+9Hi All ! Sorry this chapter is a little late I've had a crazy week and now on top of all of that I have bronchitis… yay): Anyhoo I just wanted to warn you guys that this chapter and a couple chapters in the future are going to be longer than usual so that's exciting!
Thanks for all of the sweet reviews, I love them all! I'm so happy you are all enjoying this story!
Well here is chapter 15 and I hope you all enjoy it! Please review thanks!(:
"That was flat," he exclaimed over her singing. May stood at the front of the grand piano as Erik played a beautiful aria. Giving a glance of apology May continued.
Rehearsals for Il Muto had been going on for a few days now and they were draining May of every ounce of energy she had. Every day she would wake up and go right to ballet rehearsal until noon and then have a short break for lunch. After that she would return back to ballet until around 4 and then quickly make her way to the stage where she would rehearse with the chorus for the rest of the evening.
Her voice was becoming horse and her feet were aching terribly from dancing for long hours every day. Erik noted how each day she would seem more and more out of it; tedious rehearsals were definitely taking a toll on her. He saw how tired and run down she seemed to be. As they rehearsed her voice would spontaneously crack and she would spiral into a coughing fit. She seemed to constantly be sniffling and she just appeared warn out. Erik was truly concerned for the girl.
May was slowly approaching the end of the aria. Her throat was sore and she was extremely nervous to hit all of the high notes at the end. As they approached she decided to try her best. Trying as hard as she could a loud squeak escaped her lips as she quickly clasped her hands over her mouth in shock and complete embarrassment. Erik stopped playing abruptly and just stared at her. May turned a light shade of red as she sputtered a loud cough turning away from Erik's sharp stare.
"Well I think we are done for the night." Erik said as he stood and paced towards her. Removing her hands from her mouth May tried to hide her reddened cheeks but could not.
"I'm sorry Erik. I have no idea where that came from." She stated with embarrassment.
Finally reaching the girl Erik stopped and stared into her eyes. "Are you feeling alright May?" he questioned. May looked at him quizzically.
"Yes Erik I am alright," she responded.
"Are you sure you are not getting sick,"
"No, I just have a little cold, that is all." Turning away from him May went and sat down upon the couch. Stifling a cough from erupting out of her lungs, something popped into her mind. Recently May had noticed that some of the ballerina's were getting sick and missing rehearsals. Giselle in particular had been out for a few days with the flu and still had not returned. A haze of nervousness swept over her.
She watched Erik sit across from her in his normal spot upon his throne like chair.
"Erik," she asked hesitantly. "Some of the ballerina's are out sick, Giselle even has the flu," she hesitated "Do you think I am getting that?"
Erik watched her cautiously, pondering over the tell tail symptoms of the flu. "I highly doubt that May."
"But you never know," she stated quickly.
"That is correct. But, if you do get it we will surely know when it comes." He stated jokingly. May took it too seriously and was frightened. Erik watched her change in expression. "I am only joking, do not worry May. This will pass in a couple of days and you will be feeling yourself again."
May nodded lightly as she wished for her cold to pass. Looking away from Erik, May thought about tomorrow. Tomorrow was finally Thanksgiving. She was so excited to be with Jack and to meet his family, although thinking about it did make her nervous time to time. She was afraid of what they would think of her. Jack is beautiful and wealthy with a bright future and a family, while May was pretty, had a scarce amount of money, and hardly had any future and no family to support her. She thought about his sister and how beautiful she must be, and the size of their house and what it looked like.
"Erik, do you think Jack's family will like me?" There was a slight pause as Erik gazed up at her, his piercing gold eyes staring into her mixed ones.
"Why would you ask such a silly question," May shrugged in response. "Of course they will like you, why would they not." He stated. May was hesitant to respond.
"I don't know," she really didn't know.
"So does this mean you and the Oliver boy are now suitors?"
"Suitors?!" She exclaimed. She quickly looked at Erik with shock and annoyance, then suddenly she realized something. Are we suitors? She asked herself. I certainly would not mind if we were, but what does Jack think about this, are we suitors? "Well, I- I am not sure, I mean it would be nice if we were but neither of us have mentioned it yet."
Erik watched her contently as she pondered. Quickly May averted her attention to the large grandfather clock positioned a distance away from her and realized it was rather late. "It's late, I must be on my way." She stood and began towards the door. Erik stood and slowly followed her. Turning to him May continued. "Thank you for the lovely evening and I hope you have a wonderful holiday tomorrow. I will most likely be seeing you in the next couple of days, so until then goodbye." She turned to leave but paused when Erik began to speak.
"May don't worry about tomorrow," May turned to him. "They will love you, trust me." He gave a shy smile in which May responded the same way. "Have a nice holiday as well and I will be looking forward to your next visit." Giving a small nod Erik turned and began away as May did the same.
Peering through the small window inside of her dorm, May watched Jack pull up to the Opera House in a lovey carriage with two beautiful horses in the front; one a deep black and the other the purest of whites.
Giddy with anticipation May flew out of her room, through the dormitories, down the stairs, into the wings, across the stage and to the front lobby of the Opera house where she nearly collided with Jack.
Little to May's realization Erik was watching her as she ran fumbling through the auditorium. Laughing at her childish race to the door he bid a silent farewell and returned on his way down to his lair.
"Whoa there," jack laughed as he steadied the girl before him. A huge smile was painted across May's bright red lips as she gazed up at Jack.
"Jack, hi!" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around him in a hug. Jack was laughing at the excited girl now in his arms. As they broke away he held her at arm's length.
"Why hello, it's seems as if you are rather excited."
"I am, I'm so excited." She replied. Giving another laugh Jack glanced over May. She was in a lovely dark blue gown that had a golden trim across the bust and along the bodice. She was wearing a heavy tan colored cloak over her dress and her curls were pinned back on the sides leaving them trail over her shoulders and down her back. She looked lovely.
"As usual you are looking absolutely gorgeous!" he exclaimed. He watched as a light pink tint appeared on May's cheeks as she gave out a girly giggle.
"Thank you sir and you are looking as handsome as ever," she teased. Jack was wearing a dark suit with a nice cravat and his hair was as always the normal shaggy way, which May just adored.
"Thank you, shall we be on our way now?" he questioned
"We shall." As Jack held out his arm May graciously took it but suddenly let out an unanticipated cough. Turning away from him May quickly covered her mouth as she stifled another cough.
"May, are you alright?" he questioned as he came before her. Quickly sniffling and collecting herself she gave a slight nod.
"Yes, I'm alright I just have a small cold but I'm alright, thank you"
Watching her closely Jack nodded as he held out his arm once more which May once again graciously took. Together they headed out into the frigid September dusk. The Parisian streets were beaming with life as people raced around getting to their destinations. Jack quickly lead May into the lovely carriage; once Jack entered he sat beside the beaming young lady as she stared out the window watching all the people pacing by with an interested expression upon her face.
Intently watching the girl Jack gave a slight chuckle at her whimsical appearance and leaned forward placing a feather light kiss to her soft pink cheek.
Shocked and excited May gave a small gasp then whirled around to face him as he smiled at her. Gazing into her deep greenish blue eyes Jack lifted his hand and gave the simplest caress to her cheek. Beaming with happiness May bit her lip holding back her childish grin as she turned away from Jack gazing back out the window as the carriage was put into motion.
The house was only about an hour and a half away. Along the ride the two joked and laughed with each other, as they told stories, and pointed out random interesting pieces of scenery that they paced. Jack and May both loved spending time like this with one another and didn't want it to end but as the carriage quickly made its way up a long stone path and suddenly stopped, they both knew that there foolish games and banter were over for a time being.
Stepping out of the carriage Jack held out his hand to assist May as she stepped out. Giving a small thank you, May turned to see what lay ahead of her and froze. What Jack described as just a simple estate was far from it. Before her was a beautiful massive mansion with stone and woodwork lining the front and a large stair case leading too two giant double doors. There were many windows all over and most of them had small balconies attached.
Laughing at May's sudden reaction Jack questioned her. "What's the matter?"
Without taking her eyes off of the large house she responded in an awestruck manor. "Jack, your house…," she trailed off.
"Yes, what about it," he asked
"I-it's… It's beautiful, Jack this is not an estate this is a mansion" she was so taken by the size of and beauty of this house. "Oh it's so lovely!" she exclaimed.
"Why thank you. Would you care to see the inside?"
"Of course." She responded quickly.
Jack quickly lead the excited girl up the massive stair case and in through the double doors. The inside was even more beautiful than the outside. A large stair case greeted them again that spread out into a hallway across the top with three different doors. At the bottom of the stair case on either side were two other hallways that were longer and seemed to inevitably lead to the same place. To the left of where they stood was an entrance into what seemed to be a simple sitting room with large windows, and extravagant furniture.
May turned to Jack with a wide grin upon her face. "Jack you home is beautiful." She exclaimed.
"Thank you." He replied. "I am surprised no one was here to great us…" he was quickly cut off by the patter of tiny feet and a high pitched voice excitedly yelling his name.
"Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!" the voice yelled and as it finally approached, they were enthusiastically greeted by a young girl in a lovely pink dress with matching ribbons in her golden hair that held back her curls. Excitedly Jack threw out his arms as the little girl raced up to him.
"Maggie!" he exclaimed as he wrapped the girl up in a hug spinning her around in his arms. "How's my favorite little girl?" he asked. She couldn't have been older than five from the looks of it.
"I'm good!" she responded with excitement, "Jack look I lost my first tooth!" she quickly pointed to her mouth as she smiled revealing a gap where her tooth had once been.
"Well would you look at that, I guess I am going to have to call you my favorite big girl now."
Watching him closely, May was so taken back and amused by the way he so kindly played with this young girl. Suddenly Jack looked to May with a smile as he held the girl in his arms.
"Maggie I want you to meet someone very special," he began to walk towards May, "This is May, May this is my niece Maggie." May gave a warm smile to Maggie, who shied away from her.
"Hi Maggie." She said softly
"Hi" she quickly responded in a very soft, shy tone. She was absolutely adorable and May just loved to think of Jack as being an Uncle.
Looking up at Jack, Maggie leaned up to his ear and lightly whispered. "She's pretty." May was able to hear her secret and smiled at her kind statement. Jack looked to May with a delighted look then glanced back down to Maggie.
"I know," he whispered, loud enough that May could still hear. "She's very pretty." Gazing back up at May he shot her a loving look that made her blush. They gazed at each other for a moment, until Jack broke it gazing down at the girl. "Do you want to know something neat?"
"Yes!" she quickly replied.
"May, is a ballerina!" May watched as the young girls face lit up.
"She is?" she questioned with disbelief.
"Yes she is." Jack stated with a tone of satisfactory. Before anyone of them could respond a new voice chimed in from down the hall.
"Why, if it isn't my little brother!"
Jumping down from Jack's arms Maggie ran to the women approaching them. She was beautiful; long dark brown wavy hair flowed down her back, her beautiful deep purple dress sparkled brightly in the candle light. She was tall like Jack and seemed to have darker eyes than his. May instantly assumed that this was his sister Desdemona.
"Des how are you," Des approached and gave Jack a soft hug.
"I have been well, how have you been?" she asked.
"Very well thank you," glancing behind him Jack lightly grabbed May's arm pulling her gently next to him. "Des this is Maygen Daily, May this is my sister Desdemona."
"Oh so this is May," she stated. She moved towards her. "It is very nice to finally be meeting you, I have heard a lot about you."
"Oh and you as well."
"So where is the rest of the family?" jack questioned
"Oh they are all in the den." Des responded pointing behind her
"Well why don't we just go say hello," he responded sarcastically.
With that Des lead the way to what May assumed was the den. As they walked little Maggie trotted along right next to May staring up at her in shy wonder.
Upon entering May saw a large fireplace, lots of lovely furniture and many paintings, they were happily greeted by an older woman with light hair that was pulled back loosely. She was dressed in a pretty maroon dress, and looked ecstatic to see them. A younger Man with light hair and dark eyes stood beside the women, he seemed to be the slightest bit taller than Jack and looked only a few years older.
"Oh Jack hello Happy Thanksgiving love!" The women said as she pulled him into a hug kissing his cheek.
Giving an uncomfortable chuckle Jack humbly accepted the embrace. "Hello Mother Happy Thanksgiving to you too." He replied dully.
"It is so good to see you dear," she paused as she averted her attention to the shy ballerina standing awkwardly behind Jack. "Oh, is this the pretty young lady you have been talking about?"
Lightly grabbing at her arm again and pulling her forward Jack looked from May back to the lady. "Mother this is Maygan Daily, Maygen this is my mother Evelyn." May loved to hear Jack call her by her full name, it sounded as if it fit perfectly upon his lips and every time he spoke it a tingle would shoot up her spine.
Shyly extending a hand May was struck with shock as the women wrapped her in a hug. When she finally let go May's face was red from a feeling of awkwardness.
"Oh Maygen it is so nice to finally be meeting you!"
"You as well Madame." She spoke softly.
"Maygen darling you may just call me Evelyn." She specified with a generous smile. Giving a nod May smiled at the lady. Suddenly Jack came behind her.
"Let me take this for you." With that he removed the heavy cloak from May's shoulders revealing her beautiful dress. She watched as Maggie gave a small gasp as she stared at the dress with delight. The young girl seemed to be taking quite the interest and May and she enjoyed it greatly.
Des and the other man that was standing in the room walked up to May. "I am assuming you have not met my husband yet. May this is Andrew."
Andrew walked close to May with a grin upon his lips as he lightly captured her hand lifting it to his lips. "It is a pleasure to meet you Maygen."
A light blush was painted upon her cheeks as Jack gazed at her scowling in his mind at the audacious act the man had just performed. Suddenly there was a presence in the door way as a deep voice spoke up.
"Just letting you all know, dinner is now served and I had no intention to eat by myself." Turning around May was faced by an older gentleman in a fine suit. He had hair the same color as Jack's but just not as much, and he resembled Jack in ways. May figured this man was his father. As the man stepped aside and motioned his arms in a way indicating for them all to go, everybody left the room besides Jack and May and the Man in the doorway.
The man stared down at May with an indecisive look. Slowly walking towards the couple the man stopped directly before her.
"So, this is the young lady who my son has been gawking about for over a month now?" he questioned. Swallowing her sudden fear of this man May glanced to Jack with uncertainty painted upon her face. The man was very tall and intimidating with eyes as deep a blue as Jack's. His voice was deep and scary almost like Erik's but Erik's sounded more beautiful.
There was a tense pause. "Well, it is a pleasure to finally meet you Mademoiselle Daily, I have heard many great things about you." He stated with a smile. May suddenly let out a breath which she didn't realize she was holding. The man had a nicer, happier tone to him now and May was less afraid. Stepping forward Jack came beside May.
"May this is my father Joseph."
"It is very nice to meet you Monsieur Oliver." She stated graciously. Joseph gave a warm smile back.
"You as well Maygen." There was a pause between the three. Joseph all of a sudden looked up at Jack and walked to him. "Jack my boy how are you?"
"I am doing well father, Happy Thanksgiving."
"And same too you son, remind me we have certain business matter's to attend to later on but for now," he turned towards May "Let us go enjoy a wonderful meal together." With that he turned and began to walk out of the den with Jack and May a short distance behind.
Curious, May move closer to Jack and whispered softly, "Business matters?" she questioned.
"Indeed. He is most likely looking to argue about my education and career choosing but I imagine we will cross that bridge once we get there."
May stepped back a bit. "What career have you chosen?"
"Teaching." He responded simply. "I am studying to become a teacher."
"Oh, I did not know that." Just thinking about Jack as a teacher mad May giddy and excited. He would be an amazing teacher and she was almost jealous that he would not be teaching her. Just picturing him with kids after seeing how he interacted with Maggie made her feel so great.
The dining hall was huge; a large table decorated with all sorts of foods and decorations occupied a good portion of the room. A grand fireplace was laid against the wall beside the table, and the entire room was lit by a beautiful chandelier hanging above everything.
Making their way to two open seats across from Andrew, Des and Maggie, Jack pulled out Mays chair as she sat down upon it. Sitting to the left of her, Jack glanced over May and smiled brightly at her. May could sense an air of discomfort and uneasiness surrounding Jack and she assumed it was just nerves.
"Excuse me Mademoiselle, would you care for some wine?" May whirled around and was faced with an old looking servant holding a large wine bottle. Never before in her life had May had wine or any sort of alcoholic beverage. She was hesitant to respond.
"Oh thank you but no Im-…," without caring about what she said the servant poured the deep red wine into her glass leaving May uneasy. "Oh that's quite enough t-thank you."
Examining the liquid within her glass May felt almost forced to drink it in fear that she would come off as rude if she had not. Glancing over at Jack she saw that he drank the strange liquid but rightfully so. He was older than May and more used to being around such fine luxurious such as this. Lightly lifting the glass to her lips she slowly took a mouthful of the pungent wine and nearly gagged. It was very bitter and hardly sweet at all, it was almost sour tasting. Not knowing what to do she swallowed the liquid and suddenly coughed at the taste. She quickly turned away trying to hide her disgust in the drink.
May had not realized that Jack had been watching her the entire time with an amused anticipation. As May turned forward again he leaned close to her ear and whispered "You don't have to drink it." May looked up at him embarrassed, realizing he saw her whole ordeal over the wine. Looking around to see if anyone had their attention on them, Jack quickly grabbed May's glass, turned around and dumped the wine into a vase of flowers behind them. As a servant quickly passed by, he no more than shoved the glass into the persons hands and turned around to face the giggling May who mouthed a silent "Thank you."
"So Miss. Daily why don't you tell us about yourself." Jack's father sat at the head of the table watching her. May was scared to speak and looked to Jack who gave comforting grin and then back to his father.
"About myself, oh well I um…" she hesitated a while, suddenly Maggie spoke up loudly meaning to direct the statement to her mother but yelling it loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Mother, Mother May is a ballerina!" she bellowed.
"Is she really," Des asked childishly to her excited daughter.
"She is, Jack told me."
"Oh so you are a ballerina," Joseph asked.
"Yes Monsieur. I am a member of the ballet corps at the Opera Populaire." She said faintly.
"How interesting." Cried Evelyn; May enjoyed Jack's mothers enthusiasm about everything, the lady seemed to make things more comfortable and homely.
"Now how long have you been a part of that for?" Joseph asked
"Well since I was eight years old."
"May is a phenomenal dancer." Jack chimed in, "She caught my eye every time she was on stage." May glanced at Jack. "Oh and now she has both a featured ballet and chorus role in the upcoming Opera Il Muto."
The entire table gave small congratulations. "What roles will you be playing Maygen?" Andrew asked.
"Oh well I am playing a servant girl in the chorus and the shepherdess in the ballet."
"That is just wonderful; we will have to come see it." Des said with excitement.
"Well congratulations Maygen!" joseph said
"Yes congratulations; now before any of this food goes bad let's enjoy it, help yourselves everyone!" Jacks mother exclaimed.
There was a large array of food lain out upon the table. As they ate they discussed trivial things like what Maggie's favorite color was or the time when Jack's parents took a trip to Germany, but as dinner was coming to an end everyone seemed fixed upon May and getting to know her.
"So Maygen, I am curious as to why you are called May, wouldn't it be easier just to be called Meg?" Evelyn asked.
"Well my name is not spelled the usual way. It is actually spelled M-A-Y-g-e-n in comparison to the normal spelling." She explained.
"Oh how unique, I have never considered that." Jack's mother exclaimed.
"Tell us May, where are you from?" Jack's father asked.
May took her time responding as she gave a quick glance around the table. "Well I grew up just outside of Paris but when I was accepted into the ballet I moved into the dormitories at the Opera House and that is currently where I reside."
"At the opera house?" Andrew questioned in disbelief and confusion. May nodded in response. She glanced at both Joseph, Andrew, and Evelyn and they all had a shocked look to them
"What is the matter," she asked innocently.
"Have you heard of the Phantom of the Opera?" joseph asked. An image of Erik flashed through May's mind.
"Why yes, I have."
"Are you not afraid of him?" Evelyn asked. May looked at Jack who watched her with worried eyes.
"Well no Madame, I am not." She stated
"How can one not be afraid of that beast," Jack's father retorted. "In my opinion he has done nothing but harm to the opera and everyone in it. He is a cold hearted evil monster. If it were in my hands I would have him captured by now and put to death."
"Death!" May repeated shocked! All she could think of was sweet, kind Erik with a loving heart. She could picture him sitting before the large organ in his lair and turning to greet her with a smile as she entered. She could hear his voice as he sang to her and she could see his mask; stark white and glistening in the candle light. How could anyone say such an awful thing about such an extraordinary person?
"DO you not agree?" he questioned.
"N-no, no Monsieur I'm sorry I do not." She glanced quickly at Jack. Jack was embarrassed by the statement his father made because he knew May's opinions on the phantom and he didn't want him to hurt her feelings.
"Oh really, well what is your opinion on the ghost then?"
"My opinion," she paused. "Well I believe that yes he has done some terrible things but maybe he had a reason. I think that he is just a man; just an ordinary man like you," she pointed to joseph, "or like you," she pointed to Andrew, "or like you." She pointed to Jack. "I believe that people misunderstand and misinterpret him; I mean yes the fact that he wears a mask is rather frightening but maybe there is a reason to it."
Jack was so taken back by all the mature heart felt things she had to say about the Opera ghost. May continued.
"Maybe the mask is a means to hiding his secrets or just a simple disguise that marks who he is but we shouldn't be afraid of it or him. I think that he is simply a confused man trying to cope with a haunted past or dangerous present or future; well most likely present. But I don't believe anyone should wish death upon this misunderstood and lost man."
As May finished the entire table stared at her making her feel uncomfortable and making her believe she had done something wrong. She quickly dropped her head in embarrassment.
"Well Mademoiselle Daily," she glanced up expecting to be scolded. "You have quite the heart don't you." May smiled brightly at Monsieur Oliver as he smiled back.
"Doesn't she," jack stated. "May is one brilliant lady." He turned to May who was looking at him longingly; Jack gave her an adorable wink that made her heart melt. There was a short moment where everyone around the table had their own separate conversations with one another. Madame Oliver was talking with Des, Andrew was debating something with Jacks father, and May and Jack sat quietly as they listened to the different conversations. Maggie sat and studied May the entire time.
Suddenly Jack's mother turned to May excitedly. "So May, did your family celebrate the holiday today in anyway?"
May stopped. The table went silent and Jack quickly turned his attention to the new conversation.
"M-my family?" she asked timidly. Jack quickly looked at May with fear of how she would react. Before May could respond Jack cut in.
"uh mother, May-,"
She quickly turned to Jack. "Jack it's alright, I can do this." Jack gazed into her eyes cautiously as May gave a tentative nod, then turned back to face Madame Oliver. Before May began talking Jack placed his hand lightly over May's that was resting upon her leg.
"um m-my parents both passed away when I was eight."
Evelyn and Des both gave a silent gasp. "Oh dear, I am so sorry I had no idea." Evelyn said.
"Please it's alright." She said comfortingly.
"Is that why you live in the Opera House then," des questioned.
"Well that is one of the main reasons yes,"
"So you're an orphan," Monsieur Oliver questioned sort of rudely. Jack quickly shot him a look.
"Father-," May cut him off
"Well I have never thought of it that way, but yes I guess I am an orphan." The table went quiet. May could tell something was bothering Jack. He quickly glared at his father then turned to May before standing.
"Well I could use some fresh air; May would you like to join me."
May glanced up at him. "Well I mean I-,"
"Great let us go." He quickly grabbed May's arm practically pulling her off her chair and raced out of the Dining hall, past the kitchen, through a sitting room and outside into what appeared to be a large beautiful garden. It was bitterly cold out, colder than usual. Jack kept a fast pace as he almost dragged May along.
"Jack what is this all about, please slow down, Jack; Jack!" finally he stopped and quickly turned to face May dropping her arm.
"May I am so sorry."
"For what?" she questioned confused.
"For everything," May was so confused. Jack quickly turned and began to walk away. He pushed through the brush of a large weeping willow tree and was out of sight.
"Jack what are you talking about," she raced after him under the tree grabbing his shoulder once she found him and turning him to face her.
"I know how you feel about the phantom, and I know how it pains you to talk about your parents. I am terribly sorry they brought that up May." He seemed so distressed and uneasy.
"Jack calm down it is fine. I was actually having a nice time; they didn't harm me with their words, see I'm fine I am perfect, no harm done." She threw out her arms to show him. Jack glanced over her then slowly began to walk towards her.
"That's right," he reached out and caressed her face. "You are perfect, absolutely perfect," He stared straight into her eyes with passion as his thumb glided over her bottom lip. A shiver went up her spine.
"Jack I didn't mean it like-," she was cut off as Jack held her head lightly with both hands. May placed her hands over his.
"Never change May, you are so wonderful and so," he trailed off as his eyes skimmed over her lips. "So beautiful,"
Without any warning Jack leaned forward and pressed a fervent kiss to May's lips. Her eyes shot open with fear and excitement, as she moved backwards, her back pressing into the trunk of the willow tree.
Jack's lips were so soft against hers and she watched as his eyes were locked shut. He was so close she could take in his wonderfully intoxication scent and she could feel his heart beating. She innocently wondered if he could feel hers, it was practically pounding out of her chest. Not knowing what to do May followed Jack's actions and shut her eyes tight. Everything in that moment was perfect, perfectly beautiful, and perfectly wonderful in every way and May did not want it to end. Before she could properly play back in the kiss Jack pulled away staring at May who still had her eyes shut savoring the sensation of her first ever kiss. It was wonderful.
As May opened her eyes she smiled at Jack but noticed a different expression written in his eyes.
"Jack?" she questioned warily, he began to back away from the girl.
"I am so sorry," he turned
"Jack wait,"
"I should have never done that," he began to pace
"Jack," she moved away from the tree.
"That was completely inappropriate of me,"
"Jack,"
"May I am so-,"
"Jack!" She yelled. May watched him as he stopped and faced her. Acting quickly she ran up to him grabbing his shoulders and kissing him again. The kiss was beautiful and May was able to appreciate it more now. Jacks lips played lovingly against hers as he lifted her in his arms spinning her around. Breaking the kiss with an amused laugh May gazed at Jack longingly as he set her down but held onto her tightly. Smiling brightly May caressed his face.
"Jack darling, stop worrying that was lovely." Jack gave her an adorable grin as May ran a hand through his wonderful hair which she has wanted to do for so long. Suddenly May shivered from a cold breeze that swept by.
"Here take this," Jack removed his suit jacket and placed it lovingly over May's shoulders. "Better?" he asked.
"Better, thank you." Jack grinned brightly than gently lifted May's hand to his lips placing a soft kiss to the back of it. Folding her hand in his Jack brought his eyes to meet May's.
"Come on lets go inside." Emerging from the cover of the weeping willow tree hand and hand both May and Jack froze in their tracks as they witnessed the beautiful sight before them. A light snow flurried down from the dark sky leaving a faint covering of white over all of the flowers in the garden.
Laughing lightly May glanced up at Jack who was wearing an excited expression. "Snow, snow on Thanksgiving," she joked. "What are the chances?" Laughing with her Jack suddenly pulled May to him and kissed her lightly. The faint sound of little giggle rang out as the two pulled away. May looked at Jack curiously, as he peered behind May with a childish smirk.
"Maggie," he asked into the darkness. May turned around confused then watched as the giggling little girl emerged from behind a tree. Running towards them with excitement Jack raced to her catching her off of her feet and spinning her as she laughed. May loved seeing Jack play with this young girl; he was so kind and good hearted, May just adored the man.
Deciding to play along with Jack and Maggie, May secretly piled up some fallen snow in her hands and snuck behind Jack who was crouched before Maggie. Maggie spotted May approaching and gave a giggle as May held a finger to her lips to quiet the girl; Maggie childishly clasped her hands over her mouth and laughed quietly. Coming a short distance away from Jack she bundled up some more snow and threw it at his back causing him to jump up and spin around towards her with a menacing smile. Maggie erupted into a frenzy of laughter as May playfully ran from Jack who was running after her with a snowball.
The three then erupted into an exciting snowball fight that lasted a while. None of them realized that they were being watched from the living room window inside the house. Des and Evelyn laughed at their foolish games and enjoyed watching May and Jack play with Maggie.
Monsieur Oliver approached the two women to see what there laughter was about and when he saw the three playing in the garden he couldn't help but smile.
"Oh Joseph I think Jack is finally in love." Evelyn said turning to her husband.
"It sure looks like it." He said as he watched his son spin the girl around in his arms laughing like he has never seen him laugh before.
"You cannot leave in this weather that is absurd." Madame Oliver explained to Jack and May.
"We will be just fine trust me," Jack stated with assurance.
"You know your mother is right son, the ground will be too slippery and the fog is almost unbearable." Monsieur Oliver approached the pair standing by the door.
"Why don't you two stay the night, you can leave first thing in the morning." Evelyn offered. Jack glanced at May who gave him a simple shrug showing she would be fine either way.
Jack let out a sigh, "Alright we'll stay."
"Oh good, well Des and Andrew are staying in the guest room and Maggie is down the hall in Des's old room so I guess you two will have to sleep in your old room Jack."
May smiled up at Jack excited to be staying overnight and to see what Jack's room looks like. Des came walking down the hallway with a sleepy Maggie holding her hand. "Are you two staying overnight?" she questioned.
"Indeed we are." Jack stated. Evelyn turned to Des quickly.
"Des dear, May will be needing something to wear overnight, why don't you take her upstairs and find one of your old night gowns for her."
"Of course, come along May," May glanced at Jack quickly then began up the stairs with Des and Maggie.
Evelyn smiled at her son and began on her way. Jack was now alone with his father.
"Quite an extraordinary girl you've got there," he stated.
"Yes father she is rather amazing." There was a moment of hesitation between the two as Jack peered at the ground.
"Well it is good to have you home for once Jack. I believe I am going to retire now so I shall be seeing you in the morning."
"Goodnight father." Monsieur Oliver gave a nod to his son then began down the hallway out of sight. Jack quickly made his way up the stairs and to his room.
May sat on Des's bed with Maggie beside her; the two laughed and played while Des looked for a night gown. Emerging from her closet Des approached May.
"Unfortunately dear this is all I could find." She said holding up a short silk peach colored sleeveless night dress. May was taken aback by the dress, it was shorter than a usual chemise and rather revealing but she wasn't going to fuss.
Standing from the bed, May approached Des taking the nightgown and examining it. "Thank you Des, this is very pretty." Des nodded in response. "Well I will leave you to get settled then, um could you point me in the direction of Jack's room."
"Oh of course just turn down the hallway at the end here, then take the second right and it's the last door there."
"Thank you, well goodnight, goodnight Maggie,"
"Goodnight May!" she yelled excitedly.
"Oh and thank you for the nightgown." May turned and found her way to Jack's room.
Jacks room was very large, with a big balcony; king sized bed, large book shelves, a desk and a nice couch. May was in the bathroom changing while Jack was setting up a make shift bed for himself upon the sofa.
"Come on May I'm sure you look fine." He yelled to her from outside the bathroom.
"Fine I'll be out in a minute." She said with a huff.
"Alright," Jack turned and walked back to the sofa spreading out a sheet. May quietly cracked open the door peering out to see if Jack was looking. He wasn't; this was her chance to run. Shutting the door gently behind her, she stealthily made her way across the room and almost to the bed when Jack stopped her.
"Freeze!" he shouted. May stopped quickly. "Now let me see you," May took her time turning around to face him with her head down in embarrassment. Jack was taken aback by her appearance. She looked ravishing in the peach night dress; her curls where spread out down her back and she was bare foot, showing her bruised ballerina feet. "Well isn't that pretty," he gawked as he made his way towards her.
"Pretty yes but I am freezing. It was very nice of Des to let me borrow it but it is hardly anything more than a chemise." May glanced at Jack. He looked adorable in his dark night pants and tight short sleeved white shirt that revealed ever muscle upon his chest.
Once he reached her Jack glanced over her body. "Hm well I think I can help you with that, wait here." Jack walked to his closet and out of sight. May stood and waited for him attempting to pull down the dress so that she was more covered. Jack quickly came back holding a dark blue button up shirt, handing it to May she graciously took it and put it on. Jack loved seeing her in his clothing, it was too big on her but she looked so delicate and innocent in it.
Taking both of her hands one at a time Jack slowly rolled up the sleeves on each arm. May watched him as he did so and wiped a fallen strand of hair away from his forehead.
Jack looked up at her. "Warm now?" he enquired.
"Yes very, thank you."
"Of course," He turned and began to walk to the couch. "No I suggest we get some shut eye, you may sleep in my bed and I will be over here on the couch."
"Oh Jack why don't you take the bed I wouldn't mind sleeping on the couch."
"Nonsense, I will be perfectly fine over here." May gave him a defeated look and scurried to the bed settling into the heavy blankets. Jack turned down the lights and retreated back to the couch.
Things were quiet for a while as the two laid staring at the celling thinking of each other. Erik's voice kept popping into May's head as she heard him ask if her and Jack where suitors yet. May thought about it now and didn't know.
"Jack," she asked hesitantly
"yes May,"
"A-are we," she waited, "Are we suitors now." She asked innocently.
Jack was waiting for her to ask this question. "Well that all depends, would you like to be?"
"Yes." She said quietly. "Yes I would love that."
"Then we are suitors." He said triumphantly
"I guess we are." She responded happily. They were quiet again.
"Well goodnight May." Jack said sleepily. May quickly shot out of bed and scampered up to Jack where he lay upon the couch. She crouched down beside him and gazed into his eyes.
"Goodnight Jack." She pressed the faintest of kisses to his lips then stood to run back to the bed.
Hooray for extremely long chapters! Wow that was a lot, I hope you all enjoy it! Please Review! Thanks!(: