I woke with a start, sitting up dazed and disoriented. As my eyes began to adjust to the dimming light of the room, I realized what had happened. My back began to throb as my feet touched the cool floor. Yuna hopped onto the bed and then jumped straight into my arms. I held her tightly against me, letting her soft warm fur stave off the agony that my body was enduring.
I stood for a moment, wobbling at first, and then soon regaining my sense of balance. I walked painfully over to the only window in the light deprived attic to see Sam out in his magnificent garden. I watched him for a moment as he worked tirelessly in the setting sun; he stopped though as I fell into a daydream of sorts and that's when he saw me. His eyes, glistening in the sunset's light, met mine instantaneously and soon I felt my aching body feel light and pain-free. I soon found myself floating silently down the stairs and through the back door.
As I walked cautiously down the steps, I was met instantly by a cooling breeze. I walked slowly through the garden gates, Yuna close behind, letting the autumn flowers and sweet fall fruit smells delight my senses.
I walked over to a quiet spot under a drooping-willow tree and sat down in the cool inviting shadows. I sat alone for awhile, watching Yuna chase after a few fleeting leaves as they glided from the red tree tops to the brown earth.
After a few moments, I found myself playing my flute. It glimmered in the sunset as a sweet melody floated from it. I became lost within the abyss of my mind as my flute solemnly played; I watched a few of the red leaves float effortlessly down from the darkening sky to caress the cold earth.
I soon felt a presence lurking in the cooling breeze, a calming voice in the setting sun. I awoke from my daydream to see Sam walking towards me, his hands behind his back. I realized I was still playing my flute, the song changing oddly from sorrowful to joyful as Sam approached. He stopped short as my flute's melodious cry sprang into the chilling breeze that made the drooping willow's limbs sway.
"Amazing..." he breathed so softly it was barely audible.
"Thank you." I replied standing, and brushing the leaves off my dress.
"I thought you might like these." He said hesitantly as he revealed a small bouquet of wild autumn flowers.
I slowly took them from him, fingering over the flower's soft petals as I said,
"I... I don't know what to say... Thank you." I stammered, feeling my heart begin to pound within my chest.
"Your welcome..." he replied, his eyes dancing in the setting sun, "Did you sleep well? Nicole?"
"Oh yes. Sorry." I replied hastily for I had been lost deep within the haunting memories that flooded my mind.
A Gift... A...Present...
"Would you like to go for a walk? I have something I wish to show you." He inquired, slowly reaching for my hand.
I stared into his crystal blue eyes and then slowly grasped his outstretched hand.
I can not refuse... I know it...
We walk hand in hand for quite a while in total silence, only the sound of the falling leaves and the whispering wind were heard.
"That song... The one you were playing earlier... Where did you learn it?" he inquired his crystal eyes locked on me.
"Oh... I'm not sure... I never have taken lessons for it before. It may be a song from my piano lessons." I replied looking down at my flute I clutched in my pale hands. I slipped into a small bag that I carried on my back as he spoke,
"Piano?" he asked, staring into my red eyes as I looked up at him.
"Yes." I replied, "Music is all I've known, the only thing that has never changed for me. Its strength has only grown within me and made me, in return, stronger. After all that has happened... It is the only thing I have left."
"What has happened?" he asked, concern flooded his voice.
"I'd rather not say." I replied hastily, averting my eyes from his so that the tears were not visible.
"Your music is played perfectly... No surprise when you see the one who is playing." He said as an odd smile fluttered about his face like the silent leaves that fell from the autumn trees.
I looked up now, tears flowing down my blushing cheeks. I was about to speak when he cried out,
"We are here! Nicole, do you trust me?" He said as he stopped, gently holding both of my hands in his, the bouquet of flowers falling to the earth.
His eyes began to shine in anticipation as they searched my shocked eyes for an answer. I stood speechless for a moment before replying...
Trust... Something I had truly never known...
"Y... Yes... I trust you..." I stammered, feeling an odd smile flow over my solemn face.
He smiled at this and slowly led me to an old willow. He stopped for a moment letting go of my hands. He then walked over to the old willow and parted the drooping limbs to reveal a hidden oasis.
"Oh My God." I breathed as he took my hand and led me through a hidden paradise.
Night blooming flowers decorated the landscape and autumn leaves fell silently from the red sky and landed in the lake that was in the center of the Eden.
"It's beautiful." I said, as I let my senses become immersed with the beauty that surrounded me.
"There is something else that is more beautiful than this. Just one thing." He began as a sly smile crept onto his gleaming expression.
"And what might that be?" I asked, smiling as he slowly grasped my hands.
"You need not look far to find it... In fact, I see it now." He said, his crystal eyes locked on me.
I felt myself begin to blush. My heart began to race as he gently bent his towards mine and kissed me ever so gently...
I wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me close to him... My heart and soul sang. As our lips parted, I felt an odd feeling sweep into my joyous heart. I saw his eyes fill with shock as a horrid sound echoed through out the Eden.
Love is always followed by Pain...
