okokok. this really should be two chapters but they would beicroscopic so I have just whapbamed them into one )
more is on the way! I do some assignment, I¤o³ome fanfic, a little assignment, a little fanfic.
Oh and review pretty please, (do it for Kartik, if not for me :p )
Once again please point out any errors, save me from embarasment and I will fix them straight away! nothing better than having someone check your work aye?
Chapter 2 -Wondering, Fearing
Recovering from her initial shock, Gemma then squinted to try and make out the shadowy figure. The voice she knew belonged to a male. Looking at him standing next to the tall oak Gemma thought it safe to assume from his height, that her chances of being able to outrun the stranger, especially in the snow, were slim. She had already ruled out trying to fight her way past him. However, Gemma mentally prepared herself to run.
Without moving forward, the strange figure held out his hand with the feather resting on his palm and asked. "Is this yours?"
Going against her initial instincts, Gemma felt strangely reassured by his tone and took a step forward, her boots sinking into the soft snow. Her mind was now overcome by curiosity, not only about the odd patterns on the feather but also as to why the solitary figure was roaming the woods near the Academy at dusk.
Without thinking Gemma reached out with her bare hand to take the feather. Her eyes never left the face that was hidden by shadows. As her fingers touched the feather's blade the last of the sun's rays flashed between the trees, illuminating the stranger's face.
A strange tingle ran through Gemma's body, beginning in her cold fingers. Her immediate thought was that he was beautiful. His skin was a dark brown that reminded her of her home in India. His eyes were a striking exotic brown that seemed to be made up of many browns. He stood straight with his head at least another above Gemma's own. She shivered, her own green eyes never leaving his.
"Yes." All Gemma could manage was a whisper. Finally she broke the eye contact by looking down at the feather she held. With a shock, she realised that her hand was resting on his open palm. She frowned to herself and began to pull away.
"Wait." Gemma looked up in surprise.
His bare hand grasped hers and he stepped closer. Gemma could now see his features clearly. He had dark, almost black, brown curly hair and strong, defined cheekbones, the face of a young man, a little older than herself. His face had a calming effect on Gemma. She was finally able to take a deep breath to try and placate her racing heart.
"Your hand…" The young man hesitated for a moment then grasped hers, which still held the feather, more tightly. "It is so cold."
Despite the crisp air, Gemma's cheeks flushed. She cursed her red hair and pale skin that displayed her emotions so easily. However, she found his hand so warm and strangely comforting that she did not pull away. Instead, she asked the question that seemed so important in her mind.
"Who are you?"
Looking into her eyes the young man replied. "My name is Kartik."
"Kartik." Gemma spoke his name. Enjoying the way it felt on her lips. "What are you doing here?"
"I may ask you the same question Miss Doyle." A small smile played on his lips at Gemma's confusion.
"How do you -?"
He cut her off. "Are the woods an appropriate place for a young lady to be wandering after dark?"
"I…" But she could think of nothing in reply to Kartik's words.
The two stood in the snow for what seemed like an eternity, Gemma's hand that held the feather, still resting on Kartik's palm. Gemma became aware that it was not only she who was stuck for words. Although no blush was visible on Kartik's cheek, she now realised that he was as tongue-tied as herself.
As warm as her hand felt on his, Gemma's feet were beginning to feel the cold as the snow sunk through the leather. She shifted them, hoping to bring some warmth. This movement caught the attention of Kartik who seemed to have shaken himself from a reverie.
He murmured, and began to drop his hand. "You best get yourself inside, your freezing."
Gemma felt the intensity of her blush increase. She was reluctant to part with this young man.
"Why? – I mean wait!" Gemma stumbled for words. "I still don't know how you know my name! And why you are here?" There were thousands of questions that plagued her mind but these seemed the most essential.
"The hour is getting late Miss Doyle, your friends will begin to worry." As he said this he moved his hand to hold Gemma's fingers. Her heart began to race with renewed vigor. Even though the feather was still grasped between her thumb, Kartik lifted Gemma's hand to his mouth and kissed it lightly, still looking into her eyes.
"Until we meet again." His eyes left hers.
Gemma's breath came in small intakes as she thought; how could a simple kiss have her weak at the knees?
She felt her heart drop when Kartik let her hand go. Then he moved away and walked swiftly past her, the snow crunching under his boots.
Turning, Gemma watched as his figure began to disappear into the darkness. As if he sensed her eyes, Kartik stopped and half turned.
"Miss Doyle? That feather you have in your hand? It is very important that you do not let it out of your sight. For you, and for me."
With this said, he continued to walk until finally, Gemma could no longer feel his presence. She breathed a sigh of frustration, then hurried towards the light and the warmth.
"Are you not in the least bit excited Gemma? It's Christmas eve."
Gemma, Felicity and Ann sat in a train compartment, heading for London. Gemma was to meet her brother, Tom, at the station. Ann was staying with the Worthington's over Christmas because her parents were currently touring Scotland. They were both to be picked up by Felicity's driver.
"I do no think my Christmas will be quite as spectacular as yours Felicity." Gemma smiled at her friend whilst her mind roamed her childhood memories, seeking one where her mother had not shone with happiness, sitting by the fire. This would be first Christmas without that loving presence.
Felicity lent over and poked Gemma's shoulder. "Do not be silly Gem, you, your father and Tom are coming to the Christmas party; Ann will be there! What else do we need? We will say out hellos to the handsome young men, then, we will find some champagne and a good hiding spot." She poked her again and smiled as she saw the mischievous gleam enter Gemma's green eyes.
"Yes well, I think that some fun could be had, perhaps."
Ann, who had until now kept silent, leaned forward and spoke, "Gemma, do not· worry about your father, it will work out."
She smiled at her friend. "I hope so."
Sitting up straight, Ann then asked in what Gemma thought of as a slightly strained voice, whether or not her brother Tom would be attending the Christmas party or not.
Both Gemma and Felicity burst into laughter.
"Oh Ann you really are so obvious!" Felicity grinned wolfishly. "Perhaps, Gemma, your brother will want Ann's first dance?"
Gemma cottoned on. "I dare say he will Felicity. If my brother knows what is good for him."
"Gemma!" Ann moaned from behind her hands, "Please don't say anything, I could bare it!"
"Don't worry Ann, I have my subtle ways. Besides, this is Tom we are talking about."
Ann smiled sheepishly, and Felicity rolled her eyes.
Whoottt Katick, so mysterious, so cute - for Joytir, my commentor friend, I live for fluff, its a-coming your way! ;)
hmm sorry about the not much happening yet thing but sorry to say I am one of those people who just could set up a scene/story for a whole book! - I will try not to dribble drab for ever.
What else ?
Please critisise or I will think its so bad that you dont want to tell me or it just isnt worth saying anything!
Suggestions are welcome because, wait for it...ok this might scare you but I do not have much of an idea where this is going :S it will go somewhere but I am, how shall I say this, making it up as I go along. gasp i know. it worries me to.
However, lucky for me I am one of those people who will not leave anything unfinished, so you will get an ending. (sundden death of all characters) not!
Oh andcould you please please please review because itakes my day when I go to my inbox and there are comment messages. (even though I have only ever recieved 3) lol but truely it does.