First off, I want to thank those who have been follow this story since the very beginning. This story has come so far since I began writing it over two years ago. I also want to thank any new readers since this story's transition. This was the last chapter I stopped at before making the decision to rewrite the entire thing. This originally was the sixth chapter if I remember correctly. So anyway, hope you enjoy.

Chapter 10: Secrets and Pranks

I awoke to the faint sound of voices and laughter coming from downstairs. Groaning, I turned over towards the bedside table where a small clock was placed. For the moment, I couldn't properly read it for my vision was slightly blurry from just waking up. It was once the numbers became clearer I was able to read it. Eight hours? Have I really been sleeping for that long? Sitting up in the bed, I glanced over towards the window to see that though the sun still shined, it showed that dusk was here. My head still pounded of the millions of thoughts eating away at my brain.

After dragging myself out of bed, I stripped out of my dress (horribly wrinkled from all the tossing and turning I had probably done) and tossed on another one that was a bit more breathable. Not even bothering with brushing my hair, I kept it as is and made my way downstairs. The cheerful sounds became louder with each step I made, but of course it was once I reached the bottom they stopped.

"Ah, Miss Méndez, feeling better I see," Basil commented. Dodging what he had said, I looked with great fright at the state of him and Dawson as well.

"Oh my, God," I panicked, rushing over to the both of them. "A-are you both all right? What happened?"

"Nothing to worry about, my dear," Dr. Dawson tried to assure me, placing a friendly hand on my shoulder. "We both got into a bit of a scrape is all-"

"A bit of a scrape? You both are bandaged up as if you have just been in a bar fight or something."

Basil chuckled lightly before stepping in. "Rest assured, we both are all right. Now, how are you feeling?" I was still confused once more. How was I feeling? Was I ill? Did, everything I thought happen not really happen? It felt real enough to me.

"Basil told Daddy and I that you weren't feeling well," Olivia said, waving her hat to and fro. Glancing up at the detective, I saw that his expression had changed. This told me what had happened earlier did indeed occur and he had lied to the Flavershams to cover my own hide. Figuring it was the smart (and only) choice, I went along with it.

"Right," I began, "but I'm feeling much better now."

"That's great! Now you can help us decorate the tree."

"Once we get it, my dear," Dawson chuckled, patting the enthusiastic child lightly on the head. "Shall we?" I watched as both the doctor and Olivia started to head out, leaving Basil behind for the moment. Nodding, he slipped into his own coat.

"We shan't be too long," the detective announced while he made his way towards the door himself. Pausing, he turned towards his landlady. "Might I suggest getting Miss Méndez some broth, Mrs. Judson? I can see the poor child hasn't eaten a morsel all day."

He was right, I hadn't, but even though my stomach was growling with extreme hunger, I seriously did not feel like eating anything for my nerves were at an all-time high. As I tried to protest, I realized I was too late for the detective had already made his way out as well. Now I had no choice but to accept the large bowl of beef broth that Mrs. Judson had placed in front of me once I took a seat in Basil's chair.

I stared long and hard at the tray before me. Sighing deeply, I took the spoon, emerging it into the hot liquid. Getting a decent spoonful, I blew away the steam before quietly sipping it. It was delicious, I'd say that much, but with my nerves running amok, it didn't seem to sit with me. I had a strong feeling that Basil was onto me. Just the look of disappointment he gave me before he left with the Dr. Dawson and Olivia was evidence of that.

I have to tell him, I said inwardly, I have to tell him everything. I fear that if I keep thing hidden any longer that it'll start to eat me alive, if it hasn't already.

"Are you all right, dear?" Mrs. Judson questioned with great concern as she placed a small tray of tea on the small table in between us.

"I'm fine," I replied, though I truly wasn't and it was clear that she knew that but decided not to press on. Pouring some tea into a small cup, she handed it me before pouring some of her own and taking a seat in the green chair across from me.

"Mr. Basil was awfully worried about you earlier," she stated before taking a sip.

"He was?" I asked, a bit shocked before shaking my head. "No, I don't think so."

"Oh, yes he was."

"Well, he sure has a funny way of showing it He seemed furious than worried."

Mrs. Judson chuckled, placing her teacup on the table. "My stubborn tenant has always had great difficulties showing his true emotions, dear. Though I have known him for a good amount of years, it is still seldom he shows them. Only once, I have seen him show his sensitive side, but even then, it was brief. He believes that emotions are a sign of weakness. But not once have I ever seen him worry or any woman like he has you. To me, it shows that he cares about you, dear." Hearing this, as strange as it sounded, warmed my heart greatly. The butterflies I felt before returned at full force. If this was coming from Basil himself, I probably would have still had my doubts as to whether he meant it. But coming from Mrs. Judson herself, it had to be true. She has known this mouse for year. If he was worried, then that had to me he truly cared. If he cared, then that meant that he…that he lov…

Paula don't start getting ahead of yourself again. Remember, he's mostly a thinking machine, so be might be incapable of such a thing…

"Right," I sighed deeply as the possible reality of the situation came back. Even if by some chance he did care about me, the moment he knew the truth, he would turn his back away from me. Perhaps that's how it should be…

For a minute or so, we sat there in silence. Thinking about what was going through my mind, it suddenly made me wonder. With what I knew about the detective, I learned through the film. That means, I only knew what he was like based off what I had seen at that precise moment. Truthfully, that wasn't much. I knew nothing about him before that because that part of his life was never mentioned. Since it was never brought up, it made me wonder if he ever did feel love for someone else. Giving myself the okay, I looked up at the landlady once more.

"Mrs. Judson, for as long as you have known Basil, has he ever once been in some kind of relationship?"

"Not since I've known him, dear. He has found the life of a bachelor quite fitting for him. However, it wasn't always like that. There was once a time that he had love in his life."

"Really?"

"Indeed so. Her name was Rebecca Covington. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Basil's violin teacher. They have known each other since they were young children. They met through their fathers since my tenant's was too a musician as well, which was why his son was so eager to learn the delicate instrument he played.

"At first, their friendship was just that: friends. Nothing more, nothing less. It wasn't until many years later that they began to grow fond of one another. She was all he could think about. Anyone could see that he was madly in love with the girl and as was she. The sad part of it though was that she was Irish. Their relationship was forbidden and if Miss Covington were to marry Mr. Basil, she would be disowned. That did not stop them though. For as much as that young woman loved him, she was willing to sacrifice all she had. There was even talk about them running off to the States and elope." She paused briefly. I could tell that what Mrs. Judson was telling me was painful, but she shrugged it off.

Hesitating a bit, I asked, "Why did it end? If they loved each other so much, why didn't he marry her?"

"Life can be unfair at times, Miss Méndez, even cruel, it was the summer of 1878 when things took a turn for the worst. Though both were seventeen years of age, Mr. Basil felt it was time to take the next step. Before he had a chance, however, Miss Covington sadly told him that she could no longer be with him for she was to be betrothed to someone else. Telling her that he understood and that he should have seen it coming, he walked away. That was the last time they ever spoke to one another."

"He must have been heartbroken."

"He was, but he never seemed like it. All four years that Mr. Basil attended Oxford, not once did he speak of her in his letters to home and the same was to those he received. But she did ask about him for she had sent a letter or two of her own. Feeling betrayed, it was assumed that he never opened her letters. It was also during this time (though no one knew about it at first) that my tenant discovered that one horrid thing that we all feared would be the end of him. If they had married, I doubt Mr. Basil would have ever discovered that dreadful addiction.

"It was not until three years ago that they reunited. She had recently become a widow and it was him that she was told to go to for help when Scotland Yard hit a dead end. To him, it felt strange to see her, for somewhere, deep down he still felt something for her. But it seemed that his feelings were not as potent as they once were."

"But…but how did you come to know of all this?" I questioned, shocked by all that Mrs. Judson had revealed to me. "I imagined Basil being one to keep his personal life hidden."

The landlady chuckled lightly, which confused me slightly. "His mother, may she rest in peace. She used to visit often when he first came to live here. She always worried and fussed over him, like all mothers do. One evening, she came to visit and he had not yet returned. She knew this was normal for him, so instead of leaving, she waited patiently. During that waiting period, she told me about his first and final love." Again, I sat in utter shock, allowing what I had just been told sink in. I finally understood why this eccentric mouse was the way he was. But it also made me wonder why, even after that long ago, did he remain the way he is now. Was he still hurting deep down inside of him, still wishing for what could have been? I knew these were questions even Mrs. Judson wouldn't have an answer to. But I did want to know one thing.

Hesitating at first, knowing I was probably about to step over my boundaries, I asked, "When did she pass? Basil's mother…"

"About four years ago," the landlady answered confidently, holding back tears. "She had grown terribly ill with what we soon realized was influenza. However, just like her own son, she was stubborn and wished to deny that her time was almost done. Mr. Basil could sense something was wrong, for as time went by her visits became less frequent. It was only a week before her birthday that she had died."

"Lillian was the most loving and caring woman anyone could ever possibly meet. She would have loved you if you had the chance to meet her. She was so adventurous and so independent. When her husband passed, she began to travel. She would ask Mr. Basil of the places he had been to and she would see them for herself. In fact," she began, pointing across the room, "that smoking jacket of his she got when she came back from France."

"And she gave it to him?"

"Yes, she worried that he would end up with a horrible chill. It was supposed to be for his brother, William, but he had gained more weight by the time she returned."

William? Why does that name sound familiar? It's a very popular name, but I know I've…I remember! Basil said that he was an enemy. Why would he think such a thing of his brother though? Then again, there's always bound to be sibling rivalry now and again. Even I myself have thought my own brother was out to get me. I was soon pulled out of my thoughts when the front door opened.

"We got one!" Olivia announced with happiness and cheer, moving out of the way so the two grown mice could haul the decent sized tree inside from the cold.

"Oh, how glorious it is!" Mrs. Judson exclaimed with the same tone as she rose from her seat to assist in placing it in its proper place by the fireplace.

"It was…a bit higher in price than we originally intended on…" Basil paused slightly while he assisted in pushing the large tree into a standing position. "However it was well worth the price."

"Couldn't have asked for a better one myself," Dr. Dawson added before going back to close the door before the cold could make it into the flat.

"Have you ever had a Christmas tree before, Miss Méndez?" asked Olivia as she gazed up at me with bright eyes. Looking away from the gorgeous sight before me, I turned towards her, returning her smile with one of my own.

"Not one like this. Though it's better late than never, right?"

"Right!" she agreed before walking over the Mrs. Judson. "May we decorate it now?"

"Of course we can, dear," the humbled woman replied, guiding her towards staircase. "Come along…"

After dinner, we all sat around the warmth of the fireplace as Basil played cheerfully on his new violin. Once he finished the final tune, we all applauded before he placed the delicate instrument back on the floor beside his chair.

Sitting on the floor by Olivia, I glanced upward at the beautiful creation beside me. Even with the glowing fire, it managed the shine every so brightly as the small candles that were delicately placed on the branches burned. Looking away from its radiance, I noticed the small pile of plates and cups that were on the tray that Mrs. Judson had brought in earlier. Feeling generous, I stood from my place to bring them into the kitchen.

"Oh, no, my dear, you don't have to do that," she told me when she noticed me taking them away. "I'll do that in a moment."

"It's quite all right, Mrs. Judson. You rest, I'll bring them in." I told her motioning for her to sit back down. When my back was turned, I failed to notice a certain doctor nudging for a certain detective to assist me.

"Ah… she is right, darling. You mustn't carry all of that yourself," Basil agreed, standing from his own seat to help me. "Surely you can use some assistance. It's only fair."

Looking up at him, I chuckled lightly. "I can assure you, Mr. Basil, though I deeply appreciate it, I can handle it."

"Is that so?" he questioned playfully. For a moment, I couldn't help but smile. Shaking my head, I looked towards the door.

"Would you mind?" I waited as he opened the door for me and stepped to the side so I could walk by. Placing them by the sink, I headed back. "Thank you."

"Most welcome, my dear." As we were about the head back to our seats, we both heard a slight sound. Turning our heads, we saw three pairs of eyes on us.

"What?" we both asked in unison. Confused towards Olivia's silent reply, which was her pointing upward, we did just that. What we discovered was mistletoe hanging directly above our heads.

Oh, God, I panicked. I could feel my heart pounding to point that at any given moment, it would burst from my chest. I was too familiar with this holiday tradition, but I never expected myself to fall into its trap. Let alone being trapped under it with Basil. Judging by the deep redness on his face, I could only assume he was thinking the same thing.

"Well...," the detective began, his face turned away from mine. "It seems we've gotten ourselves in quite a predicament."

"It seems that way," I agreed, still not able to calm myself. "So…um…you don't happen to have some kind of plan for getting us out of this situation, do you?"

"Alas, I do not. And they are going to continue looking our way until the deed is done."

"So…that's what we'll do, I guess. Get it over and done with."

"Precisely."

"Just a simple kiss and that's it."

"What harm could it do?"

"Right…"

Gazing down at me once more, Basil cupped my chin and tilted my head up slightly before his lips caught my own. The tightness that I felt in my stomach had vanished. My pulse elevated. My body heated up like a furnace. His kiss was so soft, but for some reason had a hint of what seemed like passion. What started out as just a simple kiss, turned out to be much more than that. I gasped when I felt his hand brush across my back. Just that touch caused tiny lightning bolts to shoot up my spine.

As he deepened the kiss, I soon felt that my legs were about to collapse from below me. Not really thinking, I wrapped my arms around his neck. I was then surprised when I felt a slight touch on the bottom of my lip, knowing what it was, I (for some odd reason) allowed it.

We stood there for what seemed like an eternity before we parted from lack of air. However, I was amazed that Basil kept me so close to him, almost as if he didn't want to let me go. Still, I felt this quite comforting. We stared at one another, a smile on both our faces. I chuckled lightly, when he began to blush a bit, clearing his throat as he released me from his embrace and took a step back.

"I…ah…," he chuckled nervously. "I believe that was a bit more than you bargained for."

"No," I assured him. I wanted to tell him that it was perfect, but I chose not to. A part of me wished that we could have remained in that kiss forever, but the other part of me soon realized that I was stepping into dangerous territory. If I wasn't in there already. Wrapping an arm around me, we walked back to our seats. Doing so, I could sense a great deal of happiness in both Mrs. Judson and Dr. Dawson. They were content that Basil had possibly changed for the better. I only hoped that it could remain as so. But because of that, I was not left with two options: Stay a finally be happy or give him up forever and return to my old life.