The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 2

1790

It was a bright, warm, and sunny day and Gray at age twenty-three was playing in the garden with Wendy who was now twelve. Words could not describe just how much the young man loved his sister. Ever since she was born he had loved and adored her as much as he could. There never was an older brother more devoted to his younger sister.

"Gray can you teach me how to skip rocks?" The girl asked him.

"Sure it's all about coordination and arm strength." He picked up a stone at what appeared to be with great ease threw it and it skipped three times across the surface. "Now you try."

He handed her a stone. She tried to mimic her brother's actions but it ended up sinking.

"It sunk,"

"Better luck next time Wendy." He said.

"Oh it's no use I'll never do anything right." She said feeling discouraged.

"That's no true."

"Yes it is. I've made no accomplishments."

"Wendy you're twelve you're not even old enough to make accomplishments."

"Oh well when I an old enough I'm sure I won't accomplish anything."

"Well I know one thing you've accomplished."

"What's that?"

"Being a faster runner than me which is a good thing considering how much I like to tickle you."

He immediately lunged to tickle her, Wendy dodged her brother's attack and ran. He chased after her but just as he said she was a lot faster than he was. So he went around back and hid behind a tree. Then just when she was running his way he scooped her up and tickled her mercilessly.

"No fair! You cheated!" She said between extreme fits of laughter.

"All's fair in love and war." He told.

"Gray! Wendy! Come inside!" Called their brother Lyon who was now twenty-six. "Dinner is ready."

"We'll be right there." Gray called.

He then picked up Wendy and took her inside. After dinner and when the evening became late Gray retired to his room where he found Ultear waiting for him.

"Ultear what are you doing in my room? I didn't summon you?" He said.

"I am tired of waiting for an invitation." She said undoing her blouse.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I've seen the way you look at me. Admit it, you've been awaiting my visit for quite some time."

Now Gray did find Ultear very attractive and desirable, in fact she was often described has having long legs, perfect skin, and a body built for sin but he could not see her as anything more than a staff member. He still remembered the day she had confessed to him. He rejected her kindly and assured her that he did care for her but not in the way she wanted.

"I have been waiting for no such visit." He said.

"You lie." She said walking toward him. "I see the way you look at me."

"A look doesn't automatically mean I'm interested. I'm sorry Ultear but I don't want any kind of relationship with you besides a professional one. Besides even if I did have feelings for you Father would never allow me to pursue you."

"So that's it. You want me but you won't have me because you think I'm poor trash."

"That's not it. I don't want you in that way. I'm sorry if I ever did anything to make you think otherwise. Now please leave."