SQUEE! :D I was looking forward to this chapter! You will see why. ;) And guess what? That's only the beginning! OwO This chapter is quite short, too.
There IS a song in mind for the library scene. :) The reprise version of Promise from the game Silent Hill 2.
XXX
Jack could not believe what he was doing.
A day after his decision to see Sally, one that he had made at the Black Cauldron with his cousin, friend, and Spencer as well, he was going through with it.
He arrived at the Finkelstein mini-mansion, which was quite a bizarre structure. The bottom half was normal enough, at least by this land's standards. But the rising structure above the home itself, which was of course the Doctor's laboratory, looked like a giant, metallic, spherical satellite. None the less, it was quite fascinating.
The plan for the moment, was of course to see Sally, though under a pretense. He had told his parents that he was visiting Marina, who was also in on the plan. Doing this for the first time, visiting her in her own home, did feel nerve-wracking, but he was ready for it.
Kind of.
But he had to do it. The only way to move forward, was to get through this very difficult task. It was now or never.
Upon ringing the doorbell, Jack heard a faint but still clear "The door is open!" from inside. Taking a breath, he opened the door and headed inside.
"Hello?" He called out as he came into the foyer, closing the door behind him.
"Jack Skellington!" Dr. Finkelstein exclaimed from up the ramp. "Up here, my boy! What brings you to our humble abode?"
"Marina had invited me for tea!" Jack explained as he walked up the ramp toward the Doctor Lord. "I hope that's all right?"
"Perfectly marvelous, my boy!" Dr. Finkelstein chuckled. "Come in, come in, my daughter is in the library!"
"Splendid!" Jack said cheerfully, feeling his bones tremble with anticipation.
Right on cue, Marina emerged from the library. "Hey, Jack! Glad you could make it!"
"Hello Marina, I'm glad I could make it as well. You're looking very nice today." Jack smiled warmly at her and shook her hand rather than kissing it. Dr. Finkelstein didn't seem to care.
"Thanks! Well, won't you come into the library?" Marina made a dramatic gesture toward the nearby room. "We have ever so much to talk about!"
"I'm certain that we do!" Jack agreed.
"You two have fun, I will be in the lab. It is an important experiment, so I do ask that I not be disturbed." Said Dr. Finkelstein. "Marina, your mother is in the garden if you need her."
"Thanks, Daddy!" Marina smiled brightly.
Marina led Jack into the library, where Sally was reading a book, and had overheard everything...and was trying not to quiver with excitement.
"Ohhh Sally!" Marina chirped in a sing-song voice. "Look who's here!"
"Sally!" Jack exclaimed happily, walking toward her.
"Jack!" Said Sally, unable to help herself. She stood up, placing her book aside and went over to him shyly. "...I mean...h-hello Jack..."
Jack chuckled at her shyness, smiling more at her. "Hello there Sally. How are you today?"
"Oh, I'm all right, thank you..." Sally rubbed her arm a bit. "How are...you doing?"
"Me? I'm doing quite well! I was in the neighbourhood, and decided to come by and say hello!" Jack said with a mild shrug. "Oh, and I saw Emily and Bonejangles at the Black Cauldron the other day. Emily said for me to tell you hello and that she hopes to see you again sometime."
"Oh...really?" Sally looked surprised, but pretty happy. "Well I...I'm very flattered. If you...well, see her before I get a chance to do so, tell her I said the same thing."
"Awwww! Well that's sweet of her! See, Sally? I told you Emily was awesome!" Marina giggled. "Okay, I'm going to go downstairs and keep watch for Mom, maybe make some tea. You two sit tight." She winked at them both before leaving the room, shutting the door behind her.
Sally blinked as she realized what was going on. Marina was giving them time alone! She couldn't believe it. And now in the...semi-comfort of her own home, no less. Now she was left alone, alone with the man she'd fallen in love with. But what to do? Was there something she was supposed to do? Supposed to say? Or was it really just one mere excuse for them to spend time together, and then work things from there, just like improvising?
"Um...so..." Sally sat back down, clasping her hands over her lap. "...Won't you sit down?"
"I would love to!" Jack smiled, and sat down on a chair across from the living chair she was sitting in. He felt unsure of what to do, or say next, especially considering his...main objective at the moment. "Well...so...that's a very lovely dress you have! Did you make it yourself?"
"This? Oh...um...yes, I did." Sally smoothed her dress a bit. It was a patchwork dress, much like her usual one. The bust was blue, with purple, stitched-on sleeves, and the skirt was made of different colours, patterns and fabrics, completing the patchwork look.
"Is it new?" Jack questioned, trying to keep conversation. Especially on something other than what was burning in his mind.
"Yes, I finished it two days ago..." Sally blushed and looked down a bit, rubbing her arm nervously. "...Jack...I know this might sound like a silly question...but I...wanted to know. ...Did you...come out here...just to..."
"To what, Sally?" Jack reached over and gently placed his hand on top of hers. "You can tell me. I promise that I won't laugh."
"...To see me?" Sally finished, looking at him then.
A silence befell them, but Sally took it to being wrong, but that was when Jack gently squeezed her hand, and then held it.
"I did, Sally. I wanted to see you." Jack told her seriously, but tenderly. "Does that still surprise you so?" His smile picked up on one side.
Sally blushed and looked away shyly. "I-I suppose...even now it's still quite a bit to take in..."
Chuckling, Jack shook his head and smiled more. "Oh, Sally...you're adorable."
Inside, he was quite tormented. He almost wanted to just spare her of his feelings, so she wouldn't feel guilty if she didn't feel the same way. At the same time, he didn't want to hide anything from her, not from this precious woman... The most important woman in his life. A tough decision had to be made, just as Emily had said. Choosing love, or legacy. In his heart, he wanted love. In his mind, legacy. Whatever the cost, he wanted to be with Sally. To hold her, love her, protect her, be with her. The right thing to do was his legacy, however he may look at it.
The question was, what was he willing to risk? His future Kingship...or the woman he loved? Should he keep it from her? Should he tell her?
During most if not all of his afterlife, Jack was always a logical thinker, despite that at times he could be impulsive and not quite think of what the consequences might be. He always had good intentions, even if the result was never exactly favourable. On top of that, he learned from mistakes he'd made and took full responsibility for his actions. And yet, he never was faced with such a difficult situation like this.
Falling in love. Not just being in love, but being in love with someone he could not truly have. Not without sacrifice that could compromise everything.
Jack looked at Sally yet again, and just melted. The way her big, expressive eyes just looked at him with sweet happiness, and curiosity, how her midnight red lips were curled into a smile, her adorable triangular nose...and her stitches. Her exposed stitches were nothing short of lovely, distinguishing. She pulled them off so beautifully, that it only enhanced her lovely, haunting charm. She really was a beautiful person, inside and out.
And he loved her to death.
It was decided then. He would not hide anything from this precious lady. He had to tell her. To be honest with her, to let her know of it, if nothing else. Yes, it would be heartbreaking if she didn't feel the same way, but he would take it in stride and move on. Easier said than done, sure, but he would. Maybe, yes, he would never love another woman like Sally...but at least he would have gotten it out.
"...Sally...there is another reason I wanted to see you." He finally said, and stood up, helping her to stand as well.
"What is it, Jack?" Sally asked curiously.
"I...I wanted to tell you something. Just...keep in mind that I only want you to know the truth." Jack held her hands in his, looking down at her with a soft smile, though his eyes held a look of mild fear, and...sorrow. "However you feel is up to you."
"...Jack..." Was all she could say, her heart tensing with anticipation.
Jack took a deep breath. It was now or never. She had the right to know, and he was going to tell her the truth, regardless of the result. "Sally...dearest Sally...I want you to know...that I...I..." He paused, unsure of how to say it. Be direct, or add poetic sweetness to it? Either way, he had to say it. "I'm in love with you, Sally. I love you." It came out before he could stop himself.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Sally was speechless. Had she heard him right? Did he really just admit that he was in love with her? Jack...the Prince of the Kingdom, was in love with her? Her dearest friend? She had to have been dreaming.
And yet...when she looked into his eyes, his entire expression held nothing but truth. He was smiling, without a single trace of doubt, insincerity, deceit, or irony. His expressive eye sockets were wide and seemed to glimmer with happiness as they looked back into her own eyes. Everything he had said was nothing but the truth. He loved her. He felt the same way about her.
Of course, not that she would have ever believed he'd trick her, or anyone. Jack was a complete Boy Scout! None the less, it was still surprising to hear.
Tears pooled in her eyes as she felt the weight of what Marina had said before, about how they were clearly in love, but could not be together. Now it was clear. Perfectly clear.
"Jack..." Sally managed, sniffling a bit. "Oh, Jack...I..."
"Sally? Sally, what's wrong?" Now Jack gently placed his hands on her shoulders, looking down at her with utmost concern. "Are you all right? Did I upset you? I'm so sorry-I only wanted you to know the truth. Please don't cry. I'm so sorry if it upset you..."
"No...No..." Sally shook her head and looked up at him with a tearful smile. "...I am...glad you told me Jack. Now that I know how you feel... I..." She looked down a moment, unsure of whether or not to say it, but before she could stop herself, it came out. She looked up at him as she spoke the soft confession of her own. "Jack...I love you too. I love you so much..."
Her words sunk in, and needless to say, Jack was very much torn up inside yet again.
On one hand, he was absolutely elated. To think, he had fallen in love with a wonderful woman and she loved him right back. It was pure, wondrous happiness he thought never to have been able to experience. He wanted to dance, to sing, to proclaim his love for all to hear! Most of all, he just wanted to hold her and shower her with all the love she deserved!
On the other hand, he was quite dismayed. They loved each other, and could not be together. If she hadn't felt the same way, it would certainly have made moving on easier. But that was not the case. Now moving on would be difficult for them both. He felt terrible to be the one to break her heart...her precious, beautiful heart...
"Sally..." Jack drew her into an embrace, running his fingers through her soft hair. "Oh, dear Sally...As much as it may trouble us both...I can't begin to tell you how happy this makes me."
Sally sniffled and hugged him back, snuggling into his chest. "Me...me too, Jack..." As saddened as she was, knowing that this was not to be, she couldn't help but feel so happy. Happy that she fell in love with someone who was in love with her right back. She would never have thought that this would happen, but now that it did, she believe that in some small ways, dreams did come true.
Within his mind, Jack recalled what Bonejangles had said...preposterous as it was, and even thought of Marina, and her lover, Spencer. A secret love affair. How the idea was tempting! Now that he knew how she felt, it only tempted him all the more. He wanted to scoop Sally into his arms, and just run away with her to some place far, far away and be together with her. But it wasn't that simple, was it? The risks of getting caught were far too high, and he especially didn't want her to get in trouble with her family.
Sally was thinking the same thing. She knew how much of a risk it would be, and how scared she was in going through with something like this. At the same time, the idea tempted her as well. Selfishly, which she didn't like. She wanted to be with him so much, but only though secrets, lies and hiding could that ever happen. Betraying her family was not something she wanted to, and she certainly didn't want to get him in trouble with his parents.
The two embraced for a few minutes, which yet again felt like an eternity for them. Once they parted, Jack held her hands in his again, looking at her with such tender love, and yet sorrow at the same time.
"Sally...If only things weren't so difficult." Jack sighed, squeezing her little hands...how comforting they were to hold. "I would do all I could to make you the happiest you could be..."
"...Jack..." Sally murmured, smiling sadly. "You're very sweet to say that...I wish I could do the same for you. ...I...I know this is...a lot to ask...but I...have a request...if it's not too much."
Beaming, though sadly, Jack gave a nod as his smile grew. "Of course, Sally. Anything. Just name it, and I'll do it." No matter what, he would do anything for Sally.
"...Kiss me...just this once." Was her soft reply.
This made his eye sockets widen. She wanted a kiss. Just one kiss. His bones shattered. He would give her a million kisses if he could! With all the love he had for her, he would. He would shower her with all the kisses she could possibly want.
There were tears in her her eyes, and he yet again felt his heart and bones shatter. How he wish he could make this precious woman stop crying...and just be happy forever. This poor...poor girl.
"Sally...my love, I'd be happy to." Jack finally said, and brought her closer. "Come here."
With that, he gently cupped her face in his bony hands, and leaned down to kiss her gently on the lips.
The tears flowed down her cheeks like a river as their lips met, it was so achingly sweet that it made her cry all the more. Sally sniffled, and kissed him back, though unsurely due to her inexperience...but she tried anyhow. Her arms came around him, she brought herself closer, taking in all she could. Jack immediately brought an arm around her waist, the other caressing her face before burrowing into the strands of her beautiful hair.
Her lips were soft, and so intoxicating, he found himself unable to break away from her at all, while she was far from anxious to end it for him. Jack yet again felt as if his bones were crumbling, at how this was likely the only chance he would have to give her the love he had. If anything, kissing her now, only made him want her even more. He expected that, but was far too gone to care, and just wanted to make her feel loved. He could feel her tears coursing down her soft face, and could just feel what she was going through.
Why did fate have to be so cruel?
Sally felt as if she were in some kind of beautiful paradise, where the real world was slowly trying to claw its way through. She didn't want this to end, this wonderful moment...his wonderful kiss. For the first time in her entire existence, she felt so loved. And it was a wonderful feeling. To love, and to be loved in return. She wished it could last for all time.
But it was sadly not to be.
Neither were sure how long they kissed, but they made it last as much as they could, holding each other tightly, afraid to let go. It was their only chance, and everything was trying to stop them. They were so lost in each other, it was impossible to find any kind of breaking point to end it.
After some time...that was when they parted.
The kiss may have sealed their love, and spoke all of the truth behind their emotions, but it only made them want each other even more.
"Jack..." Now she was crying all the more, tears still streaming down her face.
"Oh, Sally..." Jack felt like crying himself, and he kissed her tears away. "Please don't cry. I'm so sorry." He embraced her again, holding her tight. "Sally, I love you."
"I love you too..." Sally sniffled again, holding him tight as well. "I always will."
"As will I." Jack kissed her on the forehead, and stroked her hair gently, before pulling back. "...I'd better go. I can't do this to you any longer."
"...I understand." Sally nodded, but her eyes pleaded him not to leave. "...Will I see you again?"
Jack smiled sadly. "Of course. Take care, Sally." He kissed her hand, lingering for a moment. "...Please smile...You're beautiful when you smile."
Though sad, Sally smiled lovingly at him. "You take care too, Jack..."
The two lingered for a few moments longer, and then Jack let go of her hand before slowly exiting the room.
As he passed Marina, who was coming back, he smiled at her. "...Thank you, Marina."
"...What for?" Marina blinked.
Jack smiled sadly. "For helping me." And then he left.
A few moments later, Marina came into Sally's room when she heard sniffling, and found her sister collapsed on her bed, crying. Her heart shattered.
She realized what happened.
Shutting the door, she ran to her sister's side, sitting on the bed with her, pulling her into her lap. "Oh Sally..."
Sally sniffled, and cried into Marina's neck, holding her tightly. "...I love him...he loves me too..."
"...I know, Sally...I know." Marina sniffled, crying now, too. "...I'm so sorry... I wish you were in my place..."
The two sisters cried in her room for quite some time, as the rain fell outside as well, seeming to echo their tears and sorrows.
XXX
WOW. Believe it or not, I cried about halfway through writing the confession and kissing scene. TWICE. I could not believe it. It's pretty rare that I cry while writing a story, even if I do feel the emotions within it. Sometimes I do cry reading a story, but really though, it took me by surprise.
Don't worry, there's still plenty more to come. :)
