Scream Me a Dream

Monday August 16, 2010
9:45 am

“I really need to bring clothes over here.” Soya muttered as she buttoned her jeans, just as Ville walked into the room in his boxers, running a towel through his hair.

“I still don’t understand why you ended up buying the flat.” Ville said as he threw the towel over to Soya who caught it before he pulled on his shirt he’d left on the bed.

“Because we’d probably kill each other if we lived together.” Soya teased as she walked out of the room, hanging his towel over the rod in the bathroom, only to turn around and squeak in surprise when she collided with Ville’s chest.

“I don’t know.” Ville smirked, winding his arms around Soya’s waist. “We’ve lived together the last week, and so far we’ve survived,” he raised an eyebrow as he peered down at her. “Unless you have some homicidal feelings that I just haven’t caught wind of.”

Soya shook her head with a smile. “If I’m late to pick up Josef, he will kill me.”

“It’s because I leave the toilet seat up, isn’t it?” Ville asked with a pout.

Soya leaned up and kissed his pout away. “Yes, it is. It’s also because you laughed when I fell in.”

Ville pulled away as he chuckled. “You have to admit it was pretty damn funny.”

“Not at three in the morning.” She said nudging his stomach with her elbow as she left the bathroom with Ville behind her.

“You’re going to be sleeping at your flat tonight, aren’t you?” Ville asked as he followed her down the stairs.

“I think so; Josef and Isolde are staying the night, before they leave tomorrow afternoon.”

“Isolde?” Ville asked as he watched her gather her wallet and keys putting them in her purse.

“Josef’s best friend.” Soya said absently with a frown as she patted her pockets. “Where’s my phone?”

“Best friend? I thought you were his best friend.”

“In New York I am.” Soya said, picking up the papers she’d left on his coffee table as she searched for her phone. “While in Europe, Isolde is.”

“Then who’s your Europe best friend?”

“Rosalind.” Soya said, looking through the couch cushions, before looking up at Ville. “Did you hide my phone?”

“Maybe.” Ville smirked.

“Ville!” Soya groaned, as she stood back up, “This is the third time, please tell me you didn’t forget where you put it this time.”

Ville rolled his eyes as he started towards the kitchen. “You weren’t paying attention to me last night.”

“Oh!” Soya laughed as stared at him in disbelief. “I wasn’t paying attention to you! You locked yourself in your studio for most of the day yesterday; I just kept myself entertained down here.” She watched as he opened the refrigerator and showed her the cell phone he’d hidden in there.

“Yes, but when I’d finished you weren’t paying attention to me.” Ville told her, “So I took drastic measures, which obviously didn’t work as I had to steal your laptop in order for you to look at me.”

Soya rolled her eyes as she took her phone from his fingers, only to notice she had missed texts, two of which were from Josef. “Oh Ville, Josef is going to kill me! They’re landing early and I still have to stop by my flat to change!”

Ville chuckled as he grabbed his wallet, keys and backpack before following her out the door, making sure his door was locked before getting into her car. “I don’t know why you’re so bent out of shape about today.”

Soya shook her head as she started the car and drove towards the studio where she would drop Ville off before heading to her flat to change. “I have the meeting today Ville.”

“Yes, I know.” Ville said patiently. “I still don’t know why you’re so nervous about it, you’ve been working on that presentation all week and you’ve already been assured the building Soya.”

“I still want to be prepared; Hannu’s going to be with us today also, and you know he won’t be any help.”

“I’m sure HP will be fine.” Ville chuckled. “And the only reason he’s even taking on this venture is because you promised to hook him up with your ballerina friends.”

Soya rolled her eyes. “It’s the only reason Hannu will do a favor like this for me.” Soya said with a laugh, only to start drumming her fingers on the steering wheel. “Ugh, turn on the radio, I need a distraction.”

Ville smirked over at her. “I know how I can distract you.”

Soya snorted as she looked at him from the corner of her eye. “Not while I’m driving Ville.”

“Damn.” He muttered before flipping on the radio, before taking Soya’s hand in his and rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “Stop worrying Soya, everything will be fine,” He turned her hand over and kissed the center of her palm. “I promise it.”

Soya let out a breath of relief as she tightened her grip on his hand. “Thank you.”

“No thanks necessary, love.” Ville assured as she parked in front of the studio. “I’ll meet you back at your flat?”

Soya nodded. “If you want, I’ll call you when we’re on our way back. Now out, I still have to go change.”

Ville chuckled, leaning forward and kissing her, causing her hand to come up and rest on his cheek as she kissed him back, only for them to pull apart when a knock came at the window. They both turned to look to see Linde smirking at them.

Soya rolled down the window and grinned at him. “Congratulations!”

Linde grinned back. “Thank you, though I did receive the texts you sent. Toni also sends her love.”

“Have you set a date?” Soya asked, excited over her friend’s recent engagement.

Linde laughed. “We barely just got engaged Soya, let me enjoy that before I get sucked into a world full of place settings and taffeta.”

“Picking place settings can be fun, but I’ll leave you be, for now” Soya said with a teasing smile before turning back to Ville and kissing him lightly. “Go, I’m running late.”

Ville smiled, kissing her one last time before getting out of the car, leaning down before he closed the door. “You’ll be fine Soya, stop stressing.”

“No promises.” Soya said with a grin. “Have fun.”

“Always do.” Ville told her before closing the door and watching as she pulled away and started towards her flat.

“What’s she up to?” Linde asked as they walked into the building together.

“She’s got her meeting with Mr. Jolien for the studio today. She’s nervous he’ll change his mind.”

“Why would he change his mind?” Linde asked.

Ville shrugged, before grinning at his friend. “So really, when’s the wedding?”

Linde shook his head as he started walking faster. “You’re all an annoying bunch.”

XxxxxxX

“How was your flight?” Soya asked as she hugged Josef tightly.

“Hell, Isolde wouldn’t let me sleep.” Josef grumbled.

“And leave me to talk to myself!” Isolde said clearly offended as she stared at her best friend. “You’re fucking crazy. Soya, doll!” She said turning and grinning before giving Soya a hug. “I feel like I should have missed you, but we don’t know each other, therefore I didn’t really, but it’s good to see you again.”

Soya blinked before she laughed and hugged Isolde back. “Good to see you too, Isolde.”

“Iz, please; everyone calls me Iz. Now, I’m starving, where can we get food?”

“Iz,” Josef said patiently as Soya tried to sort out Isolde’s fast paced speech. “Slow down a bit and help me with the bags.”

Isolde sighed. “Fine.”

“I have been dealing with her for the past week,” Josef muttered at Soya who couldn’t help but laugh. “I forgot how fucking tiring she is.”

“I don’t know; she doesn’t seem that bad.” Soya said with a laugh as she watched Isolde grab the bags that were hers and Josef’s. While Soya and Josef liked to travel a bit more comfortably preferring sweats or jeans, Isolde apparently didn’t, as she was dressed in a pair of grey wide leg trousers that ended at her ankle showing a pair of black silk heeled boots, while she wore a blue and white plaid button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

Isolde grabbed the last of her bags before turning back to them with an irritated expression. “I got the bags, now can we get food?”

“Let’s go.” Soya chuckled grabbing one of the suitcases and leading them towards the parking lot.

“What time is the meeting?” Josef asked.

“At two, so we have some time to grab lunch before we head out. Isolde, if you want I can drop you off at my flat while Josef and I go meet with Mr. Jolien.”

Isolde waved a hand in dismissal at Soya’s suggestion. “It’s fine Soya, I brought my camera with me and I haven’t taken pictures of my favorite city in forever.”

Josef rolled his eyes. “Every city is Isolde’s favorite city.”

“Do you move a lot, Isolde?” Soya asked as she opened the trunk of her car and helped them load up their luggage.

“Every year or so.” Isolde said with a shrug. “I get bored easily, it’s why I love my job so much, I’m always flying somewhere new.”

“And meeting someone new. Isolde doesn’t believe in monogamy.” Josef said as he got in the passenger seat as Isolde climbed into the back seat.

“I believe in it.” Isolde said with a roll of her eyes as Soya started the car and started the drive towards the restaurant where they would have lunch. “I just don’t think it’s for me, why be with one person when I’m so beloved by many.”

Soya laughed. “That’s a good philosophy.”

“It’s mine and I live by it.” Isolde said flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder as she looked out the window. “So Soya, doll, what have you been up to since I’ve seen you last, did you meet up with her?”

“Her?” Soya asked with a frown.

“The person you were to meet in Pori?”

“HIM, Iz, and it’s a band, not one person.” Josef said with a roll of his eyes. “And yes, she did.”

“I’m sure the girl can answer for herself Josef and I know who HIM is.” Isolde said glaring at her friend. “I’m sorry Soya; it seems as if Josef and I have started to get on each other’s last nerve.”

“It’s fine.” Soya laughed. “Trust me when I say we’ve gotten on each other’s last nerve as well.”

“So, where are we having lunch?” Isolde asked, changing the subject again.

“Hotel Kämp.” Soya said, looking at Isolde through the rearview mirror, “We’re meeting Hannu there.”

Isolde smirked. “Is he single?”

Soya snorted. “I believe so, yes.”

“Then perfect.”

Fifteen minutes later, she pulled into the luxury hotel HP had ended up picking for them to eat lunch at. She followed Josef and Isolde into the restaurant as she checked her phone, seeing HP had sent her a text telling her he was running late but to start without him.

Soya smiled at the waiter that sat them at the table; after relaying the information, they gave the waiter their drink orders, water for Soya and Josef and wine for Isolde.

“So Soya, you’re dating quite the famous singer aren’t you?” Isolde said with a sly grin.

“Ah, I guess so.” Soya slowly admitted, looking at the blonde who now had blue streaks in her hair instead of the pink Soya had seen her with in Prague.

Josef rolled his eyes. “Don’t let the ditzy blonde routine fool you Soya, Isolde knows exactly who you’re dating and when you started dating him.”

Soya looked at Isolde, who thanked the waiter for her wine before she took a sip. “I like keeping up to date with the celebrity news, Ville’s love life being the latest of it.”

“Really?” Soya asked with a raised eyebrow. “His love life is of interest to the world?”

“Of course it is you daft girl!” Isolde laughed, causing Soya to raise an eyebrow at Josef who was smirking.

“See why I love her?” Josef asked.

Soya rolled her eyes. “I really don’t see why his love life would be interesting, least of all his relationship with me.”

Isolde shook her head. “It’s simple, really. No one’s been able to get a clear shot of you.”

Soya frowned. “What?”

Josef laughed. “In most of the pictures of you with Ville, your face is hidden, so no one really knows who you are, all they know is that there’s a mysterious girl kissing the even more mysterious Ville Valo.”

Soya snorted. “Ville? Mysterious? Really?”

“To you, maybe he isn’t, to the world on the other hand, very much so.” Isolde told her. “I want an interview.”

“I’m sorry?” Soya blinked. “An interview?”

Josef rolled his eyes. “Forgive Isolde, she likes to jump five steps ahead and not allow anyone to catch up. Iz isn’t just a model Soya, she also does freelance interviews and photography for magazines.”

“And for my website.” Isolde said with a grin.

“What type of website?” Soya asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s a gossip site.” Josef said with a roll of his eyes.

“Of the classy sort.” Isolde said with a glare, only to soften when she turned to Soya. “No, really; it’s not a gossip site at all. When I first started modeling, a lot of rumors started going around that I was dating this person or that person, or I had eating disorders because I was so thin.”

Soya raised an eyebrow a she looked at Isolde, yes the blond was thin, but not thin enough to warrant the label of having an eating disorder.

Isolde waived a hand. “You know how reporters are, the minute they’re able to see the outline of your ribs they claim you haven’t eaten in a month.”

“Isolde started writing little articles that ended up getting published in magazines, putting rumors about her to a rest.”

“Then I started my website, and later branched out to other celebrities who wanted to clear the air, for some reason I’m quite reliable.”

Soya blinked. “So you want to do an interview about Ville and myself and our relationship?”

“I do, I figure this way your relationship is out there and fans know who you are and how you ended up getting together.”

Soya shook her head. “I’m flattered that you want to interview us Isolde.”

“Iz.” Isolde corrected.

“Iz.” Soya said with a kind smile. “And I do understand that Ville’s fans may want to know about us, but…we’ve only been dating a week, give or take a few days, right now the relationship is just for us.”

“So it’s a ‘no’.” Isolde asked.

Soya laughed. “I’m not saying ‘no’ I’m just saying that doing an interview right now is a bit soon for us, I mean, I’m not quite ready to share our relationship with the world after dating for a week and I know Ville isn’t fond of sharing details of his romantic life.” Soya shrugged.

“No, it’s all right doll.” Isolde laughed. “I just figured that you’d want to clear the air before everything got blown out of proportion, but you’re right, your relationship is new and it deserves to be enjoyed by both of you before the world butts their ugly little noses in it.”

Soya laughed. “I like your way with words.”

“Most do.” Isolde said with a laugh. “I would still love to take pictures of you both though, I don’t even have to do the interview, it’s just you both make such an adorable couple, and I bet you’d love to have pictures of you guys together.”

Soya laughed. “I’ll talk to Ville about it, see what he says and I’ll get back to you.”

Isolde nodded with a grin. “And of course if we sit down and start talking…” Isolde hedged, causing Soya to laugh.

“I’ll definitely tell Ville to keep his mouth shut in that case.”

“Ah, and there’s the Dudeson now.” Josef said with a laugh.

Soya frowned at Josef, before turning to where he was pointing and grinning when she saw HP walking into the restaurant in a pair of nice black slacks, which Soya knew he’d probably forced himself into, and a button down black shirt.

“Look at you all dressed up.” She teased, hugging him tightly.

HP laughed as he hugged her tighter. “You told me to dress nice for the meeting so I did, you don’t look half bad either.”

Soya looked down at herself, when she’d gone back to her flat to change; she’d had to scrounge through her suitcase and the boxes that she’d left at the entry way of her flat before she had gone to Ville’s apartment nearly a week ago. After nearly twenty minutes of looking, she’d found a pair of black suit pants and a dark grey off-the-shoulder sweater that belted high at her waist and her black Mary Jane booties. All in all she looked very much like the professional who was dying to get her hands on her old dance studio, and not like the nervous wreck she was on the inside.

“Thank you.” She laughed as she took her seat.

HP grinned, before turning and looking at Josef. “It’s good to see you again Josef.”

“Good to see you to, HP. This is my best friend Isolde. Isolde, HP.”

“Nice to meet you.” Isolde said shaking his offered hand.

HP frowned at her. “You look familiar.”

“I love getting that.” Isolde laughed. “I’m a model; I did a bit of work here in Helsinki about two years ago, you may have seen some of it.”

HP frowned as he continued to look at her, only to relax and nod. “Can’t place it, but yeah, I must have seen you in something.”

Josef snorted. “Trust me, you did.”

Isolde smacked Josef’s arm. “Stop.”

Josef raised his hands in defense. “I didn’t say a word.”

HP rolled his eyes before turning to Soya who was watching the pair amused, “Did you already order?” He asked, nodding at the waiter as he came to the table.

“Not yet, we’ve been talking.” Soya assured.

“Great!” HP grinned as he turned to the waiter and ordered his lunch and drink before leaning back and looking at Soya as she gave her order. “Really have missed you Eeva.” He laughed when he saw Soya wince at her middle name. “We don’t talk nearly as often as we used to.”

“We’re both just so busy,” Soya said with a smile. “Aren’t you starting your live show again soon?”

HP nodded. “It’s why the others didn’t come; we’ve all started to prepare for it.”

Soya raised an eyebrow. “Is that really the only reason the others didn’t come?”

“That and I told them that if they did, you would probably beat them senseless, and since that seemed to rile them up even more, I just told them to stay put and I’d take over Britney duties for the next two weeks.”

“You can’t say I haven’t tried getting along with them Hannu, because I have.”

“For all of five minutes.” HP laughed, “Now what’s this I hear that you’re dating Ville Valo, have I really missed my chance Eeva?”

Soya snorted as she felt the blood reach her cheeks. “Like you ever had one.”

“Her heart has always belonged to Ville.” Josef said, winking in Soya’s direction. “Hasn’t it miláček?”

“Very much so.” Soya grinned.

The rest of lunch consisted of catching up. HP telling her what his plans were and how he and the guys were opening up their first nightclub in Helsinki at the end of October, and how she was definitely invited; that is if she could deal with his friends for a couple of hours that night, in which Soya teased saying she would think about it. While Soya caught HP up on the ideas she had for the dance studio, if she got it, and how much she wanted to expand, assuring HP she really didn’t need his backing if he wasn’t looking to commit to the studio, in which HP had told her she was being stupid and of course he would back her.

By the time lunch was finished, Isolde had decided to stay at the hotel, claiming she’d fallen in love with the building and was planning on getting a room, as she’d always wondered how it was to stay in one; she just hadn’t had the chance to stay in the hotel during her time in Helsinki.

By the time Soya, Josef and HP had reached the studio and were waiting for Mr. Jolien to finish with his class; she was tapping her heeled foot nervously on the lobby floor and playing with the strap of her messenger bag.

“Calm down.” Josef said with a roll of his eyes.

HP smirked. “You’re acting as if the man doesn’t even know you; he taught you since you were five Eeva. He’s already told you that he’d sell you the building, he’s not going to change his mind.”

“Of course I won’t.”

Soya looked up with wide eyes as she saw Ismo Jolien walking towards her with a grin. “Mr. Jolien.”

“Please Soya, I’ve been teaching you since you were this high.” He said putting a withered hand near his knee. “I believe you can call me Ismo now. Now, come give me a hug.”

Soya smiled as she gave the man a careful hug, “I’m so glad you could meet with me.”

“As am I. I’ve been turning down people since HP over there told me you were interested in buying the building.” Ismo waved his hand as Soya started to speak. “No, no, I don’t want to hear any business talk now Soya. I want to tell you, you have the building, I just want to make sure of a few things first.”

“Of course.” Soya nodded with wide eyes.

“You don’t fire any of my staff, I hand-picked them myself so you know they’re trustworthy, including Elli.”

“I wasn’t planning on firing any of the staff Ismo.” Soya said with a shake of her head. “I really…”

“Ah, and two more things.” Ismo said quickly cutting her off, causing HP and Josef to chuckle behind her. “You don’t get rid of any of my students.”

“I wouldn’t-“

“And.” Ismo said steamrolling right over her. “You keep this a dance studio. Helsinki doesn’t need any more of those damn offices.”

Soya sighed as she eyed Ismo. “Well now that you’ve practically given the presentation I’ve worked so hard on, I see that there’s no point in trying to convince you.”

“There never was any need. Now, HP you know your way around, why don’t you show your friend around while Soya and I talk more business.”

HP nodded. “All right, come on Josef.”

“Told you it would be fine.” Josef muttered in her ear before following HP.

An hour later, Soya was walking out and about to get in her car, shaking her head at Josef and HP’s teasing, when she saw a very familiar town car parked behind her.

“Nathan?” Soya asked abandoning her car and walking towards the black one, watching as Nathan got out of the car with a smile, before opening the back door, allowing Soya’s father to step out. “Papa.” Soya said in surprise.

“I remembered you said you had your meeting today, I wanted to see if everything went well.”

“Oh.” Soya said, looking back at HP and Josef who were watching the scene curiously.

“I’m guessing it went well?” Jonah asked.

“Very well, how are you? I haven’t spoken to you since dinner last week,”

“I’m fine, a bit tired, but fine.” Jonah admitted with a smile. “So, you got your building?”

Soya grinned and nodded. “I did. Mr. Jolien didn’t even let me talk about business, he just handed me the papers and told me to sign.”

“Soya, I hope you…”

“I talked to our lawyers in Mr. Jolien’s office, we sent them a copy and I’ll sign them once they go over everything.” Soya assured. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”

“Everything’s fine Soya, still weary of my intentions?” Jonah teased

“Not at all.” Soya said quickly and very much truthfully, which shocked her. “It’s just you’re looking a bit pale, are you feeling all right?”

“Perfectly fine, are you busy for dinner tonight?”

Soya bit her lip. “I actually am.” She admitted. “I haven’t been with Ville all week; we’ve been so busy that we only talk to each other before bed.” She said carefully not wanting to allude to the fact that she had also spent the last week in her boyfriend’s bed instead of her own.

“Oh, all right, then call me when you’re not busy, I would like to have dinner with you again, just us two.”

Soya nibbled on the side of her bottom lip, before letting it go. Coming to a decision, she’d promised herself she’d give her father a chance, and here he was giving her the opening. “I’m not busy tomorrow.” She said quickly, causing Jonah to look at her with a raised eyebrow. “Ville’s going to be at the studio all day…they’re…well, he’s busy.” Soya said with a wave of her hand. “I could fix us some lunch if you’d like? You could come over and see the finished product that your money bought.”

“Linde told you of the checks, did he?”

“He did.” Soya said with a small smile. “Something for us to discuss tomorrow, yes?”

Jonah nodded. “How’s one sound?”

“One is perfect” Soya nodded.

“Go, your friends are waiting.”

Soya nodded, leaning up and kissing her father’s cheek, surprised when he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. “Congratulations pikku tanssija.”

“Thank you.” Soya said as he let her go and disappeared back into the car, Nathan closing the door behind him. “Nathan?”

“Yes, Miss Soya?” Nathan asked, though Soya could see the older man’s calm demeanor, there was definitely nervousness behind those brown eyes of his.

“Is everything okay with my papa?”

Nathan nodded slowly. “Of course, why wouldn’t it be? Have a good afternoon, Miss. Soya and congratulations on getting your building.” He said before getting into the car and driving off, leaving Soya standing on the sidewalk feeling confused, if not a bit sick. What was her father hiding from her?