Beloved

Chapter Three

After begging Bethany for the better part of my hair and nail appointment to let me get ready anywhere other than the drafty castle, she finally agreed and took me to her home that she shared with Murphy.

Complete with about twenty house plants in the living room and kitchen alone, their home was beautiful, like just about everything else here. The entire house was furnished entirely with antiques, from at least a hundred years ago. Most everything was made of a rich cherry wood;the coffee table, end tables, kitchen table, and every single chair in the entire house. The antique wood theme carried through to the bedroom where there was a large Hawaiian king bed made entirely of cherry wood. It seemed to be hand crafted and as I look at the intricate design on the headboard I noticed Bethany's and Murphy's initials.

“Murphy has been a carpenter since he was old enough to join his father in the wood shop.” Bethany explained. “He handcrafted almost everything in our home. The bed was a wedding present.” She said with a smile as she sat down on the splendid quilted bedspread.

I couldn't help but notice all the photos of the two hanging around the room. There were photos of them in front of the Eiffel Tower, The Great Wall, the Coliseum, in Machu Pichu and many more. They had traveled all over the world, it seemed.

“Wow!” I breathed. “Is there anywhere you two haven't been?” Bethany laughed as she said, “Actually, yes. We've been saving the best for last. We decided many years ago that when Winston found his Beloved we would all take a trip to the Taj Mahal together. Start packing.” She said with a wink. We both laughed and I realized how much I truly liked Bethany. Leaving her would be hard, I thought sadly.

The moment Bethany left the room so I could dress, I went to the window and began to pry it open. I could tell it was opened frequently, seeing as though it opened easily. I climbed out and made my way through the backyard, careful to avoid windows, for fear she might see me. Once I made it to the front of the house, I made my way down the street and took a left. This town was tiny so it wasn't hard to find my way to the small airport and it didn't take me long at all. I walked in the only door and went straight to the ticket counter and asked for a ticket to London, leaving as soon as possible. I was shocked to learn there was a flight leaving in approximately thirteen minutes. I paid for my ticket with the credit card I always kept stashed in my shirt, even while sleeping and ran to my gate. There were only two gates and one seemed to be used for private planes only. I handed the lady my ticket and boarded the plane without another look back.

I made my way to my seat and looked around at the empty plane. There were three people seated in the back, huddled together, speaking quietly. Besides them, I was the only other person on this small plane. There was only one seat per aisle, twelve seats total, so I knew this would be a bit of a bumpy ride, but if it got me back to my normal life, it would be well worth it. Only when the plane started to roll away did I dare to exhale the breath I had been holding in for some time.

I fastened my seat belt and leaned my seat back, proud of myself for managing to escape such a horrific future. I mean, in what world would it be okay to kidnap someone and force them to love you? What kind of love is that? I would rather spend my life utterly alone than be forced to love someone and be somewhere I didn't want to be.

The flight attendant rolled a small cart to me and handed me a water as I asked how long the flight would be. I was surprised to learn that it would only be about seven hours. We were a lot closer than I thought. As I pondered this new information, the pilot came over the intercom to announce that there had been a problem and we would have to return. No, no, no, no, no, no! I screamed silently. Please, God, don't let it be Winston. I pleaded.

We landed and pulled back into the terminal and I seriously considered hiding in the bathroom, but ultimately I decided to save what bit of dignity remained and go out like a champ. There would be other chances to escape, I was sure. I sat there with my eyes down, pretending to peruse the Sky Mall magazine provided, and waited to take off again. I refused to believe that we had to return because of me.

When I heard someone walk up, stop by my seat, sigh, and say, “Really Cassetonia?” I had to admit that the jig was up. I looked up, defiantly and met his gaze as I replied with a simple, “I had to try.”

He squatted down next to me. “Please return with me Cass. Please give me a chance. Just give me one year to prove my love. If you still want to go back after you've given me a fair chance, I'll pay for your ticket home.” Winston said and he looked deeply into my green eyes. “Please.” He breathed.

“One month.” I replied curtly.

“One month is not enough. Give me six.” He bargained and as he placed his hand on my knee and I felt that electric shock run through me, I couldn't help but wonder how enigmatic a love affair with Winston would be.

“Fine. Six months. Then I'm going home.” I responded.

“But only if you give me a fair chance.” He said with a triumphant smile.

“Fine. Yes. I'll give you a chance. But don't look so smug. You haven't won yet.” I said defiantly as I stood from my seat and walked off the plane. Bethany was waiting for me with her arms folded across her chest looking rather angry with me. Her glare would frighten the largest man alive. I was not sorry though and I would not apologize. My freedom was very important to me and even if I had to lose an almost friend to get it back, it was a small price to pay.

Winston laced his arm through mine and led me to the car where we drove back to castle, which I had expected. He walked me all the way to my room and this time I counted every turn and every room we passed on the way.

Once in my room, I jotted down the directions out of the castle in the small notebook by the bed then ripped the page out and stuffed in under the mattress. I looked around the room for my dress for tonight and saw yet another of my favorites from my favorite boutique. The deep red, fitted, knee-length dress looked incredible on me in the store. The high neckline and long sleeves that flared at the wrist were the kind of timeless details I loved in a dress. I slid into the dress and the black pumps in the floor and desperately wished there was a mirror so I could admire the dress on my short, slender frame. My strawberry blonde hair had been curled to perfection earlier and I didn't dare to touch it for fear of messing it up. There was, however, a tube of lipstick on the nightstand, and even though my makeup had been done as well, I assumed my lips could use a touch up. As I applied the lipstick I began to truly understand how much effort had been put into this night. I sighed and decided if I was really going to go through with this, if I was really to give him an honest chance I would need a change of attitude. There would be time to escape later on, but for now I would be funny, sweet, charming self.

I opened the bedroom door to find Winston standing there in a black on black suit with a deep red straight tie to match my dress. His honey blonde hair was parted to side and combed back. It complimented his short sides and long top hairstyle perfectly. He was breathtakingly handsome and I observed him appreciatively, I noticed him doing the same. I smiled and offered my hand to him. “Shall we?” I said. He was noticeably taken aback by my seemingly sudden change of attitude, but nonetheless, he took my hand happily and began walking me down the long corridor.

“Is Bethany truly peeved at me?” I asked in an attempt to break the silence.

“Indeed she is.” He replied. “She thought the two of you were becoming fast friends. She feels betrayed.”

I sighed. “We were becoming friends. I like her very much, truly I do. I feel badly that it was on her watch that I did what I did. However, I will not apologize for it. Regardless, I will have to speak with her. I am certain I can make her understand my reasons.” I explained.

Winston pulled us both to a stop and turned to face me. I knew we were nowhere near the ballroom seeing as though we had only passed eighteen rooms out of fifty-eight and only made one turn, out of three. He stood there for a moment, staring deeply into my eyes and then out of nowhere, leaned down and kissed my cheek.

“Thank you for being so polished tonight.” He whispered.

“Er....you're welcome.” I replied still stunned from the shock his lips had left.

He started pulling me forward again and I realized how hard it might be to prevent myself from falling for him if I really did give him the chance I promised. I would have to consider this later tonight as I lay in bed. But not now. No. Now, I was going to dance and drink and have fun with people I didn't know but had shown up in my honor anyway. Tonight, I would celebrate my splendid accomplishment of graduating from such a prestigious college as Oxford University. It had taken a lot of effort and I deserved this night, even if it couldn't be spent with my best friend. I wondered what LeAnne was up to at that moment, as we descended the steps and rounded the corner to the large ballroom.

I looked around in awe at the all the twinkly lights and candles lit everywhere. There were bouquets of chrysanthemums on all the tables, rose petals on the floor, a large dance floor filled with couples, and an orchestra playing softly in the corner. “Oh...” I breathed. “Do you love it?” Winston asked. I met his gaze and said, “Yes Winston! It's absolutely perfect. This must have taken so long to plan and put together. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” I said in one breath and then, without thinking and without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged myself to him. I could tell he was surprised at the embrace, as was I. He returned the hug and when I let go, I could swear he was glowing. The smile on his face spoke volumes of his feelings and I caught myself wishing to see that smile forever.

I peeled myself away from him and began looking for Bethany. I needed to make amends seeing as she was my only friend in this strange place. I found her by the makeshift bar they had set up, ordering two glasses of moscotto. I stood next to her and ordered the same and she pretended not to notice me.

“Bethany,” I started as I placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned to me reluctantly. “please understand. I had to at least try. I couldn't go down without a fight. I've had much difficulty with coming to terms with my possible future and I apologize that I attempted an escape on your watch. I truly do wish to be your friend. I value you so much already. Please forgive me.” I finished with a small smile.

Bethany sighed and said, “You're lucky Winston told me to be nice to you tonight. I accept your apology tonight, Cassetonia but tomorrow we will discuss this further.”

“I'll take it!” I replied thankfully.

We took our wine and met up with Murphy and Winston as we laughed about how idiotic my escape had been. “In a town this small, how could you think no one would know where you had run off to?” She joked as we reached the men. I just smiled at her, sincerely joyous to have my friend back. Tomorrow she could scold me all she wanted but tonight we would have fun.

And fun we had. We got pissed and danced until our feet hurt, then took our heels off and danced some more. Winston was a delightful dancer and by the end of the night I had grown attached to the way his body felt pressed against mine. A photographer was there and we posed for many photos as people told us how well we accomplished each other.

As we neared the end of the night, Winston pulled me into a room of the side. He pulled the door closed behind him and switched the light on.

“I figured now would be a good time to show you how right everyone is about us complimenting each other so nicely.” He explained as he pulled me to a large, floor length mirror. As I gazed into it, I couldn't help but agree. We made a handsome couple, and that was putting it mildly. We complemented each other beautifully. It was difficult not to stare at our reflection but Winston was looking at me in such a way as every girls dreams a handsome man might one day. Our eyes met, but only for a moment, for I could not help but close my eyes as he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was soft and timid but the electricity that ran through my body was certainly not. It was the most magical moment of my life and it ended much too quickly. I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me. He looked absolutely ecstatic and for a moment, I thought maybe I could be happy