𝐒𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮

Chapter 12

     Maria's POV:

     I slowly open the box. What did he get me? Hopefully, it is not something expensive, I would rather him not waste his money on me. I look inside the box. It is a necklace. I gently grab it by the chain and pull it out of the box.

     Wait no. It is actually a silver locket in the shape of a circle. I set the box down by my feet, not taking my eyes off of the locket. I brought it closer to my face once I noticed something engraved on it.

                                        "To remember

                                         that your family,

                                         new and old,

                                         are always with you,

                                         as each year goes by.

                                         Happy Birthday, Maria.

                                         Your best friend,

                                         Robin"

     I ran my thumb over the words, as I felt tears already starting to form in my eyes.

     I notice in the corner of my eye, that Robin starting to tense up. "Oh no, I am so sorry Princess I did not mean to make you cry or offend you. I am sure I could do something with it and get you something else for you." Robin hurriedly said and he tried to take it out of my hands but I held it back, closer to me.

     "Robin," I laughed, "first of all, I have not started crying just yet and two I am happy and thankful for it, now let me see what is on the inside, you bird brain!" Robin had a look of relief and immediately relaxed.

     I gently opened the locket and on one side there was a picture of Ms. Heliotrope, my dad, a woman, and me. I could not have been older than one. I looked closer at the woman. She looked familiar. Who is she?

     Robin must have noticed my confusion because he said, "That is your mother, Princess. I had to travel to London to find that picture." Now I really was trying to hold back my tears. "She is beautiful and looks a lot like you. She has the same hair color as you and looking at the picture she is as petite as you." Robin said with a laugh and I could not help but let out a giggle as well.

     Then I looked at the other picture. It was a picture taken not so long ago. In it were Ms. Heliotrope, Digweed, Marmaduke, Loveday, Uncle Benjamin, Periwinkle, Serina, Wiggins, Coeur de Noir, Robin (along with his friends), and I. The picture was taken outside in the garden. It was taken to show that the two families were finally united after decades of hatred and pride.

     I could not stop my wide smile as I looked at it and when I looked up at Robin. This is the best gift I have ever gotten.

     "Oh Robin, it is wonderful, I love it so much. Thank you. You did not have to do all this, it is far too much! And you went all the way to London to get this picture, you should not have."

     "Technically, I went all around London not knowing where to find the picture and not knowing if there was any picture that held you as well as your parents and Ms. Heliotrope. I also had to go all around Moonacre to find the perfect chain, locate it, and get a copy of that picture we took a while ago. Then I had to put all the pieces together and find the perfect-sized box and nice-looking wrapping paper. But it was all worth it because it made you smile. You deserve anything that makes you smile and much more. Turn around, I want to put it on you."

     I gave him the locket and slowly lifted my hair up so he could easily put it on. I let one tear of happiness fall as I did this. I don't think I've ever felt this happy and grateful before. He put the locket around my neck. I held my breath when I felt his fingers lightly touch the back of my neck but also when I felt his breath there as well. He clipped the locket closed and I let go of my hair then turned around.

     Robin was standing in front of me, there was a look in his eyes that I could not decipher. I ignored my curiosity and quickly wrapped my small arms around his torso. He tensed up for a moment then relaxed and wrapped his arms around me. The side of my face rested on his chest. The top of my head just barely reached his shoulder. He rested his chin on my head.

     When he touches me it sends sparks into my skin. Like one touch and something in my skin explodes. But this isn't just one touch, we are hugging each other closely. A whole explosion of fireworks is going on in me but not only that I'm feeling. It feels as if a hundred butterflies are flying around in my stomach.

     "Thank you, Robin. You have no idea how much this lockate means to me." I said softly, my voice filled with emotion, giving him a little squeeze.

     "You're welcome, Princess." He spoke letting out a breath of air.

     We stayed standing like that, lost in our little world and I didn't ever want to leave the comfort of his arms. That was until Wiggins let out a small bark, which brought us back to reality. Then I gained some sense. We quickly let go of each other. I felt my cheek start burning. I can already hear Ms.Heliotrope lecturing me on how that was a completely improper and forward thing to do.

     Robin cleared his throat, looking everywhere but at me, and said, "I think it's about time to head to the manor. We are probably already running a little late."

     "O-okay," I say still being affected by the butterflies while the fireworks did stop when he stopped touching me. 

     I bent down and picked up Wiggins while Robin grabbed and put back anything that had fallen to the floor.

     We walked side by side towards the manor in silence. It was a slightly awkward silence but I tried to pretend that it wasn't and that I wasn't still flustered. I couldn't help but look down at my locket every few seconds and smile down at it.

     When we got closer to the manor I couldn't help but realize that there was what sounded like many people were talking all at once. Then there was a loud whistle and the chatter stopped. I looked up at Robin and saw him shaking his head with the corners of his mouth turning up.

     He didn't look curious or surprised at what I had just heard, so I started walking faster with Wiggins squirming in my arms. I reached the door with Robin behind me. He was leaning against the wall with a smug smile. What's going on? I wondered.