Hi all, I'M BACK! After a hiatus, it is time for me to finish this story. I just finished the movie and I LOVED IT! Tom Blyth and Racher Zegler were PHENOMENAL! This story is almost finished, and I want to thank each and every one of you who sent me kind messages about it. So, without further ado, here are the next chapters of "Pure as the Driven Snow!"
The following days prove to be enchanting as Lucy and Coriolanus revel in each other's company. Lucy's connection with Coriolanus grows stronger with each passing moment. In the secluded embrace of the forest, Lucy teaches guitar chords to him, and he reciprocates by teaching her how to be happy again, a sensation she hadn't felt in a long time. As they admire the forest, the sun paints elongated shadows through the trees, casting a magical glow over Lucy's dark eyes and her brown, curly hair, while Coriolanus' blonde locks and piercing blue eyes seem to mirror the tranquility of the surroundings.
In Lucy's secret spot within the tree-lined clearing, the air is thick with the rich scents of moss and leaves. But as beautiful as the day is, Lucy feels an unspoken tension hanging between them, because in just an hour or two, Coriolanus will be going home, and she will possibly never see him again. Breaking the silence upon reaching the clearing, Coriolanus clears his throat, his gaze fixated on the distant horizon beyond the trees.
"Lucy, I've been thinking," he begins, his voice tinged with uncertainty, his eyes not on her, but on the vast expanse ahead.
Lucy turns to him, taking a breath. "About what?"
"About going back to the Capitol," Coriolanus replies, the weight of his words lingering in the forest air. "I was wondering if you would come back with me."
Lucy's eyes widen in surprise. "Me? Why would I go to the Capitol?"
Lucy sees him take a deep breath, locking eyes with her. "Because I want you with me, Lucy. You've become so important to me, and I can't imagine my life without you."
Lucy bites her lip, feeling the conflicting emotions playing on her expressive face. "I don't know if I can, Coryo. I'm not fit for the Capitol. I like being free, wandering with a group of people. I don't think I would be good at staying in one place–"
Coriolanus reaches out, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "Lucy, I know it's a different world, but if you are worried about fitting in, my cousin Tigris can make you Capitol clothes, and–"
Lucy shakes her head, her hand intertwining with his. "No, it's not just about the clothes, Coriolanus. I like being free, and I'm not sure if I can give that up. And even if I did, I'm not sure they'd accept me."
Coriolanus' gaze softens, and he squeezes Lucy's hands in his. "I'll protect you, Lucy. You won't have to face anything alone."
A sigh escapes Lucy. "I'll think about it, Coryo. It's a big decision."
Coriolanus nods, seeming to understand the gravity of her choice. "Take your time. I just wanted you to know that I want you with me, no matter where I go."
Amidst the forest's soft whispers, Lucy and Coriolanus sit in the clearing, confronting an uncertain future. After a few more strums of the guitar, Lucy speaks up.
"Isn't it so calm out here?" Her eyes widen with wonder, taking in the serene surroundings.
"Yeah," he replies, smiling. "It's like a different world, so quiet and peaceful."
Continuing to strum, a sudden rustle in the underbrush captures their attention. A vibrant snake slithers into view, its colors gleaming in the dappled sunlight.
"Oh wow!" Lucy smiles. "I haven't seen one of these since the day at the lakehouse!" Lucy crouches down, her hands cradling the snake.
"At the lake?" Coriolanus' expression shifts, his eyes almost seem to get colder. "What do you mean?"
Lucy hesitates. "Oh, I–I saw it while we were walking. It went right by me; you usually can only find these snakes in 12…so that's when I realized I was never going back home again."
"Does it bite?" He asks.
"Well, yes, technically it can," Lucy answers. "But don't worry, this one's friendly. As long as you treat it gently, it won't bite you."
Lucy notices Coriolanus eyeing the snake warily. "Friendly, huh?" he mutters.
Sensing the tension in Coriolanus, Lucy reassures him. "Don't worry, I'll put it down now."
He looks at Lucy with a seemingly sympathetic gaze. "I'm sorry you can't go back."
"It's okay, I have accepted it," she replies, her gaze shifting toward Coriolanus. "I can only just hope that the Covey is doing okay." He looks away, seemingly bothered by something.
In the silence that envelops them, Lucy wonders about Coriolanus's serious contemplation. "Coryo, what is wrong?" She asks, making a second attempt to break his silence. "Coryo, please talk to me."
"Lucy," Coriolanus speaks up, a solemn expression on his face. "I've been thinking about what you said."
Lucy looks at him, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
Coriolanus continues. "About going back to the Capitol. I've thought it over, and…I think you should stay here."
Lucy furrows her brow. "What?" Lucy feels confused by his sudden change of heart. One moment, he wants her to come back, but now he wants her to stay? Lucy speaks up, "But you just asked me to come with you."
Coriolanus sighs, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and regret. "I know, Lucy. I really want you to come with me, but I've realized that you were right. You'd be happier here, free, with nature. There aren't many forests in the Capitol, and you won't be able to sing the songs you like over there. It's a different world, and you'd be stuck, and, let's face it, unhappy."
Lucy's eyes well up with tears as she tries to process the unexpected turn of events.
He continues. "We were made for different worlds, Lucy; mine is civilized and disciplined, and yours is free and unpredictable." Coriolanus reaches out, gently wiping away a tear from Lucy's cheek. "I want what's best for you, Lucy. You belong here, in the forest, and this is where you should stay."
Lucy takes a deep breath. Was she really considering going back with him? After all, she had found true happiness with him, but in the Capitol? She would never fit in there; she would be with him, but she wouldn't be happy.
Lucy nods at Coriolanus, her heart aching with the realization that he is right. She sighs. "I'll miss you so much, Coryo."
He pulls her into a warm embrace. "I'll miss you too, Lucy. But…I want you to be happy."
Just then, a message echoes through the trees; it is one of the camp members. "The transport is ready to take the boy home," he calls out.
Coriolanus takes a step back, holding Lucy at arm's length. "It's time," he says softly.
They solemnly walk back together to find the old transport up and running. It isn't the nicest thing in the world, but Lucy knows it can do the job.
Coriolanus looks at Lucy, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, struggling to maintain a brave facade. She forces a smile. "Take care, Coriolanus. I hope you find your family again, and if you could somehow make sure the Covey is okay, I would really appreciate it. I hope you still remember me–" Tears start coming down, cutting her off. Coriolanus pulls Lucy into an embrace, holding her tightly.
"I could never forget you, Lucy," Coriolanus whispers. A genuine smile breaks through Lucy's facade, a glimmer of hope flickering, knowing that she will always be with him in his heart.
Lucy can hear Ms. Keira's voice cut through their moment. "It is time for him to go."
With a final lingering look, Lucy watches Coriolanus reluctantly release her from his embrace. The weight of their separation settles heavily upon her. As he walks into the transport, disappearing from her sight, a sigh escapes her lips, carrying both resignation and unwavering love for the man she hopes she will one day see again.
You guys aren't ready for the next chapter.
See you soon...
-23LucyGrace