Disclaimer: I do of course own this-unfortunately it's not all legal yet, but I think the negotiations are starting to work. It's amazing what a gun pointed to the Chief Director's head can do...
The Third-Demi God: Plenty more kisses where that came from...not in this chapter, so don't go all like 'oh my god, it's finally happening!' I didn't really like the hospital either but the reactions were very amusing. And yeah, it is another' top secret thingy that will appear later'. Hope you like the chocolates lol!x
Team-chaser: That pathetic kiss wouldn't have happened at all if I hadn't kept being badgered (not mentioning any names)...you know you don't like marina...you may want to speed-read the end then...thanks 4 da great idea lol!x
Note: The main theme at the end was all Team-chaser's idea-take a bow! (Team-chaser bows) You're great lol!x
One last thing (you all groan) I know I say this at the start of each chapter, but you may not want to take it too literally at the end here...read and weep people!
Lara's POV
"You're dropping the case?" I whisper, staring at the two police officers opposite me disbelievingly.
"I'm afraid that, due to lack of evidence, we have no leads or suspects," the female officer-Jayne she said her name was-tells me gently.
"It was a hit-and-run," I state. "How much 'lack of evidence' do you need to drop a case like this? It's not just me who's in danger, if they did it once and got away with it-"
"It's unlikely they'll do it again," Jayne cuts in. "This driver must have been irresponsible, therefore fairly young and inexperienced, perhaps. The remorse they must be feeling would be punishment enough for them."
"And what makes you think they feel remorse?" I contradict.
"Do you?" the male interrupts.
"For…what-?"
"I would expect someone with your record to be extremely lenient, especially as you didn't actually die!" he says rudely. I look to Jayne for answers.
"His father was a mercenary, believed to be murdered by…well, you," she explains. I let out an exclaim of surprise.
"That was self-defence," I say.
"What could he possibly have done to deserve death at your hand?" the man snaps.
"He tried to kill me, sir, that's what!"
"Frankie, you promised me you'd not let your personal issues interfere!" Jayne scolds. "Can you start acting like a professional or do I need to dismiss you?"
"I think I can control my urges," he mutters sarcastically, shooting filthy looks my way. I ignore this, not letting on how unnerved I'm starting to feel.
"Miss Croft, are there any other questions?" Jayne asks kindly.
"Yes. I'd like to know who's bribing you to drop the case," I reply confidently. Jayne looks confused and even 'Frankie' doesn't look certain.
"I can assure you, Miss Croft, we don't accept bribes of any manner," Jayne says.
"Really?" I contradict. "You did nineteen years ago. I wouldn't have believed it until you dropped a case that was so obviously able to be solved."
"Miss Croft, there are no other records of crimes against you in our files."
"That's because it was in New York," I reply.
"You really think those Americans are capable of thinking anything other than themselves?" Frankie says boredly.
"Your father's employer being a prime example," I remind him. "I'm assuming, as the emotional wound is clearly still fresh, he must have been a mercenary of James Rutland?"
"You don't have the right to talk about him!" Frankie spits, standing up.
"And you have no right to accuse me of murdering your precious father when that was his intention from the moment he laid eyes on me!" I snap fiercely. I turn back to Jayne. "Officer Griffiths, I would appreciate it if your loyalty could be wavered by double the sum you are already being paid."
"Miss Croft, I would appreciate it if you could stop insulting us in this manner," she says calmly but firmly. "We don't accept bribes, we are dropping this case as there are more important matters to be dealt with."
"I understand you have to prioritise," I agree. "What I'm unsure of is why this case is being dropped rather than simply being put on hold."
"The board has discussed it, and we don't consider it a high-profile case. You have sustained no physical long-term injuries and your head-"
"No physical long-term injuries?" I cry. "Need I remind you I'm in a wheelchair with numb legs because of what they did!"
"Which, as you so confidently assured us, is healing all the time." I back down, both emotionally and physically.
"And that was your motive? That's what you're basing this decision on?" I check.
"No, of course not, Miss Croft, although the assurance from you did make the decision all the easier." I sigh and lean back in my chair. What a load of bollocks.
"Interesting, because I was under the impression that the decision had been made prior to my 'assurance'," I remind her.
"Miss Croft, an answer would give you the false impression that you actually mattered to us," Frankie sighs.
"Frankie!" Jayne scolds again.
"Jayne, we've told her what we need to and she'll have to accept it. She's wasting valuable police time!" he argues. Jayne looks taken aback but nods meekly.
"Unfortunately, we do have other duties to see to," she says kindly. "But please, get in touch if you have any queries." She hands me a card.
"What if new evidence were to come along?" I ask.
"Well, if it was incriminating enough to lead us to a compatible suspect, we would consider reopening the case, but otherwise-"
"Consider your case dead," Frankie finishes for her, emphasising 'your' and 'dead'. Jayne sighs but doesn't argue back. She obviously feels sympathy for Frankie. "Good day, Miss Croft. Hope you make a speedy recovery." He smirks at me cruelly, making a point of looking down at my legs. He tuts and shakes his head.
"You're extremely lucky I'm not armed, sir, or you may be with your dear father sooner than you thought!" I threaten. His smile falters.
"You know, threatening a police officer with a violent act is an arrestable offence."
"I don't see why, you lot do it everyday," I mutter.
"But I'll let it slide," he says sweetly. "Call it a disability allowance. Besides, you've suffered enough 'arrests' over the past two weeks. Take care." With that, he walks out behind Jayne who must have heard every word. That bastard-who the…who the hell does he think he is!
I hear Winston show them out and I feel like reprimanding him for it! The last thing they deserve right now is formality from my butler! "Winston!" I shout, anger raging up inside of me.
"Yes, Lady Croft?" he replies in that husky voice of his. He sounds so ridiculously ancient with that stupid voice! He should get a voice box!
"Why did you just show those police officers out?" I demand.
"I assumed the visit was over," he replies, then looks fearful. "Should I call them back?"
"No, you should not call them back if you don't want to be fired because right now I'm on the verge of putting you on probation!" I snap. Winston looks shocked. That stupid old man-he's seen me angry before! "Did I ask you to show them out?"
"Lady Croft-"
"Answer the question! That's an order-you do understand that concept, don't you? I realise your memory can't be what it was as it was a very long time ago but I think even your ignorant brain can decipher an order!" I am so angry at him right now! He just looks shocked and speechless. Good! It means I don't have to hear that hoarse tone!
"It's a protocol," he says weakly.
"Oh so now there's a butler's protocol to show out rude, arrogant bastards in a polite fashion?"
"It was simply to rid you of them faster," he says calmly. I lean back in my chair, taking it in. Was that all it was?
"Was that really all it was?" I repeat to him. He nods solemnly. "Oh," I whisper, my rage being replaced by guilt. I can't quite find it in myself to apologise, though. "That was good of you," I eventually settle for. "Thanks." He nods, understanding the hidden meaning. He's known me for far too long. I smile awkwardly and he takes that as a hint to leave. God, I'd be lost without him. Completely and utterly fucked.
Alister's POV
The last thing I expect to hear when I go down to the kitchens is enraged shouting. I instantly recognise the voice as Lara's but as to who is on the receiving end-they must have really upset her;
"-but I think even your ignorant brain can decipher an order!"
"It's a protocol," the other one replies weakly. That sounds like-
"Oh so now there's a butler protocol to show out rude, arrogant bastards in a polite fashion?" That is Winston! What's he done to her? That moody little-no, sod her. She's got her problems, I have mine. I, um, need a biscuit.
When I return I see Winston by the fireplace, in his normal position. "Winston?"
"What can I do for you, Mr Fletcher?"
"Uh, is everything all right?"
"Of course. Why shouldn't it be?" he says cheerfully.
"I heard shouting earlier-"
"Oh yes, a slight conflict between myself and Lara. It's nothing to fret about, Mr Fletcher, she's under stress-I can sympathise perfectly." I laugh nervously.
"Maybe, but that doesn't excuse the way she treated you. What can you possibly have done?"
"Mr Fletcher, I'd advise you not to interfere. I made a-rash judgment shall we say, and she overreacted slightly." No, no, she can't talk to him like this, she'd be completely lost without him! I hand over my mug of tea to him and march into the lounge. "Mr Fletcher!"
"Just hold the mug, please, Winston," I reply. I storm into the lounge and see Lara staring dreamily out of the window like nothing happened. Her hair looks so…beautifully shiny when the sun hits it like that…focus, Alister! "Good day, Lara," I say sarcastically to gain her attention.
"Good afternoon, Alister," she replies mock pleasantly.
"I've been having a very interesting conversation with Winston."
"Oh really?"
"Yes," I say, deciding not to go right into it. "How are your legs today?" She blinks. I guess she wasn't expecting that.
"About the same," she replies uncaringly. Good façade, Lara-I'm impressed. It's almost believable.
"Yes. Still having trouble walking?" I ask in a genuinely questioning manner-no malicious tone, I'm still a gentleman.
"Not there yet," she says, sounding like she's gritting her teeth.
"Hmm. Only I imagine it must be a lot more difficult to get what you need about the house now that you're somewhat out of action?"
"Do you have a point to this, Alister, or are you simply here to be the arrogant arse you dress like?" I have to chuckle at this. I know my fashion sense can be bollocks, but that joke is getting old.
I repeat this to her, but she just stares on, awaiting an answer. "Why were you such a bitch to Winston?" I ask, getting straight to the point. (Finally!) She looks down uncomfortably. "Hmm?"
"I don't have to explain myself to you, Alister."
"Don't have to or don't want to?"
"I have my reasons, Alister, only I wouldn't expect you to understand right now!"
"Oh and what's that supposed to mean?"
"You've completely lost it! You used to be charming and pleasant to be with, but now you're this unpredictable monster who seems to be PMSing constantly!" I don't say anything. She doesn't looks like she's finished with me yet. She props her elbows parallel to the armrests and forces herself into a standing position.
"Lara-"
"What happened to you?" she says sadly. "You used to be someone I respected, someone I liked, someone I could trust. Now you're just…this." She hasn't collapsed yet-is she getting stronger? Well, stronger physically, stronger emotionally-she can hack it.
"Wake up, sweetheart, this is how I've always been! You've obviously been so blinded by your own 'problems', you just haven't noticed anybody else."
"And it is stuff like that, Alister, that's different about you!" She takes a step forward, grabbing the table with one hand-yet she's still standing. She's now visibly shaking at the weight of her body on her legs, but she's not collapsing.
"Lara, be careful," I warn. She looks up, surprise in her eyes. She smiles.
"Stuff like that," she says sadly. "Where's it gone? I could expect concern like that from you-"
"Wait, concern? Please don't mistake my anal attentiveness for actual affection." She snorts.
"I don't know why you're trying to prove yourself as a bastard, Alister, because I've known you long enough to know that this isn't you! What happened to the man I once told my darkest secret to? What happened to the man who was so passionate about his dissertation that he literally threw a celebration when it came through?" She's edging nearer with each word until eventually she's right opposite me. "What happened to the man I'd grown to love?"
With that word, everything just stops. My heart slows down, beating so loud I can hear it in my ears, the seconds feel like hours, I feel a slow surge of adrenaline seep through my stomach…even the movement of Lara's fringe from the small breezy rustle from the window is in slow motion. I'm so close to that symmetrical ovular face, to those beautiful chocolate eyes, to those perfect pink lips…
"You're my best friend," she continues. But we could be so much more, Lara…you just don't see that. I lean in closer to her and hear her gasp slightly. In that small moment when I hear the gasp, I make my mind up…
"You…" I whisper, so close I can feel the hairs on her neck stand up. "…are so full of bullshit, Lara." I hear her take sharp intake of breath and suddenly hear the cold sharp sound of a slap just before the skin on my cheek acknowledges the hard contact of her hand. My head turns sharply to the left.
"As are you, Alister," she whispers harshly. "For everyone's sake, especially your sister's, sort yourself out before Saturday." With that, she places herself back in her wheelchair and begins wheeling herself out. How she manages even that with grace is beyond me. I guess while she was taught entrances and exits, they neglected the verbal area, if you see what I mean.
"Mr Fletcher?" Winston calls.
"In here, Winston," I reply.
"Is everything all right with you and Lara, only I heard-"
"Was there something you actually wanted, Winston, only I do have stuff to be getting on with," I say as calmly as I can. It's all about bloody Lara in this house! It might be hers, but we all live here!
"Uh, yes, there's a young woman on the phone for you." Why's Emma calling the house phone? How did she even get the house phone number? "She sounded Cockney," Winston clarifies at the written confusion on my face. Oh, Marina! Yes, I did give her the house phone number, I remember.
"Thank you, Winston," I reply courteously and pick up the receiver to take the call. I smile at Winston, hinting I want him to leave, although apparently not amount of years living with Lara has taught him to read subtleties. "I'll take this call privately, Winston." He nods and leaves. Finally. "Hello?"
"Hi! Is that Alister or just some guy who sounds a lot like him?" I hear Marina's familiar Cockney drawl.
"Well, which would you prefer?"
"I dunno, is the other guy cuter?" she giggles. I smile.
"We're about the same."
"In that case, give me Alister."
"Aw, miss me did you?"
"Course I did. How have you been doing?"
"Oh you know, the usual. Nothing particularly riveting. You?"
"Ooh, yeah, fascinating stuff," she mutters sarcastically. "Hmm, there was this one guy who threw up all over my junior while she was taking a sample or what about the woman who claimed she was giving birth in the middle of the ward when it was just chronic diarrhoea?"
"Didn't need the details, Marina."
"Really? Only I've known you to be quite specific with your details," she says teasingly. I feel a blush creep up on my face. I know what she's talking about…
"Yes. Well perhaps we should discuss these 'details' at a later date?"
"Oh, what you got in mind?"
"What about a romantic candlelit dinner for two at this region of Shropshire's most prestigious- i.e. expensive-restaurant where dancing isn't only optional, it's compulsory?" I suggest.
"You have been doing your homework," she says, half-impressed.
"Just showing off my great attention to detail," I say off-handedly. "This Thursday. What do you think?"
"I think-" she says mysteriously. "That there's a lot more to you than meets the eye, Alister Fletcher."
"Oh and what's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm sure we'll both find out Thursday," she giggles. "Better hurry and book that table-I hear these 'prestigious' places can be hard to get into."
"Not with my contacts." She laughs again. It's so sweet-she sounds like a teenager. She really acts it, too. I don't mean she's immature, but she uses her time to go out and have fun rather than stay in and fret all the time. She's definitely young at heart as well as in looks.
"I'll see you at my flat, then. You do remember where it is, don't you?"
"Trust me, it'll be hard to forget," I smirk.
"Bye, Alister."
"Talk to you later, Marina." She makes a puckering up sound, giggling and hangs up. See, that's someone who appreciates the fun little things rather than being so serious and stressed. She's a woman who knows how to have fun in life, despite her life as a nurse. Even despite this, she's not emotionally detached, she's fun to be around and…she actually seems to like me. Don't take this the wrong way, but she's someone I have a chance with. Lara's too far out of my league-Marina is also out of my league, but…she's different. I can't explain, but I don't need to. I like her, she likes me and I'm finally being an adult about this 'dating' lark. I'm not holding out for the one that'll just break my heart, I'm…grabbing the spoon. I'm moving on.
James's POV
You know, I'll never understand the female race. They can never make up their minds about what they want. Like Lily-yesterday she couldn't wait to get out of here, now she's questioning going at all. And Lara-she said she didn't anything to do with Lily (I can't bring myself to say 'our daughter'. I'm sure you get why) and now she's calling the hotel!
So why did she hang up? Lily thinks it was because I answered. She thinks Lara lost the nerve when she heard my voice and won't call again. But that wasn't the only means of contact-oh no, Lily left Lara her cell phone number and Lara took it. She could've thrown it out, but I don't have the heart to say that to her. She's already stressed enough. Ever since our 'little talk', she hasn't taken her eyes off her cell. She's barely slept in case Lara phones in the middle of the night. In a way, it kinda breaks my heart to see Lily acting like this. She was fine before she found Lara. She wasn't so obsessed with being near her, with talking to her, she was…normal, upbeat, and cheerful, with the occasional episode but what teen doesn't?
"Why did you answer?" she demands.
"It was an anonymous call, it could have been anyone!" I protest.
"And it never occurred to you to let me take it myself?"
"I was trying to protect you, Lily! How was I supposed to know it was her?"
"Who else would it be?"
"I didn't know, that's the point! Besides, you've been taking a lot of 'private' calls on your cell recently!"
"I know who they are, though-"
"And I didn't, that's why I took it in case it was some creep trying to perv after you!"
"Well you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?" she says pointedly.
"That was totally over the line, Lily," I warn. "Take it back."
"Well maybe she wouldn't have given me up if-"
"But then you wouldn't even have been here!"
"I bet you'd love that, wouldn't you?"
"For the love of God, how many times do I have to tell you, I love you, you're my daughter and I'm glad you found me!" I scream. "Why isn't that enough!" She doesn't answer. She looks like she's debating with herself. She shakes her head sadly.
"Because for people," she begins, brown eyes glistening with tears. "It's never enough." I frown in confusion. "Think about it-if you'd gotten Excalibur, would getting that have been enough? For you, for Amanda? No, because after she'd found Avalon, there'd be another realm or forgotten culture or something to discover. And if Amanda wasn't happy, you wouldn't be cool because you'd want to keep her happy, so finding Excalibur wouldn't have been enough for you either." She looks into my eyes solemnly, her eyes glistening. "It's a basic flaw of our race, James. Whatever we get, it's never enough."
Even as I think back, I still can't find something to say to counter that, cos I hate to admit, but it's true. Like all those Christmases when you were a kid-you saw this great bike you could use in the summer and beg your parents for it because it's so cool, and they surprise you with it. Only when you get outside, you see someone pass by on a snowmobile and suddenly, the bike's not so cool anymore.
Or when you scream and shout for the last bagel with your older brother and you win the fight, but then your aunt comes in with chocolate chip muffins and your brother's laughing because he's the only one who's allowed one, and suddenly the bagel's not a victory anymore.
She's right. Nothing is ever enough. It's not because there's one particularly selfish child, but it's the same for everyone. Would Excalibur and Avalon been enough for Amanda? If she hadn't been able to return, would Excalibur have been such a triumphant find?
I'm still not sure why two adoptive and one biological parent isn't enough, but it's like she said-nothing is ever enough. Even if she got Lara, she'd want that cute guy who ignored her. Even if she got him, she'd want to go somewhere further, to have the perfect white wedding, to have a beautiful baby everyone would be jealous of, for that child to get straight As. This kind of selfishness doesn't die out as we progress into adulthood. If anything, it gets worse.
I was so cruel to Lara. Back then, it didn't feel so cruel, what felt cruel was my being sent to military school for it. What felt cruel was getting refusal for the simplest things because I hadn't been on top form. I never considered how much shit my father had gone through to keep the media quiet, what I put that poor girl through…
I sigh and shudder as I relieve myself. She's shivering and crying silently. I climb off of her and pull up my pants as she rolls onto her side, showing me her bare arse. I step over her and crouch down beside her.
"That's a mean bruise on your head there, La-whore," I say, touching it, knowing this will hurt her. She squirms but doesn't make an effort to move away. It wouldn't work-it didn't last time. "Tell me, why are you exchange students so goddamn irritating you drive us to do this? I'm a nice guy-just ask the bartender-but there's something about you that I just hate. Any theories?" She keeps on shaking, opening her mouth and a bit of sound comes out. "What's that?" More sound, but nothing comprehensible.
I stand up and she gives a harsh jolt. She's really freaked. "Relax, I'm just getting some water," I assure her. "Sounds like you could use some with that dry throat." I walk into the kitchen and grab a glass to fill it up with water. When I get back I find La-whore hasn't moved an inch. I crouch down beside her again and press the glass to her lips. "Drink," I order. She opens her mouth, but nowhere near far enough. "You need some help?" She shakes her head and takes the glass. Hey, she's learning!
She tries to sit up, but is shaking too much. She presses the glass to her lips, but chokes as soon as the water passes into her mouth. Water sprays from her mouth all over the floor and she takes deep breaths, one hand by her throat. She's still shaking and starts another round of crying. Jesus Christ. She keeps her head bowed so I can only see her glossy brown hair twisted into a plait.
I reach out and cup her chin, pulling her face towards me. I'm tempted to push it down if you get what I mean, but I restrain myself. It wouldn't be fair to her if it was just me feeling the pleasure. "Are you trying to tell me you didn't enjoy that, La-whore?" I sneer. "Cos it just surprises me when you probably lost your virginity with some random guy who told you you looked pretty in French. Is that true?" She tries to shake her head, but my hand's blocking it. I move it and see her shake her head. "Now that's just not true, is it, La-whore?"
I think about pressing her further, but I leave it. I'm just being cruel otherwise.
Sonofabitch, how did she not beat me? Back then, it didn't seem so horrible. I was so drunk I couldn't even tell I'd raped the wrong girl!
Lara's POV
How could I have been so stupid? Did I honestly think it'd work?
Why not? You feel like everything else should have, why stop there?
Why the hell did he have to answer? I asked to talk to Lily! Couldn't that stupid bloody receptionist distinguish father and daughter? Saying that word makes me feel sick-father.
Well, yeah, it would.
I specifically asked for Lily!
But you got Rutland instead. Why didn't you just ask for Lily again?
I lost my nerve! It had taken all day to gather the courage to call her and that-that bastard answers!
Life's a bitch.
She's even changed her name to Rutland…
You should have seen that as a bad omen.
Why would she do that? There was nothing wrong with Wickets. At least that had a sort of ring to it! Lily Rutland just doesn't go.
Well, what did you want her to do, be Lily Croft? That sounds even more stupid!
But it wasn't, was it? It wouldn't have even been Lily Croft.
Neither of them make much sense.
She should have stuck with Wickets.
Well maybe if you'd been around, there wouldn't have been any confusion.
Deirdre and Terry Wickets. Those were her adoptive parents. Why didn't she keep their names, they raised her!
And you gave birth to her, and Rutland conceived her. It would have had to have been Croft-Rutland-Wickets or something ridiculous like that.
But why take his name? He wasn't even part of her life until I'm guessing three years ago!
Maybe it's because he didn't reject her twice.
It's only been three years!
She probably took the name Wickets when she was handed over!
That's all right when they did it, she was legally 'theirs'.
But she's also biologically 'his'.
She would have made a great Croft…
Don't start this again…it was your choice to give her up both times-
But it WASN'T! It wasn't fair the way it was done at all! I didn't even get a say!
But you would have done it anyway…?
Maybe I wouldn't have done.
But you said being a mother was the worst time of your life.
Maybe I was just reflecting on the rape. That's all she was-just a reflection of that rapist. But she's so much more, I've seen her. She's a much better person than he could ever hope to be!
But you didn't give her a chance, did you?
I'm not screwing this up again!
I wheel over to the private line in my room, and check the scrap of paper I've kept beside my bed. I pick up the phone and nervously begin to dial…
James's POV
She's got her head in her hands, looking completely distressed. Man, I feel useless. I don't even know how to start cheering her up-we're leaving tomorrow, but would that make things better or worse? She'd be away from Lara, but wouldn't that piss her off even more?
"Honey?" I say. She looks up. "Maybe you should turn your cell off?"
"Why would I do that?" she sighs. "See, that would make it harder for her to get through to me, which kinda eliminates the point of this thing being on all the time in the first place."
"She hasn't called yet, has she?"
"Uh, that's where you're wrong, James, because she did, she just freaked halfway through because it wasn't me who answered. You remember that?"
"Who's to say she wouldnt've hung up anyway?"
"Then what would have been the point?"
"I'm just saying she might have freaked anyhow."
"But we'll never know, will we?" She'd better not be starting this again. "I'm not blaming you, but I think I'll go crazy if I don't have something to hold on to."
"Lily, it's a false hope and from my experience, they're not the best things to hold on to."
"What else do I have?"
"Me? Your friends? Dee and Terry?" She looks back down at her cell, sighing sadly.
"James, I can't explain it, I-" She's cut off by the sound of a rock song coming from her cell phone. She gasps and checks the number. "You were gonna have me turn it off!" she says disbelievingly. "Hello?" Sonofabitch, is it really her? Her face falls. "What the hell do you want?" she says angrily.
My shoulders sag. This has gotta be tearing her apart. "Nothing is eating me!" she snaps. "Was there something you actually wanted or are you just adding to your hotel bill?"
"I don't care if it's your damn cell phone bill! Or if you're using the rest of your cash to make this call!" Her expression changes to one of total irritation. "You really want the directions? All right, you'll get your damn directions! Basically, you follow the road until you reach a big house that says 'Croft Manor'! Do you think you can do that without swerving off into a ditch!"
"There is nothing bothering me. Did you get all that?"
"Good!" she snaps, snapping her cell phone shut. I blink and look awkwardly to the side.
"So," I say breezily. "Who was that?"
"No-one important," she mutters, walking past me. "I'm going to my room."
She slams the door behind her so hard I swear some dust comes from the ceiling! In her rush and anger, she's left her cell behind. Without thinking, I wander over to it and search through her 'call' list. She's been talking to someone for a while-she even met up with 'em but she's never said anything about them. It better not be a British boyfriend, because I am not paying for her to fly back and forth to see him!
On the most recent one is a number labelled 'private'. Interesting.
I select it and press redial. I put the phone to my ear and wait for the person to pick up. "You feeling a little guilty there, Sweetcheeks?" I hear an American voice say breezily. My eyes widen. Who the hell is this! "Lily? You there?" I snap the phone shut, really freaked.
All right, who the-where's her room again?
I knock on the door. "What do you want, James?" she calls.
"You gotta open the door, Lily," I remind her. I hear footsteps and her head pokes around the door.
"What's-" she begins, and stops as I hold out her cell. "Oh. Did I leave it there?" I nod. "Huh. Didn't think I could forget this thing," she mutters, pocketing it. "Okay, thanks." I jam my foot in the door. "What?"
"Who's the guy who calls you Sweetcheeks?" Her eyes widen.
"How did you-?" she gasps. "Did you go through my cell?" I nod defiantly. "Why?"
"Because you're not telling me anything! How else am I supposed to find anything out?"
"That doesn't give you the right go through my cell!" she snaps.
"Who is he?"
"A friend," she mutters.
"Oh really? What's he doing here? When did you meet him?" I ask, crossing my arms.
"Yes, he is a friend, we met in Bolivia," she explains. "I don't know why he was there."
"And why's he here?"
"We got a mutual interest." My eyes widen again, my arms unfold. Has she slept with him? "Not that!" she giggles, reading my face. "Lara."
"What does he want with Lara?"
"Personal reasons, apparently. Mine were the same, so I didn't wanna press."
"And who is he?"
"No-one you know," she sighs, sitting down on the bed again.
"Just tell me his name," I sigh.
"It won't-"
"Lily!"
"Leave it, James. My God, why are you getting all obsessive?"
"Because I'm getting so sick of you not telling me anything!" I snap. She looks surprised.
"James-" she begins.
"Screw this!" I sigh, walking out and slamming the door behind me. Let her have her secrets! It just means she's got something to hide, something I might not help her with…
Lara's POV
Engaged. It was engaged. I try to call her for the second time in two days, and it was bloody engaged! Are we destined to never talk to each other again!
A huge weight places itself on my chest, my throat feels strained, my eyes feel leaky. I place a hand on my forehead to support myself as I begin to cry. Everything's gone so bloody wrong!
I find out it was my old best friend who sent my mother to Avalon, my past comes back to haunt me in the form of Lily, I lay eyes on the man who destroyed me all those years ago, I lose the feeling in my legs…and I don't think any of this will ever come back.
My best friend betrayed me so I can never forgive her, my mother may as well be dead, I can't make amends with my daughter, I can't confront the monster from university and while the numbness has been subsiding, my private physiotherapist doesn't think they'll ever return to the full strength they were last time. No amount of exercise will undo the extensive damage done on that night.
So basically, you're buggered.
What can I do? The most I could have done was translate the scrolls.
So why can't you?
I had a huge fight with Alister…
You're still his employer. He'll still have to work with you.
But what if there's another way out? I can't be bound to the library for the rest of my life, I can't! I was never very skilled in that sort of thing. I know archaeology, I know of old cultures, I can learn languages but can I create one?
It would be difficult. Near impossible.
That was always Alister's area of expertise.
And yours was going to find the places yourself.
Well I can't do that anymore, can I! I'm screwed because of that stupid son of a bitch who ran into me! What can I do? I can't stay in and just translate-that's what graduate students are for!
There is one thing you haven't considered…
What else is there!
I think you know…
Am I that desperate?
It would be over. You wouldn't have to deal with any of this again!
Isn't that the coward's way out?
Maybe, but is wanting it all to be over really cowardly or brave for taking that plunge?
I shouldn't be reduced to this. I was so strong. Before-before-
What? What changed? Your legs? Lily? Realising the identity of your rapist?
All of this. Before all of this. I was fine!
But you were alone.
I had Winston.
For the rare occasion you were home.
Then Zip and Alister. Jean-Pierre, Von Croy-
Because he was so great.
He was a good friend.
The only times you worked with him ended in tragedy. The same goes for everyone you worked with!
Why does this have to be it? I'm not ready to give up…
What do you have to live for, really? Finding your mother in Avalon? You could do that anyway.
But I've never considered it before!
Haven't you? Wasn't it always there? This just unleashed it-this was what drove you over the edge.
I'm not…over the-edge…
But you are, aren't you? You don't have anyone to talk to-Winston's too much a butler, Zip while being a good confidante isn't great with feelings, Alister's being a bastard and you can't get through to Lily.
If she'd even want to talk to me. I've been such a bitch to her. It wasn't her fault.
Who's always the best person to talk to when you're desperate?
Your mother usually, but I never had that. I'm used to it.
But isn't it getting to you?
It would get to anyone.
All you want in the world is to talk to her and see her again, right?
Of course, but it's impossible!
Is it? You don't lack the means. Nor the motive.
This is crazy. I'm arguing with a voice in my head about committing suicide!
Now you've lost your sanity. What else is there?
The race.
Of what? Being the first to find Avalon? But that's not true, is it? Amanda's known for ages.
The thrill of getting there.
There you do lack the means. Well, not entirely. There's always another way, Lara. Do you have the strength?
No. I definitely do not.
Well, in this case, the strength is the weakness and you have that.
I'm not weak…
No. You have the strength to get what you want. What happened to the girl who stopped at nothing? Even if that nothing means death? Or desperation? Just a few seconds and the pull of a trigger, it'll be done.
They'd hear me.
But then it would be done. You'd be past the point of no return. It'd be over.
I'm not that desperate!
One more setback, you'll be reaching for that knife you display in the next room…
The Dagger of Xian?
It said that the one who had the courage to plunge it deep into their hearts would gain ultimate power. What if that ultimate power were ultimate peace…
Oh! I think I must have fallen asleep. I don't remember going to bed last night…where am I?
I look around and spot loads of gymnastic equipment, climbing frames, a swimming pool. Did I fall asleep in the gym? Christ, I'm really not with it.
"Lady Croft? Is everything all right?" Winston asks.
"Fine, Winston," I say, trying to convince myself more than him.
"It is now quarter past twelve, Lady Croft."
"Is it?" I say vaguely. "I suppose I'll be getting to bed."
"Would you require any-"
"I'll be fine, Winston. Thank you." I make an effort to smile as I wheel past him. He smiles back. At least his is genuine.
Alister's POV
Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow…I've got my first date tonight in almost two years, so you can understand if I'm a bit nervous! I don't want to sound like a teenage girl, but what the hell do I wear!
"Dude, you okay in there?" Zip shouts through my door. I made the very stupid mistake of telling Zip. He was laughing, congratulated me then offered to help. I'm that desperate I took it!
"No I'm not okay!" I snap.
"Jeez, I hope she's not on her period or that restaurant would explode," Zip mutters. I poke my head around the door.
"I asked you for help, Zip, not sarcastic comments! God knows, I'm paying you enough!"
"Then consider the sarcastic comments complimentary!"
"I don't need to pay for them," I sigh. He smirks.
"Okay, you got anything that looks remotely normal?"
"Like what?" I demand.
"Like a sweater that doesn't have those stupid stripes down 'em, damnit this isn't the sixties!"
"What about-"
"Or those cheap designer imitations!"
"Then what is there, Zip?" I snap. "Help me!"
"Well let me see your closet." I sigh, and pull him in. "Well this is cosy," he smirks.
"I think I'll stand outside." Zip laughs and starts looking through the racks.
"Oh man, this is beautiful!" he gasps, holding out a plain blue sweatshirt.
"What about it?"
"You could wear this, it looks okay. Wait, where are you going?"
"Um, that Italian place in town."
"Okay, scratch that!" He throws the sweater out. It lands on my head.
"What's wrong with it?"
"It's way too casual for a place like that!" he says obviously. He's scarily accurate at fashions-I'm really starting to wonder about him. "Wait-have you thought about a tux?"
"A bloody what!"
"Well, come on, it's gonna be a posh restaurant."
"Zip, you may find this ridiculous, but I'd been hoping to not show her my geeky side yet."
"Yeah, you're right, forget the tux. Though if you're worried about being geeky, I'm not sure why you're going in the first place-"
"One more word from you and you're out, deal off!" I warn.
"Sorry, it's just so easy," he smirks. "So, what would impress a nurse? Hmm…" I'm really starting to regret asking for his help now! I can never tell if he's being sarcastic or not! "What about this red shirt? Man, did you just forget about it or something?"
"Which one?" I ask. He holds out a red shirt. Hmm…that one's actually quite nice. Why did I never wear it before? I take it from his hands and press it up against myself. It looks like it would still fit.
"Does it still fit?" I shrug and pull off my white shirt. "Looks quite snug," Zip mocks as I pull the other one around my shoulders.
"Piss off," I mutter. He gasps, laughing, mumbling 'chill!'
"Well give me a twirl." I turn to face him. "Very nice. You should stick with it-and I don't just mean tonight." I shake my head. "Okay, the only thing I'd recommend is not buttoning it up to the top."
"Why, I don't think I'd get too hot," I say puzzled.
"No, it just looks stupid." I sigh, and unbutton the top two buttons. Zip twists his hands in front of him, an unsure expression on his face. I unbutton the third. He sticks his thumbs up. "Okay, you got some pants?"
"I figured I'd just wear jeans."
"And undermine that shirt?" he says dramatically. "No, no, you can't wear jeans with that. You need something a little smarter."
"What about the ones I have on now?"
"They're okay, they're just a little-"
"What?"
"Crap." I sigh again.
"Well, you've been the fashion expert. That's what I'm paying you for."
"And I thought this would be the easiest fifty bucks I made," he mutters.
"Pounds," I correct.
"Whatever."
"Any colour recommendations?"
"Black definitely. What about these?" He holds out a pair of black trousers like-well, like the ones I have on now. They're identical!
"Zip, they're just like the ones I have on now!"
"Sure they're not. They're a little smarter-just what you need for this. Come on, try 'em." He hands them to me.
"Do you mind giving me a little privacy first?"
"Just use the closet, I'll wait outside."
"It's too small!"
"Don't be such a pussy, just get in there!"
"Maybe you should go in there and close the door," I suggest.
"I don't want to, it'd be like invading your private space."
"Which is why you've been rummaging in there for the past half hour or so?"
"Will you just get in there?"
"No it's my room and I think you should get in there!" We hear a small cough coming from the hallway. Oh crap…
"Hey, Lara," Zip says awkwardly. She gives us both a questioning look. (A/N dear God, what must she have heard...)
"Is there something going on between you two because I'm really starting to wonder," she says looking serious.
"Nope, nothing," Zip laughs looking mock guilty. She smiles but I try not to take any notice.
"You're looking very smart, Alister," she comments.
"Well I have a date tonight." She looks surprised.
"With who?"
"Marina." She frowns in confusion. "From the hospital."
"Oh. And what role do you play in this, Zip?"
"I'm his dresser," Zip explains. "I think fifty pounds is a very reasonable price for that job." She nods, smiling.
"So when's the big date?"
"In about an hour." Zip answers for me. Lara looks to me.
"Blimey, I thought only women took so long to prepare!"
"Well you wouldn't really remember, would you, Lara. I mean it's been so long," I retort. Both her and Zip look taken aback by this, but I don't care.
"Dude, what was that for?" Zip asks.
"Thanks for all the help, Zip," I answer, not taking my eyes off Lara. I hand him the fifty I owe him. "But I think I will wear these trousers. I'm sure this outfit will be good enough for Marina." I turn away from them.
"Oh because you don't expect it to stay on long, you mean? Don't flatter yourself," Lara says nastily. I turn back to her, anger rising inside me.
"Alister, Alister!" Zip interrupts. "Calm down, okay?" I retreat. "Have I missed something here?" I open my mouth to respond when-
"Absolutely not, Zip," Lara assures him, throwing me a fake smile. "We've never been better, have we, Alister?"
"Of course not, Lara," I lie, giving her a fake smile. Zip looks from me to her and to me again. He sighs and walks out. "Do you actually want something, Lara?" She doesn't say anything, so I ignore her and go over to the bed. She doesn't try to follow me. Good.
I come out with the new trousers on. I think I actually look pretty good. I hope Marina appreciates it. Of course she will-she's that sort of girl. When I come out, I see Lara with her head hanging, hands on her lap. "What is it, Lara?"
She looks up and I see her eyes moist with tears again. In that instant, what I'd have loved to have done before was go over to her and comfort her, pull her into my arms. But I stay put. "They dropped the case," she mutters.
"Who did? What case?"
"The police. They dropped the case."
"What case?"
"The hit-and-run, Alister! The reason you hear a loud squeaky wheel every time I approach you!" I shrug.
"Did they say why?" I say breezily. She shakes her head.
"They claim lack of evidence. I don't see what lacks."
"Well did they explain it?"
"They tried."
"Maybe you just didn't understand," I mumble.
"But that's not the point, is it, Alister? I couldn't give a shit about the hit-and-run but-"
"Oh I understand. You don't feel so important anymore, do you? Like you're not top of their lists anymore? Is that what's bothering you?" She looks straight into my eyes. I'm right. I must have hit a nerve.
"Why are you being such a prick?" she asks sadly.
"I'm a prick to you because I'm telling you a few home truths, Lara," I say calmly.
"What was it?" she says out of the blue.
"What?"
"At the hospital, when I was telling you about the form because I had 'nothing to live for, you said that if there was nothing else, then there was this'. What was it?"
"Why are you asking?"
"What was it?" she repeats.
"It was nothing."
"Alister, can't you see I'm losing it! I'm desperate to hold onto something, anything so if you ever loved me like I think you did, you will tell me," she says thickly. The trouble is, Lara, you're right-I didn't love you the way you thought I did. It was so much more. You just couldn't see it. There were times I felt I had nothing to live for because I couldn't have you…and in the end, you weren't it. There is no fixed salvation-you have to find it yourself.
"It doesn't matter, Lara," I say quietly. "There is nothing to live for in this bitch of a life. Don't you understand that?"
"Screw you, Alister!" she snaps, making me jump in shock. "I don't fucking need you! You're fired!"
"Whatever, Lara," I mutter. "I'd love to stay and discuss this, but I have a social life. Bye!" I walk out then change my mind. "You want to come downstairs? I'm sure Winston would be willing to listen to your sympathy pleas."
"Piss off." I shrug.
"Well I want you out of my room. Who knows, I may be expecting company." I hear her emit a frustrated sigh and she wheels herself out. She gives me one last look before wheeling away again.
"Tell Alister I want him back," I hear her say. "Rutland!" That bloody-no, no, I'm going to ignore her. Going after her would give her the impression her opinion matters.
Lara's POV
Zip and Winston waved Alister off as he drove to Marina's apartment. It's like he's moving out or getting married. I wish he was, then I wouldn't have to put up with him! He's been a total bastard recently-you heard him. What the hell happened to him?
What the hell happened to me? I never used to let myself be bothered by shit like that. Not that he was ever like that before, but I can't imagine myself getting this wound up about it five years ago.
Is it the wheelchair? Has my emotional stability been completely sabotaged as well as my physical? Or was I already insecure since my past came back to haunt me? I'd not broken down (at least in front of anyone) often before she found me. The day before I was determined to begin another adventure to find my mother, and I end up being the mother, spilling all her secrets to someone who I had considered one of my closest friends, but I guess I was wrong.
Did I rely too much on Alister before? Was he just getting tired of having to be sympathetic towards me? Did I just wear him down? He'd spent all that time with me at the hospital…he collected me, he stayed with me and that's where it all fucked up…
Sitting in this wheelchair, I feel so utterly useless to anyone-especially myself. Perhaps I'd never let it out before because there was nothing to let out because I'd worked it all away in the gym. Isn't that where I always went if it got too much? I even ended up there last night, despite my inability to use it.
That knife isn't looking so hostile now, is it?
There has to be something to live for!
There never really is, sweetheart. It's a sad but certain fact of life.
What about-what about…
What is there? Face it, Lara, you've lived your life. There's nothing left. Give up.
But if I'd given up all those times before-
Whatever, you'd be dead anyway. Being strong isn't never giving up, it's being brave enough to admit defeat…to surrender at the right time before more damage is done.
What more damage is there to be done?
You're losing it, Lara-any longer like this, you'll go insane. At least if you do it now, it'll be in dignity.
Since when has suicide ever been dignified?
When you know it's time…
Surely if it was time, you'd already be dead?
And who decides when it's time?
Well…God, maybe.
After everything that's happened, you really still believe in him? You know it's time, Lara. Everyone knows when it's their time…it's not having the strength to do it that stops them.
I don't have the strength.
You do, you know it. You have the strength, the means, the motive. What's stopping you?
I'm scared. What if I miss something? Something really important?
You admitted yourself there's nothing to miss.
Lily-
What about her? You've tried to get through to her twice, neither of them successful…what more signs do you want? The last thing you had to cling onto has basically been disconnected.
I can try again!
How many times until you give up, Lara? You'll agonise yourself to death if you do this!
I don't care. I'm going to call her. She'll listen, I know she will, she's strong, she's mature. She'll listen-she has to!
On your own head be it.
I reach for the phone again and dial her mobile number from memory. I've only tried it once, but I've looked at that scrap so many times a fish would have it memorised by now!
Please, Lily, pick up. Please pick up, please…
Lily's POV
"This is the last call for boarding for flight 236 to JFK New York. Repeat, this is the last call for flight 236 to JFK New York departing at Gate 14."
"Lily, come on, we gotta go, or we will actually miss it!" James says, getting up.
"Just two more minutes!" I beg, staring at my cell.
"Lia, if we don't leave now, we will be the first people in history to have missed a flight when we were at the damn gate!"
"They wouldn't take off without you, James, we got first class tickets!"
"Which makes it better for them to rip us off! Lily, come on, damnit!" I sigh. Was I being completely deluded thinking she'd call again?
Reluctantly, I press the 'off' button of my cell. If she was gonna call, she'd have done it by now, right? Besides, just because I was in America doesn't mean she can't call me. She knows I'm there-she must if she called me once.
The screen goes blank and I put my cell in my carry-on. James smiles at me, but I just can't right now. We go through the gate and walk up to the plane. He puts his arm round me sympathetically and smiles down at me. I manage to smile back, but I can't help thinking this is the end of the chapter. Now I really do have to move on.
Good-bye, Lara.
Lara's POV
"The mobile phone you have called is switched off," the automatic voice declares. "Please hang up." I throw the phone down on the floor with a frustrated shriek. She's gone, isn't she? She must have been at the airport or even the plane! I called the hotel one last time, and they said that they'd departed two hours before. She's gone. Everything's gone…
My mother, my father, my best friend, now my daughter…
It finally got through to you then?
I could get my parents back…
...if you did it.
I could be with them…forever, in Avalon.
Yes, you could.
There's nothing for me here.
No.
But I can't just kill myself! What am I even thinking!
Are you desperate enough?
I don't know…
Are you lonely enough?
I'm lonely, yes, but-
There is no other way, Lara. You could do it tonight. Alister's out, Zip's downstairs with Winston. You'd have the whole top floor to yourself.
I will, won't I?
You'd have all the privacy in the world…literally.
My eyes trace the wall, scanning for the tell-tale dark spot that indicated where my main treasure room is. That's where I keep it.
My main tool for my biggest adventure yet-ultimate peace…
Author's POV
They arrive at the restaurant promptly at eight pm, right on time for their reservation. She's wearing an elegant red dress, he is donning the red designer shirt and smart black trousers.
"Please follow me to your table, sir," the waiter says in a deep Italian accent. The pair look at each other, and try to contain smiles as the waiter almost has a head-on collision with a busboy. The waiter starts shouting bloody murder at the poor busboy, until he finally dismisses him…for good.
"I must apologise," the waiter says politely. "Madam, if you would like to take this seat here?" He pulls up the chair and offers her his hand.
"Why, thank you," she replies in a Cockney accent, clearly relishing the efficiency of service as he pushes her chair in.
"And, sir?" the waiter offers. He takes his seat and automatically moves to push his own chair in, and nearly falls out when it starts moving on its own accord! She laughs, though not in a nasty way. It's a contagious laugh-just like Lara's.
No, he won't think of her tonight. Not that way ever again. He's with a beautiful, talented woman, and he's not going to blow that by pondering.
"Can I get your drinks?"
"White wine spritzer," she orders.
"No, no, make that a bottle of your finest champagne," he says. The waiter nods, looking gleeful. It wasn't often he found someone dumb enough to order their highly overpriced champagne! It was always the ones who were besotted, the waiter though to himself.
"You're splashing out, aren't you?" she says, sounding surprised.
"I don't know why you're surprised, Marina. Any man would be mad not to!" She exhales in thanks, muttering 'that's really sweet'.
The waiter returns, lighting a candle upon his departure. She looks even more beautiful, Alister thinks, as the flames dance their shadows on her face.
She strikes a match, and lights the first of many candles. She won't be having any electricity tonight, she tells herself. She'd rather have the candles burning about her, their aromatic smells wafting up her nose until the entire room is subdued in the perfume of various different scents, each smelling as sweet as the next. They relax her. She feels more comfortable with their constant flickering than the continuous circuit of an electric bulb. They feel more…natural.
She turns to the last candle, the one she has been saving. The biggest candle, its scent reminding her of what she lost. Yet it's her favourite. It's the one she's been saving for almost twenty years.
She strikes the last match and ceremoniously lights it. Despite its age, its aroma hasn't worn away, and as she sits there in semi-darkness, the scent of a fresh water lily overwhelms the room…
They smile at each other awkwardly across the table. The waiter had just presented her with a bouquet that was 'courtesy of the gentleman', only it turned out she had hay fever, and was apparently especially allergic to those particular flowers, leaving him embarrassed.
"How were you meant to know?" she'd kept trying to reassure him, only it would have been much more convincing were her eyes not watering at the time!
Her eyes are beginning to water from all the dust of the perfumes, but she doesn't care. She's not even sure if it's the candles making her eyes water. It could just be plain desperation.
She walks slowly over to her stereo and switches it on to her favourite CD. She's never admitted it, but this song has always been one of her most-loved ones-My Heart Will Go On, by Celine Dion.
'Every night in my dreams/ I see you/ I feel you/ That is how I know you…go on
As the slow song begins to play, she eyes the dance floor with all the other couples already dancing close. "Do you want to dance?" she asks him. He looks unsure. But one look of smiling pleading from her breaks him. Besides, it's fitting.
He stands up and offers her his hand. She takes it gracefully, and as they reach the dance floor, they place their arms around each other, feeling a bit awkward, but they soon sink into it until they're completely relaxed. She lays her head on his shoulder.
'Far across the distance/ And spaces/ Between us/ You have come to show you…go on
She sinks onto the bed sheets, staining them with her tears. She never thought she'd sink so low, she'd be so desperately lost…that there really was no other way out.
'Near, far/ Wherever you are/ I believe that the heart does…go on
'Once more/ You open the door/ And you're here in my heart, and/ My heart will…go on and on'
Closer they dance, manoeuvering gracefully across the floor, perfectly in time to the music...
'Love can touch us one time/ And last for…a life time/ And never let go till…
'…we're gone/ Love was when I loved you/ One true time/ I hold to/
The irony of the words not penetrating her clouded mind, she picks up the large, silver and gold dagger, one of her earlier conquests. She fingers the blade up and down, as though testing sharpness. She presses the cold steel against her wrist, memories of nineteen years ago, flooding back, when she'd been just as desperate…
'In my life we'll always…go on'
They gaze at the other couples around them, each one looking adoringly into their partner's eyes. They look at each other, not able to contain smiles, when they find themselves trying to squash every particle of air between them…
'Near, far/ Wherever you are'
No turning back. This was it, the moment of truth. She rolls up her left sleeve, shivering and crying, but telling herself to be strong. This is what she wants, what she needs!
She holds the Dagger over her left wrist…
'I believe…'
…and slashes.
'…that the heart does…go on/ Once more, you open the door…'
He spins her around, and they begin to move rhythmically to the music once again, both really starting to enjoy themselves, and each other's company…
'…and you're here/ In my heart, and/ My heart will…go on and on'
She looks at her bloodied left wrist, taking it all in. What had she done…no, she can't stop, she can't stop. She slashes one more time, sobbing hysterically as she does it.
When the pain becomes too intense, she holds up her left wrist in front of her face, and gasps. Light shades of grey begin clouding her vision, her legs feel like jelly. Her breathing increases heavily, and finally surrendering, she collapses…
'You're…here/ There's nothing I fear/ And I know…'
He pulls her close to him, her head on his shoulder again.
'That my heart will…go on'
As though a wind was blowing in the room, the candles extinguish one by one, soon throwing the room in complete darkness, save the moon, its silver beam illuminating the figure in white, with splashes of crimson on her gown, her forehead. What it doesn't reveal is the horrific stigmata-resembling wound on her left wrist, still bleeding heavily…
'We'll…stay/ Forever this way/ You are safe/ In my heart and/ My heart will go on and on'
They look into each other's eyes again, except this time it's not so funny. Her pulse increases, his breathing quickens. But they both want it…and they know it.
She closes her eyes, he leans down toward her, and their lips meet, fulfilling all those desires they have for each other. He brings his arms to her back as he deepens the kiss, she responds with placing her arms around his neck.
Even as the song finishes and the other couples depart, those two are left standing there, oblivious to anything else except them and their moment. They are frozen in time as they continue kissing passionately…
…whereas only miles away, lies the one who unknowingly stole his heart, her own pumping one more millilitre of blood from her fragile body every second…
Hehehe (that's supposed to be an evil laugh) well you know the routine, my dears...review and you get to see if she survives or not-will be issuing tissues for all my lovely reviewers and the custom chocolates and plushies (except to Team-chaser whose extensive collection has bruised me! You still get chocs tho!) LOLX!