Well this is a dramatic chapter! This is also the second to last chapter, so stay tuned folks!
I hear approaching footsteps, quickly snapping out of my reverie. I turn from the painting, and run towards the door, yanking it open. Without a second thought, I start running down the hall, salty tears dripping down my cheeks, my chest screaming of a ragged ache.
I quickly glance behind me, assured that I am left alone, only to see Jeffery gaining on me. I try to jog on further, only then do I feel arms wrapping around me and halting my progress.
"Stop." I try to growl, but it comes out as a whimper. I beat my arms against his chest, tears falling on his shirt. "Your picture,' I wail, ' I'm not that weak, you can't see it. I'm supposed to be stronger." I whisper.
Shock lights his face, the recognition registers. "Stop it Lila, give it up. You cannot always be in control, it isn't natural." I stop flailing against him, and collapse into tears like a baby, sobbing into his chest.
"Sh sh sh, it's okay." He hums quietly, patting my back, for once not implying anything.
I can feel him picking me up, bridal style, and opening a door. "Stop it." I mutter. "I'm fine." I say, brushing away my tears.
"No love, you aren't. Clearly I am the better judge on that, and I say you need to calm down." He asserts, placing me on a chair.
"Now, I think I have got this gist on whats the matter. So, how can I make it all better?" He smiles, a little protective, but completely in earnest.
"I don't want you to be the one who fixes "it" for me. I'm just your key to avoiding a curse." I pout, unintentionally.
"I won't even try to fight with you love. " He grins, sitting in a chair across from me. I suppose we are in some deserted sitting room.
"Why?" I snort, looking incredulously at him.
"Because, I am too busy loving you Lila." He sighs, the corner of one side of his mouth tugging into a lopsided grin.
"Though please note, you are not my key to avoiding the ill, just to happiness. I would rather be a beast, a vampire, and still have you." He proclaims, looking at me slyly.
"That can't be." I insist. "I can't help it, but I don't love you back Jeff. I'm sorry, but I can't change that." I state, looking a little sad, but I stay firm.
"But I will change that. Love isn't always like the fairy tales Lila, love can be one sided. It won't be for us, but it does happen." He says grimly, set in his opinions.
"Pray tell, how on earth will you change something so impossible?" I ask incredulously, crooking one eyebrow.
"Nothing is impossible love. Nothing."
"We shall see about that then, shan't we?" I quirk, my mouth set in a little bud.
"Yes, we shall." He grins confidently.
"Now one quick thing Lila, something needs to be settled. Where do you want to honeymoon? I care not where just so long, as you are there." He says breezily, twiddling his thumbs.
"Ah!' I grin. "I care not either. Just two requests. Not too far, and simple, okay?"
"Okay!" He grins back, and I can already tell a plan is forming in his convoluted little mind...
"Jeff,' I start out, unsure. "I know it is too far to back out, so I will marry you. And I know you aren't half so bad, but there must be two conditions." I prose, tipping off a finger.
"Anything my love, you name it." He grins, again rake-ishly.
"One, We shall be friends, marriage of just thus."
"Yes of course, if that is what you wish, but what is the other condition?" He questions.
"That you can never, ever force me into your bed." I bite my lip, waiting.
"Of course dearest." He utters, looking over dramatically appalled. "I am many things love, but not a pervert." He is quite serious, but then he grins, continuing on. "No no dear, it will never be by force, just by other means." He grins indecently, watching my reaction.
"Oh!" I scold, at a loss for words.
"Yes, I have that effect upon most ladies." He sighs, looking up at me with puppy eyes.
"Not funny!" I retort, trying to suppress a smile, I jump up from my chair and head out into the hall.
"Oh come now Lila, I cannot help my au natural charm, please love, don't hate me because I am beautiful!" He chuckles, walking side ways to watch my reaction.
I let go and smack the back of his head, giggling.
Unlikely Rose
A/N : Silly Lila, she doesn't even know she is falling for him! Ah well, that's young lovers for you.. Well I hope you enjoyed, please tell me your thoughts! You guys have been great!
This chapter took a little longer, because I re-wrote it four times.