My Gift To You

Well, surprise! I thought I wasn't going to have this finished before I left for California in the morning, but as it turns out, I had more time than I thought I would. I'll be gone to California for the week with my choir, and I'm not even going to get to do anything fun! Now I love singing, but if I'm going to California during the summer, I want to be able to wear tank tops and short shorts and scam on boys at the beach. Nope. Not happening. I'm just a little bitter about this because I'm also missing my opportunity to hang out with Guillaume. For those of you whom I haven't told, (sorry to those who have heard this story countless times) I met this awesome band at Earthfest 3 last Saturday. Brogan Kelby, whose actually a solo artist and these guys are just playing for him until he moves on, was there, and they're amazing! I love them! His music is great, and he's hot. So are the majority of his band members. Guillaume is one of them in my opinion. I know others don't agree, but I've got a very vast taste in men. He's French. Did I mention that? His accent is amazing, even if it's being drowned by his American accent. Well, he said he'd totally hang out with me, and at first I was thinking, "Yeah right, this guy wouldn't actually hang out with me. He's too cool for that." Well, he was serious. TOO FREAKING BAD I'M GOING ON CHOIR TOUR THE ONLY WEEK HE'S STILL IN THE UNITED STATES. He leaves for France with Brogan on the 18th. The same day I will be getting home!! Here's the worst part. I would be okay if he were gone for a few weeks, but noooooo, he's not coming back until September or October for the X96 Big Ass show to play with Brogan. GRRRR. I know this sounds like a lovesick rant, and to tell you the truth, it is. I think he's really attractive, and he is funny! And I thought it was awesome that he would offer to hang out with a random girl he only met for a brief moment, and he really meant it too. It wasn't just some, Oh sure, and then he never follows through. We were planning it and everything then he drops this bomb shell on me. Cool...... Now I'm going to be stuck in California wishing I could come home just to hang out if only for one day with Guillaume before he leaves for the "homeland" as he calls it. I'll have to wait until frickin September at the earliest!!! GRR. Maybe I can schmooze with some of the other band members before then.... George might be up for it. Collin has a girlfriend, and I am pretty sure Zack does too... Braeden might. Brogan is single, but he's way out of my league. I wish I was pretty enough to have a chance to date him. Nope, I'll live. I'll settle for my dream of hanging out with Guillaume.


Anyway, enough of that rant. This is my gift to you now for dealing with that. Have chapter ninteen.

Chapter Nineteen

I swallowed the lump in my throat, blinking more than necessary while shaking my head.

“S-sorry, I don't know what I was thinking...” I muttered taking a step away from him, knotting my tie in my hands.

I could feel my cheeks grow hot, a blush spreading over my face. I excused myself and left the glass house and butterflies, walking a ways into the garden until I found a bench and sat on it, holding my head in my hands. I growled at myself. How could you be so stupid? Tony loves you, Stitch knows it, and he's just so damn chivalrous. I found myself staring at the dirt around my feet for minutes on end, cursing Stitch for being a gentleman.

“Are you alright, miss?”

I glanced up and found myself looking at Ayrin. “I'm fine... just a little flustered.” I sighed, dragging my fingers down my face before sitting upright.

“Anything I can help with?” He smiled, “I may just be the groundskeeper, but I've been told I'm a good listener.”

I sighed. If anyone would be able to tell me what kind of person Stitch was, it would be someone who worked for him. “What kind of guy is he? Stitch, I mean.”

“What kind of guy? Meaning...?” He raised an eyebrow, sitting on the bench beside me.

“You know, is he a player, or a complete gentleman? Stuff like that.”

Ayrin paused for a moment, staring up at the sky. The clouds had been painted with oranges and pinks as the sun slowly set beyond the hills. I waited patiently, staring up at the colored sky and wishing suddenly that it were Stitch sitting beside me on the bench.

Ayrin sighed, “He's not a player, no. But, not a complete gentleman either.” he said, “He's courteous I guess would be a good definition. He knows when he can't have something, and doesn't really try too hard to take it away from whomever it belongs to. Don't get me wrong now, Stitch does have a more... carnal side. There have been instances when Stitch has manipulated his way into getting what he wants, and at times he doesn't seem opposed to such actions.”

I whistled out my breath between my teeth. “Wow, seems like a complicated guy.” Complex enough to make my head spin whenever I'm around him.

“Not really. Not if you get to know him. He does have villainous streaks, but we're only human. Why the sudden interest in Mr. Mazigatti?” he raised an eyebrow again, smirking.

I blushed. “N-no reason.”

His smirk widened. “We don't know each other, so you can tell me. I promise that whatever you say to me in these next moments will be completely confidential.” He paused, his smirk being replaced by a sincere smile. “I promise.”

His smile was what made me trust him. “Okay, but it has to stay between you and me. And you have to promise you won't think I'm completely mental.” I surprised myself with my vocabulary. I was starting to adopt British slang.

“Promise, you're not mental, no matter how completely mental it may sound.”

I let out a long sigh. “Whenever I'm with Stitch it seems like... like I've been around him forever. Like our souls know each other. I've...” I hesitated. If I told him about my dreams, would he think I really was crazy? “I've had dreams about him. But not your average high school fantasy dream, no these are like full fledged life moments but they are set in the past. I just don't understand it. And being here, in this place, the house, the gardens, it's like I've been here hundreds of times before everything just feels so... right. I don't know what it is about him, maybe I've met someone who reminds me of Stitch, or maybe it's Stitch that reminds me of someone else, but I just can't put my finger on it. He's just... I don't know. He's like my other half I never knew I had.”

We sat in silence for a time, staring up at the sky again. He looked between me and the sky for a time, keeping his thoughts to himself.

“As someone you hardly know, and has no particular interest in the matter, I think you should give him a chance. He'll come around.” Ayrin said, looking me straight in the eye.

I smiled, content with his advice. Without saying anything further, Ayrin gathered his things and stood, nodded his head at me, and walked off among the flowers, leaving me alone on the bench. Not a second after he had disappeared from view did a voice startle me.

“You shouldn't trust him,” it said, smirk apparent in his tone, “He's a loon.”

I glanced over my shoulder, my heart racing from the sudden sound. Stitch stood behind me, arms crossed over his chest, an amused smirk on his lips. His eyes traveled slowly over my body before he closed his eyes and sighed, taking a seat beside me on the bench. A few more counts passed before he turned to look at me, the tension between us growing.

“I suppose I should apologize for what I did today.” I sighed. “I shouldn't have put you in a situation like that. I'm sorry.”

He smiled, a deep and genuine smile. “I contributed to the situation, you're not all to blame. But one day love, if anything changes with your love life, I'll be right here waiting.” He leaned in, put his hand on my cheek and kissed my forehead.

I blushed, wanting to reach up and kiss him. I moved my hand slowly, resting it on his knee. He stiffened for a moment, and then Kitty stepped out of The Butterfly House laughing with Jay. When she saw us, sitting that close on the bench, my hand on his knee, his on my face, she stopped laughing, putting a hand on Jay's chest to stop him. I saw her, watching me with an excited smile on her face, and jumped away from him. I stood, brushing my hands down my skirt to flatten the fabric nervously.

“We should probably go. It's getting late and we have school tomorrow.” I mumbled, keeping my eyes off of the others as I made my way back toward the house.

The others soon followed, but I paid little attention to them. I needed to get back home and sort things out. I needed to hear Tony's voice telling me he loved me, and I would be okay. Everything would be okay. I made a beeline through the house to the front door, and just kept walking straight down the path. Kitty called my name behind me, her footsteps closing in rapidly, and then her hand was on my shoulder, tugging me to a stop.

“What's up, girl?” she asked, glaring at me.

“Nothing, I'm fine. I just need to get back to the school and sleep. I'm... tired.” I growled, shrugging my shoulder free from her grasp and continuing forward.

Kitty sighed, keeping in stride with me, but staying quiet all the way back to the train station. When the boys caught up, Stitch announced we would be waiting at least twenty minutes for the next train. I growled, and took my phone out of my sock and flopped onto the bench. Hey baby, I miss you. How's life back home? Anything new? How's Rush doing? I sighed again, and closed the phone, hoping he would answer quickly. I needed something to take my mind off of Stitch. My phone buzzed repeatedly for nearly a minute straight. Hey beautiful,mmm I miss seeing you everyday, my life isn't the same. No one's is. We all miss you. We're watching a movie right now, and everyone says 'Heya' and they miss ya. Movies aren't the same without you babe. I miss you. Love you. Is everything okay there? Do you need anything? I don't know what I can do since you're across the ocean and all in a foreign country, but I will do my best. I smiled, a warm rush running through my body. I wanted to curl up next to him and fall asleep in his arms like we had done on countless summer afternoons back home. The excitement about returning home hit me again with more force than before. Our plane left early Sunday morning, and then I would see my family again, and I could see Tony. Feel his strong body against mine, his soft lips on mine, his arms around me, keeping me safe.

And then there was Rush. What was I going to do with him? I loved Tony, but he had been acting so differently, and every time he called I got a sick feeling in my stomach like something was wrong. I was beginning to worry that he was lying to me about something, but I just couldn't figure out what. With another great sigh, I put my phone back in my sock. I just didn't know what to say, I missed Tony but for some reason, I just couldn't express myself anymore. Closing my eyes, I spread myself out on the bench, laying the entire length of the bench, my feet barely peeking over the edge. I put my hands on my stomach, and sat still, breathing deeply. Maybe I could just meditate away all my problems. It seemed like a good tactic until I realized meditation could only get you so far, and it wasn't very far at all. After a time of lying like a corpse on the bench, I felt someone's eyes on my body. I opened my left eye, slight enough I could see out of my lashes and noticed Stitch's stare. For refusing my kiss he suddenly seemed more than interested.

The bellow of the approaching train drew me out of my lounging on the bench; I sat up, straightening my skirt, fixing my blouse, and checking my hair. Why did I just do that? I asked myself, realizing that for the first time in so many years, I was trying to impress someone. My cheeks started to burn and I quickly turned my attention to the wooden planks on the ground, busying myself with the pieces that were warped out of place and destroyed by the weather. The planks rumbled as the train lurched to a stop at the station. The conductor stepped down, looking at us, and smiled at Stitch.

“Have an enjoyable afternoon, Mr. Mazigatti?” the man asked, taking our tickets from Stitch.

Stitch glanced back at me with a smile. “We had a great day, thank you sir.” He replied, and stepped around the conductor onto the train.

Kitty and Jay stepped in after him, and I followed after them. We took a booth with the benches facing each other, Kitty and Jay taking up one bench, leaving the other for Stitch and I. My heart rate sped up again when I sat down by the window just knowing he was so close. No. You're not single Laela. You're taken and he respects that. Leave it alone. I scolded myself. I spent the next hour staring out the window, watching as the countryside slowly turned into a booming city. When we reached our destination, the four of us exited the train, and quickly departed for the tube. As we walked, I felt a hand on my wrist, pulling me out of my contemplation. I glanced first at the hand, and then trialed slowly up the arm until I found myself looking into Jay's dark brown eyes. The others had walked on ahead of us, but Jay kept his hold on me, keeping our pace slow. For a long time he walked slowly by my side, his hand on my wrist, not saying a word, and finally, when Kitty and Stitch were far enough ahead of us, he spoke.

“I know this probably isn't something you want to hear,” he said, releasing his hold on my wrist. “But it's something that needs to be said. Stitch only did what he did because he cares. If he didn't, he would have kissed you right then. But he didn't, and that proves there's more than just admiration there.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Sure,” I mumbled.

He shook his head and sighed, “I know you don't want to accept that, but it's the truth. I've known Stitch for a while now, and it's a lesson learned in time. Sometimes he leaves me to wallow in his mysteries, but from what I know, he's never one to make a snap decision.”

I sighed again; one day out, and I was now up to my eyeballs in confusion. I bit my lip. First Ayrin tells me Stitch is a good guy, and is “courteous,” and now Jay telling me he's a good guy and only does what he does because he “cares.” Well... great. I kicked a pebble as we walked. This is just what I need in my life right now. Drama. That I've created. The sun had set completely, and the air had suddenly become chill, causing me to shiver. Now I wished I had kept my sweater, hugging myself and rubbing my arms. I always hated cold places. We finally reached the tube, and Jay moved to his place at Kitty's side. After we had boarded we took our seats, and my phone began to vibrate repeatedly in my sock. Impulsively I grabbed my phone and flipped it open, paying little attention to the caller ID.

“Hello,” I said a little too cheerfully for my former mood.

“Hey you,” replied Rush. “just checking in with the counselor.”

I laughed, picturing him winking at me. “Now, how do you feel about that?” I teased.

“Fantastic,” he whispered, his voice dropping into a silky almost intoxicating tone. “Missing you terribly, but I'll survive. School is boring as ever here. I'm bored out of my mind without someone to pass notes to in English. When are you coming back for a visit?”

My heart fluttered with excitement. I wanted to tell him I would be home in two days, but I wanted it to be a surprise. I wanted to see their faces light up, hear Keltie scream with joy, have Rush gather me into his arms and swing me around, and feel Tony's lips against mine again.

“As soon as I have money to afford it.” I said, “I promise I'll come back to see my besties!”

“And you'll bring some treasures from across the sea?”

I laughed, “Yes, I'll bring some treasures for you.”

“You're the only treasure I need.”

I paused, a lump in my throat. I wished he would stop saying things like that. “Rush... I appreciate your interest, but you know I've got Tony. And I love him.”

Rush muttered something incomprehensible over his end.

“What was that?”

“Oh, nothing I was just talking to my sister. She's staying for the next month until her wedding. It's a pain in the ass.”

“I bet, she always seemed like a handful. When's the wedding? Maybe I can come.”

“November fifteenth I think.... Not entirely sure though. I just know it's in November.”

“I'll see what I can do to make it. Anything else new? News with Keltie since she never calls... it's like the girl lost her phone.”

“She did. We were at the mall last week, and her phone is gone now. We can't find it. And she's currently trying to convince her parents to get her a new one. They're not having it since she's always losing it, and doesn't pay any attention when she has one anyway.”

I could hear a few boys shouting at Rush in the background. He replied with a string of choice words.

“Sounds like quite the crowd you've got there. Who all is over?”

“Football team. They want to go out tonight... I don't know what they're planning, but it's Kai's birthday so we were all going to do something. Probably involves girls and drinking. It's safe to say I'm not going. Which was that string of profanities.”

I laughed, “Good to know you can handle yourself when I'm not around.”

The tube slid to a stop, and the passengers shifted around preparing to exit. I glanced at the others, finding them standing and waiting on me. Embarrassed, I felt my cheeks redden again as I stood up and followed them off the train. Rush went on talking about his day, how the team was doing, and his complaints about the family. When we crossed over into the school's front yard I felt an odd tightening in my stomach. I stopped walking, turning around in circles until I finally found two people, both in white shirts, standing at the edge of the gravel drive. As if they could sense I was looking at them, they turned around. Suddenly one of them raised their arm and called my name, waving me over.

“Hey, Rush hun, I have to go. Bye,” I said hastily, hardly giving him time to say goodbye before hanging up.

I made my way over to the people, boys as I noticed when I grew closer. Both blonde, and familiar. When I was close enough I smiled; Cam and Vance.

“Hey,” I said casually, waving.

Cam smiled, opening his arms for a hug. Sheepishly I tucked myself into his arms, resting my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat. It was strong, and steady, just like him. He kissed the top of my head, and I heard Vance clear his throat. As if the noise were a command, Cam let go of me quickly. I stood by his side for a moment, just looking at Vance. He smiled.

“I know we hardly know each other, and I'd like to change that soon, but do you think I could steal a hug?” He asked, his accent far stronger than even Cam's.

I blushed, thankfully it was dark. “Sure,” I whispered.

He opened his arms, and I stepped forward, tucking myself between his arms like I had done for Cam. When his arms closed around me I felt as if I might faint. There was something almost electric about his touch; warm... too warm. He held me close to him, as if drinking in my closeness, and suddenly I heard an angry shout from across the yard.

“Vance, you get your filthy hands off of her!” Stitch yelled, even from far away I could hear the growl in his words.

As if to spite him, Vance's arms tightened around me. “She's not your girl, mate. I can hold her as long as I want.” he replied, venom edging into his voice.

“She's not yours either, mate, so back off.”

I started to feel uncomfortable in Vance's arms, but he wouldn't relinquish his hold on me. He moved one arm out, and held it up so Stitch could see it, and flipped him off, a triumphant smirk on his face as Stitch came marching across the gravel. A dog started to howl somewhere in the distance, and the air grew thick with tension. I looked up at Vance, his lightning blue eyes fixed on Stitch, a smirk on his lips that dripped with disdain. His fingers pressed into my shoulder where he held me, making me flinch. I pushed away from him, and slowly he released me as Stitch grew closer, turning to confront him. Stepping away, I moved behind Cam, hiding my head between his shoulder blades. I hated fights. I especially hated them if I was the reason for the fight. I started shaking my head against his back, muttering quietly to myself.

“Stop, please, just stop.” I said over and over, wishing that someone would hear me.

“You seem awful territorial, Stitch, for having no hold over the girl.” Vance spat.

“And you're the same arrogant son of a bitch, do you ever change?” Stitch countered, digging his foot into the gravel.

“I don't see a reason to.”

“I've got plenty.”

There was silence for a time, and suddenly I heard someone grunt in pain as they dropped to the gravel. Cam stiffened.

“Stay away from her if you know what's good for you.” Stitch growled, turning around and stomping off across the gravel once again.

I peeked out from around Cam's shoulder and saw Vance pulling himself off the ground. Shocked, I dashed out, and tried to help him up, but he glared up at me harshly. In the pale moonlight I saw a shining trail of blood dribbling down his chin from the corner of his mouth, splashing onto his shirt. He wiped it away with the back of his hand and glared after Stitch.

“I'm so sorry, this is all my fault.” I said, reaching out to touch his shoulder. He flinched away from me. “Are you okay?”

“Fine, love. Nothing I can't handle.” he replied. “I'll be seeing you tomorrow, both of you.”

He turned quickly and left Cam and I standing in the dark.

Chapter 18!! And announcements!

Well!! I've reached the end of my high school career! That's right, tomorrow it will officially be over. Graduation baby!!!!

Yes,  the offer still stands about guessing for Florida. Please guess, so far its only Mel. Hmmmm... lets see, there was another something but i can't remember it. Enjoy chapter 18.

Chapter Eighteen

We stood on the back patio, staring out into the vast gardens for a moment before Kitty bounded down the steps into the labyrinth of flowers.

“How much time would you say is spent maintaining this garden?” She asked, spinning in a circle, her hands outstretched at her sides, her head thrown back

Stitch smirked. “That's all Ayrin does. He's the groundskeeper, nothing more.” he laughed, “He spends all day, every day out here making my flowers beautiful.”

“Dang,” Jay sighed, “That guy must be the color of mud if he spends all day out in the sun.”

Stitch rolled his eyes, “Definitely the color of mud.” He stepped carefully and deliberately down the steps onto the gravel, stepping to Kitty's side, and bending to whisper something in her ear.

Kitty furrowed her brow, looking up at him for a moment before taking a step away and bending down over a white rose bush. She didn't say anything more, and he remained just as silent. I stared at them, confused by the exchange. Jay and I stood, quite silently, just waiting for them to say something, but when no response came, Jay stepped down to Kitty's side. Suddenly a large Monarch butterfly flew in front of my face, landing on my shoulder, and crawling to my neck, resting on the butterfly pendant I forgot I wore. It stayed there for a time before fluttering away, teasing me, beckoning me to follow. Curiosity got the better of me. There was no way a butterfly could actually be calling me to follow it, but what did I have to lose? After all, I did want to see the gardens. Glancing at my friends, I noted that they were quite preoccupied with the roses, Stitch was explaining something which was apparently captivating. I didn't see the harm in slipping away. Glancing back to the path before me, I noticed the butterfly waiting on a flower not to far ahead.

I stepped down the patio quietly, sneaking across the gravel. As I approached, the butterfly fluttered off the flower and glided down the path. Taking in the beauty of the sea of flowers around me, I soon found myself in a thick wood, quite unaware of the direction I had come in. Crap. Now I'm lost. I thought to myself, turning in a hopeless circle. Suddenly I found a small bridge crossing a stream to my right. I walked to the water's edge and looked down at it. Staring up at me was my reflection, simple, boring, nothing really to look at, but suddenly over my shoulder another face appeared. Blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a sweetly seductive smile on his lips. I turned on my heel, nearly losing my balance and toppling into the stream, but found no one in the area. Turning again to the stream I found my reflection and nothing more. Staring into my own eyes for a long time, my reflection began to change until I found myself staring into Vance's eyes again. He smiled, sweet and charming, and then vanished when something that sounded much like the roar of a huge cat echoed through the trees. I stumbled backward a few paces from the stream, clutching my hand to my chest. What had just happened?

“Hello?” I called into the forest around me, turning in slow, small circles. “Is anyone out there?”

Only a bird answered me, its high-pitched call echoing through the trees. Sighing I walked forward again, careful not to look into the stream as I crossed the bridge and gasped, taking in the sight. The light broke through the trees gently highlighting what looked like a pond just beyond the bridge. I had found myself quite lost in the labyrinth of Stitch's garden, finding myself alone in this small haven despite my hallucinations in the stream. Slowly I stepped off the end of the bridge toward a set of chairs placed near the pond.

Perhaps he came out here to paint the pond, or the trees. It was all quite beautiful, certainly good enough to paint. When I reached the chairs, I studied them, gently trailing my fingers across the backs, drawing the patterns.. They had been positioned in a way that if two people were to sit down, their knees would have to be touching, facing the small pond full of fish directly in front of them. Does he bring girls out here? I asked myself suddenly, imagining the countless number of girls he could have brought to this very place, sitting knee to knee, watching the sunset. I pictured him reaching for her hand, resting on her lap, and the girl didn't bother to pull away. He leaned over to whisper something in the girl's ear. The girl smiled. What had he told her? I was dying to know. The girl leans closer to Stitch, their faces nearly touching. His forehead rests on hers. He leans in, and their lips meet. His hand moves to her jaw, and hers fall on his shoulders. She slips out of her chair and onto his lap. He doesn't seem to mind, pulling her closer into him.

“NO!” I yelled, knocking the chair to the side in a sudden fit of jealousy, the images fading from view.

Why had I done that? I.... I didn't even like Stitch. Maybe I did. Did I? No. I had Tony, and that was all I needed. He was sweet, caring, and would never do anything to hurt me. He loved me, and I loved him. We are perfect for each other. I don't need anything else. Nothing more, nothing less... but there was something about Stitch that Tony just didn't have. Something that I inexplicably craved. I couldn't put my finger on it to save my life, but something about that boy drew me to him in a way that I didn't understand. Whenever I was with him, everything felt right. I turned back to the chair I had knocked over and set it back up. After I had set the chair in place, I gazed out across the little clearing and noticed a wood building. Odd, I wonder what that is. Checking once more to see that I was indeed the only one out here, I walked quietly and carefully across the clearing to the building. The wood was aged, and warped with the elements of time and weather as if it had stood for hundreds of years.

It wasn't a large building big enough for two people to live in comfortably, maybe a storage shed, but why so far from the house? I walked around it, noticing a single window on one of the walls. I stood on my tip toes trying to see into the dark shed, but couldn't see anything. There wasn't enough light with the trees around. Moving back to the front of of the shed, I carefully put my hand on the doorknob and turned it. It was unlocked, and creaked loudly as I pushed the door open. A dusty light filtered in from the open door, but there still wasn't enough light there to see anything. I stepped inside, pulling my phone out of my pocket, and using it as a flashlight. I moved carefully through the dark, lighting my path until I thought I stood in about the middle of the room. I raised my phone, shining the light on the wall in front of me. There was a bed, queen sized, the quilts ruffled slightly. I felt my stomach tighten again. He must come here after he's buttered them up with kisses out there... I growled inwardly. But though my blind jealousy another thought crossed my mind. He's not that kind of boy.

“Sure he isn't.” I said aloud, taking a few steps forward until my knees were flush with the edge of the bed. I put my hand on it, feeling a thick layer of dust and sighed. “He's not...” A smile found its way to my lips as I stepped away from the bed.

I crossed the room and found a table cluttered with ancient yellowing paper. Why did he have all this stuff out here? Was this where his more... ancient ancestors lived? The papers certainly looked old enough. Carefully I picked one up, and studied it. The writing was faded, and only a few words could be made out. He'll never stop until he has....

“Has what?” I said to no one in particular, squinting at the page, hoping to make out the rest of the sentence. I picked up another piece of paper. This was written in a different hand. I'll protect you. He'll never have... “Have what?!” I put the papers down and stepped away form the table.

What were those letters about? Who were they from? And who is this person they keep saying won't get something? Suddenly my phone vibrated in my hand. I looked down at it. You ought not to be snooping in places you weren't invited to... I glared at my screen. Who was this person, and how did they know I was here? I looked around, and my phone started buzzing again. This time it was a call. Without looking at the screen, I pounced.

“Who are you and why do you keep sending those creepy texts!” I demanded, waiting for an answer.

“I haven't sent you any texts, Laela.” It was Kitty. “Where are you? We've been looking everywhere!”

“Oh... I was just um... following a butterfly and got a little lost.” I admitted sheepishly.

“Following... a butterfly? Well, where are you? I'm sure if we describe it to Stitch he could find you.”

“I'm in a little wooden house... I think its a house... anyway, I went across a bridge to a little pond and then found this house... I'm not really in the gardens anymore unless you count trees as gardens.”

“Um, here, talk to Stitch.” I heard her hand the phone off.

“Lost, darling?” He laughed, his accent making me shiver. “Where are you exactly?”

“In a little wooden house just past a fish pond beyond a bridge in the forest...” I said, feeling another wave of jealousy from no where.

“Why are you clear out there?”

“I was following a butterfly...” I felt stupid saying it, but it was true.

There was a long silence over the line. “What kind of butterfly?”

His question caught me off guard. “Um... it was.... a Monarch. A big one.”

“What color?” His questions were getting strange.

“Yellow-orange?” I said, “Why does it matter what color it is?”

“No reason. Just stay where you are. We're coming to get you.” He seemed a little rushed as he passed the phone back to Kitty, who hung up.

I looked around the house again. A little more light had made its way through the window, shining dimly on another table set up across the room. This table housed several photographs in ancient wooden frames. Carefully I stepped across the room and stopped at the table, reaching out and gently picking up the closest photograph. It was a picture of a man, no older than twenty, with dark hair cropped short wearing a military uniform. It looked like it was a photo taken during the first World War. The longer I stared at the picture, the more I felt as if I knew him.

I put the picture down. “Why does that always happen,” I asked myself aloud. “It doesn't matter where I am, if it has to do with Stitch, it's like I've experienced it all before.” I stepped away from the table and out of the house. “It's not healthy.”

Walking back to the pond, I took a careful look around the trees. They were huge, their branches spreading over me, blocking out the sun, giving a serene, and slightly unearthly look to the area. I smiled, weaving in and out of the trunks, my hands slipping across the rough surfaces, eyes closed, taking in every sound, every smell, every movement of the foliage. It seemed like endless hours of serenity when suddenly I heard my name.

“Laela? Where are you?” Kitty's voice rang among the trees.

I took my few final steps out of the thick and into the opening around the pond. “Here, sorry I wondered off.” I blushed, shrugging.

Kitty laughed. “I'm sure you had an enjoyable time out here on your own. It's beautiful!” she turned to look at Stitch. “It really is amazing. I can see why it's your favorite place to be.”

I smiled, looking at Stitch, and noticing another boy among the group. “Who is this?” I asked, raising an eyebrow and staring straight at the boy.

His skin was darker than Stitch's, but his hair was nearly blonde, bleached out by the sun, his eyes sparkling hazel. He didn't look too much older than us, maybe twenty-three at the most. His stance was strong and assertive, straight and tall; he knew who he was, and wasn't afraid of it, or anyone else for that matter.

“This is Ayrin, my groundskeeper.” Stitch said, gesturing to the boy, who stepped forward and nodded his head.

“Nice to meet you.” I smiled.

“Well, now that we're all together, The Butterfly House is ready.” Stitch extended his arm toward me. “Shall we?” He smiled, an intoxicating smile, and I couldn't help but to slip my hand into his.

He walked forward, still holding my hand, with Ayrin leading the way. Kitty and Jay walked by his side, asking all sorts of questions about the garden. The way Kitty and Ayrin joked together about the care for the flowers made me wonder if they knew each other before today. It sure seemed like it. As we crossed back over the bridge, I instinctively moved closer to Stitch, keeping my eyes away from the water. It wasn't that I didn't like Vance, I did. It was just odd to see his reflection in the water. Stitch glanced down at me with a warm smile, but didn't say a word, nor did he release his hold on my hand. In fact, he did quite the opposite. He laced his fingers between mine, and smiled to himself. I blushed, my heart racing against my rib cage, my thoughts began to race. Get yourself together, Laela. I scolded myself. You have a boyfriend, his name is Tony. He loves you. Let go of Stitch's hand. I took a deep breath, preparing myself to pull my hand free of his, but couldn't bring myself to do it. Tony is a half a world away. He'll never know... whispered a dark voice in my head. I shook my head and pulled my hand from his, smiling nervously. He didn't say anything, just glanced at our hands, and kept walking quietly.

“That house... how long... what's it for?” I asked, hoping to break our awkward silence.

He looked back over his shoulder as we crossed into the flowery labyrinth. “That house was there before the mansion. It housed my fourth great grandparents and their family, and the next set. It's been there forever.” He smiled. “We just left everything in there. Haven't moved much.”

“Do you ever just go out there and enjoy the memories? Wonder about them?”

“All the time... I'm out there a lot, just imagining what they were like. Mum 'n dad always had the greatest stories to tell about them. I just wish they were around to tell me more.” He looked out ahead of us, a sad longing in his eyes.

I put my hand on his shoulder. “I'm sorry I brought it up. I didn't mean to unearth sad memories.”

He looked at me, put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his chest. “Sometimes it's good to think of these things. It keeps us sane.” He kissed the top of my head, and another rush of heat ran through my body before he released me.

We walked in silence behind the others for the remainder of our trip until we came to a huge glass house. I gasped; it was huge. Staring up at it, I felt like an ant in comparison. Even the steps leading up to the door were larger than normal. The panes of glass were clouded with condensation, plant leaves stuck to them in places. It looked like someone had taken a rainforest and transplanted it into a house. Stitch dismissed Ayrin, and lead us up the stairs to the door. With a courteous smile, he opened the door with a flourish and gestured us inside. Kitty and I were the first to step through the door to a different world.

“Holy hannah, this place is amazing!” Kitty cried, staring up at the huge trees, and countless butterflies fluttering around the room

She snatched my arm and ran deeper into the room with me. We were completely in awe of the things around us, hardly able to contain our enthusiasm. I had never been in a room so full of butterflies in my life. Kitty was in heaven. Butterflies were important to her, and Stitch obviously, and oddly enough, I found myself appreciating them more and more each day. For a long time, butterflies were nothing more to me than a pretty bug that didn't freak me out, but now they meant more. They were the start of a new life, of new adventures, and new friendship. Kitty was rambling ahead of me about how romantic this place was, and that she could spend hours out here just watching the butterflies. I looked around the room again, and sighed. I could spend all day out here too. Its peaceful. As I walked along the stone path, I suddenly felt something pulse against my neck. I looked down, frightened at what I might find, but saw only my necklace. It had been the cause of so many odd occurrences today. I picked it up off my chest, and examined it carefully. There wasn't anything strange about it, that I could see anyway, so why then had it pulsed?

With a sigh, I looked up, finding myself looking at a huge bright turquoise butterfly. Startled, I took a step back, but the butterfly didn't move. It fluttered closer to my face, flitting around me in a small circle. It flew next to my face, its wing brushing against my cheek. I smiled, extending a hand carefully, hoping it would land on my finger. For a moment it flitted around my hand and gently landed on my finger, crawling slowly toward my palm. Its feet tickled my skin as it walked, inching slowly forward. Looking up again, I noticed several hundred butterflies had now emerged and were flying around our small group. Stitch moved in the corner of my vision, and disappeared, and the next moment I felt his hands on my waist, his breath against my ear.

“You know,” he whispered, “butterflies are drawn to people with calm spirits and kind hearts.”

I smiled, and felt him smile against my cheek. Relishing in the feeling of his hands around me, his closeness, his smell, I stood with my eyes closed for a few moments. He angled his head toward mine, as if he was going to kiss my cheek, but stopped. I turned slowly so I didn't frighten the butterfly resting on my finger until I was facing Stitch. His hands still lingered on my hips, his body only inches from mine. My heart sped up again, and I felt my cheeks turn red. His gentle green eyes were locked on mine, his dark hair falling messily over his forehead, sweet smile on his lips. He looked down at the butterfly in my hands and smiled. I held my finger out where the butterfly sat, and he raised one of his hands, finger extended and touched it to mine. We stood, eyes locked, the air full of a strange tension. I couldn't quite explain the feeling, or why I felt it. The butterfly crawled slowly from my finger to his, and each step it took, Stitch seemed to pull me closer to him. The longer I stared into his eyes the more obscure the world around us became; the sounds of Kitty's fawning washed away, the trees fell from view and the butterflies vanished. It was just he and I, nothing else.

When the butterfly had crossed from my hand to his, he took my hand, lacing his fingers between mine, holding it in suspension, his eyes never moving from mine. I stepped into him, my lips parting, preparing to say something, but whatever it was got lost as I felt his body against mine, his hard lean muscles beneath his shirt flush with my body. My head started to spin, and my heart raced. I could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and yet despite its speed, his breath was even and calm. How can he be so calm? I asked myself? My logic was falling to pieces, and despite the voice in the back of my head that kept screaming Tony's name, I leaned forward, standing up on my toes. My heart sped up again. Just do it. Urged a voice in my head, lean in and kiss him. Hesitantly, I moved in. He stood quite still, his eyes still locked on mine, a strange emotion crossing his eyes, and he backed out, slowly releasing his hold on my hand and hip.

“As much as I want it, love,” he whispered, his eyes now focused on the ground, “I can't do that knowing you have a boyfriend back home who loves you.”

I felt as if I had run head on into a brick wall at ninety miles an hour.

Stuff

Here's some filler stuff while you guys wait around for chapter....whatever i'm on. I never remember.... Have some junk i created while in commercial art. First is my magazine spread about my future life if all the dreams I ever imagined came true..... the next is my planner cover for next year. Hope it wins. I would much rather have a planner like this than some lame wolf one. My double page spread is being shown in the senior art show. I'm pretty proud.

 

here's the story that went with that....it's kinda cheesy.

   Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there lived a girl. She wasn’t like the other girls in the kingdom, no, she was different. She spent her time pouring over the pages of countless books, and writing her own stories. Her dream was to become a world famous author and bring joy to readers everywhere.  Today, that dream has become a reality. We’ve seen countless copies of her best selling novel Branded on shelves in bookstores across America. “It’s amazing even to me when I walk into a bookstore, and see my works on the shelves. I feel like a child at Christmas.” Alex said.
          Alex started writing as a young girl, always the adventurous one, and has continued to do so to this day. In her career as both an author and a copy editor for Crazy House Publishing in New York, New York.. It was here at work she met her husband, Marek Bane, a Scottish author. “I can’t say it was love at first sight,” commented Alex, “In fact, I think our feelings bordered on loathing. It took some time, but we are now blissfully in love. Our wedding is in June, and will be in Scotland at his ancestral home.”
    Alex enjoys taking time off to go camping with her fiance, but while she camps, she writes, and writes. They tell each other their stories, and even while they hike through the mountains, they laugh about their jobs. When she’s not with Marek, she spends her time in her apartment with her dog, Cael, writing, reading, and dancing wildly around her apartment. “Hopefully one day with our money Marek and I be able to move to a cute little toudor in England,” Alex said, the ghost of longing in her eyes. “I’ve always wanted to live there.”
      When asked about her dreams, Alex had this to say. “My dreams are already coming true. I’ve always wanted to be a copy editor, and have a book published. Marek is a dream I never knew I had, and living in England would be amazing. The people there are incredible. When I had my first book published, I splurged on another one of my dreams. My car.”
    Alex drives a bright orange Lotus Elise. It became the car of her dreams one fine summer day when she was sixteen. She had been on tour with her choir, the American Heritage Youth Chorus, in Saint George, Utah. Her host family owned the car of her dreams, and when she sat down in the driver’s side, she just knew it.The feel of the leather beneath her, the purr of the engine, and the sleek body of the car drew her in. There was only one problem. It was a stick shift. From that day forward she worked hard to master the automatic transmition on her own car, a beat up red Ford Ranger. Now, at the age of 23 she’s mastered it, and owns her dream.
      Whenever Alex gets the chance, she heads to the West to visit her family in Utah. As the oldest of five children her visits often consist of catching up on everything she has missed, and while she is out there Alex retreats to her favorite vacation spot. Lake Powell.
      “When my best friend Nikki took me with her for the first time I was fifteen. I fell in love with it instantly.” she said, “I love the sun, and water, and most of all, I love boating! Sometimes it gets rather dreary out on the East Coast, so I take some time off to bask in the sun of Lake Powell.”
     Well, whenever Marek isn’t tossing her into the water.
      “Dreams do come true,” Alex said in closing, “But you can’t just wait around for them to fall into your lap. You’ve got to work hard, and one day you’ll have exactly what you earn.”

And here's the planner.

Noodle

I saw this picture saved in my file at school, and died laughing while i should have been writing a paper about texting and driving. Enjoy this random bit of joy for your day.

The Long awaited chapter 17

Sorry this has taken me so long!!!! I hope you guys enjoy it! OOOH and I wanted you to try and predict what's going to happen when the gang gets to florida! I'm having a sort of competition to see who comes closest, and that person will get the fabu prize of a short story by me! hahahah lame i know, but oh well! Leave a comment with your prediction!!!

Chapter Seventeen

I hustled to catch the others, my shopping bags banging against my leg. The others hadn't seemed to notice that Stitch had disappeared from the group. For a while I didn't say anything about it, but when we entered the tube, I was starting to get nervous.

“Um, has anyone seen Stitch?” I asked, “He disappeared after our encounter with Vance.”

Cam turned to look at me, glancing beyond my shoulder and up the stairs. “I'm sure he'll turn up. He's known for just randomly disappearing, don't worry love.”

I sighed and boarded the subway train, nearly keeling over at the heinous smell of overly ripe people and cigarette smoke. I stepped around Cam, hoping to find a seat, but found only a gaggle of people crammed into the seats. Kitty and Jay hand managed to find a seat, which they were sharing. Kitty sat joyfully on Jay's lap leaning her back against him and staring up at the grafittied ceiling, his hands resting around her waist. I smiled; they were just so cute. Glancing around the crammed car again I still found nothing. With a sigh I wrapped my arm around the pole next to me for support and set my bags on the ground at my feet.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you,” Cam chided in a sing-song voice, his accent sounding slightly Welsh for a moment.

Raising my eyebrow I rested my free hand on my hip. “Oh,” I said, “and why not?”

“You never know who will go rifling through your things.” His eyes dropped to my bags.

Following his eyes I looked down at my bags and found a little girl digging through them. Carefully, I bent down to her level, plastering a smile on my face.

“Can I help you?” I asked, my voice rising in pitch.

She looked at me, a confused scowl upon her brow. It was almost as if she was trying to pick out my flaws. “No,” she grouched.

“Are you... looking for something?”

Her glare hardened. “No,”

With a sigh I closed my hand around my bags, smiling at her again. “Then I am going to take my bags, okay?”

Keeping my hand clamped firmly around the handles, I stood up, tucking the bags around my other side. The girl glared at me for a while before turning to a beautiful brunette girl.

“Elle! That girl is being mean to me,” she whined, pointing at me.

Despite her accusation, I smiled at the sound of her high British accent. The brunette glanced up at me curiously. Before I could say anything in my defense, Cam spoke up.

“Now, now, little darlin' was Laela really being mean by taking her bags, or were you being mean by looking through them?” He asked her.

Elle and the girl exchanged glances. The little girl wadded her shirt in her hands.

“Sorry miss,” Elle said, “Kayla has a difficult time keeping her hands to herself.” She patted Kayla on the head, drawing another scowl.

I smiled with a small nod. The train stopped, and the car hardly seemed to change in capacity. For every person that got off, one more got on. Cam managed to snag a seat, patting his knees with a sly smile. My chest tightened and my cheeks burned. I noticed Kitty staring at me, waiting for me to make a choice. As a last ditch effort, I glanced around for an empty seat, but found none. Stepping slowly across the isle I approached Cam. His smile grew, turning almost greedy as I lowered myself into his lap. His hands slipped slowly around my waist, his breath bouncing off my neck, sending a chill down my spine.

“You smell divine, by the way.” Cam whispered into my neck, his lips brushing against my skin.

I sat up straight as a board. “Cam, I have a boyfriend.” I nearly growled.

He pressed his lips against my neck. “He's not here,” he murmured silkily.

“Cam, I love him. Don't do this—” by breath hitched uncomfortably as his hand dropped to my thigh.

Thankfully the train slid to a stop and Kitty jumped up from her seat and grabbed me, glancing pointedly at Jay and dragged me off the train. Behind us I heard Jay chewing Cam out.

“Thank you for saving me!” I whispered uncomfortably, fixing my shirt. “I don't know what he was thinking. I have a boyfriend...”

“That's just how Cam is.” Kitty sighed, “He's a...very um... physical person?” She sounded unsure of her words as we trotted up the steps and onto the city street.

We walked across the street to the school. The boys were still behind us, bantering back and forth in quick sentences which I found difficult to make out because of their accents. Upon arriving to the elevator, Kitty swept me inside without waiting for Jay or Cam and pressed the button. We rode in silence, the soft jazz melodies seeming to draw haunting pictures in the quiet. Kitty had her Blackberry out and was clicking away rapidly at the keys, paying no attention to me at all. I sighed, leaning against the cold metal wall. The ride seemed longer than normal somehow. Just as I worked up the nerve to break the silence, the elevator lurched to a stop and the doors opened. Kitty stepped out without averting her eyes from her screen, and walked mechanically down the hall. I shadowed her, glancing around the walls as I went. They were dull, now that I paid attention to them. Typical hotel walls, random paintings of fruit adorning them.

“Kitty, is there a reason you're not talking to me?” I asked, sidling up to her, stepping around her and blocking the door.

She glanced up at me. “I... it's nothing. Don't worry about it.” she said with a smile and a flourish of her hand.

Rolling my eyes, I stepped aside and let her through the door. She went straight to her room without a sound and closed the door loudly. I stood, staring at the door, my eyes dropping into an unattractive scowl. Growling, I moved across the room silently into the mini kitchen and threw open the refrigerator door and extracted Fanta, stormed across the room and sat on the couch. One of the twins exited their room and walked groggily into the living room. I looked at her, watching her walk into the kitchen and pull a chocolate bar. She ripped the wrapper off and turned around, suddenly aware that I was sitting in the room. Her eyes grew wide, resembling a deer stuck in the headlights.

“D-don't tell anyone you saw this.” She stuttered. “They don't know.”

I raised my eyebrow, yanking the tab on my Fanta and listening to it fizz. “Tell them I saw what?” I asked, raising the cold can to my lips and taking a long drink.

She fidgeted, putting her chocolate down. “I'm on a diet, and I'm not allowed to eat anything after nine... and I'm especially not allowed to eat chocolate.”

I smirked, “Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, your secret is safe with me.”

She smiled, finishing her chocolate quickly and quickly stepping into her room again. Taking one last look at Kitty's room I heaved myself off the couch and went to my room, put my soda on the dresser and stripping not bothering to put my pajamas on, leaving only my underwear on, and finished my soda before flopping into bed.

“Everard!” I called into the dark forest. “Everard where are you?”

The noises of the forest seemed to magnify ten fold around me. Owls hooted loudly, calling to their mates in the darkness. Small creatures twisted around my feet, cackling calls at me, taunting me as they ran. I had been waiting in this spot for hours, waiting. Everard had promised he would meet me. He promised. The sun had set an hour ago, and the moon hardly penetrated the thick canopy above me. My own form was hardly visible in the darkness, even when I raised my hand within inches of my face. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and felt the hum of the world around me. The magic in the air was tangible, and I called it to me. Focusing it into my palm I created a small pillar of flame. The immediate area suddenly flooded with light. I spun around and screamed, falling to the ground.

“Shh... you'll wake the rabbits.” Everard whispered, a smirk in his words.

My heart rate had spiked beyond a healthy level; I clutched my chest, lying flat on the ground, the chill of the autumn leaves biting into my bear shoulders. “I hate you.” I hissed, my heart rate starting to slow.

He dropped down, lying next to me. “Sorry, didn't mean to keep you waiting. I met...competition.”

I turned my head to look at him, but my flame had diminished and couldn't see his beautiful face looking back at me. “Competition?”

“Marianea... the “Phoenix King's” apprentice. They're getting edgy.” he chuckled.

I felt his hand on my skin pulling me toward him. Rolling into him, I stopped against his side, my stomach flush with his side. We sat there in silence for what seemed like forever. I could tell he was thinking deeply, his chest rising and falling in calm intervals. His silence drew me into my own mind. I needed to tell him. He needed to be protected, and only I could do that for him. I sat up, and looked down at him; the pendant hanging on his chest was glowing a faint blue, drawing drastic shadows on his face.

I drew in a deep breath. “I need you to listen to me.” I breathed, using all my air quickly, and then holding it in my throat.

He didn't say anything, just looked at me with a smirk and waited for me to continue.

“It's important, Everard, I need you to take this seriously.” I glared at him for a while before his smirk faded and he watched me carefully. “He's coming to take me away. He won't stop until he has me, you know it's true.” My voice wavered as I felt my tears well up in my eyes. “I know he'll come after you. He'll kill you, Everard. You know it, and I know it. He's viscous and soulless” My tears were bitter and angry, splashing on his neck. His hand slipped up my thigh, resting there to comfort me. I hardly found it comforting. “Please—” my voice broke as my emotions broke into chaos. “Allow me to make sure he can't ever hurt you.”

I threw myself onto his chest, my tears drenching his shirt. My body rocked with sobs. He wouldn't understand the danger he was in. He would die if the Phoenix King made me his bride. He would die even if I didn't become his bride. I was the target, and the fatalities on the side wouldn't matter.

“I'll accept your protection on one condition.” Everard said, lifting himself to kiss the top of my head.

“Anything.” I sobbed. “I'll do anything, just let me save you!”

“Marry me. Forever, marry me.”

My heart stopped.

“LAELA, YOU SLEPT THROUGH BREAKFAST!” Kitty screamed, yanking my blankets away from my body and tossing me out of my bed.

I hit the floor and rolled a few times. “What the hell was that for?” I grouched, sitting up and glaring through the curtain of hair in front of my eyes.

“Class starts in five minutes!” she called as she exited the suite

Without thinking I stood up and scrambled to get dressed. After I had put myself together, I threw my hair into a messy bun and dashed out the room and down the hall. Kitty had left me to fend for myself in finding my first class. It wasn't something I was looking forward to, and I managed to stumble into class with ten minutes left. Kitty glared across the room at me, and when I sat down she shoved her notes at me. Quietly I thanked her and went to work rapidly copying down the notes. When the bell rang I managed to copy down the last sentence before Kitty yanked the pages away and stormed out of the room. I couldn't understand why she was so upset, but I didn't think much on it as I left the room and met Cam in the hall. He seemed to be brooding while we walked, his anger almost tangible.

“Uhmmm, Cam?” I put my arm around him. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.” he growled through gritted teeth.

We entered the class together and sat down in the back of the room. I idly listened to the lecture, but kept the majority of my attention on Cam. I didn't understand why both he and Kitty seemed so bitter. Their sour moods seemed to kick in right after we got off the subway last night. But why? I ripped a piece of paper out of my notebook and quickly scribbled: Cam, are you sure you're okay? I'll listen. I shoved it at his arm, and kept my hand there until he took the paper from me. A few seconds later the paper was returned to me. Fine. Was all that was written on the page. I glared at it. I'm serious Cam, what's wrong, you and Kitty are both so angry, and I wanted to know if its me, or something I did... or said? The pause between the return was significantly longer this time. No, it's not you. I... its more... it doesn't really matter. Don't worry about it. Its just one of those days.

I looked at him, raising my eyebrow; he kept his attention forward, ignoring me for the remainder of the period. When the bell rang he sprang from his seat and left the room. Why was everyone so tense? Leaving the room, I quickly made my way to Shakespeare, finding Jay and Daniel seated and waiting for me. I slipped into my seat and sighed, cradling my head in my hands, running my fingers idly through my hair. I felt a hand on my back, moving back and forth, the soft fingertips drawing goosebumps to my skin.

“Are you okay?” it was Daniel.

“Fine. I just have a feeling that people are angry at me, but I don't know why.” I sighed, keeping my eyes trained on the dark mahogany on the tabletop.

“I'm sure they aren't mad at you. Who could be mad at such a pretty girl?” I felt myself smile. “Besides, everyone has off days. Maybe this is just one of them.”

I tried to tell myself he was right, and that they were probably just having a bad day, but something about that felt like a lie. I knew they were angry at someone, but whom was unclear. Mr. Lauri suddenly spoke up, declaring we had partner projects. We were to choose a partner and a scene from the play and work over the break to perform it when we returned. Jay looked at me.

“Partners?” he asked, smiling.

I smiled back, “Sure thing.” I replied. “What scene?”

“Something with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, what about the very first scene with them. I love that one. We can even practice over the break while we are at your place.”

I nodded, and felt my phone vibrate in my sock. I pulled it out and glanced at the screen. Darlin' dearest, we need to speak, I love you tons and miss you! I need a girl around here to gossip with!!! I laughed picturing Keltie distressed back home without her friend around, and stuck in a group of boys. I snatched a notebook out of my backpack to take notes on acting directions from Mr. Lauri, but instead found myself looking at Tony's note.

Laela,

I've written a little something in each of your notebooks since the day you told us you were leaving. I also start with the exact same first three sentences. This is just so whatever notebook you happen to open first still leads you to find the others, and now, here's where it gets different. From the first day I saw you in English so many years ago, I knew I had to have you, and worked every day to get your attention. Every other guy seemed to have it, and I craved it, then one day, you looked my way. I was never so happy. I hope you felt the same way about me. I love you Laela, hope you're having a good time over there in London.

Love you, Tony.

I smiled. Now I couldn't wait to get home and see him. I needed to see him. The bell rang and we left. The remainder of my classes were enjoyable, all except PE, which I always hated. After showering to rid myself of man smell, since the girls always ended up smelling to high heavens after a workout with Coach Bram, Kitty and I hurried to the front gates where we had agreed to meet for the day's adventure. As we approached my heart began to race as my eyes traveled up and down Stitch's body as he leaned against the fence, smiling that smile that melted my heart and made my soul cry out to be in his arms. Strange as the feeling always was, it seemed as if I had been in this situation many times before. When we finally arrived, Stitch and Jay turned to greet us. Our crowd lacked the usual fifth wheel; Cam was missing.

“Where's Cam?” I asked, turning around to look at the school. I stood on my tip toes, glancing around in hopes that I would see him, but did not.

“He said he couldn't come today,” Jay said, making me turn back around. “he also said his favorite place wasn't somewhere that was conducive to the weekdays. He requested we go to his place tomorrow night.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Then what are we going to do today?”

“I've still got my place, love.” Stitch said suddenly, rolling himself off the fence and taking two long strides toward us. “We could do that today.”

“Splendid, since Cam seems to have vanished, probably off with Vance....” Kitty practically growled the last half of her sentence, her eyes darkening. “Lead the way Stitch.”

“We're not going to change?” I asked, glancing down at my uniform. At least I had taken off the sweltering sweater-vest and was left in my white blouse and tie, and beneath it all, the butterfly necklace.

“No need, besides, that uniform suits you well.” Stitch smiled at me, extending his hand for me to take.

Nervously I stared at it, and everyone else it seemed did as well. Slowly I extended my hand, letting my fingertips touch his palm, and my hand began to tingle with heat. He waited patiently for my hand to slip into his, and then closed his hand around mine walking out of the gates. We walked to the tube, took it out to the edges of the city, and then boarded a train to ride into the country. I stared out the window watching as beautiful farms passed and ancient manor houses towered over them. Finally the train stopped and Stitch lead us out. He hadn't said a word to anyone since we left the school, and walked a few paces ahead of us down the gravel road. I walked with Kitty and Jay, taking in the beautiful scenery. Suddenly I wished I could paint. I would come out to places like these all day and paint everything if I were an artist.

“Stitch, do you come out here to draw?” I asked before I had realized it.

He turned back over his shoulder, still walking. “Yes, quite often actually.” he replied, and then returned to his silence.

Suddenly the trees and scenery changed as we came upon a great mansion. I gaped at it. Three more houses lined the secluded road each as beautiful as the next. We passed the first two, and Stitch stopped, turning to face an enormous red brick mansion. It was three stories high with a rooftop terrace; the trimmings around the house were all white stone, marble almost, enormous windows with small square panels, and a lush green lawn. As I stared at the house, a picture formed in my mind of the same mansion in a photograph. An old black and white photo of a man and a woman with a small boy standing out in the yard. I shook my head, noticing Stitch's eyes, and looked back at the house.

“This,” he said, motioning to the house. “is my favorite place. It's my family's ancestral home.”

“This is amazing, Stitch.” Jay said, looking around the grounds. “So, do you own it since... well you know...” he broke off, looking embarrassed.

“Yes, it was left to me in my father's will. I often come out here to stay on the weekends. It does get quite boring since it's just me... well and the groundskeeper. Come on, I'll show you around.”

We followed Stitch inside. I thought the outside was amazing, but the inside was like Olympus on earth. The pillars were made of marble, and the floors were the same. The furnishings were lush, dark wood and velvet. Paintings and statues filled hallways and corridors. There were bedrooms everywhere. As I trailed behind the group, lingering to stare at paintings, I couldn't help but feel at ease in this home. All my worries had faded away it seemed, and then I felt something rubbing up against my leg. I squeaked, jumping away from it and lifting my leg to my chest, staring down at the ground where a fat orange tabby stood staring up at me with piercing green eyes. Calming my heart rate, I put my leg down and continued on, all the while the tabby trailing after me.

“Stitch, is this your cat?” I asked, glancing behind me at my new stalker.

“Oh yes, his name is Leo. He seems to have taken a liking to you.” Stitch chuckled, looking knowingly down at the cat. “He's a sweetheart.”

I smiled at the cat, and let him follow me. We left the house a few minutes later and stepped into the back yard, which was more like the gardens at Versailles. My jaw dropped. This was amazing. No wonder it was his favorite place.

“Ayrin! Are you out here?” Stitch called into the vast garden. There was a distant call in reply. “Prepare the butterfly house.”

Stuffs......

This just had to be shown to the world. In my commercial art class, we are working on a magazine spread that's supposed to be something about us in the future if we had reached all our dreams and goals, so I created this as part of that. My dream of course is to have at least one novel published. So...... without further adieu, have my mock Branded cover!!!!

I am in love with myself! Aren't I just great? Allow me to gloat a little because I felt super proud of myself to be able to put this all together! I originally had another font in mind, but the school computers wont allow us to add a font without authorization, and my teacher forgot the password, so we're working on that. If it changes, I will upload the updated version. For now, enjoy.