Wohoo! Long chapter! Oh my goodness…Chapter 20!

Hello lovely readers, I hope all of you are enjoying season 4 of Merlin as much as I am, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well! Some questions are finally answered (yay!) and new ones arise (dun, dun, dun!).

So leave a comment, and let me know what you thought of this chapter/predictions. Also, don't forget to add me to the story alert so you don't have to wait to read Chapter 21!

YoureAnIllusion

Chapter 20: Have Faith in Me

Gwen stood at the threshold of her living room, trying to reconcile the fact that Lorenzo was standing in her home, hundreds of miles away from where he was meant to be; in New York City. Gwen's gaze immediately fell to the large white cast around Lorenzo's his left foot, afterward, noticing the wooden crutches which he leaned on. Dark stubble dotted his jaw, accompanying his longer hair which was partly brushed to the side.

Elliot looked nervously at his mute sister, then back to the injured boxer to his left, who too was silent, each ogling the other. "Dang y'all…you aint gonna say nothin'?" Elliot finally interrupted the silence.

"Hi Gwen," Lorenzo said simply, with a small smile, his voice soft and kind; just as she had remembered.

Despite his greeting, Gwen couldn't compel herself to move, and it took her a moment or two to develop a coherent sentence. "Lorenzo…I can't believe you're really here."

"Me neither. But I don't think either of us saw this coming," he pointed to the large cast on his left foot with a smile. "It kind of disrupted my two year contract. Three days after I wrote you my last letter, I fell backward in a fight; breaking my ankle. I had been recovering since then, but my coach let me come back home for my full recovery, seen as I'm no use up in New York until I'm recovered."

Gwen's hand slowly came up to cover her mouth; her full attention on Lorenzo's cast. "Will you be able to fight again?" She whispered, meeting his soft brown eyes once again.

"Don't worry Gwen. In several months, with physical therapy, and some doctor visits, I'll be okay. All my expenses are being paid for by the gym. My coach is keeping my contract, so everything's okay, I promise. I just thought it best to come back down here, to be with my loved ones while I recover; I miss everyone so much.'

Gwen finally took a step toward Lorenzo, finally noticing a couple of bruises on his forehead, and scrapes on his chin. His knuckles were scraped up as well; he definitely looked like a boxer in training. "Lorenzo, I'm so glad you're back! Things have been so different without you here," she exclaimed, giving him a hug. Gwen soon realized however that Lorenzo couldn't exactly reciprocate the gesture, for he had to cling onto his crutches. Quickly, she let go, taking a step back. "Oh yeah, sorry."

Tom smirked slightly as he watched his daughter, turning to Elliot who watched the two with folded arms, and his face rather expressionless. "Elliot and I are gonna go listen to the radio in the kitchen. Just give us a holler on your way out Lorenzo," Tom said, moving toward the kitchen. He stopped, to give Lorenzo a brief wave. "Glad to have you back."

"Me too," Elliot chimed in.

"It's good to be back. Thank you for letting me stop by."

Tom nodded, disappearing from view as he and his son sat at their round kitchen table, turning on the radio moments later.

Gwen and Lorenzo looked at each other, neither sure what was the appropriate thing to say in the situation. "Please, sit Lorenzo," Gwen quickly offered, taking a seat on the couch, with Lorenzo joining her as he set his crutches against the wall slowly.

"So…I take it you're surprised, Gwen?" He asked with his familiar radiant smile.

"I'm not sure surprised even conveys it. Lorenzo…you're not supposed to be back here for another year, at least."

Lorenzo shrugged as he lifted up slightly, to retrieve his wallet from his back pocket. "Well, plans change, or adjust. Honestly, I'm happy I'm out of the city, even if it's only for a little while. I finally feel like I can breathe, it feels so good to be home!" He exclaimed laughing.

"The city must not have been too bad, you look well. You've gotten bigger."

Lorenzo looked down at his stomach, than quickly back at Gwen. "Like…fatter?"

"No!" Gwen giggled. "Are you kidding me? I meant muscle," she said tapping his arms.

Lorenzo laughed, embarrassed. "Oh, thanks."

Gwen nodded as she moved a little bit closer to him. "What's that you have there?"

"They're some pictures I took. You don't have to look at them if you don't want to."

"No, oh my goodness, that's exactly what I want to see!"

Lorenzo looked into Gwen's soft brown eyes which illuminated with excitement as he took out the first picture, handing it to her. "I know how much you like pictures, so I took a lot, for you."

Gwen simply looked at Lorenzo with a smile, the gesture small, but thoughtful. It was good to have him back.

"Elliot!" Gwen screeched shrilly, jumping when she found her brother watching her prepare for the day through her open door. "Golly, why are you watchin' me?" She asked, this time more annoyed than scared.

"I just came to fetch you…Lorenzo's here?"

Gwen looked in her mirror. "Oh yeah, he's drivin' me into work because Alice is sick. Has he been there long?"

"No he just pulled up."

Gwen mumbled to herself the things she must not forget, as she scurried to the other side of her room, picking up her purse. She felt Elliot watching her from behind, not moving from his original spot. "Do you need something, Elliot?" Gwen asked putting her purse over her shoulder.

Elliot closed Gwen's door softly, turning to look at her directly in the eye. "Gwen, what are you doing?"

Gwen's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? I'm tryin' to go to work…"

Elliot just looked at her, raising an eyebrow.

"What? Is that the wrong answer?"

"I meant with Lorenzo. He's been here every other day, and now he's driving you into work…what happened to your little white boy? Are y'all two through? Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complainin' if that did happen…"

"No, Elliot. Arthur and I are as happy as ever, and I've told you that I don't appreciate you callin' him 'white boy', or 'cracker', he has a name."

"Okay, so you're still with him then?"

"Didn't you just hear me?"

"So then what's Lorenzo doing driving you to work? Don't you think you're leading him on?" Elliot finally said it, digging his hands into his pockets.

Gwen actually began to laugh. "Elliot, I'm not leading him on. In case you haven't noticed, neither me nor Lorenzo have many friends, he's just a companion."

"…Gwen, I think he still likes you. And he's a good guy, I'm not sure that you spendin' so much time with him is a good idea."

Gwen shook her head vigorously. "Lorenzo and I already settled this. We agreed to be mere friends before he left for New York."

Elliot took a step back, not expecting the response. "Really?"

"Yes."

Elliot sighed. "Okay, I just don't want Lorenzo to get dragged into the mess with you and your white—Arthur, like I did. He's a good guy, and if y'all are just friends; well he's a good friend too."

Gwen smiled, moving to give her brother a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for looking out for me though Elliot, I know you mean well," she said with a smile, opening her bedroom door. "I don't want to keep Lorenzo waiting; we can talk later, if you like."

"Wait, wait, one more thing."

Gwen nodded, stepping back into her room, as her brother lowered his voice to a hoarse whisper.

"Lorenzo's been around for a week now, how's Arthur taking it?"

Gwen pushed her bag back on her shoulder. "He doesn't know."

Elliot's head bobbed forward, as he turned his head, obviously skeptical. "What? You mean that you haven't told him? He doesn't he know that you're ex-boyfriends is back in town, and y'all are spendin' every waking moment together!"

Gwen hit Elliot's shoulder. "Stop bein' so loud, or Daddy'll hear you!" Gwen hissed.

"Stop dodgin' the question!"

"I'm not. Arthur knows about Lorenzo but, he'll be worried if he knows he's back. And I'm not fixin' to throw away a good friend because of my jealous boyfriend." Gwen rubbed her forehead. "Don't worry, I'll…tell him, but I just don't know how."

"That sounds like a bad plan to me."

"I think I know Arthur a little better than you, Elliot. But I've gotta go before I'm late."

Elliot reluctantly nodded, waving to his sister before she hurried out of the front door, nearly running to Lorenzo's car to escape the frosty weather. Elliot moved to his kitchen window where he had full view of the sidewalk, watching their interaction the best he could.

"Damn it!" Arthur yelped, as his head slammed against the underside of the dining room table, as he straightened quickly from tying his shoe. "Ahh, shit," he hissed, rubbing his head where he knew a bump would develop later.

Stella's head popped out of the kitchen, her gaze immediately fixing on Arthur in a stern expression. "Excuse me, Arthur? 'Cause I thought I heard cussin'."

"Sorry, I uhh, hit my head," Arthur groaned.

Stella gave him an unconvinced once over, "Mhmm…I don't wanna hear it again, though."

"Hey, wait up!" He called after her, following her to the kitchen, where she and Marge stood washing the dishes from the family's breakfast. Arthur leaned over the counter, taking an apple from the fruit basket, rubbing it against his shirt, as he grinned at Stella. "You know, I've been thinkin'; you still treat e like a little kid."

"What if you still act like one?" Stella asked with a playful smile, listing to the loud crunch of Arthur biting out of his apple.

"I do not!"

Stella shrugged. "You're gettin' better Arthur."

"Why, thank you—hey, where's Alice?" Arthur paused, turning around to view the entire kitchen. "She's always in here."

Marge turned to Arthur, answering his question with a frown. "Poor thing's been struck with the flu, if you can believe it. She'll probably be out the whole week."

"Hmm," Arthur responded, taking another bite of his apple, before stopping. "But, what about Guinevere, don't they ride in together?"

Marge gave Arthur a puzzled look. "Guinevere? I aint heard anyone call her that since her mama passed."

"I meant Gwen, sorry," Arthur said a little impatiently, just wanting an answer.

"Hmm…I don't know how she's gettin' here, actually. Probably her brother."

Arthur nodded, looking down at his apple, only to find Stella's analytical eyes boring a hole into the top of his head. "What?" He asked, narrowing his eyes in confusion.

Stella shook her head as she picked up a wet silver pot, drying it off with a dish towel. "I didn't know you were keepin' roll of all of the maids, that's all."

"I'm not. It's just— I noticed Alice and Gwen weren't here. That's all."

Marge turned to Stella, her full lips curving into a grin. "Or maybe Gwen's sleepin' in...if you know what I mean, Stella," Marge cackled, only to be met with a dense silence.

Stella rolled her eyes, setting the dry pot on the stove. "Hush up Marge, and stop spreadin' rumors."

"It was just a joke, y'all need to quit bein' so dang tense."

"That girl's a lamb, so you need to stop being so crass, for once."

Marge snorted happily. "I wouldn't blame her though if that was what she was doin' right now."

"Marge…" Stella's voice trailed off, clearly a warning.

Arthur's head swiveled back and forth, looking at each woman as she spoke. "Sorry, but I missed the joke."

Stella looked at Arthur, gritting her teeth as she glared at Marge, and then motioned back toward Arthur. "See what you done now? She what your big mouth up and did?"

Marge clucked her tongue, dismissing Stella with a quick wave of the hand. "She's just cranky."

Arthur couldn't help but snicker.

"Nah, I was just sayin' that maybe Gwen won't be comin' in for work today, 'cause she's playin' hookey with her little Mexican boy toy."

"He aint Mexican, Marge," Stella corrected, as if it were important. She felt it had to be said; if Gwen was there, that's what she would have said too.

Arthur paused mid-bite into his apple, wondering if he had heard the chatty maid correctly...Mexican boy toy? He cleared his throat gruffly. "Mexican boy toy?"

Marge jumped at the chance to elaborate, her voice taking on a higher pitch, and her words becoming slightly jumbled in excitement. "Darn tootin'! Remember that cute and tan fella who stopped by here one afternoon in the summer?"

Arthur remained still, standing next to Stella who had a scowl frozen onto her face.

"Well," Marge began again, clearing her throat. "That guy was Gwen's boyfriend. I reckon his name's Lorenzo…or was it Louís?" Marge tapped her chin as she looked up at the ceiling for a few moments, then snapping her fingers as she remembered. "Wait, wait, it was Lorenzo."

"Oh really?"Arthur said, his head tilting to the side. "You know, I really don't remember him."

Marge nearly howled. "Oh boy, I know all about him, Gwen couldn't quit talkin' bout him even if the poor girl tried—"

"Marge! Stop spreadin' the girl's business," Stella finally cut in, convinced that the conversation had gone far enough.

Marge ignored Stella, continuing without taking a second breath, looking directly at Arthur. "Well any way, he's back…actually, he's been back for a while now."

Arthur couldn't help but wince at the detail, his eyes narrowing. "Really?"

"Yeah, I've seen him in the neighborhood twice in the past week. Actually, now I think 'bout it, he's probably drivin' Gwen into work."

Arthur bit down into his apple, shaking his head slightly.

"And—"

Marge was cut off by the slam of a wooden serving spoon against the marble countertop, and Stella's thing index finger thrust in her direction. "Marge, for the last time: if you don't put a sock in it, there's fixin' to be a problem."

"Okay, okay," Marge agreed putting her hands up, but Stella wasn't done.

"Now stop talkin' nonsense 'bout that girl. No one's skipping work to sneak around with no boy, so stop tellin' lies."

Arthur rested his elbows on the counter, scoffing gutturally. He bit into his apple with a quiet ferocity, his munching the only sound in the kitchen. "This guy," he began, addressing Marge, who watched him wide eyed, afraid to divulge any more details, "aint he supposed to be in New York?"

Marge raised a thin black brow, looking to Stella to see if it was safe to respond. "Yeah, he is…how'd you know that?"

Arthur could feel his face becoming red, and his overall body heat increasing, as the grip of his fingers threatened to squeeze the firm apple straight through the core. "And he's been here a week now? And Guinevere's been with him since then?"

Marge's eyes narrowed in confusion, as she was almost afraid to answer Arthur's line of questioning; the conversation had taken on a very different tone. "Ah, shucks—"

Stella cut Marge off, looking directly at Arthur, but addressing her subordinate sternly. "Marge, would you give Arthur and me a minute by our lonesome?"

Marge blinked rapidly, looking back and forth between Arthur and Stella. She wasn't sure what it was exactly, but in the span of a few minutes, a dense tension had fallen upon the room, with Stella and Arthur facing off with the intensities of their gazes. Immediately, Marge became nervous, fiddling with her hands, and stuttering on the first words which came to mind. "Yeah, sure thing, Stella. I was just fixin' to go sweep the hallway anyhow…" Marge didn't even bother to finish her sentence, before speed-walking out of the kitchen, turning her head only once before disappearing completely from view.

Arthur straightened as Marge fled the room, throwing his apple into the garbage. He turned sharply to exit the kitchen without another word, but Stella's sharp words stopped him cold.

"Close them doors Arthur."

"Why?" He asked, with his back still to her, not wanting her to see the anger which was apparent on his face. Arthur was afraid that if he spent another moment confined in the kitchen, he'd erupt, and he just wanted to get out…get out and have a smoke. Nonetheless, he slowly, yet obediently, pulled in the heavy double doors of the kitchen, creating a sort of barricade.

He finally turned to look at Stella, who rested both hands on her hips, shaking her head before she began. He knew she too was upset, and was just trying to find the right words.

"Arthur, Arthur, Arthur: you've got some nerve, boy," Stella said simply, throwing her drying rag on a nearby countertop.

"Sorry? I'm late for my classes Stella, I've gotta—"

"Arthur, I wasn't born yesterday; you may be able to fool Marge, but your act aint doin' nothin' for me."

"My 'act'?"

"Just stop," Stella demanded, holding both of her hands up, for Arthur's silence, which he granted her. "There's no one in this room you have to pretend for, okay?

"I'm not sure what you're talkin' 'bout…."

"You and Gwen Gibson," Stella blurted, crossing her arms over her chest. "How long have y'all been sleepin' with each other for?" Stella looked Arthur in the eye, daring him to lie. "If you're fixin' to tell a fib, you better remember what the Good Book says about liars, Arthur."

Arthur had to stop himself from staggering backward at Stella's bluntness. So she knew…of course she did. Stella knew everything, so Arthur wasn't sure what he could say exactly. And oh, she was mad. As Arthur contemplated his next words, he could hear Stella's foot tapping rapidly against the tile, her angry tick. He tried to pick his words carefully, but he found himself saying "we're not sleepin' with each other," instead.

Stella scoffed, opening the refrigerator door, only to close it a moment later. "Good God, that wasn't the answer I wanted."

"But it's the truth. Gwen and I have been seeing each other for months, but I haven't disrespected her in any way."

"Is that supposed to make everything okay, Arthur?" Stella snapped, her ferocity causing Arthur to wince ever so slightly. The frustrated maid put a hand over her forehead like a visor, as she paced a couple of steps, speaking in a hushed and hurried tone. "Oh Jesus, please don't let me act a fool right now, please," Stella stopped momentarily, only to pick up her nervous movement once again. "I knew it, I knew it, I knew it, but I didn't wanna believe. But here he is, fessin' up to it Lord…" Stella stopped, finally looking to Arthur. "You know Arthur, you've done a lot of bone headed things, a lot of bone headed things. But this takes the cake."

Arthur gulped nervously. "Give me the chance to explain."

Stella held up her hand, silencing him instantly yet again. She delivered her next words as if it physically pained her to do so. "Arthur…I'm so disappointed. Hell, I don't even know if I should be angry that you'd have enough nerve to sneak around with a colored girl under the noses of everyone who cares for you, or happy that at least it's a lamb like Gwen."

"She is a lamb—"

"Uhh, excuse me. I aint through yet."

Arthur closed his mouth quickly, swallowing his retorts as he let Stella finished venting.

"And let me just say; y'all two are doin' a real bang up job of hidin' your little…relationship. Maybe everyone else 'round here has gone half blind, but I aint, not yet at least. But I knew something wasn't right between you and that Gibson girl, by golly I knew it. But I didn't say nothin', I didn't want to start stuff. But I can't stay quiet any longer Arthur. Especially when I'm standing here, watching you twirl into a jealous fit over this Lorenzo boy."

Arthur scoffed, not wanting to talk about Lorenzo, and become angrier when he was just gaining control. "Stella, I know how bad this seems. But you don't expect me to yell "I love a poor colored maid!" from the rooftops, do you?"

"I expect you to use some of that sense the Lord gave you, and maybe even some self control." Stella inhaled deeply, shaking her aching head. "Arthur, do you really know what you're gettin' into? I mean have you and that poor girl actually thought about what you're doin'? I've seen people get lynched for less."

"Stella, can I get some credit?"

"That's the last thing you'll be getting', right now."

"Yes, Gwen and I, we talk about the consequences all the time. Our heads aren't up in the clouds—"

"Sure fooled me," Stella scoffed.

Arthur ignored the interruption. "We talk about the possible dangers often, and we both decided that the other is too special to throw away because we're scared, or unsure."

Stella would have found the remark heartwarming, had it been made in any other situation. "Arthur, I hate to say it, but you aint the first white man to have a taste for nigger lovin'."

Arthur smacked his forehead, as his eyes narrowed in anger. "I didn't seek her out. I never imagined this happening in a thousand years." Arthur pointed to his chest. "Me, Arthur Lewis Pendragon, falling in love with a colored maid," he actually laughed out loud. "But it just…happened. She's the best gift I've ever gotten, Stella."

Stella took a step toward Arthur, looking deeply into his blue eyes which were crystal clear, and unblinking. She had known Arthur since birth tried her best to raise him in the absence of his father because of business. So it was an understatement to say that she had seen all of Arthur's tricks, and had even fallen for some. But this time, there was no deceit behind his words, or his eyes; he was completely and utterly honest. "Arthur, if you're not afraid for yourself, what about Gwen? What about her family? There's a reason why this stuff isn't done, especially down here. Y'all aren't in Chicago or New York, you remember that."

Arthur looked away, his voice becoming lower. "I think about it all the time. What if Father finds out, and does something terrible to her? Or Roger and his buffoons go back to—" Arthur cut himself off quickly, realizing that he almost slipped up in divulging too much information about the arson of the Neely home. "We're careful. That's really all I can say to that. Don't be mad with her Stella, it was I who pursued her. I was the one who saw her, and immediately I felt something. I made the first move, and she resisted, because she's so level headed. None of this is her fault. If you wanna find someone to blame, blame me."

Stella looked at Arthur, not sure what to say. Arthur had a history for passing the buck whenever he got in trouble, but he sure wasn't doing that now. "You really do love her, don't you?" Stella asked, her voice hardly above a whisper.

"With all my heart. She's my first, and I'm pretty sure she'll be my last."

Stella sighed. "Them are some serious words, Arthur."

"This entire thing is serious, Stella."

Stella took a seat on a nearby stool, rubbing her temples. "All of this drama is too much for an old woman to handle. My Arthur, takin' up with a colored…claimin' that he loves her; you don't see this every day."

"I'd marry her right now if I could. I—we don't care what everyone else thinks."

Stella actually began to laugh, holding onto her chest. "You may wanna slow your roll there, Arthur. I only need one heart attack at the time."

"…So you're not mad."

Stella ceased the laughter. "I didn't say that, now. I'm tellin' you this is a fool idea, not an original one, but fool nonetheless. But you're a man now, Arthur. I can't chide you anymore like a little child, even though I want to with everything that is within me." Stella sighed nostalgically. "I always knew that there'd come a time when I stepped back, and you had to live your life and your mistakes on your own. I think I've delayed it as long as possible."

Arthur didn't know what else to say but thank you, and that he wouldn't let her down again.

"I don't like this. I don't think it should be done. But you're not gonna listen to me. I can tell that you're mind is already made up."

"It is," Arthur confirmed with a nod. "I'll take whatever's comin'."

Stella sighed. "Well, at least let me say this Arthur, and hear me well as I say it."

"I'm listenin'."

"If I feel that you're puttin' Gwen's family in danger in any way, or vice versa; I'm singin' like a canary, you hear?"

"Fair enough. I think we need someone lookin' out for us."

"Oh Arthur," Stella sighed, standing and pulling him in for a hug which was immediately returned. "Please don't take anything I said the wrong way. I just don't wanna see you get hurt, and for y'all to end up like the Neely's and Tates; that's my biggest fear."

"I know Stella, it's okay. I understand why you were upset. I should have told you, I always value you your advice." Arthur stopped speaking, because he thought he heard Stella begin to sniffle.

Vivian stuck her gloved hands inside of the pockets of her woolen jacket, tapping her cold feet impatiently. She checked her watch: 4:10 p.m., ten minutes waiting in the cold and damp weather for Morgana to arrive, and pick her. Vivian began grumbling out loud on the merits of punctuality and courtesy, her rant cut off nearly as soon as it started by the gruff voice ofRoger Davenport from behind.

"Hey Viv," Roger beamed, standing next to the lonely blonde.

Vivian smiled politely at the curly red-head, not exactly wanting to be in his presence, but it was better than being cold and alone. "Hey Roger, long time no see."

He nodded with a grin. "Yeah, you're right."

Vivian nodded quietly in agreement, turning away as she heard the contents in Roger's pockets clink as he dug through them. Roger dug in his pockets for a cigarette.

"Whatchya doin' out here?"

"Oh, I'm waiting for someone, they should be here soon."

Roger placed a cigarette between his dry lips, lighting it, and speaking out of the side of his mouth in a garbled nature. "You aint waitin' for that prick Arthur, are you?"

Vivian narrowed her eyes immediately, rolling her tight shoulders backward. "He aint a prick, Roger."

"Sure seems like one to me."

"Grudges aren't good things to keep," Vivian said simply, looking Roger in the eye; she hoped that would shut him up, and maybe decide to leave her alone.

"I don't have a grudge. But there are certain things a man can't forget, nor forgive."

Vivian rolled her eyes, looking up into the gray sky, hoping it wouldn't rain just yet, and completely ruin her day. "That happened in the middle of summer, get over it, sheesh."

Roger let some smoke out of his nose, which nauseated the dainty blonde who could only tolerate it when Arthur smoked. "Why does everyone think that it was my fault? Do you even know the whole story Viv?"

"Boy, you sure do love to kick up old dirt," Vivian scoffed, glancing to her side to look at him. "I've heard all that I needed to about the incident, and I think it's safe to say that Arthur did the right thing."

Roger snorted. "Standing up for a colored broad? He's a pompous nigger lover."

Vivian looked at her watch again, wishing more than ever that Morgana would hurry up, and save her from further interaction with Roger. "Whatever you say Roger. Anyhow, I'm not even waiting for him; I'm waiting for Morgana."

"Hey; aint that her?" Roger pointed a thick finger across the street, where Morgana had indeed just parked, honking her horn once to catch Vivian's attention.

"Oh, I guess I'll catch you later Roger," Vivian said hurriedly, not even bothering to look back at him as she fled to Morgana's car. Quickly, she opened the door, shivering as she plopped down into the passenger seat with a thum.

"Sorry, I'm late. I kinda got tied up in some errands," Morgana explained, putting her car into park.

Vivian ignored the apology, reciting the lines which she had prepared ten minutes earlier in the cold. "You know they make things called 'watches' nowadays? I've been waitin' in the cold for ten minutes now! And then Roger decided he wanted to talk to me," Vivian groaned, remembering the other thing she wanted to ask Morgana. "And how come you weren't in classes today? Everyone's been asking for you."

Morgana reached into her back seat, pulling her purse to the front. "Didn't I just say that I was runnin' errands, Vivian? I'll catch up on whatever I missed soon enough," Morgana explained, rummaging through her full purse.

Vivian sighed, watching Morgana intently. "What are we doing here, exactly?"

"Business," Morgana said pulling out the envelope she was seeking. "It's about Arthur and Gwen."

Vivian huffed. "And why couldn't we do this at your house…where it's, oh, I don't know—warm!" Vivian exclaimed dramatically, rubbing her shoulders, and completely disregarding the letter Morgana was shoving in her direction.

Morgana retracted the piece of mail, tucking some hair behind her ear. "Yeah, about that…we may have a little problem on our hands, Viv."

"…What?"

"It's Merlin. I fear he knows something, perhaps too much."

Vivian violently turned in her seat, her eyes narrowing immediately. "About what? About us?"

"Yes. But wait, wait; don't get all dramatic just yet. I'm not completely sure yet, and I could just be paranoid. But it's just, it's just,—"

"Damn it Morgana, just spit it out!" Vivian asked stomping her foot in irritation.

Morgana took a deep breath, wondering where exactly to begin. "Last week, do you remember when you and I met for lunch?"

"Yeah, we went to our favorite restaurant."

"Right. But ten minutes after I left the house to meet you, I realized that I left my wallet at home, so I went back for it. But, guess who I found in my room, alone?"

Vivian's eyes narrowed as she hissed: "Merlin…"

"Sure thing," Morgana confirmed with a nod. "He claimed to be deliverin' this letter," Morgana held the envelope up. "But…something just wasn't right. After he left, it was obvious by the indent in my bed that someone had been sitting there not too long ago, and a straightened bobby pin was left on my bedside table, the same one where I keep my diary. Now this may sound like a stretch…but I wouldn't be surprised if Merlin tried to, or succeeded in picking the lock to my diary. I know he's capable of it."

"Shut your mouth!" Vivian exclaimed in disbelief.

"And the night of the Fall Ball, when I was trying to calm you down in the guest room, I got a gut feelin' that Merlin was eavesdropping."

Vivian covered her mouth which was totally agape. "He did appear out of nowhere, didn't he?"

"Exactly…and after that night, things haven't been the same."

"Well, what are we gonna do! By golly, he'll tell Arthur!"

"No, he won't; Merlin doesn't have the guts. And even if he did, Arthur wouldn't believe him."

"I never liked that big-eared twig anyhow," Vivian admitted, curling her lip.

Morgana ignored the comment, reasoning out loud. "If Merlin has indeed read my diary, then he probably has the wrong idea about this…little, operation?" She wasn't even sure what to call what she and Vivian were doing just yet. "Merlin's been so cold to me lately, and it was beginning to disturb me. But now it all makes sense."

"If this happened a week ago, why are you just tellin' me?"

"I wanted to gather some more evidence, and think about it for a little while before I alarmed you."

"Okay," Vivian conceded.

"Just another example (as if we needed more), that these two love birds can only breed destruction. Merlin probably thinks I'm evil now, all because I want to save my family's good name from total ruin. Well damn it, I'm sick of taking casualties! I want this fling to end now!" With each word delivered, Morgana Pendragon could feel her ire rising to uncharted levels; she was tired of being patient hoping that Arthur and Gwen would destroy themselves from the inside out.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop callin' 'em 'love birds'? They aint in love, so would you quit it?"

"Fine. But that's beside the point; let's not get too distracted, soon, we'll forget why we met."

"You do realize that I have no clue why I'm here, right?" Vivian reminded Morgana, watching her finally take the letter out of the envelope which rested on her lap.

Morgana nodded, acknowledging Vivian's point. "Remember how a while back, you and I were joking, and how I was saying that I wish that I could ship Gwen off somewhere? Not somewhere terrible, but just somewhere far away from Arthur?"

Vivian laughed, remembering the comical conversation. "Yeah, I remember. What about it though?"

"I came up with the next best thing. Alright: Gwen's biggest dream is to become a nurse and a mother. Well, I can't do anything about the 'mom' part, but…what if I got her into nursing school?"

Vivian's mouth dropped, and she covered it immediately, before putting her hand back in her lap. "You can do that?" She whispered in total awe.

Morgana smiled. "It pays to be a Pendragon. I did my research, and found out about the Adamson School—"

"The college for coloreds in Georgia?"

Morgana held out the unfolded the letter, nodding. "I called, and then wrote a letter to the dean of admissions of the nursing department, and then she sent me this letter. Read it."

Vivian gasped, in shock and in happiness. "Please tell me this is good news…"

Morgana's lipstick red lips curved upwards into a large smile, showcasing her perfectly white teeth, and it was all the answer Vivian needed.

Greedily, Vivian snatched the beige paper out of Morgana's hands, her eyes focusing on the ornate letterhead at the top of the page reading: "The Adamson School: Nursing Department". Vivian smiled brightly, looking at Morgana who nodded silently, encouraging her to read. Vivian's lips moved quietly and rapidly as she read the letter from top to bottom. After about a minute or so, the blonde set the paper in her lap, her eyes wide open, staring straight ahead through Morgana's clear windshield.

"You understand it, right?" Morgana asked taking the letter again, and scanning it quickly for the hundredth time. "They basically guaranteed that they'll take her. Do you know what this means Vivian? The only damn nursing school for coloreds in the South, basically said they'd admit Guinevere all because of my recommendation!"

"Isn't that one of the hardest schools to get into? I thought it was only for bougie Negroes?"

"You're right, it is for the wealthy, but Gwen's a bright girl, and they may even give her a full scholarship because her grades are so good. Her skin is light, so it'll be easy for her to fit in with the other coloreds there. She has everything; except the money, and I've solved that little problem."

"Yeah, but is she smart enough to take the offer?" Vivian asked, a hint of skepticism creeping into her tone.

Morgana's head actually tilted backward, as she began laughing hysterically for a several long moments, the thought of Gwen denying the offer was absolute ludicrous. "Are you kidding me? Vivian: this will be Gwen's only chance to go to nursing school. She doesn't have the money, or the connections, to even dream of stepping onto the campus of the Adamson School! They're the best of the best, there's no way she could get in without this," Morgana raved, shaking the letter from the dean of nursing vigorously. "Trust me; the girl may be love drunk, but she's got brains. This is an offer too good to refuse."

Vivian smiled, leaning back into her seat, resting a hand over her heart. "I do declare: Morgana Pendragon, you are a genius."

"I think it was Divine Intervention."

"I don't care what the hell you call it; all I know is that this will finally get that maid far away from Arthur."

Morgana nodded, folding the paper, and placing it back into the envelope gingerly, handling it like it was sacred. "I spent most of mu day in that dingy colored high school in Dearborn, where Gwen graduated two years ago, trying to get her school transcripts. I finally convinced them that I was merely running an errand for her, and those people finally gave it to me. I mailed them to the Adamson School straight away, and left a message with the dean of admissions, letting him know that I had done so."

Vivian clapped her hands together excitedly. "When are you gonna tell her!"

"When it's a done deal."

"How long is it gonna take? And wait; it's Christmas next week; it's near the middle of the school year! Does that mean she can't leave until fall of next year!"

"Don't worry about that, Vivian, I'm sure it'll all get worked out. Just one step at a time. This way, not only are we saving my family from ruin, but we're also helping Gwen."

"Sure," Vivian replied suddenly disinterested. "I must hand it to you though, Morgana; when you set your mind to something, you get it done."

"There's no use in doing things half way, especially when it's for my family. The Adamson School is our last resort."

"I thought our last resort was your Uncle."

"We're not that desperate yet. If everything goes according to plan, which it will, Uncle will never have to know about this little affair. Gwen will just disappear ever so quietly, and trust me; Arthur will forget about her in a hot minute."

"Of course he will." Vivian twirled a strand of blonde hair thoughtlessly. Things were finally looking up, Arthur was so close, she could nearly taste him.

Gwen stood near the front door, resting her hands on her hips, smiling at the high gloss which emanated from the newly polished white tile of the foyer. For the past hour, she had swept and mopped the area, finishing the chore rather quickly for just one person. Marge passed through whistling and carrying some linens as Gwen evaluated her work with pride.

"Hey, watch out Marge! It's wet, I don't want you to fall!" Gwen warned the maid who stopped in her tracks, looking behind her to Gwen.

"Oops, sorry, Gwen. It looks good girl," Marge complimented with a smile.

"Oh, thanks Marge."

The maid nodded, taking a couple of steps in the other direction, before Gwen called for her yet again.

"Hey Marge, have you seen Arthur or Morgana? The house has been mighty quiet today."

"Miss Morgana is spendin' the night with a friend and Mister Arthur…" Marge's voice trailed off, as she looked around her nervously. She made a hand motion for Gwen to come closer, bringing her voice down to a whisper once the girl had done so. "Now, I know you've been food shoppin' all day, and mending clothes in the sewing room, so you missed it."

"Missed what?" Gwen asked, immediately nervous. Marge always liked to be dramatic and gossip, but something was quite dire in her tone.

"Arthur: when he came home from classes today."

"Is he alright?"

"Ah, hell no!" Marge nearly exclaimed. "I thought that boy was fixin' to tear that door off of its hinges!" Marge took her free hand, pointing to the ornate front door of the home. "He stomped in here, nearly bowling poor Clarence over, as he huffed and puffed all the way to his room. I thought I heard some cussin', until we all heard his door slam; and I was in the kitchen! Oh Lordy, that boy's been locked up there ever since; even Stella won't go near him…now that's sayin' somethin'."

Gwen silently looked up the staircase, her brows together in confusion and worry; she knew how angry Arthur could become. "Do you know what happened?"

Marge shrugged, she too looking up the steps. "Beats me, but I suggest you stay out of his way, honey girl. I'll tell you, the men in this house sure can blow a fuse, and they'll take it out on any one."

Gwen frowned, nodding. "Okay, thanks."

Marge nodded, finally leaving, whistling the same tune she always did.

Gwen remained in the empty foyer, resting her arm on the railing of the stair case, thinking as her fingers drummed against the wood. She knew that something was wrong when the grandfather clock in the dining room struck four, and she hadn't seen Arthur once. Usually Arthur would find her as soon as he got home, anxious to hear about her usually mundane day, or tell her about his. But today had been completely silent, and Gwen would have guessed that Arthur wasn't home at all, had she not seen both of his cars outside. Gwen remembered Marge's words of caution for a split second, but quickly disregarded them, for the next thing she knew, Gwen was at the top of the steps, standing outside of Arthur's room.

She raised her fist to knock on the door, pausing, rethinking her plan of action. She had seen Arthur mad plenty of times, and sometimes he just liked to be alone, and others, he needed someone to calm him down. But because Gwen had neither seen him, nor knew what happened, she wasn't sure which mood he was in. Whichever one it was, Gwen convinced herself that Arthur would want to talk to her about it, and even if she couldn't help him, she always enjoyed being the one he confided in.

She rapped on the door a couple of times; waiting for a response—she was met by silence. She knocked several more times, but garnered no response, causing her to assume that perhaps Arthur was out on his balcony. Slowly, she opened the door, her suspicions of a vacant room confirmed. Yet her other suspicion was proven correct, for through the glass door, Gwen could see Arthur hunched over the railing of the balcony, his back to her. She stood for a few moments, watching him fondly. He appeared to be dressed for work, with brown pants on, and a light blue button up shirt, and a light brown woolen jacket for the colder temperature.

Gwen opened the glass barrier, stepping out onto the balcony, her nostrils immediately assaulted by the stench of cigarette smoke. Her natural reaction was to cover her nose, as Arthur exhaled, flicking the ashes of his cigarette to the wind. It took him a couple of seconds to turn around and acknowledge her presence, but he turned around the next moment.

Gwen's hand fell away from her face, and back to her side, as she stood next to Arthur, far away from the ash tray which had two new cigarette butts in it. Her breath hitched at the sight; so much for quitting. "Hey, Arthur."

Arthur didn't bother to look at her. Instead, Arthur inhaled once again, releasing the smoke slowly. "Gwen," he said curtly and simply.

Gwen rubbed her bare shoulders, not missing the animosity in Arthur's tone. She looked at him, his normally blue eyes clouded over by an emotion which she was unable to detect.

He finally looked at her, putting out his newly lit cigarette in the glass ash tray, running his cold hand through his hair. "What are you doin' out here, huh? You're gonna freeze."

"I wanted to see you, to make sure you're alright."

Arthur swallowed a scoff, crossing his arms over the balcony. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well…I haven't seen you all day, Marge said that you've barricaded yourself in your room, and you're smoking; you only do that when you're stressed." Gwen ran her fingertips lightly against his shoulder, something she knew he liked. But this time, Arthur quickly jerked his shoulder away from her.

"Marge is such a damn big mouth," Arthur said bitterly, putting his lighter back in his pocket.

Gwen wasn't sure how to respond to the criticism, or Arthur walking back into his room, leaving her alone on the balcony. She followed him, watching him take off his jacket, and throwing it on his bed. "Did something happen today?"

Arthur put on another jacket, shaking his head. He really didn't want to lose his temper with her. She shouldn't have come in at all. "Nothing Guinevere, I have to go to work; I'm gonna be late."

"Arthur, can you just stop a second, and talk to me?" Gwen asked as Arthur brushed past her, shaking his head.

"Guinevere, I'm so angry right now. Please just go, before I say something I regret."

Gwen stood there, watching Arthur lay his brief case on the top of his bed, opening it up to view its contents.

Arthur looked up to find Gwen still there, and he slammed his brief case closed. "Jeez Guinevere, I'm trying really hard not to be ugly right now, but you're making it pretty damn hard!"

"Arthur, I just want to know what's wrong," Gwen asked taking a step closer to him, only to have Arthur take a step backward in response, putting his arms out.

"Don't touch me right now, Gwen. I don't want the same hands that have touched that prick Lorenzo to be on me."

Gwen stopped, holding her breath for a moment, as Arthur looked her in the eye, his mouth in a straight line.

"That blabber mouth Marge told me. So if you wouldn't mind, please close the door on your way out."

Gwen swallowed, realizing just how angry Arthur was with her, and it was all her fault. "I should've told you. But it's not what you think, Arthur."

"Don't even begin to think that you know what goes on in my head, because you don't!"

"Arthur, this is the exact reason why I haven't told you yet, because I know just how jealous you can be. How many times do I have to tell you that Lorenzo and I are just friends?"

"Jealousy? Is that what you wanna call it? Guinevere, what am I supposed to think when my own girlfriend doesn't tell me that her ex is back in town, or that he's driving her in to work?" Arthur pointed to his chest, all of his anger seeping into his voice. "Please tell me what I'm supposed to think, seen as you know my mind so well."

Gwen looked to the ground, feeling terrible that she had withheld such information from Arthur, and now the entire situation appeared to be scandalous. The shame was apparent in her voice. "I knew that you didn't like Lorenzo, and you already had your doubts about him. I didn't know how to tell you that he appeared out of nowhere, because it surprised me too. I didn't want you to get like this!" Gwen put a hand on her forehead. "I was wrong not to say anything, and have you find out like this."

But Arthur was hardly appeased. "Let me tell you Guinevere, that it's impossible for a man to be 'just friends' with you."

She immediately took offense. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Arthur's eyes narrowed; she had no right to be the angry one. "I'm a man, so I know firsthand that men are dogs. Trust me; all he wants to do is get in your pants. But you only see the good in people, so you probably don't even realize it."

"Arthur! Not all men are like that! Not all men are like—" Gwen stopped her train of thought, pushing some hair behind her ears in frustration.

Arthur scoffed, looking Gwen directly in the eye. "All men aren't like what? Like me? I'm sorry I can't be so perfect like your little Lorenzo."

"I didn't say that, Arthur," Gwen whispered. She seemed to be digging herself into an even great hole. "It's just that you're not being rational. You don't even know Lorenzo! If you did, you'd realize that he's such a good and honorable person, one who wouldn't even think of taking advantage of me. And I wouldn't let him Arthur, I don't want him to."

"Wow, he sounds like a really great guy," Arthur said sarcastically. "Don't deny that he loved you once, and you did too. I can tell by every time you mention him."

"Arthur, I have my past, and so do you."

"Now, I'm starting to think that I'm just some sort of lousy rebound!" Arthur knew as soon as the words left his mouth that it wasn't true, but he was too prideful to take them back.

"You know that's not true," Gwen gritted out, this time it was she who took a step away from Arthur. "If anyone should be having doubts, it should be me! You become jealous at every little thing for no reason, but goodness Arthur, you have a history of it!"

Arthur winced, as he listened to Gwen continue.

"I've never suspected you of anything, but all of a sudden, I'm this naïve whore, someone who's too dumb to see when someone is trying to take advantage of her?"

Arthur sighed. "I didn't mean it like that."

Gwen looked at the ground for a moment. "It's like you have no faith in me." Gwen looked at Arthur, who had his arms crossed over his chest, and she bit down on the inside of her mouth to try and stop the tears which were welling up from spilling over. Her trembling fingers found the necklace Arthur had given her, the cool silver a striking contrast to her hot fingers. "I guess I will close the door on my way out."

"Wait, Gwen, wait!" Arthur ran around his bed, reaching out to close the door she had just closed.

"I've said everything that I needed to, and I've heard more than enough from you. So I think it's best I leave."

Arthur ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't mean everything that I said. I am being a little irrational, I know that you'd never betray me. It's just—I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with him, knowing how much he loved you."

"He doesn't anymore, I swear. I don't either. And you're not some rebound. You just have to trust me, trust that I only want you."

Arthur reached for her hand, afraid that she'd try and flee if he didn't do something. "I guess I understand why you were afraid to tell me, who knows how I would've reacted then. I guess I didn't give you the best impression when I lost my head over that letter in the laundry room."

Gwen looked down at Arthur's hand. "I promise not to keep anymore secrets," Gwen whispered, smoothing his bangs over his forehead.

"And I promise to stop being so paranoid." Arthur looked down at Gwen's lips with a smile. "I'd kiss you right now, but…" Arthur thought about how he had been smoking not too long ago.

"No, I want you to," Gwen said shyly, as she felt Arthur wrap his arms around her securely.

He tilted his heading, waiting to add just one more thing. "Let Lorenzo know that if he lays a single finger on you, I'll rip his entire hand off."

Gwen giggled at the statement, bringing Arthur's head down until his lips finally melted with hers.

Title Inspired by: "Have Faith in Me" by A Day to Remember