may 3rd
The rain let up enough for me to take Cecelia out riding though the village. I spotted the Gaunt girl staring at me for the 5th time this week,I am beginning to think she is mad,like the rest of her family-there are even rumors that the young Gaunt boy has committed murder!How they escaped the justice system astounds me... her entire family are uneducated barbarians with strange habits and rituals. Also who knows what they eat?They certainly look like they bathe in mud,and eats the left overs!Anyway mother absolutely insists that Cecelia and I marry at once!She also says that Cecelia's family money would be plentiful enough to cover fathers expensive gambling debts,and the riddle fortune is not what it once was. I must never breathe a word of my financial problem,for that would certainly scare of my sweet Cecelia,who fancies herself with thoughts of true love. However Cecelia is not acting so sweet and more like the Gaunt girl. What is it about that girl?My thoughts keep escaping to the girl with both fondness and distaste. What spell is this witch casting?

may 4th
Lovely whether today the rain is gone for good. The marriage between me and Cecelia is off. She found out about my family's gambling losses. Mother is distressed,she has taken to muttering "Who's Tom to marry now?We are all going to die poor and starving. Tom Must marry...."Honestly that woman is loosing the wits about her. Anyway,When I went riding today trying to collect my thoughts I saw the Gaunt girl and we actually talked. I learned that her name is Merope and she is not like the rest of her family-at least in the sense that she does NOT enjoy killing. It was very interesting not to talk to someone so over polished you can't see there true intentions,Cecelia only favored me for my money,but since I doubt that Merope knows who I am,I suspect she likes me for my personality.

may 5th
Today was burning the only reason I left my comfortable manor was to see Merope,I don't know what it is about her but she really is beginning to grow on me,I feel as if I could tell her anything without judging me. I'm sorry I have to cut this entry short, but mother insists that I go and see the newest batch of "positively lovely"ladies she has brought home.

may 6th
Today It was lovely weather to see Merope. In fact every day is a lovely day to see Merope! She is so beautiful,kind,compassionate...in fact,today while I was on my way to see Merope I got thirsty and she gave me a glass of water!Sorry again for cutting you short,but I must visit....Merope!

may 7th
Today is the day that me and Merope will forever join in a union of love that birth or position could never change,the day Merope and I run away to start our lives together guided by truth,pure true love ,and compassion.


Merope dropped the journal,tears glistening in her eyes; she was now feeling the guilt of the love potion she had bestowed upon her one true all her laughter and love she seemed fake,a cold plastic replica. Like ashes being the remains of a fire. But ashes are the birth of the pheonix.