Chapter 1 Ryan & Josie

[glitterglue-21.livejournal.com]

By: Molly
Name of Story: Baby
Name of Chapter: The Holiday Begins
Pairing: Ryan & Josie
Rating for Chapter: PG
Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Rights To Any Of The People In This Story or The Show Whose Line. This Story Is Purely For Fans
Summary Of Chapter: The Whose Line Cast Splits For Christmas

Chapter 1: The Holiday Begins

It was the 22^nd of December and Josie said goodbye to the drab grey walls in which she had spent a percentage of her last few months. A light knock at the door followed by a sweet, high-pitched “hello” introduced Suzie, the wardrobe mistress into the room.

“Have a nice Christmas, Sue.” beamed Josie, heaving her bag onto her back. “Doing anything nice?” Suzie grinned widely as she twiddled with her blonde hair and patted her swollen stomach. “You know, just waiting for this little one to make an appearance! The other two can’t wait for it! Neither can me and Dave!” Josie gave her another warm smile, “Say hi from me when they come along, won’t you.” Sue gave her infamous giggled and promised she would.

It was then Josie felt a pang of disappointment. As Suzie waddled away, hands clasped protectively over her bulging abdomen, Josie suddenly felt alone. As Suzie was going home to her husband and two, soon to be three children, Josie was going home to her TV set and a microwavable pizza for one. A lump became apparent in her throat as she sunk in a wave of self-pity. How she longed for a child.

Something to lavish her attention on.

To spoil.

To love her back.

Packing the last of her make-up, Josie swallowed the lump in her throat, locked the dressing room door and headed towards the foyer.

Snow had been forecast for the whole of the south-east in the winter of ‘97, however Josie failed to believe that even sleet would arrive. So, it came as a mild shock when she entered the lobby and saw a foot of snow laying idle in the C4 parking lot. Heavy flakes fell from the dark, late night sky. She reasoned with herself that she should wait until the snow ceased slightly before she ventured out. Instead, she fed some loose change into a nearby coffee machine and collapsed on the foyer’s beige armchairs.

Josie noted how deserted the vestibule was this particular Friday night. The receptionist was even absent, which was rather unusual. Sinking even further into the chair, Josie basked in the warmth and silence of the building. It was a far cry from the screams, applause and laughter of the audience. Just the sound of the coffee machine processing her decaf. Josie let her eyes droop and allowed her body to fall even deeper into the plush leather. Never had these chairs been this com…

*DING!* The alarm bell of the coffee machine woke Josie from her daze. She shot up from her short slumber and grabbed her coffee. She swirled it for a while before gulping half the cup in one mouthful. Slumping against the wall, Josie immersed herself in her drink until a loud shout was heard.

“Yeah well it’s not my fucking problem!” The deep American accent echoed up the corridor to the lobby. Again it sounded, “Yeah well I don’t give a fuck. It’s not my problem. You think I don’t wanna be there. Well that shows you know fuck all about me!” Josie’s eyes widened as there was a loud slam and the resonance of heavy footsteps approaching. Jumping back to her seat, Josie made herself look casual just as Ryan rounded the corner.

He stopped, obviously alarmed at Josie’s presence. Josie did her best to look alarmed at him also however the best she could manage was a laboured jump which sent half her coffee spilling onto her lap.

“Oh Josie. I…I didn’t know…What are you still doing here?” Ryan enquired edging a little closer. Josie swallowed and laid her empty cup onto the table. “You think I’m going out in that blizzard?” Ryan’s eyes darted towards the door and gave her a puzzled look. “Blizzard?” Josie’s face flushed as she turned her head slowly towards the glass. There was no longer heavy flakes of snow falling, however there were thick droplets of water now falling from the heavens which in turn had melted the snow.

“It…it had been snowing Ryan. I just wanted to wait until it had calmed down…which it has.” Josie laughed and rose from her chair confidently whilst struggling to heave her bags onto her back. Ryan stepped forward and grabbed a bag off of her, lifting it effortlessly above his head and sauntering through the automatic doors. “I guess I could give you a hand. Where you headed?”

“Taxi rank. If that’s not too much trouble, Mr Muscle.”

“Hey watch it with the poetry. Going out for a Christmas tipple are we?”

“With these bags?” laughed Josie, “Nah, I’m heading home. You?”

“Home?” smiled Ryan, swinging his head towards Josie, “What now? The night is still young! Me and the others are off to a little bar we know up west. How about you join us.”

Josie looked settled her bag down and shrugged. “I’d love to Ry, but I don’t fancy carrying half a ton of leather about London with me this evening. If that’s ok.” Ryan laughed placed the other bag on the floor. “Hardly half a ton, Jose. Besides, I’ll carry them for you. Well until we get there, I don’t want any guys down there getting the wrong impression of me.” Josie pushed him gently, “Don’t flatter yourself!” Alright. You catching a cab down there?” Ryan waved at a passing taxi and held the door open for Josie when it stopped. “What else?” Josie smiled and clambered inside. Ryan sat beside her, their legs brushing throughout the whole journey.