Fallen From Grace (#Wattys2017)

Chapter XXV

On the richly carved mantel stood an exquisite plate-glass clock, the chimes of which were just striking eleven, and, keeping it company to right and left, were two dainty figures of a shepherd and shepherdess in Dresden china. The remaining mantel space was filled with photo frames of old family moments, a porcelain box, heart-shaped, the top covered with china forget-me-nots, a silver drinking-cup, a small oval portrait on ivory of a beautiful young woman, framed in richly chased gold, the inner rim set round with pearls. A blue pitcher of Cloisonne and a tray of filigree silver heaped with dainty cotillion favors stood on one end; on the other, a crystal vase filled with white tulips.

The fireplace mimics the warmth of the day. Two figures sit cozy by the flame, their features illuminated by the flickering light, the only two people in the room. Though the air isn't smokey they can smell the pine as it burns, just a faint fragrance to reassure their senses that there will be comfort in the long and bitter winter.

The fireplace was their tiny sun for the evening, casting long shadows over the rug. The flames curl and sway, flicking this way and that, crackling as they burn the dry wood. It's so good to feel their warmth at last, even if is from only one direction. They watch in hypnotized joy, holding their hands out to get just a little more of the gentle heat.

One of the figures wrapped his arm around the other, pulling her towards himself as he rested his cheek on the top of her head. They heard shuffling behind them, causing both of them to look up as an elderly woman approached them with a trey held in hand. One of the figures stood before taking the trey from her hold.

"Mrs. Scott, please sit down." He laughed. "We can handle it."

"Uh, hush, Apollyon." Mrs. Scott chuckled. "I am very much capable of such a feat."

Settling down on the sofa, Apollyon placed the trey down on the coffee table in front of him as he handed a mug to Mrs. Scott, and one to Eleanora who was seated in front of the warm fire, before taking one himself as he retook his position beside her. Snuggling up with her, they both sat in front of the flames as Mrs. Scott sat smiling at their backs.

"Your prom is tonight?" Mrs. Scott inquired to the two teens that sat on her floor.

"Yes." Eleanora smiled back at her.

"You're dress is beautiful, Eleanora."

"Thank you."

"And you'll look rather dashing in your suit, Apollyon!" Mrs. Scott exclaimed. "I can't wait to see both of you in your attires!"

Apollyon and Eleanora laughed at her enthusiasm and listened intently as she was recounting Elliot's prom when he was 17. They had a good laugh over it as Mrs. Scott had a bright smile on her face. She baked them cookies before they decided that it was time that they head off to get dressed for prom. However, before they could leave, Mrs. Scott insisted that Apollyon gets dressed here, so that she could help him with the tie and suit. Just for old time's sake.

Shrugging, Apollyon agreed as they both made their way up the stairs and to their apartment, grabbing everything that he needed, he kissed Eleanora on the cheek before bounding down the stairs again. Laying out his belongings, Mrs. Scott ushered him into the shower, telling him to be quick.

Taking a quick shower he stepped out in a towel wrapped around his waist as Mrs. Scott placed the suit pants and button up shirt into his hands. Once he wore them, the elderly lady directed him on how to properly tuck the shirt into his pants. She handed him the belt next as she started to work on his tie. Once the tie was properly fixed, she assisted him with the vest and then the suit jacket. Brushing off his shoes he stood in front of her with a wide smile.