Grand Piece

This is a "what if" to Inevitable. Enjoy!

Grand Piece               

            He cuddled the small blanketed bundle, holding her close in the late hour. She fussed, a sure sign she wanted sleep as much as he. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he stepped away from the window to a nightstand. Clicking a button on the tape deck, he smiled as the first track started to fill the room.

             Moving around the nursery in time, he glanced to the frame on the shelf. This was the first song they danced to at their wedding. This grand classical piece always seemed to calm their daughter. Smiling at the memory of his wife, he continued to twirl slowly about the room, reminiscing.

Unforgotten Feelings

           They sat across the table, the blonde woman before him staring at his face. He wasn’t sure what was wrong—she seemed to be speechless but he was unsure why. All he knew was that this was the woman he had sketched, filling up two drawing books. She’d been the one to absorb his thoughts and enter his dreams. And now here she was in the flesh, and all either of them could do, was stare.

            Smiling, he sat, hoping he would speak. His heart beat out of his chest at the sight of this woman. She was everything he drew and more. Glancing at her hands as she clutched the glass of water her knuckles were white, he reached his hand out. Placing his hand on hers, he grinned. The simple wedding band on his finger gleamed up at her as he squeezed her hand gently to ease this tension she seemed to be overcome with.

            Her lips, having been pulled into a taught line, finally turned slightly, a small smile finally slipping on her façade. Returning the expression, he started to pull his hand away, but was stopped when she took his. Following her eyes, he saw her gazing at his ring. He had no idea where it was from, but that it signified his union with someone. The inkling at the back of his mind that they were married made his heart race. She must have been the one.

Wandering Mind, Yearning Heart

 This is definitely going to be longer. But for now, a shortened version of what's to come! And it's part of the #royalty series!

Wandering Mind, Yearning Heart

            Nothing in the pages made sense. Every turn of the sketch book continued to puzzle him. The faces were familiar, but he couldn’t put names to them. He could guess and call these strangers whatever he wanted, but that’s all they were; strangers. Two months in this hospital and he’d filled up four books with the same people. Each book now spread across the table before him.

            Flipping the page of one, he watched the people change. Expressions of the same person filled one page before shifting to someone new. The facial features were similar, which lead him to believe they were all related. But kin to whom, he wasn’t sure. His next book had three children, happy, carefree and grinning up at him. However the final two books were his biggest mystery. A woman stared up at him with penetrating eyes despite her smile.

            Tentative, his finger traced the pencil, leaving a small smudge. No one could tell him who these people were; they were as clueless as he. Sighing, he closed the other books and continued to stare at her. Flipping a few pages, he stopped again, staring at another joyful expression gracing her delicate features. Still nothing signaled he knew her name. Inhaling deeply, he tried to calm his pounding heart; some part of him remembered her, yearned and loved her.

            He just wished the rest of him would catch up with his heart.

Wedding Whispers

Finally the long awaited update! I've been busy in my new department at work, so it's been hogging my mind. Hopefully you won't have to wait so long!

Wedding Whispers

            It had been a nerve-wracking morning. He was up early thanks to his brother dragging him from bed. Breakfast followed, although he wasn’t sure he could keep it down with how his stomach kept clenching. A lot of people would be watching today, the thought making him even more anxious. After downing two cups of tea, he pulled on his tux.

            Leaving the room he had been given, he headed down to the car. It was about time he get to the church. Much to his chagrin, he had to wait while the rest of the events took place. Climbing from the car as it slid to a stop, he smiled and waved to the people cheering that had gathered outside. This was going to be his new life as a prince; continually being in the public eye with his soon-to-be wife and already princess.

            Hours passed as finally the guests started to arrive and take their seats. Peeking out, he could see that all the seats had been filled, including those for his family and the Royal Family. Pacing in the back room, he looked up as someone gave him his cue to enter. Taking a deep breath, he walked out to the altar, back turned. Staying quiet as the rest of the ceremony began, he could hear everyone stand as the music played and she walked down the aisle.

            Finally turning to see his bride, he grinned at how beautiful she was. Accepting her hand, they turned forward.

            “You look gorgeous,” he whispered.

Quiet Patio

            Everyone seemed to be tracking his movements. With most tables full, he looked for a quiet place to sit among the murmuring and watchful eyes. Kids at his old school had long since accepted him; but now he was forced to play “new kid.” It was painfully obvious because his lack of uniform. Having finished moving into his dorm, now seemed like the perfect time to snag lunch.

            His parents meant the best for himself, his twin and their cousin. This boarding school would be a good place to restart. At least, he felt it would be for everyone else. Keeping his eyes averted after giving up his search for an empty table, he moved for the doors to the patio. Crowds weren’t his thing. The only thing he could be thankful for was being unable to hear most of their hushed voices. Slipping out the door, he was greeted by chirping birds and a slight breeze.

            Most the tables were vacant save for a girl and a man that appeared to be a teacher. Noticing the girl, he smiled and moved towards a table next to hers. She was munching on a salad, and seemed a tad lonely since she was outdoors by herself. Sinking into a chair, he sighed in content. All he wanted was lunch and to hide away. It only took a second before he was eagerly feasting on the sauce-drenched meatloaf.

            In the corner of his eye, he could see the lonely girl starting to pack her things. His shoulders sunk as he saw her stand; he’d ruined her peaceful lunch. Stirring the mashed potatoes and corn into a swirled mound, he looked up hearing the clatter of dishes. Somehow she’d ended up on the floor. On his feet, he was at her side and started to clean up the spilled romaine and iceberg mix that now littered the concrete. She still seemed stunned, but appeared unharmed. Getting everything back into place, he smiled, holding out his hand to help her up.

            As she stood with his aid, he felt his heart pound; he continued to stare, unable to look away. Returning the gaze, an equally small grin in thanks, she glanced to the man he’d earlier assumed was a teacher. Speaking to this girl in some unknown language, he let her fingers slip from his own as she walked off with the strange, tall, man.

            Alone, he blinked a few times after several minutes. She was the first to ever stop him in his tracks. Gathering the garbage and trays, he ducked inside to return the trays; he was suddenly looking forward to this school year.

Metals

            Despite the lingering heat, people were still bundling up; soon a breeze would sweep the warmth out to sea and the cool air would take its place. A radio blared somewhere in the throng, adding to the cacophony of voices. People lounged, anticipating the upcoming show. Anxious parents gave their watches furtive glances.

            He on the other hand, wasn’t planning on watching the spectacle. The last thing he wanted was to be among a crowd. But there Summer stood, arms crossed and standing with Spring. She giggled at something he said, leaning on him as they stood more among the crowd. Looking casually over to Fall, she remained reclined in her chair, stoic and disinterested.

            A loud bang caught everyone’s attention; the darkened sky suddenly lit with a brilliant gold.

            Iron, he thought; other colors started to pop and sizzle, making it rain glitter. The blue of copper made a smiley face; Spring brightened as more colors joined in the display.

            Strontium, Barium and aluminum followed in quick succession, adding more shapes to the smoky skyline. Hearing oohs and aahs, he rolled his eyes. Few people understood the science behind these explosive shows; all they enjoyed were the colors. But it was probably better this way. Fireworks could be dubbed a thing of magic to children and none would be the wiser.

            A rainbow of metals littered the night.

            As the grand finale illuminated the faces, the last bang was a downpour of burning flakes. Cheers erupted from the crowd before people started to gather their things. His mind wandered to why it smelled of rotten eggs. Overhearing parents explain to their children, he snickered when they claimed it to be sulfur. Oh if only they knew the truth, Winter thought.

Cowardly Lion

            He was rooted just outside the door. A cacophony of voices flooded the otherwise quiet hallway each time it was opened. Trying to work himself up to entering, he would back away and pace by the windows. The way he paced reminded him of a caged tiger. But he was no fearless tiger; more like the Cowardly Lion.

            Crowds were never his “thing.” In fact, he had done well to avoid them, especially when located in small spaces. Now, he could never get away. Being married to a princess had its benefits… and of course his biggest fear. Swallowing as he tugged at his tie, he once again approached the door—unfortunately chickening out at the last minute. Returning to the windows in defeat, he sighed.

            Someone must have mentioned to the princess that her husband was struggling, for moments later, she came around the corner. She glowed as she approached, her smile instantly brightening his otherwise dismal mood.

            She needn’t speak a word. Slipping her hand in his, their fingers entwined and she pressed her lips to his. The shaking he had developed  seemed to dissipate as they separated. Fixing his tie with her free hand, she turned and took his arm.

            They would enter together.

Inevitable

            Everything in the room beeped. Or at least they had some kind of bell or whistle. The most prominent being the heart monitor. It was calming to hear it consistently peep with each pulse; the line steady with each flicker. Two days had passed, and there was still no change. He’d barely left her bedside; peeling himself away to go eat and shower, or visit their newborn in the nursery. By this point, he knew his way around the hospital with his eyes closed. Every few hours of sitting in his wife’s room, he’d wander to hold their daughter.

            But now, he was back to her room; he hoped today would be when he’d see her eyes open. When squeezing her hand would result in a response and finally she could meet their baby. Reaching over, he took her hand and pressed his lips to the back and held it between both of his palms. Beep. Beep. Beep. Her pulse remained as unchanged as it had two days ago after her emergency C-section. Pressing her hand to his cheek, he wished to feel her fingers through his hair or hold her close and inhale her fruity shampoo. Kissing her hand once more, his eyes focused on her face, currently marred by the wires and breathing mask.

            In the back of his weary mind, there was doubt that she would never open her eyes again; that they would never be a family. The inevitable. He couldn’t imagine being alone to raise their daughter, to know that they would never be together again.

            Shaking his head to rid himself of the thoughts, he reached up to wipe the tears that were slipping down his cheeks. The door opened, revealing a doctor to update the charts. Glancing to the woman, he watched her check the fluids and jot a few things down before she turned to retreat. Pausing, she placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile. A moment later, she was gone and he was once again alone. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Tangy

            It smelled like mustard. That tangy aroma made his mouth water. With a glance at the grill, he could see the dogs were almost finished. Sighing, he looked to the sand. People were enjoying themselves down by the waves. He not so much.

            Hugging his knees, he inched away from the edge of the canopy. The sun was crawling closer by the hour, and he didn’t want to feel its heat. Hearing a laugh, he looked to see that smirk Summer always had. Amusement. He was surely amused by Winter’s attempts to stay in the shade. Seeing Summer shake his head, Winter frowned, pushing his glasses up.

            With his chin resting on his knees, he glanced at where Fall and Spring were lounged on beach chairs. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Frowning, he looked up as a plate was held before his face. Summer passed off the hot dog and resumed his grilling.

Fall

            The long sunny days were already becoming a distant memory. Harvest season was steadily approaching; bringing with the onslaught of frost. She stood on a hill observing the trees. Some leaves were already starting to change. Soon streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and school grounds would be littered with the leaves. Her eyes wandered to the horizon as the sun started to slip below, leaving the stars and clouds behind. Inhaling deeply, she exhaled slowly; every cloud above shuddered, before starting to pull into a large mass.

            Moments went by before they were at last together. Reaching up, her hand brushed the plume, sending it across the valley. Arms crossed, Fall waited. It took seconds before the clouds blurred and drops began to descend. She stood, protected from the water as it cascaded around her.

            Tonight was simple; only the beginning really. In a matter of days, rivers would flood, thunder would roll, and trees would bend. Her plan was set; it was just time to wait. This weather would not let up anytime soon. Children would have to remain indoors; people would rush with umbrellas or jackets. No one truly appreciated her work. With the destruction she caused, it was no wonder Fall got the feeling people looked forward to Spring and Summer.

            Her fun would arrive soon enough. It was that chilly night children would masquerade and receive candy. Observing the parade was Fall’s favorite activity of her work. A smile graced her façade as she mused of the pumpkins that would adorn stoops.

            Finally moving from her hilltop, she strolled to Winter’s meadow.

Broken Limbs Part III

            In order to win this bet, I had to work fast to save her. The only person that could help me was Melvin, our resident sandman. When I found him, he was lounging about, reading quietly as his work day had ended. We spoke briefly as I retold the event as quickly as possible in order to not waste time. Hearing the story, he stared at me in disbelief. Never had a figment strived to save the life of a mortal. Such a practice or act was unheard of among our tiny population.

            We agreed on a plan, which would require her to wait until nightfall of the following day before any change might occur. Rather than go about my duties, I meandered down the slope to where her car was perched. From there I leaned against a tree and observed her. Being pinned, she could do very little in terms of nourishment. It was a struggle for her to just manage to get the dew off the rain jacket she had spread out to collect the droplets of condensation. Every part of my being wanted to help her, but it was against our policy to help her physically. My only interference was through dreams and acting as a substitute conscience.

Winter

            Laughter drifted past his window. Glancing up from the tome currently in his lap, his eyes returned to the sentence he had been reading; starting over because of the distraction. Another chortle, this time louder. Setting his book aside, he got up and moved to the wall. Climbing on his stool, he peered out the circular window. A short finger pushed up his horn-rimmed glasses as he saw in the distance, people. They were having a snowball fight in the meadow he called his home. It was a morning where fog hung in the trees and fresh snow crunched under boots.

            Smiling, he observed them frolic, the children pulling a sled as they crossed the clearing. It had otherwise been untouched by humans; he’d been the one to cast the spell to bring forth the chill and flurries. His entire job was winter. Dropping off his stool, he navigated around the volumes stacked about his floor. The clouds were already starting to lift, which was not in his plans for the weather. Kneeling before the fire, he inhaled deeply before blowing across the burning logs. He watched the flames tremble and grow. Returning to the window, he could see the fog from his fireplace already starting to add to the clouds above.

            There would be more snowfall, sometime in the darkness of the midnight hour. Adjusting his spectacles for the twentieth time that day—an item he did regret purchasing from a store in the sporadic ventures into the human world—he took his hat off the shelf by the door and stepped outside. Pulling his door tightly behind him, he crossed his arms and watched the youngsters play. They were nearly across his meadow now, making their way towards the sledding hill that lay beyond. Winter knew they couldn’t see him, or know that the massive oak tree was his home.

            With his three months soon drawing to a close, he would have to bid farewell to the frozen wonderland he had created and watch Spring enjoy her time creating blossoms and warming the world before the sweltering summer days arrived. The next few weeks were his last chances to share the beauty of snow with his meadow and wait for another year.