Broken Strings

On Edge

Peter’s POV

The date was set. Ten o’clock tonight she will know, and I’ll have no control over the situation, something I dread. I like having control over my life, but not tonight. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. There is just two hours until reveal. My stomach churns at the thought of reading her thoughts and dreams. It’s personal, something you only share with those around you that you trust with your life. I wouldn’t be able to do this tonight if I didn’t share that with ‘Lee. I’ve known my feelings for a long time. A part of me knew I loved her from the moment we met by the oak tree. She was beautiful, standing there in just jeans and a jumper. She’d told me her Father cursed at her for wearing it. What a fool of a man. I’d bet he didn’t even take the opportunity to get to know his daughter inside and out. I know that when the day comes for me to settle down and start a family I will guard my children with my life. They’ll be the pearl within the shell of my heart.

Today was a blur. All I could think was about tonight. I was lost in my own daydream since breakfast and I know Amelia picked up on that. I stare myself down in the full length mirror staring back at me. There is no way I am worthy of such a beauty of a soul but aren’t we all fools in love?

“Hey! Looking good…” she hummed, stepping form the bathroom.

“You look wonderful,” I wondered where she got the dress. She wore a slim fitting red number and red heals to match.

“Yeah? I figured I’d dress up a little. I mean it isn’t every night you get to go out like this.”

“Good point.”

“Well you look smart don’t you?” She stepped closer to me. I found my breath catch in my throat and my eyes glaze over with tears. What am I doing? I’m not supposed to cry!

“Thanks,” I mumble out.

“You ready?” she nodded and I lead her down to the restaurant.

“Careful,” I cough as she slips on the final step.

“Ooh, thanks for that,” she giggles.

“My pleasure.”

“You realise you have a thing for saving me,” she laughs again. Who wouldn’t I thought.

“I’ll always be here.”

We made our way to the restaurant and I pulled myself at least a ruler’s length away from her to keep a secure distance between us. We sat across from one another in the opposite area to where we ate breakfast this morning. A wooden dance floor was positioned to our right and a standing menu was a wall from the staring people to our left and right. “This is cosy,” ‘Lee chuckled.

“Yeah,” I was lost for words. I looked to my watch and smoothed a hand through my hair. It never could do what I wanted. Eight-thirty.

“You okay? You seem a little on edge?” she looked up from the menu and her eyes questioned mine.

“I’m fine, nervous is all,” What? Why did I say that? Idiot.

“About the whole diary thing? You can call it off if you want?” she seemed disappointed saying this. I couldn’t back out now. If I didn’t give her my diary tonight she would never know how I feel. I’d never be able to muster the courage to tell her in person. I’ve always been better at putting my feelings to paper.

“No, you don’t want to back out do you?”

“No,” she seemed as nervous as I was. This was going to be a long couple of hours.

Amelia’s POV

The night is progressing slowly. The few lines I’d read of Peter’s diary was eating at me slowly but surely. I want to tell Peter I read it but I know that if I do he’ll lose his trust in me and that is the last thing I want. I will tell him though. I will tell him after we do the exchange. Peter looks to his watch for the third time tonight.

“What is it?”

“Nine-thirty,” he takes a big breath in and I can tell he is nervous. I wouldn’t blame him.

“You’re nervous.”

“Yes. Aren’t you?”

“Very,” I reply. Of course I was nervous. As much as I wanted to deny it, I was falling for this guy and my recent diary entry proved that once and for all. I was in practically the same boat as I knew Peter was. His steel grey eyes searched my face as I stared him down.

“You didn’t finish you’re dinner?” he questions me.

“Yeah, sorry. I’ve lost my appetite slightly,” I said honestly.

“Me too,” Peter pushed his plate away and smiled. “This is killing me.”

“Why are we waiting?” I ask. It was pointless waiting.

“Well ten o’clock was the time we agreed,” he begins.

“Let’s just do it now?”

“You sure?” he asks.

“Only if you are?” he nods and pulls me up from the table, slipping a fifty dollar note under his plate. We took me by the hand and led me up the stairs, ensuring I didn’t slip on the bottom one.

We reached the room and I slipped off my heals, kicking them into the corner. My feet ached even though I’d worn them for less than a few hours. “I just need a minute,” Peter looked at me, a worried look exchanged from him to me. I closed the bathroom door behind me and turned on the faucet. Splashing the cool water on my face, I realised I had to tell Peter about the diary. “Peter?”

“Amelia? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine but I have to tell you something.” I looked down. “Hey Peter!”

“Yeah?”

“Can I borrow some track pants and a shirt?” I didn’t hear a response until he knocked on the door and slipped them through a small gap I created between the door and frame. “Thanks!” I tore off the dress I’d borrowed from a girl I met in reception and pulled Peter’s grey track pants up over my hips. The shirt was about three sizes too big but I liked how it didn’t cling to my frame. I ran my fingers through my hair before throwing it up into a bun. Here goes nothing.

“What is it?” Peter asks when I open the door. He sits on the bed, a worried look still painting his face.

“I have to tell you something and I’m not sure if you’ll like it?”

“Can we get this over with first?” he paused and thought about it again, “No, no. Don’t worry. I’m being rude, what’s wrong?”

“Don’t worry, let’s get this done,” knowing that wasn’t the right attitude to wear I waltzed to my backpack, slipping my diary from the confines of the bag to my hands. Venerable and nervous Peter and I stood facing one another.

“Here goes nothing,” he hums. His finger’s brushed mine as he handed me his book, the leather binding soothing my hands. The cover had the same texture as bark and I wondered how it got like that. I passed him mine, hoping my boring black cover was not such a disappointment.

“On three ready?” Peter nodded.

Together we chanted, “One, two… three.”

Hello turtledoves! How are y'all doing? Hope you're liking everything. I've grown attached to Peter and Amelia over time. I love you all!