1Ok, so I cracked. I wrote this today, and I just had to post it as soon as it was done, even if you guys did only give me four reviews (sniff, sniff).
Suggesting Listening:
"Isobel"–Dido
"Must Be Dreaming"–Frou Frou
"Chasing Cars"–Snow Patrol
"Wonderwall"–Oasis
"Losing My Religion"–REM
"Satellite"–Dave Matthews Band
and of course... "Split Screen Sadness"
"I can't wait to figure out what's wrong with me,
So I can say 'This is the way that I used to be',"
It had been one week since the ball where he met Addi, three weeks since he took an agonizing journey to the White Witch's palace, and a little over five years since he entered Narnia. All were events that for some reason, occupied his thought more than they should have. After a massive hangover the day following the ball, he began to regret not dancing with the entrancing girl.
She probably didn't mean anything by asking him, she just wanted to have fun. He wished he knew more about her so he could find a way to invite her to the banquet Susan was arranging in honor of his eighteenth birthday. He was sure it would be fabulous, despite the way Sue talked about it as if it was a small get-together.
"And it stinks when it's nobody's fault
'cause there's nothing to blame at the drop of a name
it's only the air you took, and the breath you left"
He grew up in a world where eighteen was one of the biggest birthdays, but he didn't feel like it would be any different than any others he had celebrated. He would most likely spend the entire day saying 'Thank you', which wasn't his most practiced, or used, phrase.
Feeling bored with the scenery around his balcony, he meandered down to the garden, and into a complicated maze. In the middle was a magnificent fountain, but the rushing of water would hardly help him navigate it's complex green pathways. Right now, he didn't mind getting lost in this little heaven.
His thought floated back to Addi. What the hell is wrong with me? He wondered, shaking his head in a vain attempt to throw her out. He was a King, he had bigger things to worry about than if he would ever be able to talk to some girl again.
Why was love so important anymore? Love had always been important, his mind reminded him. Love was the reason your siblings accepted you. Love was the reason that Aslan did what he did. Love is why you are alive.
But I don't love Addi! He argued internally. I don't even know her!
He hadn't been paying attention, and he was somehow already in the center of the maze. A fountain made of marble stood proudly, surrounded by roses and other sweet smelling flowers. Lucy loved this place more than any other and she made sure it was beautiful. Edmund smiled to himself, Lucy was so adorable sometimes. She always needed his help getting to the middle, or his help getting out. He couldn't imagine ever being as spiteful to her as he used to be.
"I don't know where you went when you left me but,
It says here in the water, you must be gone by now,
I can tell somehow."
Sitting down on the edge of the fountain, he dipped his fingers into the cool water, letting it slip out of his hand as he raised it. His eyes wandered over the statue: and sleek looking unicorn reared up on it's back two feet. It didn't look frightened or in pain, as he was used to most statues looking. It looked elegant and powerful as water flowed around it's ankles and spurted from its horn. Even in all of it's majesty, Edmund still shuddered at the thought that many statues had seen were now walking around.
"Ed!" A voice broke through the loud noise of the falling water. "Edmund?" It was Lucy.
"I'm in here Lu!" He called back, drying his hand on his leg.
"You know I can't do this on my own!" She yelled back, sounding a little more than desperate. A smile broke out on his face at her tone.
"Ok, just find a bench to sit on, and I'll find you!" Shouting, he stood, and began working his way in the direction of her voice. She wasn't far from the center, but was shoved way back in a corner, nervously tapping her foot as she sat waiting on a bench. Her eyes raised from the floor to see him.
"Oh, Edmund!" She shouted, running to him and throwing her arms around his middle.
"I came looking for you, and I got lost and I thought I would never find my way out!" He gently removed her from his body, and kissed the top of her head.
"I'll always come for you, Lu." He assured her. The kindness in his voice made her reattach herself to him, this time hugging on his arm.
"It's almost time for your party, you know." She said, looking up at him through thick eyelashes.
"Ha!" He laughed, "It's still early afternoon! We have at least a few hours, silly girl!"
"You're the silly one!" The accusation was met with chuckles from both persons. "We need at least that long to get ready! Plus, you know that someone always shows up early, and you simply must be there to welcome everyone." It all came out in one breath, and she had to gulp in air when she was finished.
"Alright, let's go then." He decided, even if he didn't need that long to get ready, he shouldn't let his thoughts take him away, or he could very well end up being late for the banquet. He led her through the bends and well kept walls. She let go of his arm when they finally exited, only to grasp his hand in hers and escort him inside. The little things Lucy did, probably without noticing, were the best. She stopped him before they split off to go to their separate rooms, and placed herself in front of him. Taking his other hand in hers, she looked him directly in the eye, a very serious look crossing her face.
"You know that I'll always come for you too, right?" The words made his heart tighten and swell at the same time.
"I do know it." He answered, squeezing her hands lovingly, and leaning down to kiss her forehead. She sighed in relief, and stood on her tip-toes, kissing his cheek lightly, before skipping off into her room. Edmund watched her go, a tragic smile on his face.
A few hours later, he entered the great hall, which was set up with three rows of long tables filled with delicious looking food. It was definitely much bigger than Susan had made it out to be. Everyone stood and clapped as he walked slowly over to his seat, nodding his head as he met eyes with some he recognized. He took his seat at the head of the middle table and motioned for everyone to sit down.
He sighed when, finally, everyone began eating and all eyes weren't on him. He scanned the room, small smile attached to his lips until his eyes locked with a familiar pair of green ones. They were hurt but sadistically happy and a smile was forming on her face and his fell. She mouthed 'Happy Birthday' before looking away. He was in shock, and only one word flew through his head.
Addi!
"I still wish you'd fought me till your dying day
Don't let me get away."
Haha, sorry for being so predictable. I just kind of love cheesy things sometimes. I decided, after some prompting, to bring Lucy back into the story.
Please review!
Oh, and is anyone enjoying the listening list? If not, I will just stop doing it.
–Tugging At Sunbeams–
