Anything Like Love
Written for the 10_quotes community at LJ, inspired by the quote "It can't be anything like love, can it?" - "No, no, it can't be." - "Would it be inconvenient?" - "Terribly," from "The Philadelphia Story".
They had known each other for years, ever since their childhood, and had been best friends as long since they first met. There had always been a strong connection between the two of them, perhaps because he had always known that she was, well, magical.
And as the years passed, they grew closer and closer. One day, on her afternoon off, as they were sitting on a bench in the park, he was struck for the first time by her beauty. She was looking at the fountain, its water bubbling cheerfully. The sun lit up her dark brown hair, which, for once, she had allowed to cascade down her shoulders. She turned to him, her blue eyes twinkling. The twinkle dimmed as he continued to stare at her, realisation dawning on him for the first time.
"What's wrong?" she asked him, her voice the most beautiful music he had ever heard.
He didn't respond, continuing to stare at her.
"Are you all right?" she pressed.
He nodded.
"Mary," he began tentatively, "We've known each other for a long time, haven't we?"
"We have," she agreed, nodding.
"Mary, I believe... well, I believe... it can't be anything like love, can it?" he blurted out.
She stared at him, shocked that he had voiced the feelings that she had wanted to express for so long, but quickly regained her composure. "No, no, it can't be," she replied, shaking her head.
"Would it be inconvenient?" he asked, looking deep into her eyes.
"Terribly," she said. She couldn't fall in love with him, couldn't allow herself to give in to her feelings. She had her duties – her duties to the children in her care – and she could not give them up for love.
He looked at her, bringing his hand to her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.
"I can't help how I feel, Mary," he said.
"Nor can I," she whispered. That was what he had been waiting to hear. Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his – a soft, tentative kiss, which she returned, her lips moving against his as gently as a butterfly's wings. Eventually they were forced to break the kiss to breathe.
"I love you so much, Mary," he whispered.
"I love you, too," she replied in a voice as soft as his. "But we can't be together."
"Why not?" he asked her.
"I'm a nanny – I have my duties to the children," she said softly, sadly.
"I know," he sighed. "But will we ever be able to be together?"
"I don't know," she whispered. "I hope so."
He rested his fore head against hers, looking down into her eyes.
"Oh, Mary," he whispered. "I hope so too."
"I love you," she whispered. He kissed the tip of her nose lightly.
"I love you too," he replied.
The large clock in the park chimed five o'clock, and Mary stood up.
"I must get back," she whispered.
"Mary, please," he said. "Stay with me."
"I can't," she whispered, a tear slipping down her face.
"Will I at least see you in two weeks?" he asked her, standing up and placing his hands on her waist. She looked away from him. "Darlin'..." he said, taking her chin in his hand, forcing him to look up at her.
"All right," she breathed softly. "But I must go."
He nodded, releasing her, and she left the park, turning once she reached the gate to look back at him. He blew her a kiss, and she smiled slightly before exiting the park.