Lovely, lovely readers…firstly; yes, I am still alive. And no, I have not quit writing "My Love, My Secret". My excuse is one I'm sure you've heard with countless other authors on ; school=no free time. Yet, I hope you all aren't too upset, because as my returning gift, I have a very exciting chapter (well…I think it is) prepared for you all. You will most likely want to read Chapter 10 again in its entirety, or skim it, because Chapter 11 picks up where I left off last. So, I hope you all enjoy it! I think its the longsest chapter I've written :O and I don't think you guys can understand the number of times of edited this! Good news: I have Chapter 12 written already, and have like the next 5 chapters outlined in detail…but I write/edit when I have time.
Leave a comment, tell me if you loved it or hated it. And don't forget to add my to your "Story Alert", so you can be first to read what HUGE event occurs in Chapter 12 (I'm not telling!)
PS, sorry if they're are any terrible mistakes; I had to beta it myself, so pardon me in that respect. I don't think there's anything terrible, though.
YoureAnIllusion
Chapter 11: A Single Moment of Sincerity
Gwen stood at the bottom of the Pendragon's spiral staircase, looking at the full laundry basket at her feet with contempt.
"I may as well just get it over with." After an exasperated sigh, she picked up the heavy basket, feeling a strain on her back as she straightened. The entire way to the second floor, Gwen Gibson laughed at the fact that she was about to turn twenty, and she had back pains like an old woman. With her arrival in front of Morgana's bedroom door came a small sigh of relief as she set the basket down, and knocked on her friend's door, holding her breath.
"If that's you Gwen, you can come in!" Morgana chirped cheerfully from the other side.
The tired maid released a low groan of disappointment, and slight agitation, for she had hoped that Morgana would be out of the house, spending time with Vivian. Gwen enjoyed Morgana's company, and she was always so happy to see her, but today she wasn't in a talking mood. The last thing the maid wanted or needed was the uncannily perceptive Morgana to pester her more than she already had about Gwen's recent sullen moods.
Nonetheless, Gwen couldn't avoid Morgana all day. So, she put on the most convincing smile she could muster, pushed some hair out of her face, and then turned the knob to enter Morgana's large abode.
Gwen found the lady of the house standing by her canopy-bed, pensively examining two dresses she held in either hand.
"Golly, Gwen am I so happy to see you!" Morgana declared. "I do declare, I have been tryin' to choose which dress to wear to tonight, and I just can't!" She complained, obviously frustrated. "Now, tell me the truth: do you like the green one or cream colored one better?" Morgana asked, turning to Gwen with a bright smile, before her expression was overcast with a frown. "Or…what about that long purple one?"
Gwen couldn't help but smile at how distraught Morgana was over some silly clothing choice. "I like the cream one the most." Gwen answered evenly, tucking away some clothing in the gargantuan dresser which sat next to Morgana's equally large window.
"You're right," Morgana agreed, tossing the other dress on the bed as she plopped down next to it. "You know, Vivian and I went shopping just yesterday, and we went to the cutest little boutique, over yonder in Andover. I saw them, and I nearly ran to the rack! They're just stunnin', aren't they?" Morgana asked excitedly, as she looked down at her chipped red nail polish.
"Mhmm," Gwen agreed quietly, hoping the confirmation would quickly silence her unusually talkative friend. It was a formidable attempt, but Morgana continued to ramble on about all the clothing she had found yesterday, and her words began to run together, knotting into incoherence, as Gwen quickly zoned out.
Closing the top dresser drawer, one of Morgana's tops fell to the floor. Bending to pick it up, the sun's rays which poured in from the window warmed her face as she stood to put the top in its proper place. With Morgana's voice serving as background noise, from the corner of her eye, Gwen saw Arthur walking around the large fountain which sat in the front of the Pendragon mansion. Subconsciously, Gwen's whole body pivoted towards the window, as she watched Arthur stand next to his red convertible. His head was tilted downward as he successfully lit a cigarette, throwing the lighter in the passenger seat.
As she watched Arthur finally get into the car, she wondered what he was thinking at that very moment. Had he missed during this past week as much as she had missed him? Or was he still upset with her (the reason why, still a mystery), and planning on avoiding her for yet another week?
Gwen didn't have much time to ponder the thought, for her quiet reflection was loudly interrupted by Morgana, who she found standing next to her.
"So what do you say Gwen?" Morgana asked with a bright smile.
Gwen winced with a start, unsure of exactly how long Morgana had been standing with her.
Morgana's eyebrows furrowed at Gwen's reaction. Curious, she looked out the window at the same direction Gwen had been so transfixed on only moments ago. Her eyes locked onto Arthur's car, which stalled in front of the Estate's gates, as he waited for the attendant to open them.
Stealing another glance at Gwen, Morgana resisted the urge to scoff at her lovesick cousin and her cheerless friend. In short; Morgana Pendragon had had enough. Not only was it irritating to cope with Arthur's newly shortened temper, (which seemed to flare at the smallest things), but Gwen too had been joylessly mulling around for the past week. In her opinion, the two had been behaving like children. Yet… she still couldn't decide whether their separation was a blessing or a curse.
Since she had discovered via minor investigation that Arthur had purchased Gwen a new copy of "Fahrenheit 451", Morgana had been watching a relationship develop between her friend and cousin; and it unsettled her. From catching them alone together in the stables, to eavesdropping on private conversations which took place behind closed doors, it didn't take a genius to put two and two together. Morgana had literally prayed that something would happen to split the two (amicably) and have them go their separate ways before becoming too attached. So it was only reasonable that she interrupted Lorenzo's surprise return as a sign in her favor.
She assumed that Gwen would forget about the brief flirtation she had indulged in with Arthur, and return to a realistic relationship with Lorenzo. Yet…it had become clear to her that everything was out of her hands when not only did Lorenzo tell Gwen he wanted to remain friends, but he had left for New York but five days ago! Now, everything was a mess; and there was nothing she could do about it. What would it take for the normally sensible Gwen to see reason? And Arthur—well, Morgana still wasn't sure what her cousin's motives where with Gwen. She had concluded that they could only be selfish, because that was the only reason why he engaged with women in the first place.
"Morgana, what were you saying?" Gwen asked impatiently, turning away from the window completely as she found her friend staring at the ground, deep in thought.
"Oh, nothing, nothing…" Morgana assured, flipping her dark hair, as she walked over to the brand new shoes she had placed on her bed. She mentally chided herself as she felt the bed indent with Gwen's weight as she sat. Morgana swallowed, as she quickly gained her composure, finally reminding her friend what it was she had been talking about earlier.
"Gwen, I was asking you which of these shoes matches the best."
The maid ran a tired hand through her hair as she stifled a yawn. "Tell me: what's all this dressin' up for again?"
Morgana sighed in frustration as she stamped her foot down; she had just shared every detail with Gwen, only to find her ogling at her cousin through the window. "Could you quit the day dreamin'!"
Gwen held up her hands in defense. "Okay, Okay! Just… quickly refresh my memory."
Morgana sighed impatiently, beginning in a rushed tone. "Father's having a dinner party tonight with his three best friends and their families: the Remingtons, the Dodsons and the Alaines. Mr. Dodson owns just 'bout every fancy department store in the state. And you know Mr. Alaine; he is the mayor after all. I think Henry Tate may be coming too…" Morgana's voice trailed off as she thought for several moments, her mind running over the guest list.
Gwen's ears perked up at the reference of the councilman. "Councilman HenryTate?"
"Unless there's some other Henry Tate runnin' 'round inDearborn."
Gwen scowled at the blatant sarcasm.
"Yes, Councilman Tate; Mr. Big-shot…well, not as big as Uncle," Morgana added as an afterthought.
"Wow…this is strange."
"What?" Morgana asked finally sitting next to Gwen on the large bed.
"Well…I never told you, but the police came a knockin' on my door last Saturday."
"What?'" Morgana gasped. "Is everything okay?"
"I'm not sure. They were poking 'round the neighborhood, asking folks 'bout some man named Raymond who lives 'cross the street from me, saying he done raped Mary Tate, the Councilman's daughter."
Morgana sighed sadly, preferring not to speak on the matter. After all, everywhere else she went, people were gossiping on the very issue. "Yeah, my friends at university have been talking about it nonstop. Mary's such a gentle lamb…it's downright shameful that any man could do such a thing to her."
Gwen's eyebrows came together in confusion. "You're saying that you believe all of that?"
"I don't know Raymond, now, but Councilman Tate swears up and down that Ray raped his daughter; and I believe him. He's a respectable man, who serves our country well."
"Well, I actually know Raymond, and he'd never do such a thing, he's the quietest fella I know. It's all one big lie."
Morgana sat up, running her fingers through her long hair uncomfortably.
"And, rumor has it that Ray and Mary were in love, and the Councilman found out. It's just an underhanded way to get rid of Raymond; for good."
Morgana scoffed. "Rumor has it?" Morgana asked obviously offended. "That's all that is, a rumor, don't be ridiculous! Mr. Tate is a stand up man; he would never do such a thing!" Morgana would continue to defend the Councilman; he was a pillar of the community, and someone she knew personally. "Also, Mary would never sneak around with a colored, when she has a boyfriend already. He's one of Arthur's old friends, Alex."
Gwen knew who Alex was; how could she forget? He was the goon who had gotten her in trouble the first time she met Arthur, and was working at Cid's.
"Besides, girls fawn over him left and right! There's no way that Mary would cheat on him…much less with a colored."
Gwen blinked at Morgana's last words, as she watched her friends eyes widen once the sentence registered to her own ear.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way Gwen! It's just that…she'd never shame her family by messin' with a colored fella, that's all."
"Morgana, it happens all the time, people just don't want to admit it." Gwen snapped her fingers. "Remember what happened with that colored man named Keller, three years ago?"
Morgana shook her head in the negative.
"The sheriff himself barged into his home, and arrested him without any evidence. Let's just say, the courts moved faster than a hot knife through butter. Within a year, they had him fryin' like bacon in the chair at the state prison."
"But if the government didn't execute him, the Klan sure would've lynched him." Morgana cut in, as if to defend the injustice.
"That doesn't mean a thing. All that matters is that early last year, it was revealed that Keller was havin' relations with a married white woman…I think you can figure out the rest."
Morgana shook her head solemnly.
" Now, don't get me wrong. Were livin' in a fallen world, and I'm not saying that rape never happens…but not Ray, he's a gentle soul."
Morgana looked away thoughtfully, as she stroked her chin. "Well, now that you mention it…I reckon that Mary's never said herself that she was raped; only her father, and the occasional rant from Alex. She's been mighty quiet 'bout it…"
Gwen nodded, already convinced that everything said about Raymond Neely was a lie. "I just hope this doesn't go any further."
"We both know Gwen that this is the Councilman's mission now. If Raymond goes down…it won't be pretty."
Gwen shook her head, not wanting to think about the possible consequences. She couldn't talk about her neighbors any further without falling apart.
Morgana saw the emotion which was becoming to overcome her friend, and she rubbed her affectionately. "We don't know how things will turn out for sure, Gwen."
Though Morgana made an earnest attempt to console her friend, they both knew that the words of encouragement were empty.
Gwen was curled up on the couch with a book on her lap, and her brother sitting next to her, watching their father trying to fix their ham radio. The only sound in between the four walls was scratchy static emanating from the dysfunctional radio, and the relative silence unnerved the often talkative Elliot.
"Hey Gwen, guess what?" He began excitedly, turning to his sister whose eyes were glued to her book.
"What?"
"Remember my old friend Robert?"
"Who? Are you talking 'bout that hooligan who's been sweet on Gwen for years now?" Tom cut in before his daughter could respond
Gwen laughed, shaking her head at her father. "Yeah, I remember him."
"Well, he came by the shop today to get his truck looked at. We got 'round to talkin'; just to catch up, and all. He asked 'bout you, wanted to know how you were doing."
Tom rolled his eyes. "That boy just doesn't know when quittin' time is." Tom remarked glancing at his children who sat on the couch. "That boy's a downright bum, and he has no business knowing how Gwen's doing."
"Ah, c'mon Pop, he aint that bad." Elliot murmured as he dropped the subject. "Oh, Pop, I finally got a chance to shoot the breeze with Lucianne Neely today. We stopped for a little chat when I was walkin' home from the grocery store."
Tom nearly dropped the ham radio to the carpeted ground, as he slowly pivoted, so he could face his children. "You did what now, Elliot?" He asked quietly, through nearly gritted teeth.
Elliot hadn't caught onto his father's change in mood, so he simply rephrased his last statement. "Me and Lucianne talked for a spell today." Elliot and Gwen were startled, as their father's palm made contact with the wooden table in fury.
Gwen looked up alarmed. "Is everything…alright, Daddy?" She asked cautiously.
Tom shot up out of his chair, rubbing the top of his head. "Elliot, I don't want you talkin' to Lucianne no more."
"But—"
"Hush!" Tom bellowed, earning the complete attention of his children.
"I don't want y'all even walkin' on their side of the street, you hear?"
"Pop, you aint makin' sense!"
"Daddy, tell us what's wrong. The Neely's are like kin."
Tom shook his head vehemently, waving his hands. "No Gwen, they aint; not anymore. You two mark my words; the Neely's may live 'cross the street, but I don't want y'all anywhere near that house, you hear?" Neither of his children responded, instead they sat on the sofa confused and wide-eyed. Tom to let out a labored sigh, deciding that retaining composure may prove to be the most effective in persuading his family. "The Neely's received a death threat this afternoon. A brick sailed straight through one of their side windows, with a letter attached."
Elliot and Gwen looked at each other, both hearing the news for the first time. Elliot's eyebrows came together. "But…Lucianne never mentioned that. And…now that I think about it, I never really looked at their house."
"My stars…why? Why would someone do such a thing?" Gwen whispered in amazement.
"Y'all, I don't know much, and I don't wanna get involved. But what I do know is that the note was tellin''em that they'd skip town; if they knew what was good for 'em."
"…Or else what?" Gwen asked quietly, though she already knew the answer.
"Or else the Klan would gets their hands on 'em, and have no mercy."
"Oh, God!" Gwen cried out, as her brother reached for her hand to comfort her.
"So, now y'all understand why I want you to stay away from them?"
Elliot and Gwen nodded in sync, as Tom continued.
"If anything happens to the Neely's I don't want y'all to be anywhere near that house. You know them Klan folk: they'll lynch a fella, and ask questions later. You two are all I got, and I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to y'all."
Gwen nodded, understanding her father's disparity; yet she still had her questions. "But why would the Klan be actin' now, Daddy? People been talkin' 'bout Ray and that white girl for some time now. Yet, all of a sudden, the police are runnin' through the town, and the rednecks are creating a ruckus. None of this is making any sense!"
"Baby, the rumors are gettin' ugly now."
Gwen waited silently for her father to elaborate, however Tom looked away, making it clear that he had no plans to explain any further. Gwen turned to Elliot, confusion clouding her features.
"What are people saying now, Elliot?"
Elliot looked at his father for permission to continue, and Tom nodded his head slightly after a few moments of deliberation. Elliot took a deep breath, unsure of how to phrase the latest bit of town gossip. "The word goin' 'round now is that Mary Tate's pregnant."
Gwen's eyes widened, as she blinked rapidly. She looked at her father who let out a labored sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"No! I don't believe that for a second!"
Elliot and Tom nodded silently.
"That's a tall tale if I've ever heard one!" Gwen continued to deny the latest rumor whole heartedly. "You know how rumors are…m-maybe Councilman Tate is just saying that so it'll be easier to get rid of Ray! Or maybe that Mary is a filthy liar like her daddy—"
"No one knows for sure, Gwen." Tom interrupted solemnly. "But none of us are goin' over to the Neely house to find out." Tom covered his face, unsure of what else there was to say. "Gwen, it's just…the Klan's too unpredictable. And we're a lot closer to that family then I'd want to be."
Gwen pushed aside her book in frustration, resting her head on the back of the couch. "When were y'all gonna tell me all of this?" She asked, closing her eyes.
The only response Gwen received was silence; and it'd stay that way for the rest of the night.
While Guinevere Gibson was at home, spending a humble and simple evening with her family, Arthur Pendragon was forcing himself to stay attentive to the new tawdry discussions he was forced to partake in. He played the part of the rich and charming young man well, but tonight, it took all of the energy he had to fool his prestigious guests.
"So, Arthur, how are your summer courses coming along? Grateful for the ease in the work load?" Mayor Alaine asked patting the young man heartily on the back.
Arthur choked on his wine as the large man slapped him from behind. Clearing his throat, he answered promptly. "Yes sir, I am mightily grateful, though they're practically over. My senior year is startin' soon, so I'm even more grateful that this coming year is my last in university." Though Arthur was completely serious, the four men around him (his father included), let out chuckles of various intensities.
"Then you're ready to take over the family business, eh?" Mr. Remington joked.
Arthur smiled politely. "No sir, not yet."
"Arthur's just being modest, Olaf," Uther cut in quickly. He looked at his son before continuing. "In no time, Arthur'll be downtown with me, second in command of Dragon Real Estate. But, until then, he'll be partaking in an exclusive internship which starts this fall, and become part of the company as soon as he graduates."
"So soon?"
"Of course! He'll need to put that business degree to work."
"That deal sounds too good to be true!" Olaf Remington joked.
"Yes sir, a good deal indeed." Arthur agreed, sipping his wine yet again.
The men nodded approvingly, before changing the subject matter, causing Arthur to become even more disinterested. He turned slightly, surveying the room for the thousandth time that night; but of course he didn't see her. He tried to get a glimpse past the kitchen, when his gaze collided with the watchful eye of his curious cousin. She stood at the opposite side of the room, conversing and giggling with her girlfriends. She mouthed a quick "what is it?" But Arthur swiftly turned away, pretending that he hadn't seen her.
"Right, Morgana?" Vivian asked with a giggle, nudging her oblivious friend.
Morgana tore her gaze from Arthur, jostled by Vivian's continuous bumping. "Yes…of course, Vivian." Morgana answered with a forced smile, unsure of what exactly she was being asked. A servant appeared with hors d'ouvres, saving Morgana from a potentially awkward situation.
"What are those?" Vivian asked the servant, pointing at the shiny silver platter which he held. Her friends didn't wait for his response, as all three wasted no time in plucking a couple of the appetizers.
"They're quiche, ma'am," the servant replied, keeping his eye contact on the food.
"Are they made with dairy?"
"Yes'm."
Vivian shook her head. "No. Go get me some more champagne though." She commanded, handing her small glass to the man. The servant nodded courteously, before retreating to the bustling kitchen.
"These little things are delightful, Vivian. You should get one when he comes back," Mildred Alaine suggested happily.
Vivian shook her head in the negative. "I wish I could, Mildred. But I fear that my stomach hasn't been takin' to dairy lately. I'll have to live without the quiche, it seems."
"Oh, that's a shame," Mildred replied as she continued to munch on her own.
Morgana licked her lips, finishing the small appetizer quickly. "Excuse me girls, but I'm just gonna go and use the restroom; I'll be right back." Morgana explained hastily, before turning to exit the room.
Vivian watched her friend until she was out of view, facing Mildred and Kate once again. Her eyebrows knitted together as she watched the two girls turn their attention across the room. Vivian observed them for a couple of moments, before becoming agitated.
"What are y'all droolin' over?" She asked impatiently.
Mildred snapped her neck to glare at her friend. "Now, that was a dumb question!"
Vivian rolled her eyes, as she too looked across the room. She found Arthur with the other men; his head tilted back slightly, his eyes closed as he laughed energetically.
"He sure has a movie star smile," Kate Dodson observed, grinning from ear to ear, as she put a hand to her chest.
Mildred Alaine offered her commentary as well. "It seems that every time I see him, he becomes even more handsome..."
Vivian rolled her eyes for the second time, as the servant returned with her newly refilled glass of champagne. She yanked it off of the platter without a 'thank you', before turning her sharp gaze to the two silly girls. "Would y'all just quit it?" She nearly spat, herself taking another glance at Arthur.
Kate and Mildred looked at each other, as their giggling ceased. "What's eating you, Viv?" Kate asked in her shrill voice.
"I don't like y'all talking 'bout him like that; like he's some piece of meat, or somethin'."
Mildred's eyebrows shot up at her friend's sudden mood change."And why not? We do it all the time…it's like our own little hobby."
"Yeah, and it's not like you two are together, or anything…you never were," Kate agreed, swallowing a snort.
"Yes we were!" Vivian snarled, tucking a stray strand of blond hair behind her ear. She paused, to gain composure. "We're just takin' a break; that's all."
Kate and Mildred looked at each other, both deciding not to argue with their love-sick friend, and play into her delusions with their silence. The girls picked up their old conversation just as Morgana returned.
"Look, I think we're starting." Morgana said pointing to the front of the room where Uther stood, holding up his hands for silence. The talking quickly ceased, as the dinner party guests turned to their host in anticipation for further instructions.
"Good evening everyone, and again, it's my pleasure to have you here." A few nods and smiles ensued after the greeting. "My lovely cooks have prepared a delightful meal, and if everyone's ready, we'll head to the dining room." Uther gave one last courteous smile, before leading the way to the adjoining room. The three families followed, all quietly chatting as they entered the ornate space.
Uther walked to his chair which sat at the head of the table, with Arthur and Morgana taking their seats on either side.
"Oh, Vivian! Come sit next to me," Morgana requested excitedly, patting the unoccupied chair next to her. Arthur gave his cousin a look revealing his confusion, as Vivian practically skipped to the end of the table. . Arthur turned his head in the opposite direction as Vivian sat, not wanting to make any eye contact with her. However, he didn't turn quickly enough, and caught the quick flirtatious wink which was sent his way.
Arthur's looked farther down the table towards Kate and Mildred, who glared at Vivian; obviously green with envy. He chuckled quietly to himself as he laid his linen napkin on his lap. Then he looked at his father, who watched Vivian with a smile. This was going to be a long night.
It was Saturday, and instead of relaxing and having fun like the rest of her peers, Gwen Gibson was running errands for her family. Not only did she have to go by the pharmacy to refill her father's pain medication again, but she had to go the grocery store to buy food for dinner that night; and she was already running behind schedule.
The familiar chime of the bells attached to the pharmacy door greeted Gwen as she entered quickly. The owner and pharmacist, Mrs. Mealy, could be seen in the front restocking the shelves.
"Gwen!" The old woman nearly sang with a bright smile, always happy to see her favorite customer.
"How are you doing Mrs. Mealy?"
"Just fine. And you?"
Well, I feel like my world is crumbling 'round me, and there aint a thing I can do to stop it. But besides that, everything's just peachy! "Alright, I guess." She replied with a shrug. "Daddy isn't though, I came to refill his prescription," she explained, handing the woman the pill bottle.
Mrs. Mealy invited Gwen to follow her to the back counter where all the prescriptions were held. "He's not working today, is he?"
Gwen shook her head. "No, he and Elliot both work Saturdays. That's the only day I have to do errands for the house." Though Mrs. Mealy had disappeared behind the tall shelves, Gwen could hear her clucking her tongue.
"Tell your father that he aint a youngin' anymore. God only gave him one back, and sometimes all medicine can do is keep the achin' away!"
Gwen nodded in agreement though she was out of Mrs. Mealy's view.
"Plus, you're brother is a strapping young man. Let Tom shuffle him some of the heavy work."
"He tries, but you know how Daddy is; if he's not working hard, he feels useless."
The pharmacist reappeared as some other customers walked in. "Hi y'all!" She greeted before turning back to Gwen. "You know, that's the sign of a good man," she said with a nod, handing Gwen the newly refilled bottle. "When you're out lookin' for your husband within the next year or two, you make sure that he likes to work hard for his living, just like your daddy."
Gwen nodded in agreement.
"That's a sign of a good man, you hear?"
Gwen nodded again as she heard the chime of the bells ring again.
"They don't make men the way they used to."
Gwen giggled at Mrs. Mealy's comment.
"You laugh Gwen, but I'm serious!" She said with a smile.
"I'll keep it in mind, then."
Mrs. Mealy opened her mouth to impart more southern home-grown wisdom upon Gwen, but her gaze was refocused, past the girl. A bright smile pushed the wrinkles up on her face, as she moved from behind the tall white counters.
"Arthur? As I live and breathe, it sure is!" The older woman exclaimed in disbelief, nearly running to embrace the customer who had just entered her shop.
Gwen knew it could only be one Arthur. Why did she always run into him at the worst times? She didn't dare turn around, as she felt the blood in her cheeks drain, and her hands turn icy. She could hear Mrs. Mealy pat Arthur's broad back as she squeezed him in a tight hug.
"Gwen, dear, I assume you know Arthur?" Mrs. Mealy asked excitedly, rubbing his shoulder.
Gwen's lip curled, as she realized she would have to face Mrs. Mealy and Arthur. She did slowly, finding an extremely smug Arthur and an exuberant Mrs. Mealy. Gwen gave no response to the pharmacist's question, so he offered his own.
"Yes ma'am, Guinevere and I know each other."
"Guinevere? I haven't heard anyone call her that except her mama!"
Gwen looked away from Arthur's piercing gaze as she felt all the anger she had been suppressing swell up once again.
"I've know Arthur since he was a boy, now. He'd pop in once a week with his nanny to get a sucker from me. Now he's a man, and he's forgotten 'bout lil' ol' me." Mrs. Mealy softly chided.
"No, that's not true."
The pharmacist dismissed Arthur with a wave of her hand. "I understand; you're off to greater things now."
Gwen cleared her throat, as she put the money for the prescription on the counter, addressing the woman as Arthur watched her intently. "Well, Mrs. Mealy, I've gotta run now. Have a nice afternoon."
"What, you're leaving already? We hardly had the chance to speak."
Gwen turned around quickly, as she continued walking. "We'll catch up next time; I promise."
The old woman blinked a couple of times, turning to Arthur, who watched Gwen open the pharmacy door, nearly running into a man who was on his way in.
"That was strange…" Mrs. Mealy noted.
Arthur nodded as he snapped his fingers. "Forgive me Mrs. Mealy, but I forgot my wallet in my car."
"Don't be silly, Arthur. You can have anything you need, free of charge."
"I couldn't! I'll be happy to pay…I just have to run to my car." Arthur moved quickly, not giving the woman a second chance to object to his departure. Tearing out of the pharmacy as quickly as Gwen had, Arthur stopped in his tracks, looking both ways down the sidewalk for her. After a few moments, he caught her speed walking to his right, and he wasted no time in catching up with her. "Guinevere," he called out as quietly as he could.
Gwen didn't bother to even look back, as Arthur brushed past a couple who had to jump out of his way. "Guinevere, I know you can hear me!" He raised his voice, impatiently. Finally gaining enough speed, Arthur managed to get in front of her, causing Gwen to stop short.
"Arthur, why are you followin' me?" She asked agitated, as she clutched onto her purse, looking around the area.
"We need to talk."
"Talk? Oh, you want to talk to me now? I thought I was 'just a maid'."
Arthur winced, unsure of how to respond.
Gwen scoffed, shaking her head as she made a movement to go around Arthur. However, she was quickly intercepted.
"Please Guinevere, I didn't mean it when I said that."
"No, Arthur, I think you did. And that's just fine, because I have nothing to say to you either." Gwen was able to take a single step before Arthur matched her movement, holding up his hands.
"Just hear me out," he whispered, taking a quick look at the people who passed them by, giving the two lingering stares.
Gwen offered no response, as she too looked at curious individuals who walked just a tad bit slower as they passed her and Arthur.
"Listen; we can do this here with everyone watching."
Gwen gave Arthur an icy glare, not appreciating his sarcasm.
"We can go somewhere more private, just hear me out."
Gwen addressed Arthur sharply, looking at him directly in the eye. "Arthur, you're only gettin' two minutes; that's it." Gwen brought her voice to a quiet hush.
"Fine." Arthur nodded, finding the bargain to be reasonable.
"Well, where is this 'more private' place, because last time I checked, we were on a street corner."
Arthur wasted no time, as he pointed behind Gwen, towards a small passageway created by the outside walls of two neighboring stores. "Over there?"
Gwen quietly nodded, as she followed Arthur to the spot. Arthur walked towards the end of the small alley, so they could have privacy, and not be seen from the sidewalk. He heard Gwen already begin to tap her foot against the concrete impatiently, crossing her arms over her chest. The movement drew his attention to her bust momentarily, before he heard Gwen clear her throat.
"I'm supposed to be 'hearing you out', right?"
Arthur ran a hand through his hair as he nodded, mentally kicking himself. Before finally speaking, he paused, giving his best effort to make his voice as soothing and apologetic as possible. "Guinevere, I don't know where to start, except to say that I'm sorry. I was really out of line last week..in the study."
Gwen didn't break eye contact with Arthur, though her foot ceased its tapping. "Arthur, if you expect me to stand here and tell you that all is well…then I'd be a liar."
Arthur blinked in slight confusion, preparing a response, but Gwen wasn't done.
"I heard your apology, and I'll say thank you for it."
"That's it?" Arthur could hear his anger begin to seep into his tone, which was becoming increasingly bitter. "I come here, I apologize, and this is how you're going to act?"
Gwen rolled her eyes, looking away momentarily before connecting with Arthur's blue eyes once again, her voice taking on a new tone as well. "Arthur I know I'm just a maid, someone who works for you, but that doesn't give you a right to treat me the way you have!"
"I said I was sorry, what else do you want me to do!"
Gwen shook her head, as if she hadn't even heard him. "How dare you treat me like the dirt in your shoes, disrespecting me on every occasion you could these past weeks. And now, some weak apology is supposed to make me forget?"
"Wait, now you hold on a damn minute!" Arthur nearly yelled, the hostility in his voice easily matching Gwen's.
"No you listen to me for a minute!"
Arthur visibly winced as he shut his mouth.
"I honestly don't know what you're problem is, Arthur. You walk around town, and women worship you, the men idle you."
"That's not—"
"Yet you still feel a need to put other people down." Gwen unfolded her arms, as she shook her head. "Well, I won't be one of them. I'm not fixing to let you trample all over me one day, then want to change everything with a sorry excuse for an apology. I don't even know what caused all of this."
"It…it wasn't you."
"Well what was it Arthur? Because I thought we had—" Guinevere cut herself off, not wanting to give Arthur the satisfaction of watching her become even more emotional.
"You thought we had what?" He asked quietly.
Gwen looked away. "I was wrong, just answer my question."
It was now Arthur's turn to look away, not prepared to answer that question.
Gwen waited a few moments, before laughing cynically. She shifted the strap of her purse further up her shoulder, preparing to leave. "I think it's been two minutes—"
"Guinevere," Arthur said quietly, quickly grasping her forearm to keep her from leaving. Gwen looked down at his large hand which nearly wrapped around her arm, as she reluctantly turned to face him. Once Arthur knew he had her undivided attention, he spoke again, never choosing words as carefully in his life. "I know I have much to learn. I treat people poorly; I use them and throw them away; you're right."
"Arthur, you don't have to explain yourself to me."
"Wait, just wait. I'll kick myself for the rest of my life if I don't at least try. It's just…I also have trouble telling the woman that I care about how sorry I am, for how badly I've treated her in these past weeks." Arthur could hear Gwen's voice hitch on the back of her throat. It was clear that this second declaration of affection was no accident. He watched her gaze linger on his hand which had slightly loosened its grip, and slowly draw back to his meet his eyes.
Gwen faintly swallowed, as she felt her mouth run dry in the intensity of the moment. Suddenly, all the angry words she had prepared were lost. She remained silent, unsure if Arthur had more to say. "Arthur…those are dangerous words." Gwen cautioned quietly, all hostility having evaporated from her voice.
"But what if they're true?"
"…Are they?"
"Yes."
Arthur's single-syllable confirmation made chills run up Gwen's spine, and her knees felt like jell-o. This wasn't the way this entire conversation was supposed to work out. She was supposed to put Arthur in his place, and then leave him with his tail between his legs, never to talk to him again. Instead, here she was in some alley way, as vulnerable as ever, receiving Arthur's second pronouncement of fondness... yet there was part of her that didn't want to give in, and believe it so quickly.
"How do I know that you're not just using me, and you do this routine with all your other girls?"
"First off, I don't have any other girls. And with the ones in the past, I've never tried so hard to be with them. That's the God honest truth."
Gwen could only whisper her next words. "Arthur, I want to believe you, and it scares me. Because…things like this aren't supposed to happen …it's just not right. Yet I care for you too," she took a moment to swallow, "and I know it's irrational, just so irrational!"
Arthur smiled widely, unable to help himself as he entwined his fingers with hers. "Gwen, that's all that matters! We both want the same thing; what's stopping us!"
"Arthur, don't you see? It's not that simple! Oh, God knows I wish it was, but you and I can never have anything real."
"I don't care that you're colored Gwen, it doesn't change a damn thing. And…we do have something real! Jeez, I mean every time I look at you, or feel your touch even for the slightest second—every time I think of you! That's something real, and it's something I don't want to lose." Arthur made a conscious effort to slow his rapid speech. "I don't want to lose you because of some pig-headed people, who have nothing to do with our lives."
Gwen shook her head vehemently. "Arthur, this is just so much."
Arthur couldn't help himself as he pushed a long dark curl out of her face. "I don't want to wait anymore."
"Arthur…"
"Let's just forget about everyone else, because in the end, they don't matter. We'll just take everything one day at a time; that's not too irrational."
"One day at a time?" Gwen repeated.
"Exactly."
"Arthur, you know—"
"Yeah Dad! I'm taking the trash out now!" A young man yelled, as a heavy iron door several yards away from Arthur and Gwen slammed. The two immediately disentangled, both taking generous steps away from each other, Arthur looking at the disgruntled young man who walked in the opposite direction towards a dumpster. He stared at the ground, grumbling incoherent curses as he lifted the lid of the dumpster.. "Old man, why doesn't he get his rusty ass out—" The young man turned, stopping cold in his tracks, as he noticed Arthur and Gwen for the first time.
Gwen clutched to her purse, avoiding eye contact with the stranger, as Arthur's mouth opened to speak, but no words came out.
"Arthur? I didn't see you there," Neil Nelson, the assistant watch repairer of the neighboring shop stated, offering a handshake. Arthur quickly obliged, before Neil turned his attention to Gwen. "Good afternoon, ma'am," he said nodding.
Gwen turned around, giving him a shy smile.
Neil looked closer at Gwen, recognizing her from several months ago when he and his father had to save another boy from Arthur's wrath…and the girl was there. His eyes widened before his blinking rapidly several times. "I u-uhh, gotta jet. Dad's waiting—" Neil didn't even bother finishing his sentence, before rushing back into his shop through the back door.
Gwen smiled at Arthur once the skittish young man had left.
"He won't say anything, trust me." Arthur assured Gwen. "But we should go. It's only a matter of time until someone else shows up."
"You're right."
"Let me drive you home."
Gwen raised an eyebrow. "You may have forgotten…but it might be best that we're not seen with each other too much; especially not at my house."
"You're right…at least for now. I'll see you Monday?"
Gwen smiled. "Yeah, on Monday."
Title Inspired by: "A Single Moment of Sincerity" by Asking AlexandriaeHe