Hi all! I'm back with a somewhat exciting chapter that is rather long but rather fun so yeah! Since this is a long chapter I'm going to keep this writing part short…ish! So for those of you who celebrated it I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July, and I hope you all are having a great summer!
Okay ill stop now haha!
Please read and review! Thank!(:
Chapter 25:
The few days leading up to Christmas Eve flew by in a whirl wind of touch and go flurries and frantic gift searching. May spent most of her time resting and making sure she was back in full health, but when she would eventually become excruciatingly jaded from staring at her bedroom walls or reading any and practically every book she owned, which wasn't many, she decided to leave the confines of her dorm and venture the streets of Paris. Peering into every window that lined the bustling sidewalks and illuminated the faces of Parisian strangers, May was in search of the perfect gift to purchase for Jack as a Christmas present. She didn't know what to get him and was racked with worry as the holiday drew closer and closer.
As a chilled wind ripped through the air and bustled the thick navy blue fabric of May's cloak, she wanted nothing more than to find a nice store to warm her frigid bones in; happening upon a small book shop with a roaring fire place inside, May decided to search for Jack's perfect gift within. The warm building was full of an endless amount of books, there had to be something within the store for Jack. Wandering to a book shelf close to the grand fire place May set to work searching through the mass variety of novels.
Out of the many books she looked through May hardly knew any of them, there were so many she had never heard of before which made here search even tougher. She knew that Jack loved to read and knew that a book would be a valuable gift for him but her search was not proving to be as easy as she guessed it would be.
Peering up and down the large book shelf before her, an image of Erik's lair jolted through her mind. She recalled all of the different languages upon the many pages of novels she had removed from his shelves. A light blush painted May's cheeks as she remembered the way Erik translated every word she pointed out to him.
She thought about him for a moment. 'Will he be all alone for the holiday?' she thought to herself. A pang of sorrow coursed through her as she imagined Erik all alone on Christmas just sitting at the organ, while she was out with Jack. Saddened by the thought May reached up to grab another book to get her mind off of him. 'He wouldn't want to have me around, he's angry with me.' She thought again.
Peering at the novel in her hands, May gasped as she read the title. Romeo and Juliet; she smiled as she glanced over the play. It was her favorite story and she recalled how her and Jack discussed it the first time she was ever at his flat.
Flipping through the pages, May paused as she remembered a conversation she held with Erik about the play…
It was a few days after May had finally woken up from her incessant slumber. Wrapped in the warmth of the many blankets upon the bed, May laid on her side watching Erik as he read. She studied the way his golden eyes flew across the pages at a lightning speed, and how his breathing seemed to slow to a very calming pace; his usual proper posture was slumped and his right leg was rested upon the knee of his left. She was enjoying the gentle sound of the parchment as he would turn a page ever so slowly as if savoring what he had last read.
"It is not polite to stare Miss. Daily." Erik spoke without lifting his gaze from his novel. His voice was dark yet taunting.
Without taking any inclination towards his remark, May continued to watch him as she spoke in a contented way. "What are you reading?" she questioned innocently.
"Nothing to your concern." Erik responded quickly, again without removing his eyes.
Defeated May sat up upon the bed, the many blankets now sliding to her lap as she crisscrossed her legs beneath their covering. She let a moment pass by between them before speaking again. "Have you ever read Romeo and Juliet?" she asked.
Finally giving the girl his attention, Erik slowly shut his book and sat up glancing at her with a slightly amused, slightly agitated gaze. "No I do not believe I have." He paused. "Have you?" his question was innocent yet he wanted to know the actual answer.
"Of course I have, it is my favorite." She replied happily.
"Really and why is that?" he pushed as she sat forward bringing his elbows to his knees.
"Well it is a beautiful story; star crossed lovers destined for each other's love. It's beautiful." She gawked.
"You have obviously taken no consideration to the violence within the story as well."
"So you have read it!" May exclaimed with excitement.
Standing with a grin Erik took a stride to the bed and sat before May. "Like I said I have not read it."
"But then how do you know about the violence?" she cut in.
"You did not let me finish." he scolded playfully. "I have not read the play, but I do indeed know the story line."
"But Erik you are missing out on all of the good parts." May cried
"Like what?"
"Like the true romance of when Romeo and Juliet first meet at the masquerade or the balcony scene where they profess their love for each other. It is all so romantic!" she explained.
"You do realize that romance is not the only topic of the play?" Erik countered, ready for their usual argument over a pointless topic.
"Yes I do realize that but, why I love it so much is because they were destined to be together. Think of it, one day you just happen upon the person you know you will spend the rest of your life with, imagine the true destiny behind it."
Erik enjoyed listening to May's fairytale gaping, but couldn't help but think about what she was saying. He thought about Christine and how much he truly loved her, in his mind he knew that she was the one he was destined to be with, he knew that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with but as he thought about her his mind kept returning to May and what she spoke.
Avoiding his ridiculous thoughts Erik decided to fool with her. "You are quite the hopeless Romantic May." He teased.
"I am not!" She spat back. "I just simply believe in destiny."
"Whatever you say." Erik sighed as he returned to his chair, once again opening his book.
Rolling to her side again May gazed at him as he wound his way back into his story. "Erik?" she questioned softly.
"Maygen?" he mocked with a light grin.
"Can you read to me?"
He had never heard a more beautifully innocent question in his life. Staring up at the girl he pondered the answer in his mind. Glancing at the small clock upon the bedside table he saw that it was surprisingly extremely late at night. She needed to get her rest; he knew that but gazing into her acquitted blue green orbs it was so hard to deny her a story.
"May, I would love to but," he paused taking in a deep breath. "This is not necessarily a book to be read a loud and I fear that it is far too late at night to keep you up. You need your rest; we cannot have you ill like this forever."
With a heavy hearted sigh May met Erik's glance. "I guess you are right." She replied somberly.
"Maybe I will read to you tomorrow." He suggested.
"Alright," May breathed as she enwrapped herself in the warmth of her blankets. A moment of silence passed between them. "Erik?" May questioned into the air.
"Yes child."
"Goodnight."
Erik smiled warmly as he watched the young ballerina shut her heavy eyes and let the comfort of slumber take her. "Goodnight May." He bid gently.
A simple blush crept across May's pale cheeks as she recalled the memory. As she flipped through the final pages of the play an idea sparked in her mind.
After a long search May finally decided on Jack's gift. She left the book store that evening with two books and one play. Happy with her decision, May slowly made her way back to the opera dormitories; taking as much time as she could to return, she swerved her way through the mazed streets and took a somber stroll through a nearby park way, taking in the glow of the moon, and gazing aimlessly at the stars that speckled the dark December sky.
The rest of her evening was spent wrapping her treasures and retiring to an early slumber. She awoke the next morning earlier than usual; it was finally Christmas Eve! Jumping out of bed May ran to her vanity and sat down staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was tangled and messy from sleep, and although she felt awake her eyes still drooped daring to return back to their slumber.
She took her time that morning taking a long warm bath, choosing the perfect dress to wear, and as her hungry stomach began to rumble she found her way down to the dormitories tiny kitchen to find something to eat.
As May began her saunter back to her room, her mind aimlessly focused on Erik; although he was underground and she was above, she felt so close to him, and felt the unnerving need to seek him out. 'Would he be angry with me?' she thought. 'Should I be angry with him?' She pondered her questions for a moment as she unconsciously veered towards the entrance threw the catacombs that lead to his lair.
Even though she was the slightest bit angry with him for acting so abruptly, she still wanted to see him. May wanted nothing more than to just sit and listen to him play the piano or just talk with him about anything and everything she could think of. As she came to the hidden entrance she froze in her spot.
Listening closely she heard something. Leaning against the door May listened closer. She could swear she was able to hear a soft melody being played. It amazed her to hear because his lair seemed so far away and to far underground for noise to ever be heard. Listening for a while she knew he was playing and she knew he was there. 'Should I go to him?' she thought. 'No I can't, he is angry with me, and I couldn't bear to see him that way.'
With a low sigh and a heavy heart May pulled away from the hidden door and slowly began away. Her mind was stuck on Erik and Erik only as she solemnly walked; she believed that nothing would be able to pull her out of her mind, until she heard a noise. It was an odd noise to hear, especially since May and Erik were the only two presumed to be at the Opera House. The sound of soft yet quick footsteps was heard coming quickly from the adjacent hallway beside her. 'That couldn't be Erik, I just heard him playing.' She supposed inwardly. 'But the opera ghost does work in mysterious ways.'
Letting her curious mind guide her May quickly turned the corner and gave a frightened yelp as she nearly collided with the person causing the sound. It was a man, an older man who was just as frightened to see another person as she was. Gathering her thoughts and a few deep breathes May peered up to see who she had just confronted. He was a bigger man with white silky hair and matching white facial hair, he was dressed impeccably wearing a dark coat and in hand held a dark top hot. May knew exactly who he was.
"Monsieur Firmin!" she gasped with relief. May was rather happy to see the older of the two managers of the Opera. "I am terribly sorry I frightened you." She giggled.
Glancing up at the young girl Monsieur Firmin gave a gentle smile. "Oh, that is quite alright Mademoiselle..," he trailed off forgetting her name.
"Daily," May chimed in with a grin.
"Daily," he repeated as he glanced at her. "That's right, Maygen Daily the youngest ballerina in the corps!" he replied mater-of-factly.
"That is correct Monsieur." She answered with a nod.
May watched as the older man glanced at her rather perplexed for a moment. "If you do not mind me asking Mademoiselle; why are you here? Do you not know what day it is child?" he stated with a warm smirk.
May had never had the opportunity to talk to either of the new managers since they began and so she was rather pleased to discover how kind and friendly Monsieur Firmin was. "Why it is Christmas Eve sir," she stated with a chuckle. "And, well I reside in the dormitories here."
"In the dormitories?" the older man questioned with a furrowed brow.
"Yes sir."
"Don't you have a home to return to?" he questioned gently.
May hesitated for a moment. "No sir." She stated blankly
"What about a family?" he gently inquired again.
"No sir." She stammered as she repeated her response once more.
"Miss. Daily, you are all alone?" his voice was soft and sincere.
"I have been for the past 8 years I have lived here." May watched as Firmin's expression changed. "Oh but please do not pity me, I am able to survive, I have for quite some time now."
"Oh I do not doubt that, but you are so young my dear." He replied.
"I will be 16 shortly that is not too young." She stated happily attempting to change the somber mood.
Firmin gave her a light smile. "My heart goes out to you Miss. Daily. I myself have a daughter a few years older than you. I simply cannot imagine her being on her own." May was not sure how to respond so she simply nodded her consent. Monsieur Firmin briefly glanced down at his wrist watch. "I fear the hour is getting late and my wife will be rather angry with me if I do not return home soon." He joked. May laughed lightheartedly. "Would you like to walk with me Mademoiselle Daily?" He questioned generously.
May gave him a warm smile. "I would love to." They began to walk slowly, weaving their way through the endless amounts of hallways the opera house held.
"So tell me Miss. Daily, do you have any exciting plans this Christmas." Firmin questioned as they walked.
"Actually I do." The older man turned his attention to her. "I am meeting with my…" She trailed off pondering over what to label Jack. Suitor, Courter? "My close friend," she decided on. "Actually you might know him; he frequents the Opera house often."
"Oh really, and what is his name?" he questioned.
"Jack Oliver."
Monsieur Firmin pondered the name for a moment. "Yes, I do believe I have met him; he is a very nice boy."
"He is." May replied with a blush. "So how about you, do you have any Christmas plans?" She questioned innocently.
"I do indeed. My family will be gathering at my house for a lovely evening." he answered happily.
"That is wonderful!" as they slowed their pace they finally reached the back exit of the opera house.
Turning to the young girl before him, Monsieur Firmin spoke in a kind soft tone. "Well it seems our journey has come to an end."
"That it has." May replied with a giggle.
He paused for a moment, putting his top hat on. "I hope you have a wonderful holiday Miss. Daily."
"You as well sir." As Monsieur Firmin turned to exit the building he stopped for a moment looking back to May.
"Mademoiselle Daily, being here alone, don't you fear the opera ghost." He questioned with a slight tinge of fright.
"The Opera Ghost," May countered. "Why no sir," she knew once again she had to make something up to save Erik's identity. "He has not bothered me at all since I have come here." She hesitated a moment. "I guess I just simply do not believe in him."
Firmin replied with a low "hmm," ever since he had arrived at the opera house he had heard constant gossip and rumors about the Opera Ghost but he had never met a single person who did not believe in the tale. Ignoring his question he gave a final goodbye. "Well, Merry Christmas Mademoiselle." He bid with a nod.
"Merry Christmas Monsieur Firmin." She replied with a gentle curtsey. Within a few moments he was out of sight. Giving a sigh May quickly turned from the door and ran back to her dorm. She prayed that Erik hadn't heard what she said about him. She knew of course that the Opera Ghost was real but truthfully she didn't believe in it; she believed in Erik not the titled name he made for himself. She hoped that if he had truly heard what she said, he would think no farther into it than just being a little white lie to protect his identity.
Spending the rest of the day getting ready May anxiously waited for the right hour to finally venture to Jack's flat. After an unnecessary amount of time was spent over picking the perfect dress, she finally decided on a lovely dark purple long sleeved gown that was cut rather low and exposed all of her womanly curves, and had the smallest bundling of bustle that trailed down the back. Her hair was pulled back in a messy low bun with stray curls escaping here and there to frame her face. With her cloak pulled tight around her and her satchel holding Jack's present inside strapped around her shoulder, she pushed through the lobby doors of the Opera House and began down the large marble steps towards the streets of Paris.
As she strode off of the final marble step a frightened yelp escaped May as she was suddenly lifted from behind by strong hands. The person pursuing her laughed gaily and May instantly knew exactly who it was.
As her feet touched the ground she shouted with glee. "Jack!"
Jack Oliver stared down at the beautiful young lady he courted. With all the intentions to playfully frighten May he devised the plan to hide beside the steps of the Opera and wait for her unaware approach. Happy with his devious joke he gave a handsome smile. "Hello my darling, Merry Christmas." He beamed.
"Merry Christmas Jack." She paused for a moment eyeing him up skeptically. "What are you doing here; I thought I was to meet you at your flat." She tried to sound bitter as if showing her discontent but couldn't help but giggle.
"You were, but there has been a change of plans." Jack replied. Before May could inquire further, he lifted a finger to silence her. "I have decided that since I am one of the world's worst cook, we will be dinning out this evening." May glanced at him quizzically as he spoke in such a suave manor. "I have booked us a reservation at a lovely restaurant a few blocks away"
"Oh Jack," May tried to counter but he would not take it.
"Now I will not take any questions, arguments, or persuasions against this evenings plans Mademoiselle. It is Christmas, a time for celebration and merriment so come," grabbing Mays hand he quickly spun her around watching in delight how gracefully she turned and how beautifully her cloak twisted around her. "Let us go and celebrate!" he exclaimed dramatically.
May could not help but laugh at Jack's utter foolishness; she adored how he was such a gentleman yet such a character at the same time. Weaving her arm threw his they began on their way down the street meandering through the snow covered pavement, passing cheerful people on their way to rejoice in the holiday season.
After a short walk and brief conversation they made it to the restaurant. From the outside it looked fairly plane and tiny but as they entered May gasped as she took in how eloquent and beautiful it was. The walls were made of brick and held beautiful pieces of scattered artwork; the entire restaurant was lit by dozens of candles giving it a warm comforting glow and each table was decorated with a beautiful rose in the center giving a romantic air.
May had hardly realized she was walking until she stopped before their table. Rushing to her side Jack swiftly removed May's cloak for her and draped it over the back of her chair then pulled it back for her and with a handsome charm he smoothly bid, "Your seat Mademoiselle Daily."
Sitting as Jack pushed her chair in May replied with a grin. "Why thank you Monsieur Oliver."
Jack grinned brightly in response then crossed to the opposite side of the table. Removing his heavy coat and draping it over his chair before sitting May was not surprised to see that he was dressed impeccably. After looking around for a moment May met Jack's curious gaze and smiled happily. "This place is beautiful, Jack!" she exclaimed happily.
"Not as beautiful as you, my dear." He sighed staring at her intently. He felt utterly ridiculous for making such an impertinent comment such as that but he couldn't help himself; his eyes were glued to May and how lovely she looked in the flickering candle light.
"T-thank you." May replied with an innocent blush. Jack always seemed to know how to flatter her. Avoiding the awkward silence that swept between the two of them May decided to talk. "So, um, how is your family doing?" she questioned.
"My family, oh they are all doing very well, yes." Jack replied quickly.
"And how is Maggie doing." May recalled Jack's adorable niece and how sweet she was on thanksgiving.
"Oh she is great; I swear she's getting taller and taller every time I see her. Before we know it she will be all grown up and independent." He joked.
"Don't fret about that she's only little." May giggled.
"Yes I guess you are right." Jack sighed admiring May's childish laugh. Suddenly a tall waiter appeared with their menus and their night seemed to finally start.
Their time at the restaurant was spent enjoying each other's company, holding random conversations, joking about and indulging in delicious meals. They spent no longer than they had to at the restaurant and eventually went on their way venturing to Jack's flat hoping to spend some more time with one another before the night was over.
The winter weather outside was bitter and frigid throwing stray flurries through unexpected gusts of wind. Sitting on the floor staring into a roaring fire dancing in the hearth within Jack's flat, May was thankful to finally be able to warm her freezing bones. Disappearing into the kitchen for a short moment Jack finally returned with two steaming tea cups in hand as he sat by the fire a few inches form May.
"Your tea Mademoiselle." He declared passing one cup to her keeping his hand in place as May's accidentally skimmed his. He loved to feel the delicate sensation of her warm skin, and reveled in its touch.
"Thank you." She responded quietly as she noted Jack's held movement. May watched him for a moment staring into his big blue eyes with trepidation; his gaze was fixed to her with a dreamy like daze, he seemed almost lost in her in a way he had never been before. Confused by his look she quickly returned her attention back to the roaring fire.
Jack could sense May's sudden unease and fixed his eyes on the fire as well. "So, I uh I hope you enjoyed your dinner tonight." He stated awkwardly.
"Oh, yes I did, but I am sure you could have done better." May teased with a warm blush.
"I highly doubt that," he laughed. "I would have most likely burnt this entire place down by now." Taking a quick sip of his tea, Jack peered at May raising a brow cynically.
Laughing contently at his joke May turned to face him. "Oh Jack don't say that." She giggled.
Turning to face her as well Jack gave a pathetic shrug of his shoulders chuckling with her. "Oh but it's true." He concluded as he fixed his heavy gaze back on May. As he watched her sip her tea he couldn't help but let his eyes graze over her; her skirts were spread out around her elegantly, and she sat tall showing off her lady like ways. Her skin glowed from the amber burn of the fire illuminating her every feature and flaw.
A stray curl that was tucked behind May's ear fell loose and skimmed her cheek; setting down her tea cup, May lifted a hand to brush her vagrant tress back but before she could precede Jack caught her arm in a gentle grasp and slowly pulled it down to her lap as they locked their eyes.
Reaching back up, Jack took his time to slowly brush her curl away reveling in the softness of May's cheek and adoring how his simple touch caused the most innocent of a blush. Not yet satisfied by his sudden need to feel, he skimmed his fingers back over the curve of her cheek and down her jaw line. Lifting her chin just the slightest Jack fixed his heavy gaze upon her soft pink lips.
May watched him intently; her skin burned from his touch and a shiver went up her spine as she watched him lock his gaze upon her lips. She knew he was going to kiss her. The last time they had actually kissed was on Thanksgiving, since then she had only been granted with sweet kisses to the forehead or cheek, nothing more than a simple graze. A tinge of fear suddenly ran through May as Jack fixed his heavy blue eyes with hers and began moving closer and closer with only one intention. She had never feared a kiss from him before but now she was nervous. She hadn't felt this way when Erik was about to kiss her; she felt excited and ambitious all at the same time. She remembered how warm she felt as the anticipation grew and how intoxicated she would become by his handsomely musky scent. But suddenly as she saw the desire written in Jacks stare she felt nothing but pathetic fear.
Needing to escape her sudden anxiety May quickly grabbed his hand and brought it down, pulling away from him with an embarrassed sigh. Jack was thoroughly confused by May's sudden action and grasped her hand gently back. "Is everything alright May?" he asked worriedly.
May couldn't meet his eyes and simply stared at her tea cup upon the floor. "Y-yes everything is fine." A brief silence swept between the two of them as May scrambled to think of something to say. "I, uh, I have something for you." She stated nervously rising to her feet and racing to her satchel that hung upon the coat rack beside the front door along with her cloak.
"For me?" Jack questioned with a smile as he stood to watch her. She seemed to be nervous as she spoke quickly and shuffled around with her satchel. Her sudden change in behavior flustered him terribly.
"Yes, a present. A Christmas present." Digging in her bag May grabbed Jacks wrapped gift and raced back to meet him before the fire place where he stood. Holding out the rectangular object in her hands May pushed it forward and sighed. "Here."
Taking the present cautiously from May, Jack gave a confused "Thank you." And looked the object over turning it in his hands; the object was covered in grey newspaper but yet had a simple pale blue bow tied around it.
May noted his inspection and quickly commented. "I am sorry it is not wrapped properly but I have found that there is a lacking of wrapping paper at the Opera House, so I went with that." She stated with trepidation. Jack gave a handsome grin that made May's heart melt. "Open it!" she exclaimed.
"Alright," Jack replied with a chuckle. Tearing through the paper with slow fingers Jacks smile grew even wider as he uncovered two novels. Holding them out before him he read the titles out loud confidently. "War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, and The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas."
May could not tell if he truly liked his gift or not and began nervously babbling all of her apprehensive thoughts like a fool. "Do you like them? I mean you might have read them already but I thought since I know you like to read that I would get you these, but if you don't like them you don't have to read them I just thought that…"
She was abruptly cut off by the sudden sensation of Jack's soft lips against hers. Her eyes were wide with surprise and dazed shock but as she suddenly began to relax she let her heavy orbs drift close so that she could enjoy the unexpected feeling.
Wrapping an arm tightly around her waist Jack pulled May closer, loosing himself to the feel of her soft kind lips against his. For day's he had been waiting for the perfect moment to finally kiss her again, needing to ease her worry he knew that he could get away with it as she muttered.
All nervousness and fear slipped away as May laced her arms around Jack's neck allowing him to deepen their kiss. Her thoughts turned into a mess of colors and moods as she lost herself in it. The embrace felt magical and loving all at once and May had no intention to end it. But as fantasy returned to reality and Jack pulled away smiling brightly at the girl in his arms, May gave a quick gasp as she opened her eyes and met Jacks beaming gaze with the slightest of a pout.
Holding each other in a sudden silence, neither of them knew what to say; suddenly Jack let out a small laugh that caused May to join in. The two simply laughed for a moment not wanting to let go of each other and end the sweet adoration they felt.
With a slight giggle May decided to inquire innocently. "So do you like the books… truthfully?"
Leaning in again Jack placed another kiss to May's lips but only for a brief moment. "I love them May, thank you!" he replied with a happy grin that matched May's. They stayed like that for a short moment just smiling at each other like fools. Brushing a stray curl away again Jack spoke happily. "I have something for you as well," May looked at him quizzically. "Wait here." He ordered playfully. Setting the two books upon a side table beside the couch Jack quickly turned and disappeared down the hallway in the direction of his room.
Watching him leave May had barely anytime to think before he returned again with a lovely dark blue gift bag with white tissue paper cascading out the top in one hand while his other was hiding something behind his back. Before he could reach May, Jack stopped behind the sofa and spoke excitedly. "Okay now just take a seat right there." He said pointing to the sofa.
May did what he said then turned to look at him. He spoke again, "Oh but um, just don't look this way." He stated with a laugh. May was confused but did what he said and stared into the fire. Within seconds Jack was sat beside her on the couch turned to face her; May assumed that whatever was in his hands was discarded in the short time she watched the fire because his opposite hand was now free. Jack handed May the small gift back and gently stated, "Here."
Taking the bag form him May gave a smile before slowly removing the tissue paper and carefully taking out the object inside of the bag. It was a black jewelry box that was rather large. Glancing up at Jack he slowly bid. "Open it."
With nervous fingers May slowly opened the jewelry box taking time to guess what could be inside. Lifting the lid until its final creaking sound was made a loud gasp came from her lips as she stared, dazed at what she beheld; it was the sapphire necklace that she so adored from the shop adjacent to Jack's building. It was beautiful, bright diamonds encased beautiful shimmering sapphires all around; with the smallest touch of light the necklace shined beautifully standing out proudly.
"Jack," she gasped. "How did you…"
"So you like it?" he questioned with a sly raised eyebrow.
"Like it? Jack its gorgeous!" she gently pressed her fingers to the center sapphire and admired the smooth and cool texture it held. She had never witnessed any piece of jewelry so beautiful in her entire life.
"Good!" he stated confidently. He suddenly stood then and paced behind the sofa picking up what he had hid behind and walking back to May where he knelt before her with the object behind his back. "Now I was hoping you could wear it with this."
As May lifted her gaze she was struck confused by what Jack held out to her; it was a beautiful black mask woven with tints of silver and beaded in random spots with tiny silver jewels. It was shaped to cover the area around her eyes and just over the bridge of her nose, and was finished off with a beautiful black ribbon attacked to fasten it. "A mask?" she questioned perplexedly.
Jack peered at the object "Correct, now I realize it does not match the necklace perfectly but it comes very close and I know that it will look absolutely stunning on you." He held the mask out to May who took it cautiously.
Turning it over in her hands, she wasn't able to comprehend what he was talking about. "Jack it is beautiful but what is it…"
Jack chimed in with his handsomely suave tone before she could finish. "On New Year's Eve the opera house will be holding a ball. Not just any ball; a masquerade ball. The place will be filled with people in costumes, masks, and beautiful jewelry; it is going to be rather hard to pick certain people out in such a large crowd. But with you in this mask and donning your new necklace, all eyes will be on you." He paused. "The beautiful woman I would like to escort."
May froze; it was the first time someone had ever called her a woman. Erik always referred to her as just a young girl, and even a child and all of the people at the opera house knew her as a child as well; but to hear Jack call her a woman sent her heart souring and her confidence to rise.
"You are asking me to the ball?" May inquired sheepishly.
"Yes, May." Jack breathed. "Will you attend with me?" he questioned
"Absolutely!" May exclaimed in a sudden rush of excitement. Feeling overly happy and filled to the brim with delight she lunged forward with a happy squeal and wrapped her arms around Jack in a shared embrace.
Not expecting her sudden pursuing Jack caught her by the hips and fell back off of his knees into a sitting position as she embraced him. Laughing at her momentary childlike manor as she practically sat upon his lap, he listened to her exclaim her happiness over and over again.
"Oh Jack thank you so much, thank you so so much. I cannot begin to explain how excited I am, thank you Jack!" she cried fortunately.
"Anything for you my darling!" he exclaimed with a brimming smile.
May could not control her happiness and as she suddenly glanced up at Jack she couldn't resist her sudden urge to kiss him once more. Quickly leaning in she captured his lips and shut her eyes tight living in the wonderful warm sensation again.
Jack was shocked by May's sudden brazenness but did not mind her action one bit. He moved his lips fervently against hers deepening their kiss more than earlier and grasped her tighter to him. Reaching behind May with eager hands he held her head to his as their lips moved and tangled his fingers in the loose curls of her messy bun. He adored this girl with all of his heart and with her so close his adoration and passion for her seemed to grow stronger and stronger.
May suddenly felt Jack lay back upon the floor and was delighted to find that he brought her down with him. Laying over him now, May set her hands upon his chest; she adored how she could feel his rushing heartbeat. Suddenly to her surprise Jack parted her lips with his eager tongue and dared to taste her. May was surprised by his sudden action and responded with a small whimper.
Her whimper had Jack's head spinning with a sudden ecstasy that May was unaware of. His pulse was racing and his desire for her was growing. As her taste covered his mouth Jack had the sudden feeling to proclaim something; something he had been thinking of for a while now, just a simple three words. He needed to say it; he couldn't deny it any longer.
Keeping his forehead pressed against hers Jack slowed their kiss and breathed helpless words in between each. "May," he gasped. "I love you."
He went to kiss her again but before he could May pulled away abruptly and pushed herself up. 'Did he really just say that' she thought 'He loves me?' she couldn't understand what he had just said. Her nervousness from earlier suddenly came back in a rush of trembling. Moving off of Jack she sat on her knees beside him watching him with lost eyes as he sat up and met her bizarre gaze.
May never dreamed that one day she would hear a boy confide that he loved her; she wasn't sure what to feel or say or even do. "Y-you love me?" she stammered uneasily.
Jack glanced down at his hands nervously before meeting May's gaze again. "I- uh," he couldn't collect his thoughts properly. "Yes. I love you May."
Avoiding his gaze May turned her attention to her hands in her lap trying to cease their incessant shaking, but nothing was working her hands kept trembling even as Jack grasped them in his.
"Do you not feel the same?" he questioned nervously.
"Jack, I am 15 years old, I am not sure I know what love is." May suddenly blurted out as she unraveled the truth. She didn't know what love was. The only time she ever witnessed true love was between her mother and father; but now with them gone she had no clue what it truly meant to love somebody.
"Yes, and I am 19. I am quite positive I know what love is." Jack stated mater-of-factly.
"How?" May inquired. Her voice cracked under a wave of emotions; she wanted nothing more than to cry, but she wouldn't let herself.
"Because May," his voice was suddenly softer and extremely sincere. "When I look at you I swear my heart skips a beat. You are beautiful in every way, and I adore you for everything you are. I love every wave that is in your hair, every freckle upon your cheek, and every color in your eyes. When you smile you can light any room, you never fail to make me laugh, and you are the most kind and gentle person I have ever met. I honestly do not know what I would do without you in my life; you make everything better, and you always show the bright side to anything." He gently grabbed both of her hands and bent down to catch her gaze. "Maygen Daily, I am truly in love with you."
May was too overwhelmed with emotions; she couldn't comprehend anything that was happening. She knew she couldn't love him, not yet at least, but when she thought about him and the night she just shared she did feel special feelings for him. Not love though, even though she wasn't sure of what it was like to be in love, she knew she was not feeling it towards him.
"Jack I'm sorry but I just…" she trailed off pulling her hands away from his. "I just need some time to think."
"I understand my dear." He replied sympathetically.
"I am sorry." She sighed with a heavy heart.
Moving closer Jack pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Don't be May; I am the one who should be sorry." Before May could respond Jack wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close in a warm embrace that May simply could not deny.
That night when she returned back to the dark and dismal Opera House dormitories, May quickly ran to her room slammed the door shut and threw her satchel with a grunt in a means to get her pent up feelings out. She wasn't angry at Jack, she was angry at herself; she felt ridiculous for not answering him but yet she knew there was no way she could. She felt trapped in a world of her own thoughts and feelings and needed a way out.
Pacing over to her vanity she sat with a huff and laid her head down upon her folded arms. She sat for a moment pondering the evening, but then suddenly something caught her eye. A sealed piece of paper was set upon the vanity beside where she rested; the parchment was sealed shut with red wax.
Confused and slightly nervous May quickly reached for the letter and opened it nervously. As soon as she gazed at the hand writing she knew who it was from.
Maygen,
Meet me tomorrow at the back of the dormitories at 3:30 sharp.
It would be wise of you to dress warmly.
-Erik
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