Chapter 12
Nante was a beautiful city. I stared in amazement at the ocean. The grey ocean's waves pulled my mind towards it. I had never seen the ocean before in my life. Erik told me that where we would be staying is right next to the ocean and that made me really excited. Wait a second! A house in Nante next to the ocean... my dream. The color left my face, but Erik never saw. We came upon a dusty road that led up to a house with a barn next to it.
The house was two stories and was a beautiful lavender color. The barn was red and white. Erik climbed off of Accipitrem and helped me down. I ran to the cliff next to the house and stared in amazement. Below me was a beach and the gray water that called my name. The salty air filled my nose and I sighed. Suddenly, I felt arms around my waist and I knew it was Erik.
"Hazel, do you like it here..." Erik didn't finish and I could tell. "Do you like it here with me?" Of course I do, Erik! I love you with all my heart.
"I do love it here, with you Erik." I turned my head towards him and he kissed me. I heard him begin humming a song. Then he began singing to the melody.
Come stop your crying, it will be all right
Just take my hand; Hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here, don't you cry
For one so small, You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us can't be broken
I will be here, don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart, from this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
Tears came to my eyes. Oh Erik, you are amazing.
[Why can't they understand the way we feel?
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different but, deep inside us
We're not that different at all.
My heart was doing flips in my throat and I cried there in his warm embrace.
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart, from this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
[ Lyrics from: p/phil+collins/youll+be+in
Don't listen to them 'Cause what do they know?
We need each other; to have, to hold
They'll see in time, I know
When destiny calls you, you must be strong
I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on
They'll see in time, I know
We'll show them together
Erik hugged me tighter against him. I put my arms up like a birds wings and let the ocean breeze blow my hair in all directions. Erik, you are my wings. You make me soar higher everyday and I am carried away by what you do. I didn't feel Erik's grip around me anymore. When I turned to see where he was, I saw him down on one knee.
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart, from this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
[ Oh, you'll be in my heart (You'll be here in my heart)
No matter what they say (I'll be with you)
You'll be here in my heart,
I'll be there always
My breathing sped up and I covered my mouth. Erik pulled out a silver ring with a ruby rose on it. Yes, Erik, I will marry you! I nodded with excitement and began crying even harder. Slowly, I put my hand down to Erik and he placed the ring on my finger. Erik stood up and hugged me.
Always
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder,
Just look over your shoulder,
Just look over your shoulder,
I'll be there always...
"Oh, Erik..." I said still locked in his arms. "I love you very much." Erik began stroking my hair and rocking me back and forth. I felt like I could stay there forever.
"I love you too, Hazel." Erik whispered. "Don't ever doubt that I do."
...
She cried with joy! I held her in my arms for what seemed like hours. When she drew back, I grew sad. "C'mon Erik, we need to get inside and get unpacked." Good idea, Hazel. We quickly carried our stuff inside and explored the house. I found a study as well as a music room with a piano. After I explored for a little while, I went to find Hazel. She was sitting in the window sill of a bedroom, studying the ring I gave her. The room was a lovely shade of red and had a bed, vanity, closet, and dresser.
"What are you doing, Hazel?" I asked. She jumped at my question and realized it was just me.
"Nothing." she replied. Was that sadness in her eyes? I walked over and put my hands on her shoulders.
"What's the matter, Hazel? You know you can't hide anything from me." I asked.
"I miss the opera house, Madame Giry, Meg, Paris..." she sighed. Oh, my poor angel.
"At least you are safe and can write them." I said trying to be cheerful. Her face lit up.
"That is a wonderful idea, Erik! May I please have a piece of paper and pen." she asked. I went over to the vanity and opened a drawer. Inside was a bottle of ink, quill, and paper. I pulled what she asked for out and set it on the vanity.
"There you go, Hazel! Now if you excuse me, I will be going into to town to get some groceries." and with that, I turned and headed out.
...
Dear Madame Giry,
This is Hazel. How are you and Meg faring? How is the opera house doing? Erik and I had a very nice trip except for a few moments. One day, Erik and I got separated by this man whom works for Maxwell. I was so beat up from that day; I became unconscious from my tired body and mind. It wasn't before too long that Erik found me though. We weren't separated again and now we are bound by an engagement! How I wish that you could see and hear me now! Yes I can speak again, finally. Please write me back soon!
Your dearest,
Hazel.
I left the letter on the vanity and looked around the room. This is the room from my dream. Without thinking, I went out into the hallway. As well as this hall! My heart began thumping in my throat as I heard the front door slam open and voices speaking.
"Find the girl or else Maxwell will have our heads."
"Yes sir! Where should I look, Gabe?"
I didn't hear anymore because I retreated into the bedroom. Childishly, I hid underneath the bed. The bedroom door was opened and I fell silent as a rock. All I could see was the boots of the person but I knew it was my pursuer from the forest; he reeked. Erik, please return soon! Suddenly, I saw the boots leave the room and then heard the door slam closed.
Slowly, I crawled out from underneath the bed and sat on it. Whew! That was a close one. I curled up in the bed and soon fell asleep. The last thing I remember hearing was the door opening and closing. It must be Erik...
