All things must come to an end, they say. So.... without further ado.... here it is.... finally....
The Last Chapter!
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Autumn..... such is the season of melancholy as it's briskly cold winds whisper sadness into my ear. Pangs of loneliness over come me as I watch the deep dark orange leaves fall unto the ground in their last gasp at life. Trees, barren and dry, look on with sorrow as its orange children die and fall before them. Earth watches as she moves away from her mother sun, just like every year, wondering if she'll make it to see her bright face once again. Joyful days become shorter as woeful nights become ever so longer. Autumn leaves us with nothing but the nail biting cold that is just a prelude to even more frigidness that is to come. Animals panic and gather as much food as they can to prepare for the harshness of the winter solstice. Its every animal for themselves, I think.
They're just like us humans in a sense. We're all selfish. We always want what we want for oursleves, and sometimes for ourselves alone. We try to get them at the expense of others. But.... that's just human and animal nature. That's who we are, and no matter how much we try to change, a small part of that selfishness will always remain in our hearts. What's really left for us to do is.... control it. It's hard, but it's the only real thing we can do.
Hahaha. It's funny.... isn't it? Sometimes the changing seasons can make us remember memories, dreams and emotions we want to forget, or think we've forgotten. But.... I guess that's just how powerful and unpredictable the mind is. These seasons remind us of things past, things now and things that will. It calms my heart and mind, and at the same time fills me with worried solicitude. A mixed feeling really. But... I don't want to be sad. I want to be happy! Still... being and staying that way is still hard on me. Even now.
You know why I feel this way. A degree of dread still resides within me, and I can't get it out no matter what. It's because.....
"Mint! Mint! He's awake!"
Maya came screaming with excitement. He's awake, she said. Yes, I heard. But.... I didn't show any outward signs of joy on the news. I had too much on my mind. This being one of them. Well, of course I was happy! But...but....
"Mint? What's wrong? Aren't you going to see him?"
"No... It's just... I don't wanna see him right now...."
"?....Why?"
"Look.... could you go ask him if he.... if he remembers anything? I just.... I just have things bad feeling..."
"Why? What for?"
"Just.... Look, please.... could you just do this for me? Please?"
I sat down on the couch in my room, looking towards the sky. Yeah... I was being rather coy and evasive. But.... I was really afraid. Afraid of hearing the truth from his own lips, his own voice. Afraid of hearing that.... I doesn't know me anymore. Afraid that he's forgotten everything we've been through together, both the good and the bad. I'd be happy if he forgot all my sins against him but..... it would only go away... far away if our bliss accompanied it.
"...OK. It seems I'm starting to listen to you more often. Haha....ha. I'll.... get back to you later."
With that said, she walked out of my room quietly, leaving me alone in my surroundings. Alone. My greatest fear in life. To be left in this cruel world..... without someone to hold my hand as I go through it.
I couldn't stand it. I walked out of my room and headed for the main hall. I needed a large space to think.... and walk around a bit. Quite frankly, I've never thought of so many things in such a short span of time. It's really not like me at all. Some would say I act on impulse. It's sort of true actually. But.... things change. I change. I've grown somewhat mature over that time. I just hope that this new found maturity can help me get through this.
I lay on the satin couch in the hall thinking about all this stuff. My brain was still kinda fuzzy. I had just woken up after all. I had some problems remembering what happened to us clearly, but one thing was for sure.
Rue would never be the same again.
People will always be afraid of things that others believe are petty. It's a fact of life. Truthfully, we really can't rely on others to understand our pain. They can't help us all the way. Our inner most feelings and problems are our own. That's why I tend to keep things to myslef. I don't want others to.... how you say.... complicate things. And yet, telling others helps unload at least some of the pain. I only trully understood that recently when I became open with my sister. Maybe.... if I was truthful with Rue, things wouldn't have ended up the way they were. Who knows? There're literally hundreds of other futures for both of us if I just chose the right one.
But I didn't choose the right one, frankly. I my bad choices led to this. I'll just have to live with it.
I decided. I must have fresh start. I have a new beginning with him, and I don't want to screw it up. I have to make it good. I have to be my self. My true self. I know in my heart that it's all I need to have him again. I want to weed out the bad things I've developed in my mad quest for absolute power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, they say.
Absolute power. Yes, I trully did crave for the unimaginable power back then. But now.... I learned that few precious things are total and infinite. Power wasn't one of them. I experienced first hand one of the few things that are eternal, yet it was so simple and.... absolutely beautiful. And it destroyed that power. That bond between us helped us destroy it. I didn't realize it then. I was fuming mad when the Dewprism was detroyed by Valen and only Rue got his wish. Then.... after that.... well.... you know what happened.
I didn't know what was trully important to me then. Now I know what is. I'm not gonna let it slip through my hands again.
I saw Maya coming down the stairs into the empty hall. I quickly sat up, hesitantly waiting for news. She sat beside me and spoke softly.
"Mint, we.... me and Rue talked for a while. And.... we talked about his past and everything. Apparently, he remembers everything just before he left to find a [Relic] and.... nothing more after that. He told me that he doesn't know what happened to him, but he wants to go and look for a [Relic]. I.... offered to help him in whatever way I can. I think he's.... going out to the main library later to research."
Yeah. I knew it already even before. I'm not surprised. Heck, I'm not even gonna cry anymore. I told myself I wasn't going to cry. I'm done with all this crying. I'm not gonna hold it all inside me anymore. I want to be more open with people than I usually am.
"...Thanks, sis. I think I'll.... follow him later...."
Later wasn't the right word for that moment. I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I looked to my left, and there he was. Rue came down the steps with his weapon and his bag, probably on his way to the library. He looked at our general direction, and waved at us.
"I beg your pardon, princess Maya. I'm off to the library. I'll see you later."
Maya stepped aside as Rue left. He passed by me. Directly in front of me. He said nothing, I said nothing. He seemed to have ignored me completely. He walked across my field of vision with mere inches between us. He didn't even make eye contact with me. My own eyes followed him as he walked before me. He moved in absolute silence. Before I knew it, he was already out the door. I felt like my heart was gonna pop that time. Damn. I'm such an idiot. I should have said something. I guess I was still kinda afraid that I'd say something stupid. As they say: 'First impressions last.'
"Hey.... aren't you...."
She didn't have to say it. I ran out of the door and chased after Rue, who was just a few meters from the palace gates. Now was the time I thought. I'll make my move now. I'm not gonna screw it up.
"Hey wait! Rue I- ugh!"
I tripped on a rock. Quite stupid of me actually. I saw that rock when I ran out, but still I fell on it. My mind was too preoccupied with him that I still wasn't able to avoid the stone. I fell face first into the dust just after I saw Rue turn around to look at me. I could feel my face getting flushed red from embarassment. This... really wasn't the 'First Impression' I had in mind. *sigh*
"Um.... are you alright?"
I got my face out of the sand and looked at him. He was staring at me, like I was some sort of museum piece. I quickly got up and faced him. I dusted myself off. I knew my face was still red like a tomato. I didn't want to see him like this.
"Yeah, I'm alright, hahaha. Don't worry about me."
Okay, I lied. My body wasn't hurt, but my pride was. I wondered what he'd think of me now. A silly klutz? Maybe. But hopefully not. There was an awkward silence just after I spoke. We just looked at each other. He broke the silence after a while, thankfully.
"You're.... Princess Mint, aren't you?"
"Huh? Uh... yeah I am. How did you know?"
"I... uh.... have no idea really. Haha. Um.... your sister told me about you, but she didn't show me a picture. I don't know. Somehow I thought she was you. Sounds silly... doesn't it? Please don't call me crazy or anything..."
"No you're not! Heck, sometimes it happens to me too!"
"Really? Gee.... thanks your highness. I didn't want the Royal Princess to think I was a crazy hobo or anything. As they say.... 'First impressions last.' Hahaha...."
We both stopped talking for a while. Another moment of weird silence came between us as our soft laughter faded. No matter how I tried, I still couldn't get myself to break the ice. He had to break the silence yet again.
"Wait! Ugh... where are my manners! I'm sorry your highness..."
He kneeled in front of me, heightening my embarassment even more.
"Get up will ya! Look, if it's just the two alone, you don't need to be so stiff and formal okay?"
I picked him up with a slight sigh.
"Well, since you put it that way.... okay, Mint."
"Now with that out of the way.... you were going to the library right about now, right?"
"Yeah I was. Your sister said I could use all the books I needed. She also said she'd help me in any way she can. She's really nice, you know."
"I.... know. Anyway.... you also have my full support. So...um.... can I go with you?"
I asked him sheepishly. I didn't know how he'd react.
"Really? I'd be honored and.....thank you."
We began to walk down the hill that led into town. So far, things were going very smoothly. I was confident I wouldn't do anything stupid. I was walking slightly behind him to his right, and I couldn't help but look at him with smile. I was happy. It was definitely him. The walk, the talk and the attitude was all classic Rue. He still had his charming, down to earth personality, and nothing about it changed even under Graythorne's control. He continued to wear the same thing he used to wear when we were together. While we strolled serenely into town, it seemed like nothing's changed. But.... a whole lot of things did change. I can't pretend that it'd be just like before. I can't take this for granted. If I believed that nothing has changed, it will all once again be useless.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
"Huh? Oh, no no. Haha. I'm sorry."
He smiled at me. He gave me a warm, endearing smile. The same smile he gave me before, one I would never forget.
We began to talk about ourselves. Come to think of it, we never did talk a lot about ourselves back then. We talked about our likes and dislikes, our dreams, personalities etc. I was off to a good start. I told him about my true self, none of those egotistic, self-centered bratty things that I was never supposed to be. We chatted and chatted non-stop until we got to town. There, we headed straight for the royal library by the town square. I looked around as we sat by the fountain, resting from our walk. Thank goodness the town was still alright. Who would have known that mere days ago people were afraid for their lives in coming out to town. When they brought me back, the entire place was a ghost town. Then just yesterday it was utter chaos as we retook the town. Now, it's still somewhat chaotic, but in a good way. The citizens plyed the streets talking and shopping. The vendors paraded their wares and slashing prices here and there. The children played ecstatically, finally being let out of their homes. The perfect world, as it seemed. Sometimes I hoped these days would last forever. Of course.... with Rue by my side. There's be no way I'd enjoy life without his cheery smile by my side.
Finally rested, we got up and headed for the library just a few blocks away. The people who saw him were rather uneasy at seeing him, but were respectful enough not to say a word. Yesterday we announced the truth about what happened to rue, and the people were very understanding. Still, you can't easily the expunge from their hearts the fear and suspicion that Rue indirectly caused upon them. It's sad, but the human heart can't easily forgive and forget.
We entered the rather grand looking library which was somewhat empty. Rue approached the clerk, and ventured into the great halls looking for anything he can find about the [Relic]s of the world. I tried to talk to him, but he was too preoccupied. I decided to sit in the center of the room, and clamly waited for him to finish.
"Hmm.... maybe this book can do."
Rue shuffled around the library like a kid on sugar high. He ran around collecting books, and toppling others in the process. I went to the shelves and decided to put back the books he dropped. While I was putting the books back, I couldn't help but think of now. Rue looked so determined to find anything about a [Relic]. Just like the past, I knew he wouldn't give up anywhere until he finds one. I wanted to help him. I really did. I don't want to be extra baggage in his quest. I'm gonna help him find a [Relic]. Not for me, but for him. And for Claire.
"Mint? I'm done."
I found myself staring into the book I was holding. I didn't realize I was just staring at it in a blind trance. I only snapped from daydream when Rue called out to me. He was done, he said. I guess it was time to go. Rue had collected almost fifty books while he searched, much too much for both of us too carry. I instructed the librarian to have the books delivered to the castle later. Me and Rue casually strolled out of the library.
The sky was a deep orange. Sunset in the late afternoon. We saw the people scurrying home back to their families for dinner. Shopkeepers began closing for the night. Both of us were virtually alone in town. Within minutes almost no one was about. The silence was deafening. I wanted to go back to the castle immediately. However, it seemed Rue had another thing in mind...
"Mint.... uh..."
I looked at Rue. He was blushing as the nervous tone in his voice grew.
"Could we... uh... go to the park? I.... need to tell you something...."
Something? I wondered what he was talking about. Considering that he.... uh... barely knew me, I didn't think he had something secretive to say. Still, if it's important to him, I had to oblige. Morever, I really wanted to know what he had to say. I curious. Maybe.... just maybe....
Nah. No way. It couldn't be 'that'.
We strolled to the park which, ironically, was somewhat populated by couples making out in public. They didn't even seem to notice us coming into the park with them in our full view. They were too... 'involved' in what they were doing. The sight kinda sickened me. Well... actually.... they kinda made me jealous. Seeing them all lovey-dovey made me really, really jealous. Showing affection to the one they loved and not feeling ashamed or embarassed about it. I never told anyone about this, but for the past 8 months I couldn't seem to stand the sight of people holding hands, making out etc. Those sights just... just burned holes in my heart. Sometimes when I walk around towns, when I see sights like that I just close my eyes in public, desperately trying to think about other things. I didn't want anything more than to be in their shoes, holding hands with the one I love. But.... I did lose him because of my masquerade. I really had no right to feel jealousy.
We walked to the waterside, staring at the setting sun. Rue leaned against the railing and stared into space. He looked deep in thought. I didn't want to bother him so I just looked at the horizon myself. After a little while, he spoke.
"Mint I'm.... sorry I didn't greet you when I came down the stairs. I was...."
"No.... it's okay. You.... have nothing to be sorry about."
"But.... the reason that I..... didn't greet you was.... about you."
About me? What did he mean?
"....Me?"
"You see.... um.... When I saw you as I came down the stairs, for some reason I.... somehow recognized you..."
He recognized me? My God.....? Could... it be? My heart jumped into my throat that instant. I felt like I was gonna suffocate at what I heard. My mind was utterly and completely dominated by hundereds of possibilities at what he had said. I.... didn't know what to say or even think. I was shocked beyond belief.
"When I saw you.... my heart felt like bursting. I didn't know what I was feeling. I was confused. The more I came closer, the more my heart felt like it was it was reaching its limit. That's why.... I said nothing. I.... wanted to understand what I was feeling.
"....."
"After Claire was killed, I passed out. I could remember nothing after that. Then, I found myslef in your castle. Still.... when I saw you.... I felt like I've known you for so long. I don't know why but....."
"....."
"Hahaha. I'm rambling like a silly loon. I.... we should get going."
"Rue I...."
He looked at me, turned to his left and walked away.... back to the castle.
My tongue was twisted again. Whenever my time came, my mouth freezes like an ice block. I could never find the words to say nor the courage to say it. My mouth rebels against my mind sometimes, and I hate it for it. I could never depend on it too much. I relied so much on words....
It was time for action. This was the moment! The setting sun, the romantic park, the confession, the open hearts.... this was it. The moment I've been waiting for. The time was perfect. I had to do it now. I may not have a chance anymore. It must be done. Not with words.... but with action. Sometimes.... a simple gesture is worth far more than themost beautiful love letter. More beautiful than a serenade. More beautiful than song. More beautiful than a red-laced box of chocolates. Words can never properly justify an act. Countless words are limited in their essence, but one act of affection can convey thousands of heartfelt things. I had to do it.... now....
I hugged him from behind.
I threw my arms around his waist and placed my head on his muscular back. We didn't budge an inch. I hugged tightly while listening to the beautiful, rythmic beat of his heart. He may be a doll.... but he has a heart more human and more loving than anybody I have ever met. I wanted to give my heart to him, and I felt this was the only way. I was in pure ecstacy. I fantasized about this day everyday of my life since then. I would have wanted nothing more than this.
He placed his hand on mine as I felt his heratbeat go faster. I began to cry like I was never gonna see him again, like this was our last moment together. I cried like a mother whos baby was going to be taken away from her. Like a boy who had his toys stolen. Like a girl who couldn't get her favorite doll. Like the elderly who are sent by their family to a retirement home. I didn't want to lose him. But I was afraid how he'd react.....
"Mint I...."
He broke off. He uncoupled my hand on his waist, and moved away. I was shocked at his action, but it made me more determined not to let him go. This time, I'll do something.... I've always wanted....
I held his hand.
My fingers interlocked with his as I averted my gaze to the floor, with him at the corner of my eye. My face was flushed with a deep red, like lava was gonna pour out of my ears. I squeezed his hand gently. Somehow, the world became silent. I felt like it was only the two of us in the park. Not a single noise could be heard other than the loud thumping of our hearts. I looked up to him. His face was also flushed. We didn't say anything. I let actions speak for me. At that point in time, I knew he was mine, and I was his. Our worlds were now one. Our souls were now one. Our hearts were now one. Because....
He held my hand.
He closed his hand and gripped me gently. I, too, closed my hand and held him gently. We gazed slightly at each other and we, as if we read each other's minds, both walked off.
And that's how we were. Hand in hand. Heart in heart. Love in love, as we walked back to the castle. To out new relationship. To our new future. To our new world.
THE END.
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And..... there you have it. Mind you that the last part never happened to me *sob*, but it might.... soon. And that's why making the last part was so hard. I might fix it up when I have the time (or experience). Anyway, I might make a sequel, so keep your fingers crossed!
And that.... as they say.... is that.
The Last Chapter!
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Autumn..... such is the season of melancholy as it's briskly cold winds whisper sadness into my ear. Pangs of loneliness over come me as I watch the deep dark orange leaves fall unto the ground in their last gasp at life. Trees, barren and dry, look on with sorrow as its orange children die and fall before them. Earth watches as she moves away from her mother sun, just like every year, wondering if she'll make it to see her bright face once again. Joyful days become shorter as woeful nights become ever so longer. Autumn leaves us with nothing but the nail biting cold that is just a prelude to even more frigidness that is to come. Animals panic and gather as much food as they can to prepare for the harshness of the winter solstice. Its every animal for themselves, I think.
They're just like us humans in a sense. We're all selfish. We always want what we want for oursleves, and sometimes for ourselves alone. We try to get them at the expense of others. But.... that's just human and animal nature. That's who we are, and no matter how much we try to change, a small part of that selfishness will always remain in our hearts. What's really left for us to do is.... control it. It's hard, but it's the only real thing we can do.
Hahaha. It's funny.... isn't it? Sometimes the changing seasons can make us remember memories, dreams and emotions we want to forget, or think we've forgotten. But.... I guess that's just how powerful and unpredictable the mind is. These seasons remind us of things past, things now and things that will. It calms my heart and mind, and at the same time fills me with worried solicitude. A mixed feeling really. But... I don't want to be sad. I want to be happy! Still... being and staying that way is still hard on me. Even now.
You know why I feel this way. A degree of dread still resides within me, and I can't get it out no matter what. It's because.....
"Mint! Mint! He's awake!"
Maya came screaming with excitement. He's awake, she said. Yes, I heard. But.... I didn't show any outward signs of joy on the news. I had too much on my mind. This being one of them. Well, of course I was happy! But...but....
"Mint? What's wrong? Aren't you going to see him?"
"No... It's just... I don't wanna see him right now...."
"?....Why?"
"Look.... could you go ask him if he.... if he remembers anything? I just.... I just have things bad feeling..."
"Why? What for?"
"Just.... Look, please.... could you just do this for me? Please?"
I sat down on the couch in my room, looking towards the sky. Yeah... I was being rather coy and evasive. But.... I was really afraid. Afraid of hearing the truth from his own lips, his own voice. Afraid of hearing that.... I doesn't know me anymore. Afraid that he's forgotten everything we've been through together, both the good and the bad. I'd be happy if he forgot all my sins against him but..... it would only go away... far away if our bliss accompanied it.
"...OK. It seems I'm starting to listen to you more often. Haha....ha. I'll.... get back to you later."
With that said, she walked out of my room quietly, leaving me alone in my surroundings. Alone. My greatest fear in life. To be left in this cruel world..... without someone to hold my hand as I go through it.
I couldn't stand it. I walked out of my room and headed for the main hall. I needed a large space to think.... and walk around a bit. Quite frankly, I've never thought of so many things in such a short span of time. It's really not like me at all. Some would say I act on impulse. It's sort of true actually. But.... things change. I change. I've grown somewhat mature over that time. I just hope that this new found maturity can help me get through this.
I lay on the satin couch in the hall thinking about all this stuff. My brain was still kinda fuzzy. I had just woken up after all. I had some problems remembering what happened to us clearly, but one thing was for sure.
Rue would never be the same again.
People will always be afraid of things that others believe are petty. It's a fact of life. Truthfully, we really can't rely on others to understand our pain. They can't help us all the way. Our inner most feelings and problems are our own. That's why I tend to keep things to myslef. I don't want others to.... how you say.... complicate things. And yet, telling others helps unload at least some of the pain. I only trully understood that recently when I became open with my sister. Maybe.... if I was truthful with Rue, things wouldn't have ended up the way they were. Who knows? There're literally hundreds of other futures for both of us if I just chose the right one.
But I didn't choose the right one, frankly. I my bad choices led to this. I'll just have to live with it.
I decided. I must have fresh start. I have a new beginning with him, and I don't want to screw it up. I have to make it good. I have to be my self. My true self. I know in my heart that it's all I need to have him again. I want to weed out the bad things I've developed in my mad quest for absolute power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, they say.
Absolute power. Yes, I trully did crave for the unimaginable power back then. But now.... I learned that few precious things are total and infinite. Power wasn't one of them. I experienced first hand one of the few things that are eternal, yet it was so simple and.... absolutely beautiful. And it destroyed that power. That bond between us helped us destroy it. I didn't realize it then. I was fuming mad when the Dewprism was detroyed by Valen and only Rue got his wish. Then.... after that.... well.... you know what happened.
I didn't know what was trully important to me then. Now I know what is. I'm not gonna let it slip through my hands again.
I saw Maya coming down the stairs into the empty hall. I quickly sat up, hesitantly waiting for news. She sat beside me and spoke softly.
"Mint, we.... me and Rue talked for a while. And.... we talked about his past and everything. Apparently, he remembers everything just before he left to find a [Relic] and.... nothing more after that. He told me that he doesn't know what happened to him, but he wants to go and look for a [Relic]. I.... offered to help him in whatever way I can. I think he's.... going out to the main library later to research."
Yeah. I knew it already even before. I'm not surprised. Heck, I'm not even gonna cry anymore. I told myself I wasn't going to cry. I'm done with all this crying. I'm not gonna hold it all inside me anymore. I want to be more open with people than I usually am.
"...Thanks, sis. I think I'll.... follow him later...."
Later wasn't the right word for that moment. I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I looked to my left, and there he was. Rue came down the steps with his weapon and his bag, probably on his way to the library. He looked at our general direction, and waved at us.
"I beg your pardon, princess Maya. I'm off to the library. I'll see you later."
Maya stepped aside as Rue left. He passed by me. Directly in front of me. He said nothing, I said nothing. He seemed to have ignored me completely. He walked across my field of vision with mere inches between us. He didn't even make eye contact with me. My own eyes followed him as he walked before me. He moved in absolute silence. Before I knew it, he was already out the door. I felt like my heart was gonna pop that time. Damn. I'm such an idiot. I should have said something. I guess I was still kinda afraid that I'd say something stupid. As they say: 'First impressions last.'
"Hey.... aren't you...."
She didn't have to say it. I ran out of the door and chased after Rue, who was just a few meters from the palace gates. Now was the time I thought. I'll make my move now. I'm not gonna screw it up.
"Hey wait! Rue I- ugh!"
I tripped on a rock. Quite stupid of me actually. I saw that rock when I ran out, but still I fell on it. My mind was too preoccupied with him that I still wasn't able to avoid the stone. I fell face first into the dust just after I saw Rue turn around to look at me. I could feel my face getting flushed red from embarassment. This... really wasn't the 'First Impression' I had in mind. *sigh*
"Um.... are you alright?"
I got my face out of the sand and looked at him. He was staring at me, like I was some sort of museum piece. I quickly got up and faced him. I dusted myself off. I knew my face was still red like a tomato. I didn't want to see him like this.
"Yeah, I'm alright, hahaha. Don't worry about me."
Okay, I lied. My body wasn't hurt, but my pride was. I wondered what he'd think of me now. A silly klutz? Maybe. But hopefully not. There was an awkward silence just after I spoke. We just looked at each other. He broke the silence after a while, thankfully.
"You're.... Princess Mint, aren't you?"
"Huh? Uh... yeah I am. How did you know?"
"I... uh.... have no idea really. Haha. Um.... your sister told me about you, but she didn't show me a picture. I don't know. Somehow I thought she was you. Sounds silly... doesn't it? Please don't call me crazy or anything..."
"No you're not! Heck, sometimes it happens to me too!"
"Really? Gee.... thanks your highness. I didn't want the Royal Princess to think I was a crazy hobo or anything. As they say.... 'First impressions last.' Hahaha...."
We both stopped talking for a while. Another moment of weird silence came between us as our soft laughter faded. No matter how I tried, I still couldn't get myself to break the ice. He had to break the silence yet again.
"Wait! Ugh... where are my manners! I'm sorry your highness..."
He kneeled in front of me, heightening my embarassment even more.
"Get up will ya! Look, if it's just the two alone, you don't need to be so stiff and formal okay?"
I picked him up with a slight sigh.
"Well, since you put it that way.... okay, Mint."
"Now with that out of the way.... you were going to the library right about now, right?"
"Yeah I was. Your sister said I could use all the books I needed. She also said she'd help me in any way she can. She's really nice, you know."
"I.... know. Anyway.... you also have my full support. So...um.... can I go with you?"
I asked him sheepishly. I didn't know how he'd react.
"Really? I'd be honored and.....thank you."
We began to walk down the hill that led into town. So far, things were going very smoothly. I was confident I wouldn't do anything stupid. I was walking slightly behind him to his right, and I couldn't help but look at him with smile. I was happy. It was definitely him. The walk, the talk and the attitude was all classic Rue. He still had his charming, down to earth personality, and nothing about it changed even under Graythorne's control. He continued to wear the same thing he used to wear when we were together. While we strolled serenely into town, it seemed like nothing's changed. But.... a whole lot of things did change. I can't pretend that it'd be just like before. I can't take this for granted. If I believed that nothing has changed, it will all once again be useless.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
"Huh? Oh, no no. Haha. I'm sorry."
He smiled at me. He gave me a warm, endearing smile. The same smile he gave me before, one I would never forget.
We began to talk about ourselves. Come to think of it, we never did talk a lot about ourselves back then. We talked about our likes and dislikes, our dreams, personalities etc. I was off to a good start. I told him about my true self, none of those egotistic, self-centered bratty things that I was never supposed to be. We chatted and chatted non-stop until we got to town. There, we headed straight for the royal library by the town square. I looked around as we sat by the fountain, resting from our walk. Thank goodness the town was still alright. Who would have known that mere days ago people were afraid for their lives in coming out to town. When they brought me back, the entire place was a ghost town. Then just yesterday it was utter chaos as we retook the town. Now, it's still somewhat chaotic, but in a good way. The citizens plyed the streets talking and shopping. The vendors paraded their wares and slashing prices here and there. The children played ecstatically, finally being let out of their homes. The perfect world, as it seemed. Sometimes I hoped these days would last forever. Of course.... with Rue by my side. There's be no way I'd enjoy life without his cheery smile by my side.
Finally rested, we got up and headed for the library just a few blocks away. The people who saw him were rather uneasy at seeing him, but were respectful enough not to say a word. Yesterday we announced the truth about what happened to rue, and the people were very understanding. Still, you can't easily the expunge from their hearts the fear and suspicion that Rue indirectly caused upon them. It's sad, but the human heart can't easily forgive and forget.
We entered the rather grand looking library which was somewhat empty. Rue approached the clerk, and ventured into the great halls looking for anything he can find about the [Relic]s of the world. I tried to talk to him, but he was too preoccupied. I decided to sit in the center of the room, and clamly waited for him to finish.
"Hmm.... maybe this book can do."
Rue shuffled around the library like a kid on sugar high. He ran around collecting books, and toppling others in the process. I went to the shelves and decided to put back the books he dropped. While I was putting the books back, I couldn't help but think of now. Rue looked so determined to find anything about a [Relic]. Just like the past, I knew he wouldn't give up anywhere until he finds one. I wanted to help him. I really did. I don't want to be extra baggage in his quest. I'm gonna help him find a [Relic]. Not for me, but for him. And for Claire.
"Mint? I'm done."
I found myself staring into the book I was holding. I didn't realize I was just staring at it in a blind trance. I only snapped from daydream when Rue called out to me. He was done, he said. I guess it was time to go. Rue had collected almost fifty books while he searched, much too much for both of us too carry. I instructed the librarian to have the books delivered to the castle later. Me and Rue casually strolled out of the library.
The sky was a deep orange. Sunset in the late afternoon. We saw the people scurrying home back to their families for dinner. Shopkeepers began closing for the night. Both of us were virtually alone in town. Within minutes almost no one was about. The silence was deafening. I wanted to go back to the castle immediately. However, it seemed Rue had another thing in mind...
"Mint.... uh..."
I looked at Rue. He was blushing as the nervous tone in his voice grew.
"Could we... uh... go to the park? I.... need to tell you something...."
Something? I wondered what he was talking about. Considering that he.... uh... barely knew me, I didn't think he had something secretive to say. Still, if it's important to him, I had to oblige. Morever, I really wanted to know what he had to say. I curious. Maybe.... just maybe....
Nah. No way. It couldn't be 'that'.
We strolled to the park which, ironically, was somewhat populated by couples making out in public. They didn't even seem to notice us coming into the park with them in our full view. They were too... 'involved' in what they were doing. The sight kinda sickened me. Well... actually.... they kinda made me jealous. Seeing them all lovey-dovey made me really, really jealous. Showing affection to the one they loved and not feeling ashamed or embarassed about it. I never told anyone about this, but for the past 8 months I couldn't seem to stand the sight of people holding hands, making out etc. Those sights just... just burned holes in my heart. Sometimes when I walk around towns, when I see sights like that I just close my eyes in public, desperately trying to think about other things. I didn't want anything more than to be in their shoes, holding hands with the one I love. But.... I did lose him because of my masquerade. I really had no right to feel jealousy.
We walked to the waterside, staring at the setting sun. Rue leaned against the railing and stared into space. He looked deep in thought. I didn't want to bother him so I just looked at the horizon myself. After a little while, he spoke.
"Mint I'm.... sorry I didn't greet you when I came down the stairs. I was...."
"No.... it's okay. You.... have nothing to be sorry about."
"But.... the reason that I..... didn't greet you was.... about you."
About me? What did he mean?
"....Me?"
"You see.... um.... When I saw you as I came down the stairs, for some reason I.... somehow recognized you..."
He recognized me? My God.....? Could... it be? My heart jumped into my throat that instant. I felt like I was gonna suffocate at what I heard. My mind was utterly and completely dominated by hundereds of possibilities at what he had said. I.... didn't know what to say or even think. I was shocked beyond belief.
"When I saw you.... my heart felt like bursting. I didn't know what I was feeling. I was confused. The more I came closer, the more my heart felt like it was it was reaching its limit. That's why.... I said nothing. I.... wanted to understand what I was feeling.
"....."
"After Claire was killed, I passed out. I could remember nothing after that. Then, I found myslef in your castle. Still.... when I saw you.... I felt like I've known you for so long. I don't know why but....."
"....."
"Hahaha. I'm rambling like a silly loon. I.... we should get going."
"Rue I...."
He looked at me, turned to his left and walked away.... back to the castle.
My tongue was twisted again. Whenever my time came, my mouth freezes like an ice block. I could never find the words to say nor the courage to say it. My mouth rebels against my mind sometimes, and I hate it for it. I could never depend on it too much. I relied so much on words....
It was time for action. This was the moment! The setting sun, the romantic park, the confession, the open hearts.... this was it. The moment I've been waiting for. The time was perfect. I had to do it now. I may not have a chance anymore. It must be done. Not with words.... but with action. Sometimes.... a simple gesture is worth far more than themost beautiful love letter. More beautiful than a serenade. More beautiful than song. More beautiful than a red-laced box of chocolates. Words can never properly justify an act. Countless words are limited in their essence, but one act of affection can convey thousands of heartfelt things. I had to do it.... now....
I hugged him from behind.
I threw my arms around his waist and placed my head on his muscular back. We didn't budge an inch. I hugged tightly while listening to the beautiful, rythmic beat of his heart. He may be a doll.... but he has a heart more human and more loving than anybody I have ever met. I wanted to give my heart to him, and I felt this was the only way. I was in pure ecstacy. I fantasized about this day everyday of my life since then. I would have wanted nothing more than this.
He placed his hand on mine as I felt his heratbeat go faster. I began to cry like I was never gonna see him again, like this was our last moment together. I cried like a mother whos baby was going to be taken away from her. Like a boy who had his toys stolen. Like a girl who couldn't get her favorite doll. Like the elderly who are sent by their family to a retirement home. I didn't want to lose him. But I was afraid how he'd react.....
"Mint I...."
He broke off. He uncoupled my hand on his waist, and moved away. I was shocked at his action, but it made me more determined not to let him go. This time, I'll do something.... I've always wanted....
I held his hand.
My fingers interlocked with his as I averted my gaze to the floor, with him at the corner of my eye. My face was flushed with a deep red, like lava was gonna pour out of my ears. I squeezed his hand gently. Somehow, the world became silent. I felt like it was only the two of us in the park. Not a single noise could be heard other than the loud thumping of our hearts. I looked up to him. His face was also flushed. We didn't say anything. I let actions speak for me. At that point in time, I knew he was mine, and I was his. Our worlds were now one. Our souls were now one. Our hearts were now one. Because....
He held my hand.
He closed his hand and gripped me gently. I, too, closed my hand and held him gently. We gazed slightly at each other and we, as if we read each other's minds, both walked off.
And that's how we were. Hand in hand. Heart in heart. Love in love, as we walked back to the castle. To out new relationship. To our new future. To our new world.
THE END.
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And..... there you have it. Mind you that the last part never happened to me *sob*, but it might.... soon. And that's why making the last part was so hard. I might fix it up when I have the time (or experience). Anyway, I might make a sequel, so keep your fingers crossed!
And that.... as they say.... is that.