Chapter Twenty Six ~ Guardian Angel
I stared at him, completely speechless. Robin was stood in front of me, not laid in a bed too injured to stand or walk. It was like the attack never happened. Though when I looked at Robin's face I could still see the attack had taken effect on the De Noir boy.
His eyes.
They were sad. Sad for the friend they had lost due to the attack in the forest. Sad because they still believed it was their fault their friend was dead. Sad because they hated themselves for not doing more than they did.
"Robin!" I cried, flinging my eyes around his neck and hugging him. I had completely forgotten his injury. Robin hugged me back like the attack had never happened, holding me tight and practically lifting me off my feet. Though when we let go of each other, I saw him run a hand along his stomach. He attempted to make the action subtle, but I still noticed it. "I'm sorry." I said quickly. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Remember what I said about that worrying issue of yours?" Robin laughed. The sound was music to my ears. I heard someone cough and I remembered that there was more people in the room besides Robin and I.
"Robin, these are my friends from London." I said quickly. "Claire and Georgina." I gestured to them both in turn. "Guys this is Robin De Noir." Both Claire and Georgina seemed to be wordless as Robin kissed both their hands. The action alone tinged something inside of me, which I recognised to be jealousy.
It seemed that I had fallen for the Bird boy bad.
"Maria has told us so much about you." Claire said, her eyes staring defiantly into Robin. I watched her intently. I felt a feeling of dread inside me. I had just and so realised my true feelings for Robin and now he was going to be swept away by Claire, the figure of perfection. To my surprise, Robin seemed to be unfeigned by Claire's affectionate stare, unlike my cousin, and just simply smiled at her.
"All good stuff, I hope." Robin said.
"Oh yes." Georgina said suddenly. Claire and Robin gave her a look of confusion where I just glared at her. She didn't seem to care. "Come on, Claire. I do believe your knight in shiny armour is around here somewhere." She took the blonde's hand and dragged her away before Claire could say another word. I was instantly thankful for their departure.
"Your friends are…" Robin paused. "Interesting." He said finally, smiling. I raised an eyebrow.
"If you describe interesting as enticing your cousin and batting their eye lids at every man in the room, then yes, yes they are." I sighed. Robin frowned.
"Your cousin?" I explained briefly on Aunt Sylvia's and Cousin Barney's visit and about them and their travels. "I think I prefer your family to my own, if I'm honest." Robin laughed.
"My family is your family." I blurted out unintentionally. Robin stared at me, confused. "I mean, Uncle and Loveday and Mrs Heliotrope. We spend so much time with each other that we're all practically family already." Robin nodded slowly and gave me a confused smile. "How are you feeling anyway?" I asked quickly.
"Better." Robin sighed. "It's been incredibly boring being in the same room for the amount of time I have." I laughed.
"Mr Gomez tells me you've been causing trouble."
"Wouldn't you?" I nodded in agreement and took a sip from the drink I forgot I had. Robin gazed around the room at everyone whilst I stared at him. Now that I knew my feelings it was hard not to. It wasn't until now I realised how handsome Robin was. He was more suited with a girl like Claire than someone like me.
Just a plain, simple girl.
"Do you want a drink?" I asked suddenly. He turned back to me, his eyes lingering on the drink in my hand.
"What is it?" He asked warily. I held out my cup to him, offering him to try some. He took the cup from me, his hand touching mine for longing than was necessary, but I didn't care. Look at me, I had turned into a completely love-struck fool!
Love. Oh dear God, what if I was in love with him?
"Can you excuse me for a moment?" I asked. Robin held out the cup for me to take back but I shook my head. "You can have it, I was feeling a little sick anyway."
"Are you alright?" Robin asked, concerned. I nodded.
"I'll be fine." I smiled. "I'm just going to go find Loveday." I rushed off before he could say another word.
Finding Loveday was difficult. It didn't help with the constant obstacles of people wishing me a 'Happy Birthday' as I walked by. I had to keep a smile on my face and by the time I did find Loveday, my cheeks ached.
"Maria!" She cried. "Have you seen Robin?" She asked. I nodded.
"I have." I replied. "Loveday I need to talk to you urgently." She studied my face before leading the way towards an empty room. When she shut the door the noise of the party seemed to be a distant echo. The room we were in was dark, Loveday hadn't lit any of the candles because she had been too busy with party preparations.
"What's the matter?" Loveday asked, concerned. I was going to dread even speaking to her, I could tell.
"Loveday, how did you know when you were in love with Uncle?" I asked quickly. A large grin broke out across Loveday's face when she processed what I had just told her.
"You're in love with my brother!" She cried. I shook my head and sighed.
"I don't know!" I told her. "I know I like him more than a friend but I don't know if I am inlove with him. That's why I need your help." Her grin widened in delight before she took my hands in hers.
"Love is a very beautiful thing, Maria." She began. "How do you know if you are in love? Well, that's a very good question." She sighed. "It's a very hard feeling to explain, my dear." She thought some more before continuing. "You enjoy spending time with my brother, right?"
"Yes." I replied without hesitation.
"Is he all you can think about?" I had to pause before answering that one.
"Yes."
"Could you see yourself spending the rest of your life with him?" I hadn't ever thought about it. I suppose it wasn't until now I realised what I felt for Robin, so I had never imagined growing old with him and having children together.
"I don't know." I admitted finally.
"Is he all that matters to you? Would you do anything and everything for him?" When I looked up at Loveday she seemed to be staring distantly off into nothing. When I didn't answer, she looked down and met my eyes. A small encouraging smile fell on her lips.
"I don't know." I whispered finally. She didn't speak for a few moments.
"Tell him" Loveday said. She raised a hand when I was about to speak. "Tell him how you fell and I guarantee that when you do, you'll understand whether you love him or not." I sighed.
"I do love him." I began. "I just don't know if I am in love with him." Loveday studied me for a few moments.
"Tell him. You'll know straight away." She promised.
"What if I just make a big fool out of myself and he doesn't feel the same?" I asked quietly.
"If he doesn't feel the same, he is the fool. Not you." Before I could say anything else, she dragged me from the room and we headed back to the party.
Upon entering we ran into Uncle and he asked me to dance with him. I had to admit, I was slightly taken aback, but I accepted and followed him onto the dance floor. At first I thought it would be awkward dancing with Uncle but it wasn't at all. Though the height difference seemed to make things difficult, we didn't mind.
"Are you having a nice night?" Uncle asked. I shrugged.
"Better than what I expected." I admitted. He laughed.
"I'm sorry. I did try convince Loveday to tone down on everything." He sighed. "Though she did just bite my head off." I grinned.
"It's fine." I said. "I'm actually quite enjoying myself."
We continued to dance and talk until Loveday came and asked if she could 'take him off my hands'. I laughed and agreed and Loveday and Uncle proceeded to dance. Whilst on my way to get another drink, I ran into Georgina.
"You're welcome." She said. I frowned.
"For what?" I asked, confused.
"I just saved your man from the clutches of Claire." She explained. "The girl is unbelievable, I must say." There it was again. Jealousy.
"Where is she?" I asked.
"With your cousin." Georgina sighed. "The good thing about Claire is though she's incredibly flirty, she's very polite. She couldn't very well say no to your cousin's affection."
"Georgina?" I asked, almost timidly. "You don't know where Robin is do you?" She gave me a knowing smile and nodded to a place behind me. I turned around and saw Robin stood by the open doors that lead out onto the garden with his father and Mr Gomez. Judging by his face, he was extremely bored. I turned back to Georgina but she wasn't there anymore. With a sigh, I made my way over to where the De Noir men were stood.
When he noticed me walking towards them, Robin gave me a smile.
"Father was just commenting on your garden." Robin explained once I got to them. I stared out across the garden. I had to admit, Loveday had done a fantastic job. The doors lead out into her rose garden and Loveday had arrayed a load of lit candles around to give the garden a somewhat romantic feel to it.
"How come we have nothing like that back at home?" Mr De Noir complained, almost like a child. I guessed he was drunk already. The man seriously didn't know how to handle his drink.
"Because you want the place to look dark and intimidating." Mr Gomez muttered, sipping at his drink. Mr Gomez had grown on me. At first he seemed quite polite and like any other gentleman. But now he was like Robin's older brother. He could say anything and everything he wanted to any of the De Noirs and not get a well deserved punch in the face. I suppose that was where Robin got his arrogance, having Mr Gomez as his tutor.
"Well, I want a change!" Mr De Noir demanded.
"Let's wait until we got home before you start making a scene." Mr Gomez sighed.
"I am not making a scene."
"You could of fooled me." I felt a hand take mine and I was being pulled away from the quarrelling pair. I looked up at Robin.
"I've had enough of that to last a life time." Robin sighed, grinning. "I don't know why they don't just marry and get it over with." I giggled softly. A sound that sounded to fake to my ears so I immediately shut my mouth and bit my lip. We stopped by the food table and Robin turned to me. Before I could say anything he took my drink from me and put it down on the table.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Well," Robin began. "I did make you a promise." He took my hand again and led me towards the dance floor. My heart was jumping from my chest to my throat. We stopped in the middle of the crowd and Robin turned to face me. "I'll show you some of my dance skills." He placed a hand on my waist and took my hand to put it on his shoulder. With his free hand he entwined our fingers together.
"Robin, I can't dance." I stuttered. I couldn't even form a sentence. I was a quivering mess!
"Anyone can dance." Robin said, drawing me closer to him. Without thinking the hand I had on his shoulder moved to curl around his neck. The action seemed to cause his smile to grow. "I'll help you." We didn't seem to be dancing. It was more swaying. But when I glanced around that's what everyone else seemed to be doing aswell. The song that the village girls were playing was slow and probably some sort of love song. "This isn't so bad, is it?"
"No." I agreed. "Though I feel like everyone is watching me."
"I wouldn't blame them." Robin chuckled. "You look beautiful." The words sent me speechless and it didn't help when Robin was giving me that perfect dazzling smile. I wished I had never asked Georgina or Loveday for advice. I wouldn't be such an awkward, clumsy mess if I hadn't.
"The dress is a present from Loveday." I said finally.
"My sister always did have good tastes." Robin grinned. I could of sworn he drew me closer. "Have you gotten taller?" I pulled my fingers away from his and lifted up the bottom of my dress to reveal the killer shoes I was wearing. Robin raised an eyebrow.
"A present from Claire." I explained.
"And you haven't fallen yet?"
"Surprisingly not." Robin stared in disbelief. When I dropped the bottom of my skirt, my hand seemed to be like a magnet and jump straight back to Robin's, lacing my fingers with his. We danced in silence for a while. Just staring at each other. The silence helped. I could figure out my thoughts and sort them out. Though after a while I was lost again, his eyes too encapsulating for words.
"I have a present for you." Robin said suddenly.
"I told you not to get me anything." I said, raising an eyebrow at him. He just grinned and began to rummage in his leather jacket.
"It isn't much." Robin said. Everyone seemed to be saying that. He found what he was looking for and held it in his fist. He looked up at me, nervousness in his eyes. "It's not extravagant or fancy." He said slowly. "It's just something personal to me that I want you to have." With gentle hands, he turned me around so I had his back to him. I waited for a few moments then I saw Robin's hands appear in front of me as he put a small chain around my neck. I could feel his breath on my neck as he fumbled with the clasp. Once he had done, I felt him carefully untangle my hair from the chain and let it fall back around my shoulders. When his hands left me, I looked down at the chain that hung around my neck.
The chain was thin and silver, I felt as if it would break if I held it too tight. Hanging off the chain was a tiny charm. I examined it with detail. It was a small locket shaped charm with tiny red, what I guessed to be, rubies dotted the surface. I noticed a tiny latch on the side and I pressed it. The locket opened and I saw there was writing engraved. I had to look closely to read it;
'Dear Angel ever at my side,
how lovely you must be-
To leave your home in heaven,
to guard a child like me.
When I'm far away from home,
or maybe hard at play-
I know you will protect me,
from harm along the way.
Your beautiful and shining face,
I see not, though you're near.
The sweetness of your lovely voice,
I cannot really hear.
When I pray, you're praying too,
Your prayer is just for me.
But, when I sleep you never do,
You're watching over me.'
When I looked up, I saw Robin standing in front of me. His face was unreadable.
"It was my mother's." He told me. The information told me how important the necklace was. I didn't feel privileged enough to wear it.
"Robin, I can't…" Robin cut me off.
"I want you to have it." He shrugged like it was no big deal. "I never did believe in all that 'guardian angels' nonsense anyway. And it sounds like something you would be into anyway." Behind Robin's nonchalance, I could see the grand gesture he was doing in giving me this necklace. I stared up at him and smiled.
"Thank you." I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. I heard him chuckle as he hugged me back.
When we let go of each other there was a large grin plastered on Robin's face.
"I almost forgot," He cried suddenly. "I have someone I'd like you to meet." He took my hand and we began to weaving through the crowd.
"Who?" I asked, laughing at his eagerness.
"Someone I should have introduced you to a long time a go." Robin told me.
"Who?" I urged.
"Jesse." The name hit me hard. Jesse? That was a girl's name. Robin had someone else. I knew it. I knew I could never be good enough for him. Loveday had been wrong. I could have made a complete fool out of myself if I had told him. Thank God I am safe from that embarrassment. But why? Why did he have to tell me now? Just when I had realised my feelings for him. On my birthday aswell!
Robin pulled me out of the crowd. I no longer cared to meet this 'Jesse'. Though I wanted to set eyes on the girl who had taken Robin away from me. She was probably wondrously beautiful and perfect in every way. I hated her already.
Robin came to halt in front of one of the tables situated around the room. Jude and Mrs Harper inhabitant the table. Though I noticed a third sat next to Mrs Harper, who was smiling fondly at us both.
"Maria, this is Jesse."
(A/N) I'm back again! Wow it's only been a few days, but it feels like it's been ages!
I left it on another cliffy (sort of) for you all. And I have written more after this, so updates may resume normal flow again soon.
The title of this chapter, I thought it was appropriate because of the escription in the locket. And on the subject of the locket... Cheesy much? :D But then again there's no harm in a bit of cheesy romance! I'm not so happy with the locket discription. I think it sounds a little bit naff if I'm honest! The prayer in the locket, I do believe, is from the bible if anyone wanted to know.
Thank you all so much for your reviews! I couldn't believe it when I looked in my inbox and saw that this story had reached 100 reviews! They are all very appreciated. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed/favourited my story. It means alot!
Anyway until next time.
-jemlou-