The Return of The Nutcracker

Chapter 11

      Eric turned around to face me. My eyes weren't fully focusing but I could see him. Tears were falling from my eyes. The very words I've been waiting to hear. I wanted to stay with him, not just because of not having a home. But because I wanted him to be my new home. He pulled me off the bed and held me tight in his arms. My heart was beating so fast. My head rested against his shoulder. April and Sam were jumping for joy. Chuck smirked in the corner as he left the room. Eric pulled my face up to his to kiss me again. I got embarrassed and pushed him away. He didn't expect it at first, but he saw my face and understood. April cleared her throat. We pulled away from each other. Sam was about to squeal like a little girl until April smacked him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the room. Eric stared into my eyes. "I'm sorry it took so long..."

I smiled at him. "Its quite alright."

He frowned at me. His fingers ran down my face. "No, you could have left again. I would be kicking myself right now of you went back home without knowing about my feelings for you." He pulled my face closer and kissed me. My heart felt like it was melting away. My hand rested against his chest.

    April stormed back into the room. "Clara, I'm glad you're awake." Her tone turned serious. "But we do need to attend father's funeral." Eric grabbed my hands and squeezed them. His face said it all, it still hurt losing his father. I pulled one of my hand's away and touched his cheek. "It will be okay. I'm sure it will be a lovely service." He just nodded and quietly left the room.

April walked over to the closet. "Don't worry Clara. It's just a really hard time for all of us." She was going through a few dresses. I sat back down on the bed, placing my hands in my lap. My mind was racing with so many thoughts. His kiss was still lingering on my lips. She pulled out a small black dress. Making her way over to me, she placed the dress on the bed. My eyes looked up at her. Her eyes were watering. "I'll be back in twenty minutes, yell if you need me." She quickly rushed out of the room. I felt bad for April and Eric. They had to bury their father in a time like this. Thier whole world was turned upside down. As I changed into the dress, it reminded me of attending Uncle's funeral. Aunt Drosselmeyer was very upset. She only stood there, crying and unmoving. My fingers managed to get a few buttons, except the ones in the back. I tried to reach both sides of the dress but was having a hard time. Before I could call out for help, a hand pressed on my back. I froze. My buttons were buttoned up. I slowly turned around; it was April again. She was wearing a long black dress with black flowers. Her hair was in a bun. "Let me do your hair really quick, then we can go." Turning back around, she quickly brushed my hair. Placing small black flowers in my hair.

   We left the room and quickly headed down the hallway. I realized that we were heading for the entrance to the castle. Eric and Sam were waiting for us. April rushed over to them. "Sorry. We didn't mean to take so long." She stood next to Eric.

He held his her hand and squeezed it. "Its alright April. We wouldn't have started without you." He whispered to her.

Her tears fell down her cheeks. "But its tradition to..."

Eric shook his head. "You and Clara being here, is more important than some silly tradition." She sniffled and nodded. Sam walked over to me. He glanced over at April. Eric was whispering something to her. He handed her a handkerchief. She silently took it. He looked back at me. "This is going to be a little weird for you. How this goes, April and Eric have not married anyone yet, so they will walk out together. You and I will follow behind them. Okay?" I nodded. It must have been another tradition that they followed. Eric and April stood side by side. April held onto his arm. The doors creaked opened. Church bells could be heard echoing around the village. Sam grabbed my hand and placed it on his arm. My eyes met his. "No funny business, just holding your arm." His eyes looked straight ahead. We waited a few more moments then followed behind them. After us, the villagers, all dressed in black, holding candles followed behind us. "Sam." I whispered. He looked around to make sure no one heard me, then look at me. "What happens after this?"