A little after thought after the episode Glow In Dark.
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Boston Legal
Alan/Shirley
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Chapter 1
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As Alan walked along the busy streets of Boston, he came to a standstill outside the Old Bailey. He peered in through the window to see Shirley sitting at the bar, a cheeseburger in front of her. He smiled to himself just at the sight of how beautiful she looked but his smile quickly faded when he caught a glimpse of her expression and saw nothing but sadness in her eyes when she turned around. He opened the door and walked in to the bar; standing aside as s few people exited the room. He looked around, the soft music playing in the background, the lighting perfectly lit. He walked over and took a seat on the bar stool next to Shirley, ordering 2 large Whiskey's before turning to Shirley.
"How did you know I was here?" She asked, softly.
"Denny told me what happened with Carl."
"Oh…"
"I'm sorry Shirley."
"So am I…I'm beginning to realise why all my marriages failed."
"You can't blame yourself."
"Actually I can, he was right, Carl I mean….there was no heat."
"I find that hard to believe."
"It's true, I never make enough time for…relationships and inevitably it failed."
"Shirley…."
"My Husbands, Carl….Jack."
Jack's name came out in a whisper as she spoke, causing Alan to reach over and grasp her hand.
"Shirley…Carl is the one who broke up with you, it's not your fault."
"I did leave Jack, all those years ago. I look back now and I think of everything I missed with him. Six kids Alan, he has six kids….that could have been me."
"You have children?"
"Who I barely see, my life's been so consumed over the years with Crane, Poole and Schmidt that I neglected my family life. We talk on the phone but….it's not the same."
"You think things might have been different with Jack?"
"Back in College when we were together, he wanted to marry me as soon as we graduated. Wanted us to start a family."
"You didn't?"
"I spent a long time studying, working day and night to put myself through Law School. I didn't want to just give that all up to be a stay at home Wife and Mother, I wanted to make something of myself, make a name for myself….and I did."
"Schmidt." He smiled.
"Schmidt….yes, it cost me a few Husbands but the satisfaction I get from my work means so much to me, it's allowed me to live very comfortably and yet I feel guilty."
"Shirley….you shouldn't feel guilty for being such a formidable woman. You gave your Children a good life, a privileged life, good schooling. Yes you had to sacrifice one on one time with them on occasions but if you hadn't then….well, they wouldn't be the responsible young adults they are today."
As Alan watched Shirley, he could almost see the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes. He moved closer, wrapping an arm around her as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You are….an amazing Woman Shirley, yes you work long hours but it's what makes Clients come back to Crane, Poole and Schmidt again and again. You shouldn't have to feel guilty for doing something you love….so don't."
Shirley pulled herself up from her position on Alan's shoulder to look up at him and smiled.
"Sometimes Alan, I don't whether I'm coming or going with you. Love you or hate you, you're a wonderful man."
"Thank you, look…why don't I take you home."
"That's the one place I don't want to be tonight." She spoke quietly.
"Carl?"
"He's looking for a place but….no luck so far. He's been staying in the spare room, the atmosphere in my apartment is just…." She spoke, looking away from him.
"Come on". He said, helping her up.
"Where are we going?"
"You're coming to stay with me for the evening."
"Alan no, I'll stay at a Hotel."
"Nonsense, I have a perfectly adequate spare room."
"I don't think it's a good idea."
"Shirley, you're hurting…let me look after you, please. No sexual innuendos I promise "
The genuine concern for her made her feel a little emotional as she shook her head in agreement.
…
They stood on the curb as Alan hailed them a Cab, a clap of thunder causing them to jump. The Cab pulled up and Alan ushered Shirley inside just as the rain began to fall heavily on the ground. Once safely inside, Alan gave the driver his address and leaned back against the seat, glancing over at Shirley who offered him a small smile before she turned to look out of the window. The arrived at his apartment 20 minutes later, Alan paid the driver ran around to the other side and held the door open for Shirley. He quickly made his way up the few steps to his apartment as Shirley followed behind, he unlocked the door and stood aside to allow her inside before he closed the door.
"Excuse the plates, I was in a hurry this morning." He said, as they entered the front room.
Shirley looked around at the minimalist apartment, surprised by the lack of personal touch to the place.
"Take a seat….drink?"
"Please, Scotch if you have it."
"Coming up."
She watched as he poured the drinks and passed one to her before sitting down.
"Alan…"
"Mmmm."
"Forgive me for asking but….I couldn't help but notice the lack of photographs in your apartment, the lack of well…everything."
"I don't really spend a lot of time here, I eat and sleep here…other than that I'm at the office."
"Don't you have any Family?"
"My Parents died a long time ago, I never had any siblings. If I do have any long lost Family then I've no idea where?"
"You don't even have any personal effects, mementos, antiques."
"It's not a home Shirley, just a hotel I guess…in a way."
"Why?"
"Well I've never met that special someone I guess, never met that one person that could change me."
"Perhaps it's time you tried too, don't be like me Alan…alone."
He looked up at her and reached for her hand for a second time that night.
"Shirley, you will never be alone for long. Any man would be lucky to have you."
"I've been such a fool, thinking about what I could have had with Jack."
"Do you still love him?"
"When he showed up the other day, I really thought I did but….they're just memories. It's all in the past, he's happily married."
…
Shirley began to feel a little awkward, seeing nothing but concern on Alan's face began to make her feel pathetic. She was on her feet in seconds and heading for the door. Alan followed her quickly and blocked her path.
"Shirley what are you doing?"
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come here tonight, it was a terrible idea."
"Why?"
"Alan I…."
"Shirley, have I said something to offend you."
"No, of course not."
"Then what?"
"I just feel so pathetic, all I've seen tonight is concern of your face and I'm not saying I don't appreciate it, it's just…"
"What?"
"I DON'T KNOW….I just, I just…"
Alan watched her as she tried to string her words together, he moved to gently rub her arm in comfort but was halted when she moved forward, covering his mouth with her own. He suddenly lost all ability to think straight. So many times had he dreamt of having this moment with Shirley and never imagining that it would ever actually happen. When the need for air claimed them, Shirley pulled back unable to meet his eyes.
"Alan, I'm so sorry…I don't…"
"Hey, you don't need to apologise."
"I feel stupid, a Woman of my age for god sake."
"You're a beautiful Woman Shirley and that kiss was…wonderful."
"I should go." She whispered.
She turned to leave, her hand firmly on the door handle…ready to open it when Alan came up behind her and covered her hand with his, stopping her actions.
"Don't go Shirley, stay with me tonight…please."
"The spare room?" She asked, turning back to him.
"Whatever room you want."
She smiled at him as she leaned in and kissed him for a second time that night.
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To Be Continued…
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This was meant to be just a one off but as usual….I just can't help myself