Jonny, Chris, and Will were having a jam session in the beehive. Guy wasn’t there cause he was out back in the hot tub with Dianna, Brooke, and Katie. He meet them at a recent gig and found them to all be very fine ladies. Dianna appeared to be his favorite, but he liked Katie and Brooke too cause they seemed to be very cunning a manipulative in helping him achieve his goal of having Chris and Jonny admit their love for each other.
Jonny was in the zone!! He was pumping out some great riffs and was all around shredding! He was even wearing his favorite cap, the one with the big yellow sunflower on it and no he was not playing jazz but JAZZ! He did have his trusty be bop-playing saxophone next to him as well. He was on fire but he wanted to play more solos, and was kind of pulling for jazz cause he didn’t think he would like it other wise.
Chris was close by with his guitar and piano. He was of course without a shirt. But the shirt that would have been on his chest covering up his rippling muscles was in fact duct tapped around his head. He stole one of Will’s drumsticks and was hitting many objects like doors and walls with pieces of tape and stuff written upon them. He also decided to label himself. He wrote ‘SINGER’ on his abs with black sharpie and then called out to will to ask him how the new record was coming along.
Will looked up from performing some heavy manual labor on the new album. In fact he was using a lot of skill, high intensity, a lot of patience, and not so much help from everyone else. He was wearing leather gloves and was using a screwdriver to screw around with. He had that creepy gleam in his eye.
Chris walked over to Jonny and stared at him for a while in weird way. Jonny finally noticed and looked up at him and smiled. Chris smiled back and tilt his head in the direction of the bed upstairs that cough none of the members ‘had used’. Jonny nodded back in agreement and finished his riff.
‘’Hey Will, Chris and I are going to take a break, but while we are gone will you go over your drum parts for the new album, I think you need to perfect that one part you were talking about yesterday.”
“Yeah sure, it will be good to bang around.”
“Yeah..” Jonny winked at Chris and then the two walked out and up the stairs.
“Dag yo! Way to go my brother! How did you think of getting will to play the drums?”
“It was elementary my dear Martin. You make lots of noise when we take a break, so inorder to mask that I figured Will’s drums would do the trick”
“That’s why you’re so smart Jonny!”
‘I know Chris!”
Chris and Jonny made there way up to the bed and were fooling around. Chris moans and uncontrollable shrieks were unheard due to Will’s banging. Jonny was about to pull Chris boxer’s off when Chris lunged out of bed and ran out of the room leaving Jonny. He ran down the stairs, past bangin’ Will, out the back door and up to Guy in the hot tub. Guy looked at Chris and asked “Did you start a fire and think taking off your clothes would help you escape, cause you know Will is gonna be pissed!”
“No, I need money, got any money? Oh hi ladies! Lookin’ very fine you all are!”
“Chris geez, don’t you dare hit on my girls! I worked hard for them, I mean I spent like 2 hours getting ready!”
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist bass boy! I need money now! Have any or not?”
“Yeah yeah, over there in my wallet.”
Chris raced over to the wallet and then ran down the road. He was looking for it. He knew he had heard the beautiful chimes. But he was looking for the ghetto looking truck with all the stickers on it! “Doo doo dooit dooit dooit do doooo” (insert ice cream truck chime cause I can’t write the sound in words haha) Chris flipped out and made that Indian sound with your mouth when you put your hand over it and blow outward. He ran toward the truck of ice cream! He cut all the kids in front telling them that if they would he would buy them all ice cream.
“ I WANT A SUPERDELUXFUDGEYFUDGEBAR!!!”
The punk faced teenage gave him a you’re a retard look and said in that nasally pinched sound “were all out”
Chris feel on his knees and shouted “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”
But the a little girl tugged on his shirt and said you can have mine. Chris shed a tear and said “you would do that for me?”
“No! Are you kidding me! But the man behind me paid me 30 dollars to do it.”
Chris looked up and saw Jonny standing there with his brilliant smile!
“Oh Jonny!” Chris lunged forward toward Jonny and gave him a big passionate kiss. “ I love and I don’t want to hide it anymore!”
“Me either Chris! I love you more than Jazz.”
Just down the road back at the beehive Guy, Dianna, Brooke, and Katie were all high fiving in the success of Chris and Jonny admitting their love!
“But Katie and Brooke, how did you know the ice cream scheme would work?” Guy asked
Brooke and Katie: “Haha we just do, we practically wrote the book on getting them together and we just knew that Chris loved chocolate and Jonny would do anything for him.”
“And that Guy is why they are the best..”
“Right you are Dianna, now get over here so we can make out!”
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Fate
English Countryside 1850’s
It was the fourth time that week that he had had the same nightmare. He was three years old again and he and his sister were in the corner of the old library. His fathers body lay across the room in a distorted position and his mother was standing in front of him in her night gown screaming out, “Kill me, kill me! Don’t harm my children; they have done nothing to deserve this. Kill me!” He didn’t remember too much after that except the trail of ruby red blood from his mother’s throat and the black boots of the man who killed his father and mother.
He awoke in a cold sweat and tumbled out of his bed in a heap of sheets. Quickly he untangled himself and crawled over to the toilet basin and threw up in it. When he felt he was finished he laid his head against the cool tile of the bathroom and tried to clear his mind of painful images. He soon realized that it was no use and stood and walked back into the bedchamber.
Lighting a candle the man searched for his riding boots and an overcoat. Upon finding the items he placed them on and flung open the chamber door. The man strolled down the candle lit hallway to the grand staircase. He quickly stormed down the stairs only pausing at the entrance to the library, painful images flashed before his eyes causing his stomach to churn once again. The man spun on the heels of his boots and took great strides to the heavy oak entrance hall doors. In one fluid motion he took hold of the brass handle and opened the door.
He ran down the steps and out into the field where the stable was held. It was early morning, the sun had not risen only a faint light showed over the horizon. The fields were wet with the early morning dew and the nightfall’s rain. Mud quickly splattered the base of the man’s boots and the hem of his trousers still he stalked onward.
Upon his arrival at the stables he was quick to grab the saddle and reigns for his black stallion Rochester. He threw the saddle onto his muscular shoulders and walked to the keep of his stallion. Rochester was his favorite horse, he was the strongest and fastest and responded well to the hands of his master. In his keep was the stable boy, he was grooming the horse and did not hear the man approach.
“John move aside.” The man directed toward the stable boy.
“I’m so sorry Master Buckland, I didn’t not hear you.” The boy backed away with his head bent down in shame.
“John, I will be away for a few days, make sure you are to tell Mr. Champion and make sure that upon my arrival home that he has found a teacher for my sister’s niece. The girl needs a proper education and I will not stand for her to play with dolls in her chamber any longer.”
‘Master Buckland, I believe that the deed has been done, a man has responded to the ad placed in the village. And Mr. Champion has assured me that he is a man who is of many tongue and intelligence.”
“Very well, make sure that he is to start immediately, I will not tolerate my niece’s daydreams any longer.”
“But of course Master Buckland.” John said as he bowed his head.
The man then mounted his stallion and rode out of the stables into the morning fog. He was unsure where he was riding to but knew that he couldn’t stand to be in Berkshire any longer. He had lost too many he cared dearly for there, his mother, father, recently his sister. He was so lost in thought that he almost trampled a man on the road. He quickly pulled on the reigns and was able to avoid the man who too tried to avoid the horse by falling into the mud. Master Buckland looked back as he rode on and wondered who the devil would be walking out here at the early in the morn. He didn’t stop or turn around to see if the man was okay but just continued riding, he didn’t care about the man he didn’t care much about anyone.
Chapter 2
“Miss. Georgiana the noon day sun is a risin’ and you is in bed? Tut tut tut! If yours Uncle was to finds out, mmmm girl! Yous you be in for a whopin’!”
“Gracie, if that would be true then where is my uncle? I don’t hear the pounding of his feet in the hallway?”
“Miss. Georgiana hes is left. He is gone away. Now Mr. Champion has found yous a teacher. He will be arrivin’ very soon and you besst not bes in that bed when he’s come!”
Grace heard a little sigh and then the tiny feet of the little girl emerge from under the feather down comforter and hit the floor. The tiny feet shuffled across the dark mahogany wooden floors to the bath chamber. Grace smiled and whistled a little tune as she walked over to the overbearing wardrobe and choose an outfit for the Masters niece.
When Georgiana reappeared Grace beckoned her toward her to help tie her into her dress. Grace was lacing up Georgiana’s corset when she heard booming sound of Mr. Champion outside in the drive.
“Its sounds likes yours teachers is heres Miss. Georgiana.”
Georgiana ran over to the window and looked down into the gravel drive where Mr. Champion was waving his hands about shouting and pointing at the man that stood before him.
The man was exceptionally tall and was wearing a long dark overcoat that reached past his knees. He wore dark pants with the hem tucked deep into his worn boots. All seemed normal about the man except that he was coated from head to toe in a thick layer of mud. It almost looked as if he had laid with the pigs the night before. His hair had a fine layer of dried mud soot, and his face was smeared with dirt. All that stood out from the man that wasn’t brown or black were the crystal blue eyes that seemed to illuminate his very persona.
“Oh Gracie! Look that man there! He is absolutely filthy! And he has no horse? He must be a beggar! I do hope Mr. Champion gives him some scraps and sends him on his way, he is an atrocious sight to behold!”
“Miss. Georgiana, I do believe yous are lookin’ to make some enemy’s with the world. Come here child, I need to finish dressin’ yous and then yous need to head down to Mr. Berrymans in the kitchen. You knows he doesn’t like it whens he has to make yours breakfast afters everyone else.!”
Georgiana rolled her eyes and walked back to Grace for her to finish.
“Good Lord! Just look at you! How do you expect me to talk to you when you look like like the scum of the earth?”
“Sir, I was on my way here, clean as a whistle when a man came charging at me on a horse and nearly killed me. Thanks to my quick thinking I was able to avoid the tragic death and managed to find the only mud hole on the path. That is why I stand here before you covered in what you call the scum of the earth.”
“You may refer to me as Mr. Champion. I am the Masters butler. I am the man who saw to it that you were hired to teach the masters niece. Now if you wish for it to stay so I would recommend you not disrespect me. Now leave your trunk in the hall, I will have John our stable boy bring it to your chamber. If you will please follow me, I will show you to you chamber where upon I would highly recommend you bath.” Mr. Champion gave the man a cold stare and simply turned and walked into the home.
The man with the blue eyes stuck his tongue out and then followed pursuit of Mr. Champion into the estate.
He was lead to his chamber and pointed in the direction of the claw-footed bathtub and then left alone.
“Oy! Champion, come here ole’ man!”
“Ahh Mr. Berryman how are you this morn?” Mr. Champion asked as he gave a warm pat on the back to Mr. Berryman. “Oh and who are calling old? I believe I see some gray hairs on your head.”
“What?” Mr. Berryman reached for a pan and gazed into the reflection quickly searching for the abominable gray strands. Slowly lowering the pan he shot Mr. Champion a dirty look.
“One day Mr. Champion you will be eating my fire roasted apple pig and then you might just not get up from the table, you be warned! Now that man, what come of he?”
“Nothing beside his disgusting appearance. Shows up at the door caked in mud. I’ve never heard of such a thing. Master won’t be pleased to know that his niece is being taught by a dirty commoner and he will only chastise me for it.”
“Geez, what’s the dirty scum bags name?”
“He calls himself a Mr. Martin. Well I say that Mr. Martin best be an excellent tutor or he will be gone by the scruff of his neck upon the arrival of Master.”
Chapter 3
“Excuse me, but have you seen Mr. Champion? I wish to enquire as to where I am to teach Miss. Georgiana.”
“Ah you must be a Mr. Martin then.”
“You are correct my good man, and whom are you?”
“I am Mr. Berryman, the long time cook for Master Buckland. I suspect that Mr. Champion is out dealing with John the stable boy.. I guess I should call him stable man seeing as he a wife and child, but I have known him since he a young lad and can’t seem to break the old habit.”
“I see, well I shall just take up place in the library. It seems a fitting location to teach Master Buckland’s niece. Do you know how she came to reside here? She is not that old, where are her parents?”
“That I do, but it is not my place to say. If you should wish to know I would recommend you ask the Master himself. Not that he would tell you.”
“Well thank you Mr. Berryman, I look forward to your meals and more of these err pleasant encounters.”
There was a loud clang as a knife was swung and sliced through the chunk of meat on the counter. “ I too Mr. Martin.”
Mr. Martin flashed a quick nervous smile in the direction of Mr. Berryman and took off down the hallway. He was unsure of what to think of Mr. Berryman, he seemed pleasant for the first bit and then turned cold and masochistic. A flash of blonde curls disappeared around a corner up ahead and the sound of running succeeding. Mr. Martin smiled and chuckled out loud, he had a good feeling that his pupil was spying on him and had almost been caught doing so.
“Mr. Martin! There you are.” Mr. Champion came strolling up the hallway with a bundle of parchment, quills and inkwells in his arms.
“Here you are, supply to teach Miss. Georgiana, I have had the chalkboard brought up from town and Mr. Berryman informs me that you wish to use the err library? If that be I will have the board brought in there, unless you want to use a different room.”
“Yes, Mr. Champion that would be my ideal location. Let me take those from your hands and I will head in there and set up.”
Mr. Champion dropped the pile of supply into the outstretched arms of Mr. Martin, gave him a short smile. “Here you are, good luck with the library.” He replied with a sly grin.
Mr. Martin was left standing in the hallway gawking at the back of Mr. Champion’s frame as he quickly stalked away. What the deuce was that? Why would he have bid me good luck with the library? Was Miss. Georgiana a problem child? Was there something wrong with the library?
“Georgiana pay attention! The snow is nothing you haven’t seen before. I know that your uncle would be very upset at your behavior and lack of attention span!”
“But, we have been here all morning, my hand tires from writing and wait a minuet, you’ve never met my Uncle.” Georgiana stuck her tongue out at Mr. Martin and threw her quill down on the table, splattering ink across her books.
It was true, Mr. Martin had been working for Master Buckland for 6 weeks now and had yet to see the mysterious man. He had been away for quite sometime, but according to Mr. Berryman it was a common occurrence. He didn’t have fond memories of Berkshire and was oft gone.
“Regardless of whether I have meet your Uncle or not, I was hired to teach you and teach you I will.” Mr. Martin took a deep breath and sighed he knew that they had been in here for quite some time. “Alright Georgiana, go get a snack from Mr. Berryman, when you have finished you are to return here, where upon your return we will pick up with your Latin.”
“Oh thank you!” Georgiana bounced out of her seat and ran out of the library, leaving Mr. Martin to shake his head and allow a small smile to emerge from his lips.
Mr. Martin took the time to examine the library while Georgiana was away; he had been teaching in the room for six weeks now and had not taken the time to examine the many books within. On the far side of the room was a grand fireplace with a hearty fire dwelling within. To the right of the fireplace was an old cherry wood desk. It had a fine gold embellish around the edges giving it sophisticated yet classy look. On top lay miscellaneous objects that were of great wealth, a marble globe, a unique pocket watch, delicate quills and an intricate inkwell that held many fine colors. There was the assortment of books and then there were a few portraits in gold frames.
One of the frames caught the attention of Mr. Martin it was a picture of a family. There was a mother and a father and two children. The children were of a very young age. What struck out was that this was drawn in the same room that Mr. Martin was standing in. It was drawn over in the corner by the worn leather chair and the tall bookshelves that ran from the floor to the ceiling.
Mr. Martin walked over to the corner running his hand over the smooth leather. It was a smart chair from the looks of it, probably had been used often but had not seen a person in many a year seeing as there was a fine layer of dust that coated the chair. Mr. Martin paused by the chair and looked up at the shelves to view the books. He started at the top and let his eyes skim downward. When his eyes got to the bottom he noticed a faint stain on the floor by the base of the shelf.
Bending down to examine further he noticed a faint red tint to the stain. He rubbed his hand against the floor and tried to conceive where this stain could have possibly come from. Images of a struggle and screaming erupted in his mind. He pictured a beautiful women like the woman in the portrait, slain and bleeding. He was so fascinated by the stain and the ideas in his mind that he didn’t hear Georgiana come back into the room.
“What are you doing in the corner? Uncle tells me I should never go over there or I would be in dire trouble.”
“What? I umm I dropped the top to the inkwell and I thought I saw it roll over here, I guess not. Now where were we in your lessons? Latin?”
Chapter 4
Mr. Martin had just finished a wonderful dinner prepared by Mr. Berryman. He stood from the grand dinning room table and made his way to the kitchens to thank him and tell him how tasteful and utterly delectable his meal was. He was walking down the stone corridor when he first heard her. Never had his ears heard such a sound that it chilled him to the bones.
He paused and waited to hear the sound again. It came again but much quieter than the first time. Mr. Martin turned in the direction of the sound and ran down the hallway in search for the woman. She sounded desperate and in a great deal of pain.
The sound came once again; it emerged from within the vast library. Mr. Martin slowed down and looked around for a ‘weapon’ of some sort to help protect him and the woman. The only thing he spotted was a medieval sword hung on the great hall walls as a decoration. Grasping the handle with both of his hands he pulled on the sword and prayed that it would come loose. To his amazement it swung free with the lone pull.
Carrying the sword in his hand he crept toward the library door as if he was ready for battle and would be able to actually swing the heavy sword. The only light emerging from within was the flickering light of the fireplace. It was casting long shadows across the old floorboards. Mr. Martin peered his head around the door and gasped at the sight before him. A woman stood in the corner of the room by the old comfortable chair. She was stunningly beautiful, dressed in a flowing white gown that accented all the right curves of her body and she had stunning mahogany curls that fell down her back. The only thing wrong with the woman was the ruby red stain in the front of her dress. The red blood seem to be coming from a deep wound and was filling in the stain on the floor, that he had seen earlier that week.
The lady in white bent down to the pool of blood and dipped her finger into the blood and then walked toward the wall and slowly wrote the letters P.H. Mr. Martin gathered whatever courage he had and walked into the room. He looked around him and saw no one else in the room besides himself and the lady in white.
“Excuse me Madame, I heard screaming and ran here. Are you alright, you seem to be bleeding profusely…” Mr. Martin noticed that the blood seemed to have only pooled into the outlines of stain. It was nowhere else on the floor but there and on the dress.
The lady in white turned toward him and stared at him for a great deal of time as if she was trying to communicate with Mr. Martin through thoughts. Mr. Martin tried again to communicate with her.
“Can you hear me? Are you hurt Madame? Who did this to you?”
The lady in white raised her hand slowly toward the wall where the initials were written. She smiled at Mr. Martin and then turned her head toward the door.
There stood a tall man in heavily worn clothes and riding boots, his eyebrows were in deep concentration and were creating wrinkles across his forehead. He looked at Mr. Martin and then back to the lady in white. He clenched his hands in to fists at his sides and pierced his lips together before walking through the library doors. He stopped only once he was within the doorway and then quickly closed the heavy doors and locked it. He looked up once again at Mr. Martin and the lady in white, but kept his eyes on the lady.
“Can you see her?”
Mr. Martin had no idea who this man was and was quite afraid of what would happen if he did not respond. The door was locked and the only way out of the room would be through the heavily pained windows. He kept his answer short and direct.
“Yes.”
“Do you know who she is?” The tall man asked.
“I do not, I only heard her cries and came to see what was amiss.”
“Sir, that woman over there is the ghost of my mother, she was murdered in this very room in that corner over there. No one else has ever seen her, but I.”
“She’s she’s not real? Then how is she writing on the wall with her blood?”
The tall man stormed over to Mr. Martin and looked him directly in the eyes and then he turned to where the lady in white had been standing. She had vanished as she had many a time before.
“What, did she write upon the wall?” The tall man asked in an overbearing manor.
“She wrote the initials P.H.” Mr. Martin said as he took a step back from the other man.
The tall man closed his eyes and appeared to be in deep concentration. Occasionally his hand would twitch and his eyelids would flutter. Abruptly he opened his extraordinarily green eyes and made his way to the handsome desk. He rummaged around until he found what he was looking for. He sat down at the desk and beckoned Mr. Martin to join him and sit in the chair opposite of the desk.
Mr. Martin hesitated for a bit and then sat down in the chair.
“I have neglected my manors, I am Mr. Buckland, I own this estate and I can gander that you work for me as my nieces teacher.” He stuck his hand out for Mr. Martin to shake.
Mr. Martin looked at the hand then grasped it with his hand. The hand was warm and large. It was a bit rough from the reins of a horses bridle but other than that it was a gracious hand that spoke of warmth and kindness.
“Mr. Buckland..”
“Please Mr. Martin I don’t feel as if you need to call me by my sir name any longer, you can call me Jonathan or Jon for short. I normally don’t allow people to refer to me as that but you.. Well you are quite different from everyone else. Neither Mr. Champion or Mr. Buckland have ever seen my mother and they have been working here for quite some time.”
“Well Jonathan, please feel free to call me by Christopher or Chris. And yes I am your niece, Georgiana’s instructor.”
“Christopher, I need to explain something’s to you. But would you allow me to clean up? I have just arrived home from a long trip and you took me away by the little incident we just had.”
“Yes, yes of course please do.”
“Thank you, while I am gone will you do me a favor and read these pages for me?”
“Um sure Mr. Buckla..I mean Jonathan.”
Jonathan smiled and passed the pages to Chris and strolled over to the door and unlocked it. He paused at the door to look back at Chris. He was a man with something about him. He seemed to almost glow. Jon then left and went to make himself presentable.
Chris looked down at the pages and noticed that it was a journal, he thought to himself how odd it was a journal and not a book. He turned the cover and saw embossed in gold on the bottom right of the front cover the initials P.H.
Chapter 5
Chris had been so engrossed in the journal that he was quite startled when he felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see emerald green eyes staring back at him. Chris was astonished how vivid Jon’s eyes were. They had this hypnotic power that was vastly taking hold of Chris concentration. All he saw were the incredible eyes, the soft curve of his check, the strong line of his jaw, and the angelic lips. He wanted so badly to reach up and pull his lips to his, but held back.
“Were you able to read the pages I left you?”
“Yes but, I err they weren’t really much of anything to be honest. It was a bunch of random entries of people asking the same questions. They would describe the terrible horrors they were facing and then would plead for help.”
Jon swiftly maneuvered into the large chair next to Chris and folded his arms and closed his eyes in deep concentration. “Chris, if I can be so bold as to ask, but can you tell me of your family lineage and about your childhood as that might be why you were able to read those blank pages.”
“Blank pages? Why Jon they are completely scribbled upon. But if my family is of interest then I guess I must..”
“Yes, yes you must, it is of the utmost importance.”
“I don’t know much as I was an orphan from the age of 6 on, but my family is from the north, they were of high class until the fire. It was dreadful Jon, I remember I was in my bedchamber and was awaked by the servant boy, he dragged me out of bed and then he opened some mysterious door in my wall behind a tapestry. I remember calling out for my parents and he kept telling me that they had died, that a tall black booted man had come in the night and set our home on fire and was after me. The servant boy told me to run and to never return. So I ran and ran and then I fell and blacked out. Next thing I know I awake in an orphanage and that’s all I can recall.”
Jon continued to sit in his chair with his eyes closed for a few minuets after Chris finished. Chris sat back and looked at the pages, flipping them over occasionally. Then Jon jumped out of the chair and crossed the room and closed the heavy library doors. “Chris the servant boy told you the man was tall and had black boots?”
“Uh yes, I recall him saying that.”
“Chris you should know that the man who killed my parents was also tall and wore black boots. How old are you Chris?”
“I will be 29 in March.”
“So were round about the same age and you can read the pages and I can’t.”
“Jon, do you know what the initials P.H. stand for?”
“I believe they belong to a man called Philip Harvey.”
Chapter 6
The clock in the great hall chimed bringing the two men in the library back to their senses. Jonathan quickly stood up from the chair and looked at the time on the clock that was resting on top of the desk. It read 2 in the morning.
“Chris, I think we should head off to bed. Tomorrow my niece will have the day off and I want you to accompany me on horseback to my families’ cemetery. I believe we might be able to find to find more about our mysterious black booted man.”
“But of course Jon, When will you have me ready?”
“I would like to depart around 8, make sure you have Mr. Berryman cook you a hearty breakfast oh and ask him to prepare us a meal to go on our trip as it might take us some time.”
“Very well.” Chris stood tossed the papers onto the desk and turned to walk out of the library, but before he could go 3 steps he had the feeling to bid Jon a goodnight. So he turned around and placed his hand upon Jon’s Shoulder and proceeded to wish him a goodnight and to have pleasant dreams and that he would see him in the morning.
Jon felt a sudden flutter in his stomach upon hearing those calming and sincere words; he turned around and quietly wished Chris a goodnight as well. Chris smiled and slightly nodded his head in Jon’s direction and then left the room.
For the first time in an awful long time Jon slept peacefully. He didn’t toss or turn, nor did he wake in a cold sweat. Instead he dreamed, he dreamed that he was riding his stallion along the beach. It was a wonderful sight, the sun was seating in exhilarating hues of orange red and deep purple. He could almost feel the cool breeze blowing and taste the salt of the ocean. Out of the corner of his eye another stallion appeared and upon it was a man who had golden curls that bounced as the horse ran. He had crystal blue eyes that shimmered in the sunlight. The man was immaculate. Jon soon realized that the man was Chris, he smiled at Chris and Chris smiled back. Together they both rode side by side down the beach into the sunset.
Jon drifted back into reality and awoke with a grin upon his face, he had had the most wonderful dream ever and was looking forward to his day with Chris.
Chris walked into the kitchen to see Mr. Berryman busy with breakfast. “Good Morning Mr. Berryman, the smells in here are delectable!”
Mr. Berryman turned around with a rolling pin in one hand, “You be right to say that Mr. Martin. You wouldn’t want to know what I can do with this here pin.”
Chris sidestepped around Mr. Berryman and backed away slowly, “Quite right you are Mr. Berryman, I wouldn’t.”
Laughter could be heard from behind Chris. Chris turned around to see Jon already sitting at the table enjoying his breakfast and laughing at Chris.
“Good Morning Chris, I see you and Mr. Berryman are the closets of friends.”
“Oh you know it, if the closest means he wants to impale me with kitchen utensils then oh yes!”
“Come now, that’s Mr. Berryman’s standard greeting.”
“Uh huh.”
“Well Chris eat up and I have already asked Mr. Berryman to pack us something, we will leave as soon as you’re done eating.” Jon stood up, thanked Mr. Berryman and made his way to the stables.
“Here you are Mr. Martin, eat up.” Mr. Berryman dropped a bowl of porridge in front of Chris.
Chris thought to himself ‘Oh yum, my favorite, bland porridge.’ He fought back the urge to chuck the goo at the backside of Mr. Berryman, but thought better of it seeing the knives by Mr. Berryman’s side.
“So this is where your family has been buried for centuries?’ The tiny cemetery was located in the midst of a grove of Japanese blossom trees, while the trees weren’t in bloom the trees left a remarkable outline that added to the beauty of the grove.
“Yes, those are my parents graves and my sister’s. There is over 6 generations of Buckland’s buried here.”
Chris was walking around when he noticed a small stone near the edge of the cemetery. He walked over to it and brushed off the dirt and grime, then gasped.
“Jon, JON! Come here I think I might have found something.”
Jon come jogging over to Chris and saw immediately what Chris hand seen. On the stone was engraved the words: Fate befell the Martins and the Buckland’s buried here is the reason why.
“What.. What could this possibly mean Jon?”
“I’m.. I’m not sure, but I think we need to start digging.”
The two men used what they could find to dig under the stone. They dug for many hours until they hit something waste deep. They franticly dug around the object and discovered a box. Jon grasped the handles and heaved the box out of the hole. Carefully the two men opened the box, hands trembling.
What lay within the box was not what either man expected. It was a simple quill. Plain as any other.
“Jon, how is this the reason for the fate of our families?”
Jon was furious he felt he was made fun of and cast the box into the trees. “ How the bloody hell do I know? It’s a God damn quill!” He stormed off to sulk leaving Chris to examine the quill.
He twisted the quill in between his fingers, this way and that, when something caught his eye. Hidden by the feather were tiny initials scratched into the quill. They were the familiar initials P.H. Chris thought about calling out to Jon to tell him of his discovery, but held back. An idea came to him and he wanted to test it out when they arrived back at the manor.
Chapter 7
So Jon grew weary of the cemetery and bid Chris to follow him home. Upon arrival Jon disappeared into his bedchamber leaving Chris time to go the library.
He walked in and closed the doors. Then walked over to the desk and picked up the papers and went over to the corner where the faint red stain was. Chris sat down in the chair and took out the quill. He put the quill to the page and began to write and as he wrote red ink appeared on the page, he looked down at the stain and saw the beginnings of the faint red color to darken and fill in.
He then wrote a question on the papers. Who are you? He waited and then a response was written, You already know who I am. Chris sucked in his breath and bit his lip, then wrote back, Are you Phillip Harvey? He waited for the writing and then it came, No, I was him. Chris’ hand trembled and then he asked one more question. Did you murder my parents?
Chris looked down at the stain and saw that it was now completely filled, with blood. He then glanced back at the papers, but before he could he slumped forward and crashed to the floor.
The door opened and in walked Mr. Champion. “ I knew you were trouble, I knew you would be the one.” Mr. Champion walked over to the desk and took out a key. He unlocked a secret drawer and removed a knife, then walked over to wear Chris lay.
“With you gone Mr. Martin your family will no longer be in the way. You escaped me many years ago, but now you lie here with your blood on the floor. No one to lead you to a secret passageway, or to take you into their orphanage.
You see Mr. Martin while your father was married to your mother he was not an honest man, he cheated on her with my wife, bless her sole, as did Mr. Buckland’s father. Mr. Philip Harvey was the man who covered for them. I was outraged when I discovered what they had done, so I decided to seek revenge and to destroy their families and them both.
I set fire to your home and murdered your parents. I poisoned Mr. Buckland’s sister and slit his parents throats before him. I was about to slit his when I heard a noise. Mr. Harvey knew of my scheme and had been setting clues to help guide some light to someone along the way, it appears it was both you and Mr. Buckland that discovered them. Unfortunately Mr. Harvey appeared that fateful night, he had been creating the papers and pen you were using, I managed to turn the papers into a curse that should a person find the quill it would use their blood to write the messages and fill the stain on the floor just as yours has done and dilute them of any energy.
I murdered Mr. Harvey that night as well and hid his body deep in the woods where the foxes would prey on him and take him deeper into the woods. I was determined to come back and murder Mr. Buckland, but was unable to because the old care taker had discovered the scene. I quickly changed and came rushing in and acted the part of astonished and sadden by the loss of the Master and his wife.
Now I will murder you and Mr. Buckland tonight and the deed will be done. Mr. Champion raised his knife and stalked toward Chris!
The library doors boomed open and in came Mr. Berryman with a butcher knife in his hand. “ I thought you to be a good man Champion, but I guess I was wrong!” Mr. Berryman threw his knife at Mr. Champion. The knife in Mr. Champion’s hand slipped and he fell to the ground.
Mr. Buckland came charging into the room with a pistol in his hand. He stormed over to Mr. Champion and pulled the knife out of his leg. “ GET UP! Get up you fowl man. You are dirt to me, no you are lower than dirt you are lower the dust of the earth. I would love to kill you with my bare hands, but then who would I be? The same low life that is you! No, I will not stand for that, so you are to run, run, run, and run. Run until your shoes fall apart and your souls bleed, run until you can’t run anymore. And then crawl you filthy animal. I never want to see you ever again. Mr. Berryman will watch as you run and he will throw as many knives as he feels appropriate.”
Mr. Champion ran out of the room followed by Mr. Berryman. Jon ran to Chris side. “Chris are you alright?”
“I’m just weak, but Jon how did you know I was in trouble?”
“I just knew something wasn’t right in my heart. And then I had this feeling to come to the library, as I ran here my heart began to beat faster and faster and I knew something was about to happen. But that is in the past and now my heart wont slow down and when my heart is throbbing like it is now I know that I need to do something.” Jon pulled Chris off the ground and leaned forward and brushed his lips against Chris’. Then he whispered in his ear “ I think I’m falling for you and I want you.”
Chris looked into Jon’s eyes and then kissed Jon, he kissed him with passion and desire. “Jon I want the same thing.” Jon smiled and picked Chris off the floor and carried him to his bedchamber and closed the door.
Mr. Champion was never seen again, but tall tales are shared of a man constantly running, the ghost of Jon’s mother never appeared again after the incident, the stain on the floor vanished, and Mr. Berryman continued to threaten Mr. Martin with kitchen utensils. Jon and Chris were lovers until they both grew old and died in each other’s arms while sleeping together on the beach of Jon’s dream under the stars.
The End
It was the fourth time that week that he had had the same nightmare. He was three years old again and he and his sister were in the corner of the old library. His fathers body lay across the room in a distorted position and his mother was standing in front of him in her night gown screaming out, “Kill me, kill me! Don’t harm my children; they have done nothing to deserve this. Kill me!” He didn’t remember too much after that except the trail of ruby red blood from his mother’s throat and the black boots of the man who killed his father and mother.
He awoke in a cold sweat and tumbled out of his bed in a heap of sheets. Quickly he untangled himself and crawled over to the toilet basin and threw up in it. When he felt he was finished he laid his head against the cool tile of the bathroom and tried to clear his mind of painful images. He soon realized that it was no use and stood and walked back into the bedchamber.
Lighting a candle the man searched for his riding boots and an overcoat. Upon finding the items he placed them on and flung open the chamber door. The man strolled down the candle lit hallway to the grand staircase. He quickly stormed down the stairs only pausing at the entrance to the library, painful images flashed before his eyes causing his stomach to churn once again. The man spun on the heels of his boots and took great strides to the heavy oak entrance hall doors. In one fluid motion he took hold of the brass handle and opened the door.
He ran down the steps and out into the field where the stable was held. It was early morning, the sun had not risen only a faint light showed over the horizon. The fields were wet with the early morning dew and the nightfall’s rain. Mud quickly splattered the base of the man’s boots and the hem of his trousers still he stalked onward.
Upon his arrival at the stables he was quick to grab the saddle and reigns for his black stallion Rochester. He threw the saddle onto his muscular shoulders and walked to the keep of his stallion. Rochester was his favorite horse, he was the strongest and fastest and responded well to the hands of his master. In his keep was the stable boy, he was grooming the horse and did not hear the man approach.
“John move aside.” The man directed toward the stable boy.
“I’m so sorry Master Buckland, I didn’t not hear you.” The boy backed away with his head bent down in shame.
“John, I will be away for a few days, make sure you are to tell Mr. Champion and make sure that upon my arrival home that he has found a teacher for my sister’s niece. The girl needs a proper education and I will not stand for her to play with dolls in her chamber any longer.”
‘Master Buckland, I believe that the deed has been done, a man has responded to the ad placed in the village. And Mr. Champion has assured me that he is a man who is of many tongue and intelligence.”
“Very well, make sure that he is to start immediately, I will not tolerate my niece’s daydreams any longer.”
“But of course Master Buckland.” John said as he bowed his head.
The man then mounted his stallion and rode out of the stables into the morning fog. He was unsure where he was riding to but knew that he couldn’t stand to be in Berkshire any longer. He had lost too many he cared dearly for there, his mother, father, recently his sister. He was so lost in thought that he almost trampled a man on the road. He quickly pulled on the reigns and was able to avoid the man who too tried to avoid the horse by falling into the mud. Master Buckland looked back as he rode on and wondered who the devil would be walking out here at the early in the morn. He didn’t stop or turn around to see if the man was okay but just continued riding, he didn’t care about the man he didn’t care much about anyone.
Chapter 2
“Miss. Georgiana the noon day sun is a risin’ and you is in bed? Tut tut tut! If yours Uncle was to finds out, mmmm girl! Yous you be in for a whopin’!”
“Gracie, if that would be true then where is my uncle? I don’t hear the pounding of his feet in the hallway?”
“Miss. Georgiana hes is left. He is gone away. Now Mr. Champion has found yous a teacher. He will be arrivin’ very soon and you besst not bes in that bed when he’s come!”
Grace heard a little sigh and then the tiny feet of the little girl emerge from under the feather down comforter and hit the floor. The tiny feet shuffled across the dark mahogany wooden floors to the bath chamber. Grace smiled and whistled a little tune as she walked over to the overbearing wardrobe and choose an outfit for the Masters niece.
When Georgiana reappeared Grace beckoned her toward her to help tie her into her dress. Grace was lacing up Georgiana’s corset when she heard booming sound of Mr. Champion outside in the drive.
“Its sounds likes yours teachers is heres Miss. Georgiana.”
Georgiana ran over to the window and looked down into the gravel drive where Mr. Champion was waving his hands about shouting and pointing at the man that stood before him.
The man was exceptionally tall and was wearing a long dark overcoat that reached past his knees. He wore dark pants with the hem tucked deep into his worn boots. All seemed normal about the man except that he was coated from head to toe in a thick layer of mud. It almost looked as if he had laid with the pigs the night before. His hair had a fine layer of dried mud soot, and his face was smeared with dirt. All that stood out from the man that wasn’t brown or black were the crystal blue eyes that seemed to illuminate his very persona.
“Oh Gracie! Look that man there! He is absolutely filthy! And he has no horse? He must be a beggar! I do hope Mr. Champion gives him some scraps and sends him on his way, he is an atrocious sight to behold!”
“Miss. Georgiana, I do believe yous are lookin’ to make some enemy’s with the world. Come here child, I need to finish dressin’ yous and then yous need to head down to Mr. Berrymans in the kitchen. You knows he doesn’t like it whens he has to make yours breakfast afters everyone else.!”
Georgiana rolled her eyes and walked back to Grace for her to finish.
“Good Lord! Just look at you! How do you expect me to talk to you when you look like like the scum of the earth?”
“Sir, I was on my way here, clean as a whistle when a man came charging at me on a horse and nearly killed me. Thanks to my quick thinking I was able to avoid the tragic death and managed to find the only mud hole on the path. That is why I stand here before you covered in what you call the scum of the earth.”
“You may refer to me as Mr. Champion. I am the Masters butler. I am the man who saw to it that you were hired to teach the masters niece. Now if you wish for it to stay so I would recommend you not disrespect me. Now leave your trunk in the hall, I will have John our stable boy bring it to your chamber. If you will please follow me, I will show you to you chamber where upon I would highly recommend you bath.” Mr. Champion gave the man a cold stare and simply turned and walked into the home.
The man with the blue eyes stuck his tongue out and then followed pursuit of Mr. Champion into the estate.
He was lead to his chamber and pointed in the direction of the claw-footed bathtub and then left alone.
“Oy! Champion, come here ole’ man!”
“Ahh Mr. Berryman how are you this morn?” Mr. Champion asked as he gave a warm pat on the back to Mr. Berryman. “Oh and who are calling old? I believe I see some gray hairs on your head.”
“What?” Mr. Berryman reached for a pan and gazed into the reflection quickly searching for the abominable gray strands. Slowly lowering the pan he shot Mr. Champion a dirty look.
“One day Mr. Champion you will be eating my fire roasted apple pig and then you might just not get up from the table, you be warned! Now that man, what come of he?”
“Nothing beside his disgusting appearance. Shows up at the door caked in mud. I’ve never heard of such a thing. Master won’t be pleased to know that his niece is being taught by a dirty commoner and he will only chastise me for it.”
“Geez, what’s the dirty scum bags name?”
“He calls himself a Mr. Martin. Well I say that Mr. Martin best be an excellent tutor or he will be gone by the scruff of his neck upon the arrival of Master.”
Chapter 3
“Excuse me, but have you seen Mr. Champion? I wish to enquire as to where I am to teach Miss. Georgiana.”
“Ah you must be a Mr. Martin then.”
“You are correct my good man, and whom are you?”
“I am Mr. Berryman, the long time cook for Master Buckland. I suspect that Mr. Champion is out dealing with John the stable boy.. I guess I should call him stable man seeing as he a wife and child, but I have known him since he a young lad and can’t seem to break the old habit.”
“I see, well I shall just take up place in the library. It seems a fitting location to teach Master Buckland’s niece. Do you know how she came to reside here? She is not that old, where are her parents?”
“That I do, but it is not my place to say. If you should wish to know I would recommend you ask the Master himself. Not that he would tell you.”
“Well thank you Mr. Berryman, I look forward to your meals and more of these err pleasant encounters.”
There was a loud clang as a knife was swung and sliced through the chunk of meat on the counter. “ I too Mr. Martin.”
Mr. Martin flashed a quick nervous smile in the direction of Mr. Berryman and took off down the hallway. He was unsure of what to think of Mr. Berryman, he seemed pleasant for the first bit and then turned cold and masochistic. A flash of blonde curls disappeared around a corner up ahead and the sound of running succeeding. Mr. Martin smiled and chuckled out loud, he had a good feeling that his pupil was spying on him and had almost been caught doing so.
“Mr. Martin! There you are.” Mr. Champion came strolling up the hallway with a bundle of parchment, quills and inkwells in his arms.
“Here you are, supply to teach Miss. Georgiana, I have had the chalkboard brought up from town and Mr. Berryman informs me that you wish to use the err library? If that be I will have the board brought in there, unless you want to use a different room.”
“Yes, Mr. Champion that would be my ideal location. Let me take those from your hands and I will head in there and set up.”
Mr. Champion dropped the pile of supply into the outstretched arms of Mr. Martin, gave him a short smile. “Here you are, good luck with the library.” He replied with a sly grin.
Mr. Martin was left standing in the hallway gawking at the back of Mr. Champion’s frame as he quickly stalked away. What the deuce was that? Why would he have bid me good luck with the library? Was Miss. Georgiana a problem child? Was there something wrong with the library?
“Georgiana pay attention! The snow is nothing you haven’t seen before. I know that your uncle would be very upset at your behavior and lack of attention span!”
“But, we have been here all morning, my hand tires from writing and wait a minuet, you’ve never met my Uncle.” Georgiana stuck her tongue out at Mr. Martin and threw her quill down on the table, splattering ink across her books.
It was true, Mr. Martin had been working for Master Buckland for 6 weeks now and had yet to see the mysterious man. He had been away for quite sometime, but according to Mr. Berryman it was a common occurrence. He didn’t have fond memories of Berkshire and was oft gone.
“Regardless of whether I have meet your Uncle or not, I was hired to teach you and teach you I will.” Mr. Martin took a deep breath and sighed he knew that they had been in here for quite some time. “Alright Georgiana, go get a snack from Mr. Berryman, when you have finished you are to return here, where upon your return we will pick up with your Latin.”
“Oh thank you!” Georgiana bounced out of her seat and ran out of the library, leaving Mr. Martin to shake his head and allow a small smile to emerge from his lips.
Mr. Martin took the time to examine the library while Georgiana was away; he had been teaching in the room for six weeks now and had not taken the time to examine the many books within. On the far side of the room was a grand fireplace with a hearty fire dwelling within. To the right of the fireplace was an old cherry wood desk. It had a fine gold embellish around the edges giving it sophisticated yet classy look. On top lay miscellaneous objects that were of great wealth, a marble globe, a unique pocket watch, delicate quills and an intricate inkwell that held many fine colors. There was the assortment of books and then there were a few portraits in gold frames.
One of the frames caught the attention of Mr. Martin it was a picture of a family. There was a mother and a father and two children. The children were of a very young age. What struck out was that this was drawn in the same room that Mr. Martin was standing in. It was drawn over in the corner by the worn leather chair and the tall bookshelves that ran from the floor to the ceiling.
Mr. Martin walked over to the corner running his hand over the smooth leather. It was a smart chair from the looks of it, probably had been used often but had not seen a person in many a year seeing as there was a fine layer of dust that coated the chair. Mr. Martin paused by the chair and looked up at the shelves to view the books. He started at the top and let his eyes skim downward. When his eyes got to the bottom he noticed a faint stain on the floor by the base of the shelf.
Bending down to examine further he noticed a faint red tint to the stain. He rubbed his hand against the floor and tried to conceive where this stain could have possibly come from. Images of a struggle and screaming erupted in his mind. He pictured a beautiful women like the woman in the portrait, slain and bleeding. He was so fascinated by the stain and the ideas in his mind that he didn’t hear Georgiana come back into the room.
“What are you doing in the corner? Uncle tells me I should never go over there or I would be in dire trouble.”
“What? I umm I dropped the top to the inkwell and I thought I saw it roll over here, I guess not. Now where were we in your lessons? Latin?”
Chapter 4
Mr. Martin had just finished a wonderful dinner prepared by Mr. Berryman. He stood from the grand dinning room table and made his way to the kitchens to thank him and tell him how tasteful and utterly delectable his meal was. He was walking down the stone corridor when he first heard her. Never had his ears heard such a sound that it chilled him to the bones.
He paused and waited to hear the sound again. It came again but much quieter than the first time. Mr. Martin turned in the direction of the sound and ran down the hallway in search for the woman. She sounded desperate and in a great deal of pain.
The sound came once again; it emerged from within the vast library. Mr. Martin slowed down and looked around for a ‘weapon’ of some sort to help protect him and the woman. The only thing he spotted was a medieval sword hung on the great hall walls as a decoration. Grasping the handle with both of his hands he pulled on the sword and prayed that it would come loose. To his amazement it swung free with the lone pull.
Carrying the sword in his hand he crept toward the library door as if he was ready for battle and would be able to actually swing the heavy sword. The only light emerging from within was the flickering light of the fireplace. It was casting long shadows across the old floorboards. Mr. Martin peered his head around the door and gasped at the sight before him. A woman stood in the corner of the room by the old comfortable chair. She was stunningly beautiful, dressed in a flowing white gown that accented all the right curves of her body and she had stunning mahogany curls that fell down her back. The only thing wrong with the woman was the ruby red stain in the front of her dress. The red blood seem to be coming from a deep wound and was filling in the stain on the floor, that he had seen earlier that week.
The lady in white bent down to the pool of blood and dipped her finger into the blood and then walked toward the wall and slowly wrote the letters P.H. Mr. Martin gathered whatever courage he had and walked into the room. He looked around him and saw no one else in the room besides himself and the lady in white.
“Excuse me Madame, I heard screaming and ran here. Are you alright, you seem to be bleeding profusely…” Mr. Martin noticed that the blood seemed to have only pooled into the outlines of stain. It was nowhere else on the floor but there and on the dress.
The lady in white turned toward him and stared at him for a great deal of time as if she was trying to communicate with Mr. Martin through thoughts. Mr. Martin tried again to communicate with her.
“Can you hear me? Are you hurt Madame? Who did this to you?”
The lady in white raised her hand slowly toward the wall where the initials were written. She smiled at Mr. Martin and then turned her head toward the door.
There stood a tall man in heavily worn clothes and riding boots, his eyebrows were in deep concentration and were creating wrinkles across his forehead. He looked at Mr. Martin and then back to the lady in white. He clenched his hands in to fists at his sides and pierced his lips together before walking through the library doors. He stopped only once he was within the doorway and then quickly closed the heavy doors and locked it. He looked up once again at Mr. Martin and the lady in white, but kept his eyes on the lady.
“Can you see her?”
Mr. Martin had no idea who this man was and was quite afraid of what would happen if he did not respond. The door was locked and the only way out of the room would be through the heavily pained windows. He kept his answer short and direct.
“Yes.”
“Do you know who she is?” The tall man asked.
“I do not, I only heard her cries and came to see what was amiss.”
“Sir, that woman over there is the ghost of my mother, she was murdered in this very room in that corner over there. No one else has ever seen her, but I.”
“She’s she’s not real? Then how is she writing on the wall with her blood?”
The tall man stormed over to Mr. Martin and looked him directly in the eyes and then he turned to where the lady in white had been standing. She had vanished as she had many a time before.
“What, did she write upon the wall?” The tall man asked in an overbearing manor.
“She wrote the initials P.H.” Mr. Martin said as he took a step back from the other man.
The tall man closed his eyes and appeared to be in deep concentration. Occasionally his hand would twitch and his eyelids would flutter. Abruptly he opened his extraordinarily green eyes and made his way to the handsome desk. He rummaged around until he found what he was looking for. He sat down at the desk and beckoned Mr. Martin to join him and sit in the chair opposite of the desk.
Mr. Martin hesitated for a bit and then sat down in the chair.
“I have neglected my manors, I am Mr. Buckland, I own this estate and I can gander that you work for me as my nieces teacher.” He stuck his hand out for Mr. Martin to shake.
Mr. Martin looked at the hand then grasped it with his hand. The hand was warm and large. It was a bit rough from the reins of a horses bridle but other than that it was a gracious hand that spoke of warmth and kindness.
“Mr. Buckland..”
“Please Mr. Martin I don’t feel as if you need to call me by my sir name any longer, you can call me Jonathan or Jon for short. I normally don’t allow people to refer to me as that but you.. Well you are quite different from everyone else. Neither Mr. Champion or Mr. Buckland have ever seen my mother and they have been working here for quite some time.”
“Well Jonathan, please feel free to call me by Christopher or Chris. And yes I am your niece, Georgiana’s instructor.”
“Christopher, I need to explain something’s to you. But would you allow me to clean up? I have just arrived home from a long trip and you took me away by the little incident we just had.”
“Yes, yes of course please do.”
“Thank you, while I am gone will you do me a favor and read these pages for me?”
“Um sure Mr. Buckla..I mean Jonathan.”
Jonathan smiled and passed the pages to Chris and strolled over to the door and unlocked it. He paused at the door to look back at Chris. He was a man with something about him. He seemed to almost glow. Jon then left and went to make himself presentable.
Chris looked down at the pages and noticed that it was a journal, he thought to himself how odd it was a journal and not a book. He turned the cover and saw embossed in gold on the bottom right of the front cover the initials P.H.
Chapter 5
Chris had been so engrossed in the journal that he was quite startled when he felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see emerald green eyes staring back at him. Chris was astonished how vivid Jon’s eyes were. They had this hypnotic power that was vastly taking hold of Chris concentration. All he saw were the incredible eyes, the soft curve of his check, the strong line of his jaw, and the angelic lips. He wanted so badly to reach up and pull his lips to his, but held back.
“Were you able to read the pages I left you?”
“Yes but, I err they weren’t really much of anything to be honest. It was a bunch of random entries of people asking the same questions. They would describe the terrible horrors they were facing and then would plead for help.”
Jon swiftly maneuvered into the large chair next to Chris and folded his arms and closed his eyes in deep concentration. “Chris, if I can be so bold as to ask, but can you tell me of your family lineage and about your childhood as that might be why you were able to read those blank pages.”
“Blank pages? Why Jon they are completely scribbled upon. But if my family is of interest then I guess I must..”
“Yes, yes you must, it is of the utmost importance.”
“I don’t know much as I was an orphan from the age of 6 on, but my family is from the north, they were of high class until the fire. It was dreadful Jon, I remember I was in my bedchamber and was awaked by the servant boy, he dragged me out of bed and then he opened some mysterious door in my wall behind a tapestry. I remember calling out for my parents and he kept telling me that they had died, that a tall black booted man had come in the night and set our home on fire and was after me. The servant boy told me to run and to never return. So I ran and ran and then I fell and blacked out. Next thing I know I awake in an orphanage and that’s all I can recall.”
Jon continued to sit in his chair with his eyes closed for a few minuets after Chris finished. Chris sat back and looked at the pages, flipping them over occasionally. Then Jon jumped out of the chair and crossed the room and closed the heavy library doors. “Chris the servant boy told you the man was tall and had black boots?”
“Uh yes, I recall him saying that.”
“Chris you should know that the man who killed my parents was also tall and wore black boots. How old are you Chris?”
“I will be 29 in March.”
“So were round about the same age and you can read the pages and I can’t.”
“Jon, do you know what the initials P.H. stand for?”
“I believe they belong to a man called Philip Harvey.”
Chapter 6
The clock in the great hall chimed bringing the two men in the library back to their senses. Jonathan quickly stood up from the chair and looked at the time on the clock that was resting on top of the desk. It read 2 in the morning.
“Chris, I think we should head off to bed. Tomorrow my niece will have the day off and I want you to accompany me on horseback to my families’ cemetery. I believe we might be able to find to find more about our mysterious black booted man.”
“But of course Jon, When will you have me ready?”
“I would like to depart around 8, make sure you have Mr. Berryman cook you a hearty breakfast oh and ask him to prepare us a meal to go on our trip as it might take us some time.”
“Very well.” Chris stood tossed the papers onto the desk and turned to walk out of the library, but before he could go 3 steps he had the feeling to bid Jon a goodnight. So he turned around and placed his hand upon Jon’s Shoulder and proceeded to wish him a goodnight and to have pleasant dreams and that he would see him in the morning.
Jon felt a sudden flutter in his stomach upon hearing those calming and sincere words; he turned around and quietly wished Chris a goodnight as well. Chris smiled and slightly nodded his head in Jon’s direction and then left the room.
For the first time in an awful long time Jon slept peacefully. He didn’t toss or turn, nor did he wake in a cold sweat. Instead he dreamed, he dreamed that he was riding his stallion along the beach. It was a wonderful sight, the sun was seating in exhilarating hues of orange red and deep purple. He could almost feel the cool breeze blowing and taste the salt of the ocean. Out of the corner of his eye another stallion appeared and upon it was a man who had golden curls that bounced as the horse ran. He had crystal blue eyes that shimmered in the sunlight. The man was immaculate. Jon soon realized that the man was Chris, he smiled at Chris and Chris smiled back. Together they both rode side by side down the beach into the sunset.
Jon drifted back into reality and awoke with a grin upon his face, he had had the most wonderful dream ever and was looking forward to his day with Chris.
Chris walked into the kitchen to see Mr. Berryman busy with breakfast. “Good Morning Mr. Berryman, the smells in here are delectable!”
Mr. Berryman turned around with a rolling pin in one hand, “You be right to say that Mr. Martin. You wouldn’t want to know what I can do with this here pin.”
Chris sidestepped around Mr. Berryman and backed away slowly, “Quite right you are Mr. Berryman, I wouldn’t.”
Laughter could be heard from behind Chris. Chris turned around to see Jon already sitting at the table enjoying his breakfast and laughing at Chris.
“Good Morning Chris, I see you and Mr. Berryman are the closets of friends.”
“Oh you know it, if the closest means he wants to impale me with kitchen utensils then oh yes!”
“Come now, that’s Mr. Berryman’s standard greeting.”
“Uh huh.”
“Well Chris eat up and I have already asked Mr. Berryman to pack us something, we will leave as soon as you’re done eating.” Jon stood up, thanked Mr. Berryman and made his way to the stables.
“Here you are Mr. Martin, eat up.” Mr. Berryman dropped a bowl of porridge in front of Chris.
Chris thought to himself ‘Oh yum, my favorite, bland porridge.’ He fought back the urge to chuck the goo at the backside of Mr. Berryman, but thought better of it seeing the knives by Mr. Berryman’s side.
“So this is where your family has been buried for centuries?’ The tiny cemetery was located in the midst of a grove of Japanese blossom trees, while the trees weren’t in bloom the trees left a remarkable outline that added to the beauty of the grove.
“Yes, those are my parents graves and my sister’s. There is over 6 generations of Buckland’s buried here.”
Chris was walking around when he noticed a small stone near the edge of the cemetery. He walked over to it and brushed off the dirt and grime, then gasped.
“Jon, JON! Come here I think I might have found something.”
Jon come jogging over to Chris and saw immediately what Chris hand seen. On the stone was engraved the words: Fate befell the Martins and the Buckland’s buried here is the reason why.
“What.. What could this possibly mean Jon?”
“I’m.. I’m not sure, but I think we need to start digging.”
The two men used what they could find to dig under the stone. They dug for many hours until they hit something waste deep. They franticly dug around the object and discovered a box. Jon grasped the handles and heaved the box out of the hole. Carefully the two men opened the box, hands trembling.
What lay within the box was not what either man expected. It was a simple quill. Plain as any other.
“Jon, how is this the reason for the fate of our families?”
Jon was furious he felt he was made fun of and cast the box into the trees. “ How the bloody hell do I know? It’s a God damn quill!” He stormed off to sulk leaving Chris to examine the quill.
He twisted the quill in between his fingers, this way and that, when something caught his eye. Hidden by the feather were tiny initials scratched into the quill. They were the familiar initials P.H. Chris thought about calling out to Jon to tell him of his discovery, but held back. An idea came to him and he wanted to test it out when they arrived back at the manor.
Chapter 7
So Jon grew weary of the cemetery and bid Chris to follow him home. Upon arrival Jon disappeared into his bedchamber leaving Chris time to go the library.
He walked in and closed the doors. Then walked over to the desk and picked up the papers and went over to the corner where the faint red stain was. Chris sat down in the chair and took out the quill. He put the quill to the page and began to write and as he wrote red ink appeared on the page, he looked down at the stain and saw the beginnings of the faint red color to darken and fill in.
He then wrote a question on the papers. Who are you? He waited and then a response was written, You already know who I am. Chris sucked in his breath and bit his lip, then wrote back, Are you Phillip Harvey? He waited for the writing and then it came, No, I was him. Chris’ hand trembled and then he asked one more question. Did you murder my parents?
Chris looked down at the stain and saw that it was now completely filled, with blood. He then glanced back at the papers, but before he could he slumped forward and crashed to the floor.
The door opened and in walked Mr. Champion. “ I knew you were trouble, I knew you would be the one.” Mr. Champion walked over to the desk and took out a key. He unlocked a secret drawer and removed a knife, then walked over to wear Chris lay.
“With you gone Mr. Martin your family will no longer be in the way. You escaped me many years ago, but now you lie here with your blood on the floor. No one to lead you to a secret passageway, or to take you into their orphanage.
You see Mr. Martin while your father was married to your mother he was not an honest man, he cheated on her with my wife, bless her sole, as did Mr. Buckland’s father. Mr. Philip Harvey was the man who covered for them. I was outraged when I discovered what they had done, so I decided to seek revenge and to destroy their families and them both.
I set fire to your home and murdered your parents. I poisoned Mr. Buckland’s sister and slit his parents throats before him. I was about to slit his when I heard a noise. Mr. Harvey knew of my scheme and had been setting clues to help guide some light to someone along the way, it appears it was both you and Mr. Buckland that discovered them. Unfortunately Mr. Harvey appeared that fateful night, he had been creating the papers and pen you were using, I managed to turn the papers into a curse that should a person find the quill it would use their blood to write the messages and fill the stain on the floor just as yours has done and dilute them of any energy.
I murdered Mr. Harvey that night as well and hid his body deep in the woods where the foxes would prey on him and take him deeper into the woods. I was determined to come back and murder Mr. Buckland, but was unable to because the old care taker had discovered the scene. I quickly changed and came rushing in and acted the part of astonished and sadden by the loss of the Master and his wife.
Now I will murder you and Mr. Buckland tonight and the deed will be done. Mr. Champion raised his knife and stalked toward Chris!
The library doors boomed open and in came Mr. Berryman with a butcher knife in his hand. “ I thought you to be a good man Champion, but I guess I was wrong!” Mr. Berryman threw his knife at Mr. Champion. The knife in Mr. Champion’s hand slipped and he fell to the ground.
Mr. Buckland came charging into the room with a pistol in his hand. He stormed over to Mr. Champion and pulled the knife out of his leg. “ GET UP! Get up you fowl man. You are dirt to me, no you are lower than dirt you are lower the dust of the earth. I would love to kill you with my bare hands, but then who would I be? The same low life that is you! No, I will not stand for that, so you are to run, run, run, and run. Run until your shoes fall apart and your souls bleed, run until you can’t run anymore. And then crawl you filthy animal. I never want to see you ever again. Mr. Berryman will watch as you run and he will throw as many knives as he feels appropriate.”
Mr. Champion ran out of the room followed by Mr. Berryman. Jon ran to Chris side. “Chris are you alright?”
“I’m just weak, but Jon how did you know I was in trouble?”
“I just knew something wasn’t right in my heart. And then I had this feeling to come to the library, as I ran here my heart began to beat faster and faster and I knew something was about to happen. But that is in the past and now my heart wont slow down and when my heart is throbbing like it is now I know that I need to do something.” Jon pulled Chris off the ground and leaned forward and brushed his lips against Chris’. Then he whispered in his ear “ I think I’m falling for you and I want you.”
Chris looked into Jon’s eyes and then kissed Jon, he kissed him with passion and desire. “Jon I want the same thing.” Jon smiled and picked Chris off the floor and carried him to his bedchamber and closed the door.
Mr. Champion was never seen again, but tall tales are shared of a man constantly running, the ghost of Jon’s mother never appeared again after the incident, the stain on the floor vanished, and Mr. Berryman continued to threaten Mr. Martin with kitchen utensils. Jon and Chris were lovers until they both grew old and died in each other’s arms while sleeping together on the beach of Jon’s dream under the stars.
The End
Good Morning Beautiful (unfinished)
“ Merrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” I glanced up at the red numbers that we’re glaring back at me from my night stand. ”Ugh” the angry red numbers displayed the time of 5:42am. I quickly hit the snooze button on the clock and buried my head under the pillow and prayed that the numbers on the clock would roll back so I could get more sleep.
The door opened slowly and the man crept across the carpet. He paused when he reached the rod iron bed and then knelt down at the side where the girl with long chocolate brown locks was sprawled out on the bed. Her hands we’re tightly gripping the sides of her pillow as if to block out any sounds or light that might emerge from the room. The man quietly started saying the sleeping girls name.
“Katherine… Katherine?”
“mmmpphhww”
“Uh Katherine? I don’t understand pillow mumble”
Katherine knew that there would be a cocky grin on the mans face, and so to try and make him leave she reached out her hand toward the night stand and found the item she was looking for.
“Go away you twat, let me sleep!!” and then Katherine chucked the water bottle towards the sound of the man, the only problem was she still had her head underneath the pillow. The bottle flung right past the man and collided with the wall instead of it’s intended target.
“Bahahahahaha, you completely missed me sucker!” The man did a little jig in place and moved his arm in a bizarre way to celebrate his victory of avoiding the water bottle.
“Come on Katie, you need to get up, it’s time!” The man then quickly left the room and started singing a little tune as he bounced down the stairs. When he got to the bottom he took out a little black box from his pocket. He turned the little box around in his hands. He grinned and couldn’t wait for him and Katie to leave and visit her family this weekend!
Back upstairs Katherine too was grinning. She would never tell Chris that she secretly enjoyed it when he came into her room to wake her up. He had been doing that for years, or at least since they decided to get a flat together.
~Flashback~
“Chris!” Chris looked up and saw Katie walking toward him. He had just finished his lunch and was lounging on a bench in the courtyard of the school enjoying the rare rays of sunlight.
“Katie my dear!” Katie giggled and sat down on Chris’ lap and flung her arms around him in the tightest hug.
“Why hello, to you too!” Chris said with a sexy undertone as he wrapped his arms around her petite frame.
“Chris, I just got my first letter of acceptance to University! I’m going to University College London! I’m so excited! Where are you going? Do you know yet?”
Before Chris responded back to Katie he had to stop and do a double take looking at Katie. Chris and Katie had been the best of friends during school, but they were never serious with each other. They had always been the kind of friends where you climb up the tree outside of their house, and climb in their window to tell them about the awful date you had or the drama with your parents.
Chris always thought Katie was pretty, but not in a I want to date you and take you home kind of way. But lately Chris was starting to see little things about Katie that he had never seen before. Like this moment right now, Katie was smiling; she had a little dimple on the left side of her check when she smiled and Chris had never seen that before. She also smelled of cherry blossoms and peach. Oh and when she was happy like she was now she outshined the sun.
“Uh, oh um I’m going to the University College London too!” Chris grinned back at Katie.
“Oh my gosh! That’s awesome we should get a flat together, that way we wont have to climb trees anymore to get into each others dorm, haha”
“Yeah that would be brilliant! I can’t cook but I can clean! Perhaps that’s how I can contribute?”
Before Katie responded back to Chris she just had to take in his glorious face. Katie had always thought the Chris was handsome in his gawky demeanor. He was always smiling. Katie especially loved the little gap in his teeth, even though he had had braces and that gap had been fixed, Chris hated wearing his retainer and hence the little gap in the front.
“Oh that’s fantastic cause I can cook, but I hate cleaning! This is going to be perfect, oh and at night you can sing me to sleep!” Katie said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Katie, I’m a terrible singer, why would you want me to sing you to sleep? I think I would end up doing the opposite and keep you up at night, and would probably be kicked out by you in the end” Chris looked up at Katie with a crooked smile and then tickled her.
Soon the two were rolling around on the ground laughing and grinning from ear to ear at the thought of sharing a flat together. Finally the stopped and just laid next to each other enjoying the sun and each others company.
“Chris?”
“Yeah?”
“You have grass in your hair.” Katie said as she moved closer to Chris to remove the grass from his hair.
“Oh do I?” Chris asked suggestively. “Well I have news for you too!”
“Hmm and what might that be?”
“You have grass in your hair too!” And before Katie could respond Chris had swiftly pulled her into his lap and was pulling the grass out of her hair. As he did so he started humming a little song.
Katie closed her eye and let Chris move his hands through her hair to remove the grass. Katie hadn’t realized that Chris had stopped, so when she opened her eyes again, all she saw were the sultry blue eyes that were staring right back at her. She moved closer to Chris and he moved closer to Katie. Never loosing eye contact that continued to move closer until if they moved anymore their lips would touch.
Then the bell for the end of lunch rung and Chris and Katie instantly moved apart.
“Right, uh… I’ll see you later.” Chris flung his backpack on and ran in the opposite direction of Katie toward his class. When he got there he sat in the back and closed his eyes, his heart was racing and pounding in his chest, not from running to class but from Katie. The Katie he had only known as his best friend.
~End of Flashback~
Katie rolled out of bed and made her way to the shower. She stood the shower and let the hot water sting her back, it felt so relaxing and comforting almost like when Chris held her in his strong arms after a bad day. After the shower she wrapped a towel around her head and put on some comfortable clothes, then headed down stairs to find some form of caffeine to wake her up.
She walked into the flats tiny kitchen to find Chris sitting there with two cups of tea. She smiled and sat down next to him. He pushed one of the mugs toward her and then kissed her forehead.
“Good Morning beautiful!”
Chapter 2
Chris was driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other was resting on his lap. The windows we’re down and a cool breeze was blowing through. Chris glanced over at Katie. She had her feet up on the dashboard, eyes were closed, and her hand was draped out the window as if she was trying to catch the wind. Her hair was swirling all around her head forming a sort of halo. Chris took a mental picture and turned up the radio and began to sing.
Katie smiled when she heard Chris singing, while he didn’t think he had a good voice she knew that he did, and was positive that one day it would be his voice that got him far in life. She and Jonny agreed on that, and would try and convince him to form a band when they got back from their trip.
It was a familiar tune that Chris was singing, reason being it was the first song that Chris sung to her when her first boyfriend cheated on her.
*** Flashback***
‘Tink…tink’
Katie looked up from her tear stained pillow toward the window. She could see the outline of man. Looking back at her alarm clock, the time showed 2:27am. She quickly stood up and crossed the room and threw open the window. Sitting out on the limb of the old willow was the familiar figure of Chris. He held a few pebbles in his hand and was about to threw another at the window.
“Hi. I err.. well I wanted to see you, I hope your not mad at me for how late it is.” Chris said dropping the remaining pebbles and scratching the back of his neck.
Katie sighed, “Chris, it’s never too late for you.”
“Oh good! So I think you should join me out here, it’s so warm and lovely and the stars are so bright and umm yellow!” Chris patted the spot next to him on the branch and motioned for Katie to step out of the window.
Katie looked back into her room to make sure that all was quiet in the house before climbing out of the window. Gracefully she slid out of the window and down onto the branch of the tree, and sat down next to Chris.
“Katie, the truth is.. I was.. well I was asleep when I had this crazy dream that you had been hurt and well I just had to make sure that you were okay.” Chris turned toward Katie and took her face into his hands and looked into her eyes. “Are you okay love? Has anybody hurt you?”
Katie was so taken back by how Chris knew something was wrong that she couldn’t speak. All she was able to do was nod her head and let the tears fall.
Chris pulled Katie into his lap, wrapped his arms around her and rocked her back forth for awhile, letting her cry and ruin his shirt with her tears. When Katie could cry no more she buried her head into Chris shoulders. She could hear Chris heart beating; it was so steady, never faltering. Katie knew that Chris would always be there for her, through everything.
“He cheated on me Chris. I caught him tonight with her under the football bleachers.”
“He was never worthy of you, he took for granted your smile, your caring heart, and your love. I’ll never hurt you Katie, I promise.”
Chris didn’t know why he felt the need to sing to Katie, but he did, he started out humming and then gradually began to sing.
“For you I’m gonna sit and patiently wait, It’s great if you’re early but if it’s fine if you’re late, For you I feel love and I just want to show it, You’re a beautiful girl and want you to know it, You’re a beautiful girl and want you to know it, You’re a beautiful girl and want you to know it”
Katie felt at peace in Chris arms and to her disbelief fell asleep in his arms. Chris noticed her steady breathing in his neck, he looked down and saw that Katie was asleep, so he kissed her forehead, lifted her up and carried her through the window and set her in her bed. He pulled the covers up around her, whispered to her. “Good night Katherine” and climbed right back out through the window.
****
Katie opened her eyes and caught Chris staring at her.
“What?” She asked as she stuck her tongue out at him.
“Haha! I was just thinking about how beautiful you looked right now. And how much I would love to kiss you!”
“Well, Mr. Martin I would love that kiss, but you are driving and I would prefer to have that kiss alive!”
“Yes that’s true.. hmm.” Chris looked quickly in his rear view mirror, pulled on the steering wheel and abruptly pulled the car over to the side of the road.
“Sorry Katherine, I just can’t wait any longer.” Chris reached over, cupped his hands around the sides of Katie’s face and pulled her close to him and brushed his lips with hers. Katie gasped and Chris took the advantage and tantalizingly bit her lower lip. Katie returned the favor and began to passionately kiss Chris, and run her hands through his soft curls.
It was nearly ten minutes before the little car returned to its intended path. But it was ten more minutes of proof that Chris was hopelessly in love with his Katherine.
Chapter 3
“Katie.. Kaatie.” Chris was gently rubbing Katie’s shoulder and whispering her name to wake her up. Katie cracked one eye open and looked around. The first thing she noticed was that it was no longer sunny and that the car had stopped moving.
“Chris, what time is it?”
“Love, it’s 2 in the morning, we just arrived at your parents house. You’ve been asleep for awhile, and I think I need to get you inside in your nice warm bed.”
“Mmm, that sounds lovely, I hope that bed includes you.”
“Haha, well that depends on where your mum has me staying.”
“Oh, damn. My mum is so proper. That probably means you’re in the guest room.”
“Don’t worry dear, I might make an appearance.” Chris said with his sideways grin.
“Oh that would be nice.. I’m so tired Chris, I don’t think I will be able to make it to the door without falling asleep.”
Chris was already out of the car and opening Katie’s door as she slipped back into unconsciousness. Sliding his hands around her he gradually picked her up out of the car. He walked up to the door, which was opened by Katie’s mum. Chris whispered his hellos, and then proceeded to walk up the stairs and tuck Katie into her bed.
Like he does every night, he kissed her forehead, blew her a kiss at the door, and wished his Katherine, sweet dreams.
Walking back down the stairs Chris went and grabbed the luggage from the car boot. Katie’s mum directed Chris to his bedroom and then bid him goodnight.
Closing the door behind him, Chris looked around the guest room. He had been in almost every room in the house, except this room and Katie’s parent’s room.
The room had a big wooden bed with a fluffy white duvet and an arrangement of pillows of different sizes and shapes. Most of the walls were painted the simple eggshell white, except for one, which was the accent wall. It was painted in tiffany box blue and covered with hundreds of different picture frames. But the frames we’re not just placed on the wall in disarray but in a fashionable manner.
It wasn’t the wall color or the many frames that intrigued Chris, but the pictures that were in the frames. The wall was full of pictures of the family, Katie, her sister, her mum and dad, and surprisingly Chris. Chris just laughed and shook his head at the pictures of him and Katie.
“Geez, I was such a dork in high school! I have no idea why Katie even hung out with me in public, I had braces and stupid hair, and wore ridiculous clothes.”
Chris eyes we’re glancing over more photos when one caught his eye. It was a picture from about 4 years ago, when he and Katie first moved into their flat together. They were laughing at each other with tears rolling down their faces, due to the fact that the box Chris had been carrying. The bottom broke and all of Katie’s bras and underwear fell out. Chris was so embarrassed, but then Katie just started laughing. The thing about Katie is once she starts laughing its contagious, and you just can’t help but laugh too. Chris was just such an example of her contagious laughter and he too burst out laughing.
***Flashback***
~Flash~ “Haha you kids are going to have such a great time living together.” Mrs. O’Connell said as she wound the camera after taking the picture of Chris and Katie.
“Best of luck this term, ter’ the both of yah! I’ve got to catch me train home dears. Oh Katherine darlin’ don’t forget what I told ya! And to you Mr. Martin!” Katie’s mum grabbed Chris’ checks and said. “ You best, not let anything happen to my Katherine, yah hear?”
“Mrs. O’Connell I promise to take care of your daughter till’ the day I die!” Chris said as he quickly shot a smile in Katie’s direction.
“That a boy!” Mrs. O’Connell patted Chris checks and then gave her daughter a farewell hug and got into the taxi that was waiting to take her to the train station.
Katie and Chris waved goodbye at her taxi until it rounded the corner. Then Chris picked Katie up and tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into their flat.
“CHRIS!! Put me down you big ape.. Oh! Um Hi!” Chris spun around to see whom Katie was saying hi too.
“Oh Hey man! My name is Christopher, but you can call me Chris and this.. hehe this is Katherine!”
“Shut up Chris! I can introduce myself, if you would put me down!” Katie said as she began to hit Chris’ back with her hands.
“Alright, alright already women!” Chris said as he flipped Katie over his shoulder and put her down on the ground.
“Right, like he said I’m Katherine, but you can call me Katie!” she said as she stretched forth her hand to shake the strangers hand.
“Hi, Katie, Chris! My name is Jonathon, but it seems we all have names we prefer here hehe, well so do I! You can call me Jonny.” Jonny flashed them a smile and a wink of his stunning earth green eyes.
“Hi, Jonny! So are you our other flat mate?” Chris asked.
“I believe so! I would help you guys bring the rest of your stuff inside, but I’m off to meet my friend Will. But we will hang out later and get to know each other better!” Jonny smiled at Chris and then smiled at Katie. He did a quick head to toe eye glance of her, smiled larger and then headed out the door and down the road.
“Well, he seems nice!” Katie exclaimed!
“Hmm, I think he wants’ you.. he gave you the look.. I don’t like him! Plus he was too nice!”
“Grow up Chris! Just because he gave me the ‘I want you in my bed’ look doesn’t mean anything” Katie chuckled. “Seriously? Your not getting in my bed either, so don’t you go giving me the look.”
“Aww!” Chris said with his puppy dog eyes and pouty lip. “Well it was worth a shot.”
“Hahaha, whatever Christopher Anthony John Martin!” Katie said as she rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him.
“Hmm.. and for using my full name I will now punish you by tickling you to death!” Chris said as he lunged toward Katie!
***End of flashback***
Chris smiled one more time at that photo then crawled into bed and turned off the lights. He was a lucky man to have Katherine. To see her smile was like seeing a shooting star, only a few people see it, and get to make a wish, well only a few see Katie smile and he wanted to be one of the few that made her truly smile.
He knew that one day he would have Katherine to hold and cherish for forever and he couldn’t wait, but he had an obstacle in his way. Her dad.
Chapter 4
Chris awoke early even though he had only gone to sleep 4 hours earlier. He noticed that the sun was beginning to rise, so he wrapped himself up in a blanket and crept out of his room to the back porch to watch the sun rise. He made himself comfortable on the old wooden steps with his back against the railing.
Hues of orange, yellow and the very lightest purple were painting the sky that morning. Soon the light was engulfing Chris in a warm bath and the blanket was no longer needed. Leaving the blanket on the steps Chris decided to go for a run to help clear his head and mentally prepare him for the task ahead.
-----------------------------------------
Katie heard the door squeak open and the pitter-patter of shuffled feet make their way to the side of her bed. Then the aroma of coffee filled her nostrils and she smiled. It had to be Chris that man was always so thoughtful and woke her up in the most delightful ways. She opened one eye, but instead of Chris it was her father.
“Oh! Good morning daddy!” Katie said as she sat up in bed.
“Morning Katherine.”
Katie cringed; she knew this was going to be on of those talks.
“Katherine, how serious are you with Christopher?” Katie’s father asked with clenched lips and penetrating eyes.
“You have know Chris as long as I have daddy, we grew up as the best of friends. But.. but things have changed. He has always been there, always supporting me in everything, lending his hands for mundane tasks, taking care of me with I’m ill,. Quite frankly daddy, I’m infatuated with him. To have a light so bright it blinds my eyes and finally I see, how it feels to live a dream, that’s what it’s like daddy. Chris does that to me.”
Katie’s dad sat there with his eyes closed and his fist clenched under his chin. “Katherine, I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. I know I have known him for a long time. He is practically the son I never had, but I swear Katherine if he even so much as hurts a strand of hair on your head I will kill him.”
“Hush daddy! You know that he is a perfect gentleman. I don’t know why you would even say such a thing! This little chat is over!” Katie stood up and walked out of the room making sure she slammed the door shut.
Black and yellow, that’s all the Chris saw when he looked down. The black pavement, the painted yellow lines and the flash of his shoes. It was soothing and intoxicatingly relaxing. When he was running nothing fazed him. He could tune the world around him out and sink into the depths of his mind and unravel the stray thoughts and ideas.
Katie’s dad was a fierceum sight to behold. He was a stocky man with piercing eyes that could rip your soul apart. Even though Chris had known him for years, the man still sent shivers down his spine. Chris came to the conclusion that the best approach to talking to the man was complete honesty. Tell him his intentions and desires for his and Katie’s life and share his complete and utter love and devotion for his daughter.
Katie was trying to relax by doing yoga in the front room. She was in one of those obsqure postitions where one of your feet is up and you hands are in a bizarre manor when Chris came in. He grinned and just leaned against the doorframe watching her. He decided he wanted a go at it and joined her. Trying to mimic the complicated shape that Katie was able to form with complete grace, Chris ended up falling over and taking Katie down with him as he tumbled to the ground.
“Chris! Eww you stink and your all sweaty!”
Chris just laughed at Katie’s comment, then rolled over and pinned her to the ground.
“Hmm.. I thought that you would enjoy a little err sauna time with me?”
“Tempting but I prefer my own sweat thank you!”
“Well that’s too bad.. Cause at my sauna we give out kisses to stunning girls like your self.” Chris said with a seductive look.
“ Kisses huh? Sauna du Chris does have a nice little ring to it, how much does it cost to join said Sauna?”
“The cost is you being perfect as is.” Chris said with grin.
“Then I will join this Sauna! Now where is this kiss?”
Chris leaned over Katie radiating in her glow and began to kiss her neck. He moved softly and slowly up her throat. After each kiss he would whisper sweet nothings to her and finally he made his way to her soft lips. He kissed her passionately feeling the sparks tingle and dance upon her lips. Chris thought to himself how this is what it must feel like to touch the sky, Katherine is the sweet angle that carries him there and it would be if it wasn’t for her love.
Chapter 5
Katie was taking a nap in the sitting room and was awoken by the sweet singing of her mother in the kitchen. She stood up and made her way to the kitchen looking for Chris on her way. Where is that sneaky man?
“Oh hello dear! Did I wake you?” Katie’s mom asked as she dusted off her flour-encrusted hands on her apron.
Katie grinned at the sight of her mum. She had flour on her forehead and all over the hardwood floors. It reminded her of Chris and his sorry attempts at cooking.
*** Flashback***
Chris and Katie had been living together for just about a year and half now, Jon ended up being one of their best friends after Chris realized that Jonny had a girlfriend and wasn’t out to bang his best friend. Chris finally got the courage to ask Katie if she would go on a date with him and she said yes of course. Chris decided that he would make them dinner and then take her out to the roof to gaze at the stars and make some s’mores.
Katie walked into the flat to the sound of Chris singing and the banging of pots and pans. Chris singing was normal, but the song in particular made her stop and back track to peek into the tiny kitchen.
“Yo I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want, So tell me what you want, what you really really want, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna really,
Really really wanna zigazig ha.” Chris was dancing around the kitchen singing into a spatula a Spice Girls song, he was wearing Katie’s ruffled apron and had some strange orange goo in his hair and every surface of the kitchen was covered in the same strange goo that resided in Chris’ curls.
Katie bit her lip to hold back the laughter and crossed her legs to prevent any accidents down south. All of the sudden Jon appeared out of nowhere in the kitchen and was wearing his bed sheets in a toga form and was singing right along with Chris into a bottle of ketchup. The two of them soon made there way to the kitchen chairs and stood up on them dancing.
Katie gave up standing and just slid down the wall, She was laughing so hard, tears were rolling down her checks and her face was quickly turning a bright shade of pink.
The boys were at it for a good ten minuets before they realized that Katie was watching them. They all sat on the floor laughing together after that. Needless to say the concoction that Chris was trying to make for dinner didn’t make it to the table that night. But a whole lot of laughter was included.”
***End of flashback***
“ No mum you didn’t” Katie lied, but it was so she didn’t hurt her moms feelings. “Have you seen Chris? This house is far to quiet and that makes me suspicious of what things Chris could be up to.”
“Your dad took him hunting about an hour ago.”
“WHAT? Daddy will shoot him or make him the ‘practice’ target!”
“Katie, it twas Chris’ idea love. He wanted ter’ be spending some err time with yer dad.”
“Oh great, I’m going to have a boyfriend with a hole or a missing arm! Wonderful!” Katie left the kitchen and went back to her room. On top of her pillow was a cut out paper heart. It looked like a 4 year made it, but it wasn’t the paper heart that made Katie swoon, but the message written on it..
‘A drop in the ocean, A change in the weather, I was praying that you and me might end up together. It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert, But I'm holding you closer than most, 'Cause you are my heaven.’ -Chris
Chapter 6
The crackle of the twig echoed through out the woods. Chris had been trying to be quite and avoid the twigs, roots, branches, and stumps but he felt it was like trying to avoid a mine in a minefield. Chris quickly looked up and saw the coal eyes bearing into his soul. Katie’s father simple shock his head, and tightened his grip on the trigger of his rifle. The man was continuously sending shivers down Chris’ back.
They continued creeping through the woods till’ Mr. O’Connell stopped; he crouched down behind a bit of shrubbery and focused his eyes on the clearing in front of him. Chris kneeled down slightly to the side of him and then focused his point of view the clearing also. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for but he pretended to. In fact he had never gone hunting before nor had he held a gun in his hands before. It felt cold and heavy in his hands.
‘This is it Chris, be a man! BE A MAN! Talk to him already; tell him how you feel, and how you want to marry his daughter. You won’t get another opportunity. Jonny will tell you what a chicken you are if you return back and Katherine doesn’t have a ring on her finger. Just.. just do it dammit!’
“Uh Mr. O’Connell?” Chris paused for a response. He heard a faint grunt.
“Sir I just.. I have known Katherine for 24 years sir. We have grown up in diapers together, we have scrapped our knees on the same sidewalk and had our hearts broken in the same season. I know this sounds cliché, but I want to take care of her forever, never let her heart be broken again and be there to put the band aid oh her knees and well I wanted to.. uh.”
There was a white flash and a deer ran out into the clearing, Mr. O’Connell closed one eye and focused his gun on the deer and was about to squeeze the trigger.
“Sir I want to ask your permission to Marry your daughter.. I looov..”
Mr. O’Connell turned his gun at the last moment towards Chris after being distracted by the question and all that was heard was the reverberation of the sound of the bullet being shot.
The deer ran off into the woods unharmed, but Chris lay still on the floor of the woods. A gapping hole in his chest where the bullet had entered. His warm blood was seeping out, running down his torso staining his shirt and forming a pool by his side. His chest was slowly rising and falling. His breath was short and labored. Slowly his vision became blurred and soon all was black. The last thing he remembered seeing was the moss on the branches above his head and an eagle soaring and the eyes. The eyes that normally could make you cower in a corner, but these eyes were no longer displaying that, but they were raw and full of emotion, full of fear.
Chris still couldn’t see when he came to, but could hear. He heard the tearing of fabric and felt pressure being applied to gunshot wound. He felt himself being lifted and carried. His head rolled back and forth with the motion of Mr. O’ Connell walking as he was carried out of the woods. He heard the scream of Katie and the rushed footsteps. He heard the frantic shouts. He heard the opening and closing of the car door. He felt the vibration of the car engine. Then everything stopped. He heard no sounds and could feel nothing. All was quiet.
It was as if he was lost in time. Like his soul was gone. Like all hope was sucked dry. Nothing. There was nothing.
Chapter 7
Katie sat beside Chris in the hospital bed. She held his hand and was drawing circles on the back of his hand with her finger. She soon grew bored of circles and started writing letters. Which lead to words and she ended up writing I love you on his hand.
“I love you too.” Chris said with a cracking voice.
Katie quickly dropped his hand and stood back. “Oh my gosh! Your awake!” Katie quickly lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Chris weak frame.
“Um dear, you’re cutting of my pain meds.” Chris said as he winced a little, yet still gave one of his cheeky smiles.
“Sorry sorry! Oh Chris! I’m so sorry, I should have warned you how die hard my dad is about hunting and we shouldn’t have come and..”
“Katherine! Stop! Take a deep breath. Now I need you to do something for me. Place your hand on my heart. Do you feel it beating?”
Warm drops were falling from her Katie’s eyes but she did as Chris asked and placed her hand on his heart. She felt the steady beat. “Yes.”
“Now move your face in front of me.”
Katie slowly inched her way toward his face until she was staring directly into his eyes. She could see every color blue reflecting, cerulean, aqua, cyan, azure and the rare touches of sapphire blue. They were all used to create the unique blend of blue that only Chris had.
Chris inched his head forward until his lips meet with Katie’s. He kissed her rough but tender. Then whispered a question in her ear, “Did you feel that?”
“Yes.”
“Then there is nothing to be sorry about, I am here with you, and you still have my heart.”
“Christopher!” Katie swooned and then lay down next to him on the bed.
“I love you so much Katie!” Chris said as he kissed her neck. So what exactly is wrong with me?”
“Haha oh Chris! Well the doctor says you are very lucky the bullet missed you heart by less then a centimeter. He was able to remove it and patch you up, but you lost a great deal of blood, so you had to have a blood transfusion, So you are going to be a bit tired and sore, but you’ll be fine. The funny thing is when mum told me you were out hunting I told her you would come back with a hole in your body!”
“Well it looks like I have made that come true. But Katie if it wasn’t for you father’s quick thinking I might not be here, I remember him applying pressure to my wound.”
“Daddy is very upset with himself. He hasn’t left the hospital since he brought you here two days ago.”
“Two days! Wow I was out for awhile!”
“You have no idea! I have been an emotional wreck. I thought you would never wake up.”
Chris wrapped his arm around Katie and kissed the top of her head. “I promised you I would always be here for you and I always will.”
Katie snuggled up closer to Chris and they both dozed off.
When Chris awoke Katie was gone but sitting in a chair against the wall was her father. He looked up and saw that Chris was awake again.
“ Her mum took her home to shower and freshen up.”
Chris just nodded his head.
“Chris, I want you to know how deeply sorry I am. It was a complete accident. You took me by surprise with your question.”
“Sir, if I can interrupt you I was wondering what you answer is to that? I truly love her and well I want to be with her for the rest of my life.”
Katie’s father stood up and walk to Chris’ bedside. Tears were beginning to form in the corners of his once penetrating eyes. “You’re the only one I would allow to marry my daughter, but you must promise me this one thing. Never go to bed angry. No matter if you know you are right or whatever, just always make things right and you will have a happy relationship. You will be able to withstand whatever is thrown in your path.”
Chris too was crying “I promise.. I promise with every part of my heart! Thank you sir! Thank you.”
Chapter 8
Katie and Chris had been back from their little excursion for about 3 weeks now. Chris and Jonny were in was room in the flat fooling around with their guitars.
“Chris I think that we should form a band. You play the piano and you have a pretty good voice. I can play guitar all right and I know that Guy is willing to play bass cause of your old piano. Oh and I think we can get Will to play drums, that man could touch any instrument and turn it into magic.”
“Jon I don’t know.. I have a crap voice and well I need to ask Katie to marry me soon. I got her dads permission and..”
“Haha Chris I think you got more than her dads permission!” Jon said as he pointed toward Chris chest.
“Haha alright true, but I need to do it before he changes his mind or something. How should I do it?”
“She loves it when you sing. Maybe you should write her a song or something?”
“Yeah, and have her reject me cause of my crap voice? Great Idea Jon! Wait your not trying to sabotage me are you? Cause I know kung fu and I can kick you butt!”
“You would trip over your Velcro shoe strap before you could kick my butt! But damn Chris, your too cunning! How did you know I wanted to steal you girl?” Jonny asked as he rolled his eyes and threw his guitar pick at Chris’ head.
“I have the third sense Jon! I know everything!”
“Oh? Is that so huh? Well then you should know how to propose to your girlfriend if you know everything!”
“Crap, I forgot to pick up my refill on third sense at Tesco, seriously Jon what should I do?”
“Sing Chris. Sing. She loves your voice and so do I so let’s make the band eh?”
“Well.. I don’t know. Are you sure Will and Guy are in?” Chris was interrupted when Katie walked in.
“Hey Guys! What’s going on?”
“Oh hey Katie! I was just trying to convince Chris to form a band with me, Will, and Guy”
“Chris you should do it! You have an amazing voice!”
“See Chris! Katie thinks you voice is amazing! Now lets do it!” Jonny said with a sly smile.
“Fine , fine! We’ll try it out.”
“Yay! Oh Chris and Jonny! Your band is going to be brilliant.”
“Sweet! I’ll let will and Guy know. Oh and Chris you do know what fine stands for? Freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional!”
“I am not amused Jonathon Buckland. I had a bad experience!” Chris tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t. He burst out laughing and threw a pillow at Jonny’s face. Soon a pillow fight emerged and all that anyone who looked into the room would see would be three good friends and a million tiny white feathers floating in the air.
Chris had gone to bed with Katie, but couldn’t sleep he had to ask her or he was going to go crazy, so he got up and wrote. He wrote and wrote until the sun was beginning to rise. He retrieved the little black box and knelt by her side of the bed and waited for her to awake.
Katie lay in bed feeling the sun on her face. It left a warm glow and made her happy. She cracked open here eye to see Chris glowing face next to her. She smiled and reached out her hand and stroked his face.
Chris smiled and sang in the softest voice “Good morning beautiful. Last night, in the quiet, when our day was through, I listened to you sleeping and stayed awake by you. And softly, through the evening, there I spoke your name, And told you all the feelings I’ve had. I sometimes see you sitting by the window in the hall. Or laughing with your friends at the little things you saw. And lately I’ve been wondering if it’s all I can do, To hold you and to show you I do. My promise is forever with you, My promise is forever. “I do.” Chris opened the little black box. “Will you marry me Katherine?”
Chapter 9
“So mate, what did she say?” Jonny asked while he and Chris were on the treadmills at the gym.
“Well I did what you said, I wrote her a song and sang it to her and then got down and opened the box and asked her.”
“And.. what did she say?”
“No, she said that she can’t marry me.”
Jonny forgot he was running on the treadmill and fell off. “Shit! That hurt, wait what why?”
“She said she couldn’t, because she thinks my heart belongs to someone else.”
“Has she lost all her marbles? Is it that time of the month? Your like crazy for her!”
Chris mumbled a short yeah under his breath and focused on running.
“Well shit man maybe you should wait a bit and ask again?”
“Maybe..” Chris increased his speed and tightened his grip in hopes he would feel less like punching Jonny.
“You don’t think she was cheating on you and she felt guilty?”
“JONNY, just just uggg!”Chris grew angrier at this conversation and decided to go take it out on the punching bag instead of Jonny.
Jon looked over at Chris as he was mauling the bag and felt his heart go soft. He thought to himself ‘ Chris is kind of cute when he’s mad, his checks get that perfect shade of red and he squints his bottomless ocean eyes as if he is concentrating on sewing a delicate design. He bites his bottom lip then blows it out and repeats. Crap! Jon stop it! He’s a guy you’re a guy. You like girls! Girls who have breasts and and you gotta get out of here!
Jon quickly left the gym almost tripping on his way out the door. He ran home and quickly jumped in the shower in hopes to clear his head.
Chris looked up from punching the stuffing out of the bag to see Jonny watching him then suddenly turning at running out the door. How bizarre he thought, he didn’t even do free weights? He looks so muscular when he is lifting. His eyes shine with determination to try and lift heavier weights each time and then he always breaks out into an incredible smile when he succeeds. He is rather cute when that happens and OH MY GOSH! She was right!
Katie sat at her desk writing a letter when she heard a knock at the door. “It’s open.” She called out while continuing to write.
“Hey Katie, can I talk to you?”
“Hmm I don’t know Mr. Buckland, I might have to pencil you in.” Katie turned around in her chair and saw Jonny standing there with that look. The look that says help, I’m lost and confused and I don’t know what to do.
“Uh oh, what’s up Jonny? If this is about me an Chris it’s..”
“Stop. Katie Stop! It’s not about that it’s..it’s about something else.”
“Well in that case the doctor is in! Have a seat.” She gestured to her bed and then proceeded to wrap her legs around the back of her chair to face Jonny.
“I well I err suppose I have feelings for someone, but that someone is someone I shouldn’t.. what do I do?”
“Is she in a relationship with someone else? Is that why you shouldn’t have feeling for her?”
“Uh..” Jonny fiddled with his fingers and licked his lips a bit and then whispered. “it’s it’s not a she.”
Katie sat back and grinned and rubbed her hands together in excitement. “I knew it! I knew it I knew it I knew it!”
Jonny just stared back flabbergasted. How did she know? I only just kind of figured it out today. No! It couldn’t be.
“That’s that’s why you said no to Chris isn’t it?”
Katie threw back her head and laughed fairly hard causing her hair to bounce along with her frame. She then got up and a sat down next to Jonny and whispered into his ear “yup” She then quickly jumped up off the bed and ran to the door. Just before she left she turned and said “ you can close your jaw now” and giggled and left.
A million thoughts were flashing threw Jonny’s mind at an alarming speed. Yet each one consisted of Chris and what he would love to do to him. Jonny sat there soaking it all in for about 20 minuets before stumbling out of the room and down the hall and out the door. He needed to go someplace to think and the flat was not helping. He needed cheap beer and an awful atmosphere and that was where he headed.
The door opened slowly and the man crept across the carpet. He paused when he reached the rod iron bed and then knelt down at the side where the girl with long chocolate brown locks was sprawled out on the bed. Her hands we’re tightly gripping the sides of her pillow as if to block out any sounds or light that might emerge from the room. The man quietly started saying the sleeping girls name.
“Katherine… Katherine?”
“mmmpphhww”
“Uh Katherine? I don’t understand pillow mumble”
Katherine knew that there would be a cocky grin on the mans face, and so to try and make him leave she reached out her hand toward the night stand and found the item she was looking for.
“Go away you twat, let me sleep!!” and then Katherine chucked the water bottle towards the sound of the man, the only problem was she still had her head underneath the pillow. The bottle flung right past the man and collided with the wall instead of it’s intended target.
“Bahahahahaha, you completely missed me sucker!” The man did a little jig in place and moved his arm in a bizarre way to celebrate his victory of avoiding the water bottle.
“Come on Katie, you need to get up, it’s time!” The man then quickly left the room and started singing a little tune as he bounced down the stairs. When he got to the bottom he took out a little black box from his pocket. He turned the little box around in his hands. He grinned and couldn’t wait for him and Katie to leave and visit her family this weekend!
Back upstairs Katherine too was grinning. She would never tell Chris that she secretly enjoyed it when he came into her room to wake her up. He had been doing that for years, or at least since they decided to get a flat together.
~Flashback~
“Chris!” Chris looked up and saw Katie walking toward him. He had just finished his lunch and was lounging on a bench in the courtyard of the school enjoying the rare rays of sunlight.
“Katie my dear!” Katie giggled and sat down on Chris’ lap and flung her arms around him in the tightest hug.
“Why hello, to you too!” Chris said with a sexy undertone as he wrapped his arms around her petite frame.
“Chris, I just got my first letter of acceptance to University! I’m going to University College London! I’m so excited! Where are you going? Do you know yet?”
Before Chris responded back to Katie he had to stop and do a double take looking at Katie. Chris and Katie had been the best of friends during school, but they were never serious with each other. They had always been the kind of friends where you climb up the tree outside of their house, and climb in their window to tell them about the awful date you had or the drama with your parents.
Chris always thought Katie was pretty, but not in a I want to date you and take you home kind of way. But lately Chris was starting to see little things about Katie that he had never seen before. Like this moment right now, Katie was smiling; she had a little dimple on the left side of her check when she smiled and Chris had never seen that before. She also smelled of cherry blossoms and peach. Oh and when she was happy like she was now she outshined the sun.
“Uh, oh um I’m going to the University College London too!” Chris grinned back at Katie.
“Oh my gosh! That’s awesome we should get a flat together, that way we wont have to climb trees anymore to get into each others dorm, haha”
“Yeah that would be brilliant! I can’t cook but I can clean! Perhaps that’s how I can contribute?”
Before Katie responded back to Chris she just had to take in his glorious face. Katie had always thought the Chris was handsome in his gawky demeanor. He was always smiling. Katie especially loved the little gap in his teeth, even though he had had braces and that gap had been fixed, Chris hated wearing his retainer and hence the little gap in the front.
“Oh that’s fantastic cause I can cook, but I hate cleaning! This is going to be perfect, oh and at night you can sing me to sleep!” Katie said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Katie, I’m a terrible singer, why would you want me to sing you to sleep? I think I would end up doing the opposite and keep you up at night, and would probably be kicked out by you in the end” Chris looked up at Katie with a crooked smile and then tickled her.
Soon the two were rolling around on the ground laughing and grinning from ear to ear at the thought of sharing a flat together. Finally the stopped and just laid next to each other enjoying the sun and each others company.
“Chris?”
“Yeah?”
“You have grass in your hair.” Katie said as she moved closer to Chris to remove the grass from his hair.
“Oh do I?” Chris asked suggestively. “Well I have news for you too!”
“Hmm and what might that be?”
“You have grass in your hair too!” And before Katie could respond Chris had swiftly pulled her into his lap and was pulling the grass out of her hair. As he did so he started humming a little song.
Katie closed her eye and let Chris move his hands through her hair to remove the grass. Katie hadn’t realized that Chris had stopped, so when she opened her eyes again, all she saw were the sultry blue eyes that were staring right back at her. She moved closer to Chris and he moved closer to Katie. Never loosing eye contact that continued to move closer until if they moved anymore their lips would touch.
Then the bell for the end of lunch rung and Chris and Katie instantly moved apart.
“Right, uh… I’ll see you later.” Chris flung his backpack on and ran in the opposite direction of Katie toward his class. When he got there he sat in the back and closed his eyes, his heart was racing and pounding in his chest, not from running to class but from Katie. The Katie he had only known as his best friend.
~End of Flashback~
Katie rolled out of bed and made her way to the shower. She stood the shower and let the hot water sting her back, it felt so relaxing and comforting almost like when Chris held her in his strong arms after a bad day. After the shower she wrapped a towel around her head and put on some comfortable clothes, then headed down stairs to find some form of caffeine to wake her up.
She walked into the flats tiny kitchen to find Chris sitting there with two cups of tea. She smiled and sat down next to him. He pushed one of the mugs toward her and then kissed her forehead.
“Good Morning beautiful!”
Chapter 2
Chris was driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other was resting on his lap. The windows we’re down and a cool breeze was blowing through. Chris glanced over at Katie. She had her feet up on the dashboard, eyes were closed, and her hand was draped out the window as if she was trying to catch the wind. Her hair was swirling all around her head forming a sort of halo. Chris took a mental picture and turned up the radio and began to sing.
Katie smiled when she heard Chris singing, while he didn’t think he had a good voice she knew that he did, and was positive that one day it would be his voice that got him far in life. She and Jonny agreed on that, and would try and convince him to form a band when they got back from their trip.
It was a familiar tune that Chris was singing, reason being it was the first song that Chris sung to her when her first boyfriend cheated on her.
*** Flashback***
‘Tink…tink’
Katie looked up from her tear stained pillow toward the window. She could see the outline of man. Looking back at her alarm clock, the time showed 2:27am. She quickly stood up and crossed the room and threw open the window. Sitting out on the limb of the old willow was the familiar figure of Chris. He held a few pebbles in his hand and was about to threw another at the window.
“Hi. I err.. well I wanted to see you, I hope your not mad at me for how late it is.” Chris said dropping the remaining pebbles and scratching the back of his neck.
Katie sighed, “Chris, it’s never too late for you.”
“Oh good! So I think you should join me out here, it’s so warm and lovely and the stars are so bright and umm yellow!” Chris patted the spot next to him on the branch and motioned for Katie to step out of the window.
Katie looked back into her room to make sure that all was quiet in the house before climbing out of the window. Gracefully she slid out of the window and down onto the branch of the tree, and sat down next to Chris.
“Katie, the truth is.. I was.. well I was asleep when I had this crazy dream that you had been hurt and well I just had to make sure that you were okay.” Chris turned toward Katie and took her face into his hands and looked into her eyes. “Are you okay love? Has anybody hurt you?”
Katie was so taken back by how Chris knew something was wrong that she couldn’t speak. All she was able to do was nod her head and let the tears fall.
Chris pulled Katie into his lap, wrapped his arms around her and rocked her back forth for awhile, letting her cry and ruin his shirt with her tears. When Katie could cry no more she buried her head into Chris shoulders. She could hear Chris heart beating; it was so steady, never faltering. Katie knew that Chris would always be there for her, through everything.
“He cheated on me Chris. I caught him tonight with her under the football bleachers.”
“He was never worthy of you, he took for granted your smile, your caring heart, and your love. I’ll never hurt you Katie, I promise.”
Chris didn’t know why he felt the need to sing to Katie, but he did, he started out humming and then gradually began to sing.
“For you I’m gonna sit and patiently wait, It’s great if you’re early but if it’s fine if you’re late, For you I feel love and I just want to show it, You’re a beautiful girl and want you to know it, You’re a beautiful girl and want you to know it, You’re a beautiful girl and want you to know it”
Katie felt at peace in Chris arms and to her disbelief fell asleep in his arms. Chris noticed her steady breathing in his neck, he looked down and saw that Katie was asleep, so he kissed her forehead, lifted her up and carried her through the window and set her in her bed. He pulled the covers up around her, whispered to her. “Good night Katherine” and climbed right back out through the window.
****
Katie opened her eyes and caught Chris staring at her.
“What?” She asked as she stuck her tongue out at him.
“Haha! I was just thinking about how beautiful you looked right now. And how much I would love to kiss you!”
“Well, Mr. Martin I would love that kiss, but you are driving and I would prefer to have that kiss alive!”
“Yes that’s true.. hmm.” Chris looked quickly in his rear view mirror, pulled on the steering wheel and abruptly pulled the car over to the side of the road.
“Sorry Katherine, I just can’t wait any longer.” Chris reached over, cupped his hands around the sides of Katie’s face and pulled her close to him and brushed his lips with hers. Katie gasped and Chris took the advantage and tantalizingly bit her lower lip. Katie returned the favor and began to passionately kiss Chris, and run her hands through his soft curls.
It was nearly ten minutes before the little car returned to its intended path. But it was ten more minutes of proof that Chris was hopelessly in love with his Katherine.
Chapter 3
“Katie.. Kaatie.” Chris was gently rubbing Katie’s shoulder and whispering her name to wake her up. Katie cracked one eye open and looked around. The first thing she noticed was that it was no longer sunny and that the car had stopped moving.
“Chris, what time is it?”
“Love, it’s 2 in the morning, we just arrived at your parents house. You’ve been asleep for awhile, and I think I need to get you inside in your nice warm bed.”
“Mmm, that sounds lovely, I hope that bed includes you.”
“Haha, well that depends on where your mum has me staying.”
“Oh, damn. My mum is so proper. That probably means you’re in the guest room.”
“Don’t worry dear, I might make an appearance.” Chris said with his sideways grin.
“Oh that would be nice.. I’m so tired Chris, I don’t think I will be able to make it to the door without falling asleep.”
Chris was already out of the car and opening Katie’s door as she slipped back into unconsciousness. Sliding his hands around her he gradually picked her up out of the car. He walked up to the door, which was opened by Katie’s mum. Chris whispered his hellos, and then proceeded to walk up the stairs and tuck Katie into her bed.
Like he does every night, he kissed her forehead, blew her a kiss at the door, and wished his Katherine, sweet dreams.
Walking back down the stairs Chris went and grabbed the luggage from the car boot. Katie’s mum directed Chris to his bedroom and then bid him goodnight.
Closing the door behind him, Chris looked around the guest room. He had been in almost every room in the house, except this room and Katie’s parent’s room.
The room had a big wooden bed with a fluffy white duvet and an arrangement of pillows of different sizes and shapes. Most of the walls were painted the simple eggshell white, except for one, which was the accent wall. It was painted in tiffany box blue and covered with hundreds of different picture frames. But the frames we’re not just placed on the wall in disarray but in a fashionable manner.
It wasn’t the wall color or the many frames that intrigued Chris, but the pictures that were in the frames. The wall was full of pictures of the family, Katie, her sister, her mum and dad, and surprisingly Chris. Chris just laughed and shook his head at the pictures of him and Katie.
“Geez, I was such a dork in high school! I have no idea why Katie even hung out with me in public, I had braces and stupid hair, and wore ridiculous clothes.”
Chris eyes we’re glancing over more photos when one caught his eye. It was a picture from about 4 years ago, when he and Katie first moved into their flat together. They were laughing at each other with tears rolling down their faces, due to the fact that the box Chris had been carrying. The bottom broke and all of Katie’s bras and underwear fell out. Chris was so embarrassed, but then Katie just started laughing. The thing about Katie is once she starts laughing its contagious, and you just can’t help but laugh too. Chris was just such an example of her contagious laughter and he too burst out laughing.
***Flashback***
~Flash~ “Haha you kids are going to have such a great time living together.” Mrs. O’Connell said as she wound the camera after taking the picture of Chris and Katie.
“Best of luck this term, ter’ the both of yah! I’ve got to catch me train home dears. Oh Katherine darlin’ don’t forget what I told ya! And to you Mr. Martin!” Katie’s mum grabbed Chris’ checks and said. “ You best, not let anything happen to my Katherine, yah hear?”
“Mrs. O’Connell I promise to take care of your daughter till’ the day I die!” Chris said as he quickly shot a smile in Katie’s direction.
“That a boy!” Mrs. O’Connell patted Chris checks and then gave her daughter a farewell hug and got into the taxi that was waiting to take her to the train station.
Katie and Chris waved goodbye at her taxi until it rounded the corner. Then Chris picked Katie up and tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into their flat.
“CHRIS!! Put me down you big ape.. Oh! Um Hi!” Chris spun around to see whom Katie was saying hi too.
“Oh Hey man! My name is Christopher, but you can call me Chris and this.. hehe this is Katherine!”
“Shut up Chris! I can introduce myself, if you would put me down!” Katie said as she began to hit Chris’ back with her hands.
“Alright, alright already women!” Chris said as he flipped Katie over his shoulder and put her down on the ground.
“Right, like he said I’m Katherine, but you can call me Katie!” she said as she stretched forth her hand to shake the strangers hand.
“Hi, Katie, Chris! My name is Jonathon, but it seems we all have names we prefer here hehe, well so do I! You can call me Jonny.” Jonny flashed them a smile and a wink of his stunning earth green eyes.
“Hi, Jonny! So are you our other flat mate?” Chris asked.
“I believe so! I would help you guys bring the rest of your stuff inside, but I’m off to meet my friend Will. But we will hang out later and get to know each other better!” Jonny smiled at Chris and then smiled at Katie. He did a quick head to toe eye glance of her, smiled larger and then headed out the door and down the road.
“Well, he seems nice!” Katie exclaimed!
“Hmm, I think he wants’ you.. he gave you the look.. I don’t like him! Plus he was too nice!”
“Grow up Chris! Just because he gave me the ‘I want you in my bed’ look doesn’t mean anything” Katie chuckled. “Seriously? Your not getting in my bed either, so don’t you go giving me the look.”
“Aww!” Chris said with his puppy dog eyes and pouty lip. “Well it was worth a shot.”
“Hahaha, whatever Christopher Anthony John Martin!” Katie said as she rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him.
“Hmm.. and for using my full name I will now punish you by tickling you to death!” Chris said as he lunged toward Katie!
***End of flashback***
Chris smiled one more time at that photo then crawled into bed and turned off the lights. He was a lucky man to have Katherine. To see her smile was like seeing a shooting star, only a few people see it, and get to make a wish, well only a few see Katie smile and he wanted to be one of the few that made her truly smile.
He knew that one day he would have Katherine to hold and cherish for forever and he couldn’t wait, but he had an obstacle in his way. Her dad.
Chapter 4
Chris awoke early even though he had only gone to sleep 4 hours earlier. He noticed that the sun was beginning to rise, so he wrapped himself up in a blanket and crept out of his room to the back porch to watch the sun rise. He made himself comfortable on the old wooden steps with his back against the railing.
Hues of orange, yellow and the very lightest purple were painting the sky that morning. Soon the light was engulfing Chris in a warm bath and the blanket was no longer needed. Leaving the blanket on the steps Chris decided to go for a run to help clear his head and mentally prepare him for the task ahead.
-----------------------------------------
Katie heard the door squeak open and the pitter-patter of shuffled feet make their way to the side of her bed. Then the aroma of coffee filled her nostrils and she smiled. It had to be Chris that man was always so thoughtful and woke her up in the most delightful ways. She opened one eye, but instead of Chris it was her father.
“Oh! Good morning daddy!” Katie said as she sat up in bed.
“Morning Katherine.”
Katie cringed; she knew this was going to be on of those talks.
“Katherine, how serious are you with Christopher?” Katie’s father asked with clenched lips and penetrating eyes.
“You have know Chris as long as I have daddy, we grew up as the best of friends. But.. but things have changed. He has always been there, always supporting me in everything, lending his hands for mundane tasks, taking care of me with I’m ill,. Quite frankly daddy, I’m infatuated with him. To have a light so bright it blinds my eyes and finally I see, how it feels to live a dream, that’s what it’s like daddy. Chris does that to me.”
Katie’s dad sat there with his eyes closed and his fist clenched under his chin. “Katherine, I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. I know I have known him for a long time. He is practically the son I never had, but I swear Katherine if he even so much as hurts a strand of hair on your head I will kill him.”
“Hush daddy! You know that he is a perfect gentleman. I don’t know why you would even say such a thing! This little chat is over!” Katie stood up and walked out of the room making sure she slammed the door shut.
Black and yellow, that’s all the Chris saw when he looked down. The black pavement, the painted yellow lines and the flash of his shoes. It was soothing and intoxicatingly relaxing. When he was running nothing fazed him. He could tune the world around him out and sink into the depths of his mind and unravel the stray thoughts and ideas.
Katie’s dad was a fierceum sight to behold. He was a stocky man with piercing eyes that could rip your soul apart. Even though Chris had known him for years, the man still sent shivers down his spine. Chris came to the conclusion that the best approach to talking to the man was complete honesty. Tell him his intentions and desires for his and Katie’s life and share his complete and utter love and devotion for his daughter.
Katie was trying to relax by doing yoga in the front room. She was in one of those obsqure postitions where one of your feet is up and you hands are in a bizarre manor when Chris came in. He grinned and just leaned against the doorframe watching her. He decided he wanted a go at it and joined her. Trying to mimic the complicated shape that Katie was able to form with complete grace, Chris ended up falling over and taking Katie down with him as he tumbled to the ground.
“Chris! Eww you stink and your all sweaty!”
Chris just laughed at Katie’s comment, then rolled over and pinned her to the ground.
“Hmm.. I thought that you would enjoy a little err sauna time with me?”
“Tempting but I prefer my own sweat thank you!”
“Well that’s too bad.. Cause at my sauna we give out kisses to stunning girls like your self.” Chris said with a seductive look.
“ Kisses huh? Sauna du Chris does have a nice little ring to it, how much does it cost to join said Sauna?”
“The cost is you being perfect as is.” Chris said with grin.
“Then I will join this Sauna! Now where is this kiss?”
Chris leaned over Katie radiating in her glow and began to kiss her neck. He moved softly and slowly up her throat. After each kiss he would whisper sweet nothings to her and finally he made his way to her soft lips. He kissed her passionately feeling the sparks tingle and dance upon her lips. Chris thought to himself how this is what it must feel like to touch the sky, Katherine is the sweet angle that carries him there and it would be if it wasn’t for her love.
Chapter 5
Katie was taking a nap in the sitting room and was awoken by the sweet singing of her mother in the kitchen. She stood up and made her way to the kitchen looking for Chris on her way. Where is that sneaky man?
“Oh hello dear! Did I wake you?” Katie’s mom asked as she dusted off her flour-encrusted hands on her apron.
Katie grinned at the sight of her mum. She had flour on her forehead and all over the hardwood floors. It reminded her of Chris and his sorry attempts at cooking.
*** Flashback***
Chris and Katie had been living together for just about a year and half now, Jon ended up being one of their best friends after Chris realized that Jonny had a girlfriend and wasn’t out to bang his best friend. Chris finally got the courage to ask Katie if she would go on a date with him and she said yes of course. Chris decided that he would make them dinner and then take her out to the roof to gaze at the stars and make some s’mores.
Katie walked into the flat to the sound of Chris singing and the banging of pots and pans. Chris singing was normal, but the song in particular made her stop and back track to peek into the tiny kitchen.
“Yo I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want, So tell me what you want, what you really really want, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna really,
Really really wanna zigazig ha.” Chris was dancing around the kitchen singing into a spatula a Spice Girls song, he was wearing Katie’s ruffled apron and had some strange orange goo in his hair and every surface of the kitchen was covered in the same strange goo that resided in Chris’ curls.
Katie bit her lip to hold back the laughter and crossed her legs to prevent any accidents down south. All of the sudden Jon appeared out of nowhere in the kitchen and was wearing his bed sheets in a toga form and was singing right along with Chris into a bottle of ketchup. The two of them soon made there way to the kitchen chairs and stood up on them dancing.
Katie gave up standing and just slid down the wall, She was laughing so hard, tears were rolling down her checks and her face was quickly turning a bright shade of pink.
The boys were at it for a good ten minuets before they realized that Katie was watching them. They all sat on the floor laughing together after that. Needless to say the concoction that Chris was trying to make for dinner didn’t make it to the table that night. But a whole lot of laughter was included.”
***End of flashback***
“ No mum you didn’t” Katie lied, but it was so she didn’t hurt her moms feelings. “Have you seen Chris? This house is far to quiet and that makes me suspicious of what things Chris could be up to.”
“Your dad took him hunting about an hour ago.”
“WHAT? Daddy will shoot him or make him the ‘practice’ target!”
“Katie, it twas Chris’ idea love. He wanted ter’ be spending some err time with yer dad.”
“Oh great, I’m going to have a boyfriend with a hole or a missing arm! Wonderful!” Katie left the kitchen and went back to her room. On top of her pillow was a cut out paper heart. It looked like a 4 year made it, but it wasn’t the paper heart that made Katie swoon, but the message written on it..
‘A drop in the ocean, A change in the weather, I was praying that you and me might end up together. It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert, But I'm holding you closer than most, 'Cause you are my heaven.’ -Chris
Chapter 6
The crackle of the twig echoed through out the woods. Chris had been trying to be quite and avoid the twigs, roots, branches, and stumps but he felt it was like trying to avoid a mine in a minefield. Chris quickly looked up and saw the coal eyes bearing into his soul. Katie’s father simple shock his head, and tightened his grip on the trigger of his rifle. The man was continuously sending shivers down Chris’ back.
They continued creeping through the woods till’ Mr. O’Connell stopped; he crouched down behind a bit of shrubbery and focused his eyes on the clearing in front of him. Chris kneeled down slightly to the side of him and then focused his point of view the clearing also. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for but he pretended to. In fact he had never gone hunting before nor had he held a gun in his hands before. It felt cold and heavy in his hands.
‘This is it Chris, be a man! BE A MAN! Talk to him already; tell him how you feel, and how you want to marry his daughter. You won’t get another opportunity. Jonny will tell you what a chicken you are if you return back and Katherine doesn’t have a ring on her finger. Just.. just do it dammit!’
“Uh Mr. O’Connell?” Chris paused for a response. He heard a faint grunt.
“Sir I just.. I have known Katherine for 24 years sir. We have grown up in diapers together, we have scrapped our knees on the same sidewalk and had our hearts broken in the same season. I know this sounds cliché, but I want to take care of her forever, never let her heart be broken again and be there to put the band aid oh her knees and well I wanted to.. uh.”
There was a white flash and a deer ran out into the clearing, Mr. O’Connell closed one eye and focused his gun on the deer and was about to squeeze the trigger.
“Sir I want to ask your permission to Marry your daughter.. I looov..”
Mr. O’Connell turned his gun at the last moment towards Chris after being distracted by the question and all that was heard was the reverberation of the sound of the bullet being shot.
The deer ran off into the woods unharmed, but Chris lay still on the floor of the woods. A gapping hole in his chest where the bullet had entered. His warm blood was seeping out, running down his torso staining his shirt and forming a pool by his side. His chest was slowly rising and falling. His breath was short and labored. Slowly his vision became blurred and soon all was black. The last thing he remembered seeing was the moss on the branches above his head and an eagle soaring and the eyes. The eyes that normally could make you cower in a corner, but these eyes were no longer displaying that, but they were raw and full of emotion, full of fear.
Chris still couldn’t see when he came to, but could hear. He heard the tearing of fabric and felt pressure being applied to gunshot wound. He felt himself being lifted and carried. His head rolled back and forth with the motion of Mr. O’ Connell walking as he was carried out of the woods. He heard the scream of Katie and the rushed footsteps. He heard the frantic shouts. He heard the opening and closing of the car door. He felt the vibration of the car engine. Then everything stopped. He heard no sounds and could feel nothing. All was quiet.
It was as if he was lost in time. Like his soul was gone. Like all hope was sucked dry. Nothing. There was nothing.
Chapter 7
Katie sat beside Chris in the hospital bed. She held his hand and was drawing circles on the back of his hand with her finger. She soon grew bored of circles and started writing letters. Which lead to words and she ended up writing I love you on his hand.
“I love you too.” Chris said with a cracking voice.
Katie quickly dropped his hand and stood back. “Oh my gosh! Your awake!” Katie quickly lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Chris weak frame.
“Um dear, you’re cutting of my pain meds.” Chris said as he winced a little, yet still gave one of his cheeky smiles.
“Sorry sorry! Oh Chris! I’m so sorry, I should have warned you how die hard my dad is about hunting and we shouldn’t have come and..”
“Katherine! Stop! Take a deep breath. Now I need you to do something for me. Place your hand on my heart. Do you feel it beating?”
Warm drops were falling from her Katie’s eyes but she did as Chris asked and placed her hand on his heart. She felt the steady beat. “Yes.”
“Now move your face in front of me.”
Katie slowly inched her way toward his face until she was staring directly into his eyes. She could see every color blue reflecting, cerulean, aqua, cyan, azure and the rare touches of sapphire blue. They were all used to create the unique blend of blue that only Chris had.
Chris inched his head forward until his lips meet with Katie’s. He kissed her rough but tender. Then whispered a question in her ear, “Did you feel that?”
“Yes.”
“Then there is nothing to be sorry about, I am here with you, and you still have my heart.”
“Christopher!” Katie swooned and then lay down next to him on the bed.
“I love you so much Katie!” Chris said as he kissed her neck. So what exactly is wrong with me?”
“Haha oh Chris! Well the doctor says you are very lucky the bullet missed you heart by less then a centimeter. He was able to remove it and patch you up, but you lost a great deal of blood, so you had to have a blood transfusion, So you are going to be a bit tired and sore, but you’ll be fine. The funny thing is when mum told me you were out hunting I told her you would come back with a hole in your body!”
“Well it looks like I have made that come true. But Katie if it wasn’t for you father’s quick thinking I might not be here, I remember him applying pressure to my wound.”
“Daddy is very upset with himself. He hasn’t left the hospital since he brought you here two days ago.”
“Two days! Wow I was out for awhile!”
“You have no idea! I have been an emotional wreck. I thought you would never wake up.”
Chris wrapped his arm around Katie and kissed the top of her head. “I promised you I would always be here for you and I always will.”
Katie snuggled up closer to Chris and they both dozed off.
When Chris awoke Katie was gone but sitting in a chair against the wall was her father. He looked up and saw that Chris was awake again.
“ Her mum took her home to shower and freshen up.”
Chris just nodded his head.
“Chris, I want you to know how deeply sorry I am. It was a complete accident. You took me by surprise with your question.”
“Sir, if I can interrupt you I was wondering what you answer is to that? I truly love her and well I want to be with her for the rest of my life.”
Katie’s father stood up and walk to Chris’ bedside. Tears were beginning to form in the corners of his once penetrating eyes. “You’re the only one I would allow to marry my daughter, but you must promise me this one thing. Never go to bed angry. No matter if you know you are right or whatever, just always make things right and you will have a happy relationship. You will be able to withstand whatever is thrown in your path.”
Chris too was crying “I promise.. I promise with every part of my heart! Thank you sir! Thank you.”
Chapter 8
Katie and Chris had been back from their little excursion for about 3 weeks now. Chris and Jonny were in was room in the flat fooling around with their guitars.
“Chris I think that we should form a band. You play the piano and you have a pretty good voice. I can play guitar all right and I know that Guy is willing to play bass cause of your old piano. Oh and I think we can get Will to play drums, that man could touch any instrument and turn it into magic.”
“Jon I don’t know.. I have a crap voice and well I need to ask Katie to marry me soon. I got her dads permission and..”
“Haha Chris I think you got more than her dads permission!” Jon said as he pointed toward Chris chest.
“Haha alright true, but I need to do it before he changes his mind or something. How should I do it?”
“She loves it when you sing. Maybe you should write her a song or something?”
“Yeah, and have her reject me cause of my crap voice? Great Idea Jon! Wait your not trying to sabotage me are you? Cause I know kung fu and I can kick you butt!”
“You would trip over your Velcro shoe strap before you could kick my butt! But damn Chris, your too cunning! How did you know I wanted to steal you girl?” Jonny asked as he rolled his eyes and threw his guitar pick at Chris’ head.
“I have the third sense Jon! I know everything!”
“Oh? Is that so huh? Well then you should know how to propose to your girlfriend if you know everything!”
“Crap, I forgot to pick up my refill on third sense at Tesco, seriously Jon what should I do?”
“Sing Chris. Sing. She loves your voice and so do I so let’s make the band eh?”
“Well.. I don’t know. Are you sure Will and Guy are in?” Chris was interrupted when Katie walked in.
“Hey Guys! What’s going on?”
“Oh hey Katie! I was just trying to convince Chris to form a band with me, Will, and Guy”
“Chris you should do it! You have an amazing voice!”
“See Chris! Katie thinks you voice is amazing! Now lets do it!” Jonny said with a sly smile.
“Fine , fine! We’ll try it out.”
“Yay! Oh Chris and Jonny! Your band is going to be brilliant.”
“Sweet! I’ll let will and Guy know. Oh and Chris you do know what fine stands for? Freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional!”
“I am not amused Jonathon Buckland. I had a bad experience!” Chris tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t. He burst out laughing and threw a pillow at Jonny’s face. Soon a pillow fight emerged and all that anyone who looked into the room would see would be three good friends and a million tiny white feathers floating in the air.
Chris had gone to bed with Katie, but couldn’t sleep he had to ask her or he was going to go crazy, so he got up and wrote. He wrote and wrote until the sun was beginning to rise. He retrieved the little black box and knelt by her side of the bed and waited for her to awake.
Katie lay in bed feeling the sun on her face. It left a warm glow and made her happy. She cracked open here eye to see Chris glowing face next to her. She smiled and reached out her hand and stroked his face.
Chris smiled and sang in the softest voice “Good morning beautiful. Last night, in the quiet, when our day was through, I listened to you sleeping and stayed awake by you. And softly, through the evening, there I spoke your name, And told you all the feelings I’ve had. I sometimes see you sitting by the window in the hall. Or laughing with your friends at the little things you saw. And lately I’ve been wondering if it’s all I can do, To hold you and to show you I do. My promise is forever with you, My promise is forever. “I do.” Chris opened the little black box. “Will you marry me Katherine?”
Chapter 9
“So mate, what did she say?” Jonny asked while he and Chris were on the treadmills at the gym.
“Well I did what you said, I wrote her a song and sang it to her and then got down and opened the box and asked her.”
“And.. what did she say?”
“No, she said that she can’t marry me.”
Jonny forgot he was running on the treadmill and fell off. “Shit! That hurt, wait what why?”
“She said she couldn’t, because she thinks my heart belongs to someone else.”
“Has she lost all her marbles? Is it that time of the month? Your like crazy for her!”
Chris mumbled a short yeah under his breath and focused on running.
“Well shit man maybe you should wait a bit and ask again?”
“Maybe..” Chris increased his speed and tightened his grip in hopes he would feel less like punching Jonny.
“You don’t think she was cheating on you and she felt guilty?”
“JONNY, just just uggg!”Chris grew angrier at this conversation and decided to go take it out on the punching bag instead of Jonny.
Jon looked over at Chris as he was mauling the bag and felt his heart go soft. He thought to himself ‘ Chris is kind of cute when he’s mad, his checks get that perfect shade of red and he squints his bottomless ocean eyes as if he is concentrating on sewing a delicate design. He bites his bottom lip then blows it out and repeats. Crap! Jon stop it! He’s a guy you’re a guy. You like girls! Girls who have breasts and and you gotta get out of here!
Jon quickly left the gym almost tripping on his way out the door. He ran home and quickly jumped in the shower in hopes to clear his head.
Chris looked up from punching the stuffing out of the bag to see Jonny watching him then suddenly turning at running out the door. How bizarre he thought, he didn’t even do free weights? He looks so muscular when he is lifting. His eyes shine with determination to try and lift heavier weights each time and then he always breaks out into an incredible smile when he succeeds. He is rather cute when that happens and OH MY GOSH! She was right!
Katie sat at her desk writing a letter when she heard a knock at the door. “It’s open.” She called out while continuing to write.
“Hey Katie, can I talk to you?”
“Hmm I don’t know Mr. Buckland, I might have to pencil you in.” Katie turned around in her chair and saw Jonny standing there with that look. The look that says help, I’m lost and confused and I don’t know what to do.
“Uh oh, what’s up Jonny? If this is about me an Chris it’s..”
“Stop. Katie Stop! It’s not about that it’s..it’s about something else.”
“Well in that case the doctor is in! Have a seat.” She gestured to her bed and then proceeded to wrap her legs around the back of her chair to face Jonny.
“I well I err suppose I have feelings for someone, but that someone is someone I shouldn’t.. what do I do?”
“Is she in a relationship with someone else? Is that why you shouldn’t have feeling for her?”
“Uh..” Jonny fiddled with his fingers and licked his lips a bit and then whispered. “it’s it’s not a she.”
Katie sat back and grinned and rubbed her hands together in excitement. “I knew it! I knew it I knew it I knew it!”
Jonny just stared back flabbergasted. How did she know? I only just kind of figured it out today. No! It couldn’t be.
“That’s that’s why you said no to Chris isn’t it?”
Katie threw back her head and laughed fairly hard causing her hair to bounce along with her frame. She then got up and a sat down next to Jonny and whispered into his ear “yup” She then quickly jumped up off the bed and ran to the door. Just before she left she turned and said “ you can close your jaw now” and giggled and left.
A million thoughts were flashing threw Jonny’s mind at an alarming speed. Yet each one consisted of Chris and what he would love to do to him. Jonny sat there soaking it all in for about 20 minuets before stumbling out of the room and down the hall and out the door. He needed to go someplace to think and the flat was not helping. He needed cheap beer and an awful atmosphere and that was where he headed.
Iris
Chapter 1
“Please Jonny!” Jonny glanced up from the book he was reading only to see Chris’ puppy dog eyes and little pout on his stunning face. He bit his lip to try and hold in his grin, but to no avail failed and let slip his smoldering smile show.
“Chris, I swear you’re going to be the death of me someday!”
“Soooo, Is that a yes? Chris asked doing a little dance in place.
Jonny sighed “Yes Chris”
“Oh Jonny Boy! It’s going to be so much fun!”
“Yeah what’s more fun than a skip it? By the way where on earth did you find one? I thought those things were like extinct or on some banned toys list?”
“Nope!” Chris emphasized the ‘p’ to aggravated Jonny. “I got it off ewave oh wait I think it’s called ebay! Oh and to add to the awesomeness of the skip it, it’s hot pink!”
“Oh Joy! A hot pink skip it! Now people will really think we’re gay!” Jonny retorted.
“Psh whatever Jonny, your just jealous you didn’t think to buy it!”
“That’s exactly it Chris! Now where is this skip it?”
Chris ran upstairs to retrieve the prized item! Jonny glanced down at his book, “someday when I can say No to Chris, I will finish you, until then it’s back on the shelf for another day”
Chris magically appeared in front of Jonny with an enormous smile on his face and a hot pink skip it in his hand. “Ready J?”
“Yup, bring on the torture!”
Chris ran outside the door of the beehive to the street and began to search for the perfect spot to play with the skip it. Jonny followed him and sat down on the curb watching Chris with a little grin on his face. He couldn’t help smiling when he saw Chris like this. He always imagined that this was how Chris was when he was a little boy, always excited just like Christmas morning and always in constant motion like a tornado. Jonny chuckled to himself and watched as Chris hopped, skipped, and then proclaimed that this was the place to play with the Skip it!
Chris placed the skip it on his foot and began to spin it and jump in perfect sync with the spinning ball at the end of the toy. He was a natural and never seemed to falter. Jonny was mesmerized at the sight before him. Chris’ golden sunrise curls we’re bouncing every time he skipped and his eyes we’re light up like the fourth of July. He was laughing and clapping his hands in motion. He was truly happy, which in turn made Jonny happy!
“Jonny you wanna go at it?” Chris asked after a while of skipping
“Sure! I’ll take a whack at it!”
Chris somehow elegantly stopped skipping and passed the toy over to Jonny and took his place on the curb of the street. Jonny walked out into the middle of the street and placed the skip it on his foot and began to skip it. He was nowhere in same league as Chris, but still managed to get the toy to work properly.
Chris’ eyes glistened as he watched Jonny play with the skip it, he was so into the moment that he didn’t see the approaching car until it was too late. All he heard was the screeching of tires, the shattering of glass and the dull thud of Jonny’s body being smashed by a car. One moment Jonny was there skipping with a ridiculous grin on his face and the next he was laying on the ground with a pool of blood forming around him. Chris doesn’t remember moving, but the next thing he knows he is next to Jonny with tears streaming down his face. He pulled Jonny’s limp body into his arms and whispered in a shaky voice “all I can breathe is your life, don’t leave me Jonny, don’t you dare leave me here! I need you…I need you!”
“NO! I can’t leave him, he would never leave me! He just wouldn’t.”
“I’m sorry, but he is being taken into surgery and you can’t go back there, we will update you as soon as we know something, until then please stay in the waiting room!” The EMT walked through the doors and disappeared. Chris slumped down into one of the many uncomfortable chairs and buried his face in his hands.
‘Why did I convince him to play with me? He was so content reading his book, but I was feeling selfish and wanted his attention. Jonny was always doing things for me, but what was I doing for him in return? He was always putting me before himself, never thinking twice. What am I going to do if he doesn’t make it? Sooner or later it's over, I just don't want to miss him tonight. I.. I think I’m in love with my best friend, I want to grow old with him. I want to take car of him when he is sick. I want to walk through the park together. I want it all. He is my all!’ Chris continued to sit and ponder on his and Jonny’s life.
Chris was so wrapped up in his mind he didn’t realize that Will and Guy had walked into the room and were there sitting on either side of him. Will has placed his arm around Chris for comfort and guy the same.
“He is so lost in his mind, I wonder if he will come back around?” Will asked Guy.
“Gosh, who knows with Chris, I wonder if he has finally realized that he is in love with Jonny? I mean it’s been so obvious to me, what about you? Did you notice how they have always flirted with each other?”
“I’ve always thought they would get together in time, but maybe it’s just hit him finally. Look at him, he is sitting here breathing, but he is quite clearly not here, geez he is shaking Guy! We need to get him a blanket or something.”
“Right, I’ll go see what I can do!” Guy said as he got up and went off to search for a blanket.
“Chris, I know you are probably in shock right now, and can’t really hear me, but Guy and I are here for you and for.. for Jonny….. Christ Chris come back, Jonny needs you, Guy needs you, I need you.” Tears start to stream down Will’s check “Chris, Jonny is pretty banged up, but you can’t be like this.. just, just look at me God dammit!” Will stood up and walked over to the window, he couldn’t stand to see Chris look so empty and hopeless. “Poor Jonny, poor Chris.”
Guy soon returned with a blanket for Chris, as he was wrapping it around him, Chris looked up as if to register the presence of his friend, but then quickly looked back down.
“Shit, he has to snap out of it or I’m gonna start crying” Guy said softly to Will. Will just nodded his head and continued to look out the window. Guy looked away from Chris toward the doors of the emergency room to see a nurse walking toward him.
“JONNY! Jonny Buckland!” Chris yelled back at her as he quickly stood up. Will and Guy just looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders in unbelief. One moment Chris is out in the battlefield of his mind and the next he is standing, looking like he is ready to grab the nurse and shake her for answers that she is not telling him.
“Uh yes, a Mr. Buckland.” Before she can say anything Chris is spitting out question after question.
“ Where is he? Can I see him? What is wrong with him? Is he.. is he alive?”
Chapter 3
“Chris, stop. Take a deep breath, and count down from 10. When you have done that, then we can let the nurse tell us her information, but until then she is going to stand there and be silent. Please nod your head if you understand what I am saying?”
Chris turned his head slowly toward Guy. He stared at Guy with misery in his eyes and then slowly moved his head in an up and down fashion. To coach Chris on, Guy took in a deep breath with Chris, and then slowly exhaled. Both men paused for 10 seconds and then Guy turned to the Nurse and said “ Okay, sorry, this is one of our deepest friends and band mates, he means a whole lot to us. We are a bit scared right now.”
“It’s quite alright, I’m deeply sorry about your friend, but he is still in surgery and will be for quite some time. Mr. Buckland has broken 7 ribs, both his and left and right tibia as well as his left femur. He also has extensive internal bleeding. He is lucky to be alive in his current state due to the extreme loss of blood, which is why I came over here in the first place. It appears that your friend is in dire need of a blood transfusion and while we are fully capable of giving him O+ blood it would be better for him to receive the same type of blood. Unfortunatly Mr. Buckland is one of the rare few with type AB+ and of course at this time we are running extremely low on that type of blood. We want to give Mr. Buckland..”
“Jonny, call him Jonny. He doesn’t like to be called Mr. Buckland, it makes him feel like his father” Chris said.
“Okay Jonny, We want to give Jonny the best chance of survival in his current state. So we we’re wondering if any of you we’re of the same type of blood as Mr. Buck.. I mean Jonny?”
“Oh, I’m not the same type” Guy said as he stared down at his feet. “I’m A+”
“I’m not sure what type I am, I have never been tested.” Will said as he still looked out the window. It had begun to rain and drops we’re rolling down the window.
“ I.. I don’t know either” Chris mumbled
“Well gentlemen, if don’t mind having your finger pricked we can found out in a matter of minuets?” Replied Nurse Paige.
“Of course we don’t mind! I mean I don’t.. um Will?” Chris turned toward Will. Will had his forehead pressed against the cool glass, his eyes were closed as if he we’re meditating. He lifted his head off the glass and turned around and walked toward Chris.
“What kind of friend am I, if I won’t check to see if I match one of my best friends blood type?” Will sighed and turned to the nurse “Yes, I will agree to checking my blood type.”
Chris gave Will a quick smile and turned to the nurse and said, “Well, what are we waiting for? I have ten fingers, and you can prick them all if it will save Jonny!”
“Wonderful, if you will follow me then.” Chris started to follow, but then paused and turned around.
“Oh Guy and Will, thanks for being here. It.. well it means an awful lot to me and..” Chris’ voice cracked and tears we’re beginning to form in his eyes.
“Aw Chris, your going to make me cry and I don’t cry! Anyways you would do the same for one of us.” Guy said as he gave Chris a hug.
Nurse Paige tapped her feet in that annoying manner as if to say come on!
“Right Chris, come on we got to go see if we can help Jonny.” Will said as he tugged on Chris’ shirt and pulled him away toward where the nurse stood.
Chris put his finger to his mouth in hope that it would make it feel better by sucking on it. All in all the whole finger prick wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be, Will had already had his and was sitting there staring at me. Geez why he is staring at me? It hurt a little bit, and I always do this when I hurt one of my fingers.
“Will?”
“Uh yeah Chris?”
“err why are you staring at me, the finger prick hurt, so I was just um nursing my finger”
“Chris, I don’t care about your finger or your weird habits.”
“Then..then why were you staring at me?” Will took in a deep breath and responded back to chris.
“It’s raining Chris, every time I’m at a hospital and it rains something bad happens. I’m scared. Scared for Jonny, scared for you and Guy. I .. I just don’t know what I will do if something happens to any of you?”
Chris got up and moved across the room and sat next to Will. “Will, I’m scared too. I think I have realized that Jonny is more than a friend to me. I don’t want him to die, without knowing that…that he’s the closest to heaven that I'll ever be, And I don't want to go home right now without out him knowing that. I..I I love him. ” Will sighed and looked down at his hands. They we’re strong hands, great for playing the drums with and for holding and caressing people with.
“Chris, I’ve always known that you would be more to Jonny then me and Guy, and I think he feels the same.”
“Really Will?”
Will looked at Chris, his eyes had a little spark in them, one that had been missing all day. He nodded his head and gave Chris a hug so he wouldn’t see the lone tear roll down his check. He too loved Jonny, but was more in love with Chris, but Will knew Chris only felt for Jonny.
Chapter 4
“We just got you blood test back from the lab, and it appears that.. Mr. Champion you are a match! As for you Mr. Martin, you too are a match! This is quite lucky considering the rarity of your blood type! So if you both are willing we need to get started on drawing your blood as soon as possible!”
Jonny was out of surgery and in his room on multiple machines that we’re helping to keep him alive, he was in a coma, and the doctors we’re unsure as to when he would awake. To Chris the Machines we’re the beeping and whirring of Jonny’s heart, they told him that Jonny was still alive, and that as long as his heart was beating so was Chris’. Chris sat by Jonny’s bed holding his hand day and night. If you were to leave at night he would be there and when you came back in the morning he would be in the same position, head bent and hand holding Jonny’s.
Chris, Will, and Guy were once again sitting in Jonny’s room, It had been two weeks since Jonny’s accident and he was still in a coma. Chris was in his same spot, Guy by the window and Will by the door. Will was writing Chris a letter, in hopes that writing his feelings for chris would help him get over the fact that Chris was in love with Jonny. Will had just finished when we heard the sound..
“Jonny, Will and I need to go tell everyone the good news, But we are so happy that you are okay!” Said Guy.
4 years have passed since Will’s death. Guy couldn’t bring himself to play music anymore and so Coldplay never made any more music. Jonny and Chris married and we’re about to have their first child.
Closure:
Jonny had just placed the sleeping Will in his crib. He moved over to the baby monitor and turned it on to the channel that was linked with the other monitor in his and Chris’ room. Jonny turned around to see will smile in his sleep, and he too smiled and kissed his forehead and headed over to the door, before he left the room completely he took one last look at his son, blew him a kiss, closed the door and walked down the hall.
Chris was standing in front of the bathroom mirror when he felt the familiar arm wrap its way around his waist. It sent shivers and tingles down his spine. He turned toward the beautiful man who was playfully tugging at his shirt. Chris looked at the glowing green eyes of the man and then moved his mouth up to his ear and breathed heavily and said in a seductive whisper.
“ I’m not much use standing here, you best move over to that bed or who knows what might just happen.”
“Oh, is that so? Hmm well, we will just have to see.” Replied Jonny as he began to tug at the elastic of Chris boxer’s.
Chris moved his hand down Jonny’s back and pulled himself closer to Jonny’s body. He could feel his steady heartbeat and his chest rise and fall from the deep breaths he was taking. It was a feeling he could never forget. The feeling of being loved.
Soon there were no clothes left on either man and they had somehow managed to make it to the bed. Hands were gripping tighter and pulling each other closer. Kisses were shared with eager passion and moans shouted with ecstasy.
Chris and Jonny were laying in the tangle of sheets on their bed. Jonny had an arm wrapped Chris’ torso and Chris had his head on Jonny’s shoulder. Chris was tracing the scars on Jonny’s stomach from his surgery, forming little shapes and patterns.
“Chris?”
“Mmm, yes love?”
“I know we named our son after Will, but I.. I just I always wondered why you said the other man who held your heart?”
Chris was silent for a few minuets before responding to Jonny’s question. “J, I should have told you this a while ago, but I didn’t feel it was necessary with all that had happened.”
Chris felt Jonny tighten his grip and his heart beat faster.
“It happened a long time ago and it is in the past, so please just.. just listen, okay?”
Jonny closed his eyes and took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly “okay.”
****Many years prior, told in Chris point of view****
“We had just finished playing that gig where we first heard people singing along with our songs, you and Guy had already left but I was still there. I had thought that Will had left too, until I heard the shower and the faint muffled sound of someone singing. I peeked my head into the room and saw Will singing some Oasis song in the shower, I started laughing cause he was singing into a bar of soap and then it slipped out of his hand, and he was franticly trying to catch it.”
“Well I guess he heard me and turned around, and I swear to you he blushed! I saw the blood rush into his cheeks! I know its crazy; it’s not the typical Will behavior, but let me tell you it was like magic in that moment. One minute he is singing in the shower and the next he is biting his lip and blushing. He just looked so adorable.”
“I don’t know what came over me; I couldn’t control any part of my body. My feet started walking toward him and my hands were taking my clothes off. In my mind I was screaming what are you doing? But my heart wasn’t hearing any of it. I would have thought that Will would have punched me square in the face at the moment, but strangely enough he did nothing, in fact he seemed to have this.. this aura about him that was drawing me nearer and nearer until I was next to him.”
“I’m not sure what happened next, but somehow I was in the shower with him and he had me pinned up against the wall. He was staring into my eyes and I back at his. Then his lips were grazing mine and I reached up and put my hands behind his head and pulled him in. We were kissing for what seemed like an eternity to me. We only stopped when one of us needed air. Our bodies move in sync and everything just sort of blurred around us.”
“My mind finally took control of the situation and I dropped my hands and my lips went limp. I had no idea what I was doing. Will looked at my frantic eyes, he stepped back and said sorry and ran out of the shower as quickly as he had pulled me in.”
“Jonny, I never knew, he had deep feeling for me until that day at the hospital. After that incident neither of us mentioned it, and soon it just got filled away in the crevices of my mind. I only fully understood his love for me when I read his letter.”
Chris reached across Jonny and pulled open the nightstand drawer and pulled out a letter. The same letter that Chris held when Jonny had asked what to name their son.
“Here, perhaps you should read this.” Chris handed Jonny the letter and laid his head back down on Jonny’s shoulder.
Jonny turned the letter around and around in his hand debating on reading it.
“Chris, I don’t feel that I need to read this, I know that Will was a hidden man, and he might have held you heart, but what’s in this letter is for you, not me. Will probably wrote powerful things that were meant for you and I don’t want to spoil his memory. I love you all the same and know that you have my heart as well.”
Jonny then bent down and kissed Chris long and hard and wiped the lone tear from his cheek. “That is from Will, the only man I will allow to hold the other half of your heart.”
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