Hello again readers! Following up rather quickly with another chapter, this story certainly needs it after not being updated for so long. Please read and enjoy as always! :D
Kira exhaled contently, Ralph's shirt slipping a bit off her shoulder, revealing the ivory skin as she sat up. She looked behind her, smiling as Ralph slept lightly at her side on the soft grass. Her hand graced lightly over his, cherishing the love they shared. She had been a flower bud, petals closely held and interwoven together; but that night, her flower had blossomed fully, large, beautiful petals opening up to her dear Ralph, and it was something she knew in her heart she would not come to regret. As she saw the darkening sky melting into lighter shades of violent and blue, signaling the oncoming of dawn, she sighed sadly, knowing that she once again had to leave her paradise. She leaned in close, planting a soft kiss on Ralph's lips to gently wake him. He shifted a bit in response, blinking his eyes open as he grunted, sitting up and yawning.
"Almost morning already...?" He asked, smiling sadly and holding Kira close to him.
"I'm afraid so..." She replied. "I suppose you'll want your shirt back..." She chuckled lightly to herself. "I never imagined myself being so improper... but I just... it doesn't feel like I've done wrong... it feels like this is where I was meant to be tonight, who I was meant to be with."
Ralph smiled as they dressed. "I feel the same way."
As Kira fixed herself up, she furrowed a brow when she took the engagement ring off her necklace, having placed it there when she took it off so she wouldn't lose it. Her reality came flooding back to her suddenly, and she frowned as she slowly slid it on her finger. Ralph approached her from behind, noticing this.
"That's the token, isn't it? The token humans use when mates are bound." Ralph said.
"Yes... an engagement ring." Kira sighed. Even if Felix never found out about this- he could NEVER find out about this- she would have to keep this secret locked away forever, weighing down upon her heart like trudging through life with heavy chains hanging from her, dragging behind, their incessant rattling a constant reminder of the sin she had committed.
A sin. Why did it have to be a sin? Perhaps it was her bond with Felix that was the sin, it was not built on genuine love- well, perhaps to a certain extent, but predominantly it was built upon the avarice of her father that forced their union. Her mind was so clouded, so filled with confusion that she did not know what was right or wrong anymore, what was real and what was dream. As she thought to herself she became sleepy again as Ralph scooped her up in his arms, carrying her back as fatigue overcame her.
The next day, Kira sat at the table with Felix as they and Gene were going over wedding arrangements, planning out a date, a guest list, location, venue, etc. As Felix was writing down names and Gene was looking through some of his contacts to see which he felt was most suitable for a fancy wedding reception, Kira rested her head on her hand, sighing lightly as she stared out the window, distracted.
"Hm... I think I'll invite him and his brothers... that crazy man, always racing around with his automobile... he named it 'Turbo,' can you fathom it? Always racing it around on the Vanderbilt..." Felix was saying before he noticed Kira's distant expression. "Kira...? Kira, are you listening to me?"
Kira blinked, turning to look at him. "Hm...? Oh, forgive me... I must have dozed off."
Felix frowned a bit, clearing his throat. "Well... is there anyone else you want to add to the invite list...? I've added everyone I can think of, so-"
"I've got it!" Gene exclaimed, coming over holding a piece of paper. "I'm going to give my buddy Otto a call... Felix, your father helped build his mansion in Huntington about twenty years ago... it's a beautiful place, I'm going to give him a call and set something up." Kira watched him miserably as he went over to the phone, dialing a number and holding up the mouthpiece. "Otto, my man! Haha, it has been a while! How's business? Another day, another dollar, right? Well, I have a favor to ask; if it isn't too much, my daughter Kira's going to be wed soon and- thank you, thank you! Yes, I wanted to ask if we could use your place for the reception following- well of course you're invited! I w- Felix! Make sure Otto's on that invite list, put his name up top!"
Kira sighed lightly, resting her forehead on the table. "He's already running our wedding like some kind of business deal..."
Felix frowned, rubbing her back after he jotted down Otto's name. "Don't worry, Kira... his mansion IS a beautiful place to have the reception... it's tough now but when the day comes it'll be lovely."
As Gene spoke rather loudly on the phone, Kira didn't reply directly, rising from her chair. "Felix, I need some air."
"O- Oh... um, alright..." Felix replied. "We could go into town, take a nice stroll."
"That sounds relieving." Kira said, and Felix went over to tell Gene they were stepping out.
"Yeah, yeah, just don't be gone for long, Meg's coming in a few hours to measure you both for attire!" Gene said before he went back to chattering away with his friend Otto.
Kira was very quiet as the two walked along the sidewalk, and Felix frowned worriedly when she would occasionally rub her temples.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"My head aches from his quick talking... I can't bear it!" Kira whined. The two sat on a bench, the breeze lightly blowing her hair a bit as waves crashed on the beach in the back ground.
"I'm sorry you feel so miserable about this... but I promise, it will be a wonderful day, and... I'll make sure you're happy as my wife." Felix said. When the only reply he got was another sigh, he glanced away, biting his lip for a moment when he remembered what he saw the night before. "Say, Kira... um... when you go on your... your nightly strolls... what exactly do you... do you do?"
Kira raised a brow, looking over at him. "What do you mean?"
"Well... I mean... I know you love the wilderness, but... what exactly... makes you so excitable about it? It's as if there's some amazing spectacle in those woods."
Kira blinked, her lips parting a bit in thought. "Are..." she shook her head for a moment. "Are you eavesdropping on me at night?"
Felix gulped, waving his hands in front of her, afraid he had blown his cover. "N- No, I... I saw you once, I was having a bout of insomnia one night and I saw you, it was purely coincidence-"
"What I do with myself is my own business and you will not interfere with what I do with the only time I have with myself!" Kira snapped, getting up and storming back down the board walk. He couldn't find out. He couldn't know what she was doing.
Felix was taken aback by her outburst, taking a few moments to react when she started to storm off. "K- Kira!" He called to her, having to run a bit to catch up with her. "Kira, slow down!" He exclaimed, taking her wrist into his hand.
"Let go of me!" She cried, and she struggled a bit as Felix attempted to hold her steady.
"Now you just hold your horses!" Felix said. "This isn't the place to be having a fit like this, there could be people around!"
"I don't care! I'm sick of everyone prying into my life and ruining the things I enjoy!"
"Look... Kira, I know you're upset, but this is no excuse to act like this. I think you're hiding something from me, and as much as I love you, I AM going to be your husband soon. Secrets in a marriage lead to discord, Kira. If there's something that's going on that I don't know about it's going to make things difficult for the both of us."
"And what if I don't? Are you going to cage me up too? Are you going to tell me what to do or what to say and how to act? Am I simply a machine built for others to control? Am I not a living, breathing creature with a heart, with feelings? I have my own free will and I will do as I please!"
"Then why not show me?! Show me what you love most so I can help you! We can stroll the wilderness together, and-"
"Absolutely not." Kira cut him off, turning away from him.
"I... I beg your pardon...?" Felix became deeply upset, running a hand through his hair. "We used to do everything together, Kira... you used to tell me everything... now it's as if... it's as if I've become some foul thing you want to be rid of! I... I barely recognize you anymore Kira, you've pushed me so far away I can't even see you!"
Kira was silent for a few moments, hugging herself. "Felix... if I showed you what you asked me to... you would not comprehend it. Everything you thought you knew, had and held would slip out of your hands like sand."
"Can't you just be frank with me? Can't you just give me something to at least help me attempt to figure out the source of your struggle?" Felix asked.
Kira shut her eyes tightly, shaking her head. "I'd like to return home now. I need to rest."
Felix sighed in defeat, nodding lightly. "Very well. I'll walk you home." When they reached the penthouse, Kira walked up the stairs and into her apartment, Gene sitting in the chair as he drank an afternoon martini and read the paper. She went in her bedroom and closed the door, crawling into bed and hugging her pillow.
After almost an hour when she decided she was too restless to take a nap, she sat up, looking over to her closet. She went over to it, opening the door and rummaging through a few things before taking out the wood she had been carving and some of Felix's old tools. She cleared off her desk, placing it down and she bit her lip as she began to carve away along the lines, completing her wood block template little by little. It was therapeutic in a way, as if she was slowly carving away her troubles, slowly forming the core of her heart, her Ralph. After a few hours, she dusted away the wood shavings, looking at the wood block and nodding to herself with satisfaction. Her anticipation rose again, and she took the wood block, not even giving Gene a chance to say anything to her as she ran out the door, heading back to town where she would visit the print shop.
"I swear when that girl gets back here I'll-!" Gene growled as he threw his paper to the side angrily. "She was here for a bit and then she suddenly ran out without another word! She probably went to go visit that silly art shop again! If that girl doesn't get her priorities in order she's going to be sorry!"
Meg was in the apartment, taking Felix's measurements for a tux. "Oh Gene, you know how kids are... I can always take her measurements when she gets back, I'm just three floors down and I'll be home for the evening now that the work day is out..."
Gene plopped down in his chair, huffing with annoyance. "Just when I think she's straightened herself out, she makes trouble again!"
Mary, who was also there, placed a light hand on his shoulder. "Gene dear, don't be too cross with her... I hate to see you so upset."
"I'm at my wits end, Mary! God almighty cursed me with a disobedient daughter when I had begged, pleaded for a son! I'm about to chain her until she acts like a human!" He got up, pacing the room.
"Gene dear, perhaps a walk will settle your nerves... then I can whip up something nice for you to have after a while." Mary suggested.
Gene sighed, nodding. "Very well... Meg, stick around, there's some bottles around if you want to help yourself." He said as he and Mary walked around the penthouse outside, the sky splattered with different colors as evening approached.
"See now, isn't this nice...?" Mary smiled. "We used to do this a lot in our youth."
"Yes..." Gene replied. "Curse my wife for her beauty... had I known what a nightmare she was going to make for me... Kira is exactly like her. They... they spend their life with their heads in the clouds, wasting away living in some dream!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. "There's no time for that, dreaming doesn't make money, it doesn't get work done!"
Mary frowned lightly, remembering that, indeed, Gene's wife had been beautiful. "Gene... I know you're feeling rather frustrated... but I've been thinking lately. We've been good friends, haven't we? Now that Kira's going to be on her own soon... Gene, I... I have no family, as you know, and... I... I worry about the fate of my shop." She bit her lip a bit. "It's a good establishment, as you know Gene... if... if I could trust it to someone, I would trust you."
Gene glanced at her, raising a brow. "What's this about, Mary?"
Mary stopped, looking up at him. "I wouldn't be in your way... I'd let you do as you always do, I would be there for you when you need me... I-"
"Wait a minute, just hold on one second." Gene replied. "Are you implying what I think you're implying?" When he got no reply, he started to chuckle, laughing as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Mary, don't be silly! Imagine us going on dates at our age, it's preposterous!"
Mary frowned a bit, furrowing her brows. "But Gene... I... you see I've always..."
Gene sighed. "I know you've always had a certain affection for me, Mary... I know it was hard when I married. But you've stuck around, and I appreciate it. I just don't have the time or the energy to settle down into another marriage. You'd want me to supply you my affections but you know I'm a busy man."
Mary felt her heart sinking as Gene turned to walk away, closing her eyes for a moment. "I... I'll give you ownership of my shop."
Gene stopped, turning around to face her. "Pardon...?"
"I'll give you complete ownership... and all the profits... if you'll have me. It's... it's all I have to give." Mary said.
Gene walked back up to her then, intrigued. "No, Mary... let's not be too hasty... how much did you say it makes a year...? That could be a lot to lose..."
"Indeed... but... it would be worth it." She smiled lightly.
Gene pursed his lips, smiling a bit. "You've always got a trick up your sleeve, haven't you, Mary? Just when I've got you figured out." He thought for a moment. "I'll consider it... maybe a shotgun wedding."
Mary smiled brightly, giggling a bit. She then noticed someone approaching the penthouse, her change in focus making Gene turn to see Kira returning. "Oh, isn't that-"
"Kira!" Gene shouted, marching over towards her. "Mary, have Felix drive you home, it's getting late- Kira!" He followed her into the penthouse, and when he entered the apartment, he saw that Felix was speaking to Kira inside, but Meg was nowhere to be found. "Felix, where is Meg?"
"O- Oh, she went home for dinner... she took all my measurements." Felix replied.
Gene's lips tightened, exhaling sharply. "Mary's outside, go drive her home."
Felix blinked, clearing his throat. "Okay, um... I'll return in a bit..." He grabbed his things, glancing back worriedly at Kira before closing the apartment door behind him.
Kira had already put her things in her room, and she stood in the middle of the room for a few moments before turning, about to return to her bedroom.
"Hold it!" Gene shouted, making Kira stop in her tracks.
"I'm going to go freshen up." She said, about to leave again when Gene marched over, grabbing her hand.
"Now you stay right where I can see you! What do you take me for, a fool? You think you can just make yourself scarce when you have commitments? Here I was standing her like a big buffoon while you're doing your silly hobbies! I've had about enough of this nonsense and you better start taking this seriously!" Gene shouted.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I get a smudge on your golden trophy of an ego? I wasn't aware that today was the only day Meg could take my measurements!"
"Now don't you be smart with me! You'd better march yourself to Meg's apartment right now and get it done!"
"Oh, if you insist!" Kira groaned, sighing as she went into her room to gather a few things, rummaging around as she placed some things in her closet. She then stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her in frustration.
Gene grit his teeth, rubbing his forehead. He paced around the apartment a bit, going into her room and putting his hands on his hips as he looked around, shaking his head. "Look at all these things she wastes her time on... these stupid art pieces are taking over!" He then noticed something moving just outside the window, raising a brow. "What the...?" He walked over, opening the window to see a rope hanging down from the roof to the balcony. His eyes widened when he looked down, seeing a bit of dirt spread about the balcony floor. He spent some time thinking about this, piecing together an assumption that made him swell with anger, furiously shutting the window and storming out of her room.
"Well, that should be it! I'll make sure that your dress is fit for a queen!" Meg smiled as Kira gathered her things.
"Thank you for being so patient Meg, I apologize for intruding." Kira replied.
"Oh, it's no trouble at all! You can stop in anytime you like, dear."
"Thanks again." Kira smiled lightly as Meg let her out, and she exhaled lightly as she headed up the stairs back to her apartment.
As she approached, she was about to place her hand on the doorknob when she heard her father shouting from inside and Felix nervously trying to calm him down. She gasped lightly, keeping quiet as she listened in on the conversation.
"You tell me RIGHT now! You tell me what this means!" Gene shouted.
"S- Sir, I swear, I have no idea why that would be there, I-"
"There's NO way that she could tie a rope that sturdily, I know it was you! It's bad enough that I have to keep track of her like some mangy mutt but now you're in on it? You kids are going to be the death of me, I know it! Now just spill the beans and tell me what she's up to!"
"Gene... please, just... just calm down, I... I know you're cross, but... please, understand, I love her very much, and I-"
"Then you'd better get a back bone, son! Helping her act a fool isn't helping anyone! Think of what the others would say if they found out she was going out there like some animal! I'd be ruined!"
Kira put a hand to her mouth, her heart pounding in her chest as she took a step back, but as she did so, the floor board creaked. She heard the men inside hush, and before she could make a quick dash, the door flew open, and Gene dragged her inside in a rage.
"Let go of me!" Kira cried.
"Felix, shut the door!" Gene shouted, and Felix silently obeyed. Kira struggled until Gene pushed her into her room, flying the window open and showing her the rope hanging and the dirt. "You think you can just bat those pretty eyes and make Felix do your dirty work and you'll just keep your little secrets right under my nose!" Gene shouted.
Kira stood there, breathing shakily as she glared at him. "Funny, you do something quite similar-"
"Be quiet!" Gene shouted. "Now the two of you will explain to me what this means how how you could do this to me or you'll be sorry!" He snapped. "You think this is a game? That you can just run around like some mindless psychiatric patient and then I have to face other people's remarks? I am not some pushover that can't even reel in his own daughter!"
Kira furrowed her brows deeply, glancing over at Felix. He bit his lip, looking down. He knew of her running away at night, but he dare not say a word, he dare not hurt her. She turned to her father then.
"Leave Felix out of this. You harass him for nothing." She said.
"So it's true then?" Gene spat.
"That's what you'll believe regardless of what I say." Kira replied calmly.
Gene was beyond furious. "Felix, go back to your apartment. NOW!"
Felix wanted so badly to stay by Kira now, knowing she needed him. As cruel as it seemed, he felt maybe this was good for Kira... maybe if Gene scared her enough, he wouldn't have to worry about whatever secret she was hiding from him. He silently turned, worriedly leaving the apartment.
As soon as the door closed, Kira tried to bolt for the window, but Gene grabbed her by her hair, throwing her down on her bed and jabbing his finger at her shoulder.
"Stay away from me!" Kira shouted.
"You think you can lie to me? The evidence is written clear as day!" Gene shouted. "If you ever try to disobey me again I'll never let you see the light of day!"
"I hate you!" Kira shouted, her eyes filling up with tears. "You scorn anything that doesn't put money in your pocket or provide nutrition for your overgrown ego!"
Gene grabbed her shoulders, shaking her. "You will learn to listen to me... you will learn to do as I say and do as you're supposed to! It's a good thing you're going to be marrying Felix or I would be sending you on a train back to the West Village, tonight!"
Kira trembled a bit, glaring at him as she blinked tears out of her eyes. "Do you know why I made that painting? Do you know why I chose what I did as your image...? It is exactly the way I see you. Red, for your anger when you don't get what you want... violet, for your unending vanity... green for your envy of others and your selfishness, and gold for your unquenchable GREED! And now what I see can be shown for all the world to see on the wall!"
Gene's eyes widened angrily, tightening his lips as he reared his hand back, slapping her across the face harshly. "Felix will take down that rope tomorrow and I will make sure you do not leave here again. I hope you enjoyed your nights in those vile woods because you will never walk an inch into those trees again." He went over to the window where he had made Felix put chains on the window so she could not get out. He took out a key, locking the padlock and shoving it in his pocket, before storming out of her room, slamming and locking the door.
When Kira realized what he had done, she gasped, running over to the window to try to open it, but it was useless with it chained. She gasped for air, running over to her bedroom door, tugging on the handle and pounding on the door. "Father! Let me out! Let me out! Father, please! PLEASE!" She cried, covering her face as she slid down to the floor. She crawled over to her closet, opening it and taking the wood template she had made into her hands, running her fingers over it shakily as she held it to her chest, sobbing deeply.
Her Ralph would be waiting for her to come to him, and they would both be met with sorrow.
Oh no! How will Kira and Ralph ever be together now? Will Gene find out the true reason why she escaped every night, or Felix? Stay tuned for more in upcoming chapters! Please don't forget to review! :)