Chapter 32 – Surprise
Serena sauntered into the kitchen humming a song to herself. As she poured herself some juice, a small "meow" greeted her from across the table.
Serena looked up as Lyonette jumped onto the table from the chair she had been sleeping on.
"Good morning," Serena cooed, moving over to pet the kitty's small and fury head. It rubbed its face against her nails, starting to purr loudly. Serena couldn't help smiling as the kitten sat down and rolled over so Serena could pet her stomach.
It wasn't until fifteen minutes later that Serena got up and made herself and the kitten breakfast. She knew Nagini fed herself, and the cat probably could have done so as well, but Serena couldn't help herself. She refilled a small bowl with water, and then refilled her food bowl before sitting down with some toast and a cup of tea.
After breakfast, Serena decided to fix something for desert as her mood was still light. She pulled out a cookbook made just for cooking sweets, and flipped through many pages, trying to find something that looked interesting and chocolaty. 10 minutes later, she had finally decided on a cake and had gotten all the ingredients out. Not wanting to get her dress dirty, she threw on an apron and then set the oven.
An hour later, the kitchen was a mess. Broken egg shells littered the granite counter and sugar was spilled all over the counter and the floor. Sticky, goop-covered forks stuck to the counter, and flour kissed her nose and cheeks. But she was satisfied. The cake was baking and rising which meant that she didn't mess it up too badly. She had even tasted the bowl from which she had mixed the ingredients and it tasted sinfully good. So, with the cake successfully baking, Serena got started cleaning up.
It took over another hour to clean up and put everything back away, even with the help of magic. But by the time she was done cleaning, the cake was ready to be brought out.
Serena took it out of the oven and laid it down on a crystal dish. It was beautiful, and Serena couldn't help smiling in smug pride. She put the final touches on the cake before leaving it, gleaming on the clear platter.
After her adventure in the kitchen, Serena found herself wandering around the house a bit aimlessly. Though she had been here about a month, she still had found relatively little to do. Of course, the horrific picture had been moved the first time she was alone. She threw a towel over it and magically took it to the attic.
She had no desire to ever see that thing again.
The halls were dark and cold, and Serena, finding herself shivering as she walked, decided put on her black robe.
As she walked through the old house, her hands trailed against the stone walls. She hadn't walked very far before she heard a soft padding of feet behind her, and, turning to look over her shoulder, she saw that Lyonette had decided to join her on her walk.
She bent down and pet her briefly, before continuing on her rounds. The kitten followed a little ways behind, trailing after her. Serena soon found herself standing in the large room where the piano sat.
She stood surveying the room, her heart growing heavy. She couldn't stand all the depressing things surrounding her all the time. The room's chandelier hung silently, its antique candles' unlit, and the heavy curtains choked out the sunlight. There was one carpet that covered the otherwise bare floor, and a small couch. Serena didn't know if she could, but she didn't think Tom would get terribly upset if she changed some things around. She felt that she would die if she had to keep everything looking so dark. After all, she was not like Tom in that regard.
So, turning to face the black curtains, Serena took her wand and with a flick of the wrist, the curtains had changed into a lilac color, with a light white drape behind it. With the material lessened and the colors lighter, the room immediately lightened, as did Serena's heart. She smiled at her handiwork and set about trying to lighten more of the room.
In the end, the couch had changed from black to a soft green. The rug which had been dark red or maroon had been changed to a more suitable green as well. The piano had been dusted and moved closer to the window and the chandelier's candles had been softened and lit so it didn't give off a haunting air anymore.
Serena stood in the center and again, surveyed the room, this time much happier. It was still a little dark, but not depressing anymore. She wandered over to the piano and sat down, fingering the old ivory keys. She was bored and had been attempting to learn how to play something…but it hadn't been going very well. Still, it was something to do. And, as Tom wouldn't let her out of the house (his excuse being that she would be unable to get back in due to the spells around it), she was without a lot of things to do.
Her finger pushed down gently on a key, causing a solid note to ring out. Lyonette looked up at this, and Serena smiled at her. But, as she started to play more notes, the kitten had quickly hurried from the room, leaving Serena to practice by herself.
After a while, Serena had wandered from the room to where the library was. She had been very excited to see that Tom had filled it with all kinds of books, from romances to essays, so she would always be able to find something that suited her. There were even a few books on languages so that if Serena were terribly bored, she could try to learn a few. She had jokingly asked him why there weren't any parseltongue books there, but Tom smiled and said she didn't really want to know what he was saying.
Her fingers ran over the spines of the books and she skimmed the titles before finding one that looked remotely interesting. She took it and settled herself on a couch and started reading.
A few hours passed, and the sky grew gradually darker. What started as a brilliant, clear morning had now become a stormy afternoon. She tired of the book and took a break, deciding to start a fire as she was getting a bit chilly. Once the flames got high, she sat back and watched them for a little. She looked back on the couch and watched the flames dance and jump atop of the logs. Serena closed her eyes and could hear the rain fall heavily onto the roof and windows. The room went dark as the rain fell harder, and Serena's mood dropped with the weather, her mind beginning to think over things.
Her parents must be mad with worry.
Her sister would be devastated. Everyone would think the worst.
She thought about Heather and Eve. She missed them dreadfully and felt even more detached from the world without their jokes, laughing faces and support. She missed the way they argued, the way they acted so stupid sometimes and yet were incredibly bright. She missed how they would go crazy sometimes, how they loved their alcohol. She missed their antics, and yet she missed their advice, and just being able to talk to them. It had been so long, and they probably thought something terrible had happened to her.
She smiled bitterly thinking that no, instead, she had gotten married.
She missed them, and was quickly tiring of this life.
She had waited for so long for Tom to come and get her. The four years she had spent seemed as if she were waiting solely for him to come and wake her. But here she was with him, and she was as bored as ever.
Something slithered across her bare legs, bringing her quickly from her thoughts.
Startled, she calmed down when she realized it was only Nagini. They had become sort of friends, as they both were attached to Tom, and so they had bonded together in his absences. She coiled herself on top of Serena, so that she rested on Serena's hip and legs, and looked at Serena for a little with clouded eyes. Serena smiled and felt as if the snake wanted to talk to her.
Damn shame I can't speak parseltongue. She thought to herself, before shrugging.
How hard can it be?
With that, she imagined what she wanted to say in her mind, and started hissing at the snake. Nagini looked like she was shaking her head at Serena's idiotic attempt at communication, before she lowered her head and closed her eyes, apparently going to sleep.
Serena sighed. That didn't go well at all….
Looking at the snake, sleeping comfortably on top of her, she returned to her thoughts of life and of Tom.
True, she was with him. And she was happy when he was here. But when he wasn't…
It was as if she were a prisoner. In her own home, and to Tom. She loved him, and yet couldn't leave – even if she had wanted. She was still free to do as she wanted, yet it was restricted to the house. She didn't even have an owl to contact her family and tell them she was ok. As she watched the fire, she felt like crying. This wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to marry him with everyone there, wearing a WHITE gown of her choosing, looking the happy and blushing bride she should have been. She should be living in a house and Heather and Eve should be coming over for dinner on a weekly basis. Tom was supposed to have a normal job, instead of the who-knows-what he was doing. Probably something not good. He was supposed to meet her parents and win them over much like he had won her.
Well…She smiled. Maybe not exactly like he had won her.
Her smile faded.
Her parents were supposed to be there and see how happy she was. She was supposed to be happy. Tom wasn't supposed to be bad. And what the hell was he doing anyways? She wondered.
And then she remembered what he had said to her last night. She looked down at the necklace that she had unconsciously been fingering.
The golden locket gleamed softly in the fire-light. She traced the serpentine S with her nail.
Looking at the necklace, she felt a wave of guilt wash over her.
How could she feel like that?
This necklace meant something to him. It once belonged to his mother, she knew, and still couldn't believe he had given it to her as a wedding present.
Without her, he had no one. Which he probably wouldn't mind being by himself, but she knew that he would miss her.
She looked at the ground, embarrassed and ashamed with herself.
How could she regret marrying him, even slightly? She loved him.
And watching the fire, her heart began the beat with a renewed passion.
She couldn't help but think that if he really did care for her, which she knew he did, and if there was the possibility of love…then it made everything worth it. And she knew in her heart that she would willingly forsake her freedom and the life she knew before if that meant staying by his side. In her heart, pushing all spoiled and selfish thoughts aside, she knew she was happy here with Tom. And if that meant her only companions when he was gone were a snake and a cat, then so be it. She could sacrifice for him.
Being with Tom, and being cared for by him was worth it.
Serena rolled over and was met with an annoyed hiss from Nagini as she readjusted herself on Serena's legs. Serena smiled and pet the snake on the head in apology.
She closed her eyes and listened to the comforting beat of the rain against the window. It wasn't long before she joined the snake in a quiet nap.
---
It was pouring rain when Tom arrived home that evening. He entered the house and wasn't surprised to find the entrance dark. Serena was normally in the kitchen, bedroom, or library when he got home. He took off his robe and threw it to the couch as he walked to the kitchen.
As he stepped inside, he could immediately tell she was not in there. But he ventured in anyways, planning on fixing a drink for himself.
A small "meow" greeted him from the table. He paused on his way and couldn't help smiling as the black cat stretched and rolled onto her stomach. He did not come over to pet it though, but merely continued on his way to the bar. As he passed the counter, he was surprised but excited to see a chocolate cake resting in center.
He smiled to himself as he imagined how excited she must have been to see it come out so well. He almost wanted to laugh, knowing that she must have made a huge mess of the kitchen and gotten food all over herself.
He continued to the cabinet where the alcohol was stored and set about making his drink.
But as he was preparing it, he felt a weight press against his leg. He looked down only to find the kitten winding herself around his legs before looking up at him eagerly. He smiled to himself as he bent down and pet the cat, looking around to make sure Serena wasn't there to see. She would never let him alone if she saw that he had actually given the creature a little of his attention.
He stopped much sooner than the cat would have preferred and exited the kitchen with his drink in hand, continuing on his search for Serena.
The next place he checked was the library, but as he passed through the piano room, he was assaulted with bright, and obviously feminine colors. He frowned and couldn't help wrinkling his nose in distaste.
The once dark and tasteful room was now light and almost…cheerful looking. The drapes were a light purplish color when they had once been a sophisticated black. The couch was a different shade of green and even the carpet had been changed.
He knew that she must get bored being here all the time with nothing really to do, so he wasn't going to yell at her for changing his house around. Actually, it was a little amusing, if a bit annoying.
He took a long gulp of his drink, relishing in the burn in gave as it slid down his throat, before he exited the room.
He smirked with satisfaction upon discovering Serena in the library, asleep on the couch. He was actually a bit touched and aroused at the scene she made; her brown hair falling around her, her dress falling off of her shoulders, revealing the supple skin he knew so well, and his snake resting protectively on top of her.
Nagini raised her head as Tom entered. He smiled at the snake as it greeted him. They spoke for a little before Tom told it to leave him and Serena alone. The snake merely slithered off in a huff to go hunt something.
Tom finished his drink before setting the empty glass on the table and sitting down on the couch.
Serena stirred, but did not wake.
He watched his sleeping beauty with pride. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and her lips barley parted. He realized she was wearing makeup and felt like shaking his head. She didn't even need to, and so he had no idea why she'd put any on as he was the only person she'd be seeing.
He reached out and traced a finger over her leg, reveling in the feel of her skin beneath his hands.
His hand moved slowly higher, but still she did not wake. He traced her thigh and then hip, before he moved to her arm. He paused for a little to watch her breath, mesmerized by the way the heavy locket rose and fell with her chest. He picked it up gently and stared at it.
He felt terrible about having to keep her locked up here. But it was the only real safe place for her. He didn't want anything to happen to her while he wasn't there. He just hoped that she would be able to understand that: understand that it wasn't her he didn't trust, but other people: sick people like him. She was too beautiful to leave alone for long periods of time without protection.
And he wanted to protect her. He wanted to make sure she was always safe and happy. It was a little bit of a burden sometimes, but he knew that as long as she stayed inside the house she'd be fine.
He was a little disturbed by his feelings towards her. They were stronger than he would admit, for the first reason, and secondly, they were distracting. But he couldn't be mad at her.
Staring at her serene and beautiful face, he felt something ache in his chest.
And, for a brief moment he wondered if she knew how he truly felt.
He reached up and traced her cheek with his finger, before dropping his face down to kiss her soft lips.
He waited as her eyelids fluttered a little before opening. It took a moment for her to gain focus and wake up but once she saw that it was Tom she broke into a large smile, so beautiful it made his heart hurt; an organ he was never really aware of before.
"Tom!" She cried, throwing her arms around him. "You're home!" He put his arms around her delicate waist.
"Did you miss me?" He asked, raising a brow in surprise. He was always amused at the welcome he received from her.
"You know I did," She said.
"And I don't get a kiss?" He asked, as she moved to sit back down.
"You already stole one," She said, batting her eyelashes innocently at him.
"I guess I'll have to steal another one then," He said, leaning in. She giggled and jumped off the couch, running to stand a few feet away.
"You'll have to catch me first then," She cried. He smirked arrogantly as he rose swiftly from the couch.
"And no using magic," She warned.
"You'd better start running then," He growled. She smiled playfully and ran out of the room, Tom right on her heels.
She didn't know where she was going, it didn't really matter. They were alone in the house.
He was right behind her, and she giggled as she threw doors open, flying through them. She passed through several rooms, screaming whenever he came too close.
She ran out of one room and into another, looking around quickly for an exit.
And then she realized she had stumbled into a guest bedroom.
She looked around for an exit and gasped in mock horror as Tom leaned against the doorway, blocking her only way out. He was smiling smugly and let his eyes travel over her figure.
"I do believe you are trapped my dear," He said haughtily. Serena scanned the room again, desperately trying to find another exit.
Tom entered the room, and shut the door behind him.
He smiled.
"I'm coming, and you have no where to go," He called as he stalked towards her. Serena smiled, running around to the other side of the bed, putting some distance between them. She wondered for a brief second how much exactly Tom was enjoying this game…he was making a very good predator. Not that she minded being his prey.
She giggled as he cornered her against the bed, a victorious smirk on his lips.
She glanced back at the bed.
It was too far to jump across…
And then he was on top of her, pinning her to the bed. She giggled as he kissed her, letting him possess her completely. His hands traveled down her body and she kissed him back, smiling against his lips.
Afterwards, Serena lay, disheveled, and wrapped in a sheet on the floor in front of the fire. Tom had gone and opened a bottle of wine and she sat, leaning against his chest, with his arm around her, sipping her wine and watching the fire. She was more than happy, and felt safe, secure and even loved in his arms. She closed her eyes as his hands trailed down her arms, savoring in the feel of his hands on her body. It was seducing, even though he did it idly. She knew his mind was elsewhere, but she found it a mixture of sensuality and adoration. She didn't want to move, but she was hungry, having skipped lunch, and knew in a little she would have to get up and make dinner.
Well…She thought as she snuggled against him. At least there was a fabulous desert to look forward too.
And that was how the first year passed. With lots of boredom of Serena's part, but always made up with lots and lots of kisses. And with the lots of kisses, it came as no surprise, but maybe still a shock to Serena, when she started skipping…