Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Narnia, all characters, places, and related terms belong to C.S. Lewis.
Chocolate
Polly quietly entered the sitting room. One hand held several chocolates she had sneaked from the kitchen. In one corner of the room the Christmas tree glowed and twinkled, casting dashes of light over the walls, while the fire's shadows leapt about in a wild dance.
The girl was surprised to discover Digory had fallen asleep on the couch (for it had been his idea to get the candy). His elbow rested on one of the arms of the couch, his head cushioned by his hand. She tiptoed to him. He looked so peaceful, a smile tugging on the corners of his mouth, colors of light moving over his face. The fire gave a golden glow to his dark curly hair.
Careful not to drop any of the precious sweets, Polly sat on the floor by Digory and watched him sleep. She was thinking of not waking him; yet the aroma of the candies was making her mouth water, tempting her to go on and arouse him to make sure he would have some of them. She bit her lip, trying to decide what to do.
Her gaze slipped over his face and came to rest on his hair. A few curls on Digory's forehead moved as he snored softly. She wondered how soft his hair was; it was a rich brown color – the color of dark chocolate, she decided.
Chocolate…the candies were beginning to melt.
Slowly Polly raised her hand and brushed her knuckles over his hair. It was silky, and it tickled her hand as she gently touched the curls. It reminded her of Fledge's wings, Aslan's mane, and fresh new Narnia grass. A light smile crossed Polly's face as memories quickly passed before her mind's eye.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Digory shifted slightly. She discovered him blinking his eyes sleepily. She swiftly brought her hand back to her side, looked at him silently, and wondered if he saw what she had been doing.
"Polly…," he rubbed his eyes and lifted his head.
"I got the chocolates," she said, holding up the half-melted candy. She smiled sheepishly while he arched one brow. "You did fall asleep."
"Sorry." Digory took some of the soft chocolate from Polly and, breaking nearly every rule of manners he had been taught, ate it out of his hand. She followed his example, and their happy faces silently told of their pleasure in the candy.
Polly glanced up at the chocolate curls. How she would like to brush them again.
"You like chocolate," Digory's voice jolted her.
"What?" She met his piercing eyes, which were watching her, and she flushed. She shook herself. "Oh, I love dark chocolate."
A strange smile lighted his face. "I prefer white chocolate, I must confess," he laughed, though his eyes were serious.
Polly averted her eyes, suddenly uncertain if it was simply the chocolate they were referring to, and finished off the candy in her hand.
Only the flames dancing in the fireplace speculated among themselves of what they had witnessed.
THE END