The Death of Ciara Avaran
Chapter 2
I'll Never Be Far Away
Ciara... Ciara! Come on, you need to get up! You'll be late for Potions at this rate!
Ciara moaned as she pried her grey eyes open and looked up at her friend, Branwin. What time is it?
You're already too late for any breakfast. I figured you'd be up by now... We have to be there in twenty minutes.
Twenty minutes?! She jumped out of bed and hurriedly got ready.
Every day of that week went so slowly. Her mind always wandered back to Tom. She loved him more than anything, there was no question of that. But how could their love survive under the circumstances? Her parents would never let her marry a Muggle, considering how she was the Heir of Slytherin. If they found out, not only would their romance be over, but most likely his life as well.
Nevertheless, she met him at midnight on Friday where they had planned in front of The Blue Note. He said he was going to take off work and go show her off to some of his friends elsewhere.
She saw his face beaming with a huge grin as she walked up. You look beautiful, Ciara!
Of course he would think so. He'd better. She'd spent the past hour at a Muggle clothing store with a very patient lady who picked out the perfect outfit for her. It was a fairly fitted dark green blouse with a black skirt that fell below the knees, a bit flared, perfect for dancing so the sales lady claimed. Ciara didn't know how much dancing they would do. Truthfully, she was incredibly nervous about the whole thing. She'd never spent time in the Muggle world except for a few times with her friends, and was afraid of making a complete fool of herself.
Are you ready to go, then? he asked.
Yes... Exactly where are we going?
I wanted to take you to the jazz club my friends play at. You'll like them... they'll like you anyway. I promise, they're very good musicians.
Jazz is a type of music, right?
Tom stopped walking and started laughing. Oh, Ciara! You really are funny! You know as well as I do that it's music, albeit a little new.
When they got to the club, she saw that it was very small and informal. A few other young couples were there, but no one else besides the band. They haven't gone beyond just being local, Tom explained, but I don't think it will take them long.
He introduced her to his friends after they finished the song they were playing (which Ciara rather enjoyed, to be honest. She did like the music).
How did you find yourself such a catch, Tom? one of them joked while Tom turned slightly red as he pulled Ciara closer to him.
A few couples started throwing annoyed looks in their direction, so the band went ahead and started playing again. Ciara really liked a long, black instrument the boy who teased Tom was playing.
What is that instrument? she asked, pointing it out.
Tom shook his head and grinned. You don't get out much, do you? That's a clarinet.
It sounds so different, but perfect with this style of music.
Do you like the music?
I love it!
Would you like to dance?
The question sort of caught her off guard. It was the moment she had dreaded all night, while also being so eager for it. He held out his hand with an ever so charming smile on his face, and before she could stop herself, her hand was in his and she was being lead to the dance floor.
They danced all night through, even after the band left. They stood and held to each other, exchanging a few words or even a kiss on occasion. Both completely forgot about sleep.
Weekend after weekend continued on this way, until it was the weekend before Ciara's last week at Hogwarts. Though she was certainly looking forward to not having to be at school ever again, she dreaded seeing Tom. She feared it would be their last meeting because from then on she would have to slip past her parents any time she wanted to be with him, which was nearly impossible.
The night was one of the most beautiful Ciara had ever seen. It would make things much harder, but she would do what she had to do. If she left him then, broken hearts could be mended with time. Death could not, and she knew her parents well enough for that.
Tom hurried to meet her down from The Blue Note a bit, and was dressed much nicer than usual. She forced a smile onto her face as he came closer, seeming very eager. I've got a surprise for you, Ciara! he said, running up and taking her by both hands. The boys have a special show planned, come on!
As he pulled her ahead, she felt reluctant to follow. He noticed it, and turned around, concerned. Tom, I have to talk to you....
He held her shoulders and gazed deep into her eyes. Yes, Love?
Love... They were in love.... a broken heart would surely kill her, she loved him so much.... he was her future... without him there would be none... she couldn't let go of him now.
It... it's nothing....
He smiled and nodded as he offered an escorting arm which she promptly accepted. Then they strolled down the street until they reached the boys' club.
Look, the happy couple decided to finally grace us with their most nauseating presence! the clarinet player said, laughing. Miss Avaran, Tommy here has a song he'd like to share with you.
She cocked an eyebrow at Tom and said uncertainly, Oh, does he?
Yes, and better yet, it's a duet, which requires your cooperation.
Does it, really? What if I don't know it?
They play it all the time, Tom said bashfully. It's sort of become our song., you know?
Ciara blushed. Let me guess... I'll Never Be Far Away?'
Exactly! So will you sing with me?
You? Sing? Ha! To laugh! she mocked with a wink. Sure, it will provide plenty of entertainment for the audience at least.
Alright. Go ahead, boys!
An upbeat, jazzy swing song began, and the song went as follows:
Tom:
No other face could take you off my mind
You're so refined.
Ciara:
You're much to kind.
I have to warn you,
I'm never gonna set you free.
Cause I was born to
Love you for eternity.
Both:
Whenever you're away from me,
Wherever you go,
You're never far away from me,
I want you to know.
I only have to close my eyes, Dear,
And suddenly I'm where you are.
You better never stray,
Cause I'll never be far away.
Tom:
On ever breeze I seem to hear your name.
My heart's aflame.
Ciara:
I feel the same.
Both:
I'd fall apart, Dear,
If you let the feelin' end.
Don't break a heart, Dear,
Nobody else could mend.
Both:
Whenever you're away from me,
Wherever you go,
You're never far away from me,
I want you to know.
I only have to close my eyes, Dear,
And suddenly I'm where you are.
You better never stray,
Cause I'll never be far away.
Ciara:
You better never stray,
Cause I'll never be far...
Away.....
Now they stood directly in front of each other as applause burst through the small room. Tom began digging around in his jacket pocket as it slowly died down, then brought out a small box. Ciara's heart skipped a beat. Could it be what she thought it was? Tom knelt down on one knee before her, and took her small, delicate hand in his as he said, Ciara, we have known each other only a short while, I am aware of that, but it has been the highlight of my entire life. You are the most precious thing in the world to me, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. That is why I ask you now, Miss Ciara Avaran, will you marry me?
Ciara backed away slowly as Tom opened the box to reveal a very expensive-looking gold ring with multiple diamonds on it. The entire room seemed to be holding it's breath waiting for her to speak. Tom... I want to... so much, I do... but.... I can't say yet.... it's just... just too soon.... I... I.... oh, Tom! she sobbed as she quickly hurried to the door, nearly in tears.
Tom stood up and held out a hand to catch her, but was too slow. Ciara, wait! Please!
Two weeks, Tom. Meet me in front of The Blue Note in two weeks for your answer... Until then... I love you...