Leonard and I always had so much fun together. There are so many memories with him that still make me smile a little, despite all that has happened since.
One time, he took me to see the movie version of one of my favorite books: As the Sunlight Dies. It was about a girl whose mother mysteriously disappears, and she does all she can to find her, letting everything else fall by the wayside. Not only is it a great action story, but I always felt so deeply for the poor girl that it moved me every time. When we went to see it, Leonard bought us popcorn to share, and let me lean on his shoulder as I cried during the sad parts.
Another day, we went apple picking, laughing happily as the wind played with my skirt and his hair. We went on a hay ride at twilight, watching the sun set in beautiful hues of orange and red. We spent the next Friday using those apples to bake a pie.
After the first heavy snowfall, he came over to help me and Nat shovel. Then we all played together like we had as kids, building snowmen and having snowball fights. Once we were frozen through, he and I drove to a little café for hot chocolate.
For my Christmas gift, he took me to the bookstore and let me pick whatever I wanted. We spent a few hours looking at everything there, then we drove around for a while and talked. We ended the day by taking a chilly walk by the frozen Thames, which looks beautiful in the winter, with the sun reflecting and shining on the brilliantly white snow.
When he found out I had always wanted to learn how to ski, he signed us up for a class together. We both fell a lot, but it was still fun, especially when we put our new found skills to use for the rest of the season.
As the snows melted, we went for walks in the park. At first, it was still and gray, covered with slush. But, after a few times, the ground was teeming with thriving plants, and animals frequently ran across our path.
Once, during the summer months, he took me to the best ice cream place in the city and we each got a cone. As we went to a table, I tripped and my treat splattered all over his face. After he returned the favor, we spent a while laughing and trying to wipe off all the ice cream before getting a hot fudge sundae to split.
On the hottest day of the year, we took a day trip to a little, less popular beach about an hour away. We spent some time swimming in the cool water, played Frisbee on the sand, talked, and ate our picnic lunch in the sunshine.
Out of all our dates, though, my favorite is probably the New Year's Eve party our family always hosted. That year was no different. We had Leonard and his mother over, plus Sarah and Mark, now married, a few friends of either Ana or Uncle Leon, and Nat's Targent tutor. For a while, we all talked and watched the review of the last year on TV. I sat on the couch next to Leonard and snuggled close to him. Then, as we were watching the countdown to the new year, he stood up and pulled me to the other room.
"Leonard?" I asked as we moved off to the somewhat dark hallway.
"Shhh..." He cut me off by placing his finger to my lips. A shiver ran through me as I heard Big Ben start to ring from the living room.
I was starting to wonder why we had left when he surprised me by pulling me close and bringing his lips to mine. For a moment, I was shocked as my stomach dropped. Light-headed and happy, I returned that first kiss, enjoying the moment so much that time seemed still.
After what felt like forever, we broke apart and Leonard spoke again in a low voice. "Go put on your fanciest dress that you can still move around in. I have a surprise for you." He smiled and I complied.
We met in the basement a few minutes later. I had on a beautiful, purple dress that I only wore for very special occasions, and Leonard was wearing a crisp black suit. He took my arm and led me to the middle of the room before turning on the music he had brought. A soft, classical melody filled the air, and we began to dance. We twirled and swayed, moving constantly as one song changed to the next.
We stayed there for about an hour before he had to leave. When he kissed my forehead in farewell, I melted.
Later, I would remember these times and realize how similar they were to the situation at hand. The best of times that were bound to come to an end.
Author's Note - Well...That wasn't supposed to take that long. I know I keep promising quick chapters and then taking forever and giving excuses...Sorry about that. Life is just catching up with me, (Plus, I have an Ace Attorney multi-chapter story going too) so I think chapters will take a week or two more often now.
I officially have over 50 reviews! I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, followed, or even just read. I really appreciate every one of you, and reviews always brighten my day!
I know that this is just a giant list. I wanted to include that they went on dates every Friday and these were all one of them, but I couldn't find a way to smoothly introduce the concept. Also, As the Sunlight Dies is not real; it's meant to symbolize/foreshadow her later life, or at least her uncle's. :)
Another part of the story I'm having trouble including is Targent's backstory. I have it all thought out, but I don't know how to work this in either. So, if you don't mind, I'll just tell you here. ;D
The organization Targent started out as a political machine in Politox, or the Nest, a downtrodden industrial city in America. Immigrants from Froenborg, who banded together, would talk about legends of the Azran and the wonderful power they bestowed upon those who could unlock their secrets. The leader of Targent became interested in this power, and began to coerce researchers into helping him discover it. Over time, the company switched from a political machine to purely an association focused on the Azran Legacy. However, they are still involved in the politics of Politox and make much of their money, as well as weaponry, from that.
Thanks for sticking with my giant author's letter. ;D I can't guarantee a fast chapter, but I'll do my best!