disclaimer: for this and future chapters of this story i do not own any of these characters sigh

Chapter 1

Elizabeth and Laurent walked hand in hand across the lawn. Elizabeth's mind raced almost as fast as her heart was beating. She knew Laurent wanted an answer but she wasn't sure what it would be. She was torn in two, on one hand she loved Laurent with all her heart and wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life by his side but on the other hand she had an entire life back in Sweet Valley, her friends, her family… and Todd. She shook herself mentally at that thought. Todd had made it perfectly clear that he didn't want to be with her anymore and she knew that he shouldn't figure in her decision. If she was completely honest with herself she knew she and Todd didn't really belong together, not if she could feel this way about another guy. And that other guy was standing next to her wanting nothing more than to be with her for the rest of their lives.

"Earth to Elizabeth," Laurent whispered in her ear, running his hand along her back.

"Hmmm?" Elizabeth replied, turning to face her prince.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked gazing searchingly into her eyes. Elizabeth stalled; she wasn't ready to give him an answer just yet. She cast around for a different answer.

"You," she finally replied, looking lovingly into those dark blue eyes. It wasn't exactly a lie. Laurent broke into a smile and kissed her passionately. Elizabeth felt her doubts melt away as Laurent's kiss warmed her heart and body. They broke apart and Laurent held her at arms length to look at her.

"You weren't telling the whole truth just then were you?" he smiled knowingly. Elizabeth felt a rush of pleasure, Laurent knew her so well already, almost as well as Jessica. She knew she wouldn't be able to lie to him this time.

"No," she admitted looking away from him. Laurent sat down on the grass underneath an old Oak tree and pulled her down with him.

"Elizabeth," he began taking her hand, "I realise that my proposal has given you a lot to think about and I don't want to rush you into any decision. If you need more time just tell me, I'll wait for as long as it takes." Elizabeth felt a rush of gratitude towards Laurent. He could read her like a book and knew exactly what to say to make her feel better.

"Thankyou Laurent. There's only one thing stopping me from saying yes to you right now."

"And what would that be my love?" he murmured pulling her into his arms.

"Sweet Valley," she replied, sinking against his chest, "My family, my friends and…"

"Todd," he finished her sentence. Elizabeth sat up and turned to look at him.

"How do you know about Todd?" she asked, her surprise evident in her voice.

"I saw his letter in your mail," he said simply. Elizabeth's expression of surprise turned to one of confusion.

"His letter? I never got a letter from him, not here," then a look of understanding passed over her face, "Jessica."

"What does your sister have to do with this?" Laurent asked confused, trying to pull her back into his arms. Elizabeth resisted and stood up, a grim look on her face.

"Excuse me Laurent, I have to go interrogate my sister." With that she turned and walked quickly across the lawn towards the Chateau. Laurent sighed and sat back.

"I hope this doesn't change anything," he said to himself.