Chapter Six: The Waters Darken

Elena stepped into the mahogany walled hallway. Her hair lay relaxed around her shoulders and her robe slid silently on the floor. She looked down at the footprints she'd made on the cold wood floor and smiled.

Elena tiptoed through the kitchen collecting her morning breakfast. A piece of toast here a cup of jam there. Laying the tray if morning items on the counter she quickly looked through the icebox for some milk. Having found some she closed the door and saw a figure standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

"Good morning beautiful," Sawyer smirked.

Elena blushed, "Good morn-"

Sawyer grabbed her by the waist and spun her around landing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Why such a happy mood?" Elena asked giggling.

"Just seeing you makes me happy," he said.

Tom grabbed Elena's tray of morning goodies and lead her back to her room. He would look back at her every so often to make a funny face so she would laugh.

"Stop it Tom," Elena laughed.

"I can't help it," he said, "you make me this way."

Elena opened her bedroom door and gave Tom a little peck on the cheek. She turned to walk into her room when suddenly a hand caught her wrist and twirled her back into a romantic kiss.

Elena giggled, "Enough Tom. Someone will see."

"Fine, fine. I'll go… for now," he winked.

Elena laughed and closed the door. She noticed her room was still dark and went to the oil lamp to brighten it up.

"Don't," came a voice from the darkness.

Startled, Elena tripped over her area rug and was caught by two hands. They then helped her up.

"Henry!" Elena gasped, "What are you doing here?"

"I brought you breakfast," Henry motioned toward the second tray of food sitting on the table.

"That was very kind of you," Elena smiled.

"I'm trying to keep my temper down, but I have to know what I just saw," Henry said.

"What are you talking about?" Elena asked knowing perfectly well what he meant.

"Don't play coy with me Elena, I know damn well what I just saw," Henry yelled.

"I didn't mean for you to see that," Elena spoke but only above a whisper.

"Yes I know," Henry said calmly, "I just thought yo... you loved me."

"Henry I do, its ju-"

"Obviously not Elena," Henry turned away.

Elena went up to him and placed a hand on his cheek. He looked at her with his brilliant eyes.

"I do love you."

"Then what was that?" Henry asked indicatng to Tom's kiss.

"I don't know… I guess I'm just really confused right now."

Henry walked toward the tray he had brought for Elena to eat. He grabbed a small box off of it. Elena watched as he slowly walked toward her.

"I want to know what your answer is by sunset tonight," Henry said softly as he handed Elena the box. And he walked out the room.

Elena watched him leave. She finally realized the box in her hand. She quickly opened it and found a beautiful gold banded diamond ring. It was an engagement ring.

Elena slipped it on and found it to be a perfect fit. She fell to the floor and started to weep into her hands.

The rest of the day was a complete blur. Elena could only think about Henry and Tom.

Tom was a nice guy. He had the sense of adventure she did. He liked guns. He's a great kisser, but he doesn't seem like the committing type.

Henry was the nicest guy she'd ever known. He was relaxed and he hated the monster he became sometimes. He's the man Elena knew had all the securities she could ask for. And he wanted to marry her.

Elena had made her choice. She needed to talk to Sawyer.

Elena found him reading a book in his room. She knocked softly on his door.

"May I come in?" Elena smiled.

Sawyer nodded.

Elena sat in a chair across from him, "Tom I don't know what last night was, but that can't happen ever again."

"And, why not?" Tom asked laying a hand on her thigh.

Elena pushed his hand off her leg, "because I don't love you that way."

Tom looked at her, "Ok whatever."

Elena raised her voice, "No not 'whatever.' Tom it's not to happen at all; no touching, no kissing, no nothing."

"What? Are you getting married or something?"

Elena felt a tear slide down her cheek, "Yes, I am."

"To who?"

"Henry," Elena said, "he asked me this morning and you know that we've been together."

"Yeah so?"

"Well, you took advantage of me," Elena yelled.

"Fine get out!" Tom yelled back.

"Fine," Elena got up and left the room.

She whipped the tears that ran down her cheeks as she ran to find Henry. Elena could feel her heart warm as she thought about being his wife. She was so distressed, that she felt dizzy.

"Mina, do you know where Henry is?" Elena asked as she stood breathless in Mina's doorway.

"I haven't a clue," Mina shrugged, "last I knew he was at the lookout tower."

"Thank you," Elena smiled and left.

Elena rushed to the spiral staircase leading up to the tower. She held the little box in her hand. Finally she came to an iron door. She unlatched it and stepped into the sea breeze. Elena could feel the mist of the ocean hit her face.

"We're nearing the coast of France," said Henry's voice.

Elena walked slowly over to his hunched body resting on the railing of the deck. Elena could hear his exhausted breathing.

"Henry," Elena began, giving him the box.

"So I take it your answer is no," he said discouraged as he walked toward the iron door.

"Henry let me finish," Elena said quickly.

"What else do you want to say?" He asked sadly.

Elena walked over to him and kissed his lips. She was surprised when she felt him grip the small of her back and pull her closer. She had her arms wrapped around his neck and was kissing him more romantically but the second. Henry launched his lips to her throat and began kissing her neck, sucking it ever so lightly.

"Henry…," Elena gasped.

He pulled away quickly, "Yes, my love?"

"I want to be your wife, I want to be with you till we're old and grey," Elena began to cry, "I love you so much and I've made a mistake with Sawyer, and I'm so sorry."

Henry pulled her into an embracing hug and held her there for what seemed like forever, but yet Elena felt safe and wanted.

"I s'pose I should do this the right way," Henry said as he got down on one knee.

He took her left hand and placed it on his own,"Elena Quartermain…." He kissed her hand, "Will you marry me?"

Henry placed the ring on her finger and looked at her in the eyes.

"Yes, I will," Elena laughed through her tears of joy.

Henry jumped up and picked her up in his arms, "I think we should start the wedding night early."

Elena laughed as Henry carried her through the iron door and down the spiral staircase.

A mile away from the Nautilus was a small ship carrying two powerful torpedoes. A black haired man sat with binoculars watching the happy moment of Elena and Henry. He threw the torpedoes into the water and waited for the target to be in range.

"Stupid Henry," he thought, "always has to bring the beautiful women down with him. Why can't I just steel her away before I blow that damned thing up?" He looked at his watch, "Oh well, not enough time."

Dorian pushed the button and watched as the torpedoes sped toward their target.

Just to let you all know things will be cleared up in the next chapter, so don't be confused. As for Henry and Elena, you must understand that this story is full of twists and turns so Elena just might die, or she might end up with Skinner or nemo, Or even mina... nah. but just be aware of the possibilities!