Thank you, Udumuhv and BiShiE-HuNtEr2804, for the reviews! And thanks to WatchThisShit for the Fav.
I know The Phantom of the Opera was originally published in French, but let's make-believe that it's English translation was released by 1927. What's a phan-girl to do...?
Sorry about the time leap down there. I suppose this Ed/Cora scene could have been apart of the last chapter. It kinda makes this one a filler, but... Oh well. I'll get the next chapter all spiffy in a hurry since that is shorter. Enjoy.
-Scarlet
Chapter 23: The Confession and the Conviction
December 24th 1927, 11:24pm
Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, Washington
I sipped my dark tea and flipped the sixty-fourth page of C. S. Lewis' The Magician's Nephew. The fire grumbled from the heath, having been lit for hours. I was propped up by several blankets, resting long ways on the living room sofa. The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful; I couldn't even tell there was a vampire sitting on the floor beside me, reading as well.
It hadn't been until much later that evening that Edward returned from his "hunt." Jasper had long bid me goodnight, after he'd declared that the smell of my seeping tea leaves was "beyond tolerance."
For safety, I'd kept the day's events carefully from my thoughts. I was unsure if Edward would approve, and what he would say if he found out. It wasn't as though I couldn't make decisions on my own... but I'd come to value Edward's opinion. He would misconstrue and misunderstand... he didn't see Jasper in the right –
"Will you please move on?"
I startled a bit, since he hadn't spoken in so many hours. I looked down at him, and he gazed up curiously. "I beg your pardon?"
His brow furrowed as though the problem was obvious. "You've read that same sentence seven times now. 'But though the Queen spoke so calmly, her movement were as quick as thought.'"
I looked back to the page of my book, seeing words instead of greyish blocks. "Oh... of course." I tried to focus on reading, as well as keeping my thoughts neutral. The feat proved challenging.
"Cornelia?" I unwillingly dragged my eyes to his face. "What's wrong?"
I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Edward, I –" Don't want to tell you.
"Don't want to tell me what?" He was concerned now.
"Um... nothing," I backpedaled. "Nothing at all." About Jasper.
"What about Jasper?"
I growled softly, and let my head fall into my lap in a very unladylike manner. "I don't want to tell you about it," I mumbled. And, of course, pictures of latter activities filled my mind.
"Ah," he said after a moment. Though I couldn't see his reaction, I heard him face away. "Merry Christmas. I'd forgotten about the holiday as well."
I glanced up to find him reading once again. I watched his bright scarlet gaze travel in rapid lines across each page, which he turned approximately every twenty seconds. From the context, I recognized the novel as The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. I'd yet to read the book.
"You should – it's very good." His tone was smug.
I scoffed, and turned back to my own book. Can't you stop listening for just a moment?
"No."
*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
I took a deep breath of morning air as I stepped outside. I didn't bother closing the cabin door behind myself as the weather was so mild. Taking a long look at the blue sky, I descended the porch steps and began walking into the trees.
"Wonderful day, isn't it?" Edward commented, appearing from nowhere to walk by me.
I glanced at him minutely. "Quite. Springtime is coming quickly... I may have to begin a garden soon."
"A garden in mid-February? That seems unlikely to keep..."
"You'd be surprised what my green thumb can do... I once grew potatoes in late November." I smiled proudly, and he chuckled.
We strolled along for no reason whatsoever, simply enjoying the day. The past weeks had elapsed without a care. I'd read all the books in the cabin, and even taken up quilting and embroidery. The place held a particular peace for me; a vacation from the helter-skelter of my life. My time had passed pleasantly, and I looked forward to each day.
I looked up at Edward's profile, and his red eyes darted to my face. "Have you seen Jasper lately?" I asked him.
"Not since last month...," he trailed off, glancing away. "Why do you ask?"
Must you ask why I ask? I smiled quizzically.
"No," he sighed. "I'll find out eventually."
I laughed, and the sound reverberated through the open space between the pines. "You're not wrong, Edward. However, I shall attempt to thwart you," I bantered, smiling.
He hummed complacently. "It is useless, you will –" he stopped suddenly, and his steps fell behind.
I paused and turned back, curious. "What is it, Edward?"
"Where have you been all this time?" he murmured, half to himself, gazing to the south.
Seconds later, a familiar scent reached me. I felt myself smile. He's back.
"Well, well... how funny finding you two here." I turned toward the voice, and I felt a knot in my stomach when I saw him leaning against a tree, arms crossed, smirk in place. "Is it common for the likes of you to be wandering the forest?"
Edward glanced at me; the look was cautious. What's Jasper thinking? "Hello, Jasper," I greeted brightly. "What brings you here?"
When he moved closer, a spot of sunshine danced off his bare forearm. I noticed that he'd secured some clean clothes, which made me wonder where he acquired them. "Just making sure Edward didn't eat you while I was gone, Cora." His voice was only half-joking.
I felt Edward sulking beside me, but I laughed nonetheless. "Everything's fine. Where have you been?"
He shrugged, and watched Edward with dancing eyes. "Here and there... Nowhere as exciting as this," he said with false earnestness, motioning around.
I glanced between the two; Edward's face was stoic as he glared through Jasper's friendly demeanor. Becoming nervous, I stepped forward to break the connection. They both looked at me when I spoke, "Not this again... please."
They hadn't been the best of chums over the time of our company. Edward tolerated Jasper's free spirit for a reason beyond me, but I had a theory why Jasper put up with Edward's indifference. I'd sensed it before - he was more interested in me than he should have been. So, I'd been puzzled when he suddenly disappeared those weeks ago.
"Cora, may I speak with you?" Jasper asked through his teeth. I could tell he was trying to hide something from Edward.
And Edward was desperately searching for it. "He means 'alone', Cornelia," Edward said harshly, in response to my suddenly confused thoughts.
I was hesitant, unwilling to choose a side. "Er... yes." I ignored Edward's fervent gaze and turned to Jasper. "Shall we?" I motioned to the northeast.
"Thank you." Jasper nodded amiably to Edward, but the pleasantry was not returned.
We walked until I knew Edward couldn't hear or "hear" us. Jasper's steps were urgent, yet patient at the same time. I felt the strange mix of his eagerness and hesitation. My head nearly spun with it. "What's the matter, Jasper?" I asked impatiently. His jitters had rubbed off on me.
He stopped walking, and turned to me fully, mouth open to speak. However, no sound came out. As waited for him to collect his words, I noticed something that I shouldn't have overlooked before. "Jasper!" I smiled hugely, feeling my own burst of satisfaction. "Your eyes! They're lovely."
His mouth clamped shut, and his jaw set. He held up a scolding finger. "This is only temporary -" he began.
"Thank goodness you finally came to your senses!" I exclaimed, taking his raised hand in both of mine and squeezing it tight. "Don't you feel marvelous?"
His honeydew eyes rested on my hands, clasped over his. They raised to my own when he spoke, "Yes, Cora... I suppose I do."
"How long ago did you stop? It must have been weeks - there isn't a trace of red in your eyes." I watched his forbearing features, and wished I could see his thoughts.
"No long ago," he said quickly, obviously disliking the topic. "But this isn't what I wanted to talk to you about." His eyes were pleading.
My brow furrowed, and I dropped my hands to my sides. "All right... what is it?"
He wet his lips, a very human habit. "I... haven't been completely honest with you, and... I'd like to make that right."
For a slight moment, I was reminded of churchgoers confessing to a priest. His face was so filled with guilt and penitence that I imagined a terrible sin. He's never been this way before. "You may tell me anything you wish, Jasper." I nodded encouragingly.
"Well... it's like this." A new emotion dominated his expression, and he gently rested his hand on my shoulders. I relaxed under his touch, feeling the full effect of his power. "I would like to get to know you better." His words were rushed, but his tone was sincere.
I was perplexed at first, but then the subtle meaning slowly seeped in. He wanted a closer relationship with me. To what end, I could not know. I smiled in understanding. "I'd like that as well, Jasper. Of course."
We laughed at the situation, and I felt a sublime giddiness fill me when I looked into his golden eyes. I had been years since I'd seen the hue... other than in my own mind. It suited him, I decided, with his blond hair and striking features. We talked about springtime and gardens as he escorted me home.
I knew I'd rub off on him... just like he affects me. I blushed at my own thoughts, and thanked my lucky stars that Edward was far away.
Finally... Jasper had been convicted.
I didn't get my review quota for the dedication, so I've decided to start handing out these cookies. (::) So, review... It has chocolate chips!
Thanks for reading. Next time: "Stolen Kiss." (Uh-oh!)
-Scarlet