right person, wrong time.

you've got this

Chapter Eleven

Laurie

I had woken up today slightly disheveled. Well, if you could even say that I did indeed sleep so that I could, in effect wake up. I was twisting and turning so much last night I'd be surprised if I even got a wink of it. Amy did not appreciate that. She woke up a few times from my fidgeting and gave me a not so friendly swat in the arm. What a swing that woman has. In all honesty, I didn't blame her. I felt like punching myself just so I could knock out a few hours of sleep.

We were both getting ready for the party we both so desperately did not want happening. Both of us, sleep deprived and grumpy — her seemingly more so than me. She kept glaring at me like she wanted to kill me. Again, I didn't blame her.

Our relationship was something I felt most people wouldn't consider a "typical' marriage. Frankly, we seemed more like friends as opposed to a couple. Apart from the fact that we slept in the same bed together. But that's all we did. Slept. Beside each other. I know, how thrilling.

Despite our lack of sleep, Ames looked just as radiant as ever. Her hair was tied neatly into a delicate low bun with wisps of blonde at the front that framed her fine features. Amy was beautiful, a truly breathtaking woman. She had intricate doe-blue eyes and curling blonde hair. While Jo, had fiery reddish brown hair that cascaded down her short form, and startling grey eyes that held the fullest and the most longest lashes I had never seen on another being before. Not that I noticed much.

Amy was highly refined, she knew how to hold herself from a very young age and it hadn't changed since.  A remarkable quality to have. Admirable. Amy was the flower of the March girls, and Jo the thorn. Unfortunately for me, it seemed I was pricked long ago, no matter how beautiful the flower before me was.

"Laurie," Amy cooed, bringing me back from my thoughts. She was rummaging around her vanity, looking through her infinite amount jewellery I assumed. I only managed a slight nod in acknowledgment, my mood already dampened by the unnecessary fanatics that would be awaiting before us. She turned her head to look at me, pausing for a moment before walking over to me to begin her ritualistic inspection of my clothes.

"Hey." She murmured quietly, "I know neither of us want to this." She patted down the lapels of my jacket. "But let's put on a brave face ok? It's only a few more days before we head back," she continued, offering me a warm smile. I returned the affection.

I had to remember that no matter how difficult this situation felt like for me, it was far more difficult for her. The world was not kind to women like the March women. I promised myself that I would avoid anything that could hurt Amy in any way she couldn't handle — in a world which didn't give her the same privileges as they gave me.

I knew she could protect herself, but apart me also knew I owed it to her — for being there for me when I felt most alone. For being my only source of joy when I was on the brink of breaking. Amy was my anchor. She was the one who helped me in my darkest moments and brought me back to reality. She kept me grounded and loved me despite knowing my heart belonged to another. Her companionship saved and healed parts of me that I didn't even know were broken at the time. She was my best friend when I lost my first love.

Not Jo. Amy.

For that, I'll forever be indebted to her. No matter the cost. Call it chivalry, but I'd call it friendship.

Her smile warred slightly, her hands still attending my suited form."We should have told all of them already, before this party." She gnawed her bottom lip slightly, her nerves evident. "About us."

"I know Ames... we will." I said, attempting to put her mind at ease. "But for now, it's no one else's business besides our own." I pulled a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I wouldn't want anyone speculating prior to us having settled before we..." I left the unspoken word linger in the air. We both knew what it was. But knowing what I know now, I wouldn't take back my moments with Amy. Not for anything, or anyone. She would forever remain a constant figure in my life, no matter where our paths lead us next. I hoped I could be the same for her.

I gripped her shoulders before embracing her in a hug. "We've got this," I whispered in her ear. Amy's fragrance was aromatic and pleasantly rich. It was pure elegance, as expected for a woman like Amy Curtis March Laurence. I pulled back. "You've got this." I flashed her a grin.

"I know." She pulled out of my embrace, reciprocating my beam. "Shall we?" She offered me her arm as we made our way downstairs.

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The March family truly outdid themselves. What would usually be the cosy living room — ideal for a family such as ours, it had been transformed into a formal gathering place to host many people. It was a strange feeling knowing you were in a familiar setting just with a few embellishments added to spruce it up a notch.

I first caught a sight of John, Meg's husband, and my former tutor during my adolescent years. Amy squeezed my forearm before shrugging off, she hurried off to a group of ladies who seemed equally as excited as her to see them. The squeal that came out of her when they embraced was a clear indication of that.

I walked over to John, shaking his hand. John was kind man, so understandably he and Meg suited one another. Both quiet, honest and sensible people with warm hearts. His eyes were slightly discouraging though, as from my own experience, he was an incredibly solemn fellow with tender brown eyes. I was all too familiar with them, being his student once upon a time. So I knew it must have thrown some people off when they were first acquainted with him.

"Congratulations, Laurie." John beamed. I returned the sentiment. It was nice to be around John, it gave me a sense of normalcy. He reminded me of my youth and of much simpler yet exhilarating times. "Thank you, John." I smiled. "It's all Amy though, she's always been brilliant."

We continued our general small talk before I mingled with the crowd. It was only when I had dispersed from everyone to the surrounding, and much quieter area when I realised I hadn't seen one specific person the entire night. I searched the room, looking for a glimmer of dark auburn hair.

And that's when I saw her. Her attire was similar to the likes of Amy, but much more simple. It was a burnt orange as opposed to Amy's azure blue, and so paired perfectly with her endless locks and fiery spirit. I began to walk towards her, almost unconsciously when I noticed she wasn't alone.

It wasn't until I was mere steps away from her, and when I heard her singularly remarkable laugh that I saw the person with whom she was with.

He was a tall, around the same height as me with straggly brown hair skirting around his face. He was of similar built as me, a bit leaner I suppose with a slight five o' clock brimming his jaw. He was wearing spectacles, looking as if promoted by wisdom which, was aided by his brown eyes that were currently encapsulated by the woman before him.

And she with him.

Normally, I wouldn't have been... affected. Jo had always been a spectacle. Something which she herself only didn't realise. It was only just that — she was laughing so carefree and untroubled. It made my chest ache to hear her like that, so much so I was itching to hear more.

It was as if they were only the two people in the whole entire world, in this little corner, of this little house. I felt like an intruder prying into their moment.

Something inside of me stiffened up; I was suddenly tense and alert. I was tempted to leave, to save myself from the torture. But curiosity gripped me tight as my body moved closer to where Jo was, and thus the mysterious man before her.