Fire

Chapter 03

Chapter 03 -

John didn't suffer bullying every day. He suffered every minute. Even his best friend lost track of the moments. Now Saoirse had to also run to the rescue.

Now she was part of the gang. David couldn't care less. He had to build a career as a top Law student.

John would always thank her with his melodic voice and feel ashamed for what he was.

Once they were walking and Treves grabbed her hand. She trembled. Maybe that's why the letters had stopped? He decided to take action! She didn't let go. He was trembling, too. But acted casual.

John was crumbling inside, again. Everything ached.

"John, are you okay?" asked Saoirse, letting go of Frederick's hand and reaching for his. He was astonished by her kindness.

"It's probably because he forgot lunch." smirked Treves.

"Here, keep mine. I'm never hungry, but my brother prepares me lunches so 'I will always be healthy.'"

"He's such a mother goose," John mocked. "Are you sure there is no problem?"

"I am telling you-"

"Saoirse, what happened to your parents?"asked Treves, bluntly. "David acts like an overbearing mother, perhaps you should put him in his place."

Saoirse blanched.

"Frederick!" cried John, horrified by noticing the red-head reaction.

"What? It was a normal, random question."

"They died. It's just me and David. That I have to find. Excuse me."

She left, almost running.

"I had no idea," Treves ran his fingers through his shiny black hair. "How could I know? What do you reckon happened?"

"I reckon you should be more careful. You must apologize."

"Nonsense. By tomorrow she'll have forgotten. Let's eat."

John was not hungry anymore, but he would eat because Saoirse had given the lunch to him...

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Dear Saoirse...

I know the letters have been scarce, but the happenstances have been on the way. This poem is not mine, but shows how I feel. If I may be so bold... I love you.

PS: No. You do not know who I am.

First Love

by John Clare

I ne'er was struck before that hour

With love so sudden and so sweet.

Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower

And stole my heart away complete.

My face turned pale, a deadly pale.

My legs refused to walk away,

And when she looked what could I ail

My life and all seemed turned to clay.

And then my blood rushed to my face

And took my eyesight quite away.

The trees and bushes round the place

Seemed midnight at noonday.

I could not see a single thing,

Words from my eyes did start.

They spoke as chords do from the string,

And blood burnt round my heart.

Are flowers the winter's choice

Is love's bed always snow

She seemed to hear my silent voice

Not love appeals to know.

I never saw so sweet a face

As that I stood before.

My heart has left its dwelling place

And can return no more.

Saoirse's tears trickled on the letter as she read it. She held it and hiccupped.

"I knew it!" David showed up, but she didn't care anymore. He claimed the letter and couldn't pretend he wasn't impressed.

"Some guy writes using another person's work and you are head over heels. What if he is ugly? A monster? Or, for the sake of argument, what if he is that John Merrick guy?"

That burst Saoirse's bubble.

"You're a dick," she pulled the letter back. "And he's not a monster."

"Whatever, sis. Would you... make sweet loooove to him?"

"Stop that!" she laughed, nudging him, gently.

"Hm, that wasn't a no."

"I have a boyfriend!" announced Saoirse.

"You do? Tell me who he is so I can kick his ass!"

"Well, he doesn't know he is my boyfriend yet, but we held hands!"

David laughed so loud the walls shook.

"Ass."

"Virgin."

"As if you'd let it be any different!"

"Let's go to our dorms," started David, as if ordering. "I want no excuses today, I'll take you to yours and go to mine and you behave quietly, study a little, till this 'boyfriend' story vanishes."

"Don't you forget we are twins, David and I'm three minutes older!"

Someone had been there, seeing the whole scene and interaction.

John wouldn't like to think himself as a stalker. But he wanted to know the reaction to his letters. He had this right.

And that last reaction... Had been pretty confusing.