Hi, I'm back. I've got the cord situation temporarily under control, until I receive the new one, in a couple of days, I hope. Anyway, thank you wonderful people for sticking with me on this and my other story, and for taking the time to review.


Arthur sat with his phone cradled against his ear, waiting to see if Vivian would answer.

This was the second call and the second ring in a space of two minutes.

He waited patiently, and just as he was about to hang up and try again, he heard Vivian's high-pitched voice answered,

"Hello." Arthur cringed inwardly when he heard her voice.

"Hi Vivian, how are you?" he asked. Vivian couldn't control her excitement when she heard who was on the other end of the line. She shouted,

"Arthur! My love, I'm so glad you called. I'm fine by the way. How are you today? Wait, how is it you are calling me so early? I hope you are not about

to go away again, unless you are calling to invite me along this time. Oh Arthur…" She was cut off abruptly by a stern sounding Arthur.

"Vivian! Will you just listen for a moment?" he asked harshly. Vivian deflated, and she replied,

"Okay Artie."


Arthur felt as though he had run a few miles in the few minutes that he had been on the phone with Vivian.

He knew she had a tendency to prattle on, and that was one of the many things he found annoying about her.

To him, Vivian Murdoch was a spoilt twenty-one year old heiress.

Everything she has, was given to her on a silver platter, and being an only child, her father, Olaf, a wealthy businessman, gave in to her every whim and fancy, except when it came to dating men.

He had nothing against the many guys she had dated, and especially nothing against Arthur, it was just that he honestly felt his daughter was too

immature and irresponsible to be in a relationship, with anyone.


"Listen Vivian, I need to speak to you on a delicate matter.

If you can, I'd like to meet with you sometime today, preferably around lunch, as it is a matter of importance," he said, sounding very serious.

Vivian, being who she was, instantly misunderstood what Arthur was trying to convey to her. She smiled to herself, and said,

"Okay my love, I'll be ready as soon as you call." Arthur rolled his blue eyes when he heard her expectant reply.

"Fine, I'll see you then," he said stiffly. As he was about to hang up, he heard her say,

"Bye Artie," and he hung up without answering.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he thought about Vivian.

'The guys would be so surprised if they knew that I haven't slept with her, though not for the lack of trying on her part. She is beautiful, there's no doubt about it, but it's all superficial. There's no beauty on the inside. She might have her good points, of which I'm yet to see, but with her, everything is skin- deep, she just doesn't do it for me. I sometimes wonder if I were not born privilege, if she would have given me a second look, then again, I know the answer to that, it's all about money for her,' he thought to himself.


He allowed his thoughts to turn to the object of his desire, Gwen, and he smiled helplessly, as he pictured her walking towards him, with a smile on her beautiful

face.


Uther Pendragon sat at his desk in his office, thinking about his son Arthur.

He had been plagued recently by a nagging feeling, that all was not well with his son.

He tried to recall the last time he had spoken to him, and caught up with what was going on in his life.

He remembered inviting him for dinner some time ago, and all through that dinner, he didn't look or acted like his usual self. That night, he also remembered Morganna being especially quiet and pushing her food around the plate, and he thought it odd at the time.

However, he never got to question the two of them, because he was suddenly called away from the dinner table, to head up a very important conference call.

'I wonder what or who is causing Arthur to worry, and by extension Morganna,' he thought to himself. His thoughts suddenly drifted to Vivian, and he muttered to himself, 'As if I didn't know.'


Personally he had nothing against Vivian, but he always thought that Arthur could do better.

To him, she was just a hand ornament, because she wasn't the type of woman to hold a decent conversation, or take interest in what Arthur does.

She gave him the impression that she was all about money and looks.

He shook himself from his thoughts and took up his phone to call his son.


Arthur's phone rang, startling him from his thoughts, and he answered on the second ring.

"Father, what can I do for you?" he asked. Uther smiled to himself when he heard his son's voice.

"Ah Arthur, I was wondering if you could come by the office sometime before lunch.

There's a matter that I need to speak with you on. Before you get upset, I know you took the day off, but this has nothing to do with work, I merely want to chat with you as your father, not your boss," he said honestly.


Arthur was surprised, because he knew how busy his father usually is, and if he wanted to talk, it was usually done in the confines of his elaborate home.

"Okay father, I have a couple of hours to spare, so I'll see you in about half an hour," he said. Uther smiled again to himself, and he replied,

"Great, I'll see you then son."


Arthur wondered what his father could want to chat about, but never-the-less, he made his way over to, and into Pendragon Towers, heading for his father's

office.

He spoke briefly to a few co-workers as he passed, mostly bidding them good morning, and continued until he reached the familiar solid oak doors of his

father's office.

He knocked and entered at his father's bidding, feeling slightly apprehensive, but curious none-the-less.


Uther was clearly waiting for his son, because all traces of work was neatly stacked away, and the minute his son entered hid office, he buzzed his secretary,

and asked her to hold all of his calls and take messages where necessary.

He then took the 'DO NOT DISTURB' sign and hung it on the door.

He clapped his hand in glee as if congratulating himself, and then properly greeted his son.

"Arthur," he said with his hand out-stretched,

"Nice to see you son, I'm so glad you could make it. Have a seat," he offered.

Arthur did as he was told, all the while eyeing his father to see if he could pick up on anything, but he failed in that capacity.


"Can I offer you a drink Arthur?" his father asked.

After the night he'd had before, Arthur really didn't feel like drinking, so he declined and asked for water instead.

They both sat across from each other nursing their liquid refreshments, silently for a few minutes, until Uther got up from his chair, and came around

his desk, to sit directly in front of his son.

"Look Arthur, I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately, actually, for quite a while now, and I'm starting to worry.

I know that I can get very busy, but I'm here…always, and I want to help if I can.

So I implore you, please tell me what's going on with you," he said kindly.


Arthur was surprised again.

He didn't know his father was watching him so closely, and it touched him.

"It's rather complicated father, and I don't know if I want to bore you with the details.

I'm not in any trouble, far from it, I'd say I'm more in a mess than anything else," he said honestly.

Uther could see the anguish in his son, and it tore at his heart.

"Let me worry about whether I'm bored or not. I don't like to see you this way son, whatever it is you can tell me, and I promise to listen without judging.

I will give you my opinion, but you don't have to agree with anything I say, if you don't want to," he said sincerely.

Arthur looked at his father intently, to see if he could find anything that would cause him doubt his sincerity, but he found none. The only thing he saw in his

father's eyes were, honesty and grave concern for him, so he launched into his story.


He started at the beginning, when he and Morganna were in high school, of meeting her best friend Guinevere Johnson, and the way he felt about her from the

moment he met her.

He came right up to the present, and told his father about realizing she had the same feelings for him, which led to his ultimate decision to end things with Vivian.


Uther stayed true to his word, because he didn't interrupt to cast judgement, he just sat and listened attentively to his son as he poured his heart out to him.

He felt sorry for him, because he knew what it was to love someone with your whole heart, and not be with them.

He clasped his son by the shoulder and told him,

"I had no idea you were going through this son, this is a huge weight to be carrying around, and you've done it with more class and more patience than I

could've possibly done.

You have made the right decision, it's best to end things with Vivian.

This girl, Morganna's friend, I've seen her a few times, and she's always impressed me. She and Morganna are inseparable; they act more like sisters than anything else.

Arthur, I know that I can be a stickler for traditions, you know…marrying someone who is within your station in life or even above, but I want you to be happy, and if you can find happiness with Guinevere, then that's fine with me.

Traditions can be broken, stranger things have happened; furthermore, I've always thought that you could have done a whole lot better than… Vivian Murdoch."


Arthur's handsome face broke into a wide smile, as he listened to his father's words.

"Thank you father, I just hope she sees it that way, you know how she can be. I think Olaf will be happy to know it's over, because I know he has his own opinion on Vivian and dating," he said.

Uther chuckled softly and proceeded to tell his son,

"Listen Arthur, I wish you luck in talking things over with Vivian, and as soon as you can manage, you must bring Guinevere over for dinner or drinks,

or anything, I want to get to know her better."

Arthur smiled happily.

"I will father, just as soon as everything is under control," he said.


Arthur took his leave shortly after and headed to his car. As soon as he got in, he called Vivian, and asked her to meet him at a nearby café.

She insisted right away that he should pick her up, and he almost caved, being the gentleman that he is, but he stood his ground, and she gave in.

'I'm done with trying to please her, or anyone for that matter.

The only woman I aim to please from now on is Guinevere,' he thought to himself.


He pulled up beside the café, and not seeing a place to park, he pulled around to the side of the building, and parked.

He sat quietly for a few minutes, contemplating what he needed to say to Vivian. He resolved to speak the truth, and get it over with as soon as possible.

He entered the café and found an empty table close to a window. He sat and took in his surroundings, and realized that he was actually sitting at a table with one in front, and one behind, the both of them occupied.

Smiling to himself, he muttered softly, 'How convenient.'


On the way to the café, Vivian was a little anxious. She actually believed that Arthur was going to propose to her, or take her somewhere special, so she decided

to dress to impress.

From the time she had hung up the phone, she went in search of the 'perfect' outfit, in her huge closet, and she actually felt pleased with herself, and way she looked.

She was wearing a sleeveless wrapped dress, with a very noticeable vee, that exposed her ample bosom. It was pink in colour which flattered her complexion favourably, and along with it she wore six inch gold heels, with a gold clutch purse.

Her blonde tresses were mostly piled atop her head, with a small section curled and left to hang loosely at the back.


She came up beside the café, and spotted Arthur inside.

On impulse, she pulled her car around to the side, and found a place to park.

She alighted from the vehicle, and made her way inside.

Ever the gentleman, Arthur stood up as soon as she came to the table, and helped her to sit.

"Vivian, you look lovely as always," he said politely. Vivian beamed.

"Thank you Artie, you look very handsome, as usual," she said happily.

Arthur balked internally at her nickname for him. He loathed the name 'Artie' and the way she said it.

"Would you like to have something to drink? I haven't had anything as you can see, because I was waiting for you to arrive," he said kindly.

"I'd really like a glass of white wine, but I'll settle for a Lemon Vodka Spritzer," she blurted.


Arthur looked at her with a blank expression on his handsome face.

He knew she was serious about the wine, but was secretly glad she opted for the Spritzer instead.

He summoned a passing waitress, and ordered the drinks, in his case, water.

They sat quietly, with her looking over the menu, and Arthur waiting patiently, to tell her what was on his mind, and be done with it.


After they had gotten their beverages, and she had ordered her food, Arthur cleared his throat, and began speaking to her.

"Listen Vivian, I've known you for a while now, and in that time, we've gotten together, going on three months now, but recently, I've been thinking, and I've come to realize that, our relationship is lacking.

It's missing something that makes all relationships work, and I want that…elusive thing…that and more…" he trailed off, when the food arrived at the

table.


Vivian began to feel excited.

She smiled as seductively as she could at Arthur, as her thoughts ran away with her.

'I knew it! I knew it! He wants to marry me.

I'm going to be the most enviable woman in London, not to mention, the wealthiest.'

She was brought out of her internal ramblings by Arthur calling her name.

"Vivian, are you still here?" he asked, a little annoyed. Vivian looked at him and smiled sweetly.

"Of course Artie, I'm right here. Carry on my love," she said playfully.


Arthur was beginning to get more and more annoyed every minute he continued to sit there. He counted to ten in his head, and started speaking again.

"As I was saying before, I want more, and that thing I was speaking about...is love. That's what's missing from this relationship, and I want that…but sadly not with you."

At that he paused to take in her facial expression.


Vivian's face fell, and she placed her cutlery on the plate, as she had suddenly lost her appetite.

Arthur continued.

"I haven't been happy for a while Vivian, and it's not your fault, it's mine actually.

I've been lying to myself, and to you, not literally, but…yeah, lying none-the-less. I've had sometime to think, and I believe I need to come clean, with myself, and with you.

In my time of solitude, I've come to realize that…I'm not in love with you and that…I've never been…in love with you," he paused again to gather her reaction.


Vivian felt as though she were in a bad dream.

She came to meet Arthur with high hopes, thinking that he was going to propose to her, she didn't expect to be broken up with and she felt tears stung her eyes and ran down her porcelain cheeks.

She took a quick glance around, and everyone was engrossed in their lunch, or in their many conversations.

She thought about making a scene, because she usually got her own way when she did, but this time, with the look Arthur was giving her, she kept herself relatively composed, and continued listening.


Arthur saw the turmoil as it played out on Vivian's face, and he braced himself for the possible tantrum she might throw.

"Are you okay Vivian? I know you probably don't want to be here right now, but I think it'll be better for us in the long run," he said kindly.

Vivian dried her tears and nodded yes, so Arthur took that as his cue to continue.

"I can't go on like this Vivian, it's not fair to me and it's certainly not fair to you. You deserve someone who can love you with their whole heart, and I can't do that," he said sincerely.

"Is there someone else?" she asked.


Arthur was caught off-guard by the question, but he quietly answered,

"Yes there is someone else…but I haven't expressed my feelings to her as yet, and vice versa.

I've felt this way about her for a very long time, but I've never had the courage to say anything, and I've only recently learned through my own recollection of times past, that she feels the same way about me."


Vivian deflated further, but she also felt a pang of sadness for Arthur, even though she was hurting.

She'd always fancied herself in love with him, as to the depth of that love, she was uncertain.

After what Arthur had told her, she realized that he was indeed unhappy. She couldn't fathom loving someone so much, and only being able to love them from afar.

"Do I know her?" she asked. Answering truthfully, he said,

"Yes you do."

She immediately thought about whom the woman could be, and after wracking her brains, her eyes widen in realization.

"Gwen, it's her, she's the one. Am I correct?" she finished by asking. Arthur nodded in agreement and replied,

"Yes, you are correct."


She thought back to all of the times they were all together, and she began to see things clearly.

"I don't know how I didn't notice before. Come to think of it, they've always shared longing looks and secret glances when they thought no one was looking, and when they do get the opportunity to talk to each other, it's like everyone else disappears. They always seem to get so wrapped up in their conversations, and they make jokes that only the two of them gets, and nobody else calls her by her given name, except for him,' she thought internally.


She found herself asking after a while,

"What does she have that I don't?" Arthur wasn't surprised; he had expected her to re-act this way, and much worse.

"I see the claws have come out.

It's not so much what she has or doesn't have, it's just her. She's friendly, wonderful to talk to, and she's the real deal. She never puts on any airs, and there's nothing superficial about her, what you see is what you get.

She always goes out of her way to make others happy, even at the cost of her own happiness.

She's beautiful, and that's just a bonus, but I can say emphatically, she has my heart."


Vivian heard the passion in Arthur's voice as he spoke about the woman he loved.

Jealousy overtook her fragile state of mind, and she decided to make a last ditch effort to try to sway Arthur.

"I don't understand you Arthur, I'm beautiful too, in fact more beautiful than her, and some guys would give anything to be with me," she said, showing obvious signs of making a scene.


Arthur's handsome face turned stony, all of a sudden.

"Being beautiful isn't defined by how a person looks on the outside; it's what you are on the inside.

Beauty goes way beyond skin-deep, and I can assure you, Guinevere is beautiful.

Her laugh is beautiful, her smile is beautiful and her soul is beautiful, it's the very essence of who she is as a woman, and as a human," he said icily.


Vivian wasn't finished yet, and she continued.

"But Arthur, she's not even rich, and she can't even dress, at least not the way I do, she's all wrong for you, can't you see that? We could be so good together Arthur, and just think about how beautiful our…"

She was cut off by an angry Arthur Pendragon.

"Do you hear yourself Vivian?

You think money is the only thing that matters, besides how you look on a daily basis?

You are so shallow, and there's nothing more un-attractive than a jealous, bitter, shallow woman.

How can you say Guinevere is all wrong for me, when she's the total opposite of you?

We'll never be good together, because I want her, actually I need her.

You could have on the most beautiful dress, or you could be standing naked in front of me, and I'd still want her, because the heart wants what it wants, and so does the soul," he said angrily.


Vivian felt properly chastised.

She hung her head in defeat as Arthur's words sunk in.

"Is that why you've never slept with me?" she asked very softly.

"Yes, I couldn't bring myself to.

I didn't think it was right or fair, because she's the one I would be thinking about anyway," he said truthfully.

"I see. I think I should go Arthur. Thank you for telling me the truth," she said softly.

Arthur stood and helped her from her chair.

"I know you don't want to hear this right now, but I hope we can still be friends.

Despite everything that's happened, I care about you Vivian," he said sincerely. She smiled at him then, and told him,

"Me too," and took her leave.


I know, it's a weird place to end off, but I had to cut this chapter in two, and here seems like the most logical place to. The next chapter will start off where this one ended. I hope it was good enough.