Chapter 9 - "Hold Me, Thrill Me" - 6th September 2012.

A few of the gang enjoy a little indoor picnic before the autumn weather sets in, but why do I get the feeling theres MORE going on here than I'm fully aware of ?  Hmmmm ?? ...

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You can check out the music slideshow to this chapter on Youtube here ... http://youtu.be/BVb-6u-ZnqE

Chapter 9 - "Hold Me, Thrill Me".

As Summer is virtually gone and Autumn will soon be upon us Jem decided that it would be a nice idea to have one last picnic before the weather really starts turning. I also thought it was the perfect opportunity to wear the cute little spotted summer dress that Holly had found for me in with all her old childhood doll clothes. You would be suprised how hard it is to find clothes that actually fit me as my body shape is drastically different to that of the 80's Barbies that Holly played with when she was little, but for some reason this dress (which actually had virtually never really been used, probably because it didn't really fit the Barbies) was perfect for me.

Now, on the actual day of the picnic it turned out that the weather was in the end a little too windy and cold for us to actually venture outside, which to be honest I was a little disappointed about as I had never actually been out in the back garden yet. Jem however was not deterred in her plans and decided instead that we would have our picnic in the Conservatory, after all it was much warmer in there and the wind could not possibly get to us, but it was nice and light inside which gave a bit of an outdoorsy feel, or so I am told.

Jem had also invited Rocky along on our outing, I guess it was so that Rio did not feel so outnumbered by girly chat, he seemed to be quite pleased to be there though, smiling away as usual.

We set up the picnic blanket on the green carpet as thats as close as we would be getting to anything grassy like inside and all sat around enjoying the tea and chit chat. I could hear the birds twittering in the trees just outside, I was quite suprised how much noisier it was outside than in the house, you certainly could hear a lot more of the wildlife and outdoors goings on.

After we finished the tea and packed away all the china safely in the picnic hamper Jem and Rio seemed kind of sleepy. She lay back on the picnic rug, her long hair flowing down her shoulders. Today Jem had decided to wear more of her hair down than usual, her blond locks were shorter inside the slightly pinky toned longer hair that normally she had pushed back inside her hat, but obviously today she had felt like a change. I thought it looked very pretty all down, and I had told her so earlier in the day.

Anyway, as Jem and Rio lay back relaxing and taking in the surroundings etc Rocky and I started to feel like a 5th wheel. We sat there awkwardly not really knowing what to say or do and we really did not want to disturb what appeared to be a rather romantic moment between the happliy married couple.

After what seemed like an eternity but in actual fact was probably only a few brief seconds Rocky asked if I would like to go for a walk, I accepted without a moments thought and so we got up and wandered off to give the others a bit of time to themselves.

I didn't really know where I was going but headed over to this rather fascinating table that I had been admiring from our picnic spot. Its base was a mixture of tangled wooden threads that looked so pretty and yet so wild and untamed at the same time.

"I guess this is the closest I am going to get to a tree in here!" I exclaimed, fascinated by the branch like tenticles that I was holding.

"actually its a root" smirked Rocky with his usual cheesey grin.

He then seemed to worry that his remark may have offended me and continued in a rather guilty sounding fashion "but of course, roots are from trees ... so in reality I guess, it is ... sort of ... a tree ......... yeah"

I really could not undertand why he was worried as I had not taken offence to his initial comment anyway, so I found it a little odd and a teensy bit funny that he seemed so concerned about it now.

He looked very fidgetty and nervous again, shifting about and could not stand still and he obviously hadn't got a clue what else to say to me. He was probably worried he might say something else which might offend me.

I decided to just continue as if nothing had happend as this silence was a bit uncomfortable and his shifting about was making me start to feel on edge.

"shame its not bigger" I said

"what?!!??" his response was a little startled, it made me wonder what he thought I was referring to?

"the root" I replied "shame the roots not bigger, then we could have climbed it"

"Oh" he seemed to finally get what I meant, in the space of a few moment he had gome from looking nervous to looking embarassed.

"What did you think I meant?" I cant beleive I said that!! withought even thinking, great lets make the poor guy feel even worse shall we, nice work Ella, I thought straight after the words had left my lips.

"Oh ... well, I errrr .... never mind, its not important really .... so you want to climb a tree hey?" He rambled a bit and quickly changed the subject, and in reality I was glad that he had.

"Well, I've never actually climbed a tree before" was my reply, hoping that this progress had finally signalled the end of all the awkardness.

"I'm afraid theres not much in the way of trees in here" he replied "But if you come with me I think I know of the next best thing"

And with that we walked off across the Conservatory.

We were in no hurry to get anywhere so just meandered along at a pleasant pace. I asked Rocky about that strange fabric pyramid shape accross the other side of the room and he explained that it was Calamity's place.

Supposedly even though she's a cowgirl, her spot was a native american style wigwam, probably reminds her of her cowgirl days? I guess being an outdoorsy type of girl that its probably better sleeping out here than indoors ? I guess, although personally I like the comforts of inside the house.

As soon as Rocky pointed out where we were headed I ran over and found a spot to sit inside. It was a table and chair set that was made out of bamboo cane so had a branchy tree like effect to it, well, it was probably the best we were going to get indoors so I was pleased enough to find it.

Rocky finally caught up to me, I think my rather sudden quick spurt had taken him by suprise, but when he arrived at our makeshift cane tree house he seemed grinning from ear to ear at me sitting so comfortably inside. Not that I was really suprised by this I mean, after all its Rocky, he's always smiling.

He came inside and sat with me on the strut of one of the chairs, I imagined it to be a low down tree branch that was hidden within the imaginary tree's structure.

"So what do you think?" asked Rocky, although I think he knew he did not need to ask as he could surely tell that I was enjoying our little mini-adventure so far.

"Its wonderful" was my reply "thankyou".

"No problem" he responded, for a brief second he looked a little shy but then continued "So are you ready for the climb?".

Before I had even had time to respond he had sprung up and was climbing up the inside of the table structure. I ran outisde to watch and felt a little shocked but also impressed with the ease in which he undertook his climbing task.

Only a matter of moment later and Rocky's head peered out near the top of the table, he appeared to be up so high, I hope he doesn't fall!?

"Are you coming up then" he shouted down "or do you need me to come down and get you ?"

That sounded like a challenge to me!

There was no way that I was going to let him think that I was a helpless doll that always needed rescuing, so with great intrepidation I grabbed onto one of the cane struts and started to climb and pull myself up.

I was so slow and a bit wobbly and unstable but I was not going to give up, I was going to do this all by myself. I could feel Rocky's presence close, he was watching me very closely and I am sure would have jumped in quick as a flash if I had got in any real trouble, but it was nice to see that he would let me try and do it on my own.

I finally reached the top and felt a little unsteady trying to balance my feet in the gaps between the fanned out canes, but Rocky put his arm around my shoulder and said

"Dont worry, I've got you, ... you wont fall" he smiled and I hoped he was at least a little impressed by me managing the climb all alone without his assistance.

My heart was pounding and I felt a rush from the exhilaration of the climb but I also felt safe and protected as he held onto me.

We just stayed there, looking out at the view accross the conservatory. We didn't feel the need to say anything and this was the first time that we had felt comfortable with the silence.

And then we saw something ...

Waving at us from the other side of the room were Jem and Rio. Obviously their sleepy post-picnic tiredness had worn off.

They seemed very enthusiastic in their gestures and I could tell they were grinning at us even from this distance.

I dont know why but Rocky and I felt a little on display with them watching and so we pulled further apart as we waved back at our friends. Luckily by now I had easily found my balance and so was no longer relying on him to help keep me from falling.

When we had finished waving Rocky and I looked at each other, almost a little sad as I said

"I suppose we had better be heading back then ?"

He seemed a little resigned to the fact as he replied "Yeah .. they're probably waiting for us"

I had this overwhelming feeling of sorrow that our time here had come to an end, I was having such a lovely day and really I just wanted us to stay there forever. Obviously that was neither possible or remotely practical. So we started to head back down the table.

Climbing down seemed a lot harder and more difficult than in had been going up and it was not helped by the time pressure I felt feeling as if Jem & Rio were waiting for us. I therefore did not object when Rocky offered to help me down.

As he lifted me down I noticed how strong he was, it seemed almost no effort at all for him, almost as if I was as light as a feather. I did not feel the least bit frightened in his arms as he gradually and gently lowered me to the ground.

As I finally reached the floor there was one brief moment, a moment where I was in has arms and I felt complete. I could have lived inside that moment, It was safe and warm almost like I was home.

My pulse quickened and I found it hard to catch my breath as Rocky looked at me it felt like I had really seen him for the first time, his happy smiley face and eyes that seemed to imply that everything in the world was going to be wonderful and happy.

Now this moment that felt like it could last for an eternity, was in actual fact a brief second where my mind had been racing a mile a minute. As he let go and stood back at a respectable gentlemanly distance I felt a little gooey inside.

"I guess we had better head back then" were the only words he uttered as he glanced away and over to our awaiting friends.

Our pace was a little quicker on our return walk, but not so quick as neither of us was really in THAT much of a hurry.

When we neared the picnic area Rio came out with one of his implying comments

"So what have the pair of you been up to then?" he wiggled his eyebrows in rather a suggestive manner as spoke.

Rocky and I both looked at each other for a micro-second and then blushed. I dont know why, as in reality nothing had happened, but obviously his comment tapped into something inside us both.

Jem, seeing our discomfort, gave Rio a friendly slap on the arm and a look that basically told him, without the use of any words, that he had better cut it out right now. Which he seemed to get the message, although still had that suspicious looking grin of his face.

Rocky sat down next to Rio and I placed myself besides Jem so as to not rouse any further comments or suspicions, although in the end I do wonder if that was actually more suspicious than sitting next door to each other would have been.

I dont know why I am worrying about this? As, like I said before, nothing happened anyway ... so really there is nothing to be suspicious about .... right ?

As we sat and pleasantly chatted with our friends Rocky and I seemed to keep glancing over at one another. Every time my eyes met his he smiled even more and I could feel a little pink flush in my cheeks. I wondered if Jem and Rio had noticed ?

This was getting silly ..... nothing happened !?! 

Chapter 8 - "The Way You Make Me Feel" - 5th September 2012.

I meet a tall handsome stranger who makes me feel all aflutter inside, but is he really the dashing charmer that he initially appears ? ...

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You can check out the music slideshow to this chapter on Youtube here ... http://youtu.be/VHVbSAW7nH4

Chapter 8 - "The Way You Make Me Feel".

Today I was roped into a bit of "Girl Time" by Millie, she insisted that us single dolls had to stick together. I wasn't sure if I was quite in agreement with her philosophy, as I considered my married friend, Jem, just as much one of the girls as Millie and Calamity. I mean does being married make you such a different person that you cant get involved with a bit of girly chat ? I would have thought she would have made an excellent addition to the proceedings as surely her experiences could have invaluable life lessons for dolls like myself who were, lets face it, much more innocent and clueless in the ways of the world.

However, as I did not want to upset Millie I just bit my tongue and went a long with it. I mean, I didn't really want to upset my new friend as her heart was in the right place.

Calam, wasn't overly enthusiastic about being "Hornshwaggled" as she put it, into the girly timetable, however she did tag along behind with Dallas trying not to appear as though she was intentionally holding back but at the same time ensuring she didn't get close enough to get tangled in any of Millies Girly gossip.

Millie is a sweet doll really but it sometimes seems as though her head is full of air. Now, I know how odd that sounds coming from a doll when most dolls heads are technically full of air, but it was almost as if .. how can I put it? ... she was ... not as quick a thinker as the rest of the gang. Infact sometimes it almost seems like she doesn't even think at all.

Her cheerful, optimistic nature and effervesant personality totally made her a joy to be around though and I was rather enjoying our little walk and chat when all of a sudden I heard a wolf whistle sort of noise ?

I looked around, a little confused at first and then I looked up at the display cabinet in front of us to see a male doll looking straight at me!

As soon as he noticed that he had my attention he jumped straight down off his doll stand and strutted in my direction.

I had never seen a Ken doll with hair before, but that was not the thing that struck me the most though, as this guy was soooo HANDSOME!!!

His eyes were piercing and intense, his gaze fixed intently on me. I could feel my eyes widening and my mouth dropping in astonishment. I could not help it, then realising that I must be looking like a goldfish I tried to snap out of it, only to realise that all I could manage was a big cheesy, rather pathetic looking if we are being honest, adoring grin.

As he came close to me I felt weak in the knees, it was also very suprising how tall this guy was, not just a little bit more than myself like Rocky and the other male dolls that I have met but he had to stoop and lean in to catch my eye line with his intense broody eyes.

For a moment I felt as if I could not breath, and my pulse quickened, feeling butterflies inside my stomach area.

Although his first words to me were probably the most cheesey line I have ever heard, at the time I thought he was so smooth "Say, what's a Goddess of a doll like you doing in a place like this?"

His eyes smouldered and twinkled at the same time as he looked at me, I almost felt as though his gaze was burning its way into my soul. But I couldn't really think of anything to reply so only managed a rather shy giggle as a response to his question.

Somehow he was drawing me in, I could feel we were getting closer and closer to each other. My mind couldn't help it, it started picturing what a handsome couple we would make, and for one split second as he drew me close I was hoping that he would kiss me!

Now, I've never been kissed and to be quite frank up until now had never even found anyone who I had wanted to, but this guy, even though I had only known him for about 30 seconds seemed so dreamy.

As he came closer he almost whispered in my ear "I know a great place where we can be alone" I could not believe this, was this really happening? as he continued "We can sit and watch the colours of the sunset ... and the stars falling through the night sky"

Ooooooh he was sooooo dreamy ...

 

At that very moment before I could even get a word out, Calamity appeared with Millie in tow and steered me very quickly away from my dream guy.

"What are you doing?" I enquired, rather annoyed at their untimely intrusion.

"Thayt theyres Kirk" she replied rather sternly "He's the biggust laydies doll I's eva comes accrows, an gurlfriynd yous betta owff stayin weyll away from hiym"

I was confused, he seemed so romantic, so handsome, so ... "what?" I replied not really able to quite believe what she was telling me.

"Heys tryd it own with almos' evey dowll in thus here howse" she explained "an sweeyhar't heys broken mowre har'ts than I cun recull ... heyll theys now't a dowll in thus place he haysn't takin te hiys SPEYSHIL playce to wowtch the sun seyt. An they awll comes bayck with shayttered dreayms .... hey neyver sees um agin ayfter he gits whowt he wownt, und betweyn jest us none owf them Toy Stowry Bawbies is own speykin terms with hiym anymores"

I suddenly started to feel a little foolish and then Calamity tried to ease my feelings a little by whispering softly "He's as varmit, an aint worth youwr spiyt".

 I was feeling rather awkward and really did not know what to say when Millie broke the silence with a sudden declaration

"But he's a REALLY good kisser!" her high pitched squeaky voice sounded rather giggly and she had a silly grin on her face after she said it. Oh God, I hope that was not what I looked like when he talked to me ?

Calamity and I could not find words to reply and just stared at Millie, almost in disbelief that she had come out with such a statement at such a time.

Calamity just rolled her eyes and carried on leading me away. As I glanced behind for a moment I could see Kirk heading back towards to his display unit. For a very brief moment I did wonder if he was really that bad ? that maybe he just hadn't found the right doll yet ? ... But luckily I came to my senses, I was not THAT sort of doll, and I was so glad that I had such good friends who would look out for me like this.

 

As Dallas caught up with us I stopped for a second to think. My first crush, the first hint of any kind of romance in my life had begun and was over in a matter of minutes. I started to ponder the thought, would all relationships and romantic couplings be THIS complicated ? And how on earth would I ever be able to spot a player like Kirk if I encountered one again?

It was a lot to consider, maybe I'm just not quite ready for romance yet ....?
 

Chapter 7 - "Hung Up" - 4th September 2012.

Whilst unintentionally spying on Jackson I start to discover more about the extent of the poor chap's heartbreak and loss ...

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You can check out the music slideshow to this chapter on Youtube here ... http://youtu.be/HCmetwA1YbI

Chapter 7 - "Hung Up".

It wasn't that I was intending to spy, but whilst I was in the wardrobe today, sorting out a few of my dresses quietly, I noticed Jackson creep into the room. I think he thought he was alone and must not have seen me in the corner, but he seemed to be going somewhere with a purpose.

I know that they say curiosity killed the cat, but I wasn't a cat, and it wasn't that I am a nosey sort of doll, I just really wanted to know what he was up to as his body language seemed so shifty and suspicious.

I couldn't help myself I just stood there staring at him as he edged his way along the shoe box on the floor. He kept himself very close to the box so it was clear that whatever he was up to he did not want who or whatever it was around the corner to see him.

He then stopped at the corner obviously gazing at the object of the sneaky mission. What is he up to ?

I dont know if it was that I made a noise of that he just felt my presence watching him but all of a sudden he looked around straight at me. I am really not sure who was more startled me or him, but I could instantly tell that he was furious that I had been spying on him.

In the brief time that I had known him, Jackson had always seemed such a bland, almost lifeless doll that I was rather shocked to see this kind of sudden emotional response from him.

He looked at me with such disappointment as he walked back in my direction, I felt sooo guilty that I could not even look him in the eye. As he came past me he gave me a look that cut so deep as he softly but poignantly said

"Seen enough now have we?"

I could tell by the tone of his voice that he felt betrayed by my behaviour and I was a little shocked by his sarcastic tone. I felt awful.

I know I shouldn't have done it, but I had to know, I had to know what was going on ? and what it was that had caused this reaction from Jackson if I ever had a hope of making it up to him.

As I reached the end of the shoe box where he had been standing just a few moment before, I looked up and suddenly things started to become a little more clear when I saw who was standing there on top of a cupboard ...

It was a Rock Star Barbie, and she looked just like Stella, the doll in the picture that I had seen Jackson holding with such sorrow the other day.

But this can't be the same doll that he had been in love with all those years ago? Jem had told me that she was badly broken beyond any kind of repair. So who was this ?

I suddenly felt a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that I had caused extra pain for him in this situation so i decided to chase after Jackson so that I could apologise.

I didn't have to look far as he was in the 2nd half of the wardrobe sitting on a chair quietly staring off into space. I had to talk to him, I couldn't just leave him up there on his own in his heartbreak.

I climbed up and sat next to him, but he just continued to look in the opposite direction and would not even acknowledge my presence.

"I take it that isn't Stella?" I started, hoping that I might be able to encourage him into talking. But nothing, he didn't even move one little bit.

"She looks just like her though ... from the ... errrr .... picture that I have seen" still no response from him. I was starting to feel even more uncomfortable than I had done when he caught me watching him.

I seemed to be making no progress at all and was afraid that I may infact be making things worse.

This conversation was going nowhere so I decided on a much more gentle approach

"Look, I dont pretend to know exactly how you are feeling, or what you are going through" I started "I have never been in Love, so cant even begin to imagine the pain of losing someone that I care about that much"

The response wasn't much but I was getting somewhere as he was now looking straight ahead instead of away from me, which was a massive step forward considering the way this whole one sided conversation had gone so far.

"I guess its tough seeing someone who looks just like Stella ... but isn't really her" I continued "But I can understand why you go and look at her sometimes ... sometimes its nice to remember and seeing her .."

"Rochelle, Her names Rochelle" he mumbled and interrupted. Oh my word he spoke, I had actually had an answer from him.

"OK, well seeing Rochelle sometimes, probably makes you feel a little bit like, you are sort of, almost, looking at Stella ... but at the same time it hurts knowing that in reality she is not and never will be YOUR Stella" I was clutching at straws and starting to wonder if I was making any sense.

"The point is I do understand, and I am sooo terribly sorry for spying on you".

He was such a quiet, shy guy, with a deep ocean of feelings bottled up inside, my heart went out to him as I realised that it was not my place to get him to talk if he didn't feel ready. So I just touched his hand and finished with

"You dont have to say anything, you know, we'll just sit here quietly, but I just wanted to know that I am here for you"

He looked at me with genuine affection and relief at my statement, I guess he has probably had one too many nosey dolls trying to pry into his feelings over the years that it was probably a great weight off his shoulders that I had decided not to try the same pushy tactics on him.

I will never forget how sad his eyes looked as we sat there in silence, and even though neither of us said a word I could somehow tell that he appreciated my presence there during his time of need.

Chapter 6 - "Remember The Time" - 3rd September 2012.

Getting to know my new friends a little better, including the tale of one in particular who has a rather sad history ... Awwww ...

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You can check out the music slideshow to this chapter on Youtube here ... http://youtu.be/Lirpcpjb9Oo

Chapter 6 - "Remember The Time".

Having spent the weekend with my new doll friends I have started to feel much more comfortable and at home now that I am not so alone.

Today it seemed as though everyone was gathering in the Gym for a bit of a workout, although I am a little confused by how dolls of only 12" in height could possibly make use of any human sized excercise equipment? but I guess i was about to find out ...

Not feeling in much of a workout kind of mood Jem and I were content to sit on the sofa and watch what the others were getting up to.

"It so nice to have another doll to talk to" she grinned "Not that Calam isn't a lovely doll, she just sometimes seems more like one of the guys"

I chuckled at the comment as we had just been watching Calamity fearlessly swinging back and forth in one of the knee cups of the Ab Circle screaming "Yeee hawwww" at the top of her voice. She was such a character you couldn't help but love her.

Jem continued with "and then theres Millie, a complete sweetheart, but not a great conversationalist" she smiled and looked at me as she continued "I am soooo glad you are here".

It was nice to know that I was wanted and felt completely at ease while talking with my new friend and was quite inquisitive to find out more about the others in the group.

"What on earth are Rocky and Rio up to?" I enquired as I looked accross in astonishment that Rocky appeared to be trying to lift a humungous weight.

Jem giggled and almost rolled her eyes as she looked at them and replied "Oh, Rocky's been trying that every time we visit the gym for ages now ... he hasn't managed to lift it yet but is convinced that one day he will"

I couldn't help but smile at this, the sheer determination and unending confidence to never give up, even on an almost impossible task was quite an endearing quality. Even if it was in the persuit of something a frivilous as lifting a weight, but I guess that just must be some sort of guy macho thing?

I asked Jem if Rio had ever tried lifting it ? But her face suddenly changed and looked a little sad as she replied

"No, he cant manage that sort of thing anymore with his injury"

I suddenly felt awful if I had brought up something painful to discuss but Jem seemed as though she really did want to talk about it.

As she continued to tell me the whole tale I discovered that Rio had had an injury where his hand broke off during Holly's childhood, it was glued back on and strapped in place with tape but as a result he has no movement in his left wrist.

"He likes to think that is doesn't stop him from doing anything but in reality he would never be able to lift that weight himself" she sighed "And even if he did it would most likely snap his hand off again"

As I looked accross I could just about spot the bandage style tape on Rio's wrist peeking out a little below his jacket sleeve.

"But he has never let it get him down, and he and Rocky are like two peas in a pod, he would never resent his best mate anything" she finshed the conversation looking over at her man proudly and filled with love, it was so touching to see such affection.

We continued to watch as Rocky and Rio bantered and joked with each other whilst aiming to finally acheive the impossible task ahead of them. It was pretty clear that Rio was looking out for his friend and would do anything it took to ensure Rocky did not end up squashed under the shake weight.

Feeling that a change to subject was needed I asked Jem about Jackson. You, see I just could not get how he fitted into this little group of friends? Everyone else was friendly, chatty and warm, whilst he was cold, aloof and generally ended up sitting on his own to one side of all the excitement.

"He didn't used to be like that at all, he was a joker, happy, the life and soul of the group and was Rio's best man at our Wedding" exclaimed Jem, some how I found that part about joker and happy rather hard to believe but rather than saying anything I decided to let he finish her story.

"Back in the day we were all in a band together, me, Rio, Jackson, one of his brothers Michael ... and Stella"

"Stella?" I replied, curious to know the relevance of this doll to the story

Jem had an almost nostalgic look in her eyes as she went on "Stella was a Rock Star Barbie, sort of a favourite of Holly's. She and Jackson had a thing going, well I say that he and his brother Michael both had a thing for her"

"Where is she now?" I enquired, wondering if this was some sort of doomed romantic love triangle story where the love of his life had run away with his brother.

"She's no longer with us" Jem said with an even sadder look on her face "She broke .... and was not able to be fixed ... he's never gotten over it"

I suddenly felt a deep saddening sickness in the pit of my stomach.

As I looked closely at Jackson sitting there in silence I saw he was holding something, a picture, a picture of his lost love. Poor guy, I could almost feel a lump building in my throat and my eyes were starting to feel rather watery.

I was actually VERY relieved that at that moment Rio and Rocky hopped up on the sofa, making us jump, and almost scaring us half to death.

"Whats happening gorgeous? did you miss me?" smirked Rio, affectionatly putting his arm around his wife as he sat down close next to her

"You scared me you big lug" replied Jem playfully as she sweetly wacked him of the chest before lovingly placing her hand on his leg. It was clear that they were very much in love and had a comfortable relationship where they fully accepted who the other was.

Whilst this was all going on Rocky had sat down next to me, smiling as usual. I had never seen a doll as smiley as this guy was, it seems that every time I looked at him there was a big cheesey grin on his face, but I just couldn't for the life of me figure out what was making him so happy ?

It was a bit awkard at first as neither of us really knew what to say, but somehow that just melted away and we were chatting away like we had known each other for years, ... about cars of all things ...

Rocky it seems has always had a passion for cars, he told me at great length about his Silver VW Golf Convertible that was bought for Holly at the same time he was, he went on and on about the fun he had in the car before it dissapeared (Supposedly Holly never did find ouy where it went, perhaps broken and thrown away, or charity shop, no one really knows).

Although I dont really know much about cars, as Holly has 5, I had been getting more and more interested in them during my time here in my new home. So it was lovely to see Rocky talking with such passion and conviction.

All of a sudden we both seemed to realise at the same time that 2 pairs of eyes had been watching us during our whole conversation. I looked around to see Jem and Rio smiling at us and Rocky looked away, suddenly feeling a little more uncomfortable.

We sat there saying nothing, neither of us wanting to be the first to look at the other and the awkward tension grew.

Rio suddenly jumps up and said "Come on, love, lets take a strole around the room"

"Eh??" replied Jem, curious as to what he was up to, as she and Rio never went for stroles.

"you know, .. a walk ... around the room ... away from the sofa" he continued gesturing his head to try and get his point accross

"Ohhhhhh ... yes, a walk would be lovely dear" she replied trying not to let out a sneaky smile as they both hopped down off the sofa.

I could still see her glancing back at us with a smile as they walked off.

"Well, that was REAL subtle" joked Rocky. His comment instantly broke the tension and we both felt more at ease as we laughed at the situation.

Rocky was fast becoming a very close friend of mine and it was great that we could have a giggle together even about the most awkward of moments.

We sat there for a good long while chatting away about all sorts of things, I am not realy sure how long it was but I do know that when we finally noticed that everyone else had already left the gym we were quite suprised that neither of us had noticed. Maybe they left really quietly or something, but I do find it odd that I was so engrossed in our talk that I never saw anything ? Hmmmm.