Title: Journey To The Past

Author: Ella Enchanted

Rating: PG-13 for now but will probably change later for violence.

Distribution: Sure. Let me know where it's going!

Summary: What was Jack's home life like? Did he have a loving family or girl? Read on to find out!

Disclaimer: None of these characters, places, etc. belong to me. They belong to Disney, ya da ya da ya da. I DO however own any character(s) that did not appear in the movie. Nuff' said? On with the show!

(READ) Author's note: If you have read this story before today's update please reread it. I changed a lot of stuff e.i. dates, and mainly how the pirates talked. I realized that you couldn't tell what they were saying. I'd also like to take this time to give a shout out to my reviewers! You guys are the reasons why I write. Sorry it took so long to post. I would have done it sooner, but I had a root canal the other day! Don't you just love the dentist! ALSO, I'm looking for a beta reader. Interested? E-mail me at tinkerbellstoyshoppe@yahoo.com

Tigger Luver- Thanks! You kick a$$!

Rainy- Thanks a bunch! Soon you'll get a visual of him all formal

Crystal Millennium- I can't exactly say anything about his teeth or whether or not his parents find out because that would be giving away the plot. But I will say this. His parents will be a little surprised by the fact that he hasn't found his land legs yet!

ElfPilot- Don't worry, I won't make it too sappy. I don't want to make my readers sick off sweetness. His beard will stay! You'll see!

Gila Draper- Two review! You're so damn cool. I fixed the pirate's dialect. I reread it and was like 'hm. Even I can't make out what they're saying'. Also, I'm going to expand another scene about Princess Jack Penelope! Yep, I did use Smith from the movie. Seemed proper. Thanx!

Pirate girl- Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooo much for adding me to your fav. List. I'm so incredibly honored that anybody would want to. You're the sweetest Pirate I know!

Mage Legacy- I can't wait to post the part where he's reunited with his family either. That's the main chapter I'm excited about. Thanx!

Arabella- It will be a happy ending but not too sugary sweet. You'll like it, hopefully!

Annab1989- Have no fear, the beard will stay! But it will be somewhat different. Thanks, I searched like every summary to see if this idea had been done or not. Thankfully it hasn't!

XM6- I'll leave the rating here at PG-13 for you! I just don't want to offend anybody with the fowl language.

Journey to the Past

Chapter 2: Introducing Miss Vaughn

            "Miss Vaughn, would you please stay still for one moment? It's hard enough lacing up a corset as it is." The maid rolled her eyes and pulled on the strings of the corset as hard as she could. She pulled even harder on the strings but it was all to no avail. "Take a deep breath on the count of three. One, two, three." Sucking as much air as Lucie could she felt the familiar feeling of the corset crushing her ribcage.

            "Good lord, I can scarce breathe, it's so tight." Lucie moved to her vanity and sat down trying to catch her breath. She undid the top button of her corset hoping to release a little bit of the pressure. It barely helped however.

            "You button that right back up! We're not going through that again. Hurry now lass we have to make haste. Mr. Upton will be here any minute and we mustn't keep him waiting." Lilly, the maid crossed the room and picked up the pink dress off the bed.

            "No, it would be tragic if he should have to wait an amount of two minutes for me wouldn't it?" Lucie sarcastically stated as she stood and raised her arms over her head and slipping the dress on. She once again felt the tightness surround her lungs as she was buttoned up into one of her many fancy dresses. She plucked her flowered hat off her bureau and pinned it to her head.

 Taking a good look at herself in the mirror, she sighed with disgust at the woman staring back at her. Her dress was the pinkest of dresses she had ever laid eyes on, which was not a good thing. She despised any and all things pink. And this dress was no exception. It went down to the floor past her feet even with high heels on. The embroidering on the dress just seemed to add to the horrible character of it. Embroidered into it were little, yellow daisies with an occasional humming bird suckling from the sweet nectar of the flowers. The train of the dress billowed out a good two feet behind her, making the dress extremely hard to walk in. Violent yellow lace ran along the quarter length sleeves, the hem of the skirt and at the square of the neck. She looked like a carpet. Groaning she turned around and gave Lilly a helpless expression.

"You know, should we ever lose the carpet in the main hall this dress would suite its place very nicely. Don't you think?" She did a full circle turn and lay down on the floor in front of her bedroom door. "Should we put it here? Although I don't think it would match the draperies."

"Miss Vaughn you are wicked." Lilly laughed at the display below her. "I'm sure Lord Upton meant well by sending it to you all the way from Paris."

"Yes I suppose he did. " She pulled the yellow veil down on her face while examining herself in the mirror one last time. She looked like one of her mother's old spinster friends whom always came to tea every Sunday, for they had no lives themselves. She cynically whispered to herself, "Charming." She picked up her white and yellow-laced umbrella that Lord Upton had insisted on buying to complete the outfit. Snapping out of her thoughts, another maid, Jane, came into her room and announced that Lord Upton was waiting for down stairs. Sighing she picked up her skirt and headed down stairs.

Lord Upton stood at the base of the stairs grasping the mahogany railing and gazing about the room in awe. 'How soon this will all be mine' he swept his eyes across the gold candlestick holders, the fine china, and the diamond chandelier. He could recall when he had first met Lucie her family although prosperous were nowhere as rich as he. Since her father's recent elevation into society had risen, John had then started to fully realize the value of the young Miss Vaughn. For it was not until Lord Vaughn had become Governor Vaughn, that he set his cap at Lucie. Of course, it had taken a considerable amount of time for her to accept his advantages, five years. He knew as well as the rest of the town did that her heart would always lie with a well-respected tradesman. One who had left her heartbroken some fifteen years ago.

Turning to greet the approaching Lucie he gave his most dashing smile while he extended his hand to hers. Taking it, he placed a soft kiss on its palm. "My dear, if I should be so bold as to say, as always I am astounded by your beauty."

"Yes you were too bold." Breezing past him she tugged her silk gloves on and made her way out to the awaiting carriage. Taking the chauffeur's hand she climbed in and waited for John to do the same.

"My dear, you are a vision in pink!" He climbed in and sat next to her as close as he could without actually sitting on her. He picked up a rough thumb and started playing with the tiny pink, dangling earrings. He leaned in a placed a sloppy kiss at the base of her neck that made he quiver with disgust. John however took this as a welcoming signal to continue his advances.

"Lord Upton, we aren't wedded yet so I won't allow this short of behavior. Really, what will people think?" She crossed over to the other side of the carriage and adverted her gaze out the window.

"My dear, you didn't seem so offended when young Jack Smith displayed the same affection towards you in public." He was trying to keep his voice calm and steady but it was hard to suppress the growing anger.

"It was different then." She seemed to be dazing out into nothingness while the greenery flew passed her blue eyes. "We were in love." Bracing herself for a severe punishment, she tightly closed her eyes and waited. Surprised that he had not lashed out at her she was taken aback when he started to laugh.

"In love? If he truly loved why did he abandoned you? Why didn't he bring you along on his silly little escapades? And more importantly, why are the two of you not married today?" He had used words as venom, which was worse than a beating or a burst of raging shouts. He knew her weaknesses and her strengths. He also knew that had he dared lay a hand upon her, the British Army would be on him quicker than you could blink. He smiled when he saw her eyes mist over. He noticed her brush them aside in a failing attempt to be brave.

"I don't think I shall be accompanying you to the auction today." She opened her purse and looked to see how much money she had brought with her. Ten gold coins, that was more than enough to go shopping with. "I think I'll go call upon Eleanor and see if she would accompany me to the market."

"It makes no difference to me if you go to the market or to Spain my dear. I really don't care what you do, just be back here at two o'clock." He placed his hat upon his oily white wig and started towards the public auction. When he was out of sight she breathed deeply and forced herself out of the carriage and down the street towards Eleanor's. She was thankful that Eleanor's was only a mere walk of five minutes. She couldn't stand walking in those shoes of dress any longer than absolutely necessary.

Arriving at the small, white house she knocked on the heavy oak door and waited. A maid appeared at the door and immediately recognized Lucie. "Right this way Miss Vaughn." She ushered her into the drawing room where Eleanor was deeply enthralled in her latest novel about the life of piracy. Motioning for Catherine, the maid, to remain quiet she slowly and carefully crept up behind Eleanor. She was so deeply interested in her novel that she failed to see the shadow cast upon the pages. Silently laughing, Lucie reached out and grabbed Eleanor's shoulders and started singing, "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a pirates life me."

Shrieking Eleanor shot out of her chair and turned to see the intruder. When she discovered it was her best friend she glared daggers at her, and in a huff placed her hands on her hips. "Not funny."

"You should have seen the expression on your face, Eleanor. It was truly priceless. I am sorry though." She warmly embraced her friend and sat down on the flowery couch.

"And I was going to offer you a cup of tea. Now I'm having doubts as to whether you deserve it or not. I should jus-," She stopped short when she saw that dress Lucie was wearing. "What in God's name is that carpet bag you're wearing?"

"Thank you! I'm not the only one who thinks it should be used for upholstery. Jonathon sent it to me from Paris." She rolled her eyes as she sipped at her teacup.

"Does he honestly think that that dress is handsome? What did he say in regards to it?" Eleanor picked up Lucie's parasol and spun it around for a closer look. Disgusted she carelessly tossed down to the floor again.

"Ah, yes. He did send a note with it. It said something to the effect of 'Dear Lucie, I saw this dress and I thought of you. I picture you in this dress and I imagine you seeming like a beautiful sunset.'" She picked up her feet rubbed them after removing them from the tight grips of the high heels.

"Oh, I see that's not the only thing he sent you as well." She motioned back and forth to the shoes and petit umbrella.

"Of course not. Then the whole ensemble wouldn't be complete would it?"

"Once you two are married, you must inform him that in the future you will choose your own clothing." She rang the bell for Catherine to remove the tea tray.

"Yes, married." She sighed heavily and looked down at her linking fingers. "Eleanor we've been friends for fifteen years have we not?"

"Yes. Fifteen years this July, I believe."

"And you know I value your opinion more that anyone else's?"

"Yes my dear. What are you getting at?" She wrinkled her brow in concern, wonderment, and confusion.

"Oh Eleanor!" She cried standing and walking to the window. She turned her back to her and stood staring out into the afternoon's sky. "I don't think I can marry Sir Upton."

Quickly crossing the room she went and embraced her friend. Turning Lucie so that she was facing her, she started brushing her tears away. "Lucie, what ever is the matter? Why can you not marry him?"

"For many reasons. Chiefly being that he really is the most insufferable man. He's arrogant, rude, and very inconsiderate towards other's feelings." She silently whipped away some stray tears, trying to hide this from Eleanor.

"Than why did you except his proposal Lucie?" Eleanor guided her back to the couch and sat her down. Swiftly crossing the drawing room she closed the doors so no one could eavesdrop. You couldn't be too careful, especially with a house full of gossiping maids and servants.

"I don't know! Look at me Eleanor, I'm thirty and still unmarried. I didn't want to end up being an old spinster who sits in her wheelchair obsessing over trivial things, like what sort of cream to give to my fourteen cats. I really didn't want to be that woman." She crossed her hands over her chest and bit her bottom lip, something she only did when she was nervous or upset. It was one of her two trademarks. The other being that she also bit her nails.

"Nobody ever said you were going to be that woman. Why did you not wait for a proposal from a man you truly loved?" Eleanor knew she was treading on thin ice, but she needed answers. After living in the dark for fifteen years, she wanted to know what had transpired between her best friend and her former love.

"Like…."Lucie grimaced as she waited for the answer she knew was coming. It was inevitable. She and Eleanor couldn't discuss romance without Eleanor slipping in Jack's name.

"Like Jack Smith! Why did you not wait for him? Surely he would have postponed his travels had you accepted." She grasped Lucie's hands in her own and searched her face for any trace of emotion. What she found surprised her, anguish, sorrow, regret, happiness, denial, and love. "Why didn't you marry him?"

"Because he never asked." She barely stated this louder than a whisper. Another set of fresh tears lined her eyes waiting for the damn to break and free them from such cramped quarters.

"What?" Eleanor was flabbergasted to say the very least. "Surely you must be joking."

"I assure you, I'm in earnest. He simply never asked." Tears were running down her cheeks but she wasn't hysterically crying.

"But everyone said that…."Eleanor was cut off by Lucie's bittersweet laugh.

"I know. Everyone said it was 'a match made in providence.' Then shortly after he left everyone assumed he had proposed and that I had refused. Don't you think I know what people said behind my back?"

"Lucie please tell me. What happened that day? I've kept quiet about the matter for fifteen years but I can no longer stand the silence and secrecy." Eleanor's eyes looked deeply into Lucie's begging for her to tell the story.

"Well, I suppose I should share the story with at least somebody. I've held it all in and now I need to let it loose." Without another word Lucie started telling Eleanor what happened that day that seemed not too long ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(Flashback)

October 16, 1775

            'If ye be seekin' adventures on the high seas look no further! Join Capt'n Dickson's crew aboard the Black Pearl. We sail out of port October 17th with or without ye.' Jack looked over the advertisement again ensuring that he had not missed the opportunity of a lifetime. Folding it up he placed it back into the pocket inside his left breast pocket. He reached into his other pocket and stroked the soft, blue velvet of the ring box. Smiling he withdrew it and opened to box. Inside lay a silver band with a central diamond, and two little sapphires on both sides of the diamond. He took it out and read the inscription to himself, even though he had already memorized it. 'I love you now and forever ~J'. It was a simple inscription but he felt it got straight to the point. He was bursting with excitement at the thought of tonight. Tonight he would truly make Lucie his.

            He had told Lucie to meet him in the park around six o'clock so that they could have a talk. There he planned on leading her to a picnic beneath the shady trees, where god willingly he would propose and she would accept. However, there was one glitch to the situation. He didn't plan on marrying her until he returned, which would most likely be five years. He also hadn't and didn't plan on telling Lucie or anyone for that matter that he was going to become a pirate. He had informed only his family that he intended to take up trading and set sail on the next ship.

A pang of guilt radiated throughout his body at the thought of him betraying his family. Inwardly he reassured himself that this what he needed. He was tired of London. Tired of its society, people (save Lucie), and its scenery. He needed to find new places, people, and things to do. He needed an adventure. He was so tired of being suffocated by the upbringing he was receiving. It was as if he was their puppet on strings. They told him what to do and he did it. No there was no turning back now this was it. The only thing that could remotely keep him from slightly delaying his trip was Lucie. But with any luck, after tonight he wouldn't have to worry about it.

He let all of his thoughts go and went to study himself in the mirror. At the age of sixteen many defined him, particularly the female persuasion, as the most handsome and desirable boy in town. His jet-black curly hair fell just beneath his ears casting an exotic look when it would fall into his face. His favorite feature was his cheekbones. They were thin and well defined which gave him an air of strength. He was a tall boy, taller that most boys of his age. He towered at five foot 10. His build was lean yet strong. When he would do something strenuous, like move heavy objects his pecks and arm muscles would bulge out and make him even more desirable if possible. Currently he was sporting a pair of white breeches tucked into his black leather boots. His white dress shirt was covered up by his black vest, and royal blue waistcoat. Trying to banish any trace of nervousness he ran a shaky hand through his black mop and started out the front door towards Lucie's manor.

After five minutes of which only seemed like one to Jack he arrived and his destination and rapped lightly on the gigantic door. When the familiar face of Hudson appeared Jack smiled and asked, "Is Miss Vaughn in? We are to go for a stroll."

"Right this way Mr. Smith." Hudson led Jack into the parlor where he anxiously awaited her arrival. His heart started racing, he started to perspire and the familiar feeling of butterflies in his stomach returned when he heard her footsteps bounding down the stairs. Throwing open the parlor door's Lucie looked disheveled and flustered.

"I'm so sorry Jack. I completely forgot about our stroll and fell asleep. You'll have to forgive my messy attire." She motioned her hands up and down her body. Jack's breath caught in his throat. She was beautiful this way. He'd never seen her first thing in the morning, or in the evening in this case. Her curly, dirty blond hair was slightly frazzled against the small of her back. Her cheeks were pink with heat from falling asleep under her huge quilt and her eyes were slightly glazed over. Smiling sheepishly he looked her in the eye and stated, "You always look beautiful. No matter what state of manner you're in."

"Even if I looked like this?" She contorted her face so that it was unrecognizable.

"Well, I'd have to think that one over." He laughed, his nerves settling a little. Her mere presence seemed to have that calming effect on Jack.

"Don't think too much. My you do look dashing as ever. May I inquire as to the occasion?" She did a small circle around him, hands on hips admiring him in every angle.

"I'm to meet with a great beauty for a stroll in the park." He grinned back and extended his elbow to her. Placing her in the crook of his she smiled while exiting the parlor, "Well. You mustn't keep her waiting."

It was a short walk to the park from Lucie's and it was a cool, autumn day. A strong gust of wind kicked up and tossed her wild hair back and forth, which Jack found incredibly attractive. Blinking her eyes up at the sky she sighed contently. "I feel winter is upon us. How I do love winter. Do you recall that time we got locked in the barn during that dreadful thunderstorm. I remember I was so frightened but you were there reassuring me that everything would be all right. What fun we used to have."

"Aye, we did have fun when we were younger, didn't we?" He seemed deep in thought but not deep enough to not respond.

"Yes. But I suppose we're too old now for games of pirates and princesses." She chuckled at the thought of Jack as Princess Penelope.

"Really? You honestly think that?" He frowned at the thought of Lucie disapproving anything he did or would ever plan on doing. Of course she didn't know what he was planning.

"Well as much as I hate to admit it, we are no longer children. I think we've grown past all of our childish notions don't you?"

            "Yes, I agree. Which brings me to my next point." Leading her by the small of her back he took her into a small clearing where he already had a picnic setup. She gasped in surprise and excitement. Turning all the way she smiled inquisitively up at him and asked, "What was your first point?"

            "Here, take a seat please. You'll need to be seated for what I'm about to ask…tell you." Sitting down next to her on the soft wool blanket he gathered her hands in his and rubbed away furiously at them trying to heat them up.

            "Jack, what's wrong? You're acting as though the end of the world is here." She pulled one of her hands from his and placed it sympathetically on his right shoulder. Grasping it again, Jack looked up and stared deeply into her eyes.

            "Lucie, promise me first that you won't be upset."

            "I'll not promise you anything until I know what exactly is going on. Out with it!" Her expression was one of confusion, concern, fear, and exhaust.

            "Lucie, tomorrow I'm going to set out to see to become a tradesman." He had gathered enough strength to quickly utter out the phrase and thought he had enough courage to ask 'the' question but stopped when he saw her expression. She sat there eyes wide in horror and face fallen with sadness and astonishment. She sat sometime like that until Jack quietly asked, "Lucie-Lu, say something."

            Words were not needed at that moment, for her right hand came in contact with his left cheek. Jack reeled back in surprise at her sudden violent outburst. A girl, let alone a boy had never ever hit him. He was always the one throwing punches. He gingerly touched his hand to his burning cheek and turned towards Lucie in anger. "What the hell was that for?"

            "What was that for?!?!" She stood up flabbergasted and angered by his ignorance. "Jack, how could you?"

            "How could I what?" He also stood up and grasped her shoulders tenderly so as not to take her by surprise. For, should that happen he would surely receive another hand across his face.

            "How can you leave at a time like this? And how could you leave me here all alone? I thought we were best friends thru thick and thin." A thunderclap rolled overhead and a bolt of lightening shot out across the dark, hazy evening sky. Quickly little rain drops began to beat down upon the arguing couple. Lucie took no notice for the rain blended in with the constant, warm stream of tears pouring down her cheeks.

            "Lucie, of course we're best friends, always and forever. I'm not abandoning you for Christ's sake! I will return to you." He started brushing away her tears with his soft, warm thumb.

            "Best friends thru tick and thin, Jack? I thought best friends stood together side by side, or was that just a lie?" Pushing out of his grasp she started to wipe her tears off with the back of her hand and stared icily at Jack.

            "Best friends? I thought we were more than friends, Luce. That is the impression you've given me over the past two years." He took a step forward challenging her to prove him wrong.

            "Are you calling me some common whore? I do not publicly show any sort of affection to the male species! I can't believe you think I'm morally loose!" She turned around in a huff and tried to make a run for it but Jack grab wrapped his arms around her waste and pulled her close to his own warm body.

            "Lucie, please forgive me! I can't stand the thought of you hating me while I'm not here to bare the brunt of it." He whispered softly in her ear trying to calm her down. She had started crying again and wracks of tears violently shook her body, which in turn shook Jack as well.

            "Then stay, so you can take the brunt of my hatred personally." Her quiet voice shook as she stalled over her words.

            "Always the comedian." He laughed and gave her a tight, assuring squeeze before turning her to face him. "Lucie, I need to do this for myself. Believe me, I would take you with me if I could!"

            "You can! Please Jack, I need an adventure too." Her eyes were pleading and burning into his own causing him to tremble in fear of losing her.

            "I can't Lucie! The sea is no place for a woman. There are dirty, viscous pirates who wouldn't think twice about taking a girl's innocence, especially a girl as beautiful as you. I could never live with myself if I let something happen to you." He tried to embrace her but she took a step backwards. Now more than ever he needed to embrace her and make sure everything was all right between them.

            "That's all shit and you know it Jack! I'm quite capable of taking care of myself. You just won't do it because you don't want to be bothered with a good, pristine girl when you could have numerous prostitutes in your company. Fine, I don't care who you impregnate." Her tears were beginning to deplete but were being replaced with cold eyes as hard as a brick.

            "Lucie, I… how could you think so little of me?" Sadness began to creep over him and he feared that he would start crying too. "You know, I'd never want any other girl but you. You're it for me, Lucie-lu." Gently cupped her face, tears streaking his face and places a warm, soft kiss on her trembling lips. Jack's spirits soared with renewed hope as he felt her return the kiss with equal passion. He swam in the sweet, warm taste of her mouth. He wanted to remember this moment for many years to come, so that he could tell his children about the night he and their mother had gotten engaged. Alas, the moment was broken when she slowly pulled away and placed her forehead against his.

            "Don't, Jack." She felt so emotionally drained from all the crying she had down in the past half hour. But she wasn't tired enough for another set of tears. Now, both of them stood silently crying into each other's embrace.

            "Lucie, I love you." Jack lifted her head up and met her eyes with his own. He searched intently into those icy blue eyes, trying to find anything that would give him any hope of returning to London again. He was surprised that for the first time since they had met that he couldn't read her like he had before.

            "Goddamn you Jack Smith! I told you not to say it." He prepared himself for another brutal attack but he was met with silence instead.

            "Lucie…." He started but was cut off by the finger she gently placed on his lips.

            "Please, Mr. Smith let's leave it at that." Her sudden change from hot to cold chilled Jack to the depths of his heart. She had never called him by his last name before. It had always been 'Jack', 'Jack-o', or 'Jackson' on the rare occasion in which he upset her. Now more than ever he wished she would at least call him Jackson.

            "Jack, Lucie! It's Jack!" A single tear streaked down his cheek. "Please Lucie, don't leave me like this. I need to know before I board ship if you have any trace at all of love for me?"

            "I'll say it now, Mr. Smith but never again. I do love you. Goodbye Jack. I wish you the best of luck in everything." She turned quickly on her heal and dashed down the muddy road and out of the clearing. She had run out of his life forever, or so it seemed to him.

            Shakily he sat back down on the now soaked blanket and stared off into the distance. The rain pummeled down on his black hair, but he paid no attention to it. Lucie was gone and that was it. Even worse, she loved him. She loved him and left him. Slowly pulling the box from his pocket he fingered the velvet on it and thought about what he had just done. He'd broken the heart of the only girl he'd ever loved and who had loved him in return. 'How could I have been so stupid?' He thought bitterly as he roughly wiped away his tears. 'Be a man. Pirates don't cry.' He violently shoved the box back into his jacket and headed for home leaving the soggy picnic behind him. 'Who cares? You'll be gone tomorrow anyways.'

            Lucie sat in her red, padded, windowsill watching the rain drizzle down her window. 'How appropriate.' She laughed inwardly. Ever since she was a small child she loved the rain, until today. The Gods above seemed to be mocking her sorrow by letting it pour cats and dogs. 'Thanks Zeus, I really thought we were past all this'. She cursed the two birds perched in the grand oak tree above her window. They seemed to be cuddling to keep warm from the harsh weathers. Opening her window a crack she picked up one of her combs and threw it at the birds scaring them so much that one fell out of the nest but quickly recovered. "Leave lady Blue Bird. He'll only break your heart and then abandon you!" When neither of the birds made an effort to move she picked up her china cup determined to knock those goddamn happy birds right out of their nest, and if she was lucky she might peg the nest as well. That'd teach those birds to come and rub their romance in her face. 'Kill two birds with one stone.' She bitterly laughed aloud but it led her to another onslaught of tears. Drawing her knees to her chest she placed her head against her knees and silently cried herself to sleep. She wanted to sleep through tomorrow. She didn't think she would be strong enough to survive it. He lover would be gone and with him her heart. Never again would she love another man. She wouldn't make the same mistake of giving herself freely to any man. From that moment on, she would be resolute to being stone cold towards all men who dare to love her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(End Flashback)

            Eleanor sat back from Lucie with a stunned expression. "My dear Lucie. I had no idea what you went through." Eleanor had tears lining her eyes as she warmly embraced her friend.

            "It's quite all right, Eleanor. Really, I feel better now that I've let it all out." She plastered a fake smile on and squeezed Eleanor's hand reassuringly. Lucie was surprised that she herself hadn't cried. Of course she'd gotten past that point after playing the scenario so many times in her head.

            "Lucie, may I ask you one question? And please feel free not to answer it if it offends you." When Lucie nodded for her to continue she dared to ask, "Do you still love Jack Smith?"

            "I've asked myself that same question for these past fifteen years and every time I come to the same conclusion. I do love him." She looked up and laughed at Eleanor's beaming face. "However, I am not in love with him. I've fully realized that he will never be anything more to me than my childhood best friend. I was fifteen at the time, and very impressionable. I truly believed I was in love with him, but as time grew on I realized it was just infatuation." Sighing she stood up and stretched out her cramping muscles. Although she did enjoy staying in the company of her best friend, she could no longer sit on that hard couch in her tight corset.

            "Lucille, let me offer you some words of wisdom. And whether you take these with a grain of salt or not it is important that you actually listen to what I'm about to say. If you were in love with Jack at one time you will never fall out of love with him. That's why it's called falling in love. It's like falling off a great mountain. You can't climb out of the mess you've gotten yourself into. Think back, very far back if it's necessary. Is there any memory you have of you feeling like you were in love with Jack?" She led Lucie to the front door carrying her shoes and parasol. Slipping the shoes back on, Lucie took the time to soak in everything Eleanor had just explained.

            "You know?" She stood back up and looked perplexedly at Eleanor. Taking her parasol she started exiting the house but turned before stepping all the way outside. "I'll have to get back to you on that account."

            'I suspected as much' Eleanor smiled contently as she shut the door to her manor. 'When will she realize she's still in love with him? I suppose only time will tell.'

~~~~~~~~

Much longer chpt! R/R. No flames please. Thanx!