Plagiarizers! Ye be warned! I check weekly to make sure that this story (which I have worked very hard on) has not been stolen, and put off as some one elses. I thought someone had plagiarized me, but it was a false alarm. But what I did find was some loyal readers promoting "MLMS" on other sites! Thank you so much! I appreciate all of my readers! (And please let me know ASAP if you see this anywhere besides FanFiction, or under a different username).
Okay, this chapter is more like a bridge to next week's chapter which I'm very excited for! Yet, for all of you out there who are frustrated with Merlin (I know you exist), maybe you'll give him a bit of break after this chapter…and maybe you'll be more frustrated with Gwen...tell me what you think. Actually, this chapter is more than a bridge, because some exciting stuff happens, so…it's a pretty cobblestone bridge over clear running water, how about that?
Alright people, if for some strange reason you're at CHAPTER 25 and I'm still not on your story alert/favorites stories…then there's something wrong. So go fix that, if it applies to you! Happy reading, let me know what you think in a comment if you're so moved.
P.S.: The reason that this chapter is coming out so fast is because: 1.) I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it 2.) It didn't take long to write 3.) I'm going to need extra time with 26, I can just see it now, so it buys me a couple of days, so I stay in line with my "post on Saturday" schedule for the week after.
Chapter 25: Stop Right There
"Gwen, would you do me a blessin', and pass me my hair brush? It's in front of the mirror!" Morgana chirped from her bathroom, turning on the tap to the sink to wash down the tooth paste she had just spat out. Gwen appeared with Morgana's favorite brush in hand just as Morgana was drying her hands, then her face. Hanging her towel back up when finished, Morgana looked over her shoulder to her forlorn maid. It had been like this for the past three day, and Arthur was no better of course. The two were so transparent, it was dreadful, and Morgana had to resist giving the two pointers each time she came into contact with them. At least they could try and look happy! "Did someone kill your puppy, or somethin' Gwen?" Morgana asked letting out a sigh, and picking up her brush.
The maid laughed uneasily, pushing some hair behind her ear. "No, no, I'm just tired."
Morgana resisted rolling her eyes; Gwen had to be the worst liar on the face of the earth. After all this time, Morgana had realized that whenever the maid was fibbing (always about Arthur), that she would laugh nervously, or push hair behind her ears. She was now doing both. "You've been tired for the last three days?" Morgana pressed.
Gwen looked down at her feet, clearing her throat. "Sorry if I've been a 'Debbie Downer' lately. I know I haven't been in the best of moods."
Morgana reached for her purple headband, putting it in her hair to push her dark locks back. "It's alright, we all go through rough patches. But just remember, if there's anything I can do to help then just let me know." Morgana watched Gwen's first genuine smile for three days as she invited the girl back to her room.
"You've got twenty more minutes until Mr. Uther leaves."
"I'll be through in a jiffy, I promise." Morgana assured Gwen as she walked to her wardrobe, taking out a crème blouse, turning to Gwen with a smile. "So…I bought a little goin' away present for Arthur. Do you wanna see it?"
Gwen cleared her throat delicately. "Of course."
"Okay: it's in the very bottom drawer of that tall dresser," Morgana said pointing behind her. "It should be under some papers, you'll see it."
Gwen merely nodded, walking past Morgana, and bending down to open the drawer. Her hands hadn't even touched the drawer before Morgana nearly screeched, startling Gwen.
"Wait!" Morgana threw her blouse on the bed, moving next to Gwen who shot up quickly in alarm.
"What is it?" Gwen asked, looking around the room.
Morgana took a deep breath, trying to appear normal as she tapped her forehead in feigned forgetfulness, releasing an uneasy laugh. "Silly me, I forgot that I moved it yesterday. It's in… the drawer to my desk."
"Okay…" Gwen drew out, giving Morgana a lingering stare before walking to the other side of the large room where Morgana's desk was.
As soon as the maid turned around, Morgana let out a quiet sigh of relief, squatting to the height of the open drawer, looking over her back, to make sure Gwen wasn't watching her; she was too busy rummaging through a drawer that was just filled with old papers.
"I don't see it," the Gwen said, obviously perplexed.
"Uhh, just keep lookin'!" Morgana said impatiently, picking up the beige paper at the top of the drawer which she which she immediately recognized. It was the letter from the Adamson School, which had informed Morgana that they would consider enrolling Gwen into their nursing program. Swiftly, Morgana moved the paper to the bottom of the drawer, uncovering the small velvet jewelry box which she knew was there all along. "Ah, sorry Gwen, I found it!" Morgana said turning around with a smile, closing the drawer with her foot with ease.
Gwen straightened, putting a hand on her hip, tilting her head. "What is it?"
Morgana walked towards Gwen, snapping the black box open, holding it out so Gwen could look. "Do you like them?"
"…Cuff links? Doesn't he have a lot of those already? I mean, they're lovely, don't get me wrong!" Gwen added quickly.
Morgana laughed at the maid's response, her finger grazing one of the silver cuff links which had Arthur's initials: ALP. "He does, but these have his initials engraved in them, see?" Morgana tilted the box slightly for better viewing, as Gwen craned her neck to do so. It was in the close proximity where Morgana noticed that Gwen's necklace was gone.
"They're quite pretty."
"Thanks. I know he's really nervous about the business trip, so I figured I'd buy him something nice to…boost his confidence some, help him blend in if he doesn't already." Morgana explained, setting the box on her dresser.
Gwen smiled broadly at Morgana's gesture. "That was a nice thing to do. I'm sure he'll love 'em."
Morgana looked at Gwen, nodding. "Well…thanks for waking me up. But I think I can do the rest on my own. I'll be down soon."
"Alright. I'll see you downstairs." Gwen turned, leaving Morgana's room, and walking into the empty hall way. Across the way, Arthur's door was closed, and he was probably on the other side doing some last minute packing—or worrying. She knew that ever since Arthur had learned of his privilege, he had been anxious about the trip. He wanted to gain the respect of his father's business partners, and he hoped to learn from the experience as well. He just didn't want to disappoint his father yet again, so Gwen was sure that at that very moment, Arthur was pacing his room, running his hands through his hair, grumbling to himself like he always did when he was nervous. She couldn't resist a small smile, as the image became animated into her mind. She always found him so to be extremely endearing when his nerves were frazzled.
Gwen was so lost in her thoughts, that she almost skipped the first step on the stairwell, nearly tumbling down the stair case. She regained her balance though, and took a deep breath meant for composure before walking down the remainder of the steps slowly. As soon as she entered the foyer, Clarence too walked in, tipping his hat to her, closing the front door.
"Good mornin' Gwen."
"Hi Clarence," Gwen said quietly, hoping she sounded at least a little happy to see him. But she knew her tone wasn't the least bit convincing when Clarence frowned, resting his hat under his arm.
"Is somethin' troubling you? You seem a lil' down."
She was tired of everyone saying/asking that. If they obviously knew the answer already, what was the point in asking? "Ah no, I'm just dandy. Just a little—"
"Clarence!" Came the boom voice of Arthur as he rushed down the steps, with a large duffle bag in each hand. "You're not gettin' paid to stand 'round and yap all day!" Arthur growled, reaching the ground level, and tossing the bags at Clarence's feet. Arthur began to count on his fingers, giving Clarence a good piece of his mind. "My bags aren't in the car, you still have to get my suits from upstairs, the limo isn't…" Arthur's voice slowly drifted off as he realized that he was standing next to Gwen, who was watching him with a look of trepidation.
Clarence fumbled putting his black cap back on, scrambling to pick up Arthur's two bags. "I'm mighty sorry sir, I shouldn't be idling. I'll go upstairs and get your suits right away sir."
Arthur had been looking at Gwen the entire time, and he continued to peer at her as he answered Clarence. "Go and shake a leg on it; we're leavin' in about fifteen minutes."
"Yes sir, sorry sir," Clarence apologized for the second time, quickly nodding in Gwen's direction, scurrying away in the next moment.
Arthur never looked away from Gwen, making her uneasy. He saw her right foot lift up slightly to walk away from Arthur and a potential argument, but he spoke quickly to dissuade her. "You've been avoiding me, and you've been doing a good job at it, too." Arthur stated matter-of-factly, his lack of emotion stark; as if he was reporting the weather, or talking about a run to the grocery store.
Gwen looked around uneasily, taking a step away from Arthur once she noted his nearness; she didn't want him to get any ideas. "I think it's best if I try to see as little of you as possible," Gwen whispered. "You're my boss now sir; you always were."
Arthur looked around the empty foyer, before taking Gwen by the arm, taking her aside, where they were out of ear shot.
"Stop calling me sir! Is that all I am to you, just your boss? Someone who means nothing?" Arthur hissed. There was an awkward silence for a while before Arthur regained eye contact with Gwen. "We were happy."
Gwen bit her bottom lip, resisting the urge to tap her foot. "Sometimes being happy just isn't enough. So just do us both a favor, and look at me the way you'd look at any other maid."
"You'll never be just another maid to me, Guinevere. Look, I've been doin' some serious thinking, 'bout everything you said—"
Gwen held up her hand, stopping Arthur in his tracks, slouching her shoulders in exasperation. "Arthur, there's nothing left to talk about. As much as it hurts, you and I can't be together, not now at least." Gwen paused, noting the sudden look of hope and joy on Arthur's face, erasing it quickly as she corrected herself. "And probably not ever."
Arthur's eyebrows came together. "I can't believe how easy this is for you! It's like you don't care at all!" Arthur exclaimed, becoming angrier at Gwen's relative calmness in the entire situation. Here he was, pouring his heart out to her for the second time, and she was so…cold. "But I still miss you Gwen, even if you don't care, I'll never stop thinking about you."
Gwen rubbed her cheek. "You have to. For both of us, you have to move on."
"Have you Guinevere? Have you moved on already?"
Gwen looked at Arthur sadly, feeling guilty that she was causing him so much pain. He wasn't willing to give her up so easily, and she wanted more than anything to jump into his arms and tell him just how much she did miss him, but she couldn't. Life came with necessary suffering, and being without Arthur seemed to be one of them. They were square pegs existing in a round world.
Gwen looked down at her hands, then up at Arthur's blue eyes, which watched her intently. "I should go Arthur." Gwen could only at Arthur's contorted features for another moment until she walked past him, moving as quickly as she could, for she knew she was liable to turn around and undo everything.
Arthur groaned, leafing through the hefty packet his father had given him. "Do I have to know all of these people? Some of these names are in different languages—what is this, Chinese or somethin'?" Arthur exclaimed, letting the packet fall to its cover page.
On the other side of the limousine, Uther looked up from a report which he was reading on his lap, to his frantic son. "Well, the most important people are at the top, and you should at least be familiar with the names, their position, and major contributions. This is the work that comes with running a large business," Uther said with a proud smile.
Arthur took several deep breaths, looking out the window at the rolling landscape of the low country, in an attempt to lower his intense anxiety. He was beginning to believe that he was grossly unprepared for the trip, and that maybe it would be best if he went with another year of experience under his belt.
Uther handed his nervous son an embroidered handkerchief from his pocket. "You're sweating like a sinner in church Arthur," Uther heartily chuckled, tossing the handkerchief to his son.
Arthur caught it, dabbing it to his forehead, glaring at his chuckling father. "This aint funny."
"Oh, but it is!" Uther watched his son continue to glare, which caused him to cease in his gleeful chuckles. "Listen," Uther leaned over to the limo's mini-bar, picking up a bottle bourbon, and two tumblers. "I was in the same position as you, many, many, many, years ago, and my papa gave me the talk I'm 'bout to give you. And I'm sure that one day, you'll give it to your son."
"Well get on with it then," Arthur said unimpressed; he wasn't in the mood for a bedtime story.
Uther took a bottle of young Kentucky bourbon which he kept in the car, untwisting the top as he began. "When it came time for me to meet all of the associates in Charleston, my heart was pounding like a jack hammer, all the way there. The only thing I could think of was all of the different ways I could embarrass myself or my father, and how inadequate I felt. I was sure that I was to make a grand mess of things."
Arthur looked at the glass tumbler which his father filled half way with the pungent amber liquid. "So…what happened? How'd you do."
Uther grinned widely. "I failed; utterly and completely."
Arthur frowned, throwing the handkerchief across the long car. "Well gee, thanks for that story, you really know how to give one hell of a pep talk!"
"Wait, wait, there's more, slow your roll. But first, try this, it'll calm your nerves some," Uther handed his son the glass, issuing him a warning as Arthur took it. "Go easy on it though; that's not the cheap stuff. Take it down at once, and it'll be coming right back up, and after a full glass you won't be able to make it out of the car."
Arthur nodded, taking a sip, twisting his head to the side momentarily as he took the first taste; he was more of a brandy type of man; it was sweet and did the job. Yet, after the quick burn passed, Arthur was able to appreciate why his father liked his Kentucky bourbon so much; the sweet and slightly smoky taste grew on him as he took another slightly larger sip.
"So, now it's time for the happy ending," Uther finally announced after savoring his own drink for a moment of bliss.
"I'm not sure I wanna hear it…" Arthur grumbled, taking another small sip.
Uther ignored the comment. "I was at a dinner party on the last night of the trip, everyone who was anyone was there: actors from the west, bankers from the east, big time ranchers from the Midwest, and old money folks from the good ol' South. You'd think that after a life time of attending such events, this one wouldn't be a problem, right? Wrong. I was awkward and awful, and I just couldn't keep a conversation to save my life."
"Were you worse than Merlin?"
"Oh, definitely; I was as tight as a rubber band that night, so I ventured outside for a breather. I can still remember, sitting on those cold stone steps to catch my breath when the most gorgeous woman I'd ever laid my eyes upon steps out, and rests her delicate hand on my shoulder. I'll tell ya son, I had to pick my jaw off of the ground the first time I saw your mother; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven, and that's the God honest truth."
"Mom? You met mom on the trip?" Arthur asked with a small smile, realizing that his father never mentioned how they met. He only talked about Igraine on the rarest of occasions. "Then what happened?"
"Well, I guess you know the ending of the story, seen as you're here and all…but I fell in love that night, Arthur. You're mother had the heart of a saint, and she came outside, 'cause she saw me rushing out, and she thought I was fixing to get sick. We were the last ones there that night, and she went home with my heart. After that, I never thought of another woman again." Uther sighed taking a sip of his drink, Arthur staring at him with a raised brow. "What?"
"I've never heard you sound so…sappy? Nah—romantic; that's the word."
"A woman will do that to you—the right one will at least."
Arthur opened his mouth to speak, before closing it again.
"What is it?"
"I had a question…but it's awkward. Never mind …"
Uther swallowed, shaking his head at his son. "Well, now you've got me intrigued, and I want to know. Just go on, and spit it out; it's just you and me in here."
Arthur took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. "I was wonderin'…what's it like to be in love. Like, when do you know it's the real deal and not somethin' like infatuation, or puppy dog love?"
Uther paused, blinking a couple of times. "What's love? Boy…you don't ask the easy questions, do you?"
Arthur took another drink, shifting in his seat to look out the window. "Just forget that I asked."
Uther downed the small amount which was left in his class, setting the empty tumbler in the bar, he too looking out the window, taking a deep breath. "If—when you're in love Arthur, there'll be no 'if, and or buts' about it. It may hit you hard and fast as a brick suddenly one day, or a slow process, where you really get to know the girl, and realize your feelings. But whichever way it happens, one thing is for sure: the girl will always be on your mind." Uther paused to gauge Arthur's reaction, only to find him peering out the window once more. "You'd be ready to do anything for this girl, if only it was to see her smile, and even that would light up your entire world. She'd be like your best friend, someone you could confide in and laugh with in the same breath. And you wouldn't want her to change a single thing, 'cause you think she's just perfect the way she is, and she'd feel all the same about you too. And…that's all I got, son."
There was a period of dense silence which stagnated in the car, signaling both men that the brief and rare heart to heart was finished.
"Dad," Arthur began suddenly, gaining Uther's attention immediately. "Have you ever loved someone, and they not love you back?"
"No son, I can't say that I have…have you?" Uther delivered his last two words with extreme caution, realizing that Arthur was opening up so much as it was.
"I'm not sure." Arthur tilted his head backward to finish his drink, placing the empty glass back in the bar, realizing a moment later that he would really welcome another one right about now, but he could already feel a buzz from just half a tumbler, and he figured that he shouldn't. Instead, his right hand drifted into his pocket, where the sapphire necklace rested at the bottom. He clutched onto it for the entire two hours until he and his father pulled up to their Charleston home.
Morgana lay on her back, her head against her fluffy pillow, and her eyes closed, yet she remained fully alert. A radio news broad cast was playing in the background, but she was hardly paying attention. Her hands rested on her stomach, atop of the letter she had received from the Adamson School of Nursing almost more than a month ago. She had been awaiting a call from their admissions director, and it wasn't until last week when she began to become seriously worried. Had they forgotten about her and Gwen? No…they couldn't have! Morgana's active mind drifted to the conversation she had with Vivian two days ago, the day after Arthur and Gwen's dramatic yet welcomed split.
"Vivian! Could you focus for a single minute?" Morgana growled, as she watched the ecstatic blonde basically dance around her room in a box step, her hands clasped together, and her lips curved upward into a satisfied smile.
"Ahh, Morgana, quit bein' such a wet blanket! You said it yourself, this is good news! The best news I've gotten in such a long time." Vivian's eyes twinkled, as she sighed softly in joy.
Morgana threw her hair off of her shoulders, regretting her decision to inform Vivian of Arthur and Gwen's break up before they actually took care of "real business". Now the lovesick girl would be prancing around the room for the next hour, gushing about how she knew everything would work out in the end, and Morgana would have to suffer through it.
"Tell me Morgana," Vivian began, turning to her friend, finally remaining still. "Was Arthur…troubled any?"
Morgana decided not to sugar coat the answer. "He was distraught. It was actually quite pitiful, the way he was nearly beggin' at some woman's feet."
Vivian frowned. "…What?"
"I mean, for a split moment, I actually felt a little guilty, maybe even sorry for him," Morgana continued truthfully. "He's just so confused, his mind and emotions have been so toyed with it's unbelievable."
"But it's like you've said a thousand times Morgana: Arthur and that maid are poison for each other. Nature ran its course like we knew it would, and Arthur's now a free man!" Vivian twirled around, seemingly forgetting that Morgana had just informed her that Arthur didn't want Gwen to leave him. In the end, that didn't matter to her too much; she was confident that he would forget about the maid as quickly as he had swept her up.
"Good, you're settled, now. We should really talk about the—"
"Golly, Morgana!" Vivian nearly squealed, interrupting the increasingly agitated brunette as she fluttered over to her wardrobe, throwing up the two doors. "If I'm gonna get my man back on this trip, I've gotta be absolutely irresistible!"
Morgana watched Vivian wide eyed, as the girl started picking dresses from the wardrobe, throwing them onto her bed, and nearly hitting Morgana. Vivian held up a cream pencil dress with a few scattered sequence throughout. "With this one, the neck line isn't whorin', but it aint somethin' that screams 'virgin!' either." Vivian moved a little to the side, obtaining a better view. "And it'd mold my figure just right—"
"What ever happened to 'leaving something to the imagination'?"
Vivian looked at Morgana, before throwing the dress to the ground. "You're right, the color is too pale, and it'll make me look sickly."
"Uhh, that's not what I meant."
"Oooh!" Vivan gasped, walking to her bed where she picked up a dark blue evening gown, whose hem reached the ground. "This one says 'elegant and classy', while still being sexy!"
"Enough!" Morgana finally snapped, over to Vivian, snatching the dress out of her hand and throwing it to the ground with the other. "Listen; you can gloat all night for all I care, and carry on choosing the dress which you want Arthur to tear off of you later—"
Vivian gasped, covering her mouth at Morgana's bluntness.
"The bragging and push up bras can wait for a minute! I want to talk about this damn school, you know—something which actually matters!"
Vivian's eyes narrowed, as she gave Morgana a brief onceover. "Sheesh, maybe you should get a man too."
Morgana was about to inform Vivian that she didn't have 'a man', but she had finally grasped the girl's attention, and she wasn't about to give it up now. "Our job isn't through yet."
"What do you mean? Arthur and the colored maid are done."
Morgana smacked her forehead, looking down at her feet as she shook her head. It was at moments like these where Morgana Pendragon wished that she was acting alone. She took a deep breath for patience. "One thing you oughta know 'bout Arthur by now is that he's no quitter. And if you knew Gwen any, you'd realize that she forgives people faster than a horse at the derby!"
Vivian frowned, well aware of where the conversation was going.
"So excuse me if I'm not totally satisfied, because I know that they'll end up together again, and then really screw things up! That's why we need to talk about this school. We gotta get Gwen outta here, away from Arthur, before she changes her mind and decided that 'she can't live without him'."
Vivian's upper lip curled upward at the comment.
"And the next thing you know, we'll be reading a note from Arthur saying that he and Gwen scooted up on North to get married or somethin'! Now is that what you want? Because right now, you're dresses and you're little games to get him back don't mean a thing!"
Vivian took a step away from the furious Morgana, rubbing her temples. "Okay, I'm listening."
"Good," Morgana said with another deep breath. She felt like she was sucking all of the oxygen out of the room. "The nursing school: it's been weeks since they called. They should've been in touch by now, I feel like something's wrong, Vivian."
"You're a worry wart; they're probably just busy."
"Trust me; they'll never be too busy for me. I'm Morgana Pendragon; they should be jumping to meet my every request; my family could be potential patrons. But they're not, and it's bothering me."
"Maybe they changed their minds? Maybe Gwen's actually not the braniac that you thought, and she's just no up to their standards." Vivian said after a moment of thought.
Even then, Morgana knew that Vivian's thesis was faulty; Gwen was a bright student, and the transcripts she had mailed to the school showed that without a shadow of a doubt. But here she was, waiting for some kind of response from the prestigious school, but she hadn't received word at all. She had told herself that if no call had come in by noon, then she was calling herself: it was now 1:30.
Finally tired of waiting, Morgana was cradling the receiver between her ear and neck within the minute, listening to a woman with a sweet Southern twang answer and deliver the standard greeting.
"This is the Adamson School for Coloreds, this is Tammy Miller speakin'. How may I direct your call?"
"Hi Mrs. Miller. This is Morgana Pendragon calling to speak with Ruth DeAngelis, the admissions director?"
"Oh Ms. Pendragon, how are you today?"
"Fine, fine." Morgana didn't bother to offer the same question out of courtesy; she was in no mood for idle chit chat, with someone she cared nothing about.
"That's just swell. Would you mind holdin' a minute ma'am?"
Yes, I mind very much. "No problem." Morgana strained to pick up any background noise, but heard none, so she assumed the secretary was talking with her superior. Morgana's assumption was proven correct when Mrs. DeAngelis answered after about a two minute hold.
"Hello? This is Ruth DeAngelis, admissions director."
Morgana put on her sweetest voice, resisting the urge to lash out at the woman. "Hi Mrs. DeAngelis, this is Morgana Pendragon, we spoke briefly on the phone a couple of times, and exchanged a letter or two."
"Of course, how could I forget you Miss Pendragon?"
I have a list, actually. Morgana opened her mouth to speak, before hearing the director had more to say.
"I trust that you had a fine time on your trip to—where was it? England?"
"My…trip to England?"
Ruth laughed, which only irritated Morgana even further. "Yes'm. I heard it's dreadfully cold 'round this time, is that true?"
"It's a waste land." Morgana said simply. She wasn't sure what Ruth was saying, and whether or not the woman was confusing her with another, but Morgana decided to play along any way. "Who told you about my trip, anyhow?"
"Why, your secretary phoned my office on your behalf, and I talked to him myself. He was such a darling, and I understand why you couldn't personally call, I'm sure you're a very busy woman."
"I know, I apologize. What did…my secretary say to you exactly?" Morgana asked, trying to make her voice as relaxed as possible. She wasn't sure if it was working.
"Oh, well he was very brief, but he just let us know that you had to withdraw your applicants application, because an unexpected illness in her family. I'm mightily sorry to see your applicant go—what was her name? It was somethin' rather strange and exotic."
"Guinevere Gibson."
"Yes! That's right! Well your assistant, he took care of everything for you, don't you fret."
Morgana's free hand balled into a fist, as she let the drabbling woman continue. So far, Morgana was able to gather that: she was in England for some unspecified time, some unspecified man had called about Gwen, causing her application to be withdrawn? Those were Ruth's exact words.
"What a bona fide shame; I was fixin' to mail out final papers, and arrange a tour of the campus for our Ms. Gibson."
Morgana's mouth opened, as she listened to the chatty and bubbly woman continue, her speech rapid, becoming slightly garbled. "Wait, wait, wait!" Morgana said a little too quickly and testily, causing Ruth to quiet. "You were gonna take her? You were gonna take Gwen as a student?"
"Why yes ma'am! It'd be a fool thing not to. I had the hunch that she'd fit in here just right. But once I got word from your darling assistant—"
"Sorry to cut you off Mrs. DeAngelis, but I actually have two assistants. Which one spoke to you?"
"Why, he only left a last name: Ellis?"
Morgana's teeth gritted together as her jaw clenched; she had never known anyone in her life with the first or last name Ellis. But she already knew that it wasn't some 'Ellis' calling on her behalf. "Oh yes, Ellis."
"I'm sad to say that we had to give the spot in the nursing program to someone else. Our waiting list is quite extensive, and we can't keep a seat warm for a girl who has to tend to a sick relative for an indefinite amount of time, do you understand?"
Morgana shook her head, taking deep and shallow breaths. "Oh, I'm sure."
"So, was this call just to tie up loose ends?"
Morgana's grip on the receiver had grown so tight; that she could tell her pale hand was turning red from the tension. She had to muster all of her self control as not to hurl the device across the room. "Yes ma'am, it was."
For a split moment, Morgana thought of telling Ruth the truth: she had given up Guinevere Gibson's spot in a prestigious nursing program because of some phony 'Ellis' character. Single handedly, this fool woman had ruined everything. All because she was too lazy to call Morgana herself! But then again, why would she? As far as she was aware, Morgana was across the Atlantic, taking a tour of England.
"Well, let Ms. Gibson know that I'm sad to see her go, and that I hope her family member gets better soon. Even though she wasn't able to come here in the end, I'm sure she's mighty thankful for all you tried to do for her. It's been a while since I've come across such a gentle and generous soul. Bless your heart, Ms. Pendragon."
Morgana finally let out a scream, as she smashed the receiver onto the cradle, ending the call abruptly. But she didn't care; the silly woman was now useless to her, and there was no reason to maintain politeness with the biggest moron Morgana Pendragon had ever the displeasure of contacting.
In the next instant, Morgana shot up to standing position, placing both of her hands at her hairline, as she resisted letting out another frustrated yell.
Gwen's spot had been given away! She had one foot through the door, and it was…poof; gone. All because of 'Ellis', or more appropriately 'Merlin'. Morgana knew the moment that Ruth had said that her assistant was male that all of this had been Merlin's craft. The only other person who knew about the Adamson School plan was Vivian, and she was banking on it succeeding just as much as Morgana, was and wouldn't do anything to conflict with it. But Merlin on the other hand…he had made it clear that he would do everything in his power to deter Morgana and Vivian, and he was as quick as a whip.
After all, Morgana did have reason to believe that Merlin was privy to some information to the Adamson School because it was he who delivered their initial letter to her, and there was no missing the letter head which prominently displayed the school name. She knew for a fact that Merlin had snuck into her room to read her diary…but had he actually gone through her drawers too? Morgana was not only vibrating in sheer fury, she also felt violated. Most likely, all of her personal things had been rummaged through by Merlin.
Eavesdropping on her and Vivian's conversation at the Fall Ball was one thing, going through her diary was even more grievous…but now this? Now he had upgraded to impersonating her "assistant", and effectively derailing any and every plan Morgana had to get Gwen as far away from Arthur as possible…he had taken a giant leap over the proverbial line, this time.
If Morgana hadn't been convinced already, she was now. Time was running out, and the one trick she had up her sleeve had been intercepted with destructive efficiency. If she hadn't known it already, she did now: Merlin was a force to be reckoned with, and was obviously capable of getting down and dirty as well. The gloves were definitely off.
"Wait, Gwen, don't turn the dial! Leave it on this station!" Lorenzo began to snap his fingers, and move his hips at the music which emanated through the ham radio's speakers. He had just gotten his cast off yesterday, and he was already enjoying the increased range of movement he now had without his cumbersome plastered ankle. Lorenzo closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the sound of the music before smiling. "It's a happy song, Gwen, for dancing. Do you like it?" He asked with a bright smile, pushing some of his dark brown wavy hair out of his eyes.
Gwen watched Lorenzo dance in place behind the counter of his empty store, unable to contain her laughter as she watched Lorenzo's rhythmic movements. "I can't understand a word they're saying!"
"Ahh, you don't need to understand the words. It's music, it's universal, isn't it?"
Gwen raised an eyebrow at Lorenzo's statement. "I guess it is." She pointed toward him, with a broad smile. "You've got some moves there!"
"Nah, not really," Lorenzo said waving his hand. "C'mon, let's see yours!" He said opening his muscular arms in invitation. "I'm sure you can move much better than me."
"I can't. I got two left feet."
"Ah c'mon Gwen, no you don't. Everyone can dance, even if it's just a little."
Lorenzo moved around the counter, where Gwen stood, watching him. "Give me your hands."
"What, why?" Gwen asked pulling them quickly away from Lorenzo's grasp.
"I'm not gonna bite! I'll show you that you can dance." Lorenzo held out his rough hands, facing his palms upwards, as Gwen cautiously placed her own into his.
Slowly, Lorenzo began to shuffle his feet forward and backward, making his hips move in the same direction to the rhythm. "Just follow my feet."
Gwen didn't want to make him feel bad, so she followed his movement, her left foot moving her his right had been, and vice versa.
Lorenzo laughed as he watched Gwen move to the upbeat music as easily and rhythmically as he did. "Muy bien! You're a natural."
Gwen smiled. "You're making it easy for me, I'm not a total klutz."
"Alright, alright. Move your arms a little, then. Don't think about it, just…feel the beat." Lorenzo nodded as Gwen's arms and shoulders moved, causing him to laugh.
"Am I doing it wrong?"
"No, you're perfect! Who told you couldn't dance?" Lorenzo placed his hands on her hips, spinning her around, then dipping her just as quickly, only to pull her back up with his hands resting firmly on her hips.
Gwen looked up at Lorenzo with large eyes and a smile, just catching her breath. "Where'd you learn to do that?
Lorenzo shrugged as he began to shuffle once more. "It was a simple dip. I've been dancing since I was a kid; my family is very…musical."
The fast song slowly melted off as a more slow paced oone came on, filling the small and empty grocery store. Lorenzo was about to step away from Gwen, not wanting her to feel awkward or obligated to continue dancing, but his mind quickly changed as Gwen's arms came up, resting on his shoulders, as she adjusted her pace to the music.
"My mama really liked dancing, she said it freed the soul," Gwen said quietly. "She'd try and teach me some steps every now and then."
"You're doing great now," Lorenzo assured her. "You should come to a party in my neighborhood, all there is is dancing…and food, lots of food!"
"If I went to your neighborhood would it be okay?" Gwen asked suddenly.
Lorenzo tilted his head slightly, realizing that it was only a few inches away from Gwen's. "What do you mean?"
"I mean…I'm a colored. Would people be offended if I was at your house? At your parties?"
Lorenzo had to stop himself from laughing so near to her face. "I'm a colored too, ya know."
"Well, technically, I guess…"
"No, you'd be fine Gwen. It's like how I go to your neighborhood; I drive up and people don't even look twice. They'll wave as I pass, and say 'hi' to me once I step out, remember that time I even played a game of hopscotch with some of your neighborhood girls?"
Gwen laughed at the memory. "That was cute. They've been talking 'bout you ever since."
"Well, nothing would be different with you, no one would be 'offended', trust me. It's not a white neighborhood or anything, the dogs won't be let out on you."
Gwen couldn't help but giggle. "That's at least a little reassuring!"
"Besides, my family is dying to meet you."
"But I've met your dad."
"My mama wants to meet you too, and cook you a big dinner. And if she does, trust me; there'll be dancing. And my sisters have been on my back forever, asking me when they're finally gonna meet you; they wanna see if you're pretty or not."
Gwen smiled. "If I'm pretty? And what did you tell them?"
"Well, I told them the truth: that you're beautiful."
Gwen looked away for a moment to hide her blush.
Lorenzo smiled as Gwen finally looked back up at him. "It's good to see you laughing and smiling again Gwen, it feels like today is the first time I've seen you happy all week."
"Sorry if I've been a drag all week. It's been a lot of stuff. Elliot and I aren't talkin', work is…stressful and confusing."
"Confusing?" Lorenzo asked, as Gwen's small and warm hands grazed his neck.
"I'm not even sure if that's the right word for it…" Gwen murmured. "But, things will get better soon, it'll be hard, but I know I'll get over it."
Lorenzo remained silent at Gwen's cryptic message, figuring that when she wanted to tell him what exactly was going on, she would.
Gwen tilted her head slightly, looking up into Lorenzo's soft brown eyes. "You always listen to me Lorenzo, even when I'm sure I'm talking your ear off. You can be quiet at times, but I always know that you care about what I say. And you're so patient with me."
"It's hard not to be when you're the same way."
"Isn't it funny how we can talk about anything under the sun like a pair of old friends? I think you're the best one I've ever had."
Lorenzo cleared his throat slightly. "Well you mean a lot to me Gwen."
"Aww, you mean a lot to me too, Lorenzo," Gwen said with a sweet smile. "I know—" Gwen's next words would never be known, for she was cut off as Lorenzo quickly raised her chin, covering her soft lips with his own.
The moment Gwen's mind registered what was happening, she tensed. It wasn't that the kiss was unpleasant in any way, only that it took her by complete surprise. One moment she was telling Lorenzo how grateful she was for him, and the next he was holding her and kissing her. But Gwen's tension quickly dissipated as Lorenzo pulled her in by her lower back, holding her flush against him…and Gwen came to the stark realization that she didn't want him to stop. He felt too good, and at that moment, that was the only thing she wanted. To feel good and happy again, and she did; with him.
It was as if Gwen's entire mind had shut down, especially when her hands traveled up his neck to his wavy hair, and his strong hands caressed her lower back gently as the unexpected kiss deepened. As always, he was gentle and patient with her, his touch delicate and caring, and kissing her with such an intensity that Gwen had shivers running throughout her body. But it was when Lorenzo pulled apart from her slightly, taking one of her curls, and twirling it in his fingers that Gwen pulled away completely. The simple and semi-intimate gesture reminded her of Arthur too much, and how much he loved playing with her hair. She couldn't continue with Lorenzo once that thought entered her mind. She felt like she was betraying Arthur…again.
Lorenzo pushed some hair out of his eyes, realizing what he had done as Gwen had detached herself from his embrace. He laced his fingers together, resting them behind his head, as his words came out softly and slightly jumbled. "Gwen, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. That's not what friends do. Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!"
"…Lorenzo, I don't know what to say. But I kissed you back." Gwen stated plainly. "I kissed you back," she repeated, but more to herself this time. Gwen put a hand on her forehead, turning slightly on her heels to look away from Lorenzo for a moment, her gaze colliding directly with Merlin's, who watched her wide eyed from the store front window. Just perfect.
Title Inspired By: "Stop Right There" by Assemble the Skyline