Chapter 8
Author's Note: First big thanks and a big hug to Rach for beta this chapter and all the others for me! And...Happy Birthday Sweetie:-) I'm dedicating this chapter to Ursa. Hey girl, If you'll read this, you will know why. wink
"There is something in the drawer for you." Joseph said as he left the room. He had absolutely no idea what her reaction would be, so he disappeared into the kitchen for a few moments to give her time to think.
As he stepped out, his words registered with Clarisse. 'In the drawer?'
She looked around the room, and after a moment, she realized that the drawer was in the night stand right next to her. She slowly opened it, while her heart beat faster and faster. She felt it somehow. She knew it – she knew what was in that drawer… And she was right.
As she glanced at that little dark-blue box, she felt panic and fear. And when she opened it… her heart was beating so fast that she could hardly breathe. Fortunately, Joseph was watching from the doorway, and he decided to put an end to her torture.
"That's not what you think," he said worriedly. He couldn't stand to see her suffering. She didn't answer, just looked at him questioningly, but undeniably a bit relieved.
"That ring…" he said. "It's not an engagement ring. Well… it WAS before now, of course. But now, it's just a simple sign. A sign that …that I love you." Joseph smiled slightly, as he sat down in front of her and put the glass on the nightstand.
She still hadn't spoken. Not because she didn't want to, she just simply could not. She felt, if she spoke a word, she would cry immediately. So she kept quiet, while Joseph continued.
"Clarisse… Please, look at me… It never entered my head that I would try winning you over with this ring. You don't have to worry, OK? Do you understand me?" asked Joseph while he squeezed her hand. Her answer was a slight nod. "I've just always wanted to give you this ring. I've had it for years. I'm sorry about the timing, but now that you're mine… Oh, sorry, I, uh, mean now that you know how I feel; I can finally give you such a thing. A few months ago this would have been a bit strange, don't you think?" Joseph asked and she finally smiled a bit.
"And that is not everything. I have to tell you a story about this ring and… about me. Maybe you will think I'm not quite… normal. Or perhaps just a bit too sentimental – I hope." said Joseph and took a deep breath before continuing. "When I moved to Genovia I wanted to start a whole new life. Everything was too chaotic and unsure for me in those days, but here I felt a sense of freedom. I know it's strange, but nothing really mattered. I just lived for the day, and tried to be very spontaneous. And that's the point – spontaneity. So one day I was walking in the street, and saw this ring in a shop window. And I just stopped. I had no girlfriend, not even a platonic love. Nobody. But I felt I had to buy it for someone I didn't know. For a woman I already loved, I just didn't know who she was. I know it sounds insane," Joseph laughed nervously. "Like in that story about the railway in the Alps… They say they built the train tracks over the Alps before there was a train that could make the trip. They built it anyway. They knew one day the train would come. And they were right as was I." Joseph smiled and stroked her hand. "Because a few weeks later, I accepted this job at the palace, and I found you. There was no doubt for me. I knew that you are the one I was waiting for. But… there was a little problem. Little, yes," sighed Joseph. "You were married, and what's worse, your husband was a king. A king! And who on earth could compare with a king? So I felt I was a complete idiot. A fool. There I was, a grown man dreaming such nonsense. So I suddenly came to myself, and forgot this whole thing. I tried to work hard, and never ever think about love. People thought me cold and unfeeling because I didn't want to date. I refused every… chance. But I just wanted to protect myself. Protect myself from disappointment. And I didn't want to make such a fool from myself again. But soon, Rupert began to spend more and more time abroad, so I could be with you the whole day. And there were no excuses anymore. I knew I wanted you. No matter how long it took… Well, it took a pretty long time as you see, but it was worth it. It was worth every moment of waiting," said Joseph and cupped her cheek lovingly.
Clarisse… she just looked at him for a moment, then put her arms around him. Tightly. Very tightly. "I love you… I love you so," whispered Clarisse, her eyes closed as her tears starting to fall…
They didn't let go of each other, but lay down together, and soon they fell asleep…
OOOOOOOOOO
It was early in the morning when they awoke in each other's arms.
Sorry, I did I say they woke up? That was rather an understatement…
"We fell asleep!" Clarisse cried as her eyes flew open in shock.
"I love you too," murmured Joseph and drew her closer.
"Joseph! Wake up! We stayed out all night!"
To be continued….
Author's Note: I'm asking a serious question from Joe on the forum...:-)