Story of Us

Sunsets

*Author's Note*

This chapter was inspired by the song, 'You Be The Anchor That Keeps My Feet On The Ground, And I'll Be The Wings To Keep Your Heart In The Clouds' by Mayday Parade.

And the song that Clarrie sings to Lloyd is called '3 Rounds and A Sound' by Blind Pilot.

I would give them both a listen.

Thanks x

1 Week Later...

I hadn't seen Lloyd all week. I'd successfully avoided Harper and Cory too. I'd spent a lot of time with Aunt Tanny and Dave, I was very happy with them. I did feel guilty about Lloyd though, so one Sunday morning I decided to see him. I opened the book and at once, words appeared on the page.

Where have you been?

And now I felt very guilty.

I'm sorry. I've been with Dave, Aunt Tanny's new boyfriend. He's like a Dad.

I regretted it as soon as I wrote it, poor Lloyd had no family now. He only had me. Oh god I'd been selfish.

That's very well for you. But I've been feeling terrible for ages now. And I've remembered vital information.

I thought it would be best if I apologised face to face.

Together.

I took a deep breath and prepared myself for Lloyd.

Together. Oh and take a deep breath, we seem to be in a situation.

Lloyd's hand gripped mine and a took a big gulp of air.

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Sure enough he was in a bit of a situation. We were in the middle of the sea, him on a raft, me floating in the sea. Luckily, Aunt Tanny had taught me to swim. 

"Why are we out here?" I asked, climbing onto the raft, clothes completely drenched.

"I was trying to get away," said Lloyd, ashamed.

I looked at him and felt so bad for a moment. And then I saw the clothes he was wearing. I had to surpress a giggle, he was in a white t-shirt tucked into big, white-washed denim jeans. His hair was styled into a high quiff, I guessed today he had dressed 80s style.

"I know, I know. I have no control of how I dress. A couple of days ago, I had giant sparkly shoes with gigantic heels," said Lloyd, perching on the edge of the raft, his trousers rolled up and feet dangling in the sea.

"I think you'll find they're called platforms," I said, laughing.

"Whatever they are, they were a pain in the neck. Getting them off took forever," he said smiling.

"So, what can you remember?" I said, sitting down next to him and nudging his shoulder.

"Well... Miriam Waters trapped me here with Black Magic, and I know why now too," he said, running  a hand through his hair. The sun glimmered through his hair, setting it alight with golden sunlight.

"Why?" I said, realising I was staring at him.

"I loved this girl. And Miriam was jealous, very incredibly jealous. And she trapped me in here, she was full of dark magic. But Clarrie...," said Lloyd, taking my hand.

"Miriam's descendants have all been told to protect this book, with their lives. I was destined to be trapped here for eternity. But... Clarrie... I believe it is no accident you came across this book. Miriam set a spell that only my one true love and her descendants could come into this book," continued Lloyd, staring out to sea, as the evening sunset danced across the rippling water.

"I'm not her descendant," I said defensively.

"No you're not Clarrie, so that must mean you... you're... my one true love," said Lloyd, turning to face me.

"What?!" I said, probably too quickly.

"I think... I know... but Clarrie, I love you," said Lloyd, removing his feet from the water.

"I love you too Lloyd," I said, and never had I said anything truer.

He lent forwards and kissed me on the forehead, then the cheek and then on the lips. Lloyd pulled back and I saw how the sunlight shone into his eyes, making them shine brighter than any star. I fell into his arms and whispered in his ear, "You are real aren't you Lloyd? This isn't some stupid dream, I'm not ill, this really is magic. Magic is really real."

"Of course Clarrie, I promise you that I am as real as you. And I truly love you. Together," he whispered back.

"Together," I said.

I stayed until the sun dipped down behind the sea. The time was different here, back home it would probaly be about lunchtime, whereas here it is dusk. We spent hours talking about our dreams and views and it was the happiest time of my life. I even sang a little song to him, one of my favourites. (*find at the top of the page*)

Soon I had to go and Lloyd gave me one last kiss. What would he look like the next time I saw him? He would still be the same Lloyd, the Lloyd I've fallen in love with.