Ophélie

Part 16

*** Authors Note:  I recommend that you listen to Ellie Goulding, How Long Will I Love You (https://open.spotify.com/track/3X003bO0MMxXEsJJxidiig?si=36735fac04984165) while reading the first bit of this part! Enjoy!***

The next morning I wake up and roll over to find Charles' side of the bed empty. I check the clock, it's almost nine. I climb out of bed and pull on my robe, and run my hands through my hair so it looks less like a bird's nest. I open the bedroom door and I can hear the sound of the piano drifting peacefully through the house. I go downstairs and see Charles sitting at the piano, focusing on his hands. I walk up to him and run my hands up his back before placing a kiss on his head. He turns to look at me, then slides over on the stool so that I can sit next to him. I lean my head on his shoulder as he finishes the song he's playing. When he's done he drops his hands and looks at me.

"That's beautiful." I smile at him. "Who is it?"

"I wrote it myself," he says quietly.

I smile again. "It's really beautiful, Charlsie."

"Merci Ophy-fille." he kisses the top of my head. "Will you sing for me?"

I laugh. "I don't know that song."

He shakes his head. "Not that one. This one."

He starts playing again and I immediately recognize the song.

Charles starts, a little off key. "How long will I love you? As long as stars are above you. And longer if I can." he nudges me with his shoulder, and I put my hands onto the piano and start playing with him, singing softly.

"How long will I need you? As long as the seasons need to follow their plan. How long will I be with you? As long as the sea is bound to wash upon the sand."

We play together and I sing for him, in that moment forgetting where we are. It's just Charles, me and this piano.

I sing the last line of the song. "How long will I love you? As long as stars are above you."

I move my hands off of the piano and look up at Charles who is looking at me with so much love in his eyes I can feel my heart about to explode.

"C'était tellement beau Ophélie. J'aime quand tu chantes." He whispers, putting his hand on my cheek and leaning in for a kiss. (C'était tellement beau Ophélie. J'aime quand tu chantes. = That was so beautiful Ophelia. I love it when you sing.)

Before his lips can reach mine we hear clapping behind us. I jump and turn around, and Arthur and Lando are sitting on the stools behind us. I blush, hiding my face in Charles' neck. He wraps his arm around me and I can feel the shaking of his body from his chuckling.

"That was incredible." Lando says, he comes and stands next to us, putting his hand on our shoulders.

I just want to shrug it off, but I stop the urge to do it, so that I don't make a scene.

"See, I told you it was Ophélie singing! She's amazing." Arthur beams, pushing Lando away from us and pulling me into a side hug, my head against his stomach.

"Thanks guys." I whisper, I can still feel the blush on my cheeks.

They ask me to sing another one but I refuse, and after a bit of back and forth, Arthur and Lando disappear into the living room, and Charles and I head upstairs to get ready for the day.

In the room Charles shuts the door behind me and then pushes me up against the wall, his one hand on my hip, the other on the back of my neck, tangled in my hair. He captures my lips in his and kisses me passionately, his body pressed against me. My hands go to his hair and I tug gently, kissing me deeply.