Once Upon a Dream - Joseph x Reader

[ Forgotten Memories - 2 ]

Ever since the first day we have met, we both have sneaked off to the forest where we first met. For the next month, everyday around the same time when the sun would rise we would hurry to see each other. During each of our visits we would spend hours alongside each other.

Although we met everyday, we did different things everyday. There was never a moment where I felt bored to be by his side. We would often be by the tree alongside the lake. Most days I lay my head on his lap while he tells me tales from books that he has read, other times he has brought books and has taught me to read. Each day was like a new adventure.

Spending time with him and just alone being by his side made me realize how happy and loved he made me feel. He was unlike anyone I have ever met. He has the looks of a porcelain doll that is very fragile and elegant. However, contrary to his looks he is prideful and arrogant, but as you get to know him better, he lets his guard down and shows that he is truly an emotional person...

However, our routine of meeting every day would soon come to an end... As the month was soon to end, protests started because the conditions continued to get worse as no actions were being taken. Many went hungry as there was a lack of food and harvests were poor. Aristocrats did not care for us peasants, they only cared for their own well being...

With the tensions that started to corrode our society, it was becoming harder to meet with one another every day. We decided to limit our meetings to once every week. In order to keep my mind busy while waiting for the day to meet again with him, I picked up a new hobby. It helped keep me at ease as well as motivated me, with the goal to be able to make ends meet. Each day without him by my side made me realize how much I loved him dearly. It was heart wrenching to see him less and less, it made me feel as if each visit was a goodbye for good.
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A week has passed since our last visit, tension has continued to rise, many grew impatient as the situation remained the same. I had a gut feeling that something bad would happen soon...

As the time for our meeting was arriving, I began to get ready. I brushed my hair and put on my simple white dress, it had a squared neckline, adorned with simple white ruffled lace. The sleeves were elbow length and fit loosely. The bottom had a white ribbon lined at the bottom. I grabbed my white and light blue poke bonnet as I rushed out the door. I was overjoyed to be able to see him once more. Every time I saw him, it was like I saw him for the first time...

When I arrived at the forest at our spot, he was already there, laying against the tree reading a book. As I was walking up to him he noticed me and stood up. He set the book down and walked over to me. I smiled as he took my right hand and gave it a soft peck. He gave me a look of happiness and said "ma chéri, I have longed to see you once more. Time has passed by slowly without you by my side". I was flattered by what he just said, I blushed and said "Me too," and flashed him a soft smile.

He motioned for us to sit down on the tree, and I sat myself down, he sat next to me with our legs touching. He grabbed both of my hands and said "ma chéri, I have some bad news that will change the fate of our lives". As he began to tell me the heartbreaking news, all I could do is give him looks of worry and sadness. A rule for terror was called upon. As the working class could no longer bear to suffer for the rich, such rule for terror was not to be taken lightly. I started to become frightened and put my head on his shoulder.

Tears began to drop from my eyes. I knew that it was a matter of time before the situation would escalate. I felt his hand on my chin as he lifted my face to meet his, he too was crying. His hands were now in his lap as I grabbed both of his hands and stroked them with my thumbs. I gave him a reassuring smile and said "mon chéri, Everything will be okay". I lifted his hands and gave them a small peck.
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Months had passed as our meetings continued, however there were times where he was unable to come at all. We met less and less and each time he did not come, I worried for his life.

I had now arrived at our spot earlier than most days. I wanted to take a break and relax from all the commotion. Fear plagued my life as I never knew if I would live another day. As I laid against the tree I recalled the first time me and my love first met. The stress has been weighing me down and I began to fall asleep.

I was awakened by him, he had a look of panic and tears streamed down his face. I quickly woke up and said "mon chéri, what's wrong!?". He looked at the ground as he said "My parents are forcing me to leave France and move away at sundown to flee the new rule of terror".

I was taken back by what he just said! He was going to leave France!? I knew that the uprising tension would soon escalate, but never to this extent... Tears streamed down my face and I said "No! this can't be possible". I grabbed him by his collar and asked him if this was true. He wrapped his arms around my waist, embracing me. He then said "Ma amour, I'm sorry, but this is the way things will end... If I stay here any longer I may be executed".

I knew that letting him go was the best option, I would rather let him go than have him be executed because of me, it would be a selfish choice to let him die for my sake.

Faint sounds of people chanting filled the air, a "traitor" must have been found. I knew it was for the best to let him go... I looked at him and said "Please go, it would not be safe for you to depart if you don't leave at this moment". He seemed scared and disheartened. It pained me to see him this way, but it was for his well being.

He embraced me one last time, giving me a tight hug. I hugged him back as well, the moment seemed to last forever, I told him "I will miss you dearly, please never forget me". He let me go and said "How could I ever forget you?". I fiddled around and grabbed a pair of gloves from my scissors clip. I grabbed the gloves and put it in his hand and I said, "Please accept these gloves as a gift, something to remember me by".

Such an endearing moment, he had a smile that seemed genuine... It was heart wrenching, as much as I wanted him to stay with all my heart, it was finally time to say goodbye. With a heavy heart I said "Please go, I don't want you to get caught". He grabbed my left hand and gave it a soft peck. I felt tears drop on my hand. With a shaky voice he said, "Ma chéri, I have always cherished each day by your side and even without your presence you are always in my mind. I must confess that I have grown very fond of you.. so much so to even say that I love you dearly. I know it is selfish to ask you this, but please wait for my return. Once the tension is relieved I will look for you. Please accept this gift, ma amour". He looked at my face once more and asked, "Ma amour, I know this is indecent to ask because of customs, but may I kiss you?". I felt tears stream down my face and my I opened my mouth, but I was unable to say anything. I nodded my head and gave him a soft smile. He leaned in and gave me a kiss on the lips. He pulled away and gave me a box.

He turned his back to me and said "I'm sorry I just go...never forget me". He began to run away and I was still unable to say any words and my mouth was agape. I mustered up the courage to yell "I love you too, I will wait for you!". I was unable to see him anymore, I feared that he did not hear me. I looked down at my hand and opened the small box, inside was a golden wedding ring with a gemstone.

My knees buckled and my strength disappeared at that very moment. I held the box close to my heart, clasping it securely as I ran home to safety. As I arrived I ran inside my house and ran into my room. I lay on my bed as my tears flooded, I tried to keep my composure the best I could, but I knew I would never be able to forget him or his memory. I held the small box against my chest and tried my best to fall asleep. I know that I will reunite with him once more...