??
More to come! Check back often! You guys
leave the BEST feedback. Thank you so much! I love it!
Want to get in touch? You can send me e-mail at:
nvdonna@yahoo.com
HI Everyone! Please Enter the Message Forum and post your messages. You can post about
anything....comments about the story.....general comments about Johnny....anything you want. Thanks!
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