PL. The inner smile
Chapter 4
Hershel Layton
I woke up from the beams of sunlight shining down on my face. I rubbed my eyes and looked at the window. I had forgotten to close the curtains last night. Last night…what a night. I tried to sit up, but my body wouldn't let me. Everything started to hurt. I don't think I have ever felt this bad before in my life. I tried once more and succeeded. I looked down at my clothes to see that I was wearing the exact same thing as the previous day.
''of course…'' I said to no one in particular.
I took of my clothes and threw them in the laundry basket. I walked into the bathroom to wash my face and put on my bathrobe. I gasped as I looked in the mirror.
''what an old man…is that really me?'' I said to myself.
I sighed and continued the intended actions.
Andrew Schrader
The morning was once again beautiful as I trolled down the sideway. I was on my way to visit the park and look at the remarkable engravings on the fountain. My mind wandered to other places in the mean time, while enjoying the sun. I wondered how Hershel was doing. He looked so awfully tired when he asked for my guidance a week ago. I do hope he found the source of his problem. Maybe I should visit him sometimes soon. I nodded to myself and continued to stroll in the park.
Hershel Layton
I walked downstairs, knowing what was awaiting me in the kitchen. I stopped for a moment before entering the kitchen and sighed. What horrible thoughts I had last night. Why was I thinking like this? Is this supposed to be the solution to this puzzle of mine? No, it can't be. I have to think about the consequences. What would flora think? What would Andrew think? This isn't like me at all….I would never do anything like that.
''but what will take my pain away?''
I don't know the answer. I don't know how to look for it. It is as though my whole life…was about losing.
Losing things.
Losing loved one's.
I looked up and finally entered the cursed kitchen. And of course, there it was, on the ground. The knife I had thrown away, afraid. Afraid to go through with the intended action at the time. To pierce the weakened flesh. To take away that invisible pain, that was much more aggravating than any physical pain. I picked up the sharp object and gripped it firmly. I starred at my reflection on the silver ware and drenched in the silence of nothing. Eventually I placed it on top of the refrigerator. This way, I would have a hard time getting it, if I ever wanted to do something stupid again.
I made myself some breakfast and decided to go outside. Maybe the warm sunlight would do me some good.
Flora Reinhold
Our days together in St. Mystere were so wonderful. Everyone had been so nice to Clive, and they wished us the best of things in life when I told them he was my boyfriend. Matthew had fainted when I introduced Clive, but he still told us he thought we were wonderful together. Clive was enjoying it as well and could not stop saying how happy I made him. I was smiling and blushing all day long, revealing my birth marks to everyone.
At the moment we were eating and the mansion together with lady Dahlia.
''how are the croissants my dear?'' lady dahlia asked me.
''they're lovely'' I said with a big smile on my face.
''yes they really are Miss Reinhold'' clive beamed.
Lady dahlia giggled at Clive's remark and continued eating.
''so, what do you want to do today?'' I asked clive, who was stuffing his face with lemon rolls.
He coughed slightly while swallowing the last bite and turned his face back to me.
''maybe we could have a picnic or something?'' clive said.
''that is a wonderful idea clive. MATTHEW MAKE A PICNIC BASKET FOR THE CHILDREN'' lady dahlia shouted.
I chuckled awkwardly and the smiling lady dahlia but thanked her anyway. A shivering ''y-yes m'am'' aroused from the kitchen and we all laughed.
We sat down on the hill just behind the village, where the view was amazing. I looked at the village with delight and sat down on the cloth clive had prepared. We began eating the lunch Matthew had packed for us and enjoyed the sight.
''are you worried about something flora?'' clive suddenly asked.
I looked at him and tilted my head slightly. ''I don't know, why do you ask?''
He smiled and pinched my cheek. ''you are so adorable''
I blushed and rubbed my cheek. ''but seriously, why did you ask?''
''well…it's just that you drift off sometimes when someone's talking to you, and you look a little worried as well most of the time. I just thought…'' Clive said while taking my hand.
I smiled and leaned against his shoulder to place my forehead against his.
''why is it that you can look right through me''.
He also smiled and leaned forward for a kiss. The kiss was short but sweet. I sighed happily and pulled my head back.
''well…if you really wanna know, I have been worrying a little'' I said.
''why? Tell me'' Clive said.
''it's just…something has been bothering me about the professor…'' I told him.
''professor Layton? Why, is there something wrong with him?''.
''I think so, I just have this feeling something is the matter with him. He doesn't want to show it to me, I know that for sure, but he looks so sad all the time.''.
Clive frowned and looked at the sky.
''I wish he would just tell me what is wrong but he will never tell me at this rate.'' I said.
''maybe it is something he has to figure out himself?'' Clive asked.
''maybe…'' I sighed and leaned against him once more.
He kissed the top of my head and told me to smile.
Hershel Layton
The sunlight had not worked. The outside world had not worked. Seeing all those people, all those families and happy couples. It only made me more miserable. I decided to stay inside for the rest of the day and just read some books I had wanted to read. I knew I would finish them in a matter of days but it helped to get my mind of of things. After I would finish all of these books…I didn't know what would happen to me, what would happen to my mind. Would I go mad perhaps? Would I lose it completely?
I would have…if not for that letter.
After two days, when I had almost finished my third book, I received a letter. It was a light yellow envelop with a sweet scent. I had seen the handwriting on the envelop before…but where? I opened the envelop and pulled out the letter.
To Professor Hershel Layton,
I write to you because I wish to know how you are these days. Are you well? How is that little rascal Luke doing? I always smile when I think about our adventures together. Those good old days, fighting against evil. Who would have ever thought it would turn out like this…
I write to you from the northern part of Germany, and I intent to travel some more soon. I am well and doing what I want to do the most. However, some trouble has grown in my heart you see, and I thought that maybe you could help me figure out what to do. Professor…I am in doubt. My mind has been clouded with making the right choice. Please help me.
Should I travel the world alone, or come back to London and live with the people I love?
The address at where I am staying is listed on the envelop. I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Emmy Altava
I reread the letter so many times, and every time my heart jumped from excitement. Emmy…I had not heard from her since she left, and now she is asking me for advice. Advice that would determine if I would see her again. I had to think this through. I really wanted to see her again, after so many years, but I also had to consider her feelings. Consider the other decision. She wanted to travel the world. That was what she wanted most of all. I couldn't just think of my own happiness, I had to think of hers. That was what was most important.
Emmy Altava
I did hope the letters I sent had come through. It had been several days and I still had not heard anything. What if he moved somewhere else? No, that wasn't like the professor, and I did make some precautions to assure its arrival. I really want to know what he thinks before I make any rash decisions…
Andrew Schrader
I was surprised to find the letter in my mail that I was currently reading. Nevertheless, I was happy.
To Andrew Schrader,
I hope this letter finds you well. It had been such a long time my old friend. How have you been? Discovered anything big lately? I am sure you have. I have been doing well. I have travelled a lot and seen so many amazing things in the world. However, I am unsure as where to go next. That is why; I have made my decision to trust my next destination to professor Layton.
I assume you still contact the professor often. I do hope my letter arrives at his doormat as well as this letter arrives at your place. If not, could you please ask him the following?
Should I travel the world alone, or go back to London to my loved ones.
I will await his answer at the address listed on the envelop.
Thank you in advance Andrew. I have always admired you and I look up to you as a father. Don't forget all the fun times we had together and keep on enjoying life to the fullest!
Love,
Emmy Altava
I whipped away the tears that had formed at the corner of my eyes and starred at the letter for a moment. If I had received the letter, I am sure hershel had also received his letter. What will he answer? I am very curious…
I should visit him as soon as I can to ensure he has received the letter.
Hershel Layton
It was as if the world was playing a joke with me. Why was I thinking like this? My mind felt like a wasteland…only graving for an out way. The letter that she sent was clenched in my fist. I had reread it over a hundred times now. I had screamed, cried, and laughed…everything that I felt. It came out like an outburst of emotions. Now, I just felt so empty. I held a half empty bottle of whiskey in my other hand and took a sip out of it. I was drunk…
I felt ashamed of my action, but it was the only other way I knew to soften my pain. The other way involved…a little more blood. It was late…the clock read 04:22. In just a few hours, the sun would rise again. That accursed sun…it was as if it laughed at me. Laughing and saying how pathetic I was.
I looked at the letter once more and reread it for the hundred and somewhat time. I could see it before me, Emmy coming back to London and seeing me in the state I was at this current moment. This embarrassing moment. She would be revolted. She would probably hate me…maybe it was a good idea to let her travel the world…that way she would never have to face me again. But…then I wouldn't be happy. I would never see her again. I wanted to see her…
I crawled in the corner of my bed and started to cry once more…
i know, it is a bit heavy perhaps...but i like it this way :)
don't be afraid to review, i would really appreciate it
