Now I'm stepping out this old brown shoe
Baby I'm in love with you
I'm so glad you came here
It won't be the same now, I'm telling you
I may appear to be imperfect
my love is something you can't reject
I'm changing faster that the weather
If you and me should get together
Who knows baby, you may comfort me
I'm so glad you came here
It won't be the same now when I'm with you
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Tu la, tu ru tu
Chapter 9- Visitors and Getting it out in the open
Well time passed slowly the next few months and spring ripened into full summer. The days became sweltering and the boys and I spent most of our time in the shade fanning ourselves and drinking the icy sweet liquid Areida made for us from lemons and sugar. And nothing to exciting happened because the inescapable heat had sapped everyone's energy.
And then one day when I was down at the well splashing my face with the cool water Alex came running up looking happier then I'd seen him sense that night we'd slid down the stair railing together. "Guess what?" He asked positively writhing with anticipation.
"What?" I asked agreeably.
"My families coming to visit." He said. "Even my siblings."
"That's exciting.but I thought siblings weren't supposed to get along." I teased him.
He laughed. "I was glad to be rid of them but I miss them now. Crystal, the next oldest is the only one who's learned her letters yet and she writes me sometimes but I still miss them all." He admitted.
I thought that was rather cute and leaned across the well to tousle his hair with my hand. "You're as good a brother as you are a friend Alex." And for some reason that made him blush and looked away so I hastily changed the subject. "Does Mathew know yet?" I asked.
"Yes I stopped to tell him on the way over here but he was right in the middle of the exciting bit of his book so he said to go tell you and he'd come find us when he knew what was going to happen." He explained.
That sounded like Mathew. "So when are they coming?" I asked as we turned together to walk toward the nearest tree.
"Week after next." He said as we settled ourselves against its trunk. "There's going to be a big carnival to celebrate and all that rot but at least I'll get to see them."
I giggled. "Oh come off it Alex you sound like it's a chore." I teased. "Surely there's some lucky girl you're planning to ask?"
But that wasn't so much my teasing him, I really wanted to know. I knew I was playing with fire but I couldn't help it. "No there's not." He said shortly, almost angrily ending the light-hearted direction of our conversation.
"Well then you and Mathew and I will go." I said. "No big deal." Why was that such a touchy subject for him.
Surely if he'd fallen for someone she hadn't been stupid enough to refuse him, she must be blind if she had. But apparently my peace offering worked and he looked back at me and said calmly. "Yeah, let's do that."
The next few weeks were a flurry of motion. In the excitement of getting ready for the visitors and what promised to be the biggest sing and social event of the year most people had thrown off their sedated manner. And even it even had Mathew who was a staunch believer that frills and fuss (his words not mine) were for people who were stupid to have any real substance asking if his shirt looked good with his slacks.
Harmony was in her element, she spent hours discussing with her best friend Violet (I was forced to attend these meetings as well by my well- meaning but sadistic father) colors, cloths, cuts and accoutrements for their gowns. It made my head spin how much time they could spend revamping their plan for the day of the party but by the day before they had devised a ridged schedule. Which thankfully included time for them to play life- sized doll with me because I wouldn't have had a clue how to do it myself.
Violet was in her own way worse then Harmony. She was a tall, thin girl with a horse-like face, a loud voice and sharp eyes that could pick the smallest stain out on my clothes. Harmony might be violent and jealous but Violet grated my nerves like no one else could.
On the night before Alex's family was due to arrive the three of us were allowed to run amok in the carnival which had been sustained in the courtyard of the castle for the past three nights. Mathew had told me to meet them at one of the big trees we all knew about and we'd all go in together but when I arrived only Mathew was there.
"Hey lovely." I greeted him. "Where's Alex?"
"He won't be along for a while, I told you to meet me here early." He explained. "We need to talk." That was confusing, he looked confused if not pained about something.
"Sure." I agreed amicably.
"First I'd like to get out onto the table that I have noticed your infatuation with Alex." He laughed at my stunned expression. "Lorelei De Lac you didn't honestly think I hadn't did you? You've been my esteemed associate and best friend for almost five years now but yet you still think I haven't a clue how to read you." He pointed out.
"Is it obvious?" I choked out, if Alex had noticed..
"Not to Alex." He put my fears to rest. "But it is to me." He said.
An amazing sense of relief washed over to me, it had been hard keeping that secret bottled up inside me for months now and it was so nice to be able to tell someone. Someone who wouldn't laugh or hit me for my trouble. "I think I love him Mathew, I really do." I said looking down at my feet.
"Well I think you should tell him that." Mathew decided. "You might be surprised at what he says."
"I'll tell him sometime I suppose." I agreed. "Maybe when I've gotten over it, maybe when one of us is about to get married. But I think I'll save that particular humiliation for a later date."
"I think you're making a mistake." He cautioned. "But it's your mistake to make now isn't it. But remember you can always come to me for anything. I'll always listened."
"Thanks." I said quietly.
Mathew laughed knowing I was uncomfortable with the silence. "Do you remember that time when we sneaked into the kitchen when we were supposed to be at church for that wedding and ate the cake she'd been making all day for the party. And she came home early and threatened to disembowel us?" He asked.
I giggled too, remembering. "I couldn't get out fast enough in all my Sunday finery and you being you stuck around and waited for me." We were both howling by this point.
"And you started crying because you thought she'd really do it." We were on our knees doubled over and out of breath from the vision of the cooks livid face staring down at little Mathew and Lorelei with cake all over our faces.
And that's how Alex found us, laughing to hard to speak coherently enough to explain what was so funny and crying as we tried our hardest. But when the laughter finally subsided and my sides stopped aching so badly we finally managed to explain that it was just a you had to have been there moment.
Alex looked very handsome in a casual white tunic and forest green slacks. "You're both nutters." He informed us jovially.
"And that's why you love us." Mathew said shooting me an only have joking stare.
I glared at him, if he told Alex anything about what we'd been talking about.but he'd never do that. I hope.
"Well men." I said attempting to look as I thought a commander should before a battle. "Lets make tonight count for tomorrow I suffer." And with that and a laugh we headed out into the carnival.
REVEWS: If you reviewed the last chapter please look for your name (Sorry if it's hard to read I did the best I could) *Elwen*- I'm really glad you like the story, thanks for the help tell me what you think of this one please *Charmgirl*- I'm glad you liked the last update, hope you like this one as well. And as to my male characters I don't know if they're weak or not, that's what I want to know.That and how to improve them *melissa*- When I read your review I was elated, I am so glad you like my characters and that's really almost exactly what I was shooting for. Thanks so much and I'll keep trying to improve Alex and really all my characters and you just keep up with the great advice alright? *Cheler*- I'm glad you liked it. Its good to know there are other hopeless romantics out there, I'm going to put a sweet scene in here ASAP *Clare*- I'm so glad you liked my story, its very flattering that you were inspired to write me both your first and second reviews and I'm glad you weren't disappointed with Alex's POV *Anon*- I'm glad you're enjoying my story but I'm sure you're a quiet talented writer, if you'd like to mail me one or two or your stories I'd be honored to read over them and make a few suggestions *Me*- I hope you liked this post and hope to get then next one out ASAP for you *Fearless Sweep Gurl*- I'm so glad you liked my story, please review again (love the name but not really sure what it means) *TallemeraRane*- I hope that I didn't put so many spaces between my replies to reviews has helped and I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed writing it *clarylissa *- Thanks for being so understanding and I'm glad you enjoyed the last post, hope you like this one too *Clearbrook*- Glad you liked the chapter and yes I feel bad for what I'm putting Alex through but never fear as tempting as it is to end this Romeo and Juliet style I don't really have the heart to *Heavengurl899*- I haven't really decided what to do with Harmony, my storys really decide where they go on their own and then tell me about it after they've done it but I hope you like the ending anyway *fwd*- I hadn't really thought of Mathew/Lei but I don't think that's where I'm headed.sorry if that disappoints you but I hope you like it anyway *Nikki*- so glad you like my writing tell me what you think of this chapter *Mooky*- I'm glad you like Lei, I also find storys where the main characters have no flaws and manage everything with ease it just gets dull after a while doesn't it? *Violet Angel*- I'm sure Lei shall end up with Alex and thanks ever so much for the feedback *Sidereus Pheonix*- I'm so glad you liked my story and I'm sorry about all the suspense but how fun would it really be if it was quick and painless.none at all and please do add this to your favorites that makes my day when people do that *Apple Frreak*- Thanks for noticing that but Mathew's a devious guy and I suspect he noticed right off the bat and just kept quiet to see if the whole bloody thing would blow over, I don't know really what do you think? *Coon*- I hope you like this update*Becker*- Glad you like my story, tell me what you think of the new chappie please *Okie*- Glad you liked my story and I am also a major fan of lovebird silliness (aren't we all) and my story is called Octopus' Garden after a beautiful song by the Beatles (if you've never heard it I would strongly recommend it to anyone, or any other Beatles song by that matter) the octopus's garden for me symbolizes paradise, utopia somewhere where you're safe and loved that sort of thing *Delta*- Glad you enjoyed it, please tell me what you think of this new chapter Alexa- glad you like it but I updated much later then January.oh well hope you like this post
Well thanks to everyone please review.its my drug of choice
All my love Locke!
Baby I'm in love with you
I'm so glad you came here
It won't be the same now, I'm telling you
I may appear to be imperfect
my love is something you can't reject
I'm changing faster that the weather
If you and me should get together
Who knows baby, you may comfort me
I'm so glad you came here
It won't be the same now when I'm with you
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Tu la, tu ru tu
Chapter 9- Visitors and Getting it out in the open
Well time passed slowly the next few months and spring ripened into full summer. The days became sweltering and the boys and I spent most of our time in the shade fanning ourselves and drinking the icy sweet liquid Areida made for us from lemons and sugar. And nothing to exciting happened because the inescapable heat had sapped everyone's energy.
And then one day when I was down at the well splashing my face with the cool water Alex came running up looking happier then I'd seen him sense that night we'd slid down the stair railing together. "Guess what?" He asked positively writhing with anticipation.
"What?" I asked agreeably.
"My families coming to visit." He said. "Even my siblings."
"That's exciting.but I thought siblings weren't supposed to get along." I teased him.
He laughed. "I was glad to be rid of them but I miss them now. Crystal, the next oldest is the only one who's learned her letters yet and she writes me sometimes but I still miss them all." He admitted.
I thought that was rather cute and leaned across the well to tousle his hair with my hand. "You're as good a brother as you are a friend Alex." And for some reason that made him blush and looked away so I hastily changed the subject. "Does Mathew know yet?" I asked.
"Yes I stopped to tell him on the way over here but he was right in the middle of the exciting bit of his book so he said to go tell you and he'd come find us when he knew what was going to happen." He explained.
That sounded like Mathew. "So when are they coming?" I asked as we turned together to walk toward the nearest tree.
"Week after next." He said as we settled ourselves against its trunk. "There's going to be a big carnival to celebrate and all that rot but at least I'll get to see them."
I giggled. "Oh come off it Alex you sound like it's a chore." I teased. "Surely there's some lucky girl you're planning to ask?"
But that wasn't so much my teasing him, I really wanted to know. I knew I was playing with fire but I couldn't help it. "No there's not." He said shortly, almost angrily ending the light-hearted direction of our conversation.
"Well then you and Mathew and I will go." I said. "No big deal." Why was that such a touchy subject for him.
Surely if he'd fallen for someone she hadn't been stupid enough to refuse him, she must be blind if she had. But apparently my peace offering worked and he looked back at me and said calmly. "Yeah, let's do that."
The next few weeks were a flurry of motion. In the excitement of getting ready for the visitors and what promised to be the biggest sing and social event of the year most people had thrown off their sedated manner. And even it even had Mathew who was a staunch believer that frills and fuss (his words not mine) were for people who were stupid to have any real substance asking if his shirt looked good with his slacks.
Harmony was in her element, she spent hours discussing with her best friend Violet (I was forced to attend these meetings as well by my well- meaning but sadistic father) colors, cloths, cuts and accoutrements for their gowns. It made my head spin how much time they could spend revamping their plan for the day of the party but by the day before they had devised a ridged schedule. Which thankfully included time for them to play life- sized doll with me because I wouldn't have had a clue how to do it myself.
Violet was in her own way worse then Harmony. She was a tall, thin girl with a horse-like face, a loud voice and sharp eyes that could pick the smallest stain out on my clothes. Harmony might be violent and jealous but Violet grated my nerves like no one else could.
On the night before Alex's family was due to arrive the three of us were allowed to run amok in the carnival which had been sustained in the courtyard of the castle for the past three nights. Mathew had told me to meet them at one of the big trees we all knew about and we'd all go in together but when I arrived only Mathew was there.
"Hey lovely." I greeted him. "Where's Alex?"
"He won't be along for a while, I told you to meet me here early." He explained. "We need to talk." That was confusing, he looked confused if not pained about something.
"Sure." I agreed amicably.
"First I'd like to get out onto the table that I have noticed your infatuation with Alex." He laughed at my stunned expression. "Lorelei De Lac you didn't honestly think I hadn't did you? You've been my esteemed associate and best friend for almost five years now but yet you still think I haven't a clue how to read you." He pointed out.
"Is it obvious?" I choked out, if Alex had noticed..
"Not to Alex." He put my fears to rest. "But it is to me." He said.
An amazing sense of relief washed over to me, it had been hard keeping that secret bottled up inside me for months now and it was so nice to be able to tell someone. Someone who wouldn't laugh or hit me for my trouble. "I think I love him Mathew, I really do." I said looking down at my feet.
"Well I think you should tell him that." Mathew decided. "You might be surprised at what he says."
"I'll tell him sometime I suppose." I agreed. "Maybe when I've gotten over it, maybe when one of us is about to get married. But I think I'll save that particular humiliation for a later date."
"I think you're making a mistake." He cautioned. "But it's your mistake to make now isn't it. But remember you can always come to me for anything. I'll always listened."
"Thanks." I said quietly.
Mathew laughed knowing I was uncomfortable with the silence. "Do you remember that time when we sneaked into the kitchen when we were supposed to be at church for that wedding and ate the cake she'd been making all day for the party. And she came home early and threatened to disembowel us?" He asked.
I giggled too, remembering. "I couldn't get out fast enough in all my Sunday finery and you being you stuck around and waited for me." We were both howling by this point.
"And you started crying because you thought she'd really do it." We were on our knees doubled over and out of breath from the vision of the cooks livid face staring down at little Mathew and Lorelei with cake all over our faces.
And that's how Alex found us, laughing to hard to speak coherently enough to explain what was so funny and crying as we tried our hardest. But when the laughter finally subsided and my sides stopped aching so badly we finally managed to explain that it was just a you had to have been there moment.
Alex looked very handsome in a casual white tunic and forest green slacks. "You're both nutters." He informed us jovially.
"And that's why you love us." Mathew said shooting me an only have joking stare.
I glared at him, if he told Alex anything about what we'd been talking about.but he'd never do that. I hope.
"Well men." I said attempting to look as I thought a commander should before a battle. "Lets make tonight count for tomorrow I suffer." And with that and a laugh we headed out into the carnival.
REVEWS: If you reviewed the last chapter please look for your name (Sorry if it's hard to read I did the best I could) *Elwen*- I'm really glad you like the story, thanks for the help tell me what you think of this one please *Charmgirl*- I'm glad you liked the last update, hope you like this one as well. And as to my male characters I don't know if they're weak or not, that's what I want to know.That and how to improve them *melissa*- When I read your review I was elated, I am so glad you like my characters and that's really almost exactly what I was shooting for. Thanks so much and I'll keep trying to improve Alex and really all my characters and you just keep up with the great advice alright? *Cheler*- I'm glad you liked it. Its good to know there are other hopeless romantics out there, I'm going to put a sweet scene in here ASAP *Clare*- I'm so glad you liked my story, its very flattering that you were inspired to write me both your first and second reviews and I'm glad you weren't disappointed with Alex's POV *Anon*- I'm glad you're enjoying my story but I'm sure you're a quiet talented writer, if you'd like to mail me one or two or your stories I'd be honored to read over them and make a few suggestions *Me*- I hope you liked this post and hope to get then next one out ASAP for you *Fearless Sweep Gurl*- I'm so glad you liked my story, please review again (love the name but not really sure what it means) *TallemeraRane*- I hope that I didn't put so many spaces between my replies to reviews has helped and I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed writing it *clarylissa *- Thanks for being so understanding and I'm glad you enjoyed the last post, hope you like this one too *Clearbrook*- Glad you liked the chapter and yes I feel bad for what I'm putting Alex through but never fear as tempting as it is to end this Romeo and Juliet style I don't really have the heart to *Heavengurl899*- I haven't really decided what to do with Harmony, my storys really decide where they go on their own and then tell me about it after they've done it but I hope you like the ending anyway *fwd*- I hadn't really thought of Mathew/Lei but I don't think that's where I'm headed.sorry if that disappoints you but I hope you like it anyway *Nikki*- so glad you like my writing tell me what you think of this chapter *Mooky*- I'm glad you like Lei, I also find storys where the main characters have no flaws and manage everything with ease it just gets dull after a while doesn't it? *Violet Angel*- I'm sure Lei shall end up with Alex and thanks ever so much for the feedback *Sidereus Pheonix*- I'm so glad you liked my story and I'm sorry about all the suspense but how fun would it really be if it was quick and painless.none at all and please do add this to your favorites that makes my day when people do that *Apple Frreak*- Thanks for noticing that but Mathew's a devious guy and I suspect he noticed right off the bat and just kept quiet to see if the whole bloody thing would blow over, I don't know really what do you think? *Coon*- I hope you like this update*Becker*- Glad you like my story, tell me what you think of the new chappie please *Okie*- Glad you liked my story and I am also a major fan of lovebird silliness (aren't we all) and my story is called Octopus' Garden after a beautiful song by the Beatles (if you've never heard it I would strongly recommend it to anyone, or any other Beatles song by that matter) the octopus's garden for me symbolizes paradise, utopia somewhere where you're safe and loved that sort of thing *Delta*- Glad you enjoyed it, please tell me what you think of this new chapter Alexa- glad you like it but I updated much later then January.oh well hope you like this post
Well thanks to everyone please review.its my drug of choice
All my love Locke!