And I Will Try to Fix You

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

Mercy Azalea Dubois

Finding a seat on a bench near a tree Mercy flipped open her sketch book. She was worn out from her long day wandering around town. She had miraculously managed to find a house to rent for a price she could afford. another stroke of luck had been that she'd had enough money for a new cell phone, allowing her to dump her old out. A part of her felt much more secure so with a sigh she had decided it was time to relax. The entire day she had been running around like a chicken with its head cut off and fretting about Jack. Her mind had wandered into scenarios where he'd come after her, bring back the pain. A shiver would run up her spine at the thought and she'd pull her light sweater tighter around her. With a sigh she shoved the days fears from her mind and grabbed a piece of charcoal before she looked around at her surroundings. There were couples wandering in the park, children scampering in the playground. A few dog walkers littered the area as well. After her surveillance she decided to draw a stoic looking lab, laying beneath a cherry blossom tree. It didn't take long till she was in her drawing zone, drawing studiously. Slowly the animal came to life and when she finished she had a perfect black and white replica of the scene before her. Just before she finished the last blossom on the tree she watched as the owner called to the dog and left with him causing her to smile faintly for having succeeded completing her task before her subject had left. Glancing at the time she decided she had enough time to do another drawing, this time one that could be used in her new project.Turning around she found a cute fountain surrounded by benches and flower bushes to begin drawing. Switching her charcoal for a sketching pencil she got busy once more, zoning out and forgetting the world around her.

[LIAM GABRIEL STIRLING]

[/color] Liam called over, smiling in an almost sheepish way, then turned and began to walk away. [/ul][/size]

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

Mercy was one of those people who once became focused, wouldn't even flinch at the slightest distraction. There had even been moments where people had bump into her and she hadn't even budged, simply fixed any stray marks and went on her way, so when this man came and sat on the fountain she only glanced up and added him in.She had him seated on the fountain's rim,gazing into the pool with water dripping off him. She had draw him to a T which also gave him an interesting look seeing as she had managed to perfectly catch the thoughtful appearance on his face. Anyone who looked at the sketch would be draw to it, just wanting to know what was on this man's mind. She had just switched her sketching pencil for a set of colored ones and was about to fill it in when the man stood up and spoke to her. At first she looked at him slightly terrified, fearing he was angry she was drawing him, but rather he simply was apologizing for being in her way. She was absolutely caught off guard, he was apologizing to her?!Just as he was walking off she finally found her voice, fumbling for words. Oh no wait! she called after him, a sheepish and shy appearance on her face.You didn't ruin anything, I barely even noticed when you came, I just drew you in when you got there. She told the man as she stood and made her way towards him so she wouldn't have to shout across the park.When she was near him, but not quite that close she spoke up once again. I'm sorry if I caused you any concern, you actually improved my picture to be honest.She said with a nervous chuckle. Mercy wasn't the kind of girl who is generally comfortable around people, specifically men. With her past she had grow to learn you can't truly trust a person until you know who they really are, but it could always be debatable if what you saw was who that person really was. Jack had been the first person to teach her and she prayed that he was the last. So for her to have even spoken to him and approach him was something absolutely absurd. She didn't know why but she just felt the need to continually explain to him what was going on. Speaking up once again Mercy said to him If you want you can keep the picture though I'm sure it'd be better if I finished coloring it. She fumbled around a bit with what she had in her hands till she had turned the picture to face him.

[LIAM GABRIEL STIRLING]

[/color] Liam laughed softly, scratching the back of his head. Wow. He wasn't sure what to say. Liam wasn't upset that she'd done. He was glad it had worked out for her, but he still felt bad. Liam was quite sure that the picture would have been much nicer with just he fountain, especially since he was all sweaty and smelly from jogging around the park for so long.

Oh no...it's fine, really. Liam assured her that he hadn't been concerned. Oh that's kind of you...But I highly doubt that....Especially in my current condition. He looked down at himself, embarrased by his appearenc at this point. He wasn't the type of guy that was over obsessed with his appearance. But he did like to look and smell nice when he was out and about, especially near a woman. Even if he wasn't attracted to said woman, he still felt it was showing the proper rspect if you looked and smelled good. Neither were true of him right now.

Liam laughed when the woman said he could keep the picture. Somehow, it seemed selfserving to have a picture of oneself around. If it was you and family or a significant other fine, but just you seemed....self absorbed. Oh that's nice of you....But it would just feel awkward. Liam reached up and rubbed the back of his neck a few times, then let his arm fall to his side. I'd be interested to see what it looks like colored in though. Liam peeked over her shoulder to get a glance of the sketch. She was good. Though being slightly macho, as most men were inclined to be, Liam wasn't entirely sure he liked the pose. He'd never tell her that though. Not bad. He told her. Are you a professional, or is it just a hobby? Liam was always interested in other people's careers and lives.

Now that they had struck up a conversation, Liam wasn't going to cut it short. That would just be rude. Why don't we take a seat. Liam smiled and held his hand out, indicting the nearby bench on which she had previously been perched. When they had seated themselves, Liam remembered that they had not introduced themselves. I'm Liam by the way...Liam Stirling. He put his hand out to shake hers. It's a pleasure to meet you Mercy. He said, once she had told him her name. [/ul][/size]

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

Mercy blushed in embarrassment at how he was shocked she'd drawn him in. She was worried she shouldn't have, but the picture was there and couldn't really be changed. A soft giggle left her lips when he mentioned his current physical state. She was quite surprised at herself, she wasn't the kind of person to socialize so amicably with a stranger. "I'm sure your fine." she assured him, another shy smile on her face. She always appeared to have a look of uncertainty on her face. When he denied taking the photo she nodded, not the least bit offended. To be quite honest it would benefit her because then she wouldn't have to recreate it for her book. She was ready to go, seeing as she didn't see the point in staying when he admitted to wishing to see the sketch colored in. She looked a bit surprised at first and then nodded. "Alright, I guess you can watch, as long as you don't mind me getting absorbed in my work at times." She admitted sheepishly, though she'd do her best to pay attention. She remembered how Jack would get so aggravated with her when she began her work. Her mind flash backed to a time when Jack had slapped her for not looking at him when he spoke, she could almost still feel the sting of it. She had been so caught up in her reverie that she barely noticed when he offered her to sit. Quickly she put on a smile, a small one at that, and sat down. She was nervous to sit next to him, her heart racing, but if anything bad were to occur she was sure that there were enough witnesses here. It would be highly improbable that if he wished to harm her, it'd be in broad daylight. He asked her about her drawing, if she was a professional and she gave a gentle smile, a little more relaxed now, though her heart still thumped like a jackrabbit. "A professional of sorts, I write so I also do my own illustrations." She told him, her face flushing once more in slight embarrassment. She was humble so when she felt like she was bragging she always felt uncomfortable. Pulling out her colored pencils she decided to start in on the little details before moving on into the bigger scheme of things. When he introduced himself she nodded and looked up only a moment to introduce herself, "I'm Mercy... Mercy Dubois." She had been hesitant in revealing her last name, but if she hadn't he might wonder what she had to hide and she didn't want people in this town to pry. She had just finished coloring in all the flowers when she glanced up and looked at him, studying his eyes a quick moment before quickly turning her gaze away. "So how about you, are you an artist?" She asked him as she very carefully began to shade in the small specks that were his eyes. When it came to her work, she left now stone unturned.

[LIAM GABRIEL STIRLING]

[/color] Liam chuckled a little bit, when the young woman explained that she might get a carried away with her work. You're not alone in that. He assured her. When Liam was working, he often got carried away and lost track of everyone and everything around him. He was transported to a world of numbers and measurements and angles and everything else that went into creating great, architectural works of art. At least they felt like works of art to Liam, especially since he was the one who had created them. Liam could look at a building and find the beauty in it that others found in the Mona Lisa or in a Van Gogh work. This wasn't to say that he couldn't or didn't appreciate traditional artwork. But his definition of art just reached a bit further then many other peoples.

Oh, you're a writer too? Liam asked, sounding impressed. Wow....multi-talented...That's awesome. You're parents must be proud of you. He grinned his crooked grin and before she could comment, continued on So if it's not to nosy or forward to ask...what do you write, about? Liam inquired, always interested in his fellow man, or in this case, woman Liam had never tried to write a book or a short fictional work or anything, but he didn't think he'd be very good at it, let alone illustrating it whilst writing it. But he thought it must have been pretty cool to be able to do so, because then the characters and the scenes would be exactly what you wanted. It was brilliant really.

Mercy...that's a nice name...good writers name. Liam concluded, after he'd said it was a pleasure to meet her. He didn't think he'd ever met anyone named Mercy before. He'd once known a Constance, and a Patience, but never a Mercy.

Liam laughed when Mercy asked if he was an artist, and shook his head in the negative No...no not really...At least, not the way it's traditionally defined. Liam explained, but then supposed he should expound upon said, explanation. I'm an architect. He told her. Y'know the L. G. Stirling Architectural Firm in town? Yeah that's me....Liam Gabriel Stirling. Though Liam made a point not to talk about business much and certainly never to brag, he was proud of the business he'd built, even though his father had forced his way in to help him get it going, Liam had still gotten some of the clientele on his own, and he certainly maintained it all on his own. So an artist...of sorts you might say. He added. [/ul][/size]

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

Mercy was relieved in that he could relate to her on the way she worked. Not many people understood it seeing as most did not enjoy their jobs the way she did. As he commented on her parents she felt a small twinge in her heart. She'd never known her father and her mother was murdered when she was only 5 years old. From what her mother told her, her father was a very important man who lived far away but loved her very much, however after her mother's death when she was older to understand things she realized her father simply did not want to see her. Shaking it off she smiled graciously and more openly at his comment. When he asked about what she wrote she shrugged, a blush creeping to her cheeks. "I haven't published anything yet but mostly fiction. Romantic fiction." She admitted though her face turned furiously red. She wasn't one to lie so she had admitted the truth. It wasn't bad though, she did not write those lusty kind of romance novels, more like the Nicholas sparks type of novels. When he complimented her name she smiled softly. "My mother liked all things that were unique and gentle, my name simply encompassed those two qualities." She said to him softly as she returned to coloring, content to listening to him speak. She had colored in any vegetation, including the grass, all she had left was the fountain, the water in the fountain, and Liam himself. He mentioned his architect firm in town and she looked at him with a look of apology. "I wouldn't know the place I just got here the other day." She said sheepishly before going to work on his hair. As he explained in job and smiled faintly. "An architect is a lot like a sculptor, you create things in similar ways the only difference is people can live in your art. If anything your more an artist than me."She said to him.

[LIAM GABRIEL STIRLING]

[/color] Liam said politely, not wishing to offend her. And you plan to make a career out of it? He asked, with interest.


That's nice Liam grinned when Mercy spoke about her name. You're mom sounds like a good woman. He was a fan of moms. At least, good ones. His own mother was the very best woman he had ever known and probably would ever know. I think it's nice when parents take the time to pick out a name that isn't mainstream, but isn't so far off the river that the kid gets teased or can't be taken seriously, y'know? Liam had strong opinions about things, but he tried to keep himself in check, especially around people that didn't really know him well. It was too easy to be misinterpreted.

Oh, new in town, eh? Liam asked rhetorically. Well, welcome to Hope Harbor, Maine Mercy. He said cheerfully. So where are you from then, and why on God's green earth would you want to come here? He inquired, hoping that he wasn't being too nosy. It wasn't that Liam hated Hope Harbor, because he didn't. It was nice, it was pretty, the people were friendly. But if he didn't get out of town on business frequently, Liam would go stir crazy here and just have to move.

Liam was quite happy that Mercy seemed to understand why an architect could be considered an artist, because so many people just didn't see it. They say Liam working on graphs with numbers and rulers and measurements and equations. But the finished product truly was a work of art. Yes...you're right! See a lot of people, just don't get that concept...just can't wrap their head around it! Liam explained. He laughed when she said he was more than an artist. Well....I dunno about that...But I appreciate it. Liam smiled. So have you met anyone else around town? He asked curiously. It's a small place as you can see, so everyone pretty much knows everyone else. Liam explained. [/ul][/size]

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

When he said her topic of choice for writing was interesting her face flushed red once more. She knew what was crossing his mind. "It's nothing dirty or anything!" She said quickly, feeling like she should have explained earlier. "It's more of the real romance, not the kind where people are jumping on top of one another to see who can get the other's clothes off the fastest. It's about finding the person who completes you while overcoming all the obstacles that life throws at you."She said with a small shrug before returning to her coloring.Her face was furiously pink from what she'd said but it was the honest to God truth. "I really do want to make this my career but till then I have to take on a part time job so I can write and make a living." she told him with a sigh. When he spoke of her mother she gave a small shrug. "From what I remember of her she was, but then again I don't remember much, she was killed when I was 5." Mercy told him. "She certainly had my back though, always encouraging and loving, she used to say there was nothing in the world she loved more than me and that one day I'd get to experience the same with my children, and I certainly hope to get the chance." At the mention of her being new and him welcoming her she chuckled softly,"Why thank you." When he inquired on her reason for coming her face fell and she focused her attention fully on her drawing. "I needed a change and I liked the name." was all she told him. Moments ago she'd begun to open up but now she shut off once more. "No I haven't really met anyone, I'm not exactly a social butterfly." She said with a small shrug. After a few moments she sat up straight."There, all done." She said as she held it towards him for him to see. The drawing was an exact replica of the scene before. Every detail and color was exact, she'd even gotten the exact color of his eyes.

[LIAM GABRIEL STIRLING]

[/color] He admitted. Liam didn't like the steamy romances. They were just...sick and immature. Real romances were nice. He thought about what she said about the person that would be there for you while you worked at overcoming obstacles. He thought about the obstacles that were in his life right now. He didn't have anyone. He hadn't had anyone in a long time. But that didn't bother Liam. Was there something wrong with him? No. He didn't think so. He just wasn't a needy person he supposed.

Do you have a job yet? Liam asked. He was always willing to help "struggling" artists/writers/young people. For instance, his younger half brother. But Kyle didn't want to be helped. Not yet at least. He seemed to have this idea that Liam was trying to help him because he felt guilty. Well Liam didn't have anything to feel guilty about. He hadn't made the kid. He was pretty sure that the kid was just making excuses because he didn't know how to take someone actually caring about him for most likely, the first time in his life. I need a receptionist. The last one just got married and moved away and we have a temp till next week. The jobs yours if you want it. Liam offered politely.

Liam felt awful, talking about her mother and then it turned out the poor woman had been murdered? I'm so sorry. He said sympathetically. Liam couldn't imagine losing a parent...Well his mother. Because lets face it, not many people would be missing his father when he died. That was what made Liam sad about thinking of his own father's death. No one, would miss him. Except his mother and him. His mother would mourn her husband's loss and Liam would mourn her heart ache.

Liam liked her answer as to why she'd come to Hope Harbor. Well that's as good a reason as any I suppose. He smiled at her. Well I think you'll like the town and the town will like you. Though don't be surprised if they get a little too close for comfort. Most of them have lived here their whole lives and are used to getting all up in each other's business. Liam didn't want her to be turned off by the town or the people, and the best way to keep that from happening, was to warn her.

Liam was surprised when Mercy told him she wasn't a social buttery fly. Really? But you seem so....outgoing. He chuckled a little. I really would have pinned you for one. Liam told her with honesty.

When she had finished the picture, Liam took it from her and started at the page. Wow...that's really good. You're very talented. It looks just like me. He was a little taken aback at just how good the likeness was. Well...if you're writing is anything like your sketching, I don't think you're going to have any difficulties making your way. Liam wasn't flattering the young woman. He sincerely meant what he said. He wasn't the kind to puff people up just so they felt good or better about themselves. Liam always tried to be absolutely honest. [/ul][/size]

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

Mercy smiled gently as she realized he had no intentions of prying into her past. At the mention of a job she shook her head. "Unfortunately no, I have had yet to find one." she told him. When he offered her a job as his receptionist she looked at him with wide eyes. "Oh, I'm not sure, I don't have any qualifications as a receptionist, all I ever do is sit at home and type or sketch." she said quickly. "I mean, on top of that I need time to write and I'm sure the hours would be really long." She told him. Although the job seemed like a great job opportunity for her, she would hate to take it and be a disappointment. At the apology on her mother's death she nodded with a thanks. She hadn't meant to make him feel bad, just tell him the truth. "The town really is charming and I'd love to stay, though I don't know about prying people." She said with a light chuckle, however the statement was true. She really did love this town already but the last thing she wanted was to have people prying into her personal life and especially her past. People were nasty and although she was kind they would most likely not take well to knowing she came from a damaged past. When he told her he thought of her as being quite outgoing she nearly laughed. A smile spread on her face a she chuckled softly. "No I'm anything but, for me to be sitting here talking with you is really crazy." she admitted sheepishly. At the compliment on her work she blushed softly, very pleased at the compliment. She wasn't used to them and often times she was embarrassed to even be told something as simple as her hair looked nice. "I hope one day that I can just spend all my time writing, but until then I'm happy to just work on what I have now. Good things should never be rushed." she said to him.

[LIAM GABRIEL STIRLING]

[/color] Liam explained. He didn't want want to come across as pushy. It would just be mutually beneficial for both of them if it worked out. Anyways...if you're interested, you can just stop down at the firm sometime. He shrugged a little.

Liam nodded about the town and the nosy people. They mean well...Well most of them anyways. He explained. Liam had grown up here in Hope Harbor so he was just used to the way things operated. But an outsider might find it all very odd.
Well...you're sure fooling me. Liam told her. She didn't look or act like an introvert. He thought maybe she should go into acting or something, as that's basically what she was doing now.

This is true Liam agreed with her. As they say, Good things come to those who wait. That was a motto Liam had lived by for many years. But many "kids" his age hadn't quite figured that out yet. It was neat that Mercy had.[/ul][/size]

[MERCY AZALEA DUBOIS]

Mercy sat there a moment mulling over what he said about the job. She would need one soon or else all the money she'd taken with her would run out and she would be forced to go back and that was the last thing she wanted. "I mean I guess I could get some writing done in my downtime." she told him. "Why don't you give me the night to think it over and if I accept the offer I'll stop by in the morning." she said, thinking the plan she'd arranged in her mind sounded good. She nodded as he vouched for the people of the town and she smiled softly. [/color]"I'm sure they do, so far everyone seems to be very nice." she assured him.She didn't want him to think she didn't like the people in the town. To the contrary she really liked them and hoped to make friends with some. She had never really had a few friends. Sure there were people she knew and spoke with them on occasion or had them over every once in awhile, but no one was a true friend and no one stuck around for long. She wondered if she even knew what a true friend was or what it was like to have a real friend. "I'm sure I'll make friends with someone soon." she said to him with a soft smile. When he once again insisted she was no where near an introvert she shrugged and gave a soft smile. "Well a lot of my life I spent pretending to be something I wasn't, but in this case I just decided to do something different, I'm not really pretending just trying something new I guess." she told him with a shrug. As he mentioned how true she was on good things coming in time she nodded. "I've spent a lot of years waiting so I'm just hoping whatever good thing that's supposed to happen to me comes soon." she told him with a small smile. It was nice to smile, to be able to sit and relax without waiting for some sort of punishment you knew would come later on.