Rob & Maddy Final!

Final installment of the Rob and Maddy experiment. It's been a lot of fun, and weighing in at a whopping 17,701 words, I'm fairly happy with the result. Enjoy.

Epilogue: Rob and Maddy
Tim Harvey


A crisp breeze drifted over Maddy's exposed shoulders, causing her to grab her arms. The weather at this year's festival was not great, but she slowly let go of her arms and felt the breeze wash over her. It was humid and sticky, and the thick air had caused her red hair to explode into a mass of frizzy curls.
She raised her can of pre-mixed vodka to her lips and took a long sip as she surveyed the crowds around her through the lenses of her red wayfarers. It was a smaller turnout than normal, and Maddy was one to know. She recalled the dry heat of last year's festival and frowned. It was a better day for drinking and dancing last year, but a horrible point in her life.
The memories of James and his relationship antics were not raw anymore. Maddy could look back and although she had barely thought about him for over a year, she felt comfortable that that chapter of her life was finally closed. She took another sip from the can and the sweet orange tang made her cringe.
She hadn't had a pre-mixed vodka since last year, and thinking about it, she had barely even had a drink. There was too much work to do in her first year as a full-time teacher. She didn't even think that she would be going to another festival like this. She felt so grown up, especially since she was addressed as “Miss” all day.
Maddy found herself smiling at the thought of her kids, at home enjoying the last few days of the summer holidays. They would all be going back in a week. Back to books and pencils, grade one Math and English. Art was her favourite subject to teach though, and she got an incredible feeling of appreciation for all the drawings and messy paintings that her kids presented at the end of a good day.
Why was she here? The weather was bad, the line-up this year wasn't much better. She knew the answer to her question before she had even thought it. There was one reason for wandering around the fairgrounds this year, and his name was Rob. There was no way of knowing if he was here, and frankly she didn't really mind. Her life was so full at the moment, yet for the entire year, she had felt that something was missing.

Rob and his mate Jeff rushed through the security gate, only fifteen minutes until the band that Jeff had been dying to see all summer hit the stage.
'You get the drinks, I'll get us a spot,' Jeff called when he was clear of the security. Rob nodded while the security guard inspected his ticket. When Rob got the ticket back and made his way past the final checkpoint, Jeff was nowhere in sight.
Rob sighed. He knew where to go, but Jeff hadn't given him any money for beers.
'My shout, I guess,' Rob said to himself with a smile and headed towards the bar.
Rob stood at the bar, waiting for his drinks when a wave of deja-vu washed over him. He had spotted a girl standing at the bar that looked too familiar. Rob took his drinks and slyly walked around the girl. She was the right height, right build. It couldn't be, could it? She began to turn and Rob saw that it was her.
It was his ex girlfriend. The short cropped blonde hair should have been a dead give away, but Rob just wasn't sure. They had only broken up a few months ago and had only been seeing each other for a few months before that.
Rob spun around on his heel and marched towards the exit, beers in hand. He cast a glance over his shoulder to make sure she didn't notice when he walked straight into someone, feeling both of their drinks splash all over the place.
Swinging his head around, Rob started to apologise when he saw who he had recklessly crashed into.
'Maddy?' Rob said, his voice cracking.
'Rob?' She sounded equally surprised. Rob spun his head around and saw his ex walking in their direction. Grabbing Maddy by the arm, Rob led her out of the bar area.
'Don't ask, I'll get you another drink,' Rob said as he guided Maddy through the crowd.
'Rob?' Maddy repeated. He kept pulling her through the people, when he felt her break out of his grasp.
'Rob, what is going on?' Maddy demanded.
He turned and looked at her. She looked just as he remembered, her hair was a little longer, and, bigger, he thought. She wore a white tank top and what looked like the same shorts that he remembered from last year. Her converse shoes were green this year.
'Maddy, my ex is in there,' Rob said, pointing towards the bar, feeling his face contort into a look of what must have been worry.
She paused before nodding and taking his hand.

Maddy knew exactly where to go, she guided Rob through the crowd and into a nearby pavilion. There was a band setting up and the crowds were fairly thin. Maddy pulled Rob right up to the front of the stage, before turning him around.
She thought he looked much the same as he did last year, except he was clean shaven this time. His white tee was replaced by a white polo shirt and his khaki shorts were now bright red board shorts. Somehow, she thought he looked bigger than she remembered. He appeared taller and maybe more solidly built.
'Maddy,' Rob began.
'It's good to see you,' Maddy said, cutting him off. She was slightly out of breath and she saw that he was too.
'Good to see you too,' Rob said eventually, his mouth turning up into a smile.
Maddy couldn't hold it in, she had wanted to see Rob for a year and she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his body.
He instantly returned the hug, pulling her tight and gently stroking her back.
'How have you been?' Rob said, over her shoulder.
She held him tightly and spoke into his chest, 'Good, what about you?'
'Not too bad,' he said with a hint of hesitation, 'Not too bad,' he repeated.
When they eventually let go of each other Rob looked deeply into Maddy's eyes. She felt a mix of safety and excitement that had been absent from her life over the past year.
Rob placed his hand on Maddy's shoulder, stroking gently with his thumb, 'I'm sorry about the ex thing,' he said, pointing towards the exit to the pavilion.
Maddy laughed knowingly and gently slapped him on the chest, 'We've all been there.'
Rob shared her laugh and nodded, 'Yeah that's true.' He added with a laugh, 'You don't have to punch my ex though.'
Maddy wrapped her arm around his waist and they stood side by side, 'That's good to know.'

Rob and Maddy eventually caught up with Jeff, who was still waiting for his beer. They spent most of the day wandering around and catching up on the last year. Rob bought Maddy a drink and she returned the favour, buying him a beer.
For lunch they had pizza and Rob guarded Maddy when she had to use men's room. Despite the humidity and the smaller turnout, the line for the girls' was still painfully long. The three of them sat up in the stands to watch the headlining acts and when Jeff had to leave, Rob and Maddy stayed put.
Rob gently caressed Maddy's leg with his hand and she stroked his back as they watched the live music. After the final song, Rob and Maddy shared a kiss underneath the bright lights of the stands. It was every bit as passionate and loving as they had both expected. The kiss, held for what felt like hours, was made all the more sweet by their mutual understanding of each other.
After the festival Rob walked Maddy to her car, hand in hand. They kissed again and Maddy put her number in Rob's phone. He did the same, and found it hard to let go of her hand when they said goodnight.
When he eventually did let go, Rob felt safe that he and Maddy would be seeing a lot more of each other in the future. For the first time in a while, the year ahead looked very bright to Rob, very bright indeed.

More late night Romance

A bit more, before the ending... And yeah, I've had a few drinks.

Rob and Maddy: 10
Tim Harvey

Rob's hand never left Maddy's as they pushed through the crowds and made their way to the car park. There was another band playing after Arcade Fire and most of the people had stayed to watch. This left the car park fairly deserted and Rob was thankful to finally be beside Maddy without anybody around.
He had never felt such a connection with another person, and although he was normally fairly reserved, throughout the day he had found himself doing things that he had never dreamt of. Holding hands, hugging, and finally kissing, were actions that Rob couldn't imagine himself performing with so many eyes watching him.
Maddy gave Rob the confidence to express himself. Either that, or she made him forget that there were so many other people around him. Thinking about it, Rob realised that Maddy had made him see that actually, nobody was watching or judging him. He felt a warm freedom when he was near her. A sweet feeling of comfort that he never wanted to let go.
He felt himself cringe when the sudden realisation that they had to go home hit him like a blow to the stomach. They reached his car, a battered white ute that he used for work.
'This is me,' Rob said, trying to sound as casual as possible, indicating the bomb. He squeezed her hand, one final gesture that he didn't want this to end.
'Nice wheels,' Maddy said with more than a hint of sarcasm. She looked up at him and offered a sweet laugh. Rob didn't smile though, still being caught up in the sick feeling of everything being over. She too gripped his hand, giving him hope for something more.
'So,' Rob trailed off, staring deeply into Maddy's eyes.
'So,' she repeated, and he could see his depressing thoughts mirrored in her gaze.
'Maddy,' Rob began.
'Yes?' She spoke quickly and eagerly, pressing up against him.
'Uh, where do you live?' Rob asked, feeling as if he should press against her too. The action might make her uncomfortable he decided, and held back from openly expressing his desire.
'Oh, up north,' Maddy said, 'It's going to be a hell of a bus ride,' she added with a grin.
Take her home, was the only thought Rob could muster.
'I can give you a lift,' Rob started, before hesitating. 'I mean, if the bus is too much trouble.'
'Where do you live?' Maddy inquired, practically.
Rob stifled a laugh, knowing how she might react, 'Down south.'
A deep frown formed on Maddy's face, 'It's too far,' she said after a long thoughtful pause.
Rob felt her grip on his hand loosen and she stepped away from him.
'Well,' Rob said, gripping her hand tightly and gently nudging her, 'You could always come round to my place for the night.'

He said it with all the warmth and safety that Maddy had expected from him. Although it was a joking remark, Rob said it with sincerity. Maddy wanted nothing more than to spend the night with Rob. She wanted to see how he acted alone in the safety of his own room. The ease with which he would slip off his shirt and press up against her was overwhelming.
But Maddy couldn't do it. It was too soon, too much, too big a gesture for a guy that she had just met. Something inside her said to feel him, to let them explore each other. Another part of her told her it would hurt too much when he couldn't be everything that she needed.
'Oh,' Maddy managed to get out. She gently slid her hand out of his grasp and caught the hurt look in his eyes.
'No, I mean,' Rob started, his face contorting into a look of horror.
'No,' Maddy said, trying to ease his mind, but he looked as if he had taken it the wrong way.
'I'm sorry,' he said after the most awkward pause Maddy had ever experienced. Rob took a step backward, a look of deep concern crossed his face. She knew that he would never force her into anything, it just wasn't in his nature. She knew that it would only take one word and he would do whatever she wanted, whatever she needed. The more she thought about that, the more she became unsure about Rob.
Truthfully, Maddy needed someone who could do their own thing, someone that wouldn't be dependent on her. At this moment though, on this day, she needed a guy whom she could safely say “no” to. She needed Rob today, but was he really the kind of guy that she needed long term.
Maddy shook her head, trying to dislodge her concerns for the future from her mind. Why was she even thinking about a future with a guy that she had just met? Why did the idea of her and Rob, together, even cross her mind? Something in his kiss? Something about his personality?
'I'm,' Maddy began, holding tears back. It was too much, too soon, too powerful. A wave of sadness rolled over her, sucking her into the depths of internal torment. She should never have thought about her and Rob, why did she think that?
'I'm sorry,' Maddy said and turned away from him. She began to walk.
'Maddy!' Rob called, causing her to pause. 'I'm sorry.' He said it with such conviction and sincerity that she felt her heart jump in her chest and her stomach twist into a painful knot of regret.
She began to walk again, to move far away from that hurt in his voice, and that look of pain on his face. Every step brought her closer to tears, but some powerful force drove her forward against her will. Each step made her sadness grow, and she walked into it, her face streaming with regret.

The blow was sickening. The force against his stomach, loud and deafening. Rob watched as Maddy marched across the car park, her hand rising to her face intermittently. He could almost crumple over and collapse with the pressure weighing down on him. Why did he suggest that she spend the night with him? Why did he think that she would want that?
Her breakup was less than a week ago. Rob saw how she was with her ex. He saw how she looked when she spoke about him, and he knew that anything more than a physical connection was completely off the cards. Rob held his hand to his face.
They were two lonely people at a music festival, nothing more. There was nothing there. But why? Why couldn't he dream about getting with her? Why wasn't he allowed to think that they could be something? Something more than a stupid one off thing.
Rob's fist slammed against his dented door, adding to the rumpled indents in the steel. He should never have asked her, but she could have told him that she didn't want it. She could have given him a flick of her eyes and a gentle slap on his shoulder, and told him that it “wasn't going to happen.”
It hurt her, he realised. To draw that reaction from her, it must have hurt her. Was she so scared of the possibility of sex? It couldn't be. He could tell that she was the kind of girl that would let him know if he was going too far. Rob hoped that she knew that she was safe with him. But it was too late anyway. She was gone.
What if it wasn't the subtle notion that he wanted to sleep with her that was bothering her? What could have scared her so much that she would run away from what he thought was a good thing? Rob shook his head, he couldn't imagine what had scared her away, but it was something terrifying to her.
Rob swallowed a deep sigh and wiped his moist eyes before getting into his ute and heading home.

Maddy was done crying by the time that she was on the bus. Apart from a few tears when she imagined Rob sitting alone in his car, Maddy was spent. She wished she had stayed, but the force of emotions that rocked her when she caught herself contemplating getting into another relationship so soon was too much to handle.
She cried again at the knowledge that she should have wrapped her arms around Rob and held him close when she started worrying. He would have made it better, and he could have taken her away from all the doubt and regret that filled her right now.
Maddy wiped her warm cheeks and wished that she had at least gotten his number. It would have been okay for her to run away if only she could call him and tell him not to worry. He probably thought it was his fault. At that moment, Maddy wanted nothing more than to tell him he did nothing wrong.
She wanted to hold him, and she wanted him to hold her tight. She had never felt that way about a guy before. Apart from the physical, Rob was not the type of guy that she normally felt this way about, and she had never felt it so strong before. She felt her mouth form into a weak grin when she thought that he was exactly what she needed that day.
Maddy didn't normally buy into fate or anything, and she still didn't. But Rob was really the closest thing that she had known to make her think that way. He was an impossible fit in her troubled life. She didn't even know how much she wanted him, until he was gone.
The tears flowed again down Maddy's cheeks with that thought. As fateful as their meeting had been, as magical as her day was, it was over. She didn't have his number, she didn't even have his last name. He was Robin the landscaper from the southern suburbs. There was no way of getting in contact with him, there was no chance of anything more.
Maddy let out a deep breath, it was over.


Just to confirm, this is NOT the ending! I repeat, this is NOT the ending. I thought I needed to add some tension between the couple. I feel that a really romantic, happy type ending at this point would be unrealistic and I think it would just feel cheap. I don't want to cheapen something that I've now spent quite a bit of time working on, so the tension in this edition is based on, what I think are, realistic feelings that a couple in this situation would have.

I would have written the epilogue right away, but I'm fairly tired. Should be up tomorrow, hopefully. Stay tuned!

Romance nearly over

Maybe the last Rob and Maddy entry. Although, I might need to add a bit more.

Rob and Maddy: 9
Tim Harvey


Rob sat on the warm lawn with his legs crossed. Maddy's legs were draped across his and she sprawled out on her back staring up at the sky. The crowds in the main stage area were focussed on the band playing on the left stage, and Rob and Maddy sat towards the back of the right area. A few other people sat scattered around them, but they still had room to spread out.
Rob knew that once it got closer to nine, more people would crowd into the area directly in front of the right stage, causing them to move. Although, by that time they would be standing and waiting for Arcade Fire to come on the stage. It was almost eight when Rob checked his phone. He rested his hands on Maddy's knees and gently rubbed her legs back and forth.
When he tickled her under the knee she violently kicked her legs with a shrill laugh, 'Cut it out!'
Rob did it again, but her violent kicks came dangerously close to putting him in a world of pain, and he stopped. He liked the feel of her soft legs. As he ran his hand over her calf, he watched it flex as she moved her foot around in circles. The rhythm of Maddy's flexing muscles caused Rob to feel an exciting warmth shoot through his body.
Her sweet skin felt delicate under his caress and he ran the tips of his fingers up and down her calf. With each sweep of her leg, Rob moved his fingers further in each direction. He brushed closer to her ankles and then up to her knee. With the next sweep he ran his hand over her ankle and then dusted her thigh as he went in the opposite direction.
Rob looked over to Maddy, who was resting on her elbows watching him. She had a warm smile on her face. He returned the smile and watched her face closely as he moved his hand higher on her thigh. Her smile flickered briefly and Rob moved his hand back down her leg.
Maddy pulled her legs off of Rob's lap and moved her body over to his. She wrapped an arm around his waist and leant heavily on his shoulder. They sat like this for a while and Rob put his hand on her back, gently rubbing her tee and wondering if her skin was so smooth all over.
She rested her head on his shoulder and began to playfully blow warm air onto his chest. Rob felt her warm touch as she pressed her free hand against his chest, stroking his collarbones with her thumb. She slid her hand slightly underneath his shirt and rested her palm over where his heart was beating steadily. Rob could feel her breathing deepen and he noticed that his breathing had deepened in time with hers.
Her chest pressed against his shoulder and with each rising breath, and the gentle pressure of her chest against his arm, he felt his own chest rise, and her hand quiver slightly.

The tingles in Maddy's fingertips were incredible. They shot down her arm and through her body. She felt herself being warmed with each deep breath, and that warmth shot down into her core as she ran her fingers through the muscular groove in the centre of Rob's chest.
He stopped stroking her back and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. She could feel the power in his pull, and the solid arm resting against her shoulder blades caused her to inhale sharply. She felt him gently kiss the top of her head and she smiled.
'Maddy,' she heard Rob whisper, her eyes focussed on his body. 'Look,' she saw his arm stretch out and point to the stage. The lights were on and Maddy had the sudden shock of realising that they were surrounded by standing people.
The crowds had gathered around them as they sat in each other's world, and Maddy didn't even notice it. Rob shifted his weight and slid out of her grasp to stand up. He dusted himself off and held out his hand to her. She took it and he gently hoisted her up.
'We're right in the back,' Maddy said, looking up at Rob.
He gave her a wicked grin and said, 'Lead the way.'
She flicked her eyes at him and felt the corner of her mouth turn up. Holding his large hand in her own she set to work guiding them through the crowd. Maddy could spot easy openings and she pulled Rob through the mass of people. She felt him get stuck only twice, but she didn't look back, knowing he was right there, through the connection of their hands.
When the crowds became too thick for her to glide through, Maddy looked up. They were very close to the stage, and only a few rows of people separated them from the security barrier. The shifting mass of people around them was too tight for her to turn and face Rob. She released his hand and felt two sturdy hands clasp her shoulders. They emanated heat that radiated down into her chest and lower still.
Maddy bit her lip gently and leant backwards into Rob. He slid his hands down her front and she felt her heart beating in her chest as his hands glided over her breasts. Rob's hands didn't pause for a second, instead sliding down and resting on her stomach. He clasped his hands together and leant into her.
She could feel Rob shifting his weight in anticipation and his body began to rock gently side to side. Maddy put her hands on his strong forearms and rocked along with him.

When the band stepped out onto the stage the crowd went wild. Rob and Maddy remained in their embrace, but clapped along. They opened with an acoustic roar, the drums and guitars rolling into life. The crowd surrounding them raised their arms into the air and the people began to move about, bouncing with the rhythm. The violins pulled the audience in and the vocals burst through with a wave of emotion.
Rob and Maddy held their arms in the air and Rob felt her shifting against his body. He moved along with her dance easily and they blended together under the waves of sound.
The singer burst out; 'Keep the car running!' Rob felt Maddy dip down low as he sung and she pressed herself against him as she slid black up his body. Rob could feel every inch of her back moving gracefully up until she stood on her toes. Maddy's hands rested on his thighs and she bounced eagerly up and down with the beat.
Rob slid his arms through hers and wrapped them around her waist. She raised her arms up in the air and danced to the music. Stroking her tight stomach through the shirt sent sparks of energy blistering through Rob. He leant in and kissed her on the neck gently, she curled her head around at first, blocking his lips. But after a second, she tilted her head the other way exposing her delicate neck. Rob kissed it again, before gently resting his chin on her shoulder.
The crowd around them was packed tightly and Rob felt hands pressing against his back. People to the left of them pushed against his arms as they bounced around, but Rob held Maddy close. Eventually the two of them became a part of the fluid crowd, shifting around and moving with the people.

Each song ended with a chorus of applause and screaming, and Maddy cheered along. She danced with Rob and they both moved around in the mass of people. His gentle kiss on her neck set her on fire and she pushed up against him until the music stopped.
The band exited the stage and Maddy knew that they had a few minutes before the encore. She shifted her weight and managed to turn around and face Rob, twisting her body in his arms. He looked down into her eyes and she could see sparks of life in his gaze. He placed his hands on her hips and she wrapped her hands around his shoulders.
She felt him lean into her, and as if responding to his actions the crowds roared to life in a spectacular cheer of appreciation. She felt like cheering with them as he slid his hands up her body and rested them on her cheeks.
Maddy took in a deep breath, her heart was pounding. The low bass line started up and a familiar guitar chord shot through her back. She didn't need to see the band for this song. All she wanted to see was Rob. A low piano chord gently rolled into life and Rob rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
He smiled weakly and she could see a drop of sweat roll down his face. His breathing was deep, but there was a focus in his gaze. She watched his eyes shift back and forth, staring deeply into hers.
Rob pulled her closer and held his lips inches from hers. She moved her chin towards him and felt her lips parting. A gentle flutter in her eyelids was too much and she let herself go. Her eyes closed and she waited.
Maddy felt his lips connect with hers. So gentle at first. He pulled back, and she felt her mouth open wider. Rob's lips made contact again, this time they were still gentle, but his movements were full of passion as he kissed her. She felt one of his hands slide down onto her back and the other slid down to rest on her neck, gently cupping the back of her head.
Roars from the crowd echoed through her body and she kissed him back. All her passion and excitement rolled into him through their intimacy, and he shifted his weight as he continued the kiss.
'Sometime we remember bedrooms,' the singers' voices erupted through Maddy. She remembered bedrooms, and she pressed against Rob's body. He pressed up against her, and she felt his body complete. They held their kiss until the song ended.


Ends a bit abruptly? I might have to add an epilogue if this bothers any readers.

Also, just for reference here are some great videos of Arcade Fire playing live in a very similar setting.
The first song Keep the Car Running
and the song while they kiss Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

Both of these videos really help to set the mood for the concert.

Late and drunk...

This latest installment of the Rob & Maddy story comes courtesy of some inebriation. Apologies for any mistakes or errors that have come as a result of having a few too many drinks. But, rain or shine, drunk or sober, I am determined to not keep my readers waiting.

On another note, Blogger has been having some technical difficulties lately and I have noticed that the last Rob & Maddy post is missing. The forums state that this should be temporary, but I'm a little bit skeptical. I'll fix up the post order etc at a later date, if Blogger is unable to do so. Happy reading.

Rob and Maddy: 8
Tim Harvey

Rob saw the look in Maddy's eyes. He couldn't quite put his finger on what was bothering her, but he could tell that she was uneasy. He turned his head to see a group of huge looking thugs approaching them. At the centre of the group he saw James, beaten and battered, leading the thugs towards their position at the table.
Rob put his hand over Maddy's and stood. He gave her a weak smile and looked deeply into her eyes. He wanted to shout “run!” Rob seized her hand and took off into the crowd. She followed him, holding tightly onto his strong hand.
'Move,' Rob whispered into her ear as they ran through the crowds. The people seemed to shift aimlessly around them as they made their escape. Seeming to feel their apprehension, the crowd shifted around them like a fluid machine, letting them pass. When he looked over his shoulder, the crowd had shifted back to their original positions, blocking the path of James and his entourage.
Away from the food area, they ran. Darting and dashing through the mass of people. Rob felt a horrible weight in his chest. He felt like vomiting as he pushed and glided through the crush of bodies.
'In there!' Rob exclaimed to Maddy as he pulled her into an empty tent. It was a merchandise stall that had closed up shop earlier that day. There were a few t-shirts hanging from hooks in the walls of the tent.
A guy packing items of merchandise into a cardboard box gave them an awkward glance.
'Can we stay here for a bit?' Rob asked, his hand still firmly attached to Maddy's.
'Sure,' the guy said with a shrug, apparently noticing Rob's anxiety.
He packed his box and left the tent, and the couple, with a nod of approval.
'Thank you so much,' Maddy said as he left the tent. He gave them a brief smile that was both comforting and naïve.
Rob examined Maddy's terrified face and rested his hands on her upper arms. He felt warmth tingle through his body when she stopped shaking, at his touch.
'We're okay now,' Rob said.
'Sure?' Maddy asked. She had a wild look in her eyes that Rob wanted to subdue.
'They have no idea that we're here,' Rob said, trying to slow her racing heart.
He looked behind him, towards the tent flap and tried to listen for any hostile footsteps.
None came and he turned to Maddy, giving her his most comfortable smile.
Please feel hat we're safe, Rob thought. Please feel safe with me, he added in his mind, hoping that she could somehow read his thoughts.

With his hands on her arms, and his gentle words, Maddy felt at ease.
'I'm okay,' she said after taking a deep breath. She heard footsteps outside the tent and froze. If James and his thugs found them, they would surely give Rob the beating of a lifetime.
She pictured him, bloody and beaten on the floor of the tent and in her mind she knelt to comfort him. The ghastly image of Rob dying in the dirt sent a deep and strong shudder through her body.
Rob's hands on her arms helped to ease the shudder, but she was sure that he felt it too, as the footsteps passed the tent.
'Rob,' she exclaimed staring deeply into his eyes. She rested her palms against his heaving chest. The muscles under his shirt tensed and relaxed with every deep breath. After a moment of this awkward embrace, she felt his breathing deepen, but his heart rate decrease. He exhaled a long held breath and began to rub her upper arms with his thumbs.
'Rob,' Maddy repeated, her chest tightening. She felt his powerful grip on her arms, with an uneasy hesitation in his fingers. He stroked her arms with great difficulty. She could read it on his face.
'Maddy,' he managed to choke out. His breathing was erratic and he took deep breaths in through his nose, but intermittently let them out through his lips. His chest tightened under her gentle grasp and she pressed harder, feeling his powerful muscles contract with her touch.
'I'm sorry,' he whispered so quietly, so gently that she could have almost imagined it.
She stepped closer, pressing her chest against his torso. She wanted to let him be at ease. She brashly stroked his chest and pushed her chin out to him, beckoning a kiss. She needed him to calm down. She wanted him to feel at ease. His clear fright of the impending pain and terror that her ex boyfriend threatened was her fault.
She hoped he could feel comfortable, even just for a moment. They weren't going to beat her and she knew this. Rob knew this too and despite her physical contact, he couldn't calm down.

'Are they gone?' Rob asked stupidly. He felt like a child. His mother wasn't here to protect him from the bullies and he pressed against Maddy hoping for the same protection. It was a stupid idea, Rob decided. But he felt a warm comfort from her gentle pushing. He suddenly felt the desire to take it further. He wanted to shove his lips against hers in the darkened, abandoned tent.
'Yes,' Maddy replied. She seemed confident, but Rob was still residing in a whirlwind of terror and pain. He had imagined the thugs brutally beating at his body. Breaking his bones and fracturing his skull was just the beginning. Rob imagined his organs being split and perforated, leaving him rotting and decaying under their humiliating glares. His mind didn't usually drift to such dark places, but for some reason he had let the fear get the better of him.
Once, his father had a bout of deep anxiety, when he had lost his job. Rob was informed that the condition may be hereditary, but he never thought about it. Only in the face of such a terrible ending did Rob's mind revert to a childish fear of pain and torment.
'I'm here,' Maddy whispered gently into his ear. She pressed against him and wrapped her arms around his torso. He felt the rush of warmth roll through his body as he had when she hugged him in the pavilion. But this time, he felt warm tears roll down her cheeks.
Rob pulled away, just for a moment to inspect Maddy's face. She wore the concern of a mother that had lost her child. She clung to him trying to protect every fibre of his being. The look on her face said that she hoped that something pure could last in his threatened state.
He pulled her close and against his will, he kissed her on the head. Holding his head against hers, he repeated the kiss. Her hair was frizzy and red, but he gave her every ounce of affection that he could muster.
She saw his weakness. She saw right into his being and held him close. The fear and powerlessness that he felt consumed by was absorbed by her embrace. She took his fear and held it as her own. Rob pulled her tight, hoping to re-absorb that fear. He didn't want her to feel it.
After a long embrace, Rob realised that he could never take the fear back. She held it as her own, but his embrace was a symbol that it was to be shared. She bounced it back to him through her hands, stroking his back, and he bounced the remnants back to her, gently resting his head against her shoulder.
In the end, the fear and terror hand been bounced around so much that it had lost all of its power. Rob pulled back and smiled at Maddy. She offered a warm glance and a slight chuckle.
'What time is it?' Maddy asked.

Rob checked his phone and saw that it was almost six o'clock. Maddy had to stifle a gasp as they exited the tent. There was no sign of James and his thugs, and Maddy hoped that they wouldn't run into them again that night.
'We should head the the main stage,' Maddy said, practically.
Rob stared longingly into her eyes. He held a gaze of awe and empathy in his look and Maddy felt like curling up in his embrace.
'Maddy,' Rob began, causing her heart the race. 'Thank you.'
She felt her cheeks burn, deeper and harder than they had at any point that day. She stepped closer to him and gently stroked his powerful chest.
'No worries,' she whispered and placed her head gently against his chest. She felt a large, strong arm wrap around her body and a warm easy kiss on her head. She wondered if and when he would kiss her on the lips. Of course the situation in the tent had been rough, especially with him being the prime target for a gang of huge thugs. But she guiltily anticipated his warm soft lips pressing against hers.
Stupid, she thought. Imagine feeling as if you were going to be beaten to a pulp! She pressed against him and offered him the gentle support that she knew he needed. She would have offered him the kiss, but she knew that was a step that he would have to take on his own. She wanted it, but he would have to be the one to do it.
'Let's get to the stage,' Maddy said, pulling gently and easily away from Rob. She clasped his hand firmly and offered him the most seductive smile that she could muster considering the circumstances. He returned her smile with a weak one of his own. He was still shaken by the threat of pain.
Once they had reached the main stage, Rob and Maddy passed, hand in hand, through the security point and onto the sprawling lawn of the general admission area. They were in the prime position to see Arcade Fire live and they both couldn't wait.

Update

More Rob and Maddy. There seemed to be some technical issues with Blogger earlier, but this seems to have been resolved.
Also, at a healthy 11,203 words with this story, in under a week. Pretty happy with that.


Rob and Maddy: 7
Tim Harvey


The two bottles of water that Maddy had made him drink had gone straight through him.
'Okay, I drank the water. Now can I go to the toilet?' Rob asked playfully. He still felt drunk, but he knew the water would help. Some more food wouldn't hurt either. He realised that he was probably drunker than he should be because he had barely eaten that day.
Maddy checked her phone, 'Okay it's four o'clock. Meet back here in ten?'
She paused and gave Rob a quizzical glance.
'What's up?' Rob asked, trying to hide his slur.
'I didn't get to go to the toilet before,' Maddy frowned.
'Well just go in the men's, seriously.' Rob gave her a comforting smile, but she still seemed concerned.
'I don't know,' she looked away.
'I'll guard the door for you, seriously it's not that bad,' Rob held his smile and she laughed.
'Fine, but you better guard the door!' She flicked her eyes up at him, giving Rob a surge of confidence that seemed to wash the alcohol away. Rob held out her hand and Maddy took it in hers. He stopped for a moment and pulled her closer to him. Her chest rose and fell with great deep breaths and she stared up into his eyes. Rob placed his other hand on her shoulder and flicked her bright red hair with his fingers.
She gently rested her free hand on his hip, and stepped closer to him.
'About earlier...' Rob began to speak, but trailed off. He hung his head and kicked at the dirt between them.
He saw Maddy rise and fall on her toes, her red converse sneakers dusty but bright. He watched her slender calves tighten as she rose up on her toes, and the image sent a tingle through his hands.
He raised his eyes and stared into her great big eager green eyes, trying to find the right words.
'Just, thanks,' he felt stupid, that was the best he could come up with?
She looked down and he felt her hand slide under his shirt and rest against the skin of his hip. She was biting her lip, but stopped as she broke into a smile. She playfully nudged his stomach with her fist before looking up at him.
'You're welcome,' she said and held their hands up between them, 'Shall we?'
'Sure,' Rob said with a smile. She playfully began to skip, swinging their arms wildly between them as they headed over to the toilets. Rob liked it, although he liked it much better when she stopped and leant against him as they walked. Pressing their arms together send warm tingles shooting through Rob, and he wondered if she felt the same way.

As their arms pressed together, Maddy wondered if Rob was feeling the same tingles rising up through her fingertips as she was. He was probably still pretty drunk thought, she thought. He seemed to be okay now, and he matched her stride without any signs of intoxication as they headed towards the men's toilets.
As usual there wasn't any line and Rob smiled down at her, 'See.'
'Whatever,' she replied, flicking him a playful look.
'I'll go in first and check if the coast is clear,' Rob said and made his way up the steps. She smiled as he poked his head through the door and scanned the toilets.
'Quick,' he whispered, and waved her over to him.
Once they were inside she picked the cleanest looking stall and closed the door. She heard him walk over to the urinals and in the silence of the empty stalls she could hear him unzip his fly.
'You're supposed to be keeping watch!' She whispered jokingly.
'You're fine,' he replied and she blocked the sound of him relieving himself out of her mind.
Unfortunately the situation was too familiar for her and she found that she couldn't go, not with Rob listening. She sat there and waited until he finished and zipped himself up. She heard him wash his hands and then saw his shoes through the bottom of the stall door.
'Don't you dare peek!' She whispered.
'Do you want me to wait outside?' He offered.
'Yes please,' she said with a sigh of relief, 'And tell anybody that comes that the place is closed for cleaning.'
'Will do,' Rob said confidently and she heard him leave.
After she was done, Maddy washed her hands and exited the toilet to see Rob chatting with a clearly drunk guy.
'All done,' she said and grabbed Rob's hand.
'Come on mate!' The guy said, clearly frustrated.
'It's all yours,' Rob said, patting him on the shoulder with a smile. The guy shrugged and headed into the toilets.
'He wasn't upset, was he?' Maddy asked.
'Eh, nothing he can't handle,' Rob said with a grin.

'Hungry?' Rob asked as they walked past the food vans again.
'Yeah,' Maddy said, 'The line for the pizza place is pretty short now.'
Rob scanned the lines and saw that they were all considerably shorter than they were at lunch time. It was nearly half past four, too early for the dinner rush.
'You're really into that pizza, aren't you?' Rob said, grinning at her.
'Well, it's the only vegetarian option here, besides the baked potatoes,' she grimaced as she mentioned the potatoes.
'I didn't know you were a vegetarian,' Rob said. Of course that was why she didn't want a hot dog.
'Yeah, and I don't like potatoes either,' she squeezed his hand and looked up at him.
'Crazy,' Rob said playfully and shook his head.
'What?' She slapped his arm gently, 'I just don't like them.'
'Well I'm interested in this pizza. But I'm getting the meat lovers slice,' Rob gave her a smile.
'That's fine, I'm getting the veg, obviously,' she returned his smile.
Maddy nudged Rob's leg with hers as they sat, eating their pizza. The line moved pretty fast and they were eating in no time.
'Want this?' Rob said, holding up a slice of pepperoni.
'Eew,' Maddy grimaced.
Rob playfully held it out to her, waving it near her face.
She held her hands up and covered her face, 'Gross.'
Rob gently touched her hand with the slice of greasy meat. She flinched and he pulled it away quickly, before she could uncover her eyes.
'Was that?' She asked, her face straight.
'Was that what?' Rob said, sliding the peperoni into his mouth and chewing.
Her eyes narrowed and she gave him a cheeky grin. Her smile faded when she looked down at her hand and saw the drops of oil on her skin, 'Oh gross, Rob.'
'What?' Rob said shrugging, throwing her a playful smile. 'Wasn't me.'
She wiped her hand with the napkin, 'Better not have been you,' she said narrowing her eyes and giving him a sultry look.

'Why not?' Rob asked, chewing on his pizza slice. Maddy loved his playful teasing, she didn't really care about the gross pizza, but she liked the look in his eyes when she played along.
'Oh, you don't want to find out!' She said.
'Find out what? I'm telling you it wasn't me,' Rob said cheekily.
'The last guy who put his meat on...' Maddy trailed off, realising what she had said. She could feel her cheeks flush.
Rob managed a light chuckle, but didn't say anything. He stared at her expectantly.
'I didn't... You know what I meant,' Maddy said, trying to regain her composure.
'Sure, you don't like guys putting their meat on you,' Rob said, bursting into a giggle. She hadn't heard him laugh before, he had a gentle soft laugh. She felt her heart beat faster as he tried to control himself.
'Oh, you're just a big kid, aren't you?' Madd said, her cheeks burning.
'Big kid,' Rob repeated emphasising the word “big.”
He was still laughing at this when Maddy felt her heart sink. She spotted a group of rowdy looking guys pounding beers from across the eating area. She didn't know what to do when she saw that James was at the centre of the group. The guys were loudly laughing, but James was just nodding to another of the guys. His face had swollen up and he looked very pissed off.
Maddy hoped that they wouldn't notice her and Rob sitting at the table. She didn't need to tell Rob about it, he was still wiping his eyes from his joke. A rush of fear flew through Maddy as she saw a security guard approach the group and get promptly thrown to the ground. The guard would have been six feet at least, but he was dwarfed by the massive guys standing around James.
Maddy put her hand over Rob's, her eyes fixed to the group of drunks.
'What?' Rob asked, looking up at Maddy.
She froze as James made eye contact with her from across the area. She saw James' lips move and the guys all stopped laughing and turned to look at the two of them.
'What is it?' Rob asked again, but Maddy was too terrified to speak.

Big Update

More of Rob and Maddy's story.

Rob and Maddy: 5 & 6
Tim Harvey


Even though they had both finished their food, Rob and Maddy remained at the table, trading festival stories. Rob felt at ease around her, she made him smile and made him feel comfortable in his own skin. He could tell that Maddy felt comfortable too, when she reached across the table and placed her hands on top of his.
He raised her hands and they played childish games; comparing their hands, thumb wars and even rock paper scissors. Rob threw a rock and Maddy smiled as she wrapped it up with her paper. From that point on Rob only threw rock, and Maddy only threw paper. When their thumb wars got particularly heated, Rob felt Maddy slide her foot up his leg, a decidedly brilliant tactic for throwing him off his game.
After the games, Maddy casually checked her phone to see the time. She held her phone out to him and he could see that it was already one in the afternoon. Rob felt that his beer buzz from the morning had subsided, although it had been replaced by a greater buzz when he was around Maddy.
Thinking about the beer buzz, Rob got the sudden urge to use the toilet. He didn't want to say anything, but it couldn't wait.
'I've gotta go,' Rob began to stand.
'Where?' Maddy demanded, a look of surprise on her face.
Rob smiled and patted her on the shoulder, 'Calm down, I only have to go to the toilet.'
She frowned up at him, but then a thoughtful expression crossed her face.
'Hmm, good idea,' she said and stood up herself.
'So, meet back here in ten?' Rob asked, checking his phone for the time.
'Hah!' Maddy burst out, 'You don't go to the girl's toilets much at these things, do you?'
'I don't make a habit of it, no,' Rob smiled.
'Well the line is always much longer than the guy's toilets. Make it twenty, okay?' Maddy nudged him with her elbow and gave him a flash of pearly white teeth.
'Sure,' Rob agreed, 'Although, you could always use the guy's. I've seen girls in there before.'
'Yeah, done that before,' Maddy laughed, 'Not unless it's an emergency.'
'Okay, meet her in twenty, then?' Rob asked for confirmation.
'See you in twenty,' Maddy smiled up at him. She ran her hand lightly down his arm as they parted ways, causing Rob to break out in goosebumps, despite the heat.

Maddy knew that she was not going to make the same mistake that she had at last year's festival by going into the men's room. She had seen the line at the girl's and the lack of a line at the men's, and when two other girls went in Maddy followed.
Everything was going fine until a couple burst into the stall next to her and she was sure that they were doing more than just making out. She did have to stifle a giggle when the guy dropped his phone and the girl just laughed at him. Serves him right for doing it in a festival toilet, she thought.
Maddy recalled curiously listening to the couple's gentle whispers and obvious kissing, but when things heated up it got way too uncomfortable for her. She left as soon as she could and vowed never to use a men's room at a music festival again.
When she finally made it to the ladies', she sighed and joined the queue. Rob was probably already done, she thought as she listened to the two girls in front of her gossiping.
'Did you see that guy at the bar?' One of them, with blonde hair said to her friend.
'Which one?' The short girl with black hair asked.
'That cute one in the white shirt, getting the beers,' The blonde answered.
Maddy felt her heart rate speed up. Were they talking about Rob?
'Oh, yeah he was cute,' the black haired girl exclaimed, 'Was he with anyone?'
'Not that I could see. I'd love to get him alone and all to myself,' the blonde giggled.
'Uh-huh,' the dark haired girl agreed.
Maddy wondered what Rob was doing, he could still be in the toilet. The line was progressing slowly and Maddy wanted to get a move on. She wanted to get back with Rob.
'Oh shit, here he comes!' The blonde exclaimed to her friend.
Maddy could feel her heart racing. Was Rob done already? She wondered what he would do if he knew these girls were looking at him. He seemed like such a nice guy, but that could all change if he knew he had admirers.
'Where?' The dark haired girl asked, moving her head around to spot the cute target.
'Over there,' the blonde pointed.
Maddy followed her directions and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw that the guy they were looking at was wearing a pair of jeans, not the tight khaki shorts that Rob had on. She couldn't see the guy's face because he was facing in the opposite direction, but the girls were right he was pretty cute.
Maddy felt a strange sensation looking at the cute guy's back. He wasn't built like Rob, but he looked good. Despite this, Maddy was put off by his blonde hair. Her ex had the same haircut and although she liked blondes, she couldn't quite look at them the same way after what he had done to her. This guy bore a disturbing similarity to her ex and Maddy felt a wave of nausea rise up in her stomach.
It couldn't be, could it? He began to turn, and she only needed to see the outline of his jaw to know it was him. James always went to the music festivals with her, of course he wouldn't let a little thing like cheating on her stop his one-man party. Or should she say, one man, many girls party.

Rob pulled the zipper on his fly up and pulled the rusty chain of the urinal. It was a moment before the water began to run and Rob smiled awkwardly at the guy taking a leak next to him.
'Have a good one, mate!' The guy exclaimed, holding a beer in one hand and himself in the other.
Rob cringed, 'You too.'
After washing his hands thoroughly, Rob left the toilets and checked his phone. It had only been five minutes. They both could have been done by now and headed to another set. Rob was itching to watch Maddy dance again. No, he was itching to have her around him, pressed up against him. He suddenly felt very awkward and wondered if it might have been a one off. She seemed to like him, but who really knows for sure what anybody else is really thinking?
Rob decided that he would be okay to get another beer. He needed the cool refreshing taste and the confidence boost wouldn't hurt. Who was he kidding? He needed the confidence boost most of all. Heading towards the bar, Rob also decided to get Maddy another drink. When he had asked if she was a big drinker, her sultry reply of “maybe” sent a wave of heat coursing through his body. It wasn't like he was trying to get her drunk, she would appreciate the offer. Would she?
Rob pondered his predicament as he waited in the queue for the bar. It couldn't hurt to offer, she wouldn't think it was sleazy. If she didn't want it, he would just drink it. No harm done.
Smiling as he made the order of one beer and one pre-mix vodka, Rob checked his phone again. Ten minutes had passed. He would head back to the table and have plenty of time to spare before she got there. Rob reached to the back pocket of his shorts to discover that Maddy still had his guide.
'Hey mate, do you know who's playing on the main stage now?' Rob asked the only guy in the line who didn't look drunk.
'Sorry buddy,' the guy shrugged and Rob thanked him.
The guy leant in closer, 'Here by yourself?'
Rob thought it was an odd question to ask but was curious about the offer, 'Why do you ask?'
'I've got the two hottest chicks you have ever seen waiting out there,' the guy pointed towards the food area. 'You seem pretty cool dude. I'm totally into one of them, but the other is killing my game, you interested?'
Rob felt very put off by the guy's attitude, but offered a weak smile, 'I'm actually here with... My girlfriend.'
'Tough break dude, make sure you get some tonight. Or else it's totally not worth it.' The guy smiled widely at Rob and his thought went to Maddy. Did she think he was one of these creeps?
'Sure thing mate,' Rob replied, taking his drinks and getting out of there as fast as he could. Screw the table, Rob needed to find Maddy.

'I totally know that guy!' the black haired girl burst out, and Maddy hid her face in the festival guide, thnaking Rob for bring it along.
'You know him?' The blonde inquired.
'Yeah, we hooked up at a party the other week,' the dark haired girl answered matter of factly, causing Maddy's cheeks to heat up. She knew James was a bastard, but she didn't know how low he could really go. She had caught him cheating on her with a girl with long brown hair. So now there were two girls that he had been with while they were together, at least.
Maddy wanted to slap the dumb girl, but thought better of it. If she was interested in James, it was only fair that she find out what a dick he was the hard way.
'Damn,' Maddy muttered under her breath, realising the irony of her thoughts.
'Jimmy!' The dark haired girl called out through the crowd. She even called him Jimmy, Maddy fumed. Her anger turned to fear when she realised that now he was going to come over here.
'Hey!' She heard his voice call back. 'Caroline, right?'
'Cathy!' The girl called back.
Maddy couldn't take it anymore and made a quick exit from the line. It was too late, she realised when her eyes made contact with James'.
'Maddy?' He halted.
'Maddy? What the hell?' The black haired girl grumbled and turned to face her.
Now Maddy was caught between his confused stare, the dark haired girl's spiteful glare and the blonde girl's confused expression. It sounded like a joke, but Maddy didn't feel like laughing.
'Maddy!' James began to jog over to her. The lean, fit body that she had so adored now disgusted her when she thought of all the other girls that had shared her position. His white tee fit tightly around his long torso and Maddy could make out his toned stomach through the vibrant fabric.
'James,' she gave up trying to leave.
'Jimmy who is this bitch?' The dark haired girl gave her a most frightening look of hatred.
'Hey,' Maddy turned to her, 'He's all yours!' Maddy began to walk away as fast as she could, she needed to see Rob.
'Shut up!' James said to the dark haired girl, not even looking at her.
Maddy felt the firm, strong hand at her shoulder. The uncomfortable hand of a guy that she had trusted, trying to force his way back into her life.
He spun her around on the spot and stood disturbingly close to her, 'Just wait a minute, Maddy,' he commanded.
'Let go of me,' she said quietly, 'We're over.'
James put both hands on her arms and gently rubbed her shoulders with his thumbs, 'We have to talk.'
'About what?!' Maddy shouted, breaking out of his grip.
'About this,' James said and before she could react he was resting his hand on her cheek and passionately kissing her.

**

Rob felt the most incredible pain shoot through his entire being as he watched Maddy kiss the lanky blonde guy. The two cans of drink in his hands felt heavy and awkward. His shirt felt too tight, around his chest, restricting his breathing. The stubble on his face began to itch and Rob knew he should have had a shave. He looked stupid, everything about him was stupid.
He turned to leave, unable to watch any longer. But something bubbled up inside him. A feeling of jealousy, or anger. It could have been guilt, for all he knew, but whatever it was it forced him to act.
Rob made his way over to the two and waited patiently for them to break their embrace. Eventually Maddy pulled back and stared into the blonde's eyes. Her chest was heaving and her face was bright red.
'Having fun?' Rob chimed in causing her to jump. Good, he thought.
'Rob,' she choked out the name.
'Who's this?' The lanky blonde asked, indicating Rob.
'Nobody, mate,' Rob answered calmly. 'Here, I got you this,' Rob offered the drink to Maddy who looked to be in a state of shock.
'She doesn't want it,' the blonde turned to Rob, 'Mate,' he added with icy contempt.
'I didn't ask you,' Rob answered back, taking a step towards the blonde creep.
'Piss off, can't you see we're busy?' The blonde retorted, squaring up to Rob.
Rob hated this guy instantly. Not only had he taken away any hope of being with Maddy, but he was a complete jerk. Rob paused and looked to Maddy. Not that he was trying to “get with” her, he thought. She just seemed to make him feel good. Now he knew that that power that she had could go both ways.
'Don't look at her,' the blonde stepped closer to Rob, 'She's not yours.'
He was going to keep talking but Rob had already put his fist through the blonde's face, instantly flooring him.

Maddy held her hands to her face. James was lying on the ground, writhing in pain, his mouth spurting blood. The crowd seemed to have paused and every set of eyes were on the three of them. Rob turned to Maddy with a look of deep despair in his eyes. She felt like bursting out into tears.
Rob's violent side had sprung forth like a mousetrap, frightening her, and as she looked at him, she realised it frightened him too. He held her gaze for a short moment and then left.
'Wait,' Maddy managed to call out, but he was too far away to hear.
She turned her attention to James, who was holding his mouth.
'Who was that? Your new boyfriend,' James choked out a pained laugh.
Maddy knelt down next to him, 'Are you okay?' She didn't really care, but the amount of blood that covered his hands was quite alarming.
'That thug knocked my tooth out,' James said, trying to sit up.
'You realise that you deserved it,' Maddy offered calmly, seeing that he would be fine.
'Fuck that,' James mumbled, examining his dislodged tooth. 'That bastard is going to get it, don't you worry about that. You bitches are all the same. Take everything so personally.'
Maddy fumed, 'You truly are a prick.' She stood up and brushed her knees off before leaning over him and whispering, 'He should have knocked you out.'
Maddy frowned as she jogged over to where she last saw Rob headed. He was nowhere in sight. She felt a horrible pang of guilt. Rob was such a nice guy, he must have been really upset about witnessing that jerk kissing her. Upset enough to turn such a nice guy into the kind of guy who would throw punches. She felt ashamed that she hadn't forced James off of her. Why hadn't she pushed him away? Why hadn't she slapped him across the face and sent him packing?
Maddy sighed and felt her eyes well up when she decided that she didn't have an answer to those questions. She needed to tell Rob what happened, and she needed to make sure he was okay.

Rob sculled the can of beer as he wandered aimlessly through the crowds of people. He had felt so close to something just an hour ago and now it was gone. He didn't know what he felt, but it was something safe and warm. Now he just felt cold and empty. He had screwed it up.
Rob tossed the empty can into a bin and inspected the vodka before downing it as well. It tasted sickly sweet, but not too bad, he thought as he drifted around the fairgrounds. Rob felt a little better and guessed it was his alcoholic buzz returning. Why not go all the way?
At the bar, Rob ordered two more beers and picked up a dusty festival guide from the ground. He brushed it against his shorts and looked around to check if anyone had dropped it. Nobody seemed to care and Rob pocketed the guide, heading to a nearby table to get drunk.
He checked his phone to see that it was nearly three in the afternoon. The time had flown by and he sipped his beer as he flicked through the guide. Arcade Fire were headlining the festival and they would be playing on the main stage at nine. Rob winced as his thoughts drifted to Maddy and her shirt. If they had that much fun dancing to a band that they didn't even know, how much fun would they have had rocking out to one that they did?
Rob swallowed a mouthful of beer, realising that he wouldn't get to dance with Maddy. He smiled weakly and decided that Maddy or not, he was going to see Arcade Fire play.
A flash of red caught his eye through the crowd and Rob spied Maddy walking around aimlessly. She appeared to be looking for something, or someone, he thought. He hoped that she wouldn't come over to him, but something inside him wanted her to spot him.
'Rob!' He heard her call out through the crowd and he polished off the last of his beer as he watched her jog over to him.
'Rob,' she repeated.
'What?' He looked up at her. She had an intense look of worry on her face causing Rob to feel a rush of guilt.
Maddy sat silently at the table opposite him, waiting for him to speak, he thought.
'I'm sorry for hitting that guy,' Rob offered. 'I don't normally do that.'
'No, he deserved it,' Maddy answered. The look of concern still on her face.
'I shouldn't have done it anyway. It wasn't because you were kissing him or anything,' Rob slurred. 'You can do what you want. It's just that...' He trailed off.
'He's a jerk?' Maddy offered, with a weak smile.
'I was going to say something else,' Rob felt a weak grin form on his face, 'But jerk will do.'
'He was my ex, James.' Maddy said, leaning in to Rob.
'Was?' Rob asked with a raised eyebrow.
'Is!' Maddy exclaimed. 'He is my ex,' she smiled.

'Glad we got that cleared up,' Rob said, nodding.
He was drunk, Maddy noticed. The two cans at the table were different from the ones he had on him when he hit James. He probably drank the other two and got more.
'Oh my God!' Maddy exclaimed, seeing his swollen knuckles. They looked tender and red, and Maddy knew they would bruise up soon.
'What? This old thing?' Rob said with a smile, waving his hand in the air.
'Are those cans full?' Maddy asked.
'This one is,' Rob said lifting one can and shaking it, 'Nope. This one,' he said picking up the other can. 'Want some?' He said with a grin offering it to Maddy.
She smirked and took the can. Maddy reached over the table and took Rob's hand in hers. Gently, she held the cool can against his knuckles. She looked up into his eyes and saw a look of confusion.
'I don't normally do that,' Rob repeated with a look of guilt on his face.
'I know,' Maddy said calmly, rolling the can against his tender skin.
'I don't know why-' Rob began, but Maddy cut him off.
'Rob, it's okay,' she said, looking into his eyes. He made eye contact with her and she continued, 'I don't approve of guys getting all macho and fighting. But I know what you were going through.'
'Oh,' Rob managed.
'Just last week I walked in on James and some girl. I can tell you,' she smiled, 'I wanted to punch him too.'
Rob smiled back at her, 'Hey, what are you doing today?'
'What?' She laughed.
'I mean, what are you going to do... with the rest of the day?' Rob smiled awkwardly, his eyes alive with alcohol and something else.
'Well, first we're going to get you some water,' she smiled, 'And then, we can check out some more music. Up for it?'
'Anything,' Rob said and rested his head against their hands.
Maddy could feel the warmth of his cheeks sending tingles up her spine.

More Rob and Maddy

More Rob and Maddy.

Rob and Maddy: 4
Tim Harvey


Rob and Maddy were almost the last two people to leave the pavilion after the band had finished their set. The bright sun blinded them for a moment as they stepped back out into the day, hand in hand. The warmth washed over Rob and he felt a strong rumble in his stomach. He just remembered that he had skipped breakfast this morning, and it was almost midday.
'Hungry?' Rob asked and Maddy nodded.
They headed through the bustling crowds to where the food vans were parked. Leaving the pavilion last, might not have been such a good move, Rob realised as he saw the audience from the last set all seemed to have the same idea.
One van looked relatively free of people, the large hot dog sign visible through the crowd. Rob could go a hot dog right now, although he could eat anything. He stepped towards the van and felt an awkward tug at his arm.
Maddy was facing towards a large van with a bright logo that read; pizza.
She turned and looked to Rob with a grin, 'Feel like some pizza?' She raised her eyebrows as she asked it and Rob suddenly felt like some pizza.
He was about to agree instantly when he spotted the enormous crowd of people at the pizza van, just over Maddy's shoulder. Her flame-red hair sat on that delicate shoulder, just daring him to brush it away.
'What about a hot dog?' Rob asked, looking over to the empty van.
Maddy laughed, 'Come on, these guys do the best pizza.' She tugged at his arm again, but he didn't budge. Was this how today was going to go? He wanted to follow her, but his stomach wanted food, now.
'What about the line?' Rob asked cautiously.
Maddy turned to inspect the line and shrugged, 'So?'
'I haven't eaten today. Totally starving,' Rob offered.
She turned back to him with a frown, her heart must have been set on pizza. Rob could feel her fingers twitch against his, as if she was about to break out of their gentle grasp. Sensing this, Rob pulled her over to him, her frown growing deeper.
'We can get pizza later,' he said, hoping she would just listen.
'Well,' she began, and shook her hand out of his, 'You go get some food, I'm going to get pizza.'
She gave Rob one of her trademark sultry looks as she turned to go, heading over to the pizza line. Rob wasn't sure what had just happened, why couldn't she just go eat with him? Usually, that meant a girl wasn't interested. But the look in her eyes told him to follow her.

Maddy walked over to the pizza van and stood at the back of the line. What was Rob's deal? Who cares about the line? For a fairly easygoing guy, he seemed pretty impatient to eat. Maybe he was really hungry? Maddy relaxed as she saw a shadow move up behind her.
'Changed your mind?' She said as she turned, gasping when she saw that it wasn't Rob behind her. 'Sorry, thought you were someone else,' she offered to the guy standing there. He looked completely wasted and probably didn't even register her remark.
Where was Rob? Maddy stood on her toes to try to get a better view through the crowd. She didn't know where he said he was going. A feeling of rejection burst forth in her mind, but for some reason it hit twice as hard as it should have.
She peered through the crowd again without spotting him. 'Damn,' she muttered to herself.
A flash of white caught her eye through the mass of people. She craned her neck and tried to follow it. Catching another glimpse, Maddy saw Rob awkwardly excuse himself as he stepped through the line to another food van.
Without making eye contact with her he moved to a nearby table and sat down. In his hands was a hot dog and he raised it to his mouth eagerly. Flicking his eyes up to hers, Rob smiled and bit deeply into the hot dog. He chewed, and gave an expression of mock ecstasy. His eyes widened and he went in for another bite, throwing her a playful glance as he did.
She couldn't help but smile at his cheeky performance.
'This is so good!' Rob called out to her.
'I'll bet!' Maddy called back, giving him a big grin.
'I was going to wait for you, but that line looks really long!' Rob called out, making Maddy giggle. Other people in the crowd groaned and flicked him disapproving glances.
'And this hot dog is so good!' Rob continued. 'There wasn't even a line!'
Maddy smirked at him and felt her stomach rumbling. She had to admit, he was right. She giggled again as she noticed a few people behind her leave the line and head towards the hot dog van.
'Cheers champ,' one guy said to Rob as he tapped him on the shoulder.
'No worries, man,' Rob replied and raised his eyebrows at Maddy.
She gave him a little applause and couldn't contain her giggles when he gave her a little bow, still sitting at the table, hot dog in hand.

'Okay smart-arse,' Maddy said to Rob when she finally made her way over to the table, pizza slice in hand. Rob like the way she said it. Even though she looked frustrated before, he got an amazing burst of confidence every time she went along with his teasing.
Normally, Rob struggled in that area. His jokes always fell flat, but not with Maddy.
'So, Maddy. That's short for...' He asked, when he suddenly realised that although they both shared an amazing moment, they knew nothing about each other.
'Madolyn,' she said with a mouth full of pizza. She raised her napkin to her mouth after saying it, looking slightly embarrassed.
'Chew,' Rob said with a smile.
She flicked her eyes up at him and narrowed them, 'Shut up,' she exclaimed with a smile.
'What about you? Rob is short for Robert, I'm guessing,' Maddy said after she had swallowed.
'Robin,' Rob replied, looking away. He hated the name.
Maddy stared at him for a moment before breaking out into a burst of hysterics.
'What?' Rob asked, trying to force the smile off of his face. 'It's a family name.'
She held her napkin to her mouth again, 'Sorry. It's just...'
'I know,' he said.
'Robin?' She questioned with a smile, her eyes watery from the laughter and her cheeks brightly flushed. Rob wanted to feel their warmth.
'I'll have you know, plenty of men are called Robin,' he said, matching her smile.
'Sure,' she nodded, before looking down and taking another bite of her pizza slice.
'So, Madolyn-' Rob began before being cut off.
'Maddy, please,' she said as she chewed.
'I know exactly what you mean,' Rob answered.
'So, Maddy,' Rob accentuated her name, causing her to smile. 'What do you do with yourself?'
She finished chewing before replying, 'I'm a teacher... Well studying to be one. I'm in my final year, so I've been a student-teacher for a while.'
'Like it?' Rob asked.
Her eyes lit up and Rob felt a great energy coming from her vibrant gaze. She leaned in to him, causing a lock of hair to fall across her face. Her eyes crossed as she looked up at the lock and she frowned as she blew at it, trying to move the annoying strands. Rob noticed her hands were full, with the pizza and napkin, he should brush it away. A wave of nausea rolled through his stomach, probably the hot dog. What would she do if he just leant over and brushed it away? Was that weird? Rob's heart raced and he remembered their incredible embrace in the pavilion. The nausea was replaced by confidence and he leant over and gently slid the red lock out of her eyes.
She looked up at him, her face straight and her full lips parted slightly. Her mouth slid into a warm smile and she thanked him.
'To answer your question,' she said. 'I love teaching.'

'What do you do?' Maddy asked. She didn't know anything about this guy except that he was nice. She felt a strange bolt of energy and anticipation when he had brushed her hair away from her face. He did it so easily, she thought. Did he do that for all the girls?
'Landscaping,' Rob answered her question. That explained the shoulders, and that chest.
'You're a gardener, Robin?' Maddy said, giving him a comforting smile.
'Very funny,' he said sarcastically and she knew that the smile had worked. 'There is gardening involved, but I do a lot of other stuff too.'
'Like?' She asked, wanting to know more about him.
'Landscaping stuff,' he said with a grin.
'Very funny,' she repeated his line with her own brand of sarcasm and bit into the pizza slice.
It tasted good, but it was extra greasy and plenty salty. She normally didn't indulge in food like this, but she always made exceptions for music festivals. Rob seemed like the kind of guy that had been to a few himself. Although he still carried a festival guide, amateur.
'I like your shirt,' Rob said, snapping her out of her thoughts.
'You like Arcade Fire?' She asked, 'Or just the shirt?'
'I like the band,' Rob answered before leaning in with an hint of excitement in his blue/green eyes. 'But, I love that shirt.'
Maddy felt her cheeks go red and hoped that Rob didn't notice. 'Yeah, well I like your shirt,' she answered quickly, feeling stupid after she had said it. It was just a plain white tee, well fitting, but plain. Her eyes drifted to his shoulders, she loved the way that the material stretched tight over his upper torso, but was looser down towards his slender waist. She had been so transfixed by his chest that she hadn't thought about what the rest of his body might look like.
'Thanks,' Rob answered and Maddy silently thanked him for breaking her out of her devilish thoughts.

On a roll!

Third installment of the romance experiment. I'm really enjoying writing in this style. Using quick emotive prose to further the action is fairly new to me but I feel that this experiment has payed off as I think I can easily apply this style to other genres such as crime writing to create a really speedy pace.

Just a quick note, this portion of the story gets a little "steamy," which I believe is the technical term amongst romance writers.

Also the song that the couple are listening to is this one: Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves) by The Wombats. It's a cool track and I figured The Wombats would be playing a festival like this one (ehrm Big Day Out cough cough)


Rob & Maddy: 3
Tim Harvey


Rob didn't like the fact that for some stupid reason he had to wait for her to take his hand. He knew that she was probably more interested in the type of guy that would sweep her off her feet, whatever that meant. But the warmth of Maddy's fingers against his gave him an incredible surge of confidence. He felt as if he could hoist her up over his shoulder and march her to the front of the crowd, sitting her down right on the edge of the stage.
Not that he would do this, but if she asked him to...
The people seemed to magically move aside as Maddy weaved her way through the crowd. She didn't pull on his arm, she wasn't impatient. She seemed to move to the music, darting to the left as a new wave of synth rolled over the crowd. She drifted back to the right when the tempo changed and Rob could almost feel the heat in her hand pulsating to the bass. She rocked her head gently side to side, causing her beautiful red hair to glide in time to the beat.
The music built up and Maddy stopped moving forward. To Rob's surprise they were almost at the stage. He had been totally taken away watching Maddy move.
The lead singer's voice drifted up with the music, 'If you love me, let me go, back to that,' before bursting into incredible life, 'Bar in Tokyo!'
The crowd erupted into life at this chant and Maddy turned to Rob and placed both of her hands on his chest, bouncing up and down with the beat.
She had a childishly wide grin on her face. Through his shirt Rob could feel her hands resting against his chest, and he was sure she must be able to feel his heart racing with excitement.

Maddy felt a powerful rush of comfortable heat pulsate through her body as she suddenly realised she was touching Rob's chest. She would have felt horrified by this action if it weren't for his incredibly relaxing smile.
Rob placed a hand on her shoulder and gently turned her around to face the stage. She loved the feel of his hand and was doubly impressed when he stood behind her and rested both his hands on her shoulders.
The singer started a new line; 'I'll be animated every night,' and Maddy felt Rob step closer to her. His chest touching her back. She resisted the urge to reach back and place her hands on his thighs. He was leaning into her, not quite comfortable enough to press fully against her, she guessed. But this level of intimacy was all she was looking for at that moment and he seemed to know exactly what she needed.
'The grass'll be greener on the other side!' The lead singer burst out. Maddy could stay like this forever. Rob moved easily and gently behind her, matching her bouncing beat, his hands still resting on her shoulders. She felt his thumbs gently stroking her tee and without thinking she raised her hands and rested them on top of his.

The song ended and the crowd burst into a chorus of applause. Rob didn't want to let go of Maddy, but she took her hands off of his and began to clap. He followed suit, the band deserved it. He remembered that he had actually heard the song played on the radio, but that never compares to live music. Although, Rob had never quite experienced a live set like this. It wasn't the band, it was the company.
Maddy turned to face him, 'Awesome,' she said with an incredibly sultry look in her eyes and a mischievous grin.
'Eh, I've heard better,' Rob said casually, but he couldn't keep a straight face. Maddy looked thoroughly disappointed, but when she saw his mouth break into a smile, she mockingly slapped his chest and gave him an even more devilish glance.
He had never seen a girl with such excitement in her eyes before, at least not from anything he had done.
'Well the timing was off, the pitch was... not quite right,' Rob said and gave her a grin.
He almost thought he saw her stick her tongue out at him and she slapped his chest again, 'shut up!' She said it with a smile.
Rob looked down and realised that she hadn't taken her hand off of his chest. He looked into her eyes, but she was focussed on her hand. Her cheeky grin gently faded away and she looked as if she was concentrating. Her fingers spread out and then back again against his shirt.
She looked up and he thought he saw a look of embarrassment in her eyes. She tried to take her hand away, but his was already enclosed over it.
Her eyebrows drew together and she tugged again, very gently. Rob held firm and stared deeply into her eyes. Maddy's lips parted slightly and Rob could see her take in a deep breath. She held it in and Rob couldn't help but flick his eyes down to her chest.
The pattern of the Arcade Fire tee had spread wide across her body and Rob flicked his eyes back up to hers. He didn't mean to look, but she stepped closer to him, still staring into his eyes.
Easily, she place her other hand on his chest and he instantly placed his other hand over it. Rob shifted his weight and she took another step closer.
Maddy paused for a moment, her lips full and large, consumed Rob. He felt a wave of pleasure roll down through his body. She looked down at her hands and bit her bottom lip. Rob could almost feel his knees go weak at the sight of this. It was stupid, but he really felt it and had to shift his weight again.
She flicked her eyes back up to his and stepped closer, her chest made soft contact with the back of his hands sending another wave of pleasure coursing through his body.

Another song had started but Maddy didn't even notice. She could tell by the way that Rob stared into her eyes that he didn't either. They were in a world of their own, surrounded by people, and for the first time in a while, Maddy didn't care what they were thinking.
Rob gave her this sense of safety, this feeling of security against the judgements of the outside world. He had the ability to drag her away from all of that and keep her as his own, keep her fixed to the two of them. They were the only people here, no crowd, no band, no festival, no city, no world. Just the two of them.
She wanted this, she needed this desperately. Maddy needed his embrace, his warm, soft lips against hers. But she couldn't.
It was too soon, too soon after her breakup. The hurt was too close. It sat like a rock between her and any man. She couldn't do it yet, not just yet.
Maddy knew Rob wouldn't make a move until she did and she silently thanked him for this. She thanked him for everything that he was. Other guys would have forced her into the kiss and she would have enjoyed it, sure, but afterwards she would have regretted it. Rob wasn't one of those guys.
Gently sliding her hands out of his, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly. She turned her head away and rested it against his broad chest. The warmth and strength of his powerful arms wrapping around her and holding her close almost sent a wave of tears bursting from her eyes, but she held them back.
He was exactly what she needed right now.
She pulled him closer and he shifted his weight, gently pressing his body against hers. Maddy felt him rest his chin on her shoulder and the feeling of his hands stroking her back sent a rush of ecstasy coursing through her veins.
She couldn't get the feeling out of her head as the singer sang; 'It backfired at the Disco!'
Maddy worried for less than a second that this was what Rob was thinking as she dodged the so obvious kiss that was building between the two. His chin on her shoulder told her that this was what he wanted too.


Doesn't end there... Acrade Fire might be playing later in the day (cough cough spoilers)

More Romance Experimentation

More Rob and Maddy, as requested.

Rob & Maddy: 2
By Tim Harvey


Rob noticed her sheepish grin turn to a look of embarrassment at the drinks in her hand. He took a deep calm breath and looked into her eyes. She had trouble holding his gaze and he was sure that she was thinking about the drinks.
With a quick smile Rob lifted the can of beer to his lips and sculled the rest. The cool beer sat heavily in his stomach and the usually pleasant taste had turned excruciatingly bitter by the end of the can. Lowering his empty, Rob looked back to Maddy. She didn't look impressed but she certainly looked calmer.
'Big drinker?' She asked with a raised eyebrow.
It was Rob's turn to be embarrassed now. He shook the empty can and tossed it into a nearby bin.
'Actually no,' Rob answered truthfully and stifled what would have been an embarrassingly loud burp. He usually had a few with his mates but he would never consider himself a heavy drinker.
She looked down at her own drinks with a smile and raised one to her lips. She paused for a split second with the cool can touching her full lips and flicked her eyes devilishly up at Rob. The moment was gone within an instant, but the look in her eyes stuck in Rob's mind as she knocked the can back and drank the lot.
'Big drinker?' Rob asked with a smile when she tipped the empty can upside down to prove it was all gone.
'Maybe,' she offered, turning her body away from him. She flashed him another wicked look before her eyes did a quick sweep of his body. He was sure that she intended him to see it. She then began to walk away.
Rob felt his usual dejection as he watched her walk away. But her body language, and that look in her eyes, stuck with him and he jogged up beside her, matching her pace.

'Still want this?' Rob offered Maddy the can as they walked side by side through the fairgrounds.
She didn't know why she had given him that look. Her day would have been fine without any company. She wanted some time to wander around alone for a while. The last week had been a nightmare, especially since her boyfriend had broken up with her.
'You keep it,' she answered Rob with a smile and resumed her wallowing. Her boyfriend, no, her ex boyfriend, hadn't broken up with her. He had dumped her. The part that she didn't quite understand was why he was allowed to dump her after she caught him cheating on her. This Rob guy seemed nice, he was definitely cute, but he was probably the same as her ex. Probably the same as all the other bastards here, she thought as she scanned the crowd.
'Who are you seeing now? I've got a program thing, did you get one?' Rob's voice interrupted her thought process, very frustrating. Maybe flicking him that sultry look wasn't such a good idea, now she had him following her around.
'I didn't get one,' she answered quickly and noticed his pace drop slightly. She instantly felt stupid. How could she just assume he was a jerk?
Maddy stopped and turned to Rob, 'Can I get a look at it?'
He smiled eagerly and pulled the folded guide out of the back pocket in his shorts. A handful of coins dropped to the ground as he slipped the guide out.
'Shit,' he muttered and handed her the guide.
She began to flick through it but didn't make it past the first page as she watched him awkwardly pick up the coins from the ground. Maddy looked at Rob bending over, scrambling for his change for longer than she knew she should have, but the image was equally amusing and transfixing.

'Sorry about that,' Rob said as he stuffed the handful of coins into his front pocket and stepped over to where Maddy was furiously reading the festival guide.
'Huh?' She answered without looking up.
'Oh, I dropped some change and... nevermind,' Rob answered. He was silently thankful that she didn't see him looking so awkward, her eyes were fixed to the guide.
Rob noticed that Maddy's cheeks had grown a deeper shade of red than they were a moment ago.
'Wanna get out of the sun?' He offered.
'Yeah,' she mumbled before looking up. She blinked and gave him a bright, refreshed look, 'Sorry, I was reading this,' she smiled. 'Yeah let's get out of the sun.'
'Cool,' Rob answered and looked around for some shade. He spotted a large pavilion where a band was playing that looked like a good spot.
'Over there looks good,' Rob pointed to the pavilion. As Maddy looked over, Rob noticed his had was raised behind her back. It hovered only inches from her lower back. He wanted to guide her to the pavilion, just a gentle touch.
Maddy began to walk towards the shade and Rob's hand remained just inches from her.
He shrugged and lowered his hand to his waist again, he could almost feel the soft easy curve of her spine beneath the shirt. The gentle warmth radiating from her skin. The vivid flash of her wicked, eyes as he made contact with her.
He wanted to just give her that gentle push, but she was already on her way to the shade. Rob sighed as he realised that she didn't need a guide and once again jogged to catch her up.
'Who's playing in here?' Rob asked when he got up to where she was.
'Just checking,' she replied as she flicked through the pages of the guide.
Maddy held the guide up to Rob, her finger on the name of the band. 'Heard of these guys?'
Rob shook his head, 'Nope. They sound okay though. Wanna check it out?'
She flicked her eyes up to his and smiled, 'Sure.'

Rob wasn't one of the usual jock type guys and Maddy was sure of it. The way he sheepishly asked what she wanted to do and followed her through the crow told her that. She also knew that one of those guys would have tried to push or drag her towards the pavilion.
Maddy felt even more comfortable around Rob because of this, but she did wonder what his large warm hands would have felt like, gently pressed against her back. She wondered what it would have been like to feel his fingers caressing hers as he guided her through the crowd.
Once they reached the shade of the pavilion, Maddy let out a deep sigh and looked up at Rob. 'That's better.'
'Yeah, bloody hot day,' he replied, looking back out into the sun.
'Good day,' she said after taking a slow sip of her cool vodka.
'I know, right,' Rob answered, looking down at her with a big smile. He looked excited and she could see a vibrant life of activity in his blue/green eyes. The look sent another set of tingles flaring in her fingers and she felt her cheeks heat up.
'Want to get a better view?' Rob asked as he looked over to the stage at the back of the pavilion. There were at least a hundred people already crowding the stage as the band played.
The music was cheery and Maddy felt a bolt of energy surge through her as the chorus began. The sharp bass kicked in, and yes, she definitely wanted to get a better view.
Maddy gave Rob a wide grin and began to walk through the crowd, but paused. She turned back to face Rob, who was smiling sheepishly, ready to follow her. A hint of fear rose into her stomach as she realised what she was going to do. His excited eyes and sweet smile gave her all the confidence she needed to take action.
Holding her hand out, she hoped Rob wouldn't notice the slight tremble in her fingers. He paused for a moment and looked at her hand, the hint of fear rising into full blown nausea in her stomach.
Rob's powerful arm swung up and he gently rested his hand on hers. Maddy hesitantly gripped his hand and her feelings of fear were washed away when she felt his large fingers wrap around hers.
His eyes lifted to hers and she could see a mix of relief and great excitement in them. Maddy felt the feeling course through his body, down his arm and into her, through their connected hands. He had sucked all her anxiety out and replaced it with comfort and joy.
Maddy smiled, and feeling her cheeks begin to burn again she turned and pulled Rob through the crowd.


Might continue this after all, having fun writing the characters and letting them do their own thing. Although I don't know if it'll turn into a full blown story. I might just finish it off at the end of the music festival and make it an extended short.

Blogging at 3am means...

Yep, I've had a few "beverages" tonight. Although this post isn't going to be the usual rant. Instead I've just focussed on working on more fiction. I had a pretty strong desire to continue with my experimentations with the romance genre and knocked out this one.

I've felt that my past attempts, with the Jeff and Deb stories, hadn't been too strict with the genre traditions. With this story I've tried to adapt my writing style to the more "active" prose of the genre. Although I have trouble writing the "typical" characters found in the genre so my "hero" and "heroine" aren't too traditional.

Hope it works out.

Romance Experiment # 5.1743
Tim Harvey

The chill of the cold beer glided down Rob's throat, cooling his chest and easing the stifling humidity of the festival grounds. It was only his third for the day, but Rob noticed the easy buzz taming his apprehensions about being alone at one of the biggest music events in the country. He smiled calmly and took another swig from the ice cold can, the perfect cure for the summertime blues.
He had never felt quite comfortable being alone at these things, but this year when his friends decided they couldn't go, Rob remained determined to keep up his live music streak. He had woken early that morning, skipped breakfast, dodged his shave and caught the bus to the festival grounds, arriving at nine in the morning. By eleven Rob was three beers down, and had fully shaken off the annoying feeling that his mates had ditched him. He was ready to enjoy the music and the atmosphere, even if he was by himself.
It was at the exact moment that the bartender, shaded by the large Coopers marquee, had cracked open his fourth can, that Rob noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't help but stare at the petite redhead in the Arcade Fire shirt arguing with another bartender. Her fiery red hair matched the look in her eye as she tried in vain to convince the bartender that she had ordered three pre-mixed vodkas for her friends, who were waiting outside the enclosed drinks area.
The bartender brutally enforced the two drink maximum rule and sent her packing. Rob couldn't take his eyes off the girl, her hair had struck him at first but as she walked proudly from the bar, Rob caught a glimpse of her slender figure. She wore a pair of navy short shorts, the kind that girls wear to the gym or a netball game, and a pair of red converse sneakers, no socks. The confidence in her walk, after being so publicly rejected, sent a surge of energy through Rob's body. He had to meet this girl, he thought. He felt an insatiable need to be close to her.
The groan from behind him snapped Rob out of his stupor and he apologised as he paid for the beer. A greater groan rose from the crowd waiting in line as Rob ordered a pre-mixed vodka with a sheepish grin. Drinks in hand, Rob darted through the crowd after the girl in the Arcade Fire tee.

Maddy couldn't believe the nerve of that stuck up bartender. She took a long swig from the vodka can as she stepped through the exit of the drinks area. The artificially sweetened orange tang hit her throat, masking the strength of the spirit within. She was grateful for the cool drink in her hand when she stepped back out into the summer sun.
'You forgot something,' a voice from behind Maddy caused her to freeze. Had she forgotten something? She spun around to see a guy holding a can of vodka out at her as if it were hers.
'Sorry?' she managed. The guy was tall and fairly slender, although his broad shoulders and wide chest seemed to say footy player.
'Your drink,' the guy said with a grin, holding the can closer to her. Had he seen her trying to order three drinks at a two drink max bar? Did he buy the third drink for her?
'That's not mine, sorry,' she muttered and turned to leave. Her eyes drifted across his chest as she did so, noticing the way his white v-neck tee spread over his collarbones, emphasising the strength in his shoulders. When she had managed to drag her eyes from him she began to walk away. Almost shaking her head, Maddy felt the impending hand on her shoulder. These jock types were all the same, she thought, they're just looking for an easy girl. It was a good thing that she was the furthest thing from easy, and this guy was going to find that out, right now.
She had managed at least thirty meters when she paused. There was no hand, no call, nothing. She felt a slight sting of rejection, but shook her head at the unnerving thought. Was she really that vain? But, could she really be that judgemental? Slowly, Maddy turned her head, casually checking out the crowd behind her.
The guy remained fixed in the same position that she had left him. His broad shoulders were slightly drooped and he had a dejected look on his face. He wasn't looking at her, instead reading the can of vodka in his hand. She noticed a can of beer in the hand at his waist. The waist was also pretty slim, and Maddy struggled not to take in the pair of muscular legs clad in khaki shorts, ending just above the knee. Football player, definitely.

Rob didn't get it. He felt that he could never quite get it right with girls. The idea that she would accept his joking offer was just plain stupid. The vodka can cooled his hand and he turned it over the read the information on the side. He never really liked the stuff, but he might as well drink it now that he had foolishly bought the damned thing.
'I'll take it, if you're still offering,' the voice was calm and Rob raised his eyes, startled to see the girl standing once again before him. She wore an easy smile that set aside any doubts or anxieties that had drifted into his head.
'Sure,' he offered the can to her. Her eyebrows raised slightly as she looked to the two cans already occupying her hands.
Rob managed a weak smile and she looked up at him, her face breaking into a wide grin. She took the can from him, and offered a shrug as she held the three cans between her delicate fingers. Rob noticed the perspiration on the cans running down her soft hands and couldn't hold back a wide grin of his own.
'I can hold that for you,' he smiled at her, 'Until you find your friends.'
She lowered her gaze and reluctantly offered the can back to him. Rob saw a hesitation in her eyes, and she took a breath as if she was about to say something but halted.
Stupid, Rob cursed himself. The drinks were for her.
'I always like to buy two beers, easier than waiting in line again,' Rob added, hoping that he hadn't upset her too much.
'Sure,' she said casually and looked away. Rob took the can, and took the time to take a good look at her. She was staring at a crowd of people lining up at a merchandise stand, but Rob didn't notice that. He was transfixed by her delicate jawline, her pale skin that looked so soft, and her slender neck. A loose lock of her wild red hair hung over her eye and Rob blamed the cans in his hands for his inability to brush it away. Images of his hand brushing that lock away flooded his mind and he could almost feel the warm flush of her cheeks as he imagined running his fingers gently across her face.

Maddy could feel his intense gaze on her hot cheeks as she watched the crowd flock around the merchandise stall. What was he thinking about? She wondered if he was judging her for trying to buy three drinks. He said he liked to buy more than one at a time. The burn of his gaze began to get too strong for her and she flicked her head back to face him.
Their eyes met and Maddy could see a gentle radiance flowing through his features. He sent a wave of heat through her cheeks. It could have just been the sun's powerful rays, but Maddy was sure that this was more than humidity. He didn't break eye contact and she took the time to get a good look at him.
He was unshaven, but the stubble, while normally a turn off, coated his tanned skin and cast a shadow under his high, strong cheekbones. They weren't the only thing that stood out strongly on his face, his jaw formed a sharp square that fit neatly into his perfectly moulded chin.
While his hair was dark, he had light eyes. They were a shade of hazel, not quite green or blue but close enough. Maddy felt a slight tingle in her fingertips. It could be the vodka, but she felt sure that it was caused by him.
He broke the eye contact, she realised as she noticed he was looking at her face. Her eyes drifted down to his chest, which was at her eye level. She felt like throwing the cans away and resting her hands on his strong chest. She wanted to feel his heart beating beneath the white tee. A strong desire to rest her body against him washed over her. She just wanted to rest her head on his chest and feel his arms wrap gently around her.
Of course, she couldn't just throw her drinks away, the idea was stupid. But if she didn't have them, would she do it?
'What's your name?' the guy asked, breaking the silence.
'Maddy,' she replied.
'I'm Rob,' he said.
The two looked to the cans in each of their hands and both shared the same sheepish grin. Good excuse, she thought.


Oh, it shouldn't end like that by the way... I'm just really tired.