Ahhh, there's nothing better than a long weekend, good ideas, and wonderful, helpful reviews! For i have come back with a new chapter in my arms, waiting to be shared.
A large thank you to my friend, Megan, and to my faithful readers, you have helped much!
alright alright, i'm done babbling, start reading, ok?
DISCLAIMER: i own nothing but my glorious computer! (hugs computer)
Part Forty-seven:
Rachel's face broke out into a hurried, but pleased smile as she raced from her workroom and nearly bolted down the stairs in time to reach the door. She could hear them bickering happily on the other side; Rachel beamed and opened the door. "Lark! Monsieur Erik! What brings you here?"
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Lark beamed at her friend raced forward towards the stairs. But, she did something strange, as the girl paused hesitantly at the start of the porch, she walked up the stairs slowly, her hand firmly on the snow-covered rail. Erik and Rachel both stared at her curiously as she made her way up. As she came up to the final stair, the girl beamed and threw herself in Rachel's unready arms. "We came to see you and Richard, Rachel!" the child gushed as the woman threw her arms around the girl in a tight hug. She looked up at Erik who came unhesitant up the stairs to join them. "You came to see us?" Rachel asked, surprised. Erik scowled, mouth going characteristically dry and gestured at Lark who released Rachel from her enthusiastic hug.
"This little minx has been after me all morning asking questions." He explained, glaring down at Lark who smiled back up at him. Rachel looked at them both curiously. How she missed having their company to surprise and comfort her with their presence. "Questions?" she echoed, staring at Erik's masked face. He grimaced while Lark suppressed a giggle. "Yes, she has asked if she could ask questions for a Christmas gift." Rachel clapped her hands briefly together in delight. "What a wonderful gift!" she exclaimed, smiling. Erik made a face.
Lark giggled. "Not for Erik!" she chirped and skipped to the open door behind her friend. Erik turned towards Rachel. "May I inquire where your brother is, Mademoiselle?" The woman looked at him, startled that he had spoken. "My brother? Ah! Yes, he's in the study." She gestured them both in the warm house and she smiled hesitantly at the ominous man. "I believe you remember where the study is, Monsieur Erik." He stared at her for a moment then nodded his consent. "Yes, I believe I do. Thank you, Mademoiselle."
"Oh, please don't use such formalities with me," she laughed, blushing, "You may just call me Rachel." He looked stonily at her and she feared she had said something wrong. Fortunately he sighed. "Rachel it is, I guess." Rachel, too, sighed, but in relief. She wouldn't know what to do if she insulted or offended him, she hated making people unhappy. Regrettably after he spoke, there was nothing there but an awkward silence.
"Can we make hot chocolate, Rachel? Richard says you used to make the best!" Lark's happy voice rang through, thankfully cutting the horrid silence off. Rachel turned away from Erik, as his eyes seemed to burn into hers as she tried to look at him, and smiled at the child. "I think we can get away with it!" she said mischievously, relieved for another activity that would keep her busy. She thought too much when she wasn't busy. Erik shook his head and headed upstairs for Richard's study.
Rachel would keep Lark busy enough so that he could actually have another conversation without having to answer a million and two questions.
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Lark looked around the spacious, beautiful kitchen as Rachel bustled around, looking for the chocolate mix. Normally, the girl would be smiling as she absorbed the brilliant paintings and countertops and cupboards, but now she had a small frown crossed along her youthful face. "Lark?" The child started and looked in front of her. Rachel was leaning against the counter, staring at her with concern. Two steaming mugs of rich, hot chocolate sat in front of them.
"Oh! Sorry, Rachel, I was looking at the pretty paintings…" the child blushed and quickly picked up the mug and hastily taking a sip. "Oh, Lark! That's-!" cried Rachel. Lark grimaced in pain; the scorching hot liquid had burnt her tongue. Unfortunately, Lark had let go of the mug when scorched, and it seeped all over the marble countertop. Rachel was up immediately with a dish rag, sopping up the hot liquid before it could go over the edge. She scuttled over to the child's side and helped her over the sink, fussing.
"I-I'm alright, Rachel, really." poor Lark mumbled. Rachel ignored her and filled a glass with ice cold water. "Drink." She demanded. The child meekly obeyed and at once felt relieve as the ice cold water spread in her burning mouth. "Ahh, that's much better," Lark sighed looking grateful. Rachel's tense features relaxed and she hugged the child briefly.
"Sorry for the trouble…" Lark began after she was released; Rachel waved it away. "It's alright, my dear. The good Lord knows it has happened more than once to Richard and I." The child laughed and nodded, relieved. Rachel then smiled mischievously. "Besides," she continued, "I have a brilliant idea to offer!"
It truely is brilliant, trust me! XD