Glistening in the Moonlight

Chapter Nine

Blackness clouded over the sparkling, midnight sky. Around her, everything was enchanted into deep sleep. The only thing Charlotte could hear was her heartbeat, pumping like a racehorse.

She knew the maze from the back of her hand, yet she still had knots in her stomach. Fear of being caught surged into her body and each step became quieter. Charlotte felt as delicate as a butterfly, tip-toeing until she was back. Back to her blissful utopia.

The wind gently brushed against the oak trees.....

Soon she would have to go back to her miserable, never-ending world. For now, she sat on the small, wooden bench and curled herself up.The humid summer breeze flew across her face and Charlotte smiled. There was no place she would rather be.

Charlotte laid down on the damp grass and let her body fall onto the luscious carpet. Her hair was like Medusa's, sprawled all over the ground. It had become a habit of hers to watch the midnight black sky. Seeing all the twinkling families made her feel so small, one tiny speck in the never ending blackness.

She sighed, this brought her peace and harmony, made her feel like a real person after the everyday hustle.

Charlotte stayed there until suddenly she heard a rustling in the bushes. Quickly, she hopped up and attempted to run back through the maze opening. If I am caught, Mother will kill me! She had one foot out of the garden, I almost made it through.

"Wait." One word echoed into her head. Charlotte turned around and could feel the pale moonlight shining on her skin. She knew him. He was the man from the party. 

"Who are you and why are you here? I am already engaged."

The man chuckled. She could not help notice the way his blue eyes shone when he laughed but pushed the thought aside. "Tom Barton. And yes, I am sure the whole town is aware of your infamous engagement. I am here to pick up my grandfather's jacket. He left it here this afternoon."

Charlotte turned cherry red, of course everyone knew she was "engaged". Why would I care what he thinks of me? I am never going to see him again anyways. "Who is your grandfather?"

"Mr. Barton, the head gardener. I am assuming you are Charlotte, as my grandfather never stops talking about how much you love this garden."

"I never knew he had a grandson! Why how come he never told me!" Charlotte exclaimed. Tom shrugged.

"So, how is it? Living the luxurious life at Scarlet Oaks." Charlotte was taken aback, as no one had ever been so blunt and rude to her. He must have grown up with no manners whatsoever.

She stiffly replied, "Fine." Stillness was in the air as they both stared at each other. "Why do you do this? Do you make every girl uncomfortable!"

Tom innocently laughed, obviously enjoying Charlotte's distress. "Do what? And if you must know, I am quite the magnet when it comes to girls." She scanned him once more and felt no more attracted. I guess I have so many suitors they all look the same. But if I was a villager, I guess I could say he attractive. "Ah, you are definitely judging me. Do not fear, there is only one girl in my heart, Ruby. But nevertheless you still have not answered my question."

"No, I do not find you attractive." Charlotte felt like she was on fire, Tom made pushed her anger to limits she never knew were possible. "And if you must know the truth, my life is miserable. I have no friends and no one really cares about me except for your grandfather." She soon became aware of hysterical laughter next to her.

"Charlotte Thompson complaining about having no friends, why this is the most false news I have ever heard in my life. All of the villagers worship you."

"So what? Everyone expects me to follow the same routine like I am a robot. My life is always planned out, and I have no voice whatsoever. All my parents care about are their image, so everyday I live like a doll. I am engaged not because I chose to be but because it was forced upon me." Deep anger was brewing within her, and Charlotte was so close to slapping arrogant Tom.

"Sure, sure, sure. I bet your parents would buy you the world if they could." She barely controlled her anger burning like a wildfire in her fists, as Charlotte swiftly turned around and started walking towards the maze.

"Charlotte, wait."