Author's Note: Re-Posting Chapter. The older one didn't give any justice to all the support I've been getting. Anyways, a big shout out (again) to my duck-like parabatai Upama for her constant support and great ideas.
Gideon leaned against the trunk of the oak, his back resting lightly upon the rough bark. He watched intently as Sophie laid out the contents of their lunch in front of him. The aroma of bread slices and fresh jam drifted towards his nose, he inhaled sharply. Sophie tuned to look at him in confusion, before bursting out laughing. Gideon's face was scrunched up, his nose raised, nostrils flared and eyes shut tight.
The aroma had disappeared, but now all he could hear was the sound of sweet laughter ringing through the air. Sophie's laugh was gentle, but welcoming. It was perfect to Gideon. Sophie smiled at him one last time before concentrating back on the slices of bread.
Gideon watched her face intently. Her dark hair drew a curtain around her face, but he could still see the luminous dark hazel of her eyes. Impatiently pushing back her hair behind her shoulders, Gideon watched Sophie's eyebrows furrow in concentration, evening out the layer of strawberry jam perfectly upon the bread. Finished, she looked upon proudly at her creation and handed it to Gideon.
Gideon gratefully took a bite, while Sophie began making one of her own. They were sitting under the shade of one of the many trees in Hyde Park. The sun was gleaming above them, a rarity in this time of year in London, and Gideon wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity for a picnic. It was a perfect time to take Sophie out.
She readily agreed, finishing up her chores and quietly slipping out of the Institute. Charlotte, Tessa and Jem had gone to pick out decorations for their wedding while Henry was up in the attic tinkering around with a new gadget. Heaven only knew where Will was.
As the pair sat together, chewing on their lunch, Gideon wondered, his eyes drifting to the scar slashed on Sophie's face, dancing in the sun. His heart ached to know why it was there, but more importantly, who was the bastard that hurt her.
"Sophie?" Gideon started, his voice a tad nervous.
"Hmm?" Sophie absently replied, her mouth still full, staring out at the ducks gathering near the edge of the pond.
"If you don't mind–mind me asking," Gideon continued, "How did it happen?"
"How did what happen?" Sophie looked oddly at Gideon. His face was serious as he lightly placed a hand on his cheek.
Realization dawned over her. Unconsciously, Sophie traced her scar, tilting her face from Gideon's view. "I–I…"
"You don't need to tell–I mean–I know you don't like talking about it–"
"No. I'm done hiding from everyone. And dreaming about what I would've done differently." Sophie spoke suddenly, with such force that Gideon was momentarily startled.
"Are you sure?" Gideon questioned, slowly moving himself beside Sophie. Sophie nodded.
"Before I was employed–employed at the Institute that is," Sophie's soft voice began. "I was working as a parlor maid for one of London's wealthiest and prestigious families. It was a nice job, carefree, not too many responsibilities. Until the son of the house took a fancy for me. I hated him, the way he treated women like disposable rags, a one-time use."
Sophie paused. Her hand was resting on her cheek; Gideon took the other in his hand and gripped it softly.
"He wanted me–he wanted to use me. I persistently but politely refused his attempts. What could I do? He was my master's son. But that one night in the kitchen, I couldn't take it any longer. I slapped him in the face as hard as I could, never thinking what–what the consequences would be." At this, Sophie shuddered. A tear rolled down her face, trickling down her scar and hanging off her chin.
"He lost it. He slashed my cheek open saying that if he couldn't have me, no one else could. I went straight to his mother, the mistress of the house. She didn't believe me, of course, he said that I tried to seduce him. She kicked me out. And well, you know the rest. Charlotte found me and made the Institute my home. It's the only place I have left." Sophie's breathing grew erratic. She drew in a big intake of breath and broke down.
Gideon froze. His heart felt twisted, like someone was tying knots with it. He was inches away from Sophie, not moving, not wanting to touch her without bringing more pain. Her sobs grew softer and gentler, as she sniffled her head shot up. "Look– look at what he made me. I'm hideous."
Gathering her against him, Gideon fiercly told Sophie, "Hush. Stop speaking nonsense. Don't–don't ever say that again."
Sophie looked up towards Gideon's angelic face, his features sharp and sea green eyes blazing at hers. He leaned down, his breath smelling of the sweet jam. Gideon could hear her heartbeat beating rapidly, he ran his slender fingers through her soft, silky hair. She sighed against him and moved in closer to his chest as Gideon wiped away her tears.
The moment was perfect. A ray of sunshine shone on the pair as if the Angel Raziel himself approved of the two. Birds hummed a sweet melody as Gideon and Sophie fell on the grass. Sophie's elbows on Gideon's strong chest, he looked at her and smiled shyly, placing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're beautiful. No matter what anyone tells you."
Sophie's heart soared through the air. Never did she believe that she would find a boy like this, a boy that would love her with all his heart. Gideon wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, his head buried in her hair. There was a slow silence as the two enveloped in the warmth of each other, just as a voice drowned in co broke them apart.
Author's Note: Okay, so I didn't change much. It was still bothering me. Sorry for all you lovely readers who were expecting another chapter but got this instead. :):