Author's Note: Hey! Shorter chapter here to move us along into chapter 3-one I am particularly excited about. R&R, thanks so much! H
The glass ballerina slowly made her circles along the red velvet that lined the small box. Chloe listened to the sweet, tiny melody as she brushed her amber waves. She was dressed in her white nightgown, preparing for another sleepless night. Even on an extravagant ship, her nightly routine remained. Lonely.
She looked up into her own eyes in the full mirror in front of her. She knew she was beautiful. She looked as every well-brought up girl should look. She also knew she should be happier, not presenting this stale frown begging to be seen. Her mind then wandered to the dark blue ocean she had seen tonight. But to her surprise, it wasn't the ocean at all–it was the color in Beca's darker blue eyes.
The door behind her slowly opened, startling her quietly. She looked in the reflection to see Chicago. He was dressed down for the evening, still seemingly presentable for an outdoor presentation. His hair was loose, no longer hard and slick. He stood in the doorway for a few moments, looking at his fiancee. Chloe felt an unsettling chill creeping up her back. She watched him closely–unmoving. She put down her hairbrush.
He then slowly entered the room, holding a dark box. Chloe watched him in silence.
"I know you've been melancholy. I don't pretend to know why…"
Chicago closed her music box and pushed it aside. The lid slapped shut, sending a slight jolt through Chloe. He proceeded to sit down on her desk, placing his small box on his lap.
"I intended to save this until our engagement gala next week. But I figure tonight is as good a night as any."
He opened this case in his hands revealing an incredibly large, dark blue diamond. It was cut in the shape of a heart. Frosty diamonds framed the heart, and along the neckline.
"-Good gracious…" Chloe mumbled quietly.
Chicago smiled quickly, feeling as if he earned the reaction of wonder. He quickly popped up, taking it from the case and immediately placed the necklace along Chloe's neck. She watched with caution.
"It's a diamond. Fifty-six carats to be exact." He said, stroking the back of her hair–staring at the two of them in the mirror. Chloe stared at this dreadful, heavy thing. She felt as if he was putting a collar on her–in more ways than one. She slowly brought her hand up to the diamond. She wasn't sure how she should be reacting. Women love jewelry. If a man provides it…it should be…it should be.
"Worn by Louis XVI…they called it La Couer de la Mer…The–"
"-Heart of the Ocean…"
"Yes! That's right." Chicago chuckled.
Chloe drew a shaky breath in. She stared deep into the jewel. Her heart was conflicted. She quickly came to and looked at his gaze in the mirror.
"I-it's overwhelming…" She said to him, quietly. She hoped that would be good enough.
"It's for royalty. And we, we are royalty Chloe."
She felt dread. Trapped. Even more so now.
He kneeled down beside her and turned his head to her.
"You know, there's nothing I couldn't give you. There's nothing I'd deny you…if you'd not deny me." He said gently. Though gentle, laced with a threat somehow. He slowly drew his hand along her neckline, dipped close to her cleavage. She tensed a bit. He drew in a deep breath of her hair and lingered for a moment. Chloe waited in agony.
"Come to bed shortly, yes?" He sighed, kissing her cheek.
Meanwhile, down in Steerage, Beca Mitchell was somewhat skipping to her bunk. What? No one was up. She did manage to calm down soon though. She followed the signs and numbers lining each door, passing a rat on her stroll.
"Chloe Beale." She said to herself, grinning. Tomorrow she would even rub shoulders with the rich and powerful. Maybe she would make a connection–maybe this could lead her somewhere. Maybe she could have another conversation with Chloe.
Chloe. Such a beautiful woman. Why was she wanting to leap from the ship? Was she actually feeling better? Beca wished that she was the one leading her to bed–to ensure her safety. What? Whatever was going on, it felt as if this woman believed she was alone. Beca didn't like that one bit. Life was worth experiencing. Maybe she could show her how to really enjoy it. Now Beca knew she was getting ahead of herself. Tomorrow's dinner would be nice and she won't put too much expectation on things. Well, she will give it her best shot.
"Who said you get top bunk?!" Beca yelled upon opening the door to her very small cabin she shared with Jesse and two other men. "Huh?" She laughed, poking his side until he got frustrated and sat up.
"Well I got first pick since you were nowhere to be found! How was I supposed to know you were coming back?" Jesse countered, not budging.
"It's not like I found a bridge to hide under–we're on a big boat. I'd much rather have a bed while we have access to them!"
"Well maybe you can try again tomorrow night. I'm already here." He grumbled, punching his pillow.
Beca wanted to punch her buddy, but she decided she could suck this up. "Fine, egghead."
"Where were you anyway?"
Beca crawled into the small bunk after removing her suspenders and slacks. She hopped onto her back, placing a hand behind her head. She stared up at the bottom of the top bunk mattress. She smiled to herself.
"Hello?" Jesse poked his head from the side.
"QUIET YOU BASTARDS!" One of their bunkmates grumbled.
"Shit–okay!" Beca snapped.
"I got pulled into something is all–I'll tell you about her–I mean it, tomorrow!" She whispered.
"Oh for Christ's Sake, here we go again." Jesse rolled his eyes and turned over.
