The Cursed Lake

I stood behind a pine tree, just close enough that I could see Peter, but far enough that he wouldn't hear me. I watched as Peter cut through the trunk of a tree on his work bench, his eyes were furrowed in concentration. He used his free hand to brush his dark hair away from his eyes. I loved watching Peter work, he was a hard and honest worker. Unlike my farther and other men closer in town, who cheat, scam and lie to make their money. I emerged from behind the tree when no one was looking and wrapped my arms around Peter. I felt his muscular body tense in my grip and he spun around almost immediately. His brown eyes softened once they met mine. 'Surprise.' I said happily and let go of him, but keeping myself pressed against his body. 'You're always a nice surprise.' He replied, his raspy voice cracking on the last word which made me smile. I grabbed the sword off his bench and positioned myself as if I was challenging him to a duel.  Peter looked concerned. 'Put that back.'  'What you think a girl can't fight?' I asked with a smirk, as I swirled the sword around in the air.  'No that's not true, Alice.' He said. But I couldn't help but wonder if maybe he didn't think I could?  Peter lunged at me, holding me in a head lock and grabbing my hand in the sword with it. 'I just think you have a lot of work.' He whispered in my ear and pulled the sword out of my hand slowly. I gulped hard under his grip and after a moment squeezed myself out of it. 'No fair you always win.' I groaned, following after Peter as he began to walk through the woods. 'That's because i've had more practice than you.' 'So teach me! I want to learn, I don't care i'm a girl. I want to learn.'  Peter sighed. 'What about your arranged marriage? I'm certain he wouldn't appreciate me teaching his wife to fight.' My heart sank, I didn't know how Peter had been told then news. I wanted to keep it from him. 'He doesn't come into town for another few months.' I explained. Peter's jaw clenched. 'It's not just that. It's the fact you didn't tell me. I had to find out from your mother.' My mother. Of course. She had been trying to sabotage mine and Peter's romance since the beginning. 'I wanted to tell you I just didn't know when.'  Peter stopped in his tracks, now facing me. He lifted up one hand, bringing it up to my face and stroking it.  'I can't offer you what he can. I want you to be able to have everything.' I grabbed his hand. 'Peter you give me more the amount of happiness than anyone ever had.' He frowned. 'I'm not sure that's enough.'  He continued walking away, without waiting for me to catch-up. Was this his goodbye? I stood there, almost unable to move. Unable to think, if I had lost Peter I wasn't sure what I would do. I made my way out of the forest and back to the village, everyone was out packing up their stores as the sun began to set. I walked along the stone path to my house, dusting off my dress as I did so, so my mother didn't know I had been in the forest with Peter. Once I got inside, I made my way into the dining area, where food was being served. 'Just in time.' My dad stated with a grin as he sat at the head of the table. I cleared my throat and took my seat at the table, I could feel my mother's eyes on me. 'Sorry I was out with Annie.' I lied, shuffling uncomfortably in my spot. I knew I had gotten away with my lie when it comes to my farther, he's rather oblivious. However, my mother? I wasn't so for sure. Especially by the way she scanned my face the whole dinner. 'So.' My mother finally said as our table was cleared by our maids. 'The dance is tomorrow evening.What do you plan on wearing?' 'The same one I wore last year, the one with the buttons-' Before I could finish she cut me off, her eyes wide with shock. 'Oh no. I don't mean to be rude but you're a woman now not a girl. Buttons are unacceptable, I will have one of the maids fetch you up something.' I nodded and excused myself from the table, entering the west wing of the house where my bedroom was. Muttering to myself as I did so. Who does she think she is? Why can't I just wear what I want to? This is ridiculous.  I paced up and down my room, running my fingers through my knotted long blond hair. I had worked myself up there was no way I would be able to sleep now. There's no use in weeping, Though we are condemned to part: There's such thing as keeping A remembrance in one's heart: There's such a thing as dwelling  On the thought ourselves have nurs'd, And with scorn and with courage telling The world to do its worst We'll not let let its follies grieve us, We'll just take them as they come: And then everyday will leave us A merry laugh for home. We can burst the bonds that chain us, Which cold hands have wrought, And where shall dare restrain us We can meet again, in thought. So there's no use in weeping, Bear a cheerful spirit still; Never doubt that fate is keeping  Future good for present ill! Charlotte Bronte