Hello there. How are you all? This chapter is dedicated to ForeverJulie. She's always so helpful. This chapter was difficult to write, because Bert does not seem as much like Gavin lee as he has so far. He's a bit angrier. Mary still reminds me of Laura Michelle Kelly though. Bert will return to normal soon. Enjoy.

Eight months passed slowly in this manner. Finally Mrs. Corry allowed Bert to come for a visit. I fixed my hair the prettiest I could and put on my best dress, a white and red number I knew Bert would love. He adored me in both colors.

The Wind transported him to the castle door and I ran to meet him. He wrapped his arms around me and I hugged him tightly. Eight months was a lifetime to be kept away from each other.

He kissed me and held me at arms length. I saw uncertainty flicker into his eyes when they roamed over my hair, face, and posture. Had I really changed that much?

We went inside and up to my room where we could talk quietly. He and I sat down on my bed, his hands holding onto mine tightly. We were silent at first; afraid of what was going to be said.

"Am I really 'ere?" Bert asked finally. "Are you really real?"

"I think so. I hope so." Bert got up and went to stand by the window his back to me. "Bert look at me. Why won't you look at me?" He was frightening me.

"Mary, what 'ave they done to you?" He turned and regarded me sadly.

"Bert, I'm the same as I was before. It's just my hair. I promise it will grow again." I watched him walk over and touch my raven curls. Tears clouded my vision and when he saw this he finally took me into his arms.

"What 'appened?" he whispered against my ear.

"They cut it. I begged them not to, but they did it anyway."

"Mary it's okay." He tried to calm me.

"Bert I'm so sorry. I'm so very sorry." I whispered and then he kissed me. My spirits soared as he kissed away the tears that continued to fall. "You're doing it again."

"What?"

"Leaving me breathless."

"I can't 'elp myself." He locked eyes with me and eased me back onto the bed as our lips found each other again. Our kisses became even more heated, if possible. I could feel myself surrendering and I knew Bert loved me and would be gentle but suddenly fear gripped me. We couldn't do this, not at society headquarters.

"No," I whispered and pushed against his chest. "I'm sorry, but I can't do this here" He rested his forehead on mine.

"I would never ask you to do anything you weren't ready for." He moved beside me. "You're to precious to me for that." I leaned my head against his chest.

"It's not that I don't want to," I began to explain, " I do. Bert I'm scared."

"Of what? I would never 'urt you."

"I know that. I'm not scared of you. I'm scared that if I give myself to you, when you leave again I won't be able to bear it." I felt him sigh and he wrapped his arms around me more tightly. So he was scared of the same thing. "Bert I-"

"Sshh." He put his finger to my lips. "I would that you were my wife right now, but you're not, so be silent and let me 'old you for a time. I want this memory when I am forced to leave."

"But what will I remember"

"I wish I knew."

So here you go. What did you all think? Let me know and I'll upload the next chapter sooner. Blackmail I know. Read and Review.

Alycia