One and Only (Corpse Bride fanfic; Victor x Emily)

chapter nine

...

I was strolling through the market with my parents, taking in what the common people were selling. I stumbled onto a flower-selling stall. It made me think of Victoria. I selected a tiny arrangement of baby breath. This would be nice for her. I caught sight of a bunch of sky blue carnations out of the corner of my eye. These would be adored by Emily. Picking up the carnations, I grinned to myself as I thought back on our interactions.

"Are those for your wife?" Snapping out of my thoughts of Emily, the civilian asked me.

"Uh-um... My... My good... Friend would love these ones instead." I moved the carnations aside and grabbed the baby breath. After making the flower payment, I left to find my folks.

...

It was Sunday, and that meant meeting with Victoria. Before leaving my room, I combed my hair. My mother gave me a final hug before sending me to the Everglots' home. I wasn't nervous this time around. I was kind of at ease and relaxed. I climbed the stairs and rang the doorbell. I had brought flowers from the market.

"Hail Victor Van Dort!" As he lets me in, the butler shouted. Mrs. Miriam was waiting with Victoria. Victoria's hair was pulled back into a bun while she wore a dark purple velvet daygown. She had very dazzling jewelry. Victoria appears... a little strange.

"Victor, do you like Miss. Victoria's walking gown?" Mrs. Miriam gestured to Victoria, who appeared to be posing for me. I looked at Victoria's unusual garments and felt mortified.

"It's..." Eventually, I lied and said, "Creative," as I was at a loss for words. That's not what Mrs. Miriam was expecting me to say, based on my observations. With a little giggle, Victoria approaches me.

"I got you flowers from the market." I hand Victoria her flowers. Victoria accepts the flowers from me and inhaled deeply of the blooms.

"Mother said--" Realizing she was quoting her mother, Victoria stops herself from speaking, "Thank you. I was told that these flowers hold purity and love." She smiled at me, and I returned hers. Turning to face her butler, Victoria requested him to arrange the flowers in a vase.

"Shall we?" Mrs. Miriam unlocked the door for us, and we began walking out the door to take our stroll.

...

Our avocations were discussed. I learned that Victoria enjoys playing chess and knitting. She believed that I like playing baseball and tennis. She was shocked to realize that I enjoy researching about bugs and that I like to listen to music. Mrs. Miriam never discovered her interests because she spent her childhood serving the Everglots, but she does enjoy reading at night. Mrs. Miriam was a mother and a widow. Her decision to forgo having another child was prompted by the death of her firstborn. I heard someone shout near the river as I was strolling. When my head turned to look, Emily was there. She was pulled into the river by the children, and she tumbled in, becoming drenched from head to toe.

"Now you've done it!" Laughing, Emily rose to her feet, her figure embraced by her pastel floral gown. The kids laugh as they run away from her and she proceeds to splash them. Victoria tugged on my jacket.

"Why are you staring at the mother and her children?" Victoria asked, her gaze drawn to Emily and the youngsters.

"We shall join them." Victoria's countenance became baffled, and she shook her head.

"Mrs. Miriam and mother would not approve. I'm wearing such an finery gown." Feeling dejected, I nodded in agreement with Victoria.

"Perhaps you are right, we shouldn't play in the water." We went away from the river, and I caught a glimpse of Emily and the children. She exuded delight and enjoyment. She had me a little jealous.

...

Mrs. Miriam was in front of us when we entered the town, and as we did, water shot into the street, knocking Mrs. Miriam off her feet. The abrupt scene startled both Victoria and me. Victoria had dragged me away just as I was about to help Mrs. Miriam. She bolted and dragged me after her. We immediately took cover in the alleyway and behind a corner. Victoria looked out to make sure we were being followed by Mrs. Miriam. She exhaled a breath of relief.

"Victoria--"

"Oh Victor! I long a time with you alone and at last, we are." Victoria interrupts me, lays her hands on my chest, and I remain motionless, utterly confused about what's happening. Victoria pushed her lips to mine, closing the space between us. I stood entirely stunned, unable to move.

"Our first kiss." Victoria rested her head against my chest. I found Victoria repulsive for some reason. Her removal from me was what I wanted. I was at a loss for words when it came to telling her. I pretended to cough and grasped her shoulders to take her off my chest when I got up the nerve to speak.

"We have to go back to Mrs. Miriam or else we will be lectured by your mother once again."

"You are so kind. Always looking out for me." With a smile, Victoria grasped my hand but I quickly removed my hand. I moved on to assist Mrs. Miriam. Why did I respond in that way? Having Victoria kiss me should make me happy. What is the matter with me? I noticed Mrs. Miriam receiving support from kind strangers. I hurried to her side and expressed my regret for not helping. Victoria arrived to help, but when she returned to us, her cheeks were crimson.

...

Mrs. Everglots was lecturing us, and I was standing with my head lowered alongside Victoria. This time, I was upset at Victoria for being such a mischievous person. Punishment for something I didn't do wasn't warranted. I was dragged away; I did not flee.

"If you cannot follow the rules, you shall not see each other!" The loud, thunderous yell of Mrs. Everglot reverberated through their house's hallways. Shame filled me. I turned to face Mrs. Miriam, who appeared contrite about having to inform Mrs. Everglots.

"You mustn't see each other for a month and that is finale!" Victoria gasped and pleaded her mother to reconsider, but she refused to change her decision. As soon as I go out the door after Mr. Everglot instructs me to go, Victoria grabs me.

"Wait Victor! Please you have to--"

"We should listen to your mother. Perhaps we do need space from each other." I told her, Victoria's eyes welled up with tears. Mrs. Miriam restrained Victoria, I turned my head away. Now that my carriage has arrived, I bid the Everglots farewell and get into it. I don't see our tryst appointment being like this. Although I felt bad for Victoria, I was unable to pardon her for the penalty.

...