The Birch Tree
Eugene was talking a mile a minute as they descended the tower stairs. He was so excited that they were both finally free and out of that tower.
"I've got so much I want to do and see, Rapunzel. There are so many things to do and so many places to go. I can't even figure out where yet. We could go back into that bookstore and look at the map. Maybe we can visit that island like we talked about…"
Eugene couldn't believe it, he couldn't stop talking. He wanted to take her all over the place; he just wanted to be by her side. And of course they'd get married. That was the first thing that they were going to do.
Well, he wasn't sure when, but he knew eventually it would happen.
"Rapunzel?"
He was talking to her one minute and she was gone the next. He looked around and finally noticed her standing by a beautiful white birch.
"Rapunzel, you okay?"
Rapunzel was unusually quiet; in fact Eugene couldn't remember when she ever had been quiet. She was always bubbly and energetic; helpful and kind. She would do anything for anybody no matter what the problem or circumstance. She had an attitude when it was needed and she always meant business.
Rapunzel wasn't shy, not by any means.
Right now she sat silently under the sprouting leaves of the tree, Pascal by her side. She wanted to grab hold of Gothel's cape, but Max pushed it of the way. He stood in the background now waiting and watching for something to happen; something to spur him into action.
Maybe she was upset; Eugene wasn't sure. Their escape from the tower was flawless; Rapunzel knew exactly where the hidden staircase was. She discovered the key on the floor from where Gothel dropped it and freed him from his chains.
"Blondie, you okay over there?"
"You won't believe this, Eugene, but I had a moment in there. I remembered something from my childhood, actually my babyhood."
Eugene's eyes narrowed. He wasn't sure if that was a word of not.
"What are you talking about, Rapunzel?"
"I'm the lost princess, Eugene," she said, very quietly, not even looking at him.
Eugene's eyes widened. "What?"
Rapunzel looked up. "I'm the lost princess, Eugene."
Eugene was suddenly feeling very dizzy. He shook his head, and then banged it against the birch. "You are sure about this? I mean really sure? I mean, don't you think you'd be too young to remember that? Don't you think you should talk to someone first?"
Rapunzel frowned. "Eugene, I know what I remembered. And it's not only that. I placed Corona's sun symbol into all my paintings. There were tons of them all over my wall."
Eugene stared at her. How in the world was he going to do this? A thousand things were running through his brain, but mostly that they'd recognize him and arrest him there on the spot. He'd lose his life and then where would Rapunzel be? The thought made him shiver. For the first time, he was in love, really in love. And he didn't want to lose her. He never wanted to lose her.
He wanted to be everywhere that she was going to be. And no one would split them up ever again; no one.
But they'd have to split them up, wouldn't they? He simply couldn't go with her, there was just no way.
He knew she was telling the truth. He saw the mosaic in the courtyard and he was also sure Rapunzel did. There was no mistaking those big green eyes of hers.
Of course, there was also that long blond hair.
"Uh, Rapunzel, I'm Flynn Rider, remember, the thief? Wanted for all kinds of things? I can't show my face at the castle, remember?"
"You told me yourself, Eugene. You would give it all up for me, remember? You just said that we'd run away together somewhere and start over. You know clean slate and all that stuff?"
Eugene smiled sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. "I didn't think you were listening."
Rapunzel stared up at him. "Guess I fooled you, huh?"
He nodded absentmindedly. Now what excuse could he dream up? "Rapunzel listen. Max will take you and you'll have Pascal to keep you company. I can't go with you. You know that I'd get locked up in a second and.."
The kiss was warm and inviting and it took him by surprise. It made him a little dizzy and excited. No other woman made him feel like this one. He knew that the entire time they watched those lanterns and he was definitely sure now.
They broke apart and Rapunzel stared into his eyes.
Eugene was captivated. He had no choice. He had to take a risk or else he would lose her, but he could lose her even if he did.
Well, he'd just have to try.
"Eugene?"
No answer. He was lost in those two huge green liquid pools.
"Eugene?"
"Well, I guess if we're going to the castle, we'd better get a move on," Eugene said, looking at her. "We don't want to be late."
Rapunzel smiled. "Eugene? You mean it?"
He looked at her, smiled and nodded. "I must be crazy to do this, but yes, I mean it."
Rapunzel jumped into his arms and they kissed. It seemed forever before they broke apart.
He smiled. "Did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you are, Rapunzel?"
She smiled up at him and he bent down to cover her lips with his. He smiled as they broke apart this time.
"Let's get out of here before I change I my mind."
"Do you think they'll accept me?"
Eugene smiled and caressed her cheek. "I'm not even worried about that one, gorgeous," he said, "I'm more worried if they'll accept me."
She smiled back. "I have a funny feeling they will."
They smiled at one another and then Eugene helped her onto Max.
"You know where we're headed, Maximus," he said as he climbed up next to her.
Max turned to look at them and smiled. He lifted his head, let out a whinny and took off like a thunderbolt.
They never even looked back.
