I'm back! After some of you shared your wish to have an extra story to know more about Marc and Elizabeth's new life, I decided to write it. This one won't have the action or intensity of the other stories but still will have special moments. Now, here you have the first chapter. Hope you like it!
I checked my watch for tenth time and sighed. There were only five minutes to finish but they were becoming the longest of my life. It seemed that time slowed down with each second...
'It's me or this will never end?' - whispered my friend David who sat beside me.
'I know how you feel.' - said passing a hand over my face and tried to pay attention to my teacher but my mind didn't want. After really long minutes, the teacher closed his book.
'Looks like it's the time. We're done for today. Remember for the next day we...' - said my teacher and I gave a sigh of relief at his words. It was the most soporific class I had in this year.
After taking my things, I went with my friends and went outside of the faculty.
'Well, we survived another boring class and it's Friday! Why don't go after some beers and have some fun to celebrate? '- said David rubbing his hands.
'I'm in. I need a really good beer NOW.' - said Lauren and others responded in the same way.
So? You're in, Marc? '- asked David putting a hand on my shoulder.
'I'd like to. But I have plans.'
'Oh, I see... Your girlfriend?' – when he saw I blushed, he chuckled. - 'It's okay, man. But you have to introduce her to us. '
'Yeah, man. We still don't know her.'
'Why are you so interested to meet her?' - I said with a suspicious look.
'Nothing weird. We promise.' – quickly David replied raising his hands.
'We just want to know her. That's all.' – said Lauren, one of my friends, and I sighed.
'Guys, you better stop.' - said Bell, another friend and one of the only girls of the group.
'Bell is right. I better go before you make things get worse.' - I said chuckling.
After saying goodbye to them, I walked away and looked at my watch. It was 2:20 pm and had to be at 2:10 in front of the library. Damn boring class... I hurried to get to the place as I snuggled into my coat. Although January was over and the hardest part of winter passed, the cold wasn't gone and sometimes it was quite intense. Although it didn't snow for several days, there were still traces of snow around.
When I approached the place, I looked around the area looking for her but I only saw a few groups of students talking or going to class. Then I saw someone on the path that was leading to the library and I smiled. She was sitting on the bench reading a book as she didn't mind the cold. I walked silently so that I could put myself behind her and smiled. When I went to say something, she raised a hand without looking at me.
'If you thought you could surprise while reading, you're wrong.' – Elizabeth raised her head and looked at me with a small grin.
'Killjoy.' - said pouting but then laughed and gave her peak. Because of the cold, she was wearing a jersey, jeans and a pair of boots that covered until her knees. She wore simple but she was beautiful as ever. Behind her scarf that was covering her neck, I could see her brooch of the bird that was wearing as a necklace and almost never took off. - 'Sorry it took some time. My teacher took his time to finish the lesson. Shall we move?'
'Yes. I'm really hungry.' - Both headed to the restaurant I had promised her we would go and she took my arm as I held my hands tucked in my pockets to keep them warm.
'So how were your lessons?'
'Good, I suppose although the last one was really boring. I had to make a great effort to stay awake.'
'Sure it wasn't that bad.'
'If you want, you can go for me. I don't mind.' - I suggested and put puppy eyes so she would say yes. She smiled and shook his head.
'Oh, no. No way. You'll assist at your lessons and work as a good student.'
'You sound like my mother...' - I said with a sigh and earned a nudge. I chuckled and looked at her curiously. - 'What do you think of the library?'
'It was good. Of course I couldn't see all the books but some were very interesting. '
'Don't worry. You have much time to read all the books you want.' -. I said with a wink.
After several minutes walking to the restaurant I promised to her we would go. It was a large place but it was full of people. After several minutes of waiting to sit in a table and receive the food, we were finally able to start eating.
'There's a lot of people.' – said Elizabeth looking around.
'It's Friday, it's warm…' - said with a smile as I ate another piece of spiced meat and moaned with satisfaction. - '…and the food is delicious.'
'You really like this place, huh?' - she said with a smile.
'You don't know how good it's a good and delicious food after a long day of classes.' - said while still eating happily. Have I mentioned the food is great?
'By the way, remember you promised me I'd have that wonderful tasty chocolate ice cream with cherries.' - she reminded me imitating the tone I used when made the promise before and I laughed.
'I promise you'll have it but now let me finish this, it's too good.' - I said as I focused on my food and she laughed as she did the same with hers. Several minutes later, we finally reached the expected dessert and it was Elizabeth's time to feel happy. She looked like a little girl and couldn't help smiling.
'This is delicious.' - said with a big smile and savored the ice cream.
'I told you. By the way, I remember you we're sharing it.' - said raising an eyebrow and showed her my spoon. Elizabeth glanced at me and reluctantly let me eat ice cream.
'Try to not to eat it all.'
'Sorry but you're the one who has starting eating it as it was yours.' - I said looking at one of the cherries and took one. - 'But I'm good boy and I'll give cherries.'
'Thank you.' - I offered her the cherry and instead of took it, she ate it while looking directly at me.
'You're a tease, you know?' - said raising an eyebrow.
'You put it too easy.' - said with a seductive smile. But the teasing ended quickly when she focused on the ice cream again. I laughed and looked around. People occupied tables several others even were queuing to order food to take for home. As I watched, I thought I about the I had for later.
'I thought that when we leave, we could walk a little. An then show a place that that surely you'll love.'
'Another library?' - she said without stopping eating the ice cream and I chuckled.
'Almost. But this one is more special. You'll love it.'
'I'm the one who has to decide that.'
'You love any place with books. Admit it.' - I replied as I crossed my arms. She stared at me for a few seconds and laughed.
'Okay, okay! I am very curious to discover why it's o special.'
'You'll see.'
(Third POV)
'Sorry to be a little annoying but I don't have this clear: why the hell are we following Marc?' – asked Bell.
'Isn't obvious?' - said David watching carefully from one of the large windows of the restaurant.
'I don't know why I'm following you.' - she replied with a long sigh.
'I think for the same reason as us.' – said Lauren as he as he ate a hamburger. - 'And be thankful he has left us to stop to catch a few burgers.'
'I still think this is really stupid. If you were so curious to know how Marc's girlfriend is, you just could wait until he introduced her to us.'
'Too much waiting.' - said Luke, another friend of the group who had deicide join the "tour".
'By the way, someone knows where Marc meet her? I mean, Marc was alone and suddenly she appeared from nowhere.'
'No idea. I guess he'll explain us one day.'
'They're going out. Hide, fast!'- suddenly said David and everyone rushed to hide in an alley. David looked carefully and saw the couple leaving the restaurant while laughing.
'I should have asked two ice creams. You didn't leave anything for me.'
'If you wasn't so focused talking, you'd have your art.'
'Yeah, of course.' - replied Marc laughing as they walked in the opposite way to where his friends were hiding and held hands.
'How cute...' - muttered Bell with a smile.
'Uggh... no lovely cutie things please.' - muttered Lauren grimacing.
'You envy him because you have no girlfriend.'
'And a very beautiful one.' - added Adrian, another member of the group.
'You didn't even see her closer.'
'No need to see her closer to notice how beautiful she is. What a Beauty…' - muttered in awe.
'Damn Marc...' - the three friends gave a long sigh and Bell shook her head.
'Do me a favor and grow up.'
(Marc POV)
'So... where is that place that you said I would love so much?' - asked Elizabeth very anxious.
'It isn't far away.'
'You've been saying that all along.'
'I promise this time will be true.' - said with a smile. Then I noticed something and looked back but saw no one. Since we left the restaurant, I had the feeling I was being watched but didn't see anyone. I hope the Lutece aren't playing with me again… Finally we arrived at the store and I looked at Elizabeth with a smile.
'We've arrived.'
'Is... this place?' – asked Elizabeth looking at the narrow entrance with an old poster.
'Appearance is the less important fact. In this place there are real treasures.' - I said as I led her to the door.
'Like what?'
'Ancient books and archives.' - When I saw the excitement in Elizabeth's eyes, I smiled and she walked around, looking in awe at the narrow shelves full of old books.
'Clark! Good to see you, boy.' - said the clerk, George, a tall thin old man.
'Hey George.'
'Did you want something?' - I watched Elizabeth for a second to see she was having fun looking carefully a few books and I went to George.
'Yeah. Do you remember about that book we were talking a few weeks ago?'- I asked in low voice.
'Yes. That book of-' - quickly I pointed him to don't talk and he stopped. Then he looked at Elizabeth and smiled. - 'So that was for… I kept it specially for you after our chat. Although I must warn you because of its age it's quite delicate. '
'Don't worry. It will be in good hands.' - I said looking at Elizabeth without stop smiling. - 'Can you help the lady to know what kind of books are in this place?'
'Of course. It will be a pleasure.' - said the smiling and went to Elizabeth who was still lost looking the books. I think she has found her new favorite place.
(Third POV)
'Dude, we can't keep in this way.' – said Lauren feeling really tired.
'C'mon, stay a little longer.'- David pleaded.
'I won't walk through all Montreal just to follow them.' – said Adrian.
'Me neither.' - added Bell. Then the three friends turned and left.
'C'mon boys...' – muttered David.
'Sorry Dave but I want to enjoy the rest of this Friday.' - said Lauren and the three parted as they left.
'Great... well, I won't go.' - said David decisively. Then he looked at his watch and sighed when he saw the time that had passed. - 'Damn... Well, to the hell with this.'
And then he turned and left.
(Marc POV)
We were in the store like half an hour but I didn't mind. Saying Elizabeth was more than happy happy while talking with George about books was an understatement. I could clearly see the excitement and curiosity on her when she heard about all the kinds of books he had in store. If it was for her, she'd take all the books in the store but I convinced her (I still don't know how I did it) to wait for another day. I have something better for her…
While I hide the bag, that Geroge gave me, inside my backpack, they kept talking in excitement. I think Elizabeth has won a new great friend.
'God... there are so many wonderful books in this place.' - said her in dreamily voice and George smiled.
'Don't worry. You can return as many times as you want.'
'Thanks for everything George. I suspect that we will see shortly.' – I said chuckling and took Elizabeth's hand.
'Come when you want. It will be a pleasure to receive you.' - said with a gentle smile and we left. Elizabeth sighed and smiled.
'George is so nice. He has given me so much information to absorb...'
'He is also loves books. And I can assure you he enjoyed a lot chatting with you.'
'It's a real shame people don't give more attention to such a wonderful store. There are real gems there.'
'Only those who appreciate what is there prevent the store gets closed. And I hope it stays in that way for long.'
As we walked back to the apartment, I thought the book that Elizabeth did not know I had caught it. I had a hard time finding a book for her so I really hoped he liked.
After arriving at the apartment while I took off my jacket, I saw Elizabeth sighing and sitting on the couch.
'Those books from there… There is nothing that produces me more pleasure than touch and open a book with so much history behind.'
'What about me?' - said raising an eyebrow and crossed my arms. She chuckled and approached to me.
'When I talk about books, I speak only about books. In other fields... '- she came to me and played with the collar of my shirt as she looked seductively. - '...things change a lot.'
'Glad to know that.' - Then she left the seductive attitude and took my hand.
'I have something to tell you.'
'Well, the truth is me too.'
'Oh, then better start you.' - said quickly.
'All Right. The truth is that a few days ago I was thinking and... I guess you never could celebrate Christmas or your birthday properly, no? '
'No, as you well know. I couldn't even celebrate my birthday because I never knew when it was. As about gifts, the only ones I received were the books, picks and other things that Songbird brought me. '
'Well, with a little delay I decided to bring you a gift.' - I took the bag from my backpack and gave it to Elizabeth. She looked at me surprised and carefully picked what was inside. She looked at the gift that was well covered by a blue cloth that was protecting it and she looked at me with a smile.
'A book?'
'Open it.' - I said trying not to laugh and she did. When she opened it, she found the book and carefully touched it.
'This book ... is special. It's very old.' - Then opened it and flipped through the pages. - 'This is...'
'One of the few copies that collects Paris story.' - I said smiling. She looked at me surprised and then looked in awe at the book.
'Oh my god... How I haven't seen it before?'
'I discovered that book exists and spoke with George long before we went to the store to try to get it. He kept especially for this occasion. I hope you liked it.' - Suddenly she hugged me and then looked at me with a big smile.
'Thank you.'
'You're welcome although I would have liked to find something more special perhaps...'
'No, no! This book is so wonderful and the fact that you worried to find it for me does it more special.' – I couldn't help but smile.
'Well, then...'
'Now it's my turn.' - she suddenly said.
'Go ahead.'
'Well... you're not the only one who was worried about getting a good Christmas present (a little late).' - said with a mysterious look.
'Oh, well. That's fine.' - I said surprised. She went to the bedroom and returned with a well wrapped box.
'Hope you like it.'
Although I was surprised, I started to open the gift and I couldn't help feeling anxious. I didn't expect Elizabeth to make me a gift and whatever it was, I was going to like. After removing the wrapping paper, I saw a simple little box. After removing the cover, I saw tissue paper covering something that was inside. Carefully I pulled back and my eyes widened. It was impossible...
'Where... where did you get this?' - I said as I took it to watch better. A small collector figurine of Maurice Richard. It was exactly the same that I had as kid, the same one I lost.
'A few days ago I spoke to your mother and told me how much sad you were after losing that little figure and I knew was very important to you. So I decided to use my power to find out where it was and looked for it in reality. It had also lost some paint so I restored it personally.'
'This is... this is...' – muttered not finding the words. I couldn't take it anymore and left the box with the figure in the table to hug and kiss her. She moaned in surprise but then laughed while kissing me. But then I stopped kissing her and hugged her tightly until I lift her from the ground. - 'Thank you thank you THANK YOU!'
'Marc! Let me breathe!'- she said laughing. I gave her one last kiss and looked at her tenderly.
'I love you.' - She smiled stroking my cheek and felt the cold touch of her thimble. After leaving her on the floor, she sat on the couch and pointed me to sit next her.
'Your mother told me how bad you felt when you lost that figure but didn't tell me why.' - I took the figurine and watched while I sat with her.
'My grandfather (or so he told me) gave the idea to my parents to call me Maurice in honor of the great hockey legend Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. Since I started playing, they always joked calling me "The Rocket Jr." but later it became my usual nickname.'
'I suppose it would be a great honor for you.'
'Yes, I always admired and followed the legends of hockey, especially the Montreal Canadiens ones. Ethan gave me this for my tenth birthday and we always spent many evenings watching old hockey games or playing/training in the garden. When he left, that figure was one of the few things that gave me strength when I was bad. The day I lost it... I think I've rarely been so hysterical about something.'
'Well, now you have it back.' – I smiled and put my arm around her to pull her to me.
'To finish this awesome day, what if we spend the night watching a good movie from the couch and a warm blanket covering us?'
'And popcorn?' - she suggested with puppy eyes and I couldn't help but laugh.
'All the popcorn you want.' - It was impossible to say no to this woman.
Here ends the chapter. I know it's a little soft but hope you liked it.
As I mentioned in the other story, I'll write the chapters while I'm thinking about more fics. I'm thinking writing one about Tomb Raider (the reboot) but if you have any interest of me about witting fics about other games or other, don't doubt to tell me. Even if I didn't play/ watch the games you suggest, I can make an effort and think about them.
As always, share your thoughts posting reviews and see you soon people!
