You're probably thinking, "what in the hell is she doing?" Well I have a answer for that. I re-read this story. And it doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever. I don't know what was going through my mind when I started this fanfiction. So, here is a better version the little '∞' means that its moved on to another character's point of view. If you have any questions, please post a review and I'll be happy to answer any of the questions of you have for me. I hope this makes more sense.
Peace out: BreakingDawn17
The Borrowers: The Journey Never Ends; Remake
Arrietty and Homily's POV
Arrietty's POV
"Arrietty, please be careful when you're out with Spiller."
I smiled towards my poor mother. "You know I'm always careful no matter where I am. Father's taught me well, so has Spiller."
My mother seemed to relax as she nodded. Her eyes told me differently. She always worried about everything. I quickly put a bundle of rope on my shoulder and walked off towards the exit of our home to meet Spiller. Mother yelled, "Don't forget the matches!"
Looking back as I continued onward, "I won't!" I waved back.
Finally I reached the outskirts of the garden, I saw Spiller standing there, arms crossed. Taking a deep breath, "The weather looks nice today. Don't you think?" I asked him.
"It's a nice day to go fishing." Spiller mumbled. "Don't let me forget to find matches for mother. Right now wouldn't be the best time for her to be cross with me."
"Alright, I will remind you on the way back to the foundation."
Back in the floorboards of the watermill Homily fussed with her husband Pod Clock.
Homily's POV
"Why aren't you agreeing with me about marry off our only daughter? You know as well as I do that Arrietty is of age." Pod grumbled at me. I hate it when he does that. "I know she's of age, Homily."
"If you know, then please enlighten me. Why are you against of the idea of Arrietty being married? She's almost eighteen. At her age she should be out on her own by now. You know, Pod, in your right mind that my sister let her sons out by the age of sixteen."
Pod huffed. I could see the outline of his jaw tighten as he bit down in annoyance. "If I may ask, my dear, since you have this brilliant idea of marrying off our only child; who's this boy whom you think will take care of our child?'
My eyes pierced into Pod's. "You know exactly who I'm talking about, Mr. Clock."
"You're not speaking of Spiller, are you?" Pod asked. Sometimes I think my husband can be so dense.
"That's the spot. I think he would be a great husband for Arrietty." Pod laughed at me.
"You, my dearest, has gone round the loop and back. Homily—" He grabbed a cup to which I just poured— "Spiller is an outsider; he loves the outdoors. He's not the kind of borrower to stay indoors all day, let alone for the rest of his life. Spiller's a great borrower, I'll give you that, Homily. But Arrietty needs someone who doesn't sleep in the wheat fields."
"Pod, you've not seen the way she looks at Spiller," I said while stitching a sweater. "I've kept an eye on Spiller, too. He seems to always be shy and timid. I just have that feeling, Pod, Arrietty and Spiller are the perfect match."
He looked at his cup, thinking for a moment. He knew I was right. Arrietty had reached the age to be married. But it was harder than I thought. He couldn't just hand off his only daughter his best friend—to a complete stranger. It didn't matter if he knew the boy or not.
With a sigh, Pod finally spoke up. "I guess you're right, Homily. It's time for Arrietty to leave."
I looked away from my knitting. "Oh, Pod! Really, I'm so happy to hear that you've come to your senses." I stopped and thought for a moment. How would they react to the news?
"Should we speak to them both or separately, do you think?"
"We'll mention it to them at dinner, once they get back from borrowing."
Arrietty's POV
As Spiller and I walked back to the foundation of the watermill, I could sense tension in the air. Walking nearer to the doorway, I could hear my parents in the kitchen. "Homily, will you please calm yourself? You're making me nervous too." That's unusual for my father. It's only when something's wrong that he becomes nervous.
"I'm sorry, Pod. I just wish they'd hurry back." My mother fussed while she stirred soup in the newly borrowed pots and pans I brought home last week. I started to walk into the room, but Spiller beat me to it to open the door for me. Father began to place wooded plates and utensils on the table as Spiller and I walk in.
I quickly stashed away my borrowing tools. "Hello mother, dinner smells delicious." Swiftly, I pulled out the matches that mother asked for. "Where would you like them?"
She looked at me in delight. "By the fireplace, if you would, Arrietty." I nodded.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Clock. Today's borrowing took longer than expected. Aunt Sophie just arrived home from her vacation." Spiller apologized. Mother smiled.
"It's quite alright, Spiller. I always worry." Her eyes rolled in the direction of the fireplace. "Arrietty, maybe it would be best if you put them in the storage room."
"Homily, leave the poor girl alone. I think the matches are just fine from where they sit." Father came over to kiss me on the forehead. "Would you like to stay for dinner, Spiller?" Father asked, most likely feeling anxious.
My heart picked up its pace. I always like it when he stayed for dinner. "Oh, would you? I'm sure mother made enough for four." My eyes drifted towards mother. She quietly shook her head yes, then spooned the soup into bowls. Spiller seems to be in a daze, his eyes looking at me.
"Ah—I'm sorry, but what did you say, Mr. Clock?"
He blinked as if he came from a daydream. What was with him? This was out of the norm than usual. Father looked toward me and then to Spiller. Having the feeling that I, too, seemed to be in a daze made him even feel even more anxious.
"Would you like to stay for dinner?" Mother asked. I held my breath, hoping that he would accept the invitation. Spiller took a deep breath as he thought for a moment. His brown eyes look caring and warm as they flickered from the firelight.
"I guess I can stay for one serving." He smiled as he accepted the invitation.
"Arrietty, come help me with dinner." I looked at father with a smile before walking over to mother. Father sat by the fire quietly. Surprisingly, Spiller joined him.
As I help with dinner, I felt a change in the horizon. Mother seems happier, not so much as cross with me or father. Every time Spiller comes to visit, my heart feels like it could burst. There was just something about him that appealed to me. Maybe it was the love of the outdoors, or the similarities that we shared? Who knew? While I poured water in cups, mother asked "Do you fancy Spiller, Arrietty?"
Faintly, I could feel my cheeks flare. "What makes you have the slightest idea that I fancy Spiller?"
"Just by the way you look at him. How you act around Spiller when he comes around. There is no shame in having feelings for someone, darling."
I smiled as she continued. "Do you see yourself having a future with him, Arrietty?"
"Sometimes… But I know that Spiller doesn't want to be with a borrower like me. We've been raised in different environments. I've been sheltered. Spiller hasn't."
"That's such nonsense. You've not seen how he talks to you, how he reacts when you smile."
"I don't know, mother, why are you asking me these questions anyway?" I looked at her suspiciously.
"There is no reason. I'm just curious. And I do worry about you. I'd rather you stay here and help me with the house instead of being upstairs."
"Mother, you worry too much."
In the corner of my eye, I could see Spiller in the same situation as I was. What were my parents up to?
"Dinner is ready." I called out.
Spiller took a deep breath as he placed his half-scissor by the door. Father took his seat at the front of the room while mother moved the food to the table. Spiller started to sit next to my father when my mother asked, "Why don't you sit next to Arrietty tonight?"
My body became tense. Spiller seemed to be nervous as he walked over to where I was sitting.
"Homily, can you pass me the stew?" Father asked my mother.
The food moved in swift circles. I didn't really notice Spiller handing me a bowl of mashed potatoes. With the smallest touch, his finger nudged mine. A bolt of electricity went through my body. He whispered, "I'm sorry."
I giggle, "There is no need" and Spiller nods.
Mother nudged father in the rib. He cleared his throat. "I have a peroration for both of you." Father said after taking a spoon full of stew. Spiller and I look at father, mother smiling.
He takes a deep breath while slowly chewing on his food. I could help but ask, "Are we emigrating again?" I love when we endure the outdoors. It's free and advantageous. I've been dying for a new adventure.
"Yes you're emigrating."
Spiller dropped his spoon, not understanding the concept.
"What do you mean Arrietty is going to emigrating?" He asked, a little confused. My stomach dropped.
"Father, what are you talking about" I asked in desperation. Mother folded her hands on the table.
"Arrietty, sweetie, your father and I think it's time for you to be married."
Spiller's eyes zero out of focus.
"Married!" I yelled.
Homily's POV
My eyes became wide with anger. "Young lady, don't speak to your father in that tone!"
Arrietty looked towards me and walked off. Spiller's face was white, still trying to reframe what just happened.
"Who have you chosen for her?" Spiller voice seemed quiet, his face still pale. Pod stood up from the table and threw his napkin down.
"It's you that we've chosen."
Eyes furrowed. Spiller started to stutter. "What do you m-mean m-ee?"
Oh dear lord. I couldn't stand this anymore. My patience was wearing thin. "You're the one that we've chosen for Arrietty."
"It can't be me. It just can't. I'm a free man, an outsider. I'm not the right borrower; the right husband for her. She deserves better. There has to be someone better." Spiller said, with venom in his tone.
"Do you love Arrietty?" I asked him. Spiller's face quickly flushed with color. "I may have flared some feelings for her. Don't get me wrong, I have thought of the possibility of emigrating with Arrietty. Maybe even marriage and settling down."
Pod picked up his cup and took a drink. "Then what's the problem?"
Spiller ran his hand through his greasy hair. "I don't want to force her. Why would you, Pod?"
Mr. Clock glared at Spiller. I quickly cut in. "I was married at the age of seventeen, within two years Arrietty came. We just think that it's time for her to start her own life."
Spiller took a steady breath, staring at Arrietty's bedroom door. Slowly, he walked to the hallway, with me following far behind. I could hear small, faint sobs. Spiller stopped in the door frame, knocking.
Arrietty's POV
"I don't want to speak to anyone," I cried out. How could my parents do this to me? I only love one person. Looking out of my window, I could sense footsteps coming into my room. "What did I say? I don't want to talk." Turning around, there stood Spiller. My hands swept away the tears that laid on my cheek. I fiddle with my hair, feeling the tangled knots. Spiller just grinned, not even fazed as to how I looked.
"What are you doing in here?" I asked him.
"I came in to see if you were alright." His voice sounded so cool and collected.
I sniffled. "No, I'm not alright, I'm being forced to be married to a complete stranger."
Spiller rubbed his neck, looking down, being bashful.
"Arrietty, it's not what you think. He's not a complete stranger that your parents chose for you. This man is actually a family friend; he's basically part of the family, if you think about it."
Sitting up, I stared at him. "It can't be. It's you isn't it? My parents chose you for my husband." It wasn't a question. It was obvious that was why mother kept asking me how I felt about Spiller. I stood up from my bed, my dress wrinkled.
"My parents are mad. They know as well as I do that you're not the sort of borrower for settling down. You're an outsider." I smiled.
Spiller thought for a moment. "I have one condition."
My eye furrowed, arms across my chest as I walked closer to him. "And what would that condition be? If I may be so bold to ask. He crossed his arms too.
"The only borrower that I'd consider emigrating with is you, Arrietty."
"I want to know one thing." I pointed my index finger towards him. He just stared at me, waiting.
"Is it your idea to marry me? Or was it my mother and father's idea?" I whispered. Spiller just stood there, his face blinking as he cleared his throat.
"Your father brought it to my attention while you were helping your mother with dinner. But—I had no idea that she'd chose me." His hand felt warm on my shoulder. "But if you don't want to do this, Arrietty, I would understand your decision. I wouldn't want to force you; I at least have that much respect for you."
I couldn't just give him an answer on the spot. I walked pass him, opening my door, seeing my mother, father and Aunt Lupy in the door frame.
"Arrietty, child, you can't accept an outsider's proposal. Let alone Spiller's proposal. Your parents are mad to think that he's the right match for you," Aunt Lupy insisted.
This was just too much.
"Aunt Lupy, mother is right. You're an ape, egotistical and judgmental—so shut up!" I took a deep breath. "It's my decision as to what I want to do with my life. I need air."
With a fast move, I pushed my chair back from the table and started to run outside. My head felt like it could explode any moment. I couldn't think straight, everything was in a fog. Why did my Aunt Lupy have to be involved in this? It just made everything worse. I could see Spiller as my husband. With his knowledge, I know he'd keep me safe. Why would he have a sudden change of heart? I was kidding myself to even be thinking of such things. He might have felt this way for a while. I could hear footsteps from behind. With a soft touch, I felt Spiller grab my right hand.
"You gave me a fright!" I yelped in surprise, as my heart skipped a beat. Spiller smirked.
"I just thought you and I could talk without anyone interfering. You seemed lost in the kitchen. I thought I come out here to give you support."
"When do you want to leave?" I asked him. His head cocked to the side.
"Do you mean, you'll marry me?"
I nodded.
"Well, I guess after the wedding passes on. I do have some ideas as to where we can settle. It's a nice starter home. I think it's up to your expectations."
Turning around, I stared at him; his face clean, hands washed. This was the first time I I had seen him clean. I felt moved.
"It's not the kennel, is it?" Remembering last summer my parents and I had to stay in such bad conditions.
"No, No. I stopped staying there after the flood. I don't think I would want to move somewhere like that. You deserve somewhere nice, at least something decent then sleeping in a hot, muggy kennel."
I couldn't help but ask something that had been bothering me for the past few months, even before the ideal proposal.
"Do you love me Spiller? I mean, I don't want to be married to someone who doesn't love me. I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into this marriage either. I don't want you to feel obligated to marry me because of my mother."
Spiller walked closer to me. "I do."
'I do' doesn't fully clarify anything.
"You feel obligated with the idea of marrying me?" I asked him, a little confused by his statement. Spiller's eyes become wide. He thought for a moment.
"That's not what I meant."
I could feel his breath on my lips. "Then what do you mean?"
"Meaning as in I do love you, Arrietty."
That was all I wanted to hear. Finally, my lips captured his taste.
It felt like Spiller and I were the only ones around after a few seconds. The words that I'd been dying to say came to the surface.
"I love you, too, Spiller."