A/N: I'm baaaaaack!
Dear reviewers:
Reddfoxx: I really did try to make it long, sorry if I didn't.
Disneyisbeautiful: I'm gonna have tons of fun with Mr. Thames personality but don't worry, everything will be explained in due time. And merci for the cookie ;)
Chap 3: Eugene's POV
30 something minutes later….. Rapunzel and I arrived back to the dining hall to find Mr. Thames alone, sitting down looking at a small gold pocket watch and without even looking up he said closing it "You're late."
"You've got to be kidding, right?" I said, trying not to sound irritated, which I didn't do a very good job at because suddenly he got up from his seat and looked at me with his stern, intimidating, brown eyes. Don't let his skinny physique fool you, the man's intense. Even Rapunzel backed away from his stare. 'Note to self: Mr. Thames is not the kidding type.'
"Do you own a watch Mr. Fitzherbert?" he questioned somewhat sincerely but stern at the same time.
"No" I lied, well not exactly lied, the watches I did have weren't really mine and were hidden away under my mattress with some…other belongings for my eyes only, and I didn't think he'd like that sort of information.
Mr. Thames nodded at this, looking slightly less intimidating. It was the next thing he did that really shocked me. He threw me his pocket watch.
"You do now." He said expressionless "And I don't expect you to be late ever again."
For the second time in my life (1st being Rapunzel's hair glows/heals) I was speechless. I mean who gives an ex-thief a gold watch for the sake of knowing he's not gonna be late. Not that I didn't appreciate it or dislike it, but no one has ever given me a gift before. And no one really needed to, I stole everything I'd ever wanted till a week and a half ago.
"I…um…..I don't know what to say." I said still very puzzled.
"Don't mention it, we're already late as it is. So-"he said motioning toward the dining hall table neatly decorated with two sets of every plate, spoon, fork, and knife known to man.
"Let's get started."
-2 hours later-
I'd like to tell you taking etiquette lessons are exciting and fun… but I'd be lying. For the past two hours, Mr. Thames has been trying to teach me table manners. Even though he was being patient with me, I was on the verge of pulling my own hair out trying to stay still and resist the urge to tap on the table nervously. Where it not for the pain in the back of my neck from being slapped THRICE for putting my elbows on the table, I truthfully would've.
Only Rapunzel was truly happy with the lessons. Mr. Thames was very relaxed and patient with her as well, but hey she's the princess here. It's not like he was gonna slap the back of her neck for misbehaving. Nevertheless, she had always enjoyed learning and listened so acutely to every word he said. The girl found everything fascinating. Not that I blame her, this was her first step to becoming a real princess and she really wanted to make her parents proud of her.
Finally, after his useless attempts to get me to stop slouching in my chair, he dismissed us around noon and said we'd pick this up the day after tomorrow.
Once we were out of there Rapunzel said "That was great!" with a wide smile. "I learned so much, did you enjoy it?"
"Truthfully" I said, looking her straight in the eyes "not one bit."
She looked at me skeptically "Oh, come on. Not even a little?"
"You mean besides getting a new watch…." rubbing my aching neck "no nothing else."
"Well, at least one of us had fun." She said shrugging, then suddenly straightening up like she remembered something. "Oh, by the way, meet me in my room after dining and don't ask why" pressing a finger to my lips "It's a surprise." slowly that sly smile of hers was showing, which she obliviously learned from me.
"O-kaaay" I said a little suspicious now, I never did like surprises but then it dawned on me, she was inviting me into her room. I've never been to Rapunzel's room before, and she knew he wasn't supposed to come within 3 ft of it. Still he was not going to pass up the opportunity.
"I'll be there."
"Great" she said starting to walk off but not before giving me a peck on the check just to tease me. Which left me awfully suspicious of her surprise? 'WAIT!' he thought to himself 'Could it be….'
*Gasp* a cliffhanger! Usually I hate it when writers do that, but I understand now. It's just too much fun ;)
Don't forget to review!
