A Secret Vow

8 The Fabrics Stitches

"I just need to rest" I assured Edmund. For the sixth time.   

As I rested my head against a wall, I watched Edmund reach into his pocket, rummage, and pull out a pair of keys. Going through each key, I ran my hand down a white wall, feeling its smooth surface, tempted to press my cheek against its cool material. Hearing the door knob finally turn, I moved my hand away from the wall and onto Edmund's wrist.

"Thank you" I whispered.

That is, for being kind and gentle. For being funny and smart.

I narrow my eyes at his wrist.

Thank you. Thank you for listening to your heart and not your mind.

Squeezing the palm of my hand, Edmund sang "anything for my lady". We both snickered and walked into the room. The first thing I saw was a black queen sized bed, the ones with four long pillars. Layered with white sheets and decorated with expensive looking pillows. Almost hidden away by a hanging transparent material.

I stood in complete silence for a couple of seconds to take in the beauty of the room. A room that probably needs way more recognition. So far and hidden away.  I slowly walk toward the bed and touch the fabric. "It feels lovely" I commented under my breath. Tracing the intricate stitches embedded within the fabric- wondering how they were created. The hair that was once tucked behind my hair, let loose, and tickled my face.

Tucking it back into place, I  looked up and realized that Edmund was sitting across the bed, watching me trace the fabrics stitches. Beside the bed was a window, radiating light toward Edmund - like he was an angel. I ended up listening to him talking about wanting to help kids in need during his travels. He probably is. I learned at lot from that first dinner actually. You see, Edmund is a simple minded guy. He really is. He went travelling for the first time as a young boy and realized how corrupt the world truly was. Seeing that, he grew up wanting to travel the world and research.  To understand different cultures and what kind of effort he had to put in to help different countries.

It truly saddens me to know that his heart is too large for his body. But shrinking it would not be an option, or he might end up like me.

The lights rays shined across his tall figure. His slick brown hair shined in its presence and enhanced the hazel green eyes that were looking right at me.  Further defining his cheek bones, and lightening his dark drizzled beard. His lips were thinner than mine, but it's light red made up for it.

Raising my eyebrows, I  nervously confessed "I don't know how this is made! So, so I'm just looking at it is all!". Adding in a few stupid laughs. He innocently chuckled and continued watching me like I took comfort in touching fabric. As if it was healing my "illness".

He glanced around the room and back at me. Who had already climbed into bed. Done with her idiotic play.

Father you can be so right sometimes.

He walks around the bed and tucks me in a little further. Caressing its fabric gently over my chest. He gives me that same smile. A smile hiding worrisome thoughts. I notice he starts to move down, so I move my legs to give him room. He sits close to me. Still looking me in the eyes. As his eyes wonder to my lips, I notice he starts to lean in.

Ever second pulled his lips closer to mine.

I am calm. This feels right.

He narrows his eyes and reveals a face I have never seen before.

Inches apart, we hear each others breath.

We narrow our eyes further.

I start to feel his soft lips against mine. Warmth that comforted my guilt.

Wondering how far he would go, he suddenly starts to bite his bottom lip and looks down.

My eyelashes flick up. Expressionless. Wondering. 

He breathes in and lets out a weak laugh.

"What am I doing? While you are ill?"

Again another laugh but weaker. More broken.

"I will go call one of my best maids my dear" Edmund insisted.

"Thank you dear" I say, as I watch him walk out the door.

Hearing the last broken laugh.