FINALLY! AN UPDATE I know, I know, it's been ages since I posted (about a month) but after the horrific incident that happened to my document, I lost all inspiration. But your reviews (and demands) built me back up. But then there was time. I had no time to even sit down and open my computer. I was involved in my school's play (Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare whom I will mention later on) and I have been coming out of school as late as 8 P.M. which it's crazy, I know. And the weekends are not enough (I had to wasted 2 holidays as well as some weekend days for the play, mhm, you read that right). Let's not even mention homework (does a ten page essay sound fun to you?) Anyway, those are my whereabouts, but DON'T WORRY! I have not forsaken you! I am not 100% satisfied with this chapter (I am still scarred because of what happened) but I tried my best to recreate and improve it. Forgive me for any spelling and grammar errors. I tried to finish as soon as possible. I will recheck later on when I find time. This chapter is a little long (as well as this introduction) but I figure I had a lot to make up for. Enjoy...
Chapter Twelve: Romeo and Juliet
Marilyn came back home late in the night. Her family waited for her in the living room worried. Marilyn tried to avoid them. She knew they will interrogate her and that was the last thing she needed at the moment.
"Why are you so late Marilyn?" her mother asked once she came in.
"I was working" she answered trying to pass by but her mother blocked her way.
''You don't work this late Marilyn" her mother noticed the red in her eyes from crying and thought of the worse.
"Has he done anything to you? Oh I knew this was a bad idea..." Marilyn's mother said as she inspected her. Her father shot out of his seat and stood next to them.
"No mom, I just got burned by the stove and cried a little. That's all" Marilyn tried to reassure her mother but she didn't believe her. She knew she was a bad liar. She had to take herself out of the scene immediately. But it was too late. Adam came in the room, blocking the stairs, allowing her no way out.
"What do you mean by he? Who does she worked for?" Adam asked, noticing the green maid dress. He wanted to deny the only possibility there was. Where else in town would she need to wear a green uniform if it wasn't for The Once-ler? He couldn't decide what was worse: the fact that one of his family members worked for the man he loathed so much or the fact that he might have done something to her.
Marilyn knew how much Adam disliked The Once-ler, so she remained quiet, praying that the whole situation would end soon. Suddenly, Norma emerged from her corner and bravely stood next to Marilyn.
"She works for The Once-ler" she held Marilyn's arm and stared directly into Adam's eyes, who was shocked.
"He has changed," Marilyn protested, gathering all the courage her heart provided her. "He is not the man you said he was!"
"But Marilyn, he destroyed everything in his path to satisfy his greed. Because of him, thousands are out of jobs, struggling to survive, without mentioning the hundreds that die every day because of the air quality and-"
"But he has changed, Adam. He regrets it all. I've talked to him" Marilyn's eyes let out slow streams of tears. Her voice trembled and choked a little as she spoke. Adam stared at her tears with bewilderment.
"He made mistakes, yes, but he is a human being. He is actually an amazing person. He is kind and he is so gentle" The thought of him made her eyes gleam, a trait she shared with Adam, which manifested every time he was with his beloved Norma. So he understood very well what was going on.
His stomach twisted inside of him as his anger grew. He couldn't stand the fact that his cousin was too naive to realize what a terrible man The Once-ler was. No doubt he must've seduce her with lies. How far will he go as too mislead an innocent young girl?!
"Have you ever even met him?" Marilyn asked, eyes searching Adam's face. Adam was speechless. He never met The Once-ler face to face. He never seen him in person and never talked to him. Still, actions do speak louder than words, don't they? But she had him trapped in a corner, this made him think. What if she was right? What if The Once-ler did change?
"Do you love him?" Adam asked, a pointless question in his argument, yet a necessary one. An uncomfortable silence followed.
"Yes, I do" Marilyn finally said. She didn't need to think twice, but she wanted to say it with all her heart. And she did. Her mother and father didn't knew what to say, so they remained quiet.
"Take my word for it" Marilyn said. "He is not the same. I know"
Adam saw Marilyn's fondness in her eyes. Though he did try to fight, he was convinced.
"Then I believe you" he said in an almost inaudible voice. Marilyn let out a sound of relief as she hugged Adam, who hugged her back.
The Once-ler stood just outside their door. He had heard the whole conversation, waiting for the right moment to knock on the door, but even now he didn't find the courage. He didn't know why he came. Maybe he just wanted to see Marilyn. He wanted to be a man and tell her how much he loved her. Just when we almost decided to turn around and leave, he made a small effort and knocked on the door, regretting it immediately.
Marilyn's mother opened the door. As soon as she saw the guest, her mouth dropped. Once-ler shyly held his top hat with his green gloved hands and humbly lowered his head, gazing at the woman that stood before him for only seconds. He did not move at inch.
"Is Marilyn here?" Of course he knew the answer, but he didn't want to look like the kind of creep that follows a girl through the night and waits outside the door of her house.
Marilyn's mother only nodded and stepped aside. Marilyn walked towards the door, she dried her wet eyes with a handkerchief and once she was able to focus her sight, gave the same reaction her mother did when she saw The Once-ler.
After a few seconds, she decided to react and leaped into the Once-ler's arms. Both engaged in a passionate embrace. Marilyn's mother decided that the best she could do was return to the living room.
The hug lasted for a couple of minutes, until both decided to let go. They awkwardly faced each other. How can they explain something that came to them so naturally? So they decided it was best not to.
"What are you doing here?" Marilyn asked trying to break the ice and catch her breath after all that happened that night.
Once-ler didn't thought of what to say to that particular question. As a matter of fact, he thought nothing of this plan through. He just followed his heart and followed Marilyn after she left. He felt he needed to face her and confess his feeling to her. Until then, he wouldn't be at peace. So he just decided to be honest.
"I came to see you" he looked down at his hat and rubbed his fingers around its brim.
Marilyn's cheeks revealed a small, pink blush. The combination of it and her eyes that shone because of her crying made her look too beautiful for Once-ler to bear. His face soon began to blush, wildly.
The thought that this beautiful girl shared the same affections with him melted his heart and soul. When he heard Marilyn confess her love, his heart exploded in ecstasy. He almost couldn't believe it. What they shared with music hours before was a blessing, but now, it was dreams coming true.
"Do you want to come in?" Marilyn finally said. The Once-ler moved slowly into the house. Marilyn closed the door behind him and hung his hat as well as his coat on the nearby coat rack by the door. The once-ler made sure not to move very far so that Marilyn can enter the living room before him
His heart was beating fast. Sweat poured out of his pores by the second as he was about to meet her family, which disliked him only minutes ago. No doubt they knew he had come in and were waiting for him. Marilyn sense his uneasiness and lightly squeezed his trembling hand then letting go.
She enter the room first. All her family was gathered around in a circle and quickly turned their head to see. The only sound heard was that of the burning wood in the fire place. Once-ler awkwardly made his entrance.
As soon as he came in, not even the fireplace was heard because of the awkward tension that hung in the air. Marilyn's father was the first to get up and approach The Once-ler.
"Father, this is The Once-ler" they shook hands. "Once, this is my father George." Her father smiled politely at the sweaty Once-ler who only gave a small nod and smile.
"Please to meet you Mr. Once-ler" her father said.
The Once-ler tried to accumulate all the confidence and manners he learned during his industrialist days.
"The pleasure is all mine, sir" he successfully answered.
Then came Marilyn's mother, Mary, and Marilyn's two little brother's, James and Spencer.
"Wow, gees mister, you are huge!" They both exclaimed. They only reached his knees, just like any other seven year old children who used to tease Once-ler because of his height. But, instead of mocking him, they admired his unusual height, which pleased The Once-ler and calmed him down a tad bit. Then came Norma (who only reached his belly).
Norma was more than excited to meet the man Marilyn talked about so much. She had only seen him a few occasions. Once when he first introduced his Thneed to the old Greenville and another time when he gave a speech at Norma's university during his fame and sway over the city. But looking at him up close, she now understood why Marilyn like him so much. He was handsome and had a child-like (yet equally intellectual) spirit in his eyes.
Finally, they arrived at Adam, who purposely stayed last. At first, the two men face each other. Once-ler had a look of confusion and uncertainty in his face, while Adam's was neutral. Once-ler extended his hand for Adam to shack and sheepishly introduced himself. After a few short seconds, Adam finally shook it and introduced himself.
They both knew it will take some time for them to get along fine but for the sake of Marilyn, they tried their best.
The night went on as The Once-ler chatted with Marilyn's family. She sat in a corner, watching, a happy grin in her face. The Once-ler was surprised to see what a different family this was. Everyone got along and showed so much love to each other, in contrast to Once-ler's unbearable family. He knew this was where he belonged.
As the hours passed by, The Once-ler finally decided it was time for him to go. He stepped outside with Marilyn, so that they could have a private moment together as the rest of the family got ready to sleep.
They stood side by side, gazing at the still visible stars, although they knew that they were going to fade soon again, so they decided to enjoy the moment.
The Once-ler got a hold of Marilyn's delicate hands and placed his lips on her forehead.
"I love you, Marilyn. More than I have ever loved anyone in my entire life." He held her close to him as if it were that if he loosened his grip a little, he might lose her forever.
"I love you too, Once" she responded, warming her cheek in his chest. She could feel his hear beat. His smell was intoxicating to her. She was afraid of letting go.
He rested his chin of her pretty, blonde head. His arms were protectively wrapped around her neck and shoulders. His most prized possession was in his hands at that moment, and he knew that eventually he would have to let go. And then, he finally did.
The Once-ler drove away and disappeared into the cold, dark night. Marilyn felt paralyzed watching him go away. She almost considered running after him. The only thing that stopped her was that she knew they will meet again once upon a dream.
"Good night, good night!
Parting is such sweet sorrow
That I shall say good night
Till it be morrow."
- Romeo and Juliet Act 2, Scene 2
William Shakespeare
I just checked and this is the longest chapter I have written for my story (2,337 words). What do you guys think? You may chastise me for the long delay! Oh, and I saved this chapter nice and good on my computer so It won't be deleted ;) I just fixed all the mistakes at 8:59 A.M. of 11/10/2015.