I'm Still Listening [Robin+Maria]

Chapter 3

[Robin's Point Of View]

I sat at the top of the tree, staring at the moon in the sky. I remember when it could have killed us. I can't believe I almost agreed to kill her. She saved us. She saved me. Of course, I was stupid. I gladly locked her up, but when she escaped, my father told me to kill her. I couldn't do that. Never. When she set the trap for me, I thought she was giving herself up. I still wouldn't have done it. But then I realised she'd trapped me. She's quite smart to say she's just a girl from the city.

A twig snapped below me, and brought me out of my thoughts. I looked down and saw Maria walking back to the Manor. Has she been in the forest the wole time? I watched her walk over my shoulder, and before I could even think, I lost my balance and fell.

"Robin!" she yelled, running towards me. I sat up slowly rubbing my head. "Robin, what were doing up there?" she took off my hat and began searching under my hair for a bump or scar. I simply replied "thinking." She stopped and looked at me.

"Why would you do such a thing?" she asked. I looked at her in confusion. She sighed and pointed at a scrap of paper beside me. Oh, that. "You wouldn't-"

"Understand? I've been told that many times, Robin. You'd be surprised" she whispered stroking my cheek. I smiled at her touch. I love how she's so gentle, and caring. "I can't tell you" I sighed. She stood up slowly. "Goodbye then" she said walking away. Robin, you little twit, why couldn't you tell her?

-----

This is it. She wants to know, and I'm going to tell her. I reached the Manor and knocked on the door. It opened almost immediately, revealing Digweed, Benjamin's servant. "Please could I speak to Maria?" I asked. Digweed smiled sympathetically. "I'm afraid they've gone travelling then, sir" he sighed. "Travelling? Where?" I asked worryingly.

"Around the world, sir. They'll be gone for several months" he answered. Months? Oh lord, I can't survive that long. "Thank you anyway" I whispered walking away. I know where I'm going. I know what I have to. But not now. I'd need to say goodbye to everyone first.

Without even realising I'd walked anywhere, I stopped outside of our castle. I opened the door and walked in. "Robin, my boy, I need you to give a message to Sir Merryweather" my father exclaimed as I entered the hall. "They're away" I replied. He looked at me in confusion. "I see" he sighed.

"Father, I'm going back to the forest. I just want you and everyone else here, to know that you are the best family in the world" I stood up. "Robin?" my father also stood up and put his hand on my shoulder. "Father, I'm fine" I snapped. He let go of me.

I began walking back to the tree. At least now Maria can't just walk in and find me almost in tears. After about five minutes, I reached the tree, but I heardthe sound of water from somewhere. Last time I checked, there were no rivers near here. Only the ocean, but thats at the other side of the valley.

I shook my head and climbed down into the tree. It seems cleaner than usual. Or maybe it's just me. I sat on the bed and sighed. How do I tell Maria if I won't be here when she returns? Perhaps I could leave her a note. It would be easier. I pulled an empty piece of paper out of my pocket, and a feather from my necklace. I don't know how but these feathers just write. I don't even need ink. Magical really.

'Dear Maria,

I see you have finally returned. Well, you'll be happy to know that I haven't. You know where I am. When I discovered you'd gone travelling all those months ago, I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to be with you. To hold you tight in my arms. I just didn't have the courage to tell you until it was too late.

Maria Merryweather, I love you.

-Robin'