Secrets Of The Heart

Chapter 5. Studies and Late Night Fires

Chapter 5. Studies and Late Night Fires
Professor Beckett's class
Forensic Science and Medicine
December 30th, 1886
Everett

It's been 3 immensely long, dreadful days since I last saw Arabelle Jean. Oddly enough, I seem to be going through a certain type of withdrawal for her presence- and maybe even her cherry lips. That kiss has yet to leave my mind. The mere knowledge of the fact that she might fancy me in the same extravagant way I do her, it has my mind in a sort of frenzy. I never knew how much I wanted something- or someone, until they were right in front of me. Though, my past might come back to haunt me, evidently ruining the blooming relationship with her.

Today, I must attempt to concentrate for at least an hour or two. Tomorrow is our final exam in Professor Beckett's class, forensic science and medicine. It is indeed, my best and favorite class, I certainly excel in it. Yet, that doesn't silence the anxiousness growing in my veins. My father would have a horrific fit if I were to fail this test. So, studying until I exhaust both my mind and body was the only logical explanation. Hopefully.

The fire heats my lightly covered back with its blazing warmth. Fire is such an immaculate thing, I cannot help but find myself unusually fascinated by it. It has the most vibrant yellow resting in it, a pure shade of orange and a tiny bit of blue that does not go unnoticed. It is astonishing that such a tiny thing could create such massive heat. Perhaps it may be because my torso is hardly covered by the thin cloth I am wearing, I find myself craving a bit more warmth than usual.

I urge my mind to focus back on my studies instead of rambling on about fiery nonsense. FIVE MANNERS OF DEATH INCLUDE: NATURAL, ACCIDENT, SUICIDE, HOMOCIDE AND UNDETERMINED. THE CUTS MADE DURING INTERNAL EXAMINATION PRODUCE LITTLE BLOOD BECAUSE WITHOUT A BEATING HEART THE ONLY BLOOD PRESSURE PRODUCED IS BY GRAVITY. ON WOMAN, INCISIONS WILL BE MADE WITH A Y-SHAPE, THE ARMS OF THE Y GOING FROM SHOULDER JOINT TO MID CHEST- CURVING UNDER THE BREASTS.

A knock jolts me from my studies, startling me. What a peculiar time for a person to announce themselves at one's door.

"Arabelle Jean, seeking my company once again? I must say, I was not expecting you to be so desperate that you skip your studies to be with me. Although, I am not displeased, rather, delighted to have you here." My smirk establishes a certain level of annoyance on her, one large enough for her to roll her eyes.

"I am not desperate, you insufferable animal. I actually came here for help on my studies. On the contrary, I am going to leave, and find help elsewhere." Guilt pulls at me core, causing me to enclose my fingers around her wrist, pulling her to me. I close the door as softly as I can without letting go of her petite wrist.

"What do you need help with, my darling?" I smile genuinely at her, watching as she does her best not to blush. Inevitably, she fails miserably to suppress the flavorful shade of red that covers her apple cheeks.

"This exam tomorrow has gripped my mind with its nerve racking claws and refuses to let go! I am so nervous that I might fail this test, I fear it very well might kill me." My demeanor crumbles as she talks. It breaks me to see her so distraught.

"So, you came here to study for the exam?"

"Precisely."

"Well, I had quite a few other ideas in my mind about how to spend our time, ideas that required much less talking." I grin wickedly at her flustered expression. "This will just have to do then. Shall we?" I curve my arm for her to slip her hand in, and I guide her over to the warmth of the fire. She folds herself elegantly on the floor, sitting in front of the fire, with half of her facing me and the other facing the fire. Her hair looks undeniably marvelous with the light of the fire on it. She must know how irresistibly tempting she is, how she makes my head spin so hard it might fall off.