I'm Still Listening [Robin+Maria]

Chapter 11

I sat by the fire watching the flames flicker about. "You shouldn't be out at night, Maria. Especially nearing winter," Uncle Benjamin sighed. I turned my head to face him. "Uncle,  nothing can hurt me out there, not anymore." I could see the pain in his expression. It was clear that he was trying to help me, but had no idea how. I felt sorry for him. He was struggling, trying to keep everyone happy, and I was only making it more difficult for him, by pushing everyone away. "Maria" he whispered softly, "I know that you're you're upset, I didn't realise until recently how much you cared for the boy-"

"Uncle Benjamin, I'm fine, really. I couldn't care less about him. And I'm sure he's forgotten all about me by now" I faked a smile, trying to convince him, as well as myself, that I was in fact, coping.

-------------
[Robin]

"Dear Maria" I whispered to myself as I wrote. "I understand why you... acted the way..." I groaned and scrunched the paper into a ball, tossing it onto the pile with my first hundred attempts had ended up. I sighed and held my head in my hands. All I could think about was the look on her face when she heard what I'd said. Betrayal. Pain. Hatred. I deserved the punishment I got. And I deserved to be ignored. However, I wasn't going to give up on her. I couldn't bring myself to forget the day she stopped me from drowning. How she held me tight to make sure I was alright, and... how she kissed me. I could still feel her lips pressed against mine, her fingers running through my hair. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, remembering how she told me she loved me. That was probably the happiest moment of my life, and I threw it all away with my own stupidity.

How could she not see I was infatuated with her?

"Robin" my father banged on the door. I stayed silent. He banged again. "Robin, Lady Naomi will be arriving shortly. Make sure you're presentable" he banged on the door once more before walking away. I sighed. I wasn't ready to meet Naomi, and I didn't want to. I couldn't possibly marry her. I needed Maria. I stared at the empty paper in front of me, and began writing again.

---------------
[Maria]

I climbed out of the moon princess' tree quickly as I heard the sound of an approaching carriage. As it came closer, I managed to catch a glimpse at a young woman inside. She had blonde hair that was tied up in a neat bun, pale skin, and she was dressed in a white lacy gown. She was beautiful. I wouldn't have been surprised if Robin would fall in love with her instantly. She flashed a small innocent grin as she passed, which soon turned to confusion, most likely because she'd seen me climb out of a tree. I felt something in the pit of my stomach. Immediately, I knew it was jealousy. No matter how much I wanted to forget about Robin, I couldn't, and I certainly couldn't let him go through with this marriage. I was going to stop it.

I quickly made my way back to the Manor, to be confronted by Digweed. "Post miss" he grinned, handing me an envelope. I read my name and sighed as I recognised Robin's scruffy writing. "Thank you Digweed" I smiled. I ran up the stairs to my room and fell down at my desk. The letter had to be important, or else he wouldn't give it to me. Or would he? Maybe it was an invitation to their wedding. If it was I didn't want to open it. But what if it wasn't? I sighed heavily and began carefully opening the envelope. It was a letter.

Dear Maria,

I'm sorry for all the hurt I've caused you and I regret the things I've done. I've lost the one thing I've ever loved and it was all my fault. I feel terrible right now, because I tore your world apart, and now all I can think about is how I broke your heart. I made a mistake and now I see that you mean the absolute world to me. I know sorry could never be enough because I'm such a fool. But you cross my mind every single day. The thought of you makes me smile, and I know our love was real, so I'm writing you this letter so that you know how I truly feel.

With love, Robin.