A/N: I hate this chapter.. So I'm warning you that I think it kinda sucks, sorry. I am really not proud of it and I didn't want to post but I felt bad for not putting it up sooner.
Busyhair: that's really cool about the Beatles song. I've never heard it but I'm gonna go look for it later. Just to clear up that I didn't copy or anything I'll say where I got my story.
; I thought of this story when I was babysitting my little cousin and it started raining. She got really scared every time it thundered and I thought... what if there was really something to be scared of? LOL that's philosophical me...
Chapter 14: Rocks against my window pane
The night was young as the rain poured down around the Abbingdale's household. Martha sat in the kitchen near a roaring fire knitting a sweater for the coming cold spell. She had just found out about Claira breaking off the engagement but thought it best to leave the child alone with her thoughts.
Claira was in a troubled sleep when there were three distinct taps on her window. Her eyes opened and she glanced around the dimly lit room. She heard the rain and an automatic pain shot toward her chest. She wanted to cry but she was emotionally dry. She walked over to close her thick curtains when there was another loud tap. She recognized this sound being a rock hitting the glass pane and threw open the window. The rain was heavy and made it hard to see but she could just barely make out Eleanors young face in a sudden flash of lightening.
"What are you doing here?" Eleanor shielded her face from the pelting drops. "You must come quick misses. There is trouble at the castle." Claira shook her head. "No, I can't go back"
Eleanor looked desperate as she glanced back at the thick rain clouds. "Please misses. William is in great danger." Claira didn't even have to think before dropping that old rope down the window and climbing down toward the ground. Eleanor and Claira ran toward the door slipping in just as the rain stopped falling.
Claira felt the hurt slip into her chest again as she saw the familiar castle come into view. It was nightfall and the thick veil of haze stood still as they walked through the early morning dew. Eleanor had filled her in on everything when they came onto the castle grounds. She didn't take her eyes off the tall stone walls. "And that's when Rebecca claimed you left with Jonathan."
Claira's gaze shot back at Eleanor.
"Surely William knows that I would never . . . "
"He took up for you at first misses but Rebecca has powers, strong powers. I've seen them myself."
Claira didn't know what to do. She racked her already busy mind for some kind of plan.
"The last time I saw Jonathan was the night before I left. He was acting so strangely. He kidnaped me from my room" Eleanor's eyes grew to twice their size. "He took me to the lagoon, raving about how I was this girl in white. I left him there . . . and then I . . . maybe he's still there. Come on Eleanor we have to go to the lagoon."
Claira pulled the young maid through the early morning fog toward the lagoon. The cool peaceful water came into view as they walked in the clearing. Claira looked around frantically for any signs of Jonathan. Within minutes they were calling his name. They didn't notice the murky shadows appearing on the surface of the water. "Jonathan, please if you're here" Claira jumped when Eleanor let out a tiny squeal and went flying backwards into the bushes. Claira glanced over at the water toward the source of her shock. There, it's eyes keeping steady on her swam a mermaid. It's long red hair stood out beautifully against it's pale moonlike skin. Claira wasn't frightened but intrigued.
"A mermaid" she whispered stepping closer. The mermaid looked at her skeptically. "You called for Jonathan?" she said in a low whisper. Claira nodded her head, not sure what to say to this fascinating creature. "Do you know where he is?" she asked taking a step closer. "He is back home where he belongs."
Claira froze for a minute trying to make sense of that last sentence. "What are you talking about?" The mermaid made a clicking sound placing her bright red lips on the surface of the water. Claira was almost too scared to move as a few bubbles appeared on the surface but soon calmed when Jonathan's friendly face appeared. The other mermaid disappeared below the murky depths while Jonathan smiled. He was bare chested his usually blonde hair a stunning blue. She knelt down beside him her eyes begged for an answer.
"Yes, I know you're shocked."
"More than shocked, you're a merman now?"
"I'm a merman again"
She smiled and shook her head. "Now it makes sense why the mermaids would only show themselves to you. How did this . . . ?"
"It's a long story, one which you should hear"
"Please tell me"
"When I was just a young little thing, I was playing on the surface of the lagoon when Rebecca came up to me and made a deal. Most mermen wish to be human at some point in their life just because they know that it could never happen. She told me if I obeyed her she would grant me legs. I quickly agreed and she left me at the castle and the queen was good enough to take me in. I signed over so much to Rebecca. So much was lost to her that I was in too deep I didn't think I could get out. She tried to drown me but forgot my oath ran out only a day later. Luckily my family is a forgiving people and took me back."
Claira looked at the happy expression on his face and knew this was right. This is exactly where he was supposed to be. It was so different from the sneaky Jonathan she had come to know in the palace. "Before you leave; there is one more thing you must know. William's father is still alive."
Eleanor was now standing up tall but stayed in the shadows. "Go up the north tower and the very end of the hall there is a room. Inside that room there is a fireplace, look in and there is a small opening. If you climb through, he's in there. He's still healthy just chained to a wall. It's of most importance you find him. He will tell you everything, and maybe it's not too late." Claira wanted to ask more but she heard the thunder clouds roll in.
"The rain is coming. Claira, you must go inside."
"What is it about the rain?"
"If you don't leave now, you'll find out the hard way."
Jonathan ducked down in the water, a few shimmering scales were all he left behind. Claira turned to Eleanor who was staring at the gray colored sky. She was wringing her hands frantically looking around. "Come Eleanor. We must hurry" they ran toward the castle making it back just before the first rain drop hit the ground.
The castle was busy with faces Claira had never seen before. Eleanor explained they were all there for the big party being held that night. She nodded her head looking around for Rebecca. She knew she couldn't let Rebecca see her or everything would be ruined, including her. She waited until the coast was clear then went flying toward the north tower. She caught a glimpse of Rebecca on her way past. She was wearing a deep purple gown sashaying in front of a full length mirror. She heard her talking to someone and quickly recognized that person to be Rose. She grew angry realizing she was being lied and tricked to the whole time. She also saw William. He was in his room his back turned to the door so she stayed put for a moment to study his weathered form. He obviously had lost all hope for happiness because he looked as if he hadn't bathed in days. His wavy locks all curled around each other in different directions and his once white shirt looked a dingy gray. She noticed him start to turn and she disappeared around the corner.
William had been stewing over his lost Claira for days thinking about how he let her get away. He hated Rebecca so much that the anger was boiling over in his eyes mixed with deep sadness. He was in the middle of one of these agonizing thoughts when he thought he could feel her there. He turned around only to be greeted by nothing.
Claira tore down the hall and up the stairs in the north tower. She took no time studying her surroundings as she pushed open the door and ducked down into the fireplace. Sure enough there was a large opening covered up by three small logs. She pushed her way in and looked around. The dark room was made of stone nothing in it to make it seem more warm. The fire was long out and the gray curtains hung loosely over the small window. She saw a lamp in the small amount of light she had and lit it. She turned around and gasped at the sight. There on the ground sat a man. She stepped close to the motionless form. Her breathing ceased for a moment while she debated wether or not to wake him. Before she could act of her thoughts a loud cough came from his pale lips and he looked at her with blue eyes. She smiled when she realized he looked exactly like William.
"Who are you?" he wheezed. She smiled and leaned down where he could see she meant no harm. "I'm one of William's friends." The old man smiled a glossy shine covered his baby blues. "How do I get you out of here?" she whispered glancing around the shadowed room. He tried to point but his movements were cut short by the thick metal chains wrapped around his thin wrists.
"There were keys over there but the witch took them"
"I'll try to pick the lock."
"Where's William?"
"He's getting ready for his engagement party." The old man could sense the coldness in Claira's tone as she said the word engagement. He smiled a little as she fumbled with her hair pin in the lock. "When is the wedding?" Claira smiled and replied that she didn't know. "She's just trying to get revenge. William will have to pay for my mistakes."
"How do you mean?"
"It's a long story . . . "
"Please tell me" She said kneeling down completely.
"Very well. Never could refuse such a pretty face." Claira smiled at the compliment. She knew where William got his charm. The old man coughed again so Claira ran over and grabbed a pitcher of water. He took a long swing before returning his eyes to her.
A/N: Cliffhanger sort of.... sorry it was so short, I'm having a serious case of writers block and I'm writing in really choppy sentences which is driving me crazy when I reread what I wrote. See what I mean..LOL. Anyway.. I'm working on another chapter as we speak but I don't know when I'll post it..some time this week. I love you guys..thanks for reviewing..
Busyhair: that's really cool about the Beatles song. I've never heard it but I'm gonna go look for it later. Just to clear up that I didn't copy or anything I'll say where I got my story.
; I thought of this story when I was babysitting my little cousin and it started raining. She got really scared every time it thundered and I thought... what if there was really something to be scared of? LOL that's philosophical me...
Chapter 14: Rocks against my window pane
The night was young as the rain poured down around the Abbingdale's household. Martha sat in the kitchen near a roaring fire knitting a sweater for the coming cold spell. She had just found out about Claira breaking off the engagement but thought it best to leave the child alone with her thoughts.
Claira was in a troubled sleep when there were three distinct taps on her window. Her eyes opened and she glanced around the dimly lit room. She heard the rain and an automatic pain shot toward her chest. She wanted to cry but she was emotionally dry. She walked over to close her thick curtains when there was another loud tap. She recognized this sound being a rock hitting the glass pane and threw open the window. The rain was heavy and made it hard to see but she could just barely make out Eleanors young face in a sudden flash of lightening.
"What are you doing here?" Eleanor shielded her face from the pelting drops. "You must come quick misses. There is trouble at the castle." Claira shook her head. "No, I can't go back"
Eleanor looked desperate as she glanced back at the thick rain clouds. "Please misses. William is in great danger." Claira didn't even have to think before dropping that old rope down the window and climbing down toward the ground. Eleanor and Claira ran toward the door slipping in just as the rain stopped falling.
Claira felt the hurt slip into her chest again as she saw the familiar castle come into view. It was nightfall and the thick veil of haze stood still as they walked through the early morning dew. Eleanor had filled her in on everything when they came onto the castle grounds. She didn't take her eyes off the tall stone walls. "And that's when Rebecca claimed you left with Jonathan."
Claira's gaze shot back at Eleanor.
"Surely William knows that I would never . . . "
"He took up for you at first misses but Rebecca has powers, strong powers. I've seen them myself."
Claira didn't know what to do. She racked her already busy mind for some kind of plan.
"The last time I saw Jonathan was the night before I left. He was acting so strangely. He kidnaped me from my room" Eleanor's eyes grew to twice their size. "He took me to the lagoon, raving about how I was this girl in white. I left him there . . . and then I . . . maybe he's still there. Come on Eleanor we have to go to the lagoon."
Claira pulled the young maid through the early morning fog toward the lagoon. The cool peaceful water came into view as they walked in the clearing. Claira looked around frantically for any signs of Jonathan. Within minutes they were calling his name. They didn't notice the murky shadows appearing on the surface of the water. "Jonathan, please if you're here" Claira jumped when Eleanor let out a tiny squeal and went flying backwards into the bushes. Claira glanced over at the water toward the source of her shock. There, it's eyes keeping steady on her swam a mermaid. It's long red hair stood out beautifully against it's pale moonlike skin. Claira wasn't frightened but intrigued.
"A mermaid" she whispered stepping closer. The mermaid looked at her skeptically. "You called for Jonathan?" she said in a low whisper. Claira nodded her head, not sure what to say to this fascinating creature. "Do you know where he is?" she asked taking a step closer. "He is back home where he belongs."
Claira froze for a minute trying to make sense of that last sentence. "What are you talking about?" The mermaid made a clicking sound placing her bright red lips on the surface of the water. Claira was almost too scared to move as a few bubbles appeared on the surface but soon calmed when Jonathan's friendly face appeared. The other mermaid disappeared below the murky depths while Jonathan smiled. He was bare chested his usually blonde hair a stunning blue. She knelt down beside him her eyes begged for an answer.
"Yes, I know you're shocked."
"More than shocked, you're a merman now?"
"I'm a merman again"
She smiled and shook her head. "Now it makes sense why the mermaids would only show themselves to you. How did this . . . ?"
"It's a long story, one which you should hear"
"Please tell me"
"When I was just a young little thing, I was playing on the surface of the lagoon when Rebecca came up to me and made a deal. Most mermen wish to be human at some point in their life just because they know that it could never happen. She told me if I obeyed her she would grant me legs. I quickly agreed and she left me at the castle and the queen was good enough to take me in. I signed over so much to Rebecca. So much was lost to her that I was in too deep I didn't think I could get out. She tried to drown me but forgot my oath ran out only a day later. Luckily my family is a forgiving people and took me back."
Claira looked at the happy expression on his face and knew this was right. This is exactly where he was supposed to be. It was so different from the sneaky Jonathan she had come to know in the palace. "Before you leave; there is one more thing you must know. William's father is still alive."
Eleanor was now standing up tall but stayed in the shadows. "Go up the north tower and the very end of the hall there is a room. Inside that room there is a fireplace, look in and there is a small opening. If you climb through, he's in there. He's still healthy just chained to a wall. It's of most importance you find him. He will tell you everything, and maybe it's not too late." Claira wanted to ask more but she heard the thunder clouds roll in.
"The rain is coming. Claira, you must go inside."
"What is it about the rain?"
"If you don't leave now, you'll find out the hard way."
Jonathan ducked down in the water, a few shimmering scales were all he left behind. Claira turned to Eleanor who was staring at the gray colored sky. She was wringing her hands frantically looking around. "Come Eleanor. We must hurry" they ran toward the castle making it back just before the first rain drop hit the ground.
The castle was busy with faces Claira had never seen before. Eleanor explained they were all there for the big party being held that night. She nodded her head looking around for Rebecca. She knew she couldn't let Rebecca see her or everything would be ruined, including her. She waited until the coast was clear then went flying toward the north tower. She caught a glimpse of Rebecca on her way past. She was wearing a deep purple gown sashaying in front of a full length mirror. She heard her talking to someone and quickly recognized that person to be Rose. She grew angry realizing she was being lied and tricked to the whole time. She also saw William. He was in his room his back turned to the door so she stayed put for a moment to study his weathered form. He obviously had lost all hope for happiness because he looked as if he hadn't bathed in days. His wavy locks all curled around each other in different directions and his once white shirt looked a dingy gray. She noticed him start to turn and she disappeared around the corner.
William had been stewing over his lost Claira for days thinking about how he let her get away. He hated Rebecca so much that the anger was boiling over in his eyes mixed with deep sadness. He was in the middle of one of these agonizing thoughts when he thought he could feel her there. He turned around only to be greeted by nothing.
Claira tore down the hall and up the stairs in the north tower. She took no time studying her surroundings as she pushed open the door and ducked down into the fireplace. Sure enough there was a large opening covered up by three small logs. She pushed her way in and looked around. The dark room was made of stone nothing in it to make it seem more warm. The fire was long out and the gray curtains hung loosely over the small window. She saw a lamp in the small amount of light she had and lit it. She turned around and gasped at the sight. There on the ground sat a man. She stepped close to the motionless form. Her breathing ceased for a moment while she debated wether or not to wake him. Before she could act of her thoughts a loud cough came from his pale lips and he looked at her with blue eyes. She smiled when she realized he looked exactly like William.
"Who are you?" he wheezed. She smiled and leaned down where he could see she meant no harm. "I'm one of William's friends." The old man smiled a glossy shine covered his baby blues. "How do I get you out of here?" she whispered glancing around the shadowed room. He tried to point but his movements were cut short by the thick metal chains wrapped around his thin wrists.
"There were keys over there but the witch took them"
"I'll try to pick the lock."
"Where's William?"
"He's getting ready for his engagement party." The old man could sense the coldness in Claira's tone as she said the word engagement. He smiled a little as she fumbled with her hair pin in the lock. "When is the wedding?" Claira smiled and replied that she didn't know. "She's just trying to get revenge. William will have to pay for my mistakes."
"How do you mean?"
"It's a long story . . . "
"Please tell me" She said kneeling down completely.
"Very well. Never could refuse such a pretty face." Claira smiled at the compliment. She knew where William got his charm. The old man coughed again so Claira ran over and grabbed a pitcher of water. He took a long swing before returning his eyes to her.
A/N: Cliffhanger sort of.... sorry it was so short, I'm having a serious case of writers block and I'm writing in really choppy sentences which is driving me crazy when I reread what I wrote. See what I mean..LOL. Anyway.. I'm working on another chapter as we speak but I don't know when I'll post it..some time this week. I love you guys..thanks for reviewing..