Falling In Grace

CHAPTER TWO

The gardens are beautiful. But, more so at night. Twinkling lights everywhere that melted into the night sky that was filled with millions of stars. The scents of the flowers intoxicating. Lillies, roses, lavender and peonies. The night air warm. Tonight there was a slight breeze making it even more lovely.

I stepped out onto the stone pathway. My heels clicking against it. Click, click, click.

I hated heels but loved that sound. I was still trying to break Leo's block. I wasn't having much luck.

"Damn, he's strong or really pissed off."

I thought to myself and as I turned the third corner past the garden path I saw him.

Leo was standing directly in the moonlight. His black suite looking like liquided ink against him. His hair almost looking white. He was looking very sullen.

"Great."

I took a deep breath and caught his scent. Sage, sandlewood and rosemary. Of all things. He still smelled very good. Again, I shook my head so the images of him didn't pop up again in my mind.

"Leo?" I asked tentatively, "Are you okay? You never block me out. Let alone run off without saying anything. It's very unlike you."

Leo shifted his weight and clasped his hands in front of him and let out a loud sigh. "Did your Mother tell you why?" asked Leo, still not looking at me.

"No. Emilia is going to find out for me. I am sure it's something horrid or -"

Leo laughed. Which surprised me and I took a step back. He heard my shoes click and probably thought I was running away from him because he finally turned around to face. He looked...sad.

"What?" I was starting to actually get annoyed with him. Sad looking or not.

The wind picked up again and this time I was directly in its wind path. My long, red hair and dress billowed all around me. My hair whipping all around my face. I didn't move though It'd pass soon enough.

Leo moved quickly and was directly in front of me in half a second. One hand on my waist and the other in my hair. I gasped. My knees slightly buckling at his touch. He has never touched me like this before. It was different.

"I am losing my mind."

"No, you're not." replied Leo softly.

He removed his wall.

I stared up at him as he was half a foot taller than me. Even with me in heels.

"I wish there was more time to explain things." He whispered.

"Explain what? Why are you whispering?" I asked. I could hear the hurt in my own voice.

Leo sighed dropping his hands as the wind stopped blowing around us.

"Grace." He said still whispering; "Speak to Emilia and see what she says about Everner first. Then I will speak more on the matter."

Now I was angry. I stepped back from him and he looked as if I had slapped him. My anger was rising quickly.

"No! Tell me now. This is insanity." I yelled at him my voice slightly cracking.

Leo looked at the ground.

"He's hiding something." I thought hurriedly.

"It's not my place. Things are happening or have happened that I can't speak on as of now." Leo calmly replied.

"Bullshit." I went to walk away again. Leo grabbed me by the wrist.

"Please, don't be angry at me just yet. Speak to Emilia first. Then find me in the ballroom after."

My eyes were throwing daggers at him.

"f**k you."

I yanked my hand away from him and stormed off. He didn't follow me or try to stop me.

Running as fast as I could in these damn heels and dress. My vision swimming because of the tears behind my eyes that wanted to come out.

He told me everything. Always. Why the secrets now? And why do I have to speak to Emilia first? Were they secretly seeing each other? Behind my back? Leo and I aren't together. Never have been. We're friends. Best friends. She's my sister. I love her. I want the best for him. Them. I want him to be happy. Them.

But why did it feel like my heart was shattering into a million pieces and now I can't breathe?

Everything suddenly went black.