Danny: I'm so sorry I missed you last time! I must've submitted the chapter before receiving your review. Yet, thank you so much.
Taya: God, I just love his eyes. swoons I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
KDC: You know that…I know that…now if only THEY could know it. Lol.
Keys: Brighten up your days? It's that what you call 'momentarily upset'?
ChosenOne: Ahh, what I can I say? Oh, I know: YOU NUT! Lol. But you know I luv ya and your quirky ways. Now, where's that chapter you're supposed to be sending me?
Windsor: Yeah, most of these chapters will probably be short. I hope that won't bother you!
Amy: Maybe if you keep ranting…lol. Nope. I doubt that'll work. Lol.
Panda: I can relate to computer problems. The blasted pieces of technological crap! (Yet, I couldn't live without it. Lol.)
Barbie: Questions, questions, questions…sorry, though, I have no answers! insert big smile I just go with the flow! Lol.
Zeus: You're just so sweet. Have a good day, too!
Chapter Three
Roxton's POV
Sometimes we make it harder than it is. Well…she typically creates this hurricane with what had once been a light sprinkling of rain. I'm not even sure how she manages to take a perfectly good night and turn it into a battle of hearts verses walls. Why can't she just relax in my arms, embrace the love I have to offer? Instead, we trace our circle: filling the night with words we don't mean with the dark sides of our souls best buried in the past.
The past.
There's where we always turn away. For the past she so desperately wants to let go is the one thing she holds closest to her heart. And she rarely lets me see into the tomb of her memories. On occasion, I have been able to melt her defenses. Or, at least, she lowers the veil for a split, precious moment before running away.
I sigh and lean heavier against the wooden post as I gaze out into the exotic jungle. Dusk is settling over the plateau, the musky rays of light bouncing off the tops of the trees.
Marguerite hasn't spoken a word to me since last night's recent bloodbath. In fact, she ignores my presence as though I were simply another piece of boring, tattered furniture – if that. I, on the other hand, am acutely aware of every breath she draws into her perfect mouth; every twitch of her delicate fingers; every sigh, whisper, and look. It's driving me bloody crazy.
I clear my throat and shift my weight. Veronica pauses mid-paint brush stroke and glances my way sympathetically before resuming the portrait. Malone, the object of her drawing, frowns and sighs. Of course, Veronica immediately scolds him for moving. Finn laughs: unaware of the tension between Marguerite and I. Either that or she just doesn't care. She did, after all, live in a world where people for years had been cramped together in sewers. I guess growing up like that one gets accustomed to the constant strain of silent bickering.
I heave tediously and pick a tiny piece of blue lint off my trousers.
Things are too quiet.
I sniff and turn my back to the sunset, off to retrieve my rifle. Challenger intercepts, looking at me sternly.
"I'm just going to go for a walk," I reassure.
Challenger peers down at the tweezers and wire in his hands. "It's late, John."
I smile as comfortingly as possible and place a hand on his shoulder. Our dear friend as aged these last couple of years with worry and the constant exertion. "I won't go far, George. No worries."
"Oh just let him go," Marguerite sighs harshly. At least she's finally acknowledging my existence. "If he gets eaten by a dinosaur then it'll be his own bloody fault." I catch the mutter she adds: "And who care if he does."
I glance around, noting that no one else heard the curse she had uttered under her breath. "Why, Marguerite, you'd be greatly sorry if something did happen to me."
For a brief second she looks startled, obviously had not expected me to hear her final remark. Yet, she quickly masks it with a look of boredom. "I always mean what I say, Lord Roxton."
I bark a laugh of denial. "The hell you do, Marguerite."
She leaps to her feet angrily. "Rot in Hell," she snaps bitterly. "And take your damn family with you!"
I close my eyes, finally realizing where her pain has been today. When I reopen them, I gaze achingly at her, vainly trying to reach her. Yet, she's a stone statue…a fragile one with torment rooted so deep she'll never be rid of it. And there's nothing I can say. Nothing. So I tenderly whisper: "I love you, too" before strolling into the elevator and making my descent down onto the jungle floor.
End Chapter Three