Disclaimer I do not own Escaflowne. I do own Brandon, Melissa, Catie and John.

Chapter 2 Confessions and Announcements.

Melissa watched with hope as her two friends stood under the stars.

"Catie I have something I need to tell you"

"I do too"

"You go first.

"Well John it's like this. For a long time I have had a crush on you I am totally in love with you" Catie said blushing. John looked surprised for a second before cupping her face in his hand.

"I love you too. I am so glad you feel the same way." He said as he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Catie returned the kiss with equal force.

Melissa and the others went back in with smiles on their faces.

"Finally, it took them long enough. I thought that they would never say it. Well when should we have the wedding?

"I think we can set the date for September."

"Why is that Van?"

"To give you two time to set a date for your wedding seeing as you have to marry before you turn 19. Plus that way we have enough time to work on both weddings."

"Don't remind me. I hate the idea of being forced to marry."

Brandon put a comforting arm around her for support.

"So when is your wedding Melissa?" Hitomi asked.

"Well, We were thinking June."

Just then Catie and John walked in. They were bombarded with questions until Catie's mom broke them up. "Come now leave them be. I'll handle this. Catie, John it is time."

The Queen motioned for the two to follow her while the four friends stood at the foot of the stairs to the throne. A horn sounded and everyone fell silent.

"Friends I bring good news. My daughter has finally chosen a husband. May I introduce to you Prince John." Everyone cheered for the happy couple. Melissa smiled but she suddenly felt sick so she left to go to her room. Brandon noticed this and went after her telling Van he was leaving.

When he got to her room he saw that the door was shut and heard her crying silently.

Meanwhile Melissa was on her bed crying into her pillow when she felt soft hands on her shoulders. She didn't have to look to know it was Brandon.

She hugged him tighter and cried harder into his chest. After a while she looked up at him with teary eyes.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?"

Melissa nodded as she pulled away a little. ''I'm not ready for this." She said looking out the balcony doors. Brandon stayed quiet and let her pour her heart to him.

"I don't want to get married. I can't I don't want to be forced into it. I want to marry for love not because of someone saying I have to marry before I turn 19. I'm scared Brandon I really am." She said looking at him.

"Your birthday isn't for 2 weeks."

"I know, but as soon as I turn 18 we have one year to get married. At least Catie and john are getting married because they want to not because they are forced to. Why can't we marry because we love each other?"

"Do you love me?"

"What?"

"Do you love me?"

Melissa looked down at her hands. Brandon lifted her chin with a finger and smiled at her.

"Melissa I know you are shy, and upset right now. I agree with you about marrying for love. I know you are unable to tell me now but I want you to know one thing."

"What?"

"I love you."

"You do?"

"Yes I've loved you sense the first time I saw you. I wish things were different but either way we'll be together."

Melissa nodded

"So"

"I want to but I can't for some reason."

"I understand. You can tell me when you're ready okay."

"Okay sure, I will."

"I should go now."

"No wait stay. I am scared to be alone right now."

"Okay" he said as he hugged her and got comfortable under the covers.

She put her head on his chest as she hugged him and closed her eyes. He stayed with her through the night to keep her safe and to comfort her as they slept.

The Next Morning

Melissa awoke to the sound of birds outside. She felt strong arms holding her and when she opened her eyes she looked into bright blue ones.

Brandon smiled at her.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

"Sleep well?"

"Yes, Thanks for staying with me last night."

"Your welcome. Let's go eat now. What do you say?"

"Sure"

"I wonder if anyone will ask what happened between us last night."

No, Van will because he's the only one that knows why we left. Everyone else thinks we were out in the garden where no one can find us talking. "

"You sure?"

"Trust me."

"Okay, lets go eat I'm starved."

"Yah you look it too."

"Oh so do you."

"Shut up."

"Come on lets go."

"Okay"

They got out of bed and got dressed. Soon they were walking to breakfast hand in hand. When they got there Van asked about the night before.

"What happened last night."

"I had a brake down and Brandon stayed with me to see what was wrong and comfort me." Melissa whispered so only he could hear. Van nodded and the three went to join the others at the table. Hitomi smiled as they sat.

She looked very happy about something and now that everyone was there she stood up to make her announcement.

"Now that all of you are here I have an announcement to make. I'm 1mounth pregnant."

"WHAT?" Everyone said at the same time.

"Yep I just found out this morning."

Melissa sighed, "Can things get any more crazy around here?"

AV) More coming soon. I have been busy or I would have updated sooner. My sister graduated College, some of my friends from youth came to put on a new roof, I had Special Olympics track meet, I went to see my grandparents, and other stuff like that.