Next To You

Lessons

Heather met up with Mya the day after Christmas, once she had settled back in at home. They met at a park, snow flurries were falling, but they weren't sticking. She listened to Mya talk about her trip, and how her flight went, waiting quietly.

Mya turned to her to let her know she was done, "so, what's new with you? Are you and Eoin dating now?"

"No. He made an outrageous deal with my grandfather. He has to impress the old dragons of O'Reilly Corp. at the New Year's Eve Masque Ball to get his permission to date me, and I'm not allowed to help him," Heather fretted. "I don't know what to do."

"You really want him to pull it off, don't you?"

"Well, I find the whole situation ridiculous, but it would make things easier. At the same time though, I don't care if he succeeds with it or not, I just hope he'll still like me after having to go through all of this. No one else would agree to such unfair terms, especially for me. The guy is clearly crazy," Heather smiled a little at the thought of him.

Mya smiled with understanding, "crazy about you, maybe. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed he's gotten this far. I hope he does succeed, it'd be pretty awesome if he did."

"I know, I can just see the look on my grandmother's face, absolute horror," Heather said with a laugh.

Mya giggled, "yeah, but you really like him a lot, don't you?"

Heather turned serious, "yes, I suppose I do. It's such a strange and overwhelming feeling, you know? I didn't think I'd ever feel this way about anyone again."

"Wait, again?" Mya thought for a moment, "oh yeah, that boy you used to live next door to. Do you still think about him?"

"Not as much as I used to. I sent letters to him a while ago, but they all got sent back. Apparently, he doesn't live there anymore. I still worry about him sometimes, and I wonder what happened to him," Heather said as she sat on a bench.

Mya rubbed her arms for warmth and sat next to her, "I'm sure he's fine, do you want to go to the diner or something? It's freezing out here."

Heather smirked, "of course you're freezing, you just spent the last few days at a tropical resort, but it is cold. Come on, let's go get some cocoa."

Mya threw her hands up happily, "yes!" then she laughed nervously, "I can't feel my fingers."

Later that day, Eoin was taking the trash out, when he saw Mya passing by on her way home. She spotted him and waved excitedly.

He smiled and waved back to her, "hey, how was your trip?"

He walked up beside her with his hands in his pockets, wearing only a sweater and a scarf.

"Oh, it was great. It makes coming home that much more dull and anti-climatic though. I heard you met Heather's grandparents, that must have been interesting."

"It was, did you talk to Heather then?"

"Yeah, I know about the deal, if that was your next question. I also know she's not allowed to help you," Mya stopped at the gate to her yard.

"Yeah. I've looked up stuff on the internet, I've even gone to the library, but I just feel hopeless, I don't even know where to start," Eoin put his hand on the gate and started opening it for her.

"Since you already have some good manners, it shouldn't be too difficult for you. I can help you Eoin. I've learned all the same etiquette Heather has, if you're not too proud to accept my help, that is," Mya said confidently.

"Really? That would be so great. When can we start?" he asked hopefully.

Mya smirked as she stepped through the gate, "let me make some calls, you can come back here later today, if you're available."

"Sure, let me know when," he closed the gate behind her, then ran home.

He had to finish his chores, but once he was done, he got a message from Mya shortly after. He ran back over to her house and she lead him to another house, further back on their property.

"What are we doing here?" Eoin asked in surprise.

"This is my grandpa's house. Didn't I tell you he used to work for Mr. O'Reilly? He's retired now. Anyway, his house will be better for your training, he even offered to help," Mya stated, as she knocked on the door.

A middle-aged woman answered the door with a sweet smile, "hello Ms. Mya, Mr. Aiko is in his study."

"Thank you Aggie, this is my friend Eoin. Eoin, this is Aggie, my grandpa's housekeeper," Mya introduced them as they stepped inside.

Aggie lead them to a large room, full of books and plush armchairs. Ken Aiko was sitting in one, reading a book. He smiled as Mya came in.

"Hello my dear," he got up, hugged her, and gave her a kiss on the top of her head. Then he turned to look up at Eoin and extended his hand, "whoa, you're quite the tall one, you must be her friend Eoin. She told me about your situation, and I sympathize with you."

Eoin shook his hand, "yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aiko."

He looked down at Eoin's hand shaking his, "you've got a nice, firm handshake, that's a good sign. You should try standing straighter, let me see your smile."

Eoin smiled a little, and stood straighter, but he wasn't expecting lessons to start so quickly.

Ken shook his head, "show some teeth son, and relax your shoulders."

Eoin did as he said, "like this?"

"Yes, much better. You must always carry yourself with confidence and pride. I realize you're used to leaning forward a lot, you are a lot taller than most people, but that is no excuse to slouch," he stood next to his chair, "we'll start with simpler lessons. When a lady is present, you stand, when she sits down, then you may sit down."

Eoin nodded and watched Mya carefully. She sat down, and they sat down soon after. Aggie brought in a tea tray.

"Mya will pour the tea, but first you must learn proper tea time etiquette," Ken then went on to explain it in greater detail.

Mya held in laughter as she watched Eoin's facial expressions change, as more rules were explained to him. Finally, they were done for the day. She walked him to the gate.

"I had no idea how much I needed to learn, I don't know how I'm going to remember everything, I don't even like tea," Eoin was exasperated.

"It gets easier with repetition," Mya reassured him, "I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time."

"I certainly hope so, because I basically have no time. How long did it take you to learn all of this stuff?" Eoin asked, as he stepped through the gate.

Mya bit her lip, "well, it doesn't matter how long, but I also had Heather to help me. Don't stress about it though, Eoin, we'll teach you all you need to know."

Eoin took a deep breath and thought he was about to have a panic attack, "I've never really gotten this nervous about anything, until now. All I can think about now is, I must really be crazy about this girl."

Mya recalled the conversation she had with Heather earlier that day, "I think everyone can see that, Eoin. If Ferguson and Fiona O'Reilly were the sentimental type, you would've convinced them for sure. I wish you luck in everything, Eoin, we're rooting for you."

"I really do appreciate that, Mya. You've been so kind and supportive, I don't think I would have gotten this far without you, why are you helping me anyway?" Eoin realized how true it was as soon as the words left him.

"Well, Heather is my best friend, and I want to see her happy. You make her happy, and you're a good guy. I've never seen two people more perfect for each other," Mya beamed.

"You really think we're perfect for each other?"

"It's more than that, I think you two were meant for each other, it's just too bad no one sees things like I do. Call me tomorrow, okay? Let me know when you can come over again," Mya patted his arm, then went inside her house.

Eoin put his hands in his pockets and walked home, thinking about what Mya had just told him. He wasn't sure if he was the type that believed in things like fate or destiny, but as he thought about it more, there were too many moments that had passed between him and Heather that had to be more than just coincidence.

Heather picked up some extra shifts at the gym to take her mind off of everything. Her grandmother was at home overseeing preparations for the ball. She didn't want to be around. She still disliked the fact that she couldn't help Eoin, but nothing surprised her anymore. She swept the floor, deep in thought, wondering if there was anything she could do.

Scotty came up behind her and tugged her pony tail, like he always did, "hey kiddo, why the long face?"

"Just family stuff, I guess. What have you been up to?" she asked him, out of habit.

"Well, you know I've been trying to break into the pro-fighting scene? I finally did it. I've got my first match, the first Saturday of the new year, isn't that great?" Scotty said enthusiastically.

It took her by surprise, "really? That's awesome, congratulations."

She playfully punched him in the shoulder. He laughed and gently swatted at her, "I know, I'm so stoked. You're going to come watch me, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, let me know if you need help with anything," Heather smiled, then returned back to sweeping.

Scotty nodded and approached one of the gym patrons who needed a spotter for weight-lifting. Heather felt more like herself when she was at the gym. She felt productive and needed, and for once, didn't have anyone telling her how to dress or behave. The Fitzwalters felt more like family to her than her grandparents did, and they understood her better.

When her shift ended, she headed over to the diner, as she usually did, but was stopped by Connelly, she glared, "what are you doing here?"

"You're needed at home, Ms. Heather," he said firmly.

"Don't call me that out here, people will hear you," Heather snapped.

"My apologies," he was about to bow, but stopped himself.

He had walked there from the mansion to get her. They passed some kids from her school and she ducked behind some trees. Heather had noticed she was starting to see more of her classmates, most of them had been out of town for the holidays, and they were all returning around the same time with the end of break drawing nearer. She knew people dreaded the return of classes, but she looked forward to it. School and work were her ways of escaping, because she knew she could always throw herself into studying or club activities to get out of things with her grandmother. Since her grandfather was away in the city most of the time, it was her grandmother she spent most of her time avoiding.

It was now early evening. Heather had already went home and found out it was for a dress fitting. Fiona wanted to see how her dress fit her. It was a white satin gown, trimmed with blue lace. Heather stared at herself in the mirror with resentment as Fiona discussed the dress with the seamstress, Nina. She had stopped listening and checked her phone. Nothing from Mya or Eoin.

Mya and Eoin were back at her grandfather's house. They were trying to teach Eoin how to do the waltz.

"1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3... ouch! Eoin..." Mya groaned painfully, "okay, let's take a break."

Aggie handed Mya a bottle of water, and Eoin a towel, then put out some tea.

"I'm sorry Mya, I don't think I'm going to be able to learn this in time," Eoin sighed as he dabbed himself with the towel.

Ken stood up from where he had been watching, "you are all over the place. Do you play sports Eoin?"

Mya answered for him, "yes, he's the captain of the basketball team, though hard to believe at this moment."

Ken gave her a look that quieted her instantly and turned back to Eoin, "we can make this quite simple then. Now imagine yourself on the court, think defensively.You have to think quickly, am I right?" Eoin nodded, and Ken continued, "think of dancing as covering your teammate, move together, smoothly, lightly. Now apply that logic in your movements here, just to the rhythm of music."

Eoin took his advice to heart. Once Mya was ready to go again, he stopped stepping on her toes. Ken watched them move around the room and smiled. It was an amusing sight to behold, someone as tall as Eoin with someone as petite as Mya, and surprising to see how well they moved together.

He turned off the music, "that's enough dancing for now. Just remember what I told you Eoin, and dancing will cease to be an issue for you. Well done, but now we've more important things to teach you. Probably the most important thing you'll need to know, is how to talk to these associates."

As Eoin drank some water and wiped his sweat with a towel, Ken uncovered a white board with a handful of names written on it. He started writing things next to each name.

"Throw flattery out the window, these people hear it on a daily basis and are completely unaffected by it, it won't work here, no matter how charming and sincere you are. I will tell you everything you need to know about them."

A couple of hours later, he checked his phone as he was leaving Mya's house, it was about the time Heather would normally be at the diner. He went there hoping he would catch her, but when he got there, she was nowhere.

He saw Lana was at the counter and went over to her, "have you seen Heather in here today?"

Lana thought for a moment, "I think I saw her pass by a few hours ago, but she didn't come in. A strange man with dark hair and sunglasses was talking to her, and then they walked off together. I say strange because who wears sunglasses in the middle of winter?"

Eoin knew she was describing Connelly, "oh, thanks anyway, Lana. I'll see you another time."

He stepped out into the cold, then gazed up into the night sky. He wanted to see Heather.

After dinner, Heather grabbed her coat and snuck out for a walk. She walked to the bridge, and she paused when she saw Eoin standing there, as if he had been waiting for her.

"Eoin? What are you doing out here?" She was feeling a little annoyed he hadn't called her.

"It's weird, but I kind of had a feeling you'd come here," he smiled at her, then held out his hand to her.

Heather hesitated, then took a step toward him, "you do know you could've just called me if you wanted to see me, right?"

"Trust me, all I've been wanting to do is call you. I actually want to talk to you about that. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think it's best if we stay away from each other until the ball. Is that alright?" He said it softly, then anxiously waited for her to say something.

It hurt, but Heather knew he must have a good reason, "I guess so, but why are you telling me this here?"

"I thought it might be easier to tell you to your face rather than over the phone, but I was wrong, there is no easy way to tell you this," Eoin took a step toward her and took her hands in his, "I just want to show you how serious I am."

Heather shook her head and hugged him, "I'm sorry you have to go through all of this, Eoin, it's not fair to you." She sniffed and looked up at him, "maybe you should just forget the whole thing."

Eoin scoffed, "you're kidding me, right?"

"I wish I was, but it seems like a waste, if for whatever reason, it doesn't work out between us," she let go of him and started walking away.

Eoin felt himself getting upset, "wait, you expect me to just quit? No! I'm never going to quit. When I commit myself to something, I follow through, because that's how I do things. You really don't believe I can do it, do you?"

Heather rubbed her forehead, then turned to face him again, "of course I do, Eoin, I believe that you can do anything, but I'm worried it might not be good enough for them."

"Your grandfather and I made a deal though, and I fully intend to keep up my end," Eoin stood up straight, his fist clenched with determination.

"You don't know him like I do, Eoin, he'll keep testing you. I wouldn't feel right if I didn't warn you. If he really doesn't want us to be together, he will stop at nothing to drive you away, I'm trying to save you from getting hurt," she looked down at the ground helplessly.

"Me? What about you? He'd hurt his own granddaughter just because he believes I'm not good enough?" He was in disbelief someone could be so cruel.

Her voice cracked with emotion, "yes, and something I'm quite accustomed to, but that's not the point here."

Eoin ran a hand through his hair in frustration, then embraced her, "I don't care, he can throw whatever he likes at me, I'm not going anywhere."

Heather buried her face into his chest, then laughed as she wiped a tear away, "you really are pig-headed Flannery, you know that? I appreciate it though."

Eoin smiled as he turned her face up to his, "you have no idea, Ms. Librarian."

He was about to kiss her when the sound of a man clearing his throat was heard. Heather spun around in alarm and gasped.

"Connelly? How long have you been standing there?" She felt her stomach knot up.

"You should get home before your grandparents notice you're gone, Ms. Heather," Connelly cautioned.

Heather gave Eoin an apologetic look, "goodnight, Eoin."

"Goodnight, Heather," he watched her leave, then rubbed his neck awkwardly as Connelly continued to stand there.

"May I have a word Mr. Flannery?"

"Sure," Eoin answered warily. "You're not going to get her in trouble, are you?"

"No, quite the contrary actually. It's my job to protect her. I must admit I was a bit suspicious of you at first, but through observation, you've proven to be a worthy young man of my charge's affections. She's not an immature, lovesick schoolgirl, she's got a good head on her shoulders and doesn't indulge in childish fantasies. That's how I know her feelings are true and deep. Which is why I'm offering my help to you," Connelly explained.

Eoin scoffed and folded his arms, "you want to help me? With what?"

Connelly smirked suddenly, "I have connections of my own, Mr. Flannery, from my past jobs, I can call in some favors. I know Mr. Aiko and Ms. Song are helping you with everything else."

Connelly was a peculiar type of mystery. One story Eoin hoped to hear later on down the road, but he was grateful for his offer to help. He only had a few days left to learn everything and had no idea what he was even going to wear.

On a particularly cold afternoon, two days until the big night, Eoin expressed his concerns to Mya.

She giggled, "really Eoin? That's the easiest part."

There was a knock at the door, and shortly after, Aggie showed in an older gentleman who Mr. Aiko greeted warmly.

"Hello Fritz, old friend, did you bring them?" Ken beamed.

Fritz held up and patted a metal case, "I've got them all right here." He opened it up and made a flourishing gesture, "as you ordered, Mr. Aiko."

"They're amazing Fritz, like always. Mya, my dear, this one is for you," he held out something wrapped in tissue paper to her, then pulled out another and held it out to Eoin.

He grabbed it and carefully folded the paper back, revealing a gold-colored lion mask.

"You ordered this for me?" He asked Ken.

"Well, yes. I ordered it, but Mya picked the design. She said it perfectly represented you," he smiled as he pulled a third mask out.

"Thank you, both of you. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you," Eoin ran his fingers over the intricately carved lion face in awe.

Mya poked his arm with a bony little finger, "you can do that by not blowing it at the ball."

Ken gave her another scolding look, then handed a check to Fritz, "go ahead Eoin, try it on, see how it feels."

"I feel weird doing this, but okay," Eoin smoothed his hair back and put it on. "Um, how do I look?"

Mya clapped and smiled brightly, "so masculine and princely. Now you just need to get a tuxedo."

Later that evening, after Eoin had dinner with his family, the doorbell rang. Eoin and Tara were cleaning the dishes when Andi came into the kitchen.

"There's someone here to see you Eoin, he says he's an old friend of Connelly's?" She wasn't even sure she knew who Connelly was.

Eoin looked puzzled, then went to the front hall where this mysterious stranger was waiting.

He stood erect and held out a black garment bag, "are you Eoin Flannery?"

"Yes, I am, what's this?"

"Your tuxedo sir, custom design," the man answered quickly.

"Thank you, but I can't accept this," Eoin pushed it back toward him.

The man held it out to him again, "sorry sir, this was a favor to Mr. Connelly, no returns, it was specially made for you."

"What? How would he even have my measurements?" He was even more puzzled than before.

The man shrugged, "I'm just the delivery man. Have a pleasant remainder of your evening."

After the man handed Eoin the garment bag, he took off. Connelly had been serious about helping him. It was odd, to say the least. He was still suspicious of Connelly, uncertain of what type of connections he had, and he was wasting them on him.

He took the bag up to his room and opened it up. It was a very expensive looking tuxedo, black with satin stripes down the side of the pant legs. It was a well made suit, but he wasn't sure he would be able to pull it off.

It was the day before the ball now. Eoin had gone to his last lesson, feeling anxious. Ken and Mya tested him on everything they had taught him, and were impressed when he had remembered everything. Ken left the room, and Mya was bubbling with excitement.

Mya clasped her hands together, "well, that's it Eoin, tomorrow is the big day, do you feel ready for it?"

Eoin was putting his coat on and shook his head, "I just know I'm going to forget something."

"What's with all the negativity? You're one of the most confident people I know, why the change in attitude lately?" Mya scolded him.

He scoffed, "confidence, you know, with most people it's just an act to cover up their own insecurities, and I'm as human as everyone else. Why does everyone assume I'm unaffected by stuff like that?"

Mya could see his frustration, and she understood, "I get it too, you know. Do you know how hard it is being the optimistic one all the time? People always expect you to help them feel better, they always expect you to be happy and cheerful all the time, but I'm glad I can be that for my friends. Eoin, if you don't do this, no one would blame you, but think about Heather, don't you want to be that for her?"

Eoin sighed, "of course, but it's not as simple as all that. If I don't succeed, I was told I'd never be able to see Heather again..."

"By who?"

"Mrs. O'Reilly. That's why I'm so afraid of failing, you've all been so helpful and supportive, but if I can't do this, then you all would've wasted your time with me, especially Heather," he said hopelessly.

"Eoin... I'm sorry, I had no idea. But that's all the more reason you should be fighting for this," Mya tried to get him to pull himself together.

He took a deep breath and reached for the door, "I know, I have no intention of giving up on this. It's a thought process, as captain of the basketball team, I go through the same type of thought process before every game. This time though, it's not about a stupid game, it's about love. Which makes it that much harder."

"Eoin?"

"I should get going, I'll see you tomorrow night," he walked out and closed the door behind him.

Mya stood there, speechless. She wasn't sure what had just happened. She couldn't interfere anymore though, it was all up to Eoin now. He needed to do this, and everything up until that moment was to prepare him for what might happen next. It wasn't fair, what the O'Reillys were doing. She wasn't sure how Heather had continued putting up with it, but somehow, she knew what she was doing. So did Eoin, or he would never have agreed to such a deal.

Mya paused, "wait, love?"