Glistening in the Moonlight

Chapter Ten

The next day proved to be the most confusing day of Tom's utter existence. His feelings were so jumbled and mixed up; it was even worse than the maze to enter the garden. During school, all he could think about was Charlotte. Meanwhile, Ruby was swooning next to him; looking gorgeous as ever.

"Darling, it looks like we should go on a date tonight, oh please take me to the garden, please do."

"Ruby, you know the garden is off-limits, my grandfather could lose his job."

"But- Tom; don't you love me?" Her eyes lit up; "You have the keys to the garden we could go at night! I promise we would be quiet and it would be the most wonderful thing ever to see the beauty of the Thompson estate, it is quite marvelous." 

His tight stern face softened, he looked into her eyes, "Of course Char- Ruby. I will ask my grandfather when he comes home tonight." 

"Of course Tom you are welcome to go into the garden at night; no one in the Thompson family dares to go there ever since Charlotte started escaping there."

Tom stuttered "What do you mean?" Charlotte and Ruby at the same time would not mix. 

"Oh you know, Miss Thompson loves to hang around at night." He quickly nodded to his grandfather; he did not want to seem suspicious. This was the first time a girl had not worshiped Tom begging on her knees and it felt- peculiar. There was this spark about Charlotte, just from talking about her one night that unsettled Tom. He wanted to know more about her; but he knew she was dangerous. Stay with Ruby, he told himself. She is the safe option and will never ever hurt you.