The Music of the Night

Chapter 31

The day slowly passed by since Ellie didn't feel like doing much, but Gerard kept her entertained with his humor and kindness. 

At one point, Carol came to check on them, and Gerard was the perfect gentleman to her, even kissing the back of her hand out of sheer politeness. 

Ellie didn't think she had ever seen her mom blush so hard, and it was obvious that she had fallen for his charisma as much as she had.

When they were out of earshot, her mom leaned forward and whispered, "He's a keeper."

Ellie rolled her eyes playfully. 

"You better not steal him from me," she chuckled. "Dad would be pretty upset."

Carol patted her shoulder and said, "I'm only complimenting how amazing Gerard is. You're lucky to have someone who cares about you so much."

"I know," she nodded, glancing over her shoulder at him. "I don't deserve such a kind, loving man like him."

Carol suddenly turned her daughter's head around and looked her directly in the eyes. 

"Yes, you do," she firmly nodded. "You may not think of yourself highly, but you are special, and that's why he loves you. I couldn't be more proud of you, my lotus."

Tears formed in Ellie's eyes at the heartwarming nickname she had given her as a child, and she hugged her tightly. 

"I've missed you," she murmured into her shoulder.

Carol stroked her hair gently with her graceful fingers and placed a kiss on her head. 

"I've missed you more," she said, pulling back to wipe away her tears.

Her brown eyes melted her heart like chocolate, and the small wrinkles on her beautiful face made her smile. 

"You've grown up so much," she sniffed. "I wish I could turn back time and see that sweet little girl again."

"That's what tape recorders are for," Ellie joked. "Unless you want to do it the hard way and place a heavy book on top of my head to shorten me up."

"No, no," Carol laughed. "I'm perfectly fine with the woman standing in front of me right now. She's a beauty, I must say."

"Thanks," she said shyly while looking down at her feet.

Her mom patted her cheek and said, "Well, I'll be going back to my room now. I know Gerard will keep you company."

"Always," she smiled.

She blew one last kiss to her daughter, then closed the door behind her. 

Ellie walked back into the bedroom to find Gerard staring outside the window, his tall frame shaped by the sunlight. 

She quietly stepped next to him and looped her arm through his bicep. 

"Hi," she greeted while resting her chin on his shoulder.

He glanced down and flashed his lovely smile at her. 

"Hello."

"Admiring the scenery?" she asked, trying to make small talk.

"Very much so," he replied, but he wasn't looking out the window as he said it.

Ellie blushed and squirmed under his gaze. 

"I didn't mean 'me'," she giggled uncontrollably. "I meant the view outside."

Gerard chuckled at her reaction and wrapped his arms tightly around her small waist. 

"It's beautiful out there, but not quite as gorgeous as you," he gently said, his deep voice sending chills down her spine. "No one could ever top your natural beauty, my Angel."

She shyly hid her red face in his chest and muttered, "Stop making me blush. I can't handle it."

She felt the smile on his lips when he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. 

"Sorry, but that's not going to happen," he whispered mischievously. "Someone as beautiful as you deserves to be complimented every five seconds, so that's what I'm going to do."

She groaned and tried to separate herself from him, but he pulled her back with a playful expression on his handsome face. 

"Where do you think you're going?" he smirked. "You can't escape from me."

"Oh, really?" she asked, raising her eyebrow. "Do you want to test that theory?"

"Be my guest."

She smiled and quickly ducked out of his arms, managing to run a few inches before he caught her by the waist and lifted her in the air. 

"Hey!" Ellie shrieked out. "That's cheating!"

"I never said I was playing fair," Gerard smiled, lowering her so that they were face-to-face. "I only gave you a head start so that I could see how far you would make it."

"You call that a head start?" she chuckled. "I barely got a step in."

"That was the whole point," he winked charmingly. "You can't get away from me, darling, no matter how hard you try."

She rolled her eyes and said, "Fine. You win. I surrender."

Gerard pressed a kiss to her lips and set Ellie down on the bed, wrapping his body around hers. 

"Your eyes seem lighter today," he commented quietly. "Are you feeling better?"

She leaned back into him and nodded. 

"I can somewhat breathe now."

"Good," he replied while nuzzling his nose into her hair. "I'm always happy to see your smile."

Her heart skipped at his affectionate words, and she snuggled closer to him. 

"I love you so much, Gerard."

"I love you more, my Angel." 

He then laid her on his chest and fell back onto the bed, lulling the two of them into a peaceful slumber.