Behind the Romance, There is Reality

[Beth C]

Behind the Romance, There is Reality

~By Beth C

Summary: Kermit is fed up with one lady Pig and he finally lets her know. But will she be willing to accept that he is finally over her? Does she have any other choices left?

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me; they were created by Jim Henson. I just used them for a bit of fun to otherwise brighten up a dreary day.

Feedback: Of course. Trekie386@aol.com, if you want.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


An alarm clock rings, a rooster crows, and the sun shines brightly over a new day. A day that starts as normally as any other; but as we will soon see; ends up much differently than anyone ever expected.

Loud noise is heard from the Boarding house; however the neighbors don’t seem to mind. It is usually this noisy the first thing in the morning as everyone rises and prepares for their day.

In one room, a young frog dresses carefully, getting ready for a day at school, putting on a jacket and cap. In another room, a scientist and his assistant don their lab coats in preparation for some serious work. In yet another room, loud growls are heard as Animal declares that yes, he is up and he is HUN-GRY!

Downstairs, a chef is busy preparing the morning meal by tossing eggs, vegetables, assorted meats and unnamed spices in a large bowl, messily dropping flour on the floor as he tries to make biscuits too.

Slowly the participants wend their way to the table, each grabbing a plate of food before heading off to their own daily routines. The rooms are abuzz in conversations, and if one could make out anything at all it would be partial snippets.

“Oh, yeah, rully? Like, how do you know it’ll work?”

“Down Animal, get off the fan!”

“The YOKE’s on you! Wocka wocka!”

“It’s possible, I’m telling you. I can ride a motorcycle with wings while juggling tuna and pimento sandwiches blindfolded!”

“Kerrrmiiee!!! Have you seen Moi’s new dress yet?”

That last sentence had one very tired frog rolling over and covering his head with his pillow. In the years since their last big movie had ended, the pig seemed to more and more get on his nerves. With nothing new on the horizon, and nothing else to do, she seemed to make a day of chasing him around and trying to keep his attention on her. Only on her, as it would seem that the more he tried to get away, the more she stuck to him like glue.

He was beginning to feel smothered. It was no secret that she had feelings for him, she had been telling him, all his friends, even the news media for years now that they were a couple. At one time, he might have agreed that was so, but right now, he wanted nothing more than for her to go away.

Which of course, she didn’t do. Knowing she was being ignored, she yelled louder. “KERRMIEE! Where are vous?”

He pulled the blanket over his head.

It didn’t help. He heard her making her way to his door, and sure enough there was a light knocking. “Kermie?”

He knew from past experience that if he didn’t get up and answer the door, she would only knock louder, as she knew there was no other place he would be. He sighed and removed the blanket, then the pillow. “Just a minute, please.”

He hurriedly pulled on his robe over his pajamas and opened the door. “There vous is,” she proclaimed as she pushed past him into his room. “I was wondering when you would climb out of bed.”

“I had to some time.” He said quietly as she began rummaging around in his dresser drawers. “What are you doing?”

“Finding you some appropriate clothes, of course,” she answered him without stopping her search. “You have to look nice for today.”

His face folded up as he tried to imagine just what outlandish plans she could have made without his approval. Last week it was the nightmare of being dragged to a museum of hats. The week before that was the boat ride in the bay that left him dripping wet and shivering cold. He had never known speedboats could do ninety. He usually left those stunts to Gonzo.

“Just what is today?” he finally asked, dreading her reply.

She turned to face him, in one hand holding up a pair of overalls, in the other a red shirt. “Why, Kermie? Did you forget that today is our hayride?”

That was it. This was the last straw. If he knew her well, and he was sure he did, she would have a romantic picnic waiting after the ride. He had no intentions of going on any ride with her, hay or otherwise. It was time that he put his foot down.

“I didn’t forget,” he lied, not even sure if she had ever really mentioned it to him. She usually just made the plans and dragged him off regardless of any advance notice. “I’m not going,” he told her as he finally stood up to her.

“What?” she said, shocked. “What do you mean, ‘you are not going?’” She stood and pulled herself up to her full height which of course, towered over him.

“Read my lips,” he told her as he snatched the clothes from her hands. “I – am – not -going.” He said to her slowly and with exaggeration.

“But of course you are,” she said, still protesting. “I made these plans weeks ago. They can not be canceled.”

“Then take Fozzie, or Gonzo, or even Beaker, for all I care.” He put his clothes back into the dresser. “Have a lovely day.”

Her face went from pink to red in seconds. “WHAT?!?”

For a split second, he thought she was going to karate chop him into the next time zone. “I said, have a lovely day. Take pictures for me, will ya?” He knew he was pressing his luck now, but it was too hard to resist. All her smothering and pushing him around had finally gotten to him.

Her face was now flaming, and Kermit thought he could see tiny wisps of smoke starting to form at the tips of her ears. “How dare you!!”

He felt his anger rise up to match hers. How dare he? How dare she! Why did she always have to order him around? “I dare because I’m tired of being bossed around by you! Of being dragged around like I was your plaything. Of being made the fool of. That’s how! It’s over as of now, MISS PIGGY. Go find yourself someone else to bother, this FROG has had enough!!”

He never saw it coming but he had expected it. Down below at the breakfast table, as Gonzo was reaching across the table for the jelly, a yell was heard and seconds later a body dropped onto the middle of the table. Drinks splashed everywhere, food flew into the air as Kermit landed right in the middle of the meal.

Statler and Waldorf watched this whole scene from their easy chairs.

“Hey Statler?”

“Yes, Waldorf?”

“It looks like the pig is smoking today!”

“Pig? It looks more like the frog is hopping mad!”

They both then laughed, and sipped at their coffee.

Kermit was indeed mad, and now he was sore. He raised one hand to his face to see if she had left a mark this time. Luckily he didn’t bruise easily, for he took beatings often enough from her.

The whole table was still staring at him. “Sorry, guys.” He apologized as he made his way up off the table with Fozzie’s help. “You can go back to breakfast now.”

“Are you okay, Kermit?” Fozzie was asking as he wiped the eggs and hash browns off Kermit’s clothes.

Kermit sighed. “I’m fine, Fozzie. For the moment at least.” He reached for a napkin and wiped some coffee off his head. “I wish she would just get the message and leave me alone.”

“She’s been stuck on you for too long, you know that.” Fozzie handed over another napkin.

Kermit was saved from having to reply, as Miss Piggy made her way down the stairs and into the breakfast area. She daintily lifted a piece of toast from a pile that had not been splattered with food and drinks. “Good morning everyone!” she said cheerily as if nothing had just occurred to interrupt their day.

A few of the muppets looked from where Kermit was standing next to Fozzie then back to Miss Piggy. There were a few ‘good mornings’ in reply but mainly everyone stayed silent, eager to see what was going to happen next.

Her eyes fell on him and if he was made out of wood, he certainly would be on fire. “I’ll be going out now, *Alone.* If anyone needs me I’ll be back later.” She turned her gaze from him and sauntered her way out the front door, stopping only once to pick up her purse before slamming the door behind her.

Kermit shook his head. She would calm down, she always did. This wasn’t the first time he had stood up to her, but it would be the first time that he didn’t back down. He would not let her guilt trip him back into the relationship as she normally did. This time it was over.

He knew that the rest of the day was going to be difficult to face. He just had to stand up for himself, no matter what she would try next.

~To be continued in Part 2

(but only if you want to see what Miss Piggy has planned)

[Aaron]

more please

[Beth C]

more please

Okay! Here is Part 2.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(Later that same day)

Kermit was sitting outside, enjoying the last lingering traces of the fading sunlight. Today had been better than he had expected, Miss Piggy had not shown up at all, and he had gotten to spend some quality time with his nephew, Robin after school.

They had tossed a baseball around for a bit, then shot some hoops with a basketball. Although Robin was still small, he hit the ball hard and made most of the hoops he shot. They had laughed, and played the afternoon away.

Now Kermit was relaxing. This had been much better than any hayride. Much better.

For the first time in weeks, he felt a little bit of his normal self, happy and easy-going. He was also starting to feel a little bit guilty about how he had treated Miss Piggy. Did he have to raise his voice like that?

He remembered the fiery look in her eyes, as she had stormed out of the house. Would she still be mad at him when he came home? He sighed. Did it really matter? He had what he had been longing for, peace and quiet. He had time. Time to do what he pleased.

He looked up from his hands on his lap to see some of the other muppets finally coming home. Gonzo was talking a mile-a-minute to Camilla who clucked happily beside him. “Heya, Kermit,” he greeted as he walked up the front stairs.

“Hi, Gonzo. How was your day?”

Gonzo smiled. “Oh it was the best! Camilla got to see me test out a new stunt today out at the local racetrack.” He hopped up and down excitedly. “It was the coolest thing ever, and I didn’t even get hurt!”

“Well that’s a first,” Floyd said as he walked past Gonzo, with Janice and Animal beside him. “We should have gotten that on tape.”

“ON TAPE! ON TAPE!” Animal chorused.

“Maybe sometime we will,” Kermit agreed. “I was thinking of starting another variety-type show, but I wasn’t sure.” He looked around at the faces surrounding him and then looked to the front door as it opened.

Fozzie came out carrying a spiral notebook and a pencil. “Kermit, I need to come up with a good routine for the comedy club tomorrow night. Do you have any good jokes I can add?”

“Sorry, Fozzie, I’m fresh out.”

“Hey Kermit, about that show, if you do start it up will you still want all of us?” Gonzo asked, opening his eyes wide.

“Show?” Fozzie asked, confused. “What show?”

“Kermit was thinking about starting another show.” Floyd explained. “I think he misses the big city.”

“WANT SHOW!” Animal barked. “WANT DRUMS!”

“Of course I’ll want all of you. And all of the rest of our friends. It just wouldn’t be the same without out you all.” Kermit couldn’t help but smile. He did miss the big city and the entertaining. He missed the guest stars and just plain having fun.

All conversation stopped as a flashy car pulled up into the drive. They all turned at once to see Miss Piggy exit the car. No longer her upbeat energetic self, she slowly walked her way up the stairs without greeting anyone. Fozzie opened the door for her and she didn’t so much as nod his way before entering the house.

Kermit had glimpsed her face as she had walked by. Her makeup was smeared and her face was puffy like she had been crying. He felt his heart sink into his toes. All his previous happiness had faded into nothing at the sight of her. Did she really take his words to heart?

“Excuse me for a minute, guys.” Kermit said as he got up off his chair and went inside. There was no sight of her anywhere, but he did see Rowlf playing checkers with Robin. “Have you seen Miss Piggy?” He asked them.

Rowlf pointed up the stairs. “She went up to her room, Kermit. She appeared to be crying.”

Kermit sighed again. She always made him feel low when she did that. “Thanks, Rowlf.”

Kermit climbed the stairs slowly, trying to think of what he was going to say once he saw her. He knew he could put off talking to her, but that would just make an already tense situation worse. He could apologize for being harsh to her, but he would not apologize for standing his ground. She was going to have to learn that he was his own person and he made his own choices on who he dated, and what he did with his life.

As he approached her door- a cute little white one with a gold star and pink hearts on it- he could distinctly hear crying inside. Low sobs, kept quiet on purpose and muffled but he could pick them up. He knocked gently. “Miss Piggy? It’s Kermit; I think we need to talk.”

He heard a loud crash as if something had just hit the door and shattered. Water seeped out from under the bottom crack in a small trickle. “GO AWAY!”

The sound had made him jump, but he persisted. “Come on, Miss Piggy. Let me in so we can talk.”

Another crash. More water. “I SAID TO GO AWAY!! I DON’T WANT TO TALK TO YOU EVER AGAIN!!”

Kermit knocked gently again. Then he tried the doorknob, which was locked. No surprise there. “Don’t be like this, please.”

A third crash had Kermit wondering if there were going to be any vases or knick knacks left in the room. This time there was no verbal reply. Finally Kermit turned away from the door and made his way back to the living room. Robin had disappeared into the kitchen to help the chef with dinner.

Rowlf was sitting by the old piano in one corner of the room. Kermit walked over to him.

“It didn’t go so well, I take it,” Rowlf said, knowing by the look on his friend’s face that something was seriously wrong.

“She wouldn’t even talk to me, Rowlf. She wouldn’t even open the door.”

Rowlf tapped out a low tune on the keys. “Do you think she will stay mad at you this time?”

Kermit plopped down into one of the easy chairs near the piano. “I don’t know. She’s been mad before, but she’s always let me in to talk. To apologize and give her another chance, as she puts it.”

The low melody matched Kermit’s emotions exactly. He felt low, and sad. “I think I messed up really bad this time.”

“Why does that bother you so much? Didn’t you want to be away from her?” Rowlf questioned quietly.

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Kermit said. “I wanted her to stop smothering me with her romantic ideas, but I didn’t want her angry with me. I want to be my own person.”

“Would you like me to talk to her for you?” Rowlf offered. “I can try to get her to calm down.”

Kermit shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I don’t think she will talk to anyone right now.”

The conversation then changed as the muppets from outside filled the room, all of them talking about what was on the dinner menu, whether the chef had burned it or whether it was undercooked, and what was on TV that night.

Kermit excused himself again and made his way to the back porch. The sun had set and the stars were just now coming out. In a low voice he began to sing:

“Of all the people in the world,
Why is it me you chose?
Was it the look in my eyes,
Or my number of toes?”

“Why do I feel this way,
What is it that you do?
You chase away the gray,
And color the sky blue.”

“Yet I can not seem to find,
That special feeling you need.
I look inside my mind,
And it’s all too easy to read.”

“Why does this have to be?
Why is it you? Why did you choose me?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Up in her room, Piggy glanced at the broken vases of flowers and sobbed into her sheets. What had she done now? She had chased him away for good this time. He was not coming back to her; he was not going to be her Kermie any more. She glanced at her dresser and the picture of her and Kermit that adorned it. His eyes were bright and happy, she was smiling and laughing.

Would she ever feel that way again? More importantly, what was she going to do now? She couldn’t stay here, not with Kermit so close by. Her tears slowed as her ears picked up the sounds of a song coming from outside. She got up off the floor and looked out the window. She couldn’t see him but she could hear him singing.

The words drifted up to her and wrapped themselves around her like a blanket. He was questioning their romance.

Then the song stopped and she hung onto the windowsill, hoping for more. The only thing that answered was the crickets as they chirped into the night sky.

The last verse of the song stuck in her mind. ‘Why does this have to be?
Why is it you? Why did you choose me?’ Why indeed? She couldn’t explain it any more than she could explain why the moon circled the Earth. She just knew she loved him deeply, and knowing that he would never return those feelings really hurt.

She was going to have to leave and try to live without him. She had done so before, she could do it again. Stepping over the broken glass, and ruined roses, she made her way to her closet to get out her suitcase.

After everyone had gone to sleep, she would leave. It was the best thing. For both of them. It was the only way. It was her fault this had ended and it was up to her to make a new life now.

Without Kermit.

~To be continued in Part 3

[Aaron]

more please

[Beth C]

Well, since you asked so nicely and politely.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(The next day)

Kermit awoke from a restless night’s sleep. He had tossed and turned most of the night away. Miss Piggy had not come down for dinner and no one saw her come out later. She had locked herself away in her room for the entire night.

Now he was worried. She was taking this a bit too far. Sure he had been angry, who wouldn’t have been? Usually she was back to her normal self by now. She never held a grudge for more than a few hours.

He dressed quickly and went to her door. Most of the muppets were still sleeping as it was very early. He knocked gently, hoping that the fact that it was early would be enough to keep her from throwing more vases at the door.

To his surprise, the door opened as he knocked on it. It hadn’t been shut all the way. He peeked inside, and what he saw surprised him. Her bed was made neatly, yet her closet door was open and most of her clothing was gone.

A quick look around the room also showed most of her personal items were gone as well. A letter sat upon her dressing table, sealed in an envelope marked simply – Kermit.

He took the envelope, and he could feel his heart beating wildly. Did he want to know what was inside? Judging by the look of her room, he already knew what to expect. He carefully tore it open and pulled out a single sheet of paper. The smell of her perfume that had been sprinkled upon the paper wafted out upon the morning breeze.

He began to read:

Dearest Kermit ~

By the time you find this letter, I’ll be long gone. I know it’s what you really want, you want me away from you. All I’ve ever tried to do was to show you how much I cared for you and how much I love you.

I know you don’t love me. I know now you never will.

It’s time for me to make a new life for myself. I hope someday you will find the happiness you seek.

Farewell, and take care,

Miss Piggy

Kermit folded the letter and put it back into the envelope. Now things were really messed up. He hadn’t wanted her to leave, just to leave him alone.

He stood there for a while, note in hand, staring out the window. His mind was a blank now. What was he going to do?

It was Fozzie who found him hours later. “Kermit?” He came into the room and put one furry hand on his friend’s shoulder. “What happened in here?” The crushed roses were still on the ground, although the broken glass had been swept up.

“She’s gone.” Kermit answered softly. “She’s really gone.”

“Gone?” Fozzie asked and Kermit nodded.

“Oh Kermit, I’m so sorry.”

“So am I, Fozzie, so am I.”

Fozzie steered him away from the window and towards the door. “Let’s go downstairs and I’ll help you tell the others.”

Kermit nodded his thanks and let himself be led away. Never would his life be the same again. Never to see her, to talk to her, to ever kiss her. It was all lost to him now.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(Six months later)

It was a hit, well of course it was, it was The Muppet Show after all. The New Muppet Show, mind you. It had been improved on and it still featured regular guest stars and funny skits, but it was better. Somehow it was like they had bottled lightning and let it out to strike again.

They didn’t have to use a rented theater this time. They owned the theater outright. With all the money they made from their movies, they had plenty to spend this time and do the show right.

Sets were more elaborate, and filming it was a blast. Yet somehow, with all their new success, Kermit still felt something was missing. You wouldn’t think that one missing pig could make that much difference, in some way, to Kermit, it did.

Filming of their 15th show had just completed and Kermit was congratulating everyone on a job well done. Their guest star had been Kylie Minogue and she had sung a duet with Kermit just before the grand finale of the show. He couldn’t help but feel that he was singing to the wrong person. ‘Especially For You’ just didn’t seem to sit right with him.

“Great job, Gonzo. That balancing act was terrific. Who knew you could walk a tightrope blindfolded while lifting 250 pounds on your nose.” He said with a small shake of his head. Gonzo never ceased to amaze him with his talents for doing the unusual.

“Fantastic, Fozzie.” He turned to pat his friend on the back. “You really had them laughing this time, no joke.” He was rewarded with seeing Fozzie smile broadly.

“Awesome, Animal. Your drum solo was a real toe-tapper. I don’t think there was anyone in that audience who wasn’t clapping along.” Kermit said as Animal passed by carrying his drum set to the backstage area. “Keep that beat.”

Finally when all the praise had been doled out, Kermit found a quiet place to sit, away from all the noise and commotion as the stage was cleaned up for the night.

Kylie happened to pass by him at that moment. She couldn’t help but notice the sad wistful expression on his face. “Kermit?”

“Oh hi, Kylie. Want to sit down?” he offered as he pointed to a chair nearby.

She took a seat. “I couldn’t help but notice that you seemed kind of down.” She told him in her lightly accented voice. “Would you like to talk about it?”

He looked down and then back up at her. Was it really that obvious? He thought he had been doing a good job of covering up until now. “I don’t see how that can help.”

She took one of his hands in her own and traced his fingers lightly. “Sometimes just telling someone else of your problems can ease your mind. Why don’t you give it a try? If I’m wrong, then you will feel just as sad as you do now. But if I’m right you can only feel better, so why not give it a try?”

When it was put that way, how could he refuse? He took a deep breath and began. “Well, it’s like this; I’ve lost something that means a lot to me, but I didn’t realize it at the time. Now that my life is busy again, I just don’t feel complete. It’s almost like part of me is missing.”

“Something?” she asked knowingly. “Or someone?”

“Someone.” He admitted. “Miss Piggy.”

“Oh,” she said not in the least surprised. It had been no secret that there would be no Miss Piggy on the new Muppet Show. The tabloids had been ablaze with rumors that Kermit tried hard to squash. There had to be a grain of truth in those ink-stained pages. “Have you asked her to come back?”

“I don’t even know where she is.” Kermit answered quietly. “How can I ask her when I can’t find her?”

Kylie reached over and used one finger to raise his chin until his eyes were looking right at her. “Now that’s a lie and you know it. You could just use your contacts with the agents to find out where she is. You know with her talent she has to be on stage somewhere.”

Kermit gulped. She was right. He was avoiding finding out where she was. “But what if…”

“What if she doesn’t want to see you?” Kylie interrupted him. “Well the only way to find that out is to try. Kermit, I see how lonely you are without her; why not give it a try? You might surprise yourself and find out she’s been waiting for you to call.”

True, he thought. However a small voice inside him was still letting its opinion be known. “Well why hasn’t she called me then? If she’s just wondering what’s going on, why doesn’t she give me a call? It’s not like I’m in hiding or anything.”

Kylie released him with a small sigh. “When you last saw her, was it in anger or not?”

He looked back down to his feet, still a bit ashamed of his behavior. “She was mad at me.”

“Did you say words you didn’t really mean?”

“Yes.” Boy his feet seemed huge.

“Did you ever get to tell her you were sorry?”

His head snapped up at that. “I tried but she wouldn’t speak to me.”

“Face to face?”

A small sigh. “No. She locked herself in her room. She wouldn’t let me in.”

Kylie shook her head. “Well enough time has passed now that she should not be angry with you any longer. I bet she’s as lonely as you are right now. So go on, look her up and give her a call.”

Kermit swallowed loudly. “I hope this is the right thing to do.”

“Trust me, Kermit. It is.” She tucked a lock of her long dark hair behind her ear. “Now go on. Scoot. Go give her a call. Don’t come back until you do.”

Kermit leaned over and took one of her hands on his and kissed it lightly. “Thank you, Kylie. I think I will.”

“You’re more than welcome, Kermit.”

Kermit hopped off his chair and went to the phone in his modest office. Now all he had to do was find her, right? How hard could that be? He picked up the handset and began to dial.

~To be continued in Part 4

[Aaron]

more please

[Beth C]

more please

Tomorrow, maybe. Tonight I'm plain tuckered out. That's some 5,000+ words up there.

*wipes sweat off brow*

Amazing isn't it?

~Beth C

[dmx10101]

Wow, that is waaay to much to read.

[Beth C]

Wow, that is waaay to much to read.

That's why I posted it in parts. So you could take breaks in between.

:)

Or I could do the cliff notes version:

Chapter 1 - Kermit gets mad at Piggy for smothering him with affection. Piggy gets mad, karate chops Kermit and then leaves.

Chapter 2 - Kermit finds out Piggy is gone for good. She has left all the muppets to start a new life of her own. Kermit feels bad that Piggy is gone.

Chapter 3 - The Muppets have now started a new TV show. Kermit is very sad that Piggy is not part of the show. Kermit has a talk with a guest star who convinces him to go call Piggy.

There - The abbreivaited short, short form of the above story. (What I have typed up so far ) You're still better off reading the long form, as the short form leaves out many details. ;)

~Beth C

[dmx10101]

That's why I posted it in parts. So you could take breaks in between.

:)

Or I could do the cliff notes version:

Chapter 1 - Kermit gets mad at Piggy for smothering him with affection. Piggy gets mad, karate chops Kermit and then leaves.

Chapter 2 - Kermit finds out Piggy is gone for good. She has left all the muppets to start a new life of her own. Kermit feels bad that Piggy is gone.

Chapter 3 - The Muppets have now started a new TV show. Kermit is very sad that Piggy is not part of the show. Kermit has a talk with a guest star who convinces him to go call Piggy.

There - The abbreivaited short, short form of the above story. (What I have typed up so far ) You're still better off reading the long form, as the short form leaves out many details. ;)

~Beth C

hmm, sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I'm too impatient to read the long form.

[Fozzie Bear]

She had done so before, she could do it again.

Remember this song: "Never Before, Never Again." All that together makes for some interesting thinking. She lived without him before she met him, but after meeting him she couldn't see how she ever lived/loved without him before, and never again would she be able to live or love without him, but she realizes she must live without him again. Deep.

DMX10101000111001: You're missing out, dude! Read a chapter a day maybe. It's really good stuff. It even warranted a personal email from me--and I don't do a whole lot of those...

[Beth C]

Never fear, take your time reading it. I'm working on Part 4 today, but - alas, I am at work. I had yesterday off, and that is why so much got posted.

Wait until you see what happens next.

I'll tell you this, she isn't happy living without him, that's for sure.

More to come tonight - :)

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

*Giddy*

Can't wait!!

[Beebers]

I love this story, keep it coming.

:cool:

[Daffyfan2003]

I'm looking forward to reading more. Your story is really good. I can picture myself in Kermit's situation. He doesn't want Piggy always bothering her, yet he doesn't want to lose her. It's very touching.

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After numerous calls he finally managed to track her down. She was back in New York performing on Broadway. With a shaking hand, he wrote down the last telephone number and thanked the secretary.

One little slip of paper. Ten very big numbers. He took a deep breath and picked up the phone for what he hoped was the last time. Quelling his nervousness, he dialed the number. The phone on the other end began to ring.

After six rings a bored female voice answered. “Hello?”

“Hello. This is Kermit the Frog calling from the set of the New Muppet Show. Is this the Majestic Theater?”

“Yes it is. Can I help you, Mr. Frog?”

Kermit cleared his throat. “May I please speak to Miss Piggy?” This was it; there was no turning back now.

“Can you hold for a moment, please?” If she could have gotten any more bored, Kermit couldn’t have said.

“Certainly.” At this point some boring elevator music began playing out of the earpiece. Kermit waited patiently for a few minutes then began to drum his fingers on the desktop as the time ticked on.

After what seemed like an eternity, the phone was picked up. “Hello?” Piggy’s soft voice came on the line.

Kermit suddenly found himself speechless. His mouth had gone dry and his carefully planned speech had left him.

“Hello?” Now she sounded uncertain.

He licked his lips and tried to speak. His voice came out a bit hoarse. “Hello, Miss Piggy.” He waited for her response. One of two things was going to happen now, she was either going to hang up on him or she was going to talk. He hoped for the latter.

“Kermit?”

“Yes, I, uh, I’m calling from Hollywood.” Dumb thing to say. Where did he expect her to think he was? Paris?

“Yes, I pretty much figured that out.” A brief pause. “Did you need something?”

Tell her, a small voice inside his head told him. “Um, I, uh, just wanted to see how you were. It’s been a while since we last talked.”

“I’m doing fine, and I can see from the reviews you are getting that you are as well.”

So she had known there was a new show. “Yes, we are holding our own here.”

This time the pause was longer. Miss Piggy broke the silence. “So, was there a real reason you called, Kermit? I’m a busy woman you know.”

He could feel himself breaking out into a cold sweat. “Uh, actually there is another reason.” Tell her. Just tell her.

“And that would be?” she asked him sweetly.

“I, uh, I, um,” Just say it and be done with it already. “I miss you, Piggy.” There it was out, and he couldn’t take the words back.

“You miss me?” She said the words softly as if they alone were made of glass and could break.

Kermit nodded into the phone then realized she couldn’t see him. “Yes, I miss you. It’s not the same here without you.”

Another long pause, then this one was broken by Kermit. “How soon does the show wrap?”

“Why?” Her normally strong voice was soft and hesitant.

“I would like to see you again.” He couldn’t believe he was saying this to her. Wasn’t he the one who wanted to get away? “That is, if you want to see me?”

“We finish this run in 3 days. I could hop a plane and come back for a brief visit.” She told him with a tremble in her voice.

“That would be great.”

“Then I’ll make the plans. Look, I’d really like to stay and talk more but I’ve got to go get changed. Our next number starts really soon.”

“It’s okay. I understand. So, I’ll see you in 3 days?” Kermit felt his heart lift a bit at this news. Once she was here, he could finally talk to her.

“Yes. I’ll call you later with the details. Goodbye, Kermit.”

“Goodbye, Piggy.” He hung up the phone, feeling a rush of warmth flood his body. She was willing to see him again. It wasn’t much but it was a start.

With a smile on his face for the first time in months, Kermit walked away from the phone and back to tell Kylie the good news.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(3 days later)

Kermit sat patiently at the table in the moderately expensive restaurant. Somewhere he could hear soft music playing. His table was lit with fragrant candles and the light danced and created shadows on the tabletop.

It was his idea that he first see her over dinner. She was flying in and had arrived about an hour ago. She was to stop by her hotel room and change before meeting him at the restaurant.

He glanced at the door. She should be here soon. He hoped that they could get off on the right foot this time. He was going to apologize and do his best to make amends, but he was going to be sure she didn’t get any wrong impressions.

He didn’t need her going off on a romantic kick again.

He wanted them to be friends. He hoped she would want that too.

Kermit picked up the dinner menu and began to peruse it. What could he order that wouldn’t send the wrong impression? Anything even partially romantic was out. Something plain, normal, ordinary would be nice.

He was pretty much torn between the Roast Prime Rib or the Sea Scallops and Linguini Pasta when a shadow fell over his menu.

He looked up to see her. His jaw dropped slightly open as he gazed upon her. Her hair was swept up and fixed neatly atop her head and held there by a jeweled barrette. Small ringlets of curls were left loose to frame her face.

She wore a simple black dress, with a silver belt. On her hands were long silver gloves and she wore silver pumps that cradled her feet perfectly. The only jewelry she wore was a simple strand of pearls and one ring with a pink stone. In one hand she held a small black evening bag.

In a word, she looked stunning. He was very much aware that he was staring and had to force his eyes to look away as he stood to pull out her chair. She sat gracefully and then he took his place opposite her.

“You look …” he paused to try to find the right word. He shrugged. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She said and then added. “You look handsome.”

He blushed slightly knowing that in his navy slacks and light blue long sleeve shirt he did nothing of the sort.

A waiter appeared just then and they placed their orders. The menus were taken away and Kermit was faced with finding something to say.

“Piggy, I,” he hesitated, as he gazed upon her.

“Yes, Kermit?” She asked as she sipped water from her glass.

“I want to say that I’m sorry.” He could see her eyes shining in the soft candlelight and he was beginning to wonder if this was a good idea after all. “I never meant to hurt you when I yelled at you that day.” He didn’t need to specify which day. He knew she would know.

She nodded. “Yet you did.” She let out a soft sound that might have been a sigh of disappointment. “I was very hurt, Kermit.”

“I know.” He reached across the table to take her hand. “That is why I’m here now. To tell you that I am sorry, and that I would like you to come back and be part of the new show.”

He could see the hope flicker and fade from her eyes. It was obvious that she had expected him to say more. She broke the contact with his hand and placed both her hands in her lap.

“I appreciate the offer, but really, I’m doing fine on my own.” She even broke his eye contact with her and was staring down at her water glass, watching the beads of moisture rise up and drip down the side.

He was saved from having to say anything right at that moment as the waiter showed up with their meal. It was served efficiently and they began to eat in silence.

About halfway thorough the meal, he noticed that she wasn’t really eating, but more like pushing her food around on her plate. “Aren’t you hungry?” He asked as he looked at her.

That soft sigh noise came again. She looked up at him and shrugged. “I thought I was, but now, I guess not.” She laid her fork across her plate and covered it with her napkin. “I’m sorry, Kermit.”

“Sorry?” He asked, puzzled.

“I had envisioned a night that I know isn’t going to happen.” She toyed with the edge of her napkin. “I thought just maybe that you had more reasons for calling me and having me fly out here that to just apologize.”

Uh-oh. He didn’t like where this was heading. Better to stop this train right in its tracks right now before it derailed and got messy. “Piggy, I know what you expected. After all these years I just know you too well. You expected me to beg you to come back to me. You want me to proclaim that I was not able to live without you and that I needed you back. You want me to say that I love you. Right?”

A tiny nod was all he got for a response.

“Let me tell you something. I do love you.” At this her head snapped up and her jaw fell open in surprise. He continued quickly before she could say a word. “I’m just not ‘IN LOVE’ with you. I care very much for you, and I don’t like to be the one who hurts you.” He again took her hand in his. “I do want you to come back but I want it to be for the right reasons. I want you to come back because you want to help make the show great, not because you want to score points with me.”

He took a breath and continued. “I want us to remain friends, and try to start over. I want you to be happy, but not at the cost of making myself miserable.”

“I- I made you miserable?” She asked as if the idea had never occurred to her.

He nodded. “Piggy, you were smothering me and driving me crazy. I couldn’t seem to take a step without bumping into you or being dragged away.”

He gently caressed her hand, so warm beneath the satiny gloves. “I can’t fall in love with someone like that. You never gave me any chance to be the person that I really am.”

Now it was her turn to look sheepish and embarrassed. “I am sorry. I guess I was kind of rotten to you.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Forgive me?”

He smiled. “Only if you forgive me.”

He could feel the tension building in the room, for there was something between them, but he didn’t know what to call it. He knew that he felt a lot better now after having this talk with her.

The candlelight was now making dancing shadows as she brought her face close to his. He was so entranced by her sheer beauty that for a moment, he almost forgot his resolve. He leaned in closer, getting a small whiff of her expensive perfume, his face mere inches from hers.

“You are forgiven,” she whispered to him.

“So are you,” he whispered back.

A sound of an expensive dish falling and shattering broke the spell and he cleared his throat and moved back away, releasing her hand.

“Um, uh,” he fumbled to regain his lost composure.

He could see the disappointment in her eyes again but this time it wasn’t as bad as it usually was. He summoned over the waiter and paid for the meal. They both got up and left the restaurant for a walk on the boardwalk.

“So have you decided?” He asked her, as they walked quietly along underneath the starry sky.

“Decided?” She asked, her mind completely on other thoughts.

“Whether or not you will come back.” He answered her and waited for her reply.

“Well,” she stalled for time. “I want to, but I don’t want to make the same mistake again. I’m not so sure that I can be around you and not want to be near you all the time.” It was a hard admission for her, and she had to stop to hear his reply.

“Well, knowing the problem is half of the solution. By being aware of what you are doing, can help prevent you from doing it again.” He held out one hand, hoping she would take it.

She did. They walked hand in hand for a few steps and he continued. “See?” He hoped this little example would stick in her head. “Isn’t this much nicer when I volunteer to hold your hand rather than you grabbing at mine?”

She had to admit, it was. “I do see the difference now. And it does feel nicer on the inside too.”

The rest of their walk was pretty much in silence, but they never released the hands they held. At last he made it to her hotel and he walked her up to her room.

“I do want you to come back. Promise me you will consider it?” He asked her as they stood before her door.

“Yes, Kermit, I will.” She said and this time she meant it.

“Kermie.” He corrected.

“Pardon?”

“It doesn’t sound right when you call me Kermit.”

“Ok. Kermie.”

He smiled. Things were definitely looking up now. “Goodnight, Miss Piggy.”

“Goodnight, Kermie.”

With his last bit of bravado, he stood on tiptoe and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Call me tomorrow.”

This last display really surprised her, as she reached up a hand to caress the spot. She was so stunned that all she could do was nod and open up her door. Once she was safely inside, Kermit turned around and left.

Yes, things were starting to get back on track.

But were they really?

~To be continued in Part 5.

[Fozzie Bear]

More More More!!! :halo: :halo: :halo:

[Beth C]

Ok, ok.. you will get more.. again tonight.

And all day tomorrow.. I have the day off again!!! ;)

It's going to get really good now, for this romance just wasn't meant to be...

or is it?

Wait and see.

~Beth C :)

[Firecat87]

Ok, ok.. you will get more.. again tonight.

And all day tomorrow.. I have the day off again!!! ;)

It's going to get really good now, for this romance just wasn't meant to be...

or is it?

Wait and see.

~Beth C :)


I can't wait to read more. Fun story :)

[Fozzie Bear]

OH THE SUSPENSE IS KILLIN' ME!!

Or...maybe it was the mexican food at lunch..?

[Daffyfan2003]

Yeah, I almost cried when I read that last part. It's really touching.

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(3 months later)

“Okay everyone, that’s a wrap!” Kermit yelled as they closed on another show. “We really wowed them this time.” He patted Gonzo on the head as he passed by. “Will that arm be okay?” He asked as he looked over the nasty looking burn caused by the gunpowder.

“Aw, don’t worry about me,” Gonzo said trying hard not to wince. “It only hurt for a second.”

“Well, go get it looked at. You know the studio has doctors. Let me know if you will be out for any length of time.” Kermit said and frowned. “I don’t want you doing any more really dangerous stunts.”

“Come on, Kermit, those are the best ones!”

Kermit just shook his head and moved away. He checked on the Swedish Chef to make sure that the kitchen set was restocked for the next show. He found the other muppet to be wrestling with a large pot and fighting with Rizzo and the other rats over a pound of ground beef.

After separating the combatants and assuring both that more food was indeed arriving he moved on to the Muppet Labs set. Beaker was complaining about the latest invention which he had to try out. Bunsen was trying his best to calm down his overexcited assistant and reassure him that yes, his hair would change back to red, it would not stay neon yellow for any considerable length of time.

With the angry cries of “Meep, meep, meemee” still ringing in his ears, Kermit walked away from that set and into his office.

It had been a rough show and all he wanted to do now was relax. It seemed that the more popular they got, the harder it was to put on a show that hadn’t been seen before with skits that wouldn’t seem, well, boring.

He was glad for that one reason alone that Miss Piggy had agreed to come back and help with the show. It was at that point that the ratings had really picked back up. He had to admit, she sure was good at performing.

The only problem now was the audience was expecting more and more to see the two of them in skits together. Up until now, she had resumed her roles in the ‘Pigs in Space’ and the ‘Veterinarian’s Hospital’ and had many skits with the other muppets. They had yet to do one together.

Kermit was pretty sure that if he did start doing skits with her, she would begin to expect more from him. He was happy as things were going right now, and he didn’t want to rock the boat.

Didn’t he?

They had only seen each other on the sets and very little after work. One of the conditions of having Miss Piggy come back was to have the studio pay for her housing. She had selected a small condo not too far from the studio lot where the theater was housed.

It was all working out like he wanted.

So why did he still feel like there was something missing from his life? To anyone else, he had it all- a successful show, lots of friends, plenty of money and stability in his life.

Yet something was missing. He couldn’t figure out what it was. On the outside, he projected a calm and very confident profile. On the inside he was, well, to put a word on it, unhappy.

The more he thought of having to do a skit with Piggy, the worse the feeling got. He wasn’t going to be able to avoid it for much longer. Sooner or later they would have to work together again.

So why was he feeling so rotten about it?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She sat in her dressing room and brushed her long hair carefully. Today’s skits had been easy enough, but she felt like they had also been lacking. Ever since that dinner date, she had tried very carefully to keep her distance from Kermit, hoping that by doing so he would finally be happy.

She still remembered the feel of his soft froggy lips on her cheek, and the soft warmth of his face touching hers. It was a moment she was not about to forget. It was also a moment that seemed to have no chance of recurring.

She threw down her brush onto the vanity and looked at herself in the mirror. It was very difficult to keep on working like this, but she knew that if she pressed the issue, it would possibly result in her having to leave again.

So she began to date. First it was just for fun, to see if she was still considered attractive. Then she was doing it just to have something to do after work. Finally she was doing it just to stop feeling lonely.

None of the dates ever resulted in much more than dinner or a walk along the beach or a visit to a museum. She found that most anyone she saw was lacking that certain something that would make her heart beat fast.

She had to face it. She was still stuck on him, with his green skin and mellow voice. She was doomed to be unhappy.

She sighed and began to dress. Tonight she had no date, but she sure wasn’t going to stay at the condo alone. If she was quick about it, she might have time to catch the evening movie.
She pulled on a red dress that hugged her body closely. After fitting herself into the matching pumps, she donned a black belt and resumed brushing her hair until it shined like gold.

She clipped it back with gold hair clips and was preparing to fix her face when a knock came on her dressing room door.

“It’s open,” she yelled out to the unseen visitor.

It swung open and to her surprise, Kermit walked in.

“Hi, Kermie,” she said, keeping her voice carefully neutral. “Can I help you with something?”

He looked her up and down once then shook his head. “It’s okay. I was going to talk to you about a sketch I thought we might be able to do but it can wait until tomorrow.”

She hadn’t noticed the slight disappointment in his voice, as she was busy pulling on her best black gloves. “Are you sure?”

He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah. It can wait.”

She turned to say something else to him but found that he had already left. Shrugging her shoulders she took one last glance into the mirror then reached for her purse and left the room.

If Kermit was going to do a skit with her tomorrow, she wanted to make sure she was home early enough to be well rested. She wasn’t taking any chances this time. She was going to play it carefully and give Kermit all the space he needed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kermit looked into his glass of root beer and sighed. The small TV in his apartment was blaring something but he didn’t care.

He had moved out of the boarding house over a month ago, finding it easier to manage the show if he wasn’t constantly seeing everyone after work. It also gave him more space and privacy. Sharing the bathroom with some 20+ individuals got to be a royal pain in the rear.

He noticed that he wasn’t the only one to think so, as Fozzie, Gonzo, Rowlf, Scooter, and his other friends all got separate places as well.

Some tended to pair up, like the Electric Mayhem all got one place, and Bunsen shared expenses with Beaker still.

Yet he chose to be alone. He had to be alone.

He thought back to his brief session with Piggy tonight. He had taken a chance and gone to see her, hoping that she didn’t have plans and they could finally sit down and talk about what skit they could do.

He had a few ideas and was going to run them past her, but when he opened the door and saw how dressed up she was, his heart had fallen. She was obviously over him and was now dating. He didn’t want to intrude into her romantic life so he turned around and had left.

His talk had worked. He had gotten her to see that he wanted there to be no strings attached between them. She was taking it better than he had expected.

He sipped at the warm soda. He could imagine her now, laughing and dancing the night away in another man’s arms and was surprised to feel a pang of jealousy. It was no secret that she did go out from time to time. Pictures of her dating other stars were plastered all over the tabloids.

Yet his love life was strangely barren. None of the guest stars that were on the show were even remotely interested in him in that way. They were all happy to be on the show but that was the extent of it.

He could feel his own frustration over his situation and his inability to do anything about it. The one person that had loved him he had pushed away.

He continued to stare at the TV until its droning finally put him to sleep. At least in his dreams he could imagine being happy


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 6

[Firecat87]

With each chapter, I am getting more and more drawn into the story.
More please...
:D

[Beauregard]

Wow. Great work Beth C!

__

Vows! Working triddly-how Bethenysea!

[Fozzie Bear]

WOOT! This is a good story! I demand more! BRAVO!! BRAVO!!

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“No, not like that!” Kermit yelled as he threw down his set of scripting sheets and music notes.

Piggy turned to face him, her face in a frown. “What was wrong with the way I was doing it?”

“You were overdoing it, that’s what.” He placed his hands on his hips and barked at her. “This is supposed to be a happy song, but you’ve taken it and made it sappy!”

“Sappy? Just where did you see sappy?”

He turned away from her and started to pick up his sheets. “I knew this was a bad idea.”

She felt insulted that he was acting this way. There was nothing wrong with the way she was singing it. Just because she wanted to add a touch of romance to it, he was acting as if she was falling all over him again. “Then why did you suggest it?”

He tried to keep his anger down, and keep his voice calm. “Because I thought you could act like a professional and do it right.”

“I was doing it right!”

“You were not!”

“I was too!”

“Says who?”

Kermit crumpled up the papers he was holding as his hands were forced into fists to keep him from exploding. “Says me, that’s who.”

She stepped up right into his face. “You just don’t know a good scene when you see one.”

“I certainly do. And what I just witnessed wouldn’t even be good enough for Public TV, let alone our show!” He gave up on keeping his control, she was down right being obstinate. “Maybe you should go work for PBS, I hear Barney and Sesame Street need help!”

Her eyes grew wide as she grew even angrier. How dare he suggest that she work with that overgrown purple dinosaur! Or Sesame Street? Sure she had friends there, but to be put on that show? She was better than that!

“You know what your problem is?” She asked him through clenched teeth. “Your problem is that you can’t make up your mind what you want. You say one thing and do another. You ask me to come back and then you downright ignore me.” She was on a roll now and she kept right on going, not even noticing she was backing him into the nearest wall until she ran out of room to walk.

“You tell me one night that you care about me, then you do everything possible to show me that you could care less. You wanted your show to be a hit, and it is. I do my best to keep my part of the bargain and what do I get for it? Yelled at.” She stuck her face down into his and said very slowly. “I don’t need this kind of treatment, Kermit. I don’t know what your problem is, but you have a new one to face now.”

He gulped and realized that he had pushed her too far. He could see her angrier than she had ever been before. Real anger.

Before he could say anything she backed away from him and threw the script papers into his face. “I quit.”

“You can’t quit!” He yelled at her retreating back.

“I just did!” She said and stormed out the door, slamming it so hard that the walls rattled.

He stood, staring at the door in shock. What was he doing? Insulting her talent? Telling her she was no good? Telling her she belonged with Barney??

What had come over him? He closed his eyes and he could see her again, all dressed up for a date that was not with him. He felt his anger again at the image. He forced it from his mind and left the ruined papers on the set as he opened the door.

She had quit. Just like that she had quit. He was without one of his best stars just because he couldn’t control his temper. It was their first skit together and he had blown it.

Was he reading too much into her acting? Had it been more wishful thinking on his part, or did he see something that just wasn’t there? He came to the conclusion that he was totally confused.

As he made his way back onto the main set, he noticed Fozzie and Rowlf talking as the dog banged out a lively tune on the piano. Fozzie told a small joke and Rowlf laughed.

They both took one look at Kermit and stopped what they were doing. “Kermit?” Fozzie asked. “What’s wrong?”

“She quit.” He answered. “She just up and quit.”

They didn’t even have to ask who the ‘she’ was. Just by looking at him they knew.

“Why?” Rowlf said, knowing there had to be more to the story.

Kermit sat down on a stool nearby. “I told her Barney was hiring.” He hung his head feeling really terrible now. Angry, miserable, frustrated and rotten.

Both of his friends gasped. “You did WHAT?” Fozzie said at the same time Rowlf exclaimed, “Why did you go and do THAT?”

Kermit held his head in his hands. “I don’t know. I got angry.”

“Angry enough to insult her? What did she do, make a pass at you?” Fozzie asked only half joking. He had announced upon her signing back up that they would not be considered an ‘item’ in any way, shape or form.

Kermit just shook his head. “I don’t know what exactly it was that set me off. I guess it was being in the same room with her that did it.”

“That must have been one really small room,” Rowlf said. “How is it that the two of you, who worked so well before now can’t even do one skit?”

“Maybe it’s just the fact that she’s too occupied in her other skits.” Fozzie suggested.

This time it was Rowlf who shook his head and let his ears flop slightly. “No, I don’t think that’s the problem.”

“Then what is?” Kermit asked, bewildered. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel so mixed up inside.”

“Do you want her to quit?” Rowlf had a good idea what the problem was, but getting his green friend to admit it was not going to be easy.

“No, but…”

“Is it because she does help the show?” Rowlf questioned. He looked at Fozzie who was about to say something, but Rowlf held up one hand to signal the bear to wait.

“Yes, but…”

“Think about her for a second, Kermit. Close your eyes and think about her.” He waited until he saw his friend obey, albeit reluctantly.

“How do you feel when you see that image?”

Again the image came into his mind’s eye, her all dressed up and practically ignoring him. “Angry. Upset. Jealous.”

The last part surprised both Fozzie and Rowlf. “Why, Kermit?” Fozzie asked. “Why are you jealous of her? You told everyone that you guys were not a couple.”

Kermit’s eyes snapped back open. “We’re not.”

Rowlf cocked his head slightly. “Then there is no need to feel jealous, now is there?” He stopped Kermit from replying by asking another loaded question. “Think back about 3 months. To that dinner date you had with her. How did you feel then?”

That was easy enough to answer. “Happy. I was in control of myself that night. I felt free enough to talk openly.”

Fozzie was really puzzled, never having really dated or anything even remotely like that. “And now you don’t?”

“It’s different now,” Kermit admitted. “I have to watch what I say around her so she doesn’t get the wrong impression. I have to be so careful, that it’s almost impossible to talk to her at all.”

Gonzo walked on the set just then, catching the last part of Kermit’s sentence. “You sound like me when I think about Camilla. Yea, I love her. I feel like if I tell her that too much she will get the wrong impression and start thinking marriage. So I try to watch what I say around her and she sometimes gets mad thinking I don’t love her at all.” He patted Kermit on the back with his good hand. “Love is like that, pal.”

Put that way, it now seemed so simple. He was jealous because he loved her! He was upset because she wasn’t paying attention to him anymore because he told her not to. Why? He wanted to control the romance, but when it was left to him, he had chickened out and pushed her away! It was easier to deny any feelings he had towards her than to reveal them and chance her taking it the wrong way!

All this flew through his mind in the space of two short seconds. “Oh my gosh,” he said aloud. “I got mad at her because I do love her.”

With the verbal acceptance, he felt his muscles begin to relax, as if the weight of the world that had been sitting on his shoulders had just been lifted. He realized that the wrong way was indeed the right way. It had been all along and he had been too blind to see it. He wanted her to be with him, and only him.

Rowlf was nodding. “Yes, Kermit. Everyone can see that but you.”

Even Fozzie was nodding. “You might not want to believe that, but I remember my Mom and Dad acting that way sometimes. Like they hated each other but couldn’t stand to be apart from one another. It was quite confusing.”

Kermit slapped a hand to his head. “Oh no! She’s probably gone now!”

“Gone?” Gonzo asked

“She quit.” Rowlf informed him. “Kermit told her to go work for Barney.”

Gonzo pulled a disgusted face. “Oh tell me you didn’t, Kermit.”

He nodded, ashamed. “I’m afraid I did.”

“Maybe there is still time to stop her.” Gonzo said. “If you hurry.”

Kermit jumped up and ran for the door. He stopped briefly to say, “Thanks, guys,” before running out and into the hallway.

Fozzie turned to Rowlf and Gonzo. “I never want to be that much in love with anyone.”

“Then you don’t know what you are missing,” Gonzo said before leaving, calling out for Camilla as he went.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kermit checked her dressing room, but she wasn’t there. He checked the other rooms in the theater as well. Still no Piggy. He was becoming frantic with worry. What would he do if she left now?

He wanted to see her now more than ever, to explain to her why he was acting as badly as he had been. He wanted to ask her to dinner, and spend time with her, not for her to leave again.

As a last resort, he left the theater and walked to her condo. The doorman buzzed him in, and he waited outside her door, nervous as never before. He could feel cold chills running down his back as he knocked on the door.

She opened the door, and when she saw who it was, she slammed it again. Kermit had to jump back to keep from getting hit with the door.

“Piggy, please let me in.” He could see this was going to be a repeat of the last time he had gotten her this angry.

“Why?” she asked through the closed door.

“I have something to tell you.” Kermit said, hoping that she would open the door up. He didn’t want the whole building to hear his conversation.

The door opened a crack. “What?”

“May I come in?” he asked.

“What is it you have to say? Just say it and go.” She made no effort to open up the door and let him in.

He couldn’t really blame her. He felt kind of funny standing in the hallway, but if this was how she wanted it, then so be it. “Piggy, I want to say that I’m sorry. I got angry today and it wasn’t really your fault.”

She did open up the door a bit wider and stood blocking it. “I’m not coming back.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “No matter what you say.”

He sighed. “That is your choice. I’m not going to make you come back. But before you go, I want to say one thing and then you are free to go.”

“What?” she asked, not at all convinced that he wasn’t up to something.

He looked down at his feet then back up into her eyes. Eyes that had once adored him and loved him. He took a breath and then said very quietly and very sincerely, “I love you.”

She wasn’t buying it. “I’ve heard that from you before. Why do you say things you don’t mean? I’ve never said that about you. I’ve always told everyone that I loved you and I meant it.”

“I do mean it, Piggy.”

“Prove it.”

“How?” He looked puzzled. How could he prove it?

“I don’t know how, but if you are going to say it, then you better be prepared to back those words up with some proof.” She stepped back into her condo. “You have until Saturday and then I’m gone for good.” She closed the door and left him standing in the hallway.

Well, that wasn’t the exact way he wanted things to go, but at least he had a chance. Now all he had to do was prove he loved her. He had 3 days to do it in. Was it possible? He wasn’t sure.

What he was sure of was that he was going to do everything it took to show her that this time he did mean it. He loved her and for once, he didn’t care who knew.

An idea popped into his head and he took off down the hallway towards the elevators. If proof was what she wanted, well she might get more that what she bargained for.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~To be continued in Part 7

[Fozzie Bear]

DOH! Now we have to wait longer...sheesh...Need more story--can't--breathe...*

[Beth C]

Ok guys, I'm posting this to pre-warn those that don't think of Piggy and Kermit as a couple that this next part, well, it takes all that and throws it out the window.

I have been working behind the scenes of this story and the one that will follow (Yes there will be a sequal) with something very, well different. But before I can post what my secret is, I need to get our romantic couple together, for they have to be together for this. (Please someone, blame Walmart for this!!!) I know I'm being cryptic, but this whole thing came out of one trip to WalMart and one very gray day at work and a challenge that Kermit did not love Piggy.

How many of you are convinced now that he COULD love her? I think, deep down he really does and if she did stop pulling and dragging him around, they would get together.

Ok, ok enough babble. Here is the long awaited Part 7. It's a bit shorter than the rest of them, but that is because of the nature of the part.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next two days he spent planning and preparing what he hoped would be the proof that Piggy desired of his love for her.

On the third day, there came a knock on her door. Expecting Kermit, she opened it warily but only found an envelope resting on the carpet. A red rose was sitting upon the envelope.

She picked both up and sniffed the rose lightly, letting a small smile form on her face. Well this was definitely a good start. He had never sent her flowers before.

She opened up the envelope to find a piece of paper. She unfolded it to find Kermit’s hand written note:



Roses are red, I’m so blue –
I really mean it,

I love you.

Kermit

P.S. Come downstairs please.


She placed the note back into the envelope and put it and the rose on the counter. She dressed quickly in one of her pink cotton dresses that had a plunging neckline, then brushed her hair, leaving it down and pulled back from her face by a headband.

She picked up her purse and went out the door.

Just what had Kermit gone and done now? Part of her wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Heaven knows what he was capable of.

She got in the elevator with another couple and smiled at them as the car slowly made its way down. When they reached the bottom floor, the doors opened and Piggy walked out only to be stopped dead in her tracks.

There in the lobby of the condo was Kermit. He was standing in the middle of a sea of red roses that spelled out – I LOVE YOU in big letters.

Her hands flew to her face. “Oh!”

He plucked one of the flowers from the group and handed it to her. “Miss Piggy, may I please have the honor of being your escort today?”

How could she say no? She nodded mutely and took his hand. He led her out the lobby and down to a waiting limo. “Where are we going, Kermie?” She was still so stunned that she forgot to be mad.

“We are going, well, going someplace special.” He said mysteriously. He opened the door for her and let her climb inside before following. After closing his door he nodded to the chauffeur. The car started up and began to drive away.

A million places ran through her mind, and her first thought was – am I dressed right? “Kermie, what if I’m not dressed for this place?”

He took her hand in his. “Piggy, no matter what you wear, you are still beautiful to me.”

She felt her heart skip a beat. Did he really just say that? She felt like she was inside one of her dreams and she was afraid to wake up, for fear that she would be stuck with her loneliness. “Thank you.”

He reached over and pressed a button, and the sunroof to the limo opened up. Piggy could feel the cool breeze drifting in. “What are you doing?”

“There is something that I want you to see.” He said and then stood up, sticking his head out the top of the car. He held his hand out for her to take it and join him.

She frowned as she stood. The wind whipped at her hair, and for a moment, it took her breath away.

That was nothing compared to what she saw when she stood. Kermit was pointing up at the sky and she had to actually rub her eyes to get a good view. Now she *knew* she was dreaming. There, above them, was the Goodyear blimp and in large neon letters it flashed – I LOVE YOU MISS PIGGY – then a red heart that beat a few times, followed by another message; KERMIT LOVES PIGGY.

She felt weak in the knees. Was this really happening? She stared at the blimp and then back to Kermit. “You really do mean it.”

He nodded. “I’ve never meant anything more.”

He sat back down and she followed him. He closed the sunroof and turned to face her. “Have I convinced you yet?”

She was still in shock, but nodded slightly.

He smiled. “Well, just to make sure, I’ve arranged one more thing today.”

It was then that the limo stopped and he opened the door. When she got out, she found herself in a large open area. The only thing she saw was a horse, hitched to a cart filled with hay.

“A hayride?” She questioned.

He nodded. “To make up for the one I never went on with you.” He helped her up into the back of the cart then took the reigns and gave them a slight shake before climbing up beside her.

They cuddled for a while, with the gentle rocking of the horse, she felt quite content and very convinced now. Kermit did love her. Before long, the ride came to a sudden stop.

She sat up, almost reluctant to leave her Kermie’s arms. What she found upon sitting was the icing on the cake. The horse had stopped next to an area that had been set up for a picnic lunch.

Kermit hopped down and held out his hand to help her out. He walked her over to the picnic blanket and waited until she sat. He opened up a large picnic basket that he had left there and began to set up the food.

“Kermie?”

“Yes, Piggy?” He took out a bottle of champagne.

“This is the nicest thing you have ever done for me.” She looked deeply into his eyes. “I really do believe you now.”

He poured two glasses and handed one to her. “Then I presume that you will be staying?”

She clinked her glass to his. “Yes, Kermie, if you will allow me to stay.”

He sipped the bubbling liquid. “I never wanted you to go. I was so stubborn I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I’ve loved you all along, Piggy, but I was too afraid to speak up.”

She finished her drink and placed her glass down. “You didn’t have to be afraid of Moi.”

“It’s not that I was afraid of you specifically, just what you were doing. I’ve loved you since I first saw you. I just didn’t know it until now.” He put his glass down and took both her hands and linked their fingers together. “I say it now because I really do mean it now. I love you, Miss Piggy. I want to be with you.”

He leaned in and kissed her gently, before releasing her.

“Does this mean we are…” she said the next words softly, afraid to break the spell he was weaving here in the open space, “a couple?”

He nodded. “Exclusive couple.”

They ate quietly then, not really tasting the food, but more in the mood to just stare at each other. When she was done, he packed the basket back up. “I’ve got just one more surprise for you.”

Another surprise? She was already convinced that he loved her. This was more than enough. The afternoon had passed and the sun was setting and she was very happy now. He didn’t have to do anything else.

He stood up and motioned for her to follow. He led her up a small hill and when she saw what was placed on the other side, well, she almost fainted dead away. For there, on the green grass, framed by the setting sun were dozens of white roses, each formed into a word, much like the red ones had been earlier.

The red ones had been big, but this was huge. She felt her eyes water as she read the words slowly, and very carefully.

WILL YOU MARRY ME?

She turned to look at Kermit and he had gotten down on one knee and was holding the most spectacular ring she had ever seen. Of all the things in the world she had expected to happen today, this was definitely not even in the top 20.

“Miss Piggy Lee, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he proposed to her right then.

Her hands were shaking, her whole body was shaking, and she was starting to cry. A few tears welled up to drip down her cheeks as she nodded slowly, then with more effort. “Yes, YES!”

He stood up and placed the ring on her finger. “I love you, Piggy.”

“I love you, Kermie.”

The sun set on the newly engaged couple as they kissed until the stars shone.

Piggy was the happiest she had ever been in her life. Was this really happening? Was she really going to get married to the love of her life for real with his consent?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~To be continued in Part 8

[Beebers]

Well. Wow. How many of us have loved uncertainly? Fruitlessly? Hopefully? I would guess, all of us. I'll be sad to see this story end, no matter the outcome.

:cool:

[Aaron]

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE please

[Beebers]

*hugs to Aaron, just because*

:cool:

[Beth C]

Well. Wow. How many of us have loved uncertainly? Fruitlessly? Hopefully? I would guess, all of us. I'll be sad to see this story end, no matter the outcome.

:cool:

I figure this one has a few more parts to go, so don't fret just yet. I'm still working on the behind the scenes part and until that is ready, this story will go on.

I have to work tomorrow, so no more updates until tomorrow night. :(

Now we have to plan the wedding. How many times has a wedding gone off without a hitch? And how can I top the Wedding in TMTM? Wait and see. It will be worth it, I hope.

After the wedding chapter comes a surprise chapter and THAT is what I've been working towards all along.

Well sorta. I love to write. It's my favoritest thing to do in the whole wide world.

~Beth C

[Aaron]

*hugs to Aaron, just because*

:cool: **hugs to beebers

[Beebers]

xoxox, love.

:cool:

[Aaron]

back at ya sweetie

[Beebers]

*needed that today, Aaron, thanx.*

:cool:

[Whatever]

More hugs for Beebers!

[Beauregard]

lesss hugs to Beebers (only kidding)

__

Moreon huggiloppers to Beebingbooper. (Only kiddiloperingclapper)

[Beebers]

Thanx, Beth, just a really rotten day end to end. And I love you too, Beau, xox, lol, Beebingbooper.

[Fozzie Bear]

Unrequeited love--that's my lot in life. :cry: I beg for more, madame!

[Beauregard]

Not cannon, but boy, I was all teary a minute ago. Boy oh boy, what a great story.

__

No boom-splashy cannonatter but tears de runnin' drip drop splatterdy.

[Beauregard]

BTW, I just read the last two parts, need more...much more...

___

BLT, readin' writin' story lots, partiloaders, muchmore needle.

[Beth C]

Hello everyone..

I'm behind on my updates today, as I had a really rotten day at work and didn't get anything at all written. :(

I'll try to get something up for sure tomorrow, so please don't think I've forgotten this story. It was just a really, really, really bad day.

~Beth C

[Aaron]

**hugs**

[Beth C]

**hugs**

Thank you.. I really need those right now.. (and a shoulder to cry on)

I'll be fine in the morning, once I've had some sleep.

~Beth C

[Aaron]

:sing: lean on me

[HeraLirambar]

Oh wow, this is an incredible fanfic! It's so beautiful!
*hugs and applause*
Me so jealous
:)

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The news of their engagement was announced by Kermit once he gathered everyone together into one room of the theater. It had been decided that he would be the one doing the announcing, for coming from Piggy, it was sure to not be believed.

He had first thanked everyone for showing up after hours and then proceeded to break the news with a simple, “We’re getting married,” while holding Piggy’s hand.

The reception the news got was overwhelming. Kermit was patted on the back, congratulated and hugged by almost everyone while Piggy showed off the ring and a smile that was brighter than any star.

It was obvious now, to anyone that saw them that they were in love. Kermit allowed himself to feel for the first real time in his life, happiness. He could look at Piggy now and see the joy in her face as she told everyone again and again about how he had proposed.

He loved her. He could say it now and feel strength from the words. He loved Piggy.

He was so full of love for her that he stood up in front of the whole theater and gave her a big kiss in front of everyone.

Applause broke out and a few catcalls too.

“Kermit, I didn’t think you had it in you,” Rowlf said once he could get Kermit alone. Or relatively alone. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and wish him well. “But I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you, Rowlf. I would like you to be the one who provides the music at the wedding. You know, the wedding march and all.” Kermit said.

“I would be honored.” Rowlf gave a small bow.

Kermit smiled and walked off to find Fozzie. He found the bear sitting with Gonzo and the Electric Mayhem. “Could you excuse us a moment, guys?” He took Fozzie by the arm and led him a few steps away.

“What is it, Kermit?”

Kermit looked at his first and best friend. “Fozzie, I would like you to be my Best Man.”

Fozzie looked stunned. Him? A Best Man at Kermit’s wedding? He took Kermit’s hand and shook it. “It would be my pleasure.”

He was interrupted by Robin, coming out from somewhere in the crowd. “Uncle Kermit, is it true? Are you getting married?”

Kermit knelt down. “Yes, Robin, I am.”

“Well that’s great!” The young frog gushed. “I knew someday you would.”

Kermit couldn’t help but marvel at the innocence of youth. He also knew another way to make his young nephew happy. “Would you like to be the ring-bearer?”

Robin began to hop up and down excitedly. “Oh yes, Uncle Kermit, I would like that very much!”

While Kermit was busy with Robin, Piggy was talking to Janice and asking her to be the Maid of Honor.

She had agreed, and Piggy had cooed about how wonderful she would look in the dress. Both of them began to discuss color schemes.

After a long while and some more heartfelt congratulations, the newly engaged couple finally got a chance to be alone.

“Kermie, I’m so very happy tonight. You have made my dreams come true.” Piggy told him while hugging him close.

“No, Piggy, it’s you who have made mine come true.” Kermit replied. “I’m just glad now that we can be open with each other.” He stroked one of his hands up her arm. He never really noticed how soft her skin was, and just how radiant she was. “I don’t ever want us to feel like we have to keep secrets from each other.” He rested his head on her arm.

She took her hand and stroked his cheek lightly. “I promise, Kermie.”

Kermit reached up with his free hand and guided her face close to his. They shared a kiss, which was both sweet and full of love.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The news hit the newspapers within a week and then came the tons of calls from both fans and friends, followed by every from of media available.

The new couple was invited to talk shows, news shows, they had interviews with the papers, and more.

It was an incredible high, to both Kermit – who had never really asked for this type of attention- and Piggy – who thrived on it. The media seemed to play up the unrequited love aspect that had been established for so very long, that they made it seem like a storybook romance was now coming to its almost climatic ending. They were asked again and again how they could have managed to stay apart for so long if they were so much in love.

Kermit tried to explain that it had taken time for their love to grow into something that could finally be built upon, but the media only seemed to want to capitalize on what could be exploited.

With each interview the story started to grow out of hand until he could barely discern any truth in the story at all. This made him upset, and when he confronted Piggy about it, there was little she could do.

“They did ask Moi about my past with you, Kermie,” she said as she tried to placate him. “I didn’t tell them anything that was really a lie.”

“You didn’t really tell them much truth either,” he pointed out. “Yes, at one time we did date, but it wasn’t because we had no other choices.”

She came up behind him and rested her hands on his shoulders. “I didn’t say that either. I just said that neither one of use was contemplating anyone in our company.”

He reached up and gave her hand a little squeeze, then let her hug him. “Piggy, you should know by now they will take your words and twist them around. You have to be careful when you talk to the press, or else before you know it, they will have us getting married because you are pregnant!”

Piggy gasped. “They better not! You are a very honorable frog.” She kissed him lightly on the top of his head.

“Then try to watch what you say around them, please? It could really have an impact on the show too.”

She released him and came around to face him. “Speaking of which, what are we going to do when we are on our honeymoon? Who is going to run the theater then?”

Kermit waved the question aside. “I’m working on that now. Rowlf, Fozzie and Scooter will take care of things while we are gone, don’t worry about that.”

“Well at least you didn’t leave Gonzo in charge.”

Kermit grinned. “I would like the theater still standing when we come back.”

Piggy had to stifle a laugh. She could well imagine how the theater would look if Gonzo was in charge, or rather what little that would remain of it.

Kermit hugged her once then walked over to his desk and took out a thick black book. “So shall we set a date?”

“Hmmmmm, I was thinking of a June wedding?” She said as she placed one finger aside her lips. “Mid-month?”

“That will give us about 8 months to plan. Will that be enough time or too much?” He made a small mark in the calendar on the front page of the book.

She started ticking things off on her fingers. “Well, there is the dress, the church, the cake, your tux, the photos, flowers…”

“Piggy!” He interrupted her. “I don’t want a big, fancy wedding. We already did that in Manhattan Melodies.”

“That was then, for a show, this is now, for real.” She put on her best pouty face.

He hated when she did that. The puppy-dog eyes she was adding didn’t help. “Piggy! Can’t we just keep it simple, just our friends, and no media?”

She sighed. “I’ll do my best, just for you, Kermie.”

“Thank you.” He made another mark. “So how does June 16th sound?”

“Delightful.” She answered him. “Will I be allowed to choose the church?”

He pulled out a stack of brochures and handed them to her to look over. “Actually I was thinking of having an outdoor wedding, the weather will be nice then.” The pamphlets covered many varieties of garden weddings.

She thought it over and the more she considered it, the more she liked the idea of being outside, under the sun, marrying her love. “I think that is a splendid idea, Kermie.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He told her, then closed the book. “This will be a wonderful wedding, Piggy. It may not be as flashy as the one we faked in Melodies, however you can at least know this one is real.”

“As long as it’s real, I don’t care if we eloped.” She countered. “I just want you to be mine.”

“I will be, Piggy, I will be.” He told her and kissed her once again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 9

[Beauregard]

WOWZERS! 'smazing! Need More!

[Aaron]

more please

[Beebers]

Thank you.. I really need those right now.. (and a shoulder to cry on) ~Beth C

Dang, there is a LOT of that going around, have you seen MY posts lately??? Hugs to you, and you are brightening all our days with your writing lol.

:sympathy:

And thank zee stars above for Aaron's well-timed hugs etc.

If you go to the Feeling a Little Stressed thread in Fun and Games, and read back a page or two, you will feel better.

[Beth C]

I think I will check out that thread, cause stressed is just what I am.

But what is really helping more than anything is the encouragement I'm getting from my story. The more feedback I get, the less stressed I feel. I think it makes me feel like I'm doing something right in a world where everything is going wrong.

~Beth C

[Daffyfan2003]

That was really good. I especially liked the Manhattan Melodies reference. I'm sorry that you've been feeling stressed lately, Beth. I hope things get better.

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(6 months later)

Kermit sat down with a stack of papers that Piggy had handed him to look over. There were receipts and pamphlets, scraps with notes scribbled on them, some with figures and some with suggestions from the other muppets.

He was supposed to sign some of the ones requiring payment and sort out the rest. He had no idea when he had proposed that there was going to be this much paperwork involved in a wedding. The one in Melodies had required less planning.

A caterer’s bill was folded neatly and yet the travel brochure for the honeymoon was unfolded and marked with big red circles. Did they really need doves at the wedding? Was the bubble machine really a necessity? Swans? Then he ran across the bill for the dress and gulped.

He was going to have to sit down with her and talk to her. She obviously wasn’t understanding his request for a small outdoor wedding. He was still sorting the pile when Robin walked into the room.

“Uncle Kermit?” the small frog asked.

Kermit didn’t look up, but merely acknowledged his nephew with a small grunt.

“Am I interrupting you?” he asked sounding a bit afraid of the answer.

Kermit sighed and glanced towards the doorway. He saw Robin standing there looking like he was supposed to be in trouble. “Yes, but it’s nothing that I can’t do later.” He shifted the stacks of unsorted papers and motioned for Robin to come closer. “What is it?”

“Well, Uncle Kermit, its…” he started to say and then looked away. “Aw, never mind, I shouldn’t be bothering you.”

“Robin, if something is bothering you, you can tell me.” Kermit replied while watching the younger frog fidget. “I am never too busy to help you.”

“Are you sure?” Robin took a step into the room, then hesitated.

Kermit stood up and walked over to where Robin stood. He took his nephew’s hand and led him to the couch, where they both sat. “Absolutely. I want you to feel like you can always come to me if there is a problem.”

Robin looked down at the floor and sighed, “Well, it’s just that Miss Piggy…” he broke off then to look at his Uncle.

“What did she do, Robin?” Kermit asked, fearing the answer.

“Oh, it’s nothing like that,” Robin said carefully. “It’s what she wants me to do.”

Kermit suddenly had a feeling that whatever it was, he wasn’t going to like it. It wasn’t easy to get Robin this flustered. “What did she ask you to do?” Kermit said, keeping his voice calm.

“Well, she wants me to wear this silly looking tuxedo, for starters. It’s nothing like the nice one you picked out, Uncle Kermit. This one has ruffles and frills and it makes me look silly.” Robin admitted. “I really don’t want to wear it, but I will if that will make you both happy. That’s just part of it.”

Kermit stroked the young frog’s back soothingly. “Robin, you won’t have to wear anything uncomfortable, I’ll see to it.” He felt the young body relax a bit at his words. “What else is there?”

Robin tensed up again. “Aside from the silly tux, she wants me to walk down the aisle with her niece, Penelope, who is going to be the flower girl.”

Kermit frowned. “That’s usually the way it is done, Robin. The ring bearer always walks next to the flower girl.”

“No, no,” Robin shook his head. “I know that, it’s just the way she is having Penelope dressed that’s the problem.”

“I don’t want to know the answer to this, do I?” Kermit said, more to himself than to Robin.

“You probably don’t.” Robin agreed. “She’s having Penelope dressed in a gown similar to hers. The flower girl isn’t supposed to be wearing a wedding dress, right, Uncle Kermit?”

Kermit sighed. This whole wedding was going to Piggy’s head. “Right.”

“Well after we get to the end of the aisle, I’m supposed to lift up Penelope’s veil and give her a kiss!” Robin scrunched his face up and looked like it was the last thing on Earth he wanted to do.

Kermit gave his small nephew a reassuring hug. “It’s okay, you are not going to have to kiss her. Thank you for telling me this. I’ll sit down with Piggy and we will get this straightened out.”

Robin looked a bit uncertain. “I think she’s pretty set on having this. I tried to talk to her and she said I was being silly.”

“You are not silly,” Kermit stated. “No one is going to make you kiss anyone until you are ready. Then it’s your choice who you kiss.” He passed one hand over Robin’s small head and down his back. “Understand?”

Robin nodded. “Yes, thank you, Uncle Kermit.” His voice was back to normal now. “I’m glad I came to speak to you.”

With a final hug, Kermit released him. “I’ll get this straightened out. No more worrying. Always remember I’m here to help.”

Robin smiled and hopped gleefully from the room.

Kermit sighed and looked back to the stack of unsorted papers. Yes, he was going to have to sit down with his fiancée before she charged the bill up too high to pay.

He just wasn’t looking forward to the confrontation.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 10

[Beebers]

Ah, zee trouble in paradise, yes? This is excellent. I'm lovin' all this story writing going on, and good timing too, good distraction from my own Life Grief and Aggravation.

:D

[Beth C]

Trouble? What ever gave you that idea? ;)

I've been saving this part for a long time. You just have to know what is coming when he confronts her, don'tcha?

Let's see - 1 overexcited female diva pig with her first wedding - Add in 1 slighly aggrivated frog who just wants to keep everything as simple as possible and what do you get?

KABOOOM!!!!

Yes, the next part is going to be worth the wait.

~Beth C :)

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


He went looking for Piggy shortly thereafter. She wasn’t anywhere to be found. He asked everyone he saw, and no one had seen her lately.

“Well, she did say, like, she was going to try on another dress,” Janice supplied trying to help. “She might be there.”

Fozzie said that the last time he had seen her, she had been carrying some big boxes out to her car. Gonzo had seen her talking to some lady he had never seen before and using words such as ‘elaborate’ and ‘sophisticated’ while smiling sweetly.

He finally found her in her condo later in the evening. He had knocked and to his surprise, she actually had opened the door. He had tried three times previously in the day with little results.

“Kermie!” she had exclaimed and pulled him inside.

He took one look at her normally pristine surroundings and shook his head. There were bags that were loaded with white fabric bows, suitcases half-full, boxes filled with samples of fabrics, samples of flowers, assorted glassware and other trinkets.

One box was overfilled with different types of wedding announcements. There were glitzy ones, shiny ones, ones that looked like they would cost more than the dress and so on.

“Piggy,” he started to say but she interrupted him.

“Don’t mind the mess, Kermie,” she said waving a hand gaily about. “I will get it all cleaned by the wedding.” She picked out one of the papers from a box. “I still have so much to do!”

“Piggy- “ he tried again, but she still wasn’t really paying any attention to him really.

She danced around the room, checking into this bag or that box looking for something. “Now where did Moi put that thing?”

He couldn’t answer, he didn’t even want to guess what silly thing she was looking for. Whatever it was, he was sure they didn’t really need it.

“Will you listen to me?” He said, raising his voice slightly to get her attention.

She had been half inside a box when she stood and looked at him, one hand around a handful of white feathers. “You don’t have to yell, I’m right here.”

“What are you doing with those?” He pointed towards the feathers. “We don’t need feathers at a wedding!”

She looked at him like he had grown horns. “Of course we need the feathers. You can’t have the swans just sitting around on the hard grass.”

“We don’t need swans! Or doves! Or any other flying animal!” His hands flew in the air as he yelled. “We don’t need bubbles either!”

She frowned down at him. “What is it you want then? Folding chairs and secondhand clothes?” She stormed across the room, the feathers flying up into the air as she went. “Maybe I should cancel the order for the cake and have one sent from the grocery store!”

“Piggy!” He tried to interrupt her tirade, but she was again not listening to him.

“To save money and give everyone a break, we can all go on the honeymoon as well, how about that? We can ride in the bus again and share a room! We can even have Gonzo do our wedding photos!” Her sarcasm grew as she began tossing boxes around. “Now where is that list so I can cancel everything?”

Kermit waved some of the feathers away from his face. “Piggy, you don’t have to do that. We just need to sit and talk about what really is necessary.”

She marched up to him. “You have no idea what is involved in planning a wedding, Kermie. To you, nothing is necessary. To me, it is.”

“You are overdoing it, and I just want to figure out what is needed. There is no need to get carried away.”

“I’m not getting carried away,” she said with a whine in her voice. “This is the only time I’m going to get married and I want it done right.”

“Did you know that you upset Robin today? He was afraid to come talk to me because you had him kissing your niece!” Kermit moved away from her, just in case she decided to start swinging at him. “He was downright disgusted with the idea!”

She blinked. Disgusted? Did Kermit just say that to her? “I thought it would have been cute!” she fumed at him. “Fine, he doesn’t have to kiss her, happy now?”

Happy was the one thing Kermit was far from. “Not until we sit down and talk.”

“And ruin all my plans?” she asked him with tears in her eyes.

He was beginning to think this wasn’t a very good idea right now. “Look, I can see you are upset, Piggy. I’ll go for now and come back when you are calmer.”

“Upset?!? You barge in here, hollering at me about my wedding and you tell me that I’m upset?” She stomped her foot down as emphasis. “I have a right to a good wedding and you are trying to ruin it!”

“It’s not like that!” He protested. She always managed to twist his words around somehow. “I just want to downsize it a bit. Is that too much to ask? After all it is MY wedding too!”

“You planned this all along!” she howled at him. “You said we could have a nice wedding and now look at you! You’re changing it all!”

“Will you shut up for a moment and let me talk!” Kermit yelled right back at her, then realized his mistake too late.

Her mouth dropped open. “Fine, you want me to ‘shut up?’ I’ll shut up! Go talk to someone else then!” She stormed across the room to her bedroom and flung open the door. “You are not ruining MY wedding!”

He had enough. She wasn’t even trying to listen to him. “Fine! Have it your way then! Just don’t expect me to be there!”

She picked up the nearest box, which just happened to be the one full of feathers and heaved it at him. “I hate you, Kermit! Go away!”

The box bounced off the table nearest him and hundreds of feathers flew into the air. He could barely see her through the cloud of white. She turned and slammed the door behind her.

Now that had just gone so well, he thought as he dusted feathers off himself. He walked towards the bedroom to calm her down, when the door flew open.

“Take your dime store ring with you!” She yelled as she threw it at him.

The stone smacked him in the face between his eyes. Then the door slammed again and he was alone.

He bent over to pick up the ring from where it lay on the feathers. Just where had his previous happiness gone? The stone glinted dully in his hand. Why was it so hard to deal with her all the time? Why did she have to hurt him like this?

He looked at the door again but it stayed closed. There were no answers for him. None at all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 11

[Beth C]

Well, I hope some of you are still around reading this.

Just to make it fun, I've gone ahead and put this story up on my website. If you want to be able to get the full reading experience, with photo and music :) then click below

www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/romance.html

Stop by, check it out. I still have a few puncuation errors to fix, but overall, it's a much easier reading experience and you don't have posts in between the story. ;)

Tell me what you guys think!

~Beth C

[Beauregard]

“You are not ruining MY wedding!”

“Fine! Have it your way then! Just don’t expect me to be there!”

Oooh, nice dialouge. Now we rully have to see what comes next.

Great story, very gripping.

[Firecat87]

excellent story. I can't wait to read more!
Feel better soon :D

[Beth C]

excellent story. I can't wait to read more!
Feel better soon :D


You will get your wish tonight.. i've got the next chapter in the works and the one after that!

I just love a good story...with a cliffhanger..

To love or not to love.. that is the real question.

~Beth C

I am feeling better today, well better than I was on Friday. Life still stinks, but I'm working on it.

[Fozzie Bear]

Beth! You just GOTTA post the rest of the story here!! I can't open that site of your's from work (at least not today). What happens next!?

More, please!

(Feel better pronto, pup!)

[Beth C]

Never fear, I will continue to post each chapter here as well as on my site. :)

This way everyone can still read it, no matter which you prefer!

~Beth C

[Beauregard]

Splended, splendid.

*dying for the next part*

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He had left the condo in silence, his hand curled around the ring. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. Why did they always have to fight instead of just talking? It seemed to always culminate in either her slamming a door in his face or him raising his voice to her, saying things he didn’t really mean.

This time it seemed to cost him his future.

The cold metal of the band in his hand reminded him of that fact. There would be no future for them together now.

He had to pass the theater in order to get to his small apartment, and he wasn’t looking forward to facing any of his friends at the moment. He kept his head down as he walked on by, letting his feet just carry him.

It just happened to be his bad luck that most of the muppets were outside carrying on as the theater closed for the night.

“Hey, Kermit,” Gonzo was the first one to notice him passing. “Didya find Piggy?”

Kermit didn’t reply, but just kept on walking.

“Uh-oh.” Rowlf said slowly as the meaning dawned on him. “Trouble in paradise again.”

“Wait,” said Fozzie. “It can’t be all that bad, Kermit.”

Kermit stopped for a moment and looked back at all his friends. “Thanks, guys, but I’m really not in the mood to discuss it.”

“We’ll be here when you are.” Rowlf assured him.

Kermit just bowed his head and left.

“That is one sad frog,” Floyd observed and looked over to Janice. “One really sad frog.”

“Rully. Like, I’ll go over to Piggy’s in a bit and see if I can get her to tell me what’s going on.” She said while tossing her blond hair out of her face.

Robin was sitting on the stairs, halfway to the bottom one and sighed. “Poor Uncle Kermit. All he wants is to be happy.”

They all nodded and watched as Kermit disappeared from view.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(Three weeks later)

Kermit stood on the cluster of rocks that served to break the waves at high tide on the beach. He gazed out at the open sea as the sun finished setting in front of him. He had come to sit out on the rocks and clear his mind hours ago, and he was still here.

Everything was falling apart. The ratings on the show had dropped, due to his lack of interest in it. The other muppets were trying hard, but it just wasn’t good enough to keep the show up. He hadn’t seen Piggy since that night, and he felt even more depressed as time went on.

It was Rowlf who had suggested that he come out here. It was the dog’s favorite spot for sitting and composing tunes, so he thought it might help Kermit to come by.

It was still a bit nippy, especially at night, but Kermit went anyway, taking along one of his overcoats with him. As the evening turned dusky, he realized that it had been a wise choice, and had tossed it on.

The waves did have a somewhat calming effect, he tried to let his troubles roll off him and out to sea, but they wouldn’t go completely away. He knew why, too.

In one pocket of the coat his hand wrapped around the ring.

In order for him to move on, he was going to have to sever all his emotional ties to his past. Which meant letting Piggy go, in his mind and in his heart.

He took out the ring and looked at it again. What had once represented his joy, now filled him with sorrow. “I should never have done it,” he said to the darkening sky. “I should never have opened myself that way.”

A single tear welled up in his eye and broke free, slowly sliding down his green cheek and stopping at his chin for a moment before breaking free to drop onto the rock below.

It was followed shortly by another, and then another as he wept for his lost love. He had never cried like this before, but once he started, he found it very hard to stop. He found out too late that he wanted and needed someone to comfort him. Oh how he longed for a shoulder to cry on at this moment.

All he had was the waves, and they weren’t much comfort. They splashed up and crashed against the high rocks, making him feel even sadder. All alone and miserable, he felt like a total failure.

After a while, in which the sun finally disappeared from view to be replaced by the moon and a few stars, Kermit’s tears eventually stopped and he was able to take a cleansing breath.

“Goodbye, Miss Piggy,” he said solemnly as he prepared to toss the ring into the ocean.

He was just about to release it, when he heard a sound from the beach below. There was someone else here, and he had wanted this to be a private moment for him.

He was certain that the person hadn’t been there when he had arrived, for he had examined the beach.

Curious who would brave this nippy weather in the evening he climbed down from the rocks and tucked the ring safely away into one of the pockets on the inside of the coat.

Once he reached the beach, he realized that the other person was crying as well. Low and miserable sobs reached his ears. He was torn from going any further, or just leaving the person to their own privacy, but then he remembered how much he had needed a shoulder to cry on himself.

The least he could do was offer his shoulder. As he got closer he recognized who it was.

Piggy.

She was sitting in the sand, her head upon her bent knees and she was shaking. Both from the sobs and apparently from the biting wind which had nothing to break it this close to the shoreline. At least the rocks had offered that bit of protection.

He couldn’t just leave her there, not this late, and not like this, no matter how he felt personally. He removed his coat, glad that he had grabbed his oversized one and walked up quietly behind her.

With a grace he really didn’t feel, he slipped the still-warm fabric over her shoulders and said simply, “You looked cold.”

Startled she looked up at him and he could see the tear-tracks on her cheeks. “I’m fine.” She said and tried to remove the coat.

“No, you’re not. You’re shaking like a leaf.” He pointed out.

“I’m fine,” she insisted and then had to turn away from him to sneeze as the wind blew right at her, therefore proving Kermit right. “Heh-heTshh!”

“Bless you,” he said quietly and kneeled next to her.

“Thanks,” she said and gave up the fight over the coat. “Won’t you be cold?”

“Nah, I’m okay.” He reached over and into one of the pockets of the coat and withdrew a handkerchief. He shook it out and offered it to her. “You look like you could use this as well.”

“Oh, Kermie,” she said and started to cry again. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

He felt his heart tear into a million pieces as he watched her. “Well,” he said as he used one hand to wipe the tears still coming out of her eyes. “It could be because I hate to see pretty women sitting on the beach at night, sobbing their hearts out.”

She continued to cry, and he had to fight himself not to give in to the temptation and comfort her fully. He held out the handkerchief again and this time she took it and blew her nose gently.

“Or it could be because I still care,” he admitted to her. She looked up at him now, her nose red from the crying and the cold wind. “I was doing just this same thing, Piggy. I know how miserable you are feeling and I want to help.”

“That- that is so thoughtful of you,” she said and had to take a deep breath so she wouldn’t start crying again.

“That’s me, I guess. Mr. Nice Guy.” He shrugged his slim shoulders.

The waves continued to crash onshore, lapping at the beach and coming pretty close to where they were sitting. Kermit watched one break and then turned back to where Piggy was idly wringing the handkerchief in her hands.

“I didn’t mean it.” She said suddenly.

“Mean what?” he asked.

“I don’t hate you. I could never hate you. I still love you too much to hate you.” She said then let loose a new flood of tears and buried her face into the handkerchief.

Kermit shivered slightly, as a breeze blew over him. He covered the motion by shifting his weight until he was sitting and no longer kneeling. “I know you do, Piggy.”

That stopped her again. “Y-You do?”

He nodded. “Well, I wasn’t sure, but now I am,” he said and reached over to her. “Why else would you be out here, risking pneumonia just to sob at the beach?”

“Oh, Kermie!” she wailed. “I don’t want to lose you. Please tell me it’s not too late to save our relationship.”

He looked at her and had to keep from shivering again. The last thing he wanted was for her to start to worry about him. “I think that we’ve tried too many times already,” his voice dropped really low. “I don’t want to keep going through this with you every time we disagree. I’m so tired of fighting, Piggy.”

She sighed, knowing inside that he was right. Every time they had a disagreement, it turned into a major fight. “Give me one more chance, Kermie,” she pleaded.

He bowed his head low, hating himself for saying the next words. “I can’t, Piggy.”

“Do you not love me?” He heard her voice start to break again and knew more tears were coming.

“Piggy, I never stopped loving you, but this has to end. You hurt me badly this time.” He still remembered how torn he felt when she had taken his ring and thrown it at him like it was from a bubblegum machine and not a token of his love for her. It was as if she had torn his heart right from his chest and stomped on it.

She nodded and had to swallow the lump that was rising in her throat. “Then I guess this is it, right? I can’t see you anymore after tonight.”

He nodded, then shivered and this time she caught the movement. “Why, Kermie, you’re cold!”

He had to admit this time, she was right. He was cold, freezing in fact. “I think we should move this talk to a warmer location.” His body betrayed him and shivered again.

She stood up and helped him to his feet, but his legs were partially numb from the cold and sitting for so long. She caught him as he fell.

It took two tries for his legs to grow steady and she insisted that he let her support him. This time it was his turn to twist his face from her and sneeze. “EhhKessh! Ehh-aeshhh!”

“Oh Bless you, Kermie!” she said as she led him away from the cold water and colder air.

He nodded his thanks and let her practically carry him back to her condo, which was much closer than his apartment. Truth was, he was not feeling very well anymore. His weeks of depression had weakened his immune system and his own personal release of pent up emotions earlier had drained him. Combined with the cold, he was now sure he was coming down with something, and that very fact was confirmed when Piggy let go of him to turn on the lights in her room and he hit the carpeted floor, unable to bear his own weight.

She had gasped at the sight, and quickly picked him up and placed him on her sofa. He had one conscious thought before blacking out completely. He was glad she had finally cleaned up the feathers before laying him down. Then he passed out completely, leaving her there very worried.

~To be continued in part 12

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[Beauregard]

I love it. The whole ring throwing thing, and the sand,the breaking waves. Wow. t's good.

[Beth C]

Ok, people, I had to add a new page to the first one on my site as the story is too long to fit it all.

For the new part, the link is:

www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/romance2.html

I can't believe that it didn't fit! This is the longest story I've ever written I think and it's not even done yet!

Watch for another update tonight!

~Beth C

[Aaron]

more please

[Beebers]

To love or not to love.. that is the real question.

I've decided against it . . .

:( :( :(

A decision having nothing to do with this story, I should add lol.

[Fozzie Bear]

I've decided against it . . .
A decision having nothing to do with this story, I should add lol.

I've decided not to have kids, not because of this story either! :crazy:

[Fozzie Bear]

BETH! MORE MORE MOOORRREEEE!!

pweeze?!

[Beauregard]

*decides to hop up and down with excitment*

And please note this decision has nothing to do with needing the toliet

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Piggy sat beside Kermit, worriedly touching his face with the back of her hand. He was hot, and getting hotter by the second. “Oh Kermie,” she said as she tried to wake him.

This was not a good thing. She played a vet in the skits but in reality, she had no real experience. Afraid of what was to come, she got up and made her way to the phone. She knew someone to call, at least.

She picked up the phone and dialed the number to Rowlf’s apartment. It rang twice before she heard him pick up with a quiet, “Hello?”

“Oh, Rowlf, you’ve got to help me!” She was watching Kermit from across the room. If he so much as moved, she was going to drop the phone and run over.

“Miss Piggy?” Rowlf questioned. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Kermit,” she said and had to bite back her earlier tears. “He’s over here and he passed out on the floor.”

Rowlf could hear the edge of hysteria in her voice, and knew how melodramatic she could be. “Calm down, I’ll be right over.”

“Thank you, Rowlf,” she said and hung up.

Rowlf stared at the phone as the dial tone rang in his ear. Whatever was going on, if it had Piggy that worked up, it couldn’t be good. He made a quick call to Fozzie and informed the bear where he was going and to be on standby in case it was something serious, then set out for Piggy’s place.

Piggy went and got a washcloth from the bathroom and wet it with cool water. She returned to Kermit’s side, and found him breathing deeply but still with no sign of waking up. He was also shivering, probably from the fever, so she also went and got the quilt off her bed. She tucked it around him and then proceeded to wipe him down with the cool cloth.

She could feel the heat radiating through the thin folds of the fabric. Had he been sick all along and just refusing to show it? “Please wake up, Kermie,” she said quietly.

There was no response.

It seemed like forever before Rowlf showed up. When there came a knock on her door, she had jumped, and ran to answer it. When she saw him standing there, she dragged him inside, forgoing the greetings.

“Oh, Rowlf, I’m so worried. He won’t wake up!”

Rowlf knelt next to the couch and touched Kermit’s skin with one hand. She was right to be worried, for his froggy friend was indeed hot. “How long has he been this way?”

“Not long,” she answered and her breath began to hitch as the tears began. “We were out on the beach talking and then he said he was cold so we came back here. He passed out as soon as we got inside!”

Rowlf frowned at her. “Well, get control of yourself, then. You can’t help him if you’re a weeping mess.”

The tone of his voice shocked her, and she quickly quieted down.

“That’s better,” he said. “Now I want you to call Fozzie and tell him that we do have a problem and to get over here right away.” He took the cloth that Piggy had been using and wiped down Kermit’s head and neck. The first thing he had to do was to lower his friend’s temperature. “Once you’ve done that, I need you to call any 24 hour vet you can find. He needs to be looked at by someone who knows more than I do.”

Piggy ran for the phone and followed his instructions. She came back to see Kermit moving about slowly and mumbling something unintelligible. It was all she could do not to break out into sobs. “Kermie?”

“He’s regaining consciousness,” Rowlf said but didn’t stop sponging his friend off. “What did the vet say?”

“The vet is on the way, as is Fozzie,” she relayed then knelt next to the couch to take one of Kermit’s hands in hers. “Can you hear me, Kermie?”

He shifted around, mumbling again but did not open his eyes.

Long moments passed in which there was nothing anyone could do but sit and wait. Rowlf kept up his cooling down, and instructed Piggy to get a basin of cool water, which she did promptly. He had started to include Kermit’s chest and arms now.

By the time the vet and Fozzie showed up, Kermit was indeed much cooler but had yet to regain full consciousness. Piggy had let them in, and Rowlf had relinquished his spot to someone with more experience.

He explained the whole situation to Fozzie, who was wringing his hat through his hands in worry.

Piggy stood by the couch and waited as the vet examined Kermit. She wanted to push the man away, and just hold Kermit herself, but knew she had no experience in dealing with sick frogs.

The vet took Kermit’s temperature, pulse, and asked a few general questions of Piggy and her friends, before finally putting his things back into his black bag that doctors always seemed to carry.

“Miss Piggy?” he asked to get her attention which was focused on Fozzie and Rowlf talking across the room.

She snapped back to reality looking at the vet. “How is he? Will he be okay?”

The vet smiled, taking away some of her tension. “He’s going to be just fine, he’s just caught himself a very bad cold. He’s going to need a few days of bed rest, and he will probably feel miserable the whole time. Give him lots of fluids and these pills,” he reached into this bag to pull out a small container and handed it to her, “if his temperature climbs again. Other than that, just try to keep him as comfortable as possible.”

She nodded. “Thank you, Doctor.”

“You’re welcome,” he said and headed towards the door. “I’ll send my bill to the studio. Now you guys take care of him.” Then he left.

Now Piggy sat on the couch and lifted Kermit’s head into her lap. “Kermie, I’ll take good care of you,” she said as she stroked his cheek.

Rowlf and Fozzie approached the couch. “Don’t worry about the theater or the show.” He told her and Fozzie nodded. “We will handle that. Will you be alright now?”

She nodded, “I think so.”

“Call us if you need us,” Fozzie said. “We will be checking on him for the next few days.”

“Should we take him back to his home?” Piggy asked worriedly.

Rowlf shook his head. “Nah, I think it’s better than he stay here. His place is kinda nippy compared to this.”

She nodded in agreement. “I’ll call you then if I need anything. Thanks, guys for coming by.”

They smiled at her then left.

Piggy looked down into Kermit’s still-closed eyes. “I’ll take good care of you, Kermie.”

She only hoped that statement was true.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 13

[Firecat87]

Excellent story- it keeps getting better and better. I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

[Beebers]

*sigh* It's not easy being green.

:cool:

[Aaron]

more please

[Beauregard]

Oh, ohhh. Need more. At least you don't have teh plot inconcistance's of mine. I went and stuck one cahracter in two places at once. Am I stupid, or what?

[Beth C]

Nah, you're not. I just re-read over each part before I post it and try like heck not to mess up! I'm loving your story, Beau. Did ya get my email about posting it on my site?

I could do a pretty picture.. ;)

~Beth C

To everyone else.. look for an update soon! Really soon.. We gotta get Kermit well, right?

[Beauregard]

I don't got your e-mail yet, but I have to go to bed now, so I'll check in zee morning.

C Ya

(and I'll have to find some other time we're both on to send you 'Halfway Down...')

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kermit awoke slowly, his head feeling like someone was pounding upon it with a mallet. He reached up to brush away the offending object, but found instead a pair of hands touching him gently.

He opened his eyes to see a blurry figure hovering over him. He attempted to focus his vision, but that only served to increase the pounding sensation. He groaned and rolled over. The groaning now advised him that his throat was dry, scratchy and sore.

He wished the blackness would take him away again, but that was not to be the case. He could feel something soft and warm covering him, and he snuggled into it, grateful for at least this one piece of comfort.

Piggy watched as Kermit struggled, then carefully reached out and caressed his cheek. “Kermie?”

She heard another groan and a mumble. “Kermie?” she asked again, not sure if he was fully awake or just dozing.

Kermit licked his lips and attempted to speak, hoping this would work better than his attempt to see. “Piggy?” he croaked miserably.

“Yes, Kermie, I’m right here.” She said as she straightened the quilt covering him. “Can I get you anything?”

“Water,” he said hoarsely, dying for anything cool to quench the burning fire in his throat.

He heard her get up and leave the room, only to return a few minutes later.

“Come now, I’ll help you sit.” He felt arms go around his chest and lift him gently into a sitting position.

He chanced to open his eyes again and the room swam before him. He reached out one hand to steady himself and soon the world solidified into something he could at least recognize. He felt the water glass being pressed into his hand and the took a few grateful sips, relishing the coolness as he swallowed.

“Ugh.” He groaned as he attempted to push the glass back into her hand.

She took it from him and placed it on the coffee table. Reaching over she picked up the quilt and draped it across his back. He had started shivering slightly as the cool water had hit his system.

“Piggy?” he moaned slightly then started to lean over, unable to keep himself upright as the room started to swim. She quickly sat next to him and let him lean against her, using one arm to hold and comfort him.

“I’m right here, Kermie.” She adjusted the quilt again until he was swaddled against her, nestled in a cocoon of warmth.

The effort to stay conscious was too much for him and he felt his eyes sliding shut against his will. He was tired, so exhaustingly tired. She felt good to him, nice and warm and soft. He allowed himself to relax against her, “That’s nice.” He said sleepily.

“Shh.” She soothed and rubbed his back until he was snoring against her. She was content for the moment to just allow him to rest. There was nothing in the world she wanted more right then. Just having Kermit near her was plenty. “Feel better soon, my love,” she said sweetly and kissed the top of his head.

Kermit just snuggled closer and continued to dream.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He awoke again hours later to find himself laying flat on the couch, the pounding in his head replaced with what appeared to be cement. He found his nose blocked and breathing difficult.

He coughed and winced as the fire in his throat flared up. He moaned miserably. “Piddy?” He tried to call out for the one he knew had to be in the room, but his voice came out as a whisper. His attempt to clear his throat didn’t do much but aggravate the soreness.

He heard a toilet flush and then a door open. “Piddy?” he tried again, reaching one hand out into the cool air.

“Oh! Kermie!” he heard her respond and walk over to him. “You’re awake.”

He nodded slightly, finding movement a bit easier than speech. “Wader.” He said and pointed to the general direction of the coffee table.

She helped him sit and noticed that his temperature was up again as his heated skin touched hers. When his eyes opened, she smiled at him. “I’m right here, Kermie.”

He nodded again. “I see.” She placed the glass of water into his hand and he took a few swallows, feeling a bit like he was burning from the inside out.

“Kermie?” she said as she uncapped a bottle of pills. “I need you to swallow two of these. Do you think you can? They will bring your temperature down.” She shook out two small white pills and capped the bottle again.

He looked at them miserably. “I’ll dry,” he said and then attempted to sniff through blocked sinuses.

She placed the pills in his hand and watched as he popped them into his mouth and followed them with a gulp of the water.

It was like swallowing boulders, for the feel of them on his inflamed throat was not a pleasant one. It took two tries for him to get them to go down and he groaned at the effort.

“My poor Kermie,” she said as she held him close.

He finished up the water and handed her back the empty glass. “Dank you.”

She took the glass from him and replaced it with a handful of tissues. “Here, honey. Try to blow to clear the congestion.”

He frowned down at the tissues. Blow? He could barely take air into his body, let alone blow it out.

She clucked her tongue as she watched him, then took them from him and pressed the soft squares against his face herself. “Come on, love. Blow gently.”

He tried, with little results. He was blocked completely.

“Try again,” she encouraged.

He took in a deeper breath of air through his mouth and put forth a bit more effort, and this time managed to clear some of the fluid blocking his small nasal passages.

“Wonderful.” She said sweetly at his effort and wiped the small nose flaps that were on the outside of his face. “You did great, honey.”

He nodded, and was thankful for the help. He could breathe a bit better, but he still felt like his head was being used as a concrete block. “Dank you.”

“Is there anything I can get you?” She asked him, watching as he swayed miserably. Sitting up was definitely something he should not be attempting for long periods, she decided. “Would you like to lie down again?”

Instead of answering, she felt him lean towards her and practically fall into her lap. “Jusd led me sleedp.” He said drowsily and closed his eyes, but not before patting her leg softly.

She smiled. He could sleep all day and night on her lap. Whatever it took, she was going to take the best care of him that she could. She rubbed his back through the quilt and had to smile again. Nothing felt more right to her than this. Now she could feel just how good they were together.

Why did they always have to fight?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~To be continued in Part 14

[Beauregard]

Wowzers!

[Fozzie Bear]

I like the point you made when Rowlf decided that Kermit's apt was a bit nippy (he is a cold-blooded frog, so that would be so); and I laughed when I read Kermit say, "Piddy?" Reminds me of "this widdew piddy went to da mawket; this widdew piddy stayed home..."

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Piggy, you shouldn’t be up there!” Kermit yelled as he watched Piggy climb to the top of Gonzo’s high-wire. “Use your common sense and come back down!”

She either didn’t hear him or was ignoring him as she continued to climb until she reached the very top. Once up there, she took his unicycle and sat upon it.

“No, Piggy, don’t do it!” Kermit yelled again, looking frantically around the stage. Where was everyone? Why was there no safety net? He saw Beauregard mopping the floor on the other side of the theater.

“Beau!” he hollered, but the janitor just waved one hand at him.

“Hello, Mr. Kermit.” Then he took out a rag and began to wipe down some props, not even noticing the drama unfolding just above him.

“Beau, come over here!”

Beau scratched his head, puzzled. Cover the air? What did that mean? “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you want.”

Kermit stamped his foot impatiently. “Over here!” he pointed towards the spot he was standing on.

Beau still stood, his frown deepening. Did he miss a spot mopping?

Kermit glanced up, giving up on getting Beauregard to help. He was on his own now.

Piggy was now fully balanced on the cycle and was preparing to push off for the long ride across the stage and some 200 feet up.

“Stop!” Kermit yelled towards the ceiling, trying to make his voice carry over the distance. Somehow instead of echoing, it grew quieter instead. There had to be something he could do.

He ran across the theater, his eyes never leaving the sight of Piggy. She wobbled with the first few pedals then seemed to balance perfectly as she rode along the thin wire.

Kermit’s breath caught, and he thought for a moment, everything would work out. But then the unthinkable happened and he was powerless to prevent it. The unicycle tipped and Piggy tried to counterbalance it, but overbalanced instead. He heard her scream in terror as she fell off and headed down towards the solid hard oak floor below.

The drop seemed to take ages, and he could see her blaming him in her eyes as she fell. ‘This is your fault, Kermit,’ they seemed to say. ‘Your fault there is no net.’

He leapt forward planning to use his own body to break her fall, but found himself rooted to the floor. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t turn from the sight of her picking up speed and impacting with the solid surface below.

“Nooooooo!” he screamed. “PIIIIIGGGGYYYYYYYY” and reached out for her…

And found himself sitting bolt upright on a couch, the quilt that had been covering him tangled around his legs and drenched with sweat. His heart was pounding a mile a minute and his breath came in hitched gasps still full of terror.

It had only been a dream, right? The room he was in was darkened, with the exception of one light in the hallway. He tried to take in a breath of fresh air but found he was fully congested again and his head was spinning. “Piddy?” He called out for her, hoping she was nearby.

The room was silent. He heard the whir of the fans powering the ventilation system but no other sounds. His heart was still pounding and he tried to calm himself down. She was safe, she wasn’t on any high wire, he told himself.

His breath began to hitch and he pulled the damp quilt up in time to sneeze into it. “Heh-Etshhh! HahTshhh!”

Where was Piggy? She wouldn’t have left him alone like this, right? He wiped his nose on the edge of the quilt. He was going to have to check the rest of the condo. Maybe she was in bed. He knew he would not be able to sleep again until he knew she was okay and that it had been a dream.

Cautiously, he moved the damp fabric from around his feet and placed them on the carpeted floor. The room was spinning and his stomach felt like it was on a roller coaster as he stood up.

He used one hand to guide his way, holding on to whatever furniture he could find. The darkness, combined with the unfamiliarity of the place caused him to first bump his shin and then stub his toes.

He had made it halfway towards the light in the hallway when his sense of balance was thrown off by another ill-timed sneeze. “Heh ehTshh! HehKeshhh!” The floor seemed suddenly closer as he fell forward.

Piggy finished brushing her hair and picked up her robe from it’s place on the bed. As she put it on, she considered what she was going to do for the rest of the evening. The last time she had checked on Kermit, he had been sleeping peacefully. She had gotten up and taken a shower, then dressed for bed, stopping once to brush her hair.

She wasn’t sure how well she was going to be able to sleep tonight. What if Kermit needed her? Would she be able to hear him from the bedroom? She wasn’t sure. Just to be safe, she would leave her door open.

She got up and walked across the room and opened the door. She would check on him once more before turning in. As she walked down the hallway she heard something, like moan then a soft sneeze.

“Kermit?” she said as she crossed the distance of the hallway to the living room and snapped on the nearest lamp.

She almost tripped over him, as he was laying in the middle of the floor, his head buried into one arm as he sneezed again. “Heh-Eshh!”

“Piddy?” he croaked out towards her, reaching his other hand up. She instantly knelt and scooped his feverish body into her arms. He tried to push her away but she refused to let go and he was forced to press his face into her robe as he sneezed again. “AhEssshh! HehKesshh!”

“Bless you,” she cooed quietly and carried him back to the couch. “What are you doing out of bed?”

“Didemare,” he tried to explain. “Nedded you.”

Piggy reached for the box of tissues on the coffee table and pulled a few out of the top of the box. “It’s okay now, I’m right here.” She held the tissues up to Kermit’s nose. “Blow, love.”

He blew and felt the pressure in his head lessen some. She wiped his nose and then the tears that had leaked from his eyes. “Whede did you do?”

“I took a shower,” she shrugged. “I didn’t know you were going to wake up, or I never would have left you.” She went to grab the quilt and grimaced at the dampness of the fabric. “Oh now this isn’t good.”

“No?” Kermit said hoarsely, then sneezed again, barely managing to turn his head aside in time. “Do blandet?”

Piggy shook her head. “There is only one more thin one on my bed, I’m afraid.”

Kermit hung his head. “I’m soddy.”

Piggy lifted his chin. “You have no reason to be sorry, Kermie. You didn’t ask to be sick.”

“I dow.”

Piggy considered something for a moment then without another word, scooped Kermit up in her arms.

“Piddy?” he asked her as his head spun again. Just what was she doing? His stomach flip-flopped once and for a second, he thought he was going to get sick. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and rested his head against her chest while clutching her robe in both hands.

She carried him into her bedroom and placed him gently on the bed. “No arguments, Kermie.” She said and covered him with the last blanket. “This way I won’t have to keep checking on you, for you will be right here with me.”

He was too tired and sick to argue anyway. He just waved one hand in the air before sneezing harshly. “Hek-EtKESSHH! AKEHShhh!”

“Bless you,” she remarked. “I’d better go get the tissues.” She kissed the top of his head once, then left the room, only to return minutes later with his pills, the box of tissues and a glass of water.

After administering the pills and wiping his nose she settled on the bed next to him.

He felt comfortable in the big bed, much more so than the sofa and he relaxed into the pillows. “Piddy?” he called out to her. “I dond wand you do ged sick.”

“Shh.” She said and stroked his arm with one hand. “I won’t get sick. But I do want you to let me take care of you, okay?”

Not that he could come up with any better solution, he shrugged. If she did get sick he would have to reciprocate. “Oday.”

With the lessening of the terror from his previous nightmare and the comforting presence of Piggy nearby, he felt like he could finally fall back asleep. Knowing better but caring less for the moment, he reached out both arms to her and gave her a good night hug. “Dank you.”

She whispered softly to him, “You’re welcome, Kermie.”

That was the last he heard before falling asleep in her arms.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 15

[Beauregard]

Oh wow, again!

[Fozzie Bear]

WOOOO! This WILL stay family rated, right??

[Beth C]

Oh of course it will. This is a family board after all. I'm not going to put anything in this story that I can't read aloud to my kids.

Now I might have a bit of fun once we get Kermit well again, (my kids already knows more about what is coming up in the next few chapters) and there is definately something interesting coming up - but nothing that will be considered not for families. ;)

*hums a line from the Muppet Babies*
hum hum... gonna climb the matterhorn, but only after all our children are born.. cause I wanna be a good mommy too...and i'm gonna always love you.. hum hum

*whistles innocently*

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

Oh No!! Lol!!

[Whatever]

*hums a line from the Muppet Babies*
hum hum... gonna climb the matterhorn, but only after all our children are born.. cause I wanna be a good mommy too...and i'm gonna always love you.. hum hum

*whistles innocently*

~Beth C
That's from the Muppets Take Manhattan

[Beth C]

That's from the Muppets Take Manhattan

Ah, that's right. I stand corrected.

*hums the song again*

I better get back to writing so we can all see what is going to happen next.

:halo:

~Beth C

[Beauregard]

*fidgets around waiting*

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning Piggy awoke to find Kermit buried beneath the covers, his head off the pillow and laying flat on the sheets. He had one arm tucked under his head slightly and the other one was lying across Piggy’s middle.

She sighed lightly. Now this was a nice way to wake up. She could do this every day for the rest of her life. Part of her wanted to reach around and pull him closer, but she knew that might wake him and he really needed his rest.

She reached over and tested his skin with one hand. He was cool. She was glad of that, for now she wouldn’t have to wake him to take his pills. As she listened to his breathing, she could hear his congestion with each intake of air.

Well, that wasn’t going to change overnight.

She knew today she was going to have to get Kermit to eat a little something, even if it was broth, for he hadn’t really eaten much yesterday. He had to keep his fluids up too, or he would become dehydrated.

She felt him shift beside her and watched as he tried to get comfortable. He rolled one way and then the other, releasing his hold over her before rolling back to his first position and coughing slightly.

She gently lifted his head a bit and slid the pillow underneath. He seemed to find that comfortable enough for he pressed his head back and sighed. He also had reached out for her and pulled himself closer to her warmth.

Yes indeed, this was nice. Piggy didn’t move at all, preferring to just watch him sleep. She lay there, memorizing every curve of his face, the way he would smile slightly as he dreamed, the way his body was so relaxed beneath the covers.

If there was a Heaven on Earth, Piggy was sure this was part of it. Nothing felt more right to her than being in the arms of the one she loved. She closed her eyes and rested next to him, never wanting this morning to end, but knowing that soon enough it would. About 45 minutes later, he stirred again, this time chancing to open his eyes.

He saw Piggy sleeping next to him and was embarrassed about the way he was holding her. Sure it felt good and he was pretty darn sure she didn’t mind, but still, they hadn’t made up fully after their last fight and he shouldn’t be clutching her like this.

He went to lift his arms up and heard her stir. “Please don’t.” she said quietly and opened her eyes.

He coughed lightly and swallowed before answering her. “Piddy, dis is nod ridt.”

“It feels right, Kermit, can’t you tell?” she replied and stroked one of his arms with a finger. The sensation made goosebumps appear on his arms and he shivered but not from cold.

He sniffed some and tried to explain why it wasn’t right, although she did have a point. “Id may have beed ridt at one dime, Piddy,” he said, hoping she could understand his congested speech. “Bud now, we arndt togeder, we shoudn’t be cuddling like dis.”

To his surprise, she nodded and let him go. “I know,” she sighed. “Just for a moment, I wanted to experience what it would be like. I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.” She moved away from him and lifted the covers as she got out of the bed. “I’m going to get dressed, I want you to relax and stay warm. I’ll get something for you to drink.”

He was both relieved to see her not fighting him, but sorry that she did give up so easily. He watched her select some clothes from her closet and leave the room.

He wasn’t sure if it was his illness that was making him feel so needy but he really wished she had put a bit more effort into the discussion. His side of the bed now felt cold and lonely and he scooted over to the warm spot she had just left. He closed his eyes and could almost feel her again, her warm arms providing the comfort he needed so badly.

“Sdop fooding yourdelf, Kermid.” He said to the empty room. “Id is bedder if she knows dow how you feel.” The problem was, he wasn’t sure how he felt right now. He was sick, and he really wanted to feel better so he could sort out the rest of his feelings.

She came back into the room a bit later, carrying a tray that had some food and drinks on it. He smiled when he saw her, and felt his stomach rumble at the sight of the food.

She placed the tray across his lap, letting him choose from the items upon it what he wanted. She had brought some fresh fruit, juice, toast, and some pastries that he normally enjoyed.

She was happy to see him dive into the meal, knowing that as long as his appetite was good, he was in no danger of getting any sicker. He sipped at the juice then finished another slice of toast. “Aredn’t you goidg do ead?”

“Don’t worry about me, Kermie,” she said. “I had something while I was getting your food ready.”

He nodded, then finished off a slice of orange that she had peeled and set into sections on the plate. Once he was done eating all he could, he pushed the plate aside. “Ah, dat was good.” He wiped his mouth and hands on the napkin and laid it across the plate. “Dank you.”

“You rest now, Kermie and I’ll go clean up the kitchen. I’ll be back when I’m done to check on you.” She tucked him under the covers.

He pulled one hand up and stopped her from leaving. “Pleade, don’t be long.” He didn’t know why he said that, just that he didn’t want to be alone in this room.

“I won’t,” she said and tucked his arm back under the blanket before picking up the tray and leaving.

He was satiated now and terribly sleepy, but he didn’t want to fall back asleep until she returned. He passed the minutes stroking her pillow and thinking about the way he had woken up. Sure, he wanted to do it again. Who wouldn’t? Having a comforting presence nearby when you woke was much better than waking up in a cold bed alone.

But was he being fair to her? Did he want to stir the romantic pot that bubbled between them? To bring those emotions back to the surface now might be more than he was able to handle. He sighed again and pulled her pillow close to his body. He rested his head upon it and continued to mull over his feelings until, unable to stop it, he fell asleep holding on to what he considered to be his source of comfort and dreaming about her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To be continued in chapter 16

[Beebers]

*sigh*

Men. Forever confused.

:(

[Beth C]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Piggy came back into the room to find him sleeping again. She smiled at the way he was holding her pillow. He looked so cute while sleeping.

She left the room again, this time cracking open the door, and was going to sit out in the living room to watch some TV when a knock came on her door.

She opened it to find Rowlf there, holding a covered pot.

“Hello, Rowlf.” She greeted him and stepped aside to let him in.

Rowlf entered and nodded to the pot. “I’ve brought you some chicken soup. I thought it might help. How’s Kermit?” He looked towards the couch and frowned when he saw it was empty.

Piggy took the pot from him and brought it into the kitchen. She came back out and indicated that Rowlf should take a seat.

He did, and she sat on the couch, pushing the quilt aside. “Kermit’s sleeping right now, he had a rough night.”

“Aw, I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?” he offered.

She fingered the quilt, knowing it would be better if Kermit was kept warmer than the thin blanket on her bed. “Um, if it wouldn’t be a bother, do you think you could take this quilt to be washed?”

“No problem,” he said with a small smile. “Tell Kermit when he wakes not to worry about tonight’s show. We have it all in hand.”

“Do you need Moi there?” Piggy asked, knowing that she should at least try to do her skits.

He shook his head and his ears flopped. “Nah, unless you really want to be there. I’d feel better myself if you stayed with Kermit.”

“Thank you, Rowlf,” she said.

He stood and accepted the quilt from her. “Always a pleasure, Piggy. I’ll be back soon with this all cleaned for you.”

She bid him goodbye and he left. It was less than ten minutes later when another knock on her door came. This time it was Robin. “Hello, Miss Piggy. Is Uncle Kermit awake?”

“No, Robin, he’s sleeping.”

He looked a bit disappointed but held out a piece of paper. “Well, when he wakes can you give this to him?”

She took the paper and found it to be a hand-drawn get well card. “Certainly, Robin. I’m sure it will make him feel better to know you are thinking about him.”

The small frog brightened at her words. “Thank you, Miss Piggy. I’ll go now so he can rest.”

She watched him skip off down the hall and marveled at his energy. Was Kermit ever that bouncy at that stage? She closed the door and placed the card on the counter.

It was nice that his friends were thinking about him. She knew that she was going to need their help as she really didn’t want to leave Kermit’s side.

Not until he was well.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Over the course of the next 3 days, she did her best to nurse him. She had to help him with the meals, helped him to and from the bathrooms so he could bathe, she held him when his temperature rose, and comforted him with his nightmares.

She wiped the sweat from his brow, held the tissues for his sneezes, stroked his back and arms when he complained that they were sore. She whispered words of comfort to put him to sleep and made sure he was warm.

She greeted his friends and accepted what help she could from them. Gonzo was bringing over copies of tapes of the show, so Kermit could be kept up to date. He would watch each show while being held by Piggy, nodding and noting that all their friends were doing a good job of keeping the show going without him. Granted the ratings weren’t as high as they could have been but neither were they the lowest they had ever been.

Fozzie brought over magazines, and books to read. He would stand in the doorway worriedly twisting his hat in his hands, asking about Kermit. Piggy could tell he was really worried, and tried to reassure the bear that Kermit was indeed getting better.

Bunsen and Beaker dropped by with a contraption that was supposed to keep the air in the room moist and help with Kermit’s congestion. When it was plugged in it did quite the opposite, drying out the air until the room felt like a desert, then exploded, filling the room with black smoke.

Beaker had meeped and ducked down into his lab coat, trying to explain with all his meep meme meeping that she had set it up wrong. Bunsen had to fan the smoke out the window while Piggy tried to keep Kermit from choking. Suffice it to say, she didn’t bother with the machine after that.


Rowlf was the biggest help of all, as he continued to bring over food and even brought over some of Kermit’s clothes. He would sit and talk to Piggy, even checked on Kermit personally before offering his help again and then leaving politely.

The other muppets contributed as well. Beauregard kept bringing up flowers until Piggy said that there was plenty of them in her living room and Kermit would not been needing any more get well gifts.

Suffice it to say after the three days had passed, Piggy was exhausted. Taking care of Kermit and his well wishing friends had drained her. The only thing she looked forward to was the nights that she would get to spend sleeping next to him.

Even with the clean quilt, Kermit had not returned to the couch. He allowed Piggy to keep him in the bed, for it was the least he could do for all her help. He knew she enjoyed the moments they spent together, curled up in peaceful slumber.

His congestion cleared after the fourth day, and he could get up from bed for hours at a time without feeling dizzy or sleepy. His cold had been reduced to the occasional sneeze or a cough. He was feeling much more like his old self.

Which brought up a new problem for him to face. He was going to have to leave her condo soon, and get back to his life. He was dreading the moment he had to leave, and he couldn’t figure out why.

At one point he had gotten up out of the bed to check on what was taking Piggy so long to come back when he found her passed out on the sofa, the TV on but unwatched. He had stroked her face gently, then leaned down, and much like the fairytale, kissed her gently to wake her up.

Her eyes had slid open at the touch, and he smiled at her, then escorted her back to bed where he tucked her down for a good rest. She had protested until he crawled up next to her. Then she fell right to sleep.

Once she had awoken from the nap, he guessed it was time for them to have the dreaded talk about the future. He put down the magazine he had been reading. “Did you sleep well?”

She propped herself up on one arm, “Well enough, thank you.”

“Well, you certainly needed the rest.” He fiddled with the covers, trying to find a way to broach the subject. “Um, Piggy,” he started to say.

“How are you feeling?” She interrupted him, touching his forehead gently.

He moved her hands away. “I’m much better, but Piggy, we need to talk.”

She nodded. “I’m guessing here, this is the part where you tell me that you don’t need me anymore and thanks for the help, blah, blah, blah.” She moved away from him to sit up, leaning against her pillow. “Well, let me save you the time. You’re welcome, I was happy to do it, and when you are ready, you can go.”

He could hear the undercurrent of disappointment in her tone. Was that what she really thought? “No, Piggy, that’s not it,” he began, then shook his head. Who was he lying to now? Himself, that’s who. “Well, actually its part of it, but there is more.”

“There is?”

He nodded. “I do want to thank you for being there for me, but I also want to tell you that even though I was sick I enjoyed what you did for me. There are not many people that would do the things you did.” He scooted himself a bit closer, and gave her a reassuring hug. “I may have to leave, but I’ve decided that I don’t want to be gone from your life completely.” He took a deep breath and plunged in. “I’m willing to give you another chance.”

She did a double take as her heart speeded up. It was all she could do not to start jumping up and down with excitement. “Oh, Kermie!” She planted a kiss right on the top of his head. “Thank you, thank you. I’m so happy now.”

He could clearly see that. “Calm down, Piggy. Just to make sure you understand, we are going to take this slowly this time. The wedding isn’t back on, but we are. Do you understand?” He waited for her reaction to this bit of news, pretty sure that she was going to express her displeasure at that.

He felt her settle down. “Mmm-hmm. I know. Right now I’m just happy that you are willing to see me. Taking care of you these past few days has had Moi thinking as well. I realize now that I don’t need fancy flowers, swans, or expensive cards.” She reached over and took one of his hands in her own. “What I need in my life is you.”

He blushed. “Aww, Piggy, that is so sweet.”

“It’s true.”

Now he felt like he had finally done something right. Maybe this time it would work. Maybe this time it would finally be the way it was supposed to be between them. He knew he loved her, and she loved him. They were supposed to be together, for why else would he have these feelings that ran too deep for him to describe? He gave her hand a small squeeze. “And I need you.”

The kiss that followed was sweeter than any other he had ever shared with her.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~To be continued in Part 17

[Firecat87]

Oh no! Our fearless storyteller has abandoned us! Just kidding.
However, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of your story!
:-)

[Beth C]

I'm still here.. still working on the next part. AND I'm getting pictures of something for ya..

Yes, the next chapter will have PICS to go with it. (How's that grab ya?)

So I had to stop writing for a small wee bit.

But do not fear.. the story is not over yet. ;)

~Beth C

[Beth C]

Kermit (http://bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm4_003.jpg)

Lookie lookie. :)

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

You're making this into a big thing, sister! Maybe Henson---er, Dizzy---should just publish this thing with the pictures and everything!

Okay, ready for more story.

BTW: I caught cold like Kermit Saturday night...not at a beach, though; but, in a hot hotel while performing as a Ghostbuster, went outside to cool down too many times. blah.

[Convincing John]

This story ROCKS!!! MORE! MORE!!!

"Oh, pretty please with cream and sugar on top?"-:)

Convincing John

[Beth C]

Hi guys,

Normally, I'd post an update at this time, but today was terrible. I had to pull a 12 hr shift at work and when I got home I found out one of my AOL screen names had been used to spam some 500 emails. ICK!

I had to sit and unsend as many as possible. :eek:

So now I'm way too tired to type, and my brain stopped working after the first 250 emails.

So, please, forgive me. I'll get the next part up tomorrow night. Gotta love working. :( It just takes away all my fun.

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

Beth, I hope you called AOL about your screenname being used for spam; they can tell you how to keep it from happening in the future.

[Beth C]

Well, I called them, and was sitting on hold for like 20 minutes on my cell phone.

I gave up after that. I tried online help. They told me to email TOS (Terms of Service)

I got a canned reply. (Form Letter)

I was logged on my laptop at the time. I'll just run a virus checker. Or just stay off the internet on the laptop until it's fixed. :boo:

I'm still working on the story! So hang on guys. It's coming.

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

So, um, what about the REST OF THE STORY!? HELLLOOOOO?! :(

[Beth C]

I fell behind. :( I didn't forget, just haven't had much time to type it up. I promise it will be up this weekend.

:)

~Beth C

[Beth C]

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(pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm3.jpg)

Two months later he stood in front of Fozzie’s blue jeep. “Piggy?” He called out to her. “Piggy?”

She poked her head around from the other side of it. “Yes, Kermie?”

“Are you all packed?” He lifted up his sleeping bag and carried it around to the back. “Are you done yet?”

She stuffed her pink sleeping bag into the back of the jeep. “Moi thinks so. I packed the cooler, the blankets, the sleeping bag, extra food, fresh water, ummm…” she said thinking of all the things she had already stuffed into the small trunk space.

“Piggy,” Kermit groaned. “We are just going camping for a weekend, not a month in the wilderness.” He had to twist his backpack to get it to fit. Piggy had packed so much stuff that he was afraid it was going to spill out onto the road if he hit any heavy bumps.

“It’s the same thing.” She told him as she put on her hat. “Moi doesn’t want us to have to be without anything we might need.”

He finally got his sleeping bag to stay. With one hand he secured the remainder of their stuff and with the other picked up his guitar. His banjo had finally worn out beyond all repair, and he had picked up the guitar after John Denver had last visited the show. He preferred his banjo, but the guitar was not too bad. At least it wasn’t electric.

He hooked the guitar on an inside hook and then climbed into the driver’s seat. He noticed that Piggy was still standing outside the car. “Well?”

She glared at the car door. She tapped her foot. And glared again.

“Sheesh.” He muttered then got out to open up her door for her. She gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Well Moi is a woman, after all.”

He shook his head and closed the door then again got behind the wheel. “Can we leave now?” (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm2.jpg)

“But of course!” She waved to the other muppets standing outside the theater. “We will be back soon. Kissy, kissy.”

“Kermit, be careful not to scratch the paint.” Fozzie said while touching the side of the car. “I just had it waxed.”

“I’ll be careful.” Kermit reassured him. He reached over and turned the key and the engine roared to life.

They waved goodbye and soon were on their way. (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm.jpg)

“Oh, Kermie, this is going to be so romantic,” she said to him, a twinkle in her eye. “Just me and vous under the starry sky, a campfire blazing and nature all around us.”

He glanced over to see her staring at him dreamily. “Umm,” he cleared his throat, “yeah, that’s about it.”

It only took him two hours to drive to the campsite, and he parked the jeep. They unloaded pretty quickly, and set up camp. Piggy took care of getting all the food ready, and he set up the sleeping bags and gathered the logs for the fire. (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm4_001.jpg)
(pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm4_002.jpg)

The sun was setting as they sat down for dinner. “You know, Piggy, you’ve surprised me.” He took a sip from a canteen of water.

“I have?” She finished off her sandwich and wiped her mouth. “Why do you say that?”

“Well, because, I really wasn’t sure what to expect from you, ever since that fight about our wedding.” He passed her over the canteen and accepted a bag of chips from her. “You have been so sweet to me, it’s almost like I don’t really know you. You haven’t tried to make me jealous at all, nor do you try to get me to stick by your side all the time anymore.”

She laughed lightly. “Isn’t this what you wanted, Kermie?” Her face fell as a thought occurred to her. “Or did I misread you?”

He put his food down and sat closer to her. “No, no, It just feels different is all.” He reassured her. “I just feel like I’m seeing another side of you, one that you had never shown anyone before.”

She was about to respond to him when a stick landed in her lap. “What the??” Kermit had jumped up and was looking around.

A large brown, white and black puppy came bounding out of the nearby woods. He went to sit by Piggy’s feet, his tail wagging eagerly as he stared at the stick. She picked up the slimy thing and threw it. “Ewwww.”

He bounded after it and then returned, dropping it at her feet. “Kermit! Make him go away!” She got up and moved away.

The dog followed her.

Kermit had to stifle a laugh. He whistled to get the dog’s attention and waved a hot dog in the air. “Want this, boy. Come here, boy.”

The dog’s ears perked up and he bounded over to where Kermit was. He sat up and begged.

Kermit had to laugh. “Look, he knows tricks. He must have had an owner at one time.” He tossed the hot dog down at the dog’s feet. As he petted the animal, he saw that there was no collar or tags.

“Well,” Piggy was huffing. “Maybe he should go find his owner and leave us alone.” She dusted off her shorts. “He’s making a mess over here.”

“I don’t think he has one anymore,” Kermit replied as he fed the dog another bite of hot dog. “There is no collar or tags.”

“Wonderful.” Piggy grunted, not at all happy about their interruption.

“Aw, Piggy, come on. You don’t really want him to go away, do you?” It was obvious that he liked the puppy. The dog was now laying across his lap.

“Alright, he can stay.” She muttered and sat back down. Once she did the dog as if hearing that, leapt up from his spot and went to sit by Piggy. He licked her cheek once and she grimaced. “Eww, doggie germs.”

Kermit had to laugh at that and went to start the fire. The sun was setting and the chill of night would soon be upon them. “We need to give him a name.”

“Name? I said he could stay tonight, I didn’t say we were adopting him.” She picked up a small ball and rolled it towards the dog. He happily used his head to roll it back to her. (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm4_004.jpg)

Kermit had started to see a wisp of smoke on the logs. He blew on it a few times until the spark caught and the fire started. “We can discuss that tomorrow, Piggy. Still we can’t call him ‘hey dog’ all night.”

“What do you suggest then? The only dog Moi has ever had was Foo-Foo.” She frowned at the new dog. “You are definitely not a Foo-Foo.”

“How about Frisky? He certainly is that.” Kermit suggested.

“He’s also a pest,” Piggy said under her breath. “How about Bandit?”

Kermit shook his head. “Nah, that doesn’t seem right.” The dog was now finishing up Kermit’s bag of chips. “Why don’t we just call him Chips?”

“Fine, that works for me.” Piggy sighed. Chips was now licking his lips and looking for more food. “No more for you.” She packed up the rest of the food. “You’ll eat everything we have left.”

The fire was now blazing merrily and Kermit picked up his guitar. He strummed a few bars then began to sing: (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm4_003.jpg)

It's a song that every heart can sing,
It's a voice we all can hear.
It's the song of love, it's the voice of hope,
It's a new world drawing near.
Feel the earth so wise, so wonderful,
As she wakes to make things new.
See the same blue sky for me, for you,
See the same dream coming true.

For an hour. For a day.
We will share the time we can.
All the world, fresh and new,
We will hold within our hands.

When I look through your eyes,
I can see a different view:
All your joys, all your dreams,
That you want the same things, too.

Hope for peace in the world,
Must begin with you and me.
It will spread; it will grow,
Until every heart is free.

The melody tapered off and Piggy sighed. “Oh Kermie, that was nice.”

He smiled at her and sang a few more traditional songs, Home on the Range, Grandma’s Featherbed and then, as the night fell, he ended his sing along by singing this one song:

May all your dreams bloom like daisies in the sun
May you always have stars in your eyes
May you not stop running not until your race is run
And may you always have blue skies

A dream is something you can make to keep within your heart
To build on when you're sad, or when you're world's been torn apart
A dream is something all your own that no one else can steal
A dream is something you can make come real

May all your dreams bloom likes daisies in the sun
May you always have stars in your eyes
May you not stop running not until your race is run
And may you always have blue skies

You can share a laugh with any stranger you may meet
You can share your money...with a beggar on the street
But you can only share a dream when love has set it free
Please won't you share yours with me.

He placed the guitar down now, next to his sleeping bag as the last strains of the melody lingered on.

Chips was now asleep in front of the campfire, happily snoring away. Piggy got out a bag of marshmallows. “Care to toast a few with me, Kermie?”

He picked up two sticks. “Sure.”

She placed the marshmallows on them and he put his arm around her as they reached the sticks towards the fire. He could smell her perfume as they roasted the sticky chunks of gooey sugar in the flames. “I’m glad we came here, Piggy.” (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm4_005.jpg)

“Me too, Kermie,” she said as she pulled one of her marshmallows off and popped it in her mouth.

He ate one of his. “These would be better with chocolate and graham crackers.”

“Oh really?” she smirked at him and then pulled out both of the ingredients from the cooler. “You think Moi doesn’t know about smores?”

After the nighttime snack they both snuggled up in their sleeping bags. Chips had crawled between them and was again sleeping. “Piggy, lets do this again sometime soon. I can’t get enough of nights like this with you.”

She reached over and took his hand as she snuggled against him. “Me either, Kermie. I love you.” (pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm5_001.jpg)

The stars twinkled overhead as they fell asleep, under the black velvet of the night.

(pic) (www.bethcfanfic.homestead.com/files/kerm5_002.jpg)

~To be continued in Part 18

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[Beth C]

Just a quick post to let y'all know I'm not going to wait a whole week to update again.

I'll try to get the next part up by Wed. Not sure if there will be pics this time, depends on if I can work them into the story.

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

This is really cute! Love the pics, too. I love this story.

[Beth C]

I know I said I would update.. but I just got suckered into working late this week at work. :( Good money, but it eats up all my free time.

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

That's when you sneak around and write at work and then email the results to yourself at home.

Not that I would ever do a thing like that...(I say as I play at MC from work all day long).

[Beth C]

I got in trouble the last time I tried to write at work. I"m in the Cafe now, and I only get 15 mins on the computer. Not enough time to write.

:(

~Beth C

[Whatever]

soooo, is there ever gonna be a new instalation?

[Beth C]

Yes, there will be, providing that life gives me that chance.

If you are confused, just read my Live Journal.

Beyond Beth C (http://www.livejournal.com/users/beth_c/)

If I still have an apartment after tomorrow, I'll see what I can do about updating.

Everyone please cross their fingers. And toes.

~Beth C

[Whatever]

Eeeeew. Good luck! :sympathy:

[McFraggle]

Good luck.

[Fozzie Bear]

Sounds like a good day to stick the kitties in the car (put the windows down some). Call the manager and tell them you do not want the apartment sprayed and about the 'allergies' and maybe they won't send anybody there.

[Beth C]

Well, unless the Kitties want to stay outside my job the whole day.. that's not even possible. :(

I did put a note on the door, then double locked it.

The note says: Do Not Enter. Children Allergic to Pesticide.

Let's hope it works.

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

*hopes really hard*

[Beth C]

Thanks guys for the positive vibes. It worked.

I've decided to take this story into a new track.. I'm going to be incorporating a major "life change" into the story. The Disney Buyout.

Has anyone ever wondered what the Muppets would think and more importantly how they would 'feel' about such a decision regarding their lives?

Well, in this case it will have a definate effect on Kermit/Piggy. Just you wait and see how.

;)

I love to stir the pot and see what brews! (As if their relationship wasn't turbulent enough already)

Get ready for the next part. Today is writing day, no matter WHAT the boss says.

~Beth C

[Aaron]

good idea

[Beth C]

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{Have you ever heard the saying that tough times test a relationship? Well, this one seems to have gone through plenty already, right? Uh-uh. Not even close. Yes, it seems that Piggy has gotten over her possessive streak, and Kermit has allowed himself to love, but what happens when you put that love to the final test, when you take away the life work of one frog? Let’s find out.}

(Four weeks later)

Kermit was flying high, both emotionally and physically. His relationship with Piggy was on a steady keel for once in his life. He was also throwing himself into the show with renewed energy. The ratings soared, and they found themselves with way too many guest stars trying to get on the show. It became a launching pad for new talent too.

Kermit was proud, and happy. He had it all, as one would say. Which was why he was surprised to hear some arguing this day.

He had been in the middle of filming a segment of the show, and trying out a new song, when he heard voices coming from the hallway that led into the small area where he usually interviewed the guests for the show.

Scooter had been the first to hear the shouting, and had turned the camera away from Kermit.

Noticing the lack of himself on the video screen, Kermit stopped in mid song, which got the notice of Rowlf who had been playing the piano to accompany him. “Scooter!”

Snapped back to attention, he refocused the camera. “Oh, sorry Boss.”

Now that the music had stopped, the tone of the argument was carried through the empty theater. Piggy was shouting something, and it was replied to by Gonzo, though the actual words could not be heard.

Kermit shook his head. Whatever it was, it didn’t sound very good. “Excuse me for a moment, guys.”

Rowlf got up from the piano. “Mind if I join you, just in case?” he asked, knowing Piggy’s anger could sometimes result in Kermit being tossed across the room. Not that she had done that lately, but… you never knew.

“Come on.” Kermit said as he left the stage and walked down the hallway. The argument was still going on strong, and as he got closer, he could hear the other voices in the room with Piggy and Gonzo.

Fozzie, was shouting something, which was rebuked by Rizzo, and accompanied by Bunsen and Beaker meeping wildly. The argument became clearer as he stepped up to the door.

Fozzie was now slapping the hardwood table in the room hard. “Well, I’m certainly not going to be the one to tell him. It would simply break his heart.”

“You have to, Fozzie,” Gonzo barked. “It’s the type of news that should come from his best friend.”

Piggy chimed up, “I would tell him, but I don’t need him mad at Moi for this.”

Standing outside the door, Kermit glanced at Rowlf who just shrugged. “I have no idea.” Rowlf said quietly.

Kermit pushed the door open and when it creaked, all the muppets in the room jumped about a foot into the air. All conversation in the room stopped, and the air was filled with absolute silence when just moments before there had been fighting.

Kermit was sure he could hear his heart beating, it was so quiet. Mouths that had been opened to argue, now snapped shut with small clicks. He looked around the table and the people sitting or standing around it. Fozzie held a few sheets of paper in one hand and an open envelope was face down on the table in front of him. “Would someone like to explain what is going on here? Why is it that I heard you all the way across the theater?”

Fozzie tried to discretely hide the papers. “Um, uh…” he fumbled around for something to say while everyone looked to him.

Kermit tapped his foot. “Well?”

Piggy stood and tried to get Kermit to take her newly vacated seat. “Maybe you should sit down, sweetheart.”

He glared up at her. “I don’t want to sit down, I want someone to tell me what is going on.” He pulled his arm from her grasp and looked away as a flash of hurt passed over her face. He would deal with her later.

He nodded to the papers that Fozzie was now trying to stuff back into the envelope. In doing so, he caught a glimpse of the Henson Company logo on one corner. “What are those?” Anything from the company that was providing their main support always concerned Kermit. Henson had gotten them their first break in the movie and television industry. Henson still supported them now. Without their backing, Kermit wasn’t sure where the muppets would be today.

“These?” Fozzie looked at the rumpled mess he was making. “Uh, these are… nothing important.”

“Just tell him.” Dr. Bunsen Honeydew spoke up while holding one hand up to stall Beaker’s protests. “He’s going to find out anyway.”

Rizzo sighed. “Want me to tell him? Cause I will. I’m not afraid to tell him that we have been put on the auction lot.”

“Rizzo!” Gonzo gasped.

“Auction lot?” Kermit frowned. “Give me those papers, Fozzie.”

Fozzie took them back out of the envelope and tried to smooth them out before handing them to Kermit.

Everyone in the room waited while Kermit skimmed over the brief announcement that had been sent to the theater. When he was done he glanced over the table. “It says that Henson is entering talks with Disney for the sale of the property rights to the Muppets.” He swallowed heavily. “The negotiations close next February, and the final sale takes place within 60 days.”

“I was telling them that we could fight this, Kermie.” Piggy said carefully. “We don’t have to let them push us around.”

“Do you really think we could win against them?” Gonzo interjected. “Face it, Piggy, we are done for.”

The uproar then started as everyone tried to speak at once to say their opinion on the matter. It took a few minutes before Kermit was able to yell over the roar. “HEY! HEY EVERYONE! QUIET DOWN!”

The room slowly quieted down. “Thank you. Now let’s not worry about this right now. I’ll go speak with Brian tomorrow, and I’ll find out what is really going on.” Kermit stated plainly. “Once I get the hard facts on what is going on, then we can all have a civilized discussion on the matter.”

“I’m with you, Kermit.” Rowlf said as he motioned for everyone to leave the room. “We will all be on your side.”

This statement was echoed as the muppets filed out of the room until only Piggy, Fozzie, Rowlf, and Kermit were left.

Kermit sighed. “I hope this isn’t true.”

“But what if it is?” Fozzie asked. “What will it mean for us?”

“It means we are in big trouble.” Piggy said while crossing her arms across her chest. “Disney is known for backing that ridiculous mouse and that strange duck. We can’t possibly continue to flourish under that management.”

“We don’t know that, Piggy.” Rowlf said as he paced the floor. “They have helped us before, and it wasn’t so bad.”

Kermit stared at the papers he still held. Could Henson really do this to them? What impact would it have on their show? “I hate to say it guys, but I’m really worried.”

They all knew that if Kermit got worried, it was never over nothing. No one had anything more to say, for it was all resting in the hands of their unofficial leader. Kermit now felt the heavy weight of responsibility land on his shoulders.

What was he going to do now?

~To be continued in Part 19

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[Fozzie Bear]

*GULP!*
(Waiting on the next serving!)

[Aaron]

good job more please

[G-MAN]

More, more, more lol:)

[Fozzie Bear]

Yeah, Beth! C'mon! We need more of this. You've left me hanging, just like the last episode of ALF!!

Pweeze, wif sugar on top?

[Beth C]

Ok, guys. I know you are wanting more and more and more.. and yet some more...

I've got a few paragraphs almost ready to post. I"m just working out a few snafus that didn't quite work. (translated - I wrote something and it didn't go the way it was supposed to so I had to scrap it and backtrack)

This story is far from over. Just keep your eyes peeled!

~Beth C

[Fozzie Bear]

Just keep your eyes peeled!~Beth C

OWWW!! :eek:

[DanDanStrawberry]

Beth- you are so talented as a writer; you're fabulous!

[Beth C]

Just bumping this one up so I can update it now that I'm back. I hate searching out OLLLLLD posts, I like to find them where I can easily update them.

Hmm.. now where *DID* I put those notes??? Hmm.. ;)

~Beth C

[Beauregard]

Right. I'm gunna go back and read this from the beginning later so I can be waiting impatiently for the next part!

[Fozzie Bear]

Woot! Yaayyyyy!!

[redBoobergurl]

All right, I just read the whole thing and now I want to see what happens! This is a GREAT story, I'm so hooked! You have a great writing style!

[Just J]

I too would love to read more of this story. It's very engaging.