The Allure Of Love (Sample)

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Juliana POV                                       

"How are you feeling?”

"Better.”

"Elizabeth, when you were sick you said something about the oleander not being an accident. What did you mean by that?”

"Juliana, I was sick with fever. I meant nothing by it.”

 She gave me that concerned motherly look only older sisters can give. "Juliana you look frightened."

I sat down at the edge of her bed and began to tell her everything. I completely poured my heart out to her. I watched her face go from disapproving to happy to concerned, as I told her everything about Derek and I. She sat quietly for a moment.

"So you’re saying someone purposely spread the rumor about Tim at the ball. And that same person is trying to hurt me. Also because knowing about you and Derek was the only way they would be able to lie about Tim and I. So now the mystery person is after you. Do you hear yourself you sound positively crazy. Your theory doesn't even sound logical."

"I know it sounds foolish, but I think it is strangely connected."

"Juliana, even if someone purposely tried to stop Tim and I from liking each other does that really surprise you? You know how our peers can be. Young women these days like to spin any situation in their favor.

"You’re probably right, maybe I was just scared from what happened.” I turned to leave.

"You love him don't you Juliana.

"I do,” I sighed with girlish gaiety. “I am just frightened to open my heart to someone.”

"It seems that plagues our lineage.”

"What ever do you mean?”

"You mustn’t tell anyone.”

"Of course not.”

"Tim offered me a courtship.”

"You’re just getting to know each other as adults though. It's so soon.”

"I know but, we have known each other since we were children.”

"Did you accept?”

"Accept what?”

"The courtship!"

"No, I asked to wait.”

"I think that was the right choice. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"My heart is going to be so filled with fondness it might burst."

"Why did you ask to wait if you love him so much?”

"I just got scared of having a relationship that will be publicly speculated.”

"Elizabeth, I am really sorry for how I have treated you in the past. I want to be closer to you." She patted the space next to her on the bed. I felt like a small child, crawling into bed with her. It reminded me of the cold rainy nights where I ran to her bed frightened.

"Blue is not your color Juliana.”

"I look fine in blue Elizabeth."

"Green is much more your color.”

"Ok, Liz.”

I smiled to myself and, let it go just this once. "Elizabeth Tim wanted to say goodbye to you."

"He's still here!"

"Yes, he was so worried about you. We all were."

"Will you please send him in?"

I gave her a wink and a grin. “Yes sister.”