Between A Rose And Its Thorns (ON HOLD)

Garrick

I walk to the window and peer over, my eyes immediately snap to my sister as she speaks with someone. No, not someone. I groan as I see the male's cocky grin. Garrick...

"Please, Garrick, I'm trying to work." I hear Isabelle trying to politely dismiss the unwanted suitor.

"Think about it, Belle! No more working in the fields, no more days of starving, you will get everything you ever longed for! Stop and think of the life I can give you!" He continues to push.

"I said no, please go." Isabelle tries to side step him yet he only blocks her way.

"Isabelle, mi amour, listen to me." Garrick says and gets down on one knee, my eyes widen. "Nothing in the world could make me happier than having you as my wife. Look at you, such a beautiful flower you are! And look at me!" He grins. "We are like a matching set, my dear. One little word, and I will give you anything your heart desires!"

"But I do not wish to marry you, Garrick." Isabelle sighs and shakes her head. "You don't listen to me, you only listen to yourself!"

"Exactly! Everyone knows that a woman should only be seen, not heard!" Garrick says and takes her hand. I grit my teeth, my hand clenching at my sides.   That horrendous brute! "Besides, you are dying Belle. You will die if you stay here with that sister of yours! She is going crazy, the whole town is talking about it! She never dresses properly, walking around town dressed as a man?! Don't you find it a bit strange?! All of her ideas and thinking!"

My eyes widen.

"My sister is not crazy!" Isabelle shouts and pulls her hand from Garrick's grip. "Lucinda may be different, but different may not always mean bad. Now, please. I have work to do."

"Belle. Life won't be getting any easier for you if you keeping denying my proposal." Garrick snaps. "Think, for once in your life, think about your situation. Your parents are dead, you have no man in the household, and barely enough money to keep the tax collectors at bay. Come with me, and I will take you away from this awful world you call home!" Garrick shouts and stands.

He reminds me much of the rooster...  I thought as he keeps babbling on about nonsense of marriage and how they would be a perfect fit.

I giggle at the thought. Garrick with Isabelle? That could never happen. He was too violent, in my opinion. Everyone in the village knows of Garrick and his tales of fighting in the war. He was a hero in the people's eyes. But not in mine, never in mine.

My eyes wander. The bucket full of dirty water from the last wash catches my eye. I smile wickedly, rushing forward, I snatch up the full bucket. I carefully walk back to the window and place it down on the window seal.

Garrick has his back facing me, Isabelle's tired face can be clearly seen as she tries to get rid of the unwanted guest. I wave my arms around to get her attention.

Yet she kept her eyes on the tall man, her arms wrap around her middle. She was nervous, I have to hurry. "Isabelle!" I quietly whisper, hoping she would somehow hear me from above her.

She still doesn't acknowledge me.

I have to get her attention, but how...? I lean on the window seal and grunt, the sun shining in my eyes. Wait a moment. I smile and pick up the bucket, using it to reflect the sunlight into Isabelle's eyes. I flinch as the light hit Isabelle's eyes and she finally, finally looks up at me. A spark lighting in her eyes as I show her the bucket then point at Garrick. She gives a fast nod. I wait in position as Isabelle slowly gets Garrick to back up just enough for him to be right under me.