A/N:
So just more journal entries from Sabrina for this chapter, and a little bit of the present toward the end. I think this story will have one or two more chapters. But anyway, please enjoy!
Turning the Pages--Chapter 2:
They've been dating for months, now. Whenever I go outside, I often see them walking about, smiling at each other. When I see that, I feel dizzy and want to faint. It's gotten so bad that I just don't go out on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the days when I know he'll be on the island, spending every minute with Chelsea.
But I don't hate Chelsea. No, I could never. Who could hate Chelsea? She is my best friend. She's kind, thoughtful, cheerful, and always there for me. As much as it hurts me, I could never resent Vaughn or Chelsea for picking each other. I would only want to see them happy. And they've truly found happiness with each other.
***
I have to tell him. He deserves a right to know, right? I need to tell someone. There's a chance—a huge one—that he will tell Chelsea, and that will be the end of our relationship. After all, how could she continue to be my friend if I'm in love with her boyfriend?
So I go look for him, which isn't that hard. In the mornings while Chelsea has to work, he's always working at Mirabelle's shop. I walk through the door, and the bell attached to it rings.
"Good morning, Sabrina!" Mirabelle greets. I smile at her.
I walk towards Vaughn, who is in the corner like always. He looks up in surprise.
"Hello, Sabrina."
As always, my heart skips a beat when I hear his husky voice.
"H-Hello, Vaughn," I say quietly.
He is quiet, obviously waiting for me to say something.
"Are you busy?" I ask. "C-Could we perhaps go for a walk?"
Maybe it's something in my voice that makes him say yes.
"Lead the way."
We walk down toward the beach in a deadly silence, his boots making the only sound.
When we arrive, I lead him toward the big rock that can sometime have seaweed on it.
"What's up, Sabrina?"
I face him. And blurt everything out.
"I-I love you, Vaughn."
Vaughn, with his usual neutral face, looks startled for a minute, and then regains his composure.
"Sabrina," he murmurs softly, the softest I have ever heard him use.
Was it possible? Would I still have a chance? Part of me knew that the answer was no, but I couldn't help but hope.
"I love Chelsea," he says softly, his gaze soft. He was truly apologetic. Gone was his cool and slightly harsh demeanor.
"I-I know. I-I just wanted you to know." I look up into his eyes, and my heart breaks. I nod once, and walk away.
***
Even though I knew it was beyond possible that he would ever love me back—I expected his reply—why was the pain as harsh as if I never expected it at all?
***
When I thought the pain couldn't get any worse, it did.
This morning, Chelsea came over with the biggest smile I've ever seen on her.
"Sabrina!" she called.
I came down the stairs to see her waiting for me at the bottom. It has been about a week and a half since I've confessed to Vaughn. Surely Vaughn told Chelsea? But if he told Chelsea, then there would have been this awkward atmosphere between us. But there wasn't. Does that mean that Vaughn didn't tell Chelsea?
We exchanged hugs, and I led Chelsea toward our kitchen where I made her a cup of tea.
"What's up, Chelsea?"
Chelsea broke into a wide grin.
"I'm getting married!" she shouts.
I have mixed feelings.
For one, she's getting married to the only man I have ever loved.
But on the other hand, she's my best friend and I'm happy for her.
I squeal and jump from my chair and hug her.
"Congratulations, Chelsea! You and Vaughn make such a nice couple," I gush, only speaking the truth. They are a good couple.
For the next hour, I help Chelsea plan out her wedding, and she raves about Vaughn. Listening to her, I can imagine what kind of man Vaughn is, the kind of man I couldn't see for myself.
Finally, she has to leave to do farm work, and we hug and I once again give her my good wishes.
Even though I wish it were I that was getting married to Vaughn, I can't help but be happy for Chelsea. She can bring Vaughn the happiness that I couldn't.
***
Today was their wedding. For Chelsea, I went.
My dress was a simple violet dress, just a bit similar to the dress that I always wear. Like always, I put my ribbon in my hair.
The whole village is packed into the church. Nathan did the ceremonial speech, asking if Vaughn will take Chelsea to be his wife, and vise versa. Of course they say yes.
Chelsea is dressed in a white gown, with her hair up. She looks beautiful.
Vaughn looks breathtaking. Seeing him in his navy blue tux and his hat off, his hair neatly combed makes my knees go weak. This was harder than I imagined.
Chelsea and Vaughn exchange vows, and then press together for a kiss. I look to the ground when they do that.
The wedding is over, and everyone gathers around the bride and groom to wish them the best of luck.
Finally, when many people part away from them, I gain the courage to go up and talk to Vaughn. Chelsea is talking to Natalie and Julia off somewhere. Vaughn is alone. This is my chance.
I walk up to Vaughn, wishing that I had this courage so many seasons ago.
"Congratulations, Vaughn," I say, smiling.
Vaughn looks at me, his violet eyes somehow different. Chelsea has changed him—for the good. He no longer looks cold and harsh. I will be forever grateful for Chelsea for being there for him.
"Thank you, Sabrina," he says.
Something nags at me, and I gain courage once again to ask Vaughn about it.
"Um...D-Did you ever tell Chelsea?" I don't have to elaborate; Vaughn knows what I'm talking about.
"I did not," he replies. "Should I have?"
"It's your choice."
"There was no need, really."
We stay silent, looking at each other.
"W-Well, congratulations once again, Vaughn. May the Goddess watch over you and Chelsea." I start to walk away before Vaughn touches me gently on the shoulder. I flinched; this was the first time he has ever touched me, and the spark that came out of it was electrifying.
He wraps his arms around me and kisses me gently on the cheek.
To everyone else, this seems normal. He has been repeating this gesture to every girl who has come to wish him the best. But to me, this was the gesture and feeling that I've longed for so long.
Then, as quick as it started, we break away. I smile, he smiles, and I walk away.
That's it. That's the end. There's nothing really more to do. Wishful thinking will get me nowhere. He is happy with Chelsea.
Sabrina finishes reading, and sets the book gently on a nearby table. She leans her head back and sighs. She still remembers how painful it was to go to their wedding. But that was so long ago. Sabrina has moved on.
Sabrina gets up, takes the journal, and closes it. Then she walks to the nearby bookshelf and takes out two books. Behind those books is a small space big enough to hold the black journal. Sabrina places the journal behind the two books, and then places the books back. There, it will be hidden from any eyes other than hers.
Sabrina stands there for a moment, looking at the bookshelf.
Suddenly, two arms wrapped around her waist.
Sabrina let out a squeak, turned around, and found herself to be staring into big emerald eyes.
"Oh Mark, you scared me."
Mark leaned down and his lips met with Sabrina's.
"Sorry, your dad told me you were in here."
Like always, Sabrina's heart skipped a beat whenever Mark touched her.
"Are you busy?" Mark asks.
"N-Not at all," Sabrina replies.
"Then how 'bout a walk on the beach?"
She nods, and Mark takes her hand and we head down to the beach.
The walk toward the beach was calm and peaceful; not many people were outside their houses. Mark quietly murmured things to Sabrina about their surroundings.
When they arrived at the beach, no one was there. It was kind of weird, Sabrina thought, since usually Denny or Lanna would be on the beach at this hour.
They walked, still hand in hand, toward the shoreline, and there they stood, Mark's arm wrapped around Sabrina's waist, staring off into the distance.
"Sabrina," Mark said softly after about ten minutes of silence.
She turned toward him.
"I love you so much," he murmured.
"I love you, too, Mark."
"You're such a sweet girl, who is thoughtful, kind, sweet, and beautiful. You are like an angel on Earth, sent from the Harvest Goddess. I love spending time with you, and I ask you with my heart if you will please marry me." Mark then proceeded to get down on one knee and pull out a blue feather.
Sabrina gasped and felt her face heat up, out of habit.
"Oh Mark, of course I'll marry you."
Mark beamed at her, rose up, and then pulled her toward him.
"Thank you, Sabrina, you've just made me the happiest guy on this island and in the whole world."
He then leaned in, and their lips met once again, sparks flying.
A/N:
I guess it doesn't make much sense now, but I promise the next chapter, Mark and Sabrina's past will be revealed. I just didn't want to elaborate on their past in this chapter, or else it would be super long.
I'll be writing the third chapter and hope to update it soon!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thanks for reading! Please review!
~Shadowed-Wolfe