Prologue 1.2

Elrod and Rosella spent all their free time being with one another. All the friends they had were mostly each other. He was surprised she doesn't have many friends, though a part of him was glad it meant having her to himself.

They did about everything together, even spend holidays with just each other. After their first Christmas, Elrod treasured a woolly scarf she had given him which was blue since he wore that color most of the time.

He remembered how his parents had never even gotten each other presents, let alone their son. They didn't even make any special meals or fun. Fun was never in their dictionary which he elaborated with Rosella about. He could tell her anything.

Her heart wept for him because his late parents were such depressing people, dead on the inside. What did this gifted gentleman deserve to have a family like that?

She always consoled him whenever he talked about them, and she would help him forget.

Things seem to be getting very serious. One late afternoon, they played around outside of her house in the rain, laughing and running around like playful children, not a care in the world.

They stopped to warm up in front of her fireplace, bundled in towels. Elrod smiled thoughtfully as he confessed, "You know, Rosella, ever since we met, I feel… reborn. Like I'm re-living the life I never had. Even prancing around in the rain was one of the most fun these last three years."

"I'm glad you feel that way," Rosella nodded sincerely.

"I mean, I used to always try to get out from the rain when it starts to fall, but today it felt so natural to be in it and it felt like a sensation I've missed out on. And it also felt like it was washing away everything that used to trouble me. For once, a rain cloud over my head came to comfort me… I'm rambling again, aren't I?"

"No, you're not."

She always said that, and she always meant it. He had this habit of talking so much. He said it was a scientist's thing which she understood… along with everything else.

Though, there was another reason for him talking like this. After they had finally dried off, they stepped in the kitchen to make tea.

Elrod insisted on making the tea himself and serving her. She felt awkward to let him since it was her house and he was her guests, but she didn't argue.

She sat as he poured her a cup. Next thing, she heard something hard hitting the bottom like a pebble. Blinking in astonishment, she carefully investigated with a spoon she used to lift the mysterious object which was…

She gasped in pleasant surprise at the engagement ring as a grinning Elrod responded as he poured himself, "I hoped you would notice how I put my heart into this tea."

Only after he put the teapot down did he get the answer before he even asked when Rosella gently turned him around, pulling his shirt to bring his lips straight to hers.

His eyes were wide open at her actions, but he had no complaints as he rubbed his hands on her back, her hands on his muzzle which made him hold her closer, her feet not touching the floor as she slipped her arms around his neck.

After they took a breath, he softly and deeply kissed her again as he slipped the ring on her, holding her hand as they stayed where they were for a moment.

Later, they sat to drink the tea as they discussed the arrangements. Elrod insisted they deserved the best. Rosella understood what he was feeling, but she kindly said she didn't want much and that he didn't need to go through so much trouble.

He grinned passionately as he eased her concerns with a full kiss on the mouth, moving his hands around her back to press her against his chest.

At first, she thought she should talk to him some more about what he said, but her body slackened at his touch, so she put it aside.

They sat at the fire before Elrod carried Rosella bridal style to her room after she fell asleep on his right shoulder. He carefully put her down before pulling the covers over her.

Her words from earlier echoed in his mind before he smiled warmly as he held a lock of her hair in his left hand to rub his fingers on. He commented to himself her hair had gotten long enough to reach her hips now.

"There is nothing to worry about, and in the end," he whispered, leaning down to peck her right cheek, "you'll thank me."

He saw himself out, using the spare key he knew about to lock her door on his way out. He took one last glance at her bedroom window, smiling confidently that their future would be filled with nothing but joyful things.

"I promise, nothing will stop me from doing just that."

Elrod and Rosella kept talking about their upcoming marriage. They agreed since they didn't have many friends, they would just have a low-key wedding alone.

All she wanted was to marry Elrod whom she wished wouldn't think he had to go through so much. She had a feeling he wanted to be better than his father since he had a fiancée who was better than his mother. The thing was: he was better than both of his parents put together. She told him this and he very much appreciated hearing it.

There was more to it. He told her he wanted to take them someplace safe since neither felt they could count on much of anyone.

This meant so much to him, so she gave in, not wanting to nag or annoy him. At least he kept making time for her.

One evening after she came home feeling a bit tired, she received a call on her telephone in the living room. She sat on the sofa as she answered, knowing whom it would be. "Hello? Elrod?"

"Yes, Rosella, I was hoping you were home already."

"Yes, I just walked in."

"You sound weary."

"Yes, it's been a bit of a long day, inventory for the reptiles' food. How was your day?"

"Something came up."

"Is everything all right?" she asked, a bit concerned.

"Yes, but please listen, I'm going to be gone for a while. Maybe a week."

"Wait, a week? Where are you going? This is so sudden."

"A wedding gift."

"Wait, you're going away to do shopping? Please, don't get me wrong, it's sweet whatever it is you're looking for," she added, twirling the cord in her fingers, not too comfortable with this news, "but you've never gone anywhere like this."

"I know, but you're going to love it. Just wait and see."

"Okay… it's just we've never been apart that long," she admitted, not looking forward to a lonely week.

"I don't want us separated longer than usual, either, but it's only for a week."

There was something strange in the way he was speaking. An unusual tone of confidence. Slightly…wild, even. Whatever he was doing, he was excited, though a part of her thought he seemed overexcited.

"You'll call every night, of course? So I won't worry?" she checked gently.

"Of course, anything to put you at ease."

"All right, then will you be coming tonight?" she queried hopefully, wanting another evening with him.

"I wish, but it's urgent I leave tonight," he answered regretfully. "Besides, you need this night for recuperation."

She was silent for a moment, not thrilled, but she told herself to be patient. "Then, I really will see you in a week," she accepted calmly, glad he couldn't see her forlorn expression. "I'll take the time to have a welcome home dinner when you return."

"Sounds fantastic."

"Where are you going? I mean, I would like to know the number of where you're staying."

"I'll let you know tomorrow," he answered, not giving any more details, sounding like he was in a bit of a hurry. "Get some rest."

"I will. Good night. I'll see you in my dreams tonight."

She smiled when she heard a glad tone in his voice, "And you in mine. Good night."

Rosella ate a very light supper and turned in after a shower. For some reason, she had a very strange dream. At first, it started with Elrod coming to embrace her, then a gentle shadow in that dream circled all over her body.

Instead of harming her, she was relieved all it did was keep her warm and safe in its surroundings. It never let go, as if afraid something would snatch her from it. She didn't think much of it. At least it was peaceful enough and that was good enough.