Raine Sparks Flash Back
Special Task
The plane ride was unexpectedly short and to me it seemed like we landed in Malibu before we even took off from Boston.
I guess I was too busy thinking to really realize how fast the time was going.
I'm sure the company of my sister overcame the four hour flight but maybe my anxiousness to meet him, overcame everything.
I scanned Archers picture several times hoping that when I saw him I would recognize him over every other tall dark and handsome man in Malibu.
My biggest fear was to either not recognize him when he approached me or try to hit on some guy who I thought was Archer.
I was more than excited to meet him. Even though I was frighted that I wouldn't be able to recognize him, I already felt like I knew him.
I watched him faithfully on the Bachelorette last year, falling in love via cabkle T.V.
I know it was super 'fangirlish' but Archer was an incredible guy with an incredible heart.
How could you not go Fan Girl?
~*~*~
When I entered the hotel I was amazed by the decor and the atmosphere.
I know it was wrong, but I already had such high hopes for this experience that I couldn't even fathom it looking any less beautiful.
I squealed on the inside as I placed my suitcase on my bed.
"That must be our other roommate," I heard soft voices coming from outside my door.
Following the voices came a knock.
I straightened myself up and walked out to see two beautiful women smiling brightly in my direction.
I waved them into my room and I watched as they traveled from their seats to where I was standing.
" Hi! I'm Raine Sparks. Are you Vivian and Seychelle?" I said reaching my hand out to one of the girls.
"Yes we are. I'm Vivian," the blond one smiled, shaking my hand.
"I'm Seychelle!" the other added.
"So how are you both liking this so far?" I wondered.
"Well the hotel is gorgeous!" Seychelle replied, excitement consuming every word.
"Yes... but so is Archer!" Vivian laughed.
Me and Seychelle joined her.
"A hot spot, a hot hotel and a hot bachelor! This is what I call vacation," I smiled joking along.
After more chit chat the girls soon left my room so I could get settled; only to return a few moments later with some news!
They let me know that a call had just been made and that Archer was down at the beach and waiting for our arrival!
I was thrilled.
This moment couldn't have came sooner!
I looked in my suitcase for the special suit I picked out for this type of thing but it was missing.
However that surely wasn't stopping me. So after pulling out 14 semi-cute bathing suits I found one that I thought would set off my personality the best.
It was pretty, pink, danity and sweet.
I waited for Vivian and Seychelle to finish getting dressed, who were looking stunning in their suits as well, and we all headed down together.
Between the three of us we could have a the biggest butterfly collection. There was no hiding our true anxiety!
When we hit the beach right away I spotted Archer. He was crowded by a sea of girls, barely visible.
My eyes widened wondering what in the world had I got myself into.
It was clear I'd have to wait awhile before he even noticed my existence so I trailed along the beach waiting for the best opportunity to come.
After making my rounds, mingling with other girls along the beach side and just putting my feet in the water, I noticed a very handsome man coming towards me with two glasses of champagne.
"Raine... Have a drink my dear," he said smiling.
His voice was deeper than it seemed on T.V and his smile was brighter.
I was melting!
He knew my name and he called me dear!
Was this real? Was I imagining all of this? Maybe it was heat stroke.
"Hello Archer," I smiled taking a glass from his hand. I played it cool and I was so proud of myself for not stuttering.
"You seemed to be enjoying the ocean. I've noticed you walking along the coast for quite sometime," he smiled sipping from his glass.
That was it! I was dead. HE noticed ME?
Oh no... It was heat stroke.
I was so close to going complete fangirl on him but I convinced myself it wouldn't be worth it in the long run.
"Yes. It's beautiful isn't it.
(pause)
I'm just so happy to meet you. I'm in disbelief that I'm here," I smiled taking a sip of my glass.
He smiled back.
"Well I'm glad to be here.
It's a pleasure to be around so many incredible women.
I can relate so I know how important it is to get to around to speaking with everyone," he smiled holding up his glass.
"Should we toast to something?" I asked sweetly.
He didn't seem to expect my request.
"Yes. I think we should!" he smiled intrigued.
"How about we toast to the future. Whatever adventures it will bring," I smiled.
"To the future," he smiled holding his glass.
"The future," I smiled as my glass gently hitting his.
~*~
The rest of the evening was interesting.
I watched as he made connections with various girls and although I knew that was expected, it killed me.
I soon realized that a few of these girls are coming in here without having watched him on the show, without having felt a 'electronic' connection.
It didn't matter of course, it was just intimidating to know they would soon find out what I already know.
He's a great catch!
___________________________________________________
What do you think of your roomy or roomies?
They're very sweet and are great girls! They're the type that will be there for you and be right with you as drown your sorrows with a big tub of icecream. I'm getting forward to knowing them.
Do you and Archer have a common bond of some kind?
He has a warm and sincere love for others and I believe the same can be said about me. I care a lot about helpless creatures, whether it be children, elders, animals or adults and Archer proved he's a great person because of the way he handles his nieces.
Round One
For me and Archers date we were going to the Aquarium and when I say we,
I really mean we as in, me and five other ladies.
I wasn't completely disappointed that I didn't get to spend the entire date alone with him because the girls were great and I knew we would have fun no matter what!
I also knew this date would be a success because this was in my element!
I love animals so seeing them would make me that much more comfortable.
Me and the girls arrived at the Aquarium a little after noon, waiting for Archer to pull up at 12:30.
Our eyes never left our watches as we discussed the latest topics, the newest trends and our occupations.
However when a little after 12:30 hit, and Archer stepped out of the cab, everyone was quiet. Smiles instantly replacing our conversation fillers.
One by one, almost like robots, we approached and greeted Archer.
We allowed each other a few moments to re-introduce ourselves and get the 'faces to the names' straightened out with Archer.
My turn soon came and I flashed him a bright smile.
" Hi Archer. It's good seeing you again," I stated as if I was bumping into someone I wasn't expecting to see.
"Likewise Raine. Your a Veterinary right, I apologize if this is too much like work for you," he smiled.
"No it won't be and even if it is. I love my job so no worries," I smiled.
He laughed a little as his eyes wandered over to Meredith. who was patiently waiting for her turn.
Still smiling I stepped aside, I realized that it might be like this the entire date.
~*~*~*~
As a group, we all made our way into the Aquarium and our first stop was an area with a touch display.
The room was filled with tons of hands on artifacts straight from the ocean, many of which you can touch.
It was educational, interesting and everyone seemed to be enjoying the display.
I think it was only one girl who didn't want to touch the items, but I couldn't hold it against her.
Maybe if they were alive she would have been more open to the idea.
Through this exhibit Archer would come up to me with various things wondering what they were.
It was cute the way he asked me and at one point he even stated
" My girls would love this place!"
Which made my heart race.
Our next stop in the Aquarium was a place where we could look at some Freshwater Aquarium fish.
I had a small tank of freshwater fish at my place but none were as beautiful and as exotic as these.
Some of them had me stumped.
I took a course based around Freshwater animals a few years ago but I couldn't explain, let alone
name, most of the fish accompanying that tank!
One of the workers were making their rounds to feed the animals and noticed us, with the camera crews around us.
She asked Archer what was going on and he told her, she then offered to let Archer feed some of the fish, which was really cool of her.
When I get back home, maybe investing in my own a camera crew isn't such a bad idea.
*laughs*
This afternoon was going great and everyone was having a blast.
All seven of us were getting extremely comfortable and it was more like we were
all hanging out than we were after the same guy!
Following that we decided to get a bite to eat.
I admit we all felt guilty about eating meat when we were surrounded by animals so we decided to stick with salads for the time being.
I tired a new dressing and Archer just had to taste it!
After eating our meal we made our way downstairs to the Marine aquarium.
Simply put.... It was gorgeous with a hint of romance.
This was the perfect time for Archer to start his one on one time, so he did.
Me and the six other girls were left alone but instead of standing around, waiting for him to sweep me away I decided to take in the view.
It reminded me of yesterday, when I was walking along the coast.
This was the beauty that lied beyond my perception, this was the beauty the ocean held.
I was entranced by the Dolphins and the flow of the fish. Everything seemed to be so peaceful, so quiet and so perfect.
A few moments passed and Archer approached me, only to lead me away from everyone.
We ended up on the other side of the aquarium, enjoying the same view of the aquarium but at a different angle.
"It's a shame we're the ones stuck with air," he smiled playfully.
I giggled.
"I know what you mean. It's just so beautiful down there in the ocean but I guess
up here was also once beautiful," I smiled back.
"Don't you think it is still beautiful?" he smiled turning his eyes away from me. He focussed his view on a starfish, still listening to my voice
"Yes but I strongly believe that natural beauty, is more beautiful than anything we can create," I smiled.
"You may be right but what about the Mona Lisa? There have been some great artists over the time," he smiled re-directing his entire view on me.
I paused for a second, trying to think of a strait answer to give him but through all of my thoughts I could only formulate a counter-question.
" Are they not just an imitation of natural beauty?" I asked smiling.
He squinted his eyes and walked closer to me.
"So miss smarty pants tell me about Dolphins," he smiled pointing to a beautiful Dolphin behind my head.
I turned around to view it and I felt Archers warm body behind me.
"ummm. well Dolphins are very intelligent mammals who are found in many shallow seas. They are mostly carnivores who are famous to the public because they seem playful and friendly" I stated.
"They seem playful and friendly," Archer laughed.
"Yeah... kinda like my sister," I mumbled playfully.
"Hey now, none of that! Trash talking might cost you," he smiled playfully.
"but what if she has my DNA, that should be an exception right," I winked.
He laughed.
"We should be getting back. Unfortunately our time is almost up," he said taking my hand.
"Thats understandable," I smiled.
I didn't want to go back to the group. I wanted to stay in our little part of the ocean for the remainder of the date, but I knew that was impossible.
Others deserved to see him too.
So before leaving our little part of the ocean I gave him a hug.
There wasn't really any signals from him to say, "come hug me" but I had to let him know I wanted to be here in the long run.
I wanted a chance at finding out if he was the one for me.
He excepted my hug graciously and held me in his arms for a few moments.
After scurrying back to the group, he was quickly taken aside by another girl.
I knew it was coming but yet I wasn't perpared for it.
The rest of the day dragged on slowly as I watched Archer return for a moment only to be gone moments later.
But I was gratefully for the date and the time we spent together.
The rest is up to the stars.
"Que Sera Sera. What ever will be will be. The futures not ours to see. Que Sera Sera."
Special Task
After receiving a rose and a one on one date with Archer I was ecstatic and surprised!
I saw this as a second chance to make him fall for me and I was willing to do whatever it took to stand out.
When I entered my room another surprise hit me;
There were presents covered all over my bed with a letter attached that read....
"I can’t stop thinking about you. I really want to get to know you better. I wasn’t sure what to get you so I got you everything and a special gift just for you. I hope you like it..
Thinking of you,
Archer.."
I carefully looked over all the goodies to find a box.
Inside the box was another smaller box, which held the most beautiful piece of jewelry.
Archer had bought me a dolphin pendant to remind me of our last date at the Aquarium.
My face lit up as soon as I saw it sparkle and I was so happy that I fought back some tears.
Hoping to thank him in person I was curious to see if I could catch a glimpse of Archer down by the beach.
So I soon ran out on my balcony and my eyes tried to focus on every soul, hoping to spot the one I was looking for.
After a few moments with no sign I sighed happily, clasping the pendent in my hand.
"Thank you Archer!"
I whispered, knowing good and well that he wouldn't be able to hear my voice, but I was hoping he would hear my heart.
"Thank you..."
Round Two
A few days passed as Archer took other girls on dates.
Of course it hurt to see the girls glowing after spending some personal time with him but I knew I would be the one glowing soon enough.
When my turn came I was excited.
I know I only hung out with him once before but even that was enough for a girl to be sprung.
So for my date selection I wanted to start off doing something that would allow us to talk.
Conversation and communication is the foundation of every successful relationship so I wanted to get to know everything about him.
Everything that I could in a day that is.
We were taken away from the hotel and to a local bakery.
While we were decorating the gingerbeard house I decided to make the first move in leading the conversation.
"So can you cook?" I smiled.
"Yes. I can cook pretty good actually. Have you ever tried Grilled Cheese?" he smiled back.
"Why yes I have but I'm sure you make a really mean Grilled Cheese!" I replied.
"My girls sure say so... Do you cook?" he continued.
"Yeah. I was going to go to culinary school but I like animals more than food," I explained. Cooking and animals were both a passion of mine, it's just too bad the two worlds couldn't collide somehow.
"Really!?" Archer questioned, his voice raised, containing a tone which supported someone unbelieving.
"Yep..." I smiled.
He was quiet for a second, smiling, but trying to wonder if I was being truthful or not.
I had no reason to lie to him about something simple as that but then I realized where his doubts had come from.
"Oh you think because my sister is terrible I HAVE TO be terrible," I laughed.
I had completely forgotten about their first cooking date a few days earlier.
"I gotta admit for two identical twins you guys seem so different," he smiled rubbing his neck.
"I think it's refreshing. We're alike on a lot of things, the big things, but it's the little things we bump heads on.
Were you and your brother alike?" I asked.
He was quiet for a second, trying to make the transition from a silly conversation to one more serious.
I was wondering if it was too early in the day to be asking gut wrenching questions about Asher.
But when he turned to me smiling, ready to answer, I knew it would be fine.
"God yes. Thats probably why losing him was so hard," he smiled.
"I can't imagine the feeling... Well I can imagine it but it would just be too surreal for me," I smiled back thinking about all me and Rayleen had been through.
"Well I had to be strong for my nieces you know... So when the feeling hit I couldn't let it tear everything around me apart. As much as it ate me up inside I just had to be there for them. Asher would want me too," he smiled.
We went on talking about Asher, his parents and his girls.
Archer was one of the strongest people I ever met and it was incredible how he carried his experiences on his shoulder.
You would expect nothing less of a person whose lost their parents, their brother and their love to be cold but as sweet and bright as he is... it makes every little hole I had to dig out of, not even worth dwelling on.
We soon finished our gingerbread house and trust me it looked as good as it tasted!
After hitting the bakery we decided to go back to the hotel and get changed for the last part of our date.
I've never been to a Fashion Show before and I thought it would be both educational and a lot of fun to experience one first hand.
Not to mention how wealthy and sophisticated it would sound.
"Yes... Me and Archer attended Le'Pas' fashion show over the weekend. It was phenomenal!" I practiced.
*laughs*
Well Archer and I took separate cars to the show and being the sweetheart he is he greeted me sweetly at the stairs.
"My Candy Raine,"
I giggled. Surprisingly I never got that before.
"Shall we?"
"We shall,"
Inside was gorgeous.
Although the people were quite intimidating, with their fur coats and what not, the atmosphere was lovely.
We were about to take our seats when one of the producers called Archer over.
Archer returned to say;
"The show doesn't start until a half and hour. Dey said there are some people back stage willing to show us around. What do you say?"
"I say lets go... but... one condition. There are a lot of beautiful models back there Archer Knight---" I teased.
"Sweetie you have nothing to worry about. It's our night me and you," he smiled squeezing my hand.
He lead the way and I trailed behind him.
For a couple of minutes a sweet hairdresser offered to show us around.
That tour didn't last too long because he had to fix up a few models but me and Archer were completely okay
with finding a new tour guide.
We found one sooner or later and He was quite handsome if I do say so myself.
Just don't tell Archer I said that!
While we were goofing off backstage one of the show coordinators approached us.
We were sure we were in trouble for bothering that mannequin.
"Are you my models?" The lady said.
"... Pardon?" Archer asked.
"... Are you the replacement models," She said again.
" Sorry," I replied.
"I wonder where they are! We are running so behind!" she pouted.
"Sorry to hear that," I replied sadly.
... She stood their thinking for a moment. Me and Archer wondered if we should leave and give her sometime to think alone but just as we were about to---
"Would you do me a favor and help us out tonight?" she asked.
"... We have NO modeling experience. We're just kinda here for the show," I smiled politely.
"You don't really need experience. Can you walk in a line without falling?" she smiled shifting her attention to Archer.
"... I think we can manage that," he said.
"Perfect, just perfect! What do you say? This would really help us out. Who knows you might even get a career out of it," she giggled.
A career? I had a career and I wasn't going to be hook'd that easily.
Sure every girl wanted to be a model and be called beautiful but a beautiful soul means more than beautiful flesh.
"Raine what do you say?" Archer shrugged.
I thought about the whole Beautiful Soul thing.
It would be helping someone so I guess that counts.
"Can't hurt!" I shrugged back with a smile.
~*~
And just like that everything happened so fast.
Archer was whisked away by some guy in high heels and I was practically slammed into a makeup chair.
Hair extensions were pushed into my scalp while tons of on lookers gawked at the new girl.
My heart was beating fast and the pressure was mounting.
The feeling was border-line last rose ceremony, it was seriously that nerve racking.
If I remembered correctly from the last rose ceremony,
the only thing that could make this feeling go away was Archer.
When he asked if I would accept the rose.
...
So I went to find him.
This was after all OUR DATE.
After speaking briefly with the high heel guy, he told me I had five minutes until Archer had to be ready for the stage
I stood by the door while he smiled at me.
He was shirtless...
What was it I wanted to talk about?
....
"Hey Raine. Excited for the show?" he smiled walking toward me.
" Hey," I sighed the nervous tension feeling like acid in my stomach.
"Whats all this?" he said concerned.
"My nerves just get the best of me sometimes," I sighed putting my head down.
"Nerves get the best of all of us,"
"You don't seem nervous right now?"
"Well the way I look at it is... I'm walking out there with new clothes and my Candy Raine beside me. This is just something I want to do. I wanna show you off," he smiled.
I felt a bit relieved.
"And if I fall on my butt?" I asked, my eyebrow slightly raised.
"I'll pick you up and carry you out. I won't let anything bad happen to you," he giggled placing his hand on my chin.
"Thanks Archer," I smiled.
Even though I knew he had feelings for every other girl, the way he made us all feel like we were the only one was incredible.
"Heres a kiss for good luck," he said pulling me closer.
My knees got weak. How was I going to walk out there now with weak knees?
..........
.
.
.
.
.........
But I made it.
We walked down the run away, strutting the clothes to our best ability.
And the most important thing was I didn't fall..
... but in essence, he was still carrying me.
I decided to try to repay the favor and give him a massage as well.
But... in the process of switching, lets just say, my towel got caught on something of his, it got pulled down and I stood there in nothing but my panties.
I was mortified.
As I tried to cover myself and Archer went to pick up the towel the unthinkable happened.
Camera men BUSTED through the door, Archer hopped up in front of me and I'm sure the situation looked bad.
Looking back it's definitly something to laugh about... maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow,
but I'm sure one of these days I'll be laughing.
~*~
Final Round
Home away from home
"Pass it here... Pass it here!" Halle yelled, her voice filled with laughter.
Halle was an enegetic, funloving girl who knew everything about anything, and wasn't afraid to tell you about it.
Within the first minutes of meeting her we were instant friends. It really surprised me how open one little girl like her could be.
With everything she's been through I would expect nothing less than a tough shell, but I guess Archer can pull anyone out of sadness.
Maddie was watching us all play football.
She stood sweetly to the side, smiling and beaming at Archer.
There was no doubt in my mind she was a daddies girl.
She was a little more difficult to get to know.
Usually she would stayed sheltered behind Archer or Halle, getting them to guide her through almost every situation.
Mid way in our game I tried to call for Maddie.
I needed some help big time!
I was sick and tired of getting tag teamed.
However Maddie was too busy buried in a book to be paying attention to our little game.
I guess she got a bit bored of watching us play and decided to do something she enjoyed.
It was completely understandable.
I knew what it felt like to not feel included because you weren't good at something.... so I asked Archer to take five and go get some Popsicles.
He and agreed we could all take a break and took Halle with him. .
I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to get to know Maddie and I was up for the challenge.
~*~*~
"Hey Kiddo... Whatcha up to?" I smiled, kneeling down beside her.
She looked up from her book, with curious and confused eyes. She didn't speak but her eyes told it's own story.
Not replying, I decided to answer my own question.
"So your reading a book called ... *pause* ... Lilly Mc Watermellon," I smiled, completely making up the last part name.
She eventually cracked a smile and giggle a bit.
It felt good to finally make her smile.
"No... it's called Lilly Mc'Williweather," she said still smiling.
Her voice was soft, very soft, you would have to really listen to hear her speak.
She gently passed the book to me, so I could get a better look.
I examined it.
It was cute and colorful.
The cover was laced and had a picture of a cooky girl riding an umbrella.
"It's about.... a girl who wants to make it snow in Ghana.
She used to live in Alaska and she moved to Ghana to go to school.
She misses her mom and her dad, so she figures if she can make it snow she won't be so home sick," she explained.
She was fidgeting with her hands, showing how hard it was for her to talk to me.
I wanted to make her comfortable but I knew I would have to gain that privilege.
"Sounds like a really good book Maddie!
When your done, I might ask to borrow it okay?" I winked.
"Yes... that would be okay," she smiled looking at her shoes.
~*~*~*~*~
Archer was gone for quite a bit but I was thankful for the time I spent with Maddie.
She was truly a younger version of me, therefore I could relate to her on so many levels.
We sat under a tree and chatted about everything.
We chatted about school, her favorite subject, her favorite books and her sister.
She was starting to open up to me and I appreciated her for letting me in.
"Maddie do you wanna know something funny," I asked.
"Okay..." she said abit unsure of what I was going to say.
" When I was a little girl I used to have a tree just like this. I used to sit under and read all day long," I stated.
"Really? Just like this?" she smiled, her eyes seeming to examine every detail of the tree.
I smiled at her innocence
"Well not just like this... It was a lighter brown and had more branches but yup... they could have came from the same seed," I joked.
She smiled.
"And thats not all... I was also just like you when I was a little girl," I smiled.
"Really? Just like me?" she sighed relieved.
"Yup. I used to read all about animals and thats why I'm a vet today," I explained.
Her eyes widened and I could interpret the interest in her eyes.
~*~*~*~
While waiting for Archer to return I told her more about my life. I told her about Rayleen, and how she was like Halle.
She seemed to like the fact that me and her were so much alike and I really liked the idea that there could possibly be a girl like me in the making.
Special Speaker
During one of the days, Archer invited me into his classroom.
I was excited to watch him teach but he had other plans for me.
"Will you do something special for me?" he asked over the phone one night.
I was wondering what this special something could be, but whatever it was I was willing to do it!
"Sure!" I smiled into the phone.
"Great! I want you to present to my class on Tuesday.
Whatever you need I can get but I just want you to talk abit about your job. Are you still game?" he said.
I was quiet for a second, trying to think of the things I would need by Tuesday. Of course I was up for it, it was an honor to present to his class and I was more than happy he asked!
"You bet!" I smiled.
~*~*~
Up until Tuesday I brainstormed ideas for the presentation.
I was excited and nervous for this presentation, kids are the most judgmental form of people.
I wanted my presentation to be memorable, impressive and interesting.
If there was anyone in love with animals in his class I wanted them to know how much fun being a Vet could be.
~*~*~*~
Before going in Archer could again sense my nervousness.
He soon reassured me that everything would be fine and of course I believed him.
Who couldn't
I requested a cool animal to show off to the class and Archer borrowed a Parrot from the local pet store.
What a sweetie... the kids LOVED it.
After the presentation was over I got some great feedback from the kids and best of all Archer loved it.
~*~*~
I stuck around for the rest of the day, playing teachers assistant.
It was a fun job, different from a vet, but just as likable!
The kids were cool and it was just as cool seeing Archer in his element.
Special Task
The next day Archer had taken me to a jewelry store. I
was really excited and nervous.
I wasn't technically a picky person but I wanted something more than silver or gold.
I wanted something that expressed our feelings to the full extent.
After looking around the store, I realized there wasn't anything that caught my eye.
It just seemed like everything was empty.
I felt no sparks, like the ones I saw when I looked at Archer...
and I felt no attraction to any of them.
"They are all great Archer... but there nothing here that represents us.
If this ever becomes real... and if you do choose me... I want to look down at my ring and think of you.
I just don't feel anything for any of these" I sighed.
I was trying not to be difficult... and his smile helped me feel more comfortable.
"Well I did pre-order a ring for you but... I don't know if you'll like it or not?" he smiled.
"Oh wow... what does it look like?" I smiled back.
I was ecstatic. Whatever it was I was sure I would love it, based purely on the fact that he went through all that trouble.
"Come see it for your self," he smiled waving the Sales man over.
~*~*~
After leaving for a moment, the sales man returned with a small box.
Placing it in Archers hand, Archer passed it gently to me.
"We don't have to choose this one... I just thought that it suited you," he smiled.
I opened the box and this is what I found.
It was beautiful!
It was filled with memories of our first date and I couldn't believe all the thought that was put into it.
Of course I love it!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Slumber Party
On the last week me and the girls decided to throw a private Slumber party,
and the girls insisted ... NO BOYS ALLOWED!
So we sent Archer upstairs all night, to watch sports and eat pizza while me and the girls did girly things.
I figured it was good for Archer to have a night alone and it was even better that I got to bond with the girls without the influence of Archer.
~*~
We were having a blast that night, dancing to Rhiannas "Please Don't Stop the Music" and giggling over stories about Princesses and Genies.
At about 10:30ish Archer decided to crash our party, just like every other boy would.
~*~*~
We sat in a circle, as Halle was rambling on about "Corey", a little guy in her class she insists she doesn't like, when Archer snuck up behind us and interrupted the discussion.
"No boy talk cause no boys allowed," he smiled placing his hands playfully on his hips.
"Daddddy!" Halle yelped, hiding her face in her pillow.
"Who is this Corey kid Halle and how come you never told me about you and him swappin' lunches?" He said playfully, sitting down with us.
It was clear that he wanted to be placed in this conversation for all the wrong reasons.... he wanted dirt on the girls non-existing love life.
Halle still hid her face and her pillow and Maddie giggled at her sisters embarrassment.
"I make you those lunches day after day and your swappin' them with Corey." Archer said as he began to tickle Halle.
She laughed and yelled for us to help her. Maddie tried to tickle Archer back but her hands were too small to do any damage.
"You want some too... You want some too... Who are you swappin' lunches with Miss Maddie?" he laughing, turning his tickle towards Maddie.
"No one Daddy... No one," she giggled.
He then began to tickle them both at the same time... one hand for each.
I wish I could have helped but I was too consumed with laughter.
~*~*~
After a few moments of tickling I was strong enough to finally do something.
"When we said no boys, we meant no boys!" I smiled hoping on him.
I tackled him on his back and the girls became free.
We all tried our best to tickle him.
~*~*~*~
The girls only slumber party was over... but we didn't go to sleep.
Archer pulled out a game called.... Stack of Llamas and insisted we play.
He thinks he's the champ, but he didn't realize I was a two time state champion.
After Archer knocked over the stack 60 or so times... *laughs* we decided to call it a night.
Even though the girls insisted they weren't tired, you could definitly tell by the yawns, they were!
Tucking them in a kissing their foreheads we decided to call it in as well.
Suggesting to take the coach, I convinced Archer that it would be fine with me if we both shared the same bed.
~*~*~
Cuddling me in his arms we began to talk about everything thats happened, before the show and now.
It was time to put all we had into this, and thats was exactly what I was willing to do.
I told him all my secrets and he shared some of his with me.
Some of the topics we discussed were tough for both of us and
I was aching for him when he started talking about his family.
~*~*~
"Some days I think about what if it was me..." he sighed, his voice soft as Maddies.
His eyes caressed the picture of him with his brother.
Again my body ached but I wanted to be strong for him.
So I just kissed him... a kiss that was both long and passionate.
"I don't want to think about losing you," I sighed, realizing the possibility that this might not be everlasting.
He looked in my eyes, both scared and understanding.
I thought of Rayleen and her emotions.
We were one in the same and if she took the rejection that hard at that stage, I might have an even tougher time getting over it.
"Well don't think about it... you'll never really lose me," he smiled tugging on my shirt.
"I'll be here no matter what... and I'm not just saying that. You'll always hold a special place in my heart," he added.
~*~*~*~*~
Hawaiian Par-tay!!
It's been two weeks already and those were the fastest in my life.
It was a bit strange. Every time I waited for Archer to pick me up for a date or come to my house for two weeks, the time seemed to drag on... but with him, there was never enough.
On our last day together we decided to throw a Hawaiian Beach Party.
I did the girls hair like mine and we all wore Hawaiian inspired outfits.
It was good to do something interesting and out of the norm.
I wanted the girls to remember me as being really fun.
~*~*~*~*~*~
We had limbo competitions, campfire songs, bong drums and other fun activities that made the day fly by.
~*~*~*~*~
It was me and Archers last night being together, and even though I smiled for the sake of the event.... it was tearing me up inside.
Although the entire time we spent together was short, it felt like I had gotten to know Archer a lot!
There was no doubt in my mind that I was in love with him and his family, but I didn't want to put myself out there, based on a broken heart.
It was a one in five chance that it would be me.... and the chances are it wouldn't.
~*~*~*~
While the girls were busy roasting marshmellows by the fire Archer sweeped me away to talk.
He didn't want the girls to see us speaking, so when we were hidden his eyes shifted in the direction of Halle and Maddie.
"It'll be just as hard for them saying goodbye as it will be for me," he smiled coaxing me into a hug.
"I understand your trying to protect them from all this confusion," I smiled back, not once taking my eyes away from his lips.
Not once did he kiss me in front of the girls... and I never once questioned it because I understood the reason.
But this time... I was urging for him.
It was our last moment together... possibly the last moment of our lives.
So I decided to speak up... opening the door for the possibility.
"Even if you love someone else, and even if you are head over heals with another girl... I just want you to know the feelings I have for you are deep. I can't explain it... maybe it's Lo--" I stated.
He cut me off with a passionate kiss.
When he released, I tired to figure out everything.
He never kissed me like that before... so it was confusing...
Was this a goodbye kiss? Was this a I love you too kiss? I didn't get it... and my heart was jumbled.
"Archer?" I questioned, trying to figure him out.
He sighed deeply, looking directly in my eyes.
"Candy Raine... I don't know... I don't know any of this," he sighed.
He seemed unsure about us... He seemed unsure about every one of us.
I knew that deep in his heart he loved us all... but he would have to do some serious thinking to choose the one whose right for him.
~*~*~*~*~*~
We spent the rest of the afternoon listening to ocean and watching the waves.
I was enjoying the company of the people I now cared so much about... but at the same time I pictured losing all of this.
The girls.
The guy.
My true love.
~*~*~
I felt like a princess in a jagged fairytale.
A twisted story where destiny is non-existent... and love does not conquer all.
A story filled with adventure, love, sibling betrayal and one magical rose.
It was our story...
heres hoping this isn't the end.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
But it was!!! Archer found love with someone else.
I'm broken and speechless.
I've never cared for someone as much as I cared for you...
but I guess I felt it in my heart
I always knew that deep down you belonged to someone else.
I love you and I wish you nothing but the best.
~*Raine
The ending with Archer didn't deter her from finding love. She took on the challenge of being a Bachelorette and found love in Ethan!