But Why So Soon? Chapters 19 to 21

Chapter 19

I opened my eyes; my head was still groggy from the sleep last night. Jonathan still had his arms around me and I looked at his face. How will I ever live without him? I thought and snuggled closer. The single bed seemed bigger than double and I could see him waking up. He also opened his eyes and he looked at me and smiled dreamily.

"Wake up sleepy head." I said and he bent to kiss my head. I was still in my jeans I forgot to change it last night because I was extremely tired from the journey yesterday. He pushed himself up and he was also dressed in same clothes he was wearing yesterday.

"Looks like we forgot to change." He said, a twinge of laughter in his voice. I laughed lightly and also sat straight. I barely managed to get out of bed as I didn't want to leave Jonathan's warm arms. I looked out of the window and I saw thick layer of snow on the mountains and it looked breath-taking. I went closer to the window and saw people filling the vans carrying their skis and ice skaters. I felt myself glaring at them with excitement and I smiled at the view of young girls running towards the tourist van.

"Want to go skiing??" Jonathan asked and I nodded happily. We both dressed in to warm clothes and rushed out to the tourist van which was especially allotted for Jonathan and Austin. I saw Caroline already seated inside the tourist van wearing purple ski suit. She looked like a Barbie, a mean Barbie. She gave me a sneer as she looked at my red skiing suit which Jonathan gave me. Austin joined us and he was wearing a combination of dark blue and sea blue colored skiing suit and he also placed his skis at the back of the car. We were supposed to have breakfast at skiing holiday resort of Black Diamond. The car scurried through the twists and turns and for the first time I was glad that I did not have height phobia. Caroline and Austin were talking about their record timings and I looked blankly at Jonathan as I didn't even know the "A B C" of skiing. Jonathan, as if reading my mind said, "Hey Austin you did arrange the skiing instructor, right?"

Austin shifted uncomfortably and it was obvious that he forgot all about it.
"Why do you need an instructor? You are the best skier I know!" Austin said and he sounded plain stupid. The view outside was amazing and the thick blanket of snow-covered the mountains and the narrow path made my heart skip a beat. It all seemed as if a wintery cloak of precious stones has embedded in to the white velvet.

"Austin I don't need one! The guests need one! It was the biggest mistake to trust you with this whole skiing trip!" Jonathan said and he looked angry and annoyed because of the irresponsibility of Austin. Austin just ignored Jonathan's comment and he started to talk again with Caroline.

"Hey it's okay. I can help you." I said lightly so that only Jonathan could hear. I knew he was stressed out and I wanted to help in every way possible.
"So you know how to ski?" He asked and I shook my head gently and it made me giggle because the way I was offering to help him seemed as if I was an expert skier. Jonathan laughed lightly too and then he questioned playfully, "So how is my assistant going to assist me?"

"I dunno... I will try to find and instructor I guess" I replied in a sheepish way, still laughing.

"Well you can help me one way...stay with all the time!" Jonathan said and gave me a little peck on my lips. I couldn't help smiling back and I noticed Caroline from the corner of my eye, grimacing. Suddenly the van halted and Austin immediately stepped outside. Jonathan and I followed him out and took our skis with us. I could see the cable cars operating which took people at the hill which was specially selected for skiing lovers. Jonathan and I went inside the skiing resort and we had our breakfast.

My hands felt oddly cold and pale so I drank warm coffee and ate chicken cheese omelet which tasted like heaven. Then we went to the cable car and he was busy talking on phone about the 'bed' problem we had yesterday and also the instructor problem. I looked enjoyed the view and felt my heart pacing with excitement. I could see the plain field of snow and it was so extraordinary white that it made me flinch. The sun shone over the snow and it looked as if multicolored gemstones have rooted here. The sky had smoky wisps curl up like genie. The blue sky reminded me of Jonathan's eyes and the white desert, of the shine and gleam in them when he gazed into mine.

"Somebody seems excited..." Jonathan said as soon as he got off the phone.
"Yes! Even though I have no idea how to ski but I guess I am just excited to watch every one ski!" I said as I was jumping up and down because of excitement.

"I have just decided that as I don't have any instructor available so I will teach people ski myself." Jonathan said, his voice ringing with excitement too. I loved the way he was always so worried for his guests, it inspired me and made me feel proud of him. We reached the allocated area for skiing and I could see many people didn't know how to ski. Jonathan molded himself into a responsible instructor and I just sat on snow building snow balls and throwing them randomly.

"HI!" I heard a familiar voice and I swiftly turned around and saw Sam. I jumped at her and hugged her hard. We both screamed with happiness. She told me that she was here with Leah and she told me that she is so happy for me and Jonathan and I told her the same. It seemed clear that she was head over heels in love with Leah and he was skiing swiftly and smoothly gown the curvy slope. Sam sat next to me and I thought of telling her everything about Caroline and Austin but then I decided not to. I didn't want her to feel as if she always has to listen to my problems. I smiled when she told me how Leah was so nice and protective. I saw him calling Sam and she ran downhill, her smile was broader than Leah's shoulder.

"Hey sexy!" I heard Austin and I turned my neck lightly and saw him sitting next to me. I didn't like being called 'Sexy' by Austin, it seemed vulgar. Just his presence flared up anger inside me.

"Hey!" I replied in a dry tone. I just wanted him to leave because it was Jonathan who bore him silently but I knew I would yell at him like anything.

"I want to ask you a favor." Austin said as his sea green eyes lingered into mine.
"What?" I asked and looked away. I looked at Jonathan who was telling a young girl how to hold the sticks and stuff.

"Leave Jonathan. I will pay you as much as you demand!" Austin said and I looked at him in shock. I felt outraged and I wanted to punch him so hard that his straight nose would break and bleed. I tried to control myself and then with all my power I snarled "What if I don't?"

"Then I swear I will make you! You will be in the same wheelchair just like your mom!" Austin said and then he stood up and walked away without even listening to my reply. I knew Austin meant it and I also knew that I would never leave Jonathan. Jonathan turned around and flashed me a smile which took my breath away and I smiled back with all the love. A tear slipped from my eyes and I wondered why this world doesn't want me and Jonathan together. What is Austin's and Caroline's problem? I looked again at Jonathan and he was still busy helping people.

"Hey Elena!!" I heard Jonathan and it had been an hour since Austin tried to scare me, "Come over here!! Bring your skis as well!"

I picked my skis and ran down to Jonathan and hugged him. He bent down to give me a passionate kiss and I kissed him with the same love.
"Ahem!" I heard Austin and Jonathan and I parted.

"Hey guys! Jonathan, Elena told me that she doesn't want to learn skiing but Caroline wanted you to..." Austin said with a grin but I immediately cut him off.
"No! I want to learn!" I said and Austin gave me an uninterested look and carried on with his sentence.

"So Caroline wants to learn! Jonathan she is a really nice person and please treat her nicely. Teach her. Caroline come over here!" I heard Austin calling Caroline. Jonathan looked at me as if asking for my approval. I looked at feet as I didn't want to make Jonathan feel as if I was controlling him and beside that Jonathan also knew that I didn't like her because of all the things she did to me.

"Austin! Wait! I was about to teach Elena. If I spare enough time then I will definitely teach her." Jonathan said and then he added, "Perhaps you can teach her. You are also a good skier!"

"I... Jonathan forget it! This girl is dragging us apart! We hardly meet and this year when we met after like six months, you just spend time with her! I wish dad was alive!" Austin yelled and he pointed at me when he said, "this girl".

I looked at them bewildered. I never wanted to be the wall between them.
"I am so sorry! I swear I never intended to do this." I said immediately and at that moment I looked at Jonathan's face and he had a hurt, sad and empty expression on his face.

"Elena you are a heartless bitch!" Austin said and I felt tears stung my eyes.
"Shut the fuck up!" Jonathan screamed back and he seemed full of anger. The anger fired up inside him and for a moment I thought he might hit Austin. Austin looked at Jonathan in shock and a frightened look covered his face.

"This is what I am trying to say! We can never be brothers again! You keep on taking her side! My biggest mistake was to hire her! I felt sorry for her and now she snatched away my dearest thing! I hope you burn in hell for eternity with her!" Austin shouted and then he left and Jonathan called him twice or three times but he never even turned back.

"I can apologize to him and I can tell him that you two can spend time..." I started but Jonathan interrupted me in the middle and he said, "Elena you don't need to apologize. He is my little brother and I have always tried so hard to take care of him. He ridiculed you and he need to accept the fact that I love you. I will try to talk to him when he will cool off. I am so sorry you have to listen to all that! Hey I love you and nobody can ever tear us apart!"

I hugged him and at that moment I literally felt like the luckiest woman.
"I love you too!" I said and tears fell on my cheek and the felt comfortably warm against my satin, cold skin.
-----------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 20

It was the second day and today Jonathan tried extremely hard to talk to Austin but Austin literally shooed him away. I knew Jonathan loved Austin but Austin never realized that. Jonathan was more like a parent than a brother and it seemed obvious that he was desperate to patch up things between them. I was still glancing out at the mountains which were dressed in bride white and snowflakes which fell on the ground aimlessly. Jonathan was out due to some work and for a moment I felt I was paid for doing nothing. Austin still had his previous assistant and he was doing all the work. I will talk to Jonathan about this, I thought as I turned away from the window. I went outside in search of Sam as I wanted to talk to her. I messaged her twice and she did not reply. I went into the kitchen and saw that she was in her waitress uniform.

"Sam!" I screamed to drown the voices in the kitchen.

"Hi!" Sam said and she hugged me. She told me that her shift was about to get over and she has plans with Leah after that. I did not want to keep her with me and keep Leah waiting for Sam hence I lied that Jonathan messaged me and he is asking me to meet him. With this excuse I left and went back to room. It was only eleven and I was bored to death. I called Aunt Mary and Brenda and they all were fine. Brenda told me that it was steaming hot in Hawaii and she joked that she was jealous and it made me laugh loud. She also told me that Bubble is missing me as he keeps on staring at my picture placed in the photo frame which is on the side table. I was in the middle of the conversation when Jonathan entered. I immediately hung up and ran to Jonathan and jumped on him. He laughed to see such a reaction and he held me tightly in his loving and warm embrace.

"Looks like someone missed me." Jonathan said, his head buried in my hair.
I parted and then we were tied in kiss. He lifted me up and we both were on the bed, my arms tied firmly around his neck. We finally stopped as we both were breathless and then he started telling me about his day. He told me that every year the natives of this place celebrate the pale princess day. According to the natives, this place was desert and people lived here were fully tanned. One day an old woman near a well heard a child crying and then she followed the sound and there she saw a child. She was so fair and white that she looked pale. The gold ringlets fell on her forehead and the old woman fell in love with her immediately.

The child grew up to a beautiful girl and everyone on the island knew her only because of her beauty. This was the reason people called her, "The Pale Princess". When she was nineteen, there was severe drought on the island and an old magician said that according to tradition, the fairest person in whole kingdom should be sacrificed. This way the poor girl was sacrificed. She was so fair and pretty that nature did not accept her and it cursed the people with so much rain and cold weather which led to their death. After many centuries nature forgave them and the weather got a bit bearable. Since that day, the natives celebrate this day in the remembrance of, "The Pale Princess."

Jonathan told me that every year, natives wear white and they ice skate and dance whole night and now as they are here this year, they are also celebrating this day as natives specially invited him and his guests. Out of blue Jonathan asked me to be his dancing partner. I badly wanted to accept it but the couples were supposed to dance wearing ice-skaters and I had no idea how to ice-skate.

"No I can't... I don't know how to ice-skate," said as I found my voice coated with disappointment.

"Hey don't worry. It is only eleven... I will teach you myself how to ice-skate and dance..." Jonathan said and I marveled at the thought of him dressed like a gentleman and I like a princess and us skating together. Just a thought of him so close made my heart beat faster. I hugged Jonathan as I felt like the luckiest person on the entire planet. I saw his handsome face stretched in a smile and then our lips met again. I savored his taste and I knowing that he was all mine made me feel goose bumps.

Finally by eleven thirty we went to skating ring which was outside. It was freezing and yet many girls were dressed on beautiful dresses. I stood on the side of the skating ring as Jonathan went to bring skaters for me as well as for him. I saw him coming towards me and I saw many girls staring at him and their eyes saying "He's so hot!"

For a moment I felt as if I was falling in love with him all over again. He made me feel like as if I was on fire and I wanted to kiss him so bad. He greeted me with a warm polite kiss and handed me the shoes. I immediately wore them and finally tried to stand up but failed numerous times.

He laughed and then helped me stand and then he took my hands and led me in the middle of the ring. It took him seven hours to train me to dance perfectly and by seven of night, I was dancing like as if I have been trained for years. There was no denying that Jonathan was a good teacher. We went back and Jonathan sent me to a slim girl who gave me a beautiful white dress and ice-skaters. She did my hair in a bun and applied little makeup. I gave myself a final look in the mirror and I did look like a princess. I heard a knock on the door and I rushed to open it because I felt as if at the door was Jonathan. I opened and to my surprise it was him. He was dressed in a silver and pearl colored suit and he looked breath-taking handsome.

"You look beautiful!" Jonathan said and he bent down to kiss. It was a brief kiss and we both went outside. Fake roses' bushes decorated the place. The beautiful smell of roses was coming from nowhere and I could see every one dancing in the ring. I saw Caroline dancing with Austin and then I saw Sam and Leah kissing. It felt like a dream. The pure moon was the only source of moonlight. Jonathan bent forward and offered me his hand and lovingly took it. The moonlight illuminated our bodies and we danced and danced.

"You look pretty handsome yourself!" I finally said as he hoisted me for a leap step. He smiled as I landed on my feet and then he touched my lips with his cold yet soft lips. My whole world spun around and even in this cold I felt comfortably warm only because I was with him. A beautiful violin played, the amazing smell of roses filled the environment, laughter of people was increasing but as soon as my lips met Jonathan, everything seemed to fade away and a single kiss conquered their beauty with its.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 21

I opened my eyes and smelled in my favorite smell. It was Jonathan and his arms were loosely around me. I looked at his sleeping face and all I could remember was last night. We returned to the room at four of the morning. It was so cold that I was shivering all over. Jonathan hugged me tightly and his hug like always, made me feel warm. His face looked so handsome and he looked so peaceful that for a moment I was staring him. How can anyone be this lucky? I wondered as I touched his face gently. My fingertips brushed his skin. He stirred lightly but did not wake up. I felt more than comfortable in my green pajamas and a loose baby pink shirt. It was an odd combination but I was more than comfortable in it. I could still hear the crowd applauding from last night.

Jonathan and I won the dancing competition and I could see Austin giving me that *warning* glare. I tried to ignore it and I got pretty successful but whenever he eyed me, I felt as if he will just kill me. I looked at my cell phone and was surprised to see eleven thirty am. I suddenly sat up because I remembered that Jonathan had this meeting with the governor of native at twelve pm. Jonathan also woke up as I broke his grip, his face suddenly confused. They planned this meeting at night and as far as I can remember Jonathan specifically called his assistant to remind him about this meeting.

"It's eleven thirty!" I said as I jumped out of bed and pulled Jonathan.

"WHAT?!" Jonathan also jumped to his feet and rushed to washroom. I placed his laptop in the bag and called the room service to bring his suit which was delivered by Armani courier. I also called the room service to bring breakfast and I called the other assistant to remind him what he forgot. His name was Mark and he seemed very apologetic for what he did. I took the entire schedule from Mark for the whole week and I was surprised that Jonathan was actually leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas for a special meeting. What surprised me further was he had nine meetings in the next week and almost all of them were in New York. I felt a surge of pain capturing my body and for a moment I felt like crying. Leaving Jonathan for a day seemed impossible but leaving him for so many days was just unexplainable. Jonathan came out and he was still dressed in his pajamas and his gray shirt. He looked at me and rushed to me because I looked clearly upset.

"Hey... Elena is everything fine?" He asked and I shook my head. I felt stupid because I should have known that he will leave someday or so.

"You did not tell me that you are leaving tomorrow." I cried and tear fell out of my eyes and glided down the cheek. Jonathan wiped my tear with his thumb and then he sat next to me.

"Hey, I wasn't sure whether I even wanted to go because I don't want to leave you and I don't want you to leave your mother as well. Elena I have never been this unsure about anything in my entire life." Jonathan said and I felt his voice fill with worry and sadness. I looked at him and thought of how hard he has worked and now I was making him weak. I held his face in my hands and smiled because I knew he will smile back like he always. He did and right then I knew that it was me who could make him smile or could tear him down. I was his greatest strength and biggest weakness. I kissed him until I had no oxygen left in my lungs. My heart ached at leaving him and my body refused to ever let him go. I felt as if I was his part and separating me from him could even take my life.

"Jonathan... you should go... we have so much technology, we can always talk. And beside that I can always accompany you... I only have to ask Aunt Mary and Uncle John. I want their consent. I love you and I always will... and whenever you will miss me, just look at the sky and remember all the time we spent under it." I said, my voice betraying me but I wanted him to do what he has been doing and what he is passionate about. I loved him because of his concern and passion for his business and I knew I will love him even more when he will return. Jonathan suddenly pulled my face to his and we were tied in a long-lasting kiss. Tears rushed down my cheek but I have to get used to it, I thought and hugged Jonathan as if I did not want any part of him to let go.

The day was so busy that I only saw Jonathan twice. I talked to Sam and I made some new friends but even then I felt lonely. I felt as if a part of me was missing. When I returned to my room I was so happy to see Jonathan that I actually cried with happiness. Whole night we talked about everything. I just laid in his arms and we talked about us and about how we will talk. Jonathan kept on saying that he will call me every hour but I knew he would hardly spare time just to make a brief call.

One thing kept on bugging me and then I finally asked, "Jonathan... do you want to make love to me? I have been thinking that we never had sex..."
I felt Jonathan a bit straighten up so that he could see my face.
"Do you?" He asked, as if unsure.

"I always wanted my first time to be after wedding and I guess that is the reason I am still virgin. People might laugh but I don't care. I always wanted it to be with one special guy... and it is you." I said and my eyes searched his for an answer.

"Elena, I love you and I always will. We will get married someday... and I will only make love to you at then. Elena, I might not be a virgin but no one ever made me feel the way you do. And your single kiss makes me so weak that I know I would die rather than living without you. Elena, it is hard to confess but you are the most important thing to me, more than my own life..." Jonathan said and his words brought so many emotions inside me that I cried with happiness and sadness and with so many unexplainable feelings. He kissed me so sweetly and passionately that parting made me feel as if he has my soul with him and he won't let it go. Jonathan hugged me and I buried my head in his chest and closed my eyes. I fell in a deep slumber.

I opened my eyes and my head still a bit dizzy and groggy from the sleep. I felt empty space around me and I immediately opened my eyes and there was no sign of Jonathan. I sat up straight; my heart was beating faster than a drum roll played in huge ceremonies. I ran to washroom and searched whole place but I couldn't find Jonathan. I came back fearing that he might have left. Then I saw a note on the side table of bed and immediately picked it up.

It said:
My beautiful Elena, my wife, I felt impossible to leave you and I knew that if you'll wake up, I won't have that strength to leave you standing at the airport. I decided to leave while you were sleeping. I love you and I will call you as soon as I will reach Las Vegas.

Love,
Your Jonathan.

I looked at the letter and read message numerous times and my tear fell on the paper. I felt as if I was in hell.

*******************************************************
Thanks everyone who voted! Loads of love!
*******************************************************

I hope I am forgiven for not posting a chapter last week. I three chapters consecutively and I hope I made it up to you guys. I hope you like this chapter.

Nicy: Thank you for such an amazing comment! It gets very difficult to take out time but your story is worth all the waiting! Loads of love and I hope you comment on this chapter too.

Catherine: Thank you so much! I am so sorry to keep you awaiting... firstly I was in a car accident and secondly I was super busy with studies and stuff. I hope you forgive me and I hope you like this chapter as well. I promise you and assure you I won't leave this story incomplete! Don't worry about that at all. Loads of love and I hope you keep on commenting!

K.B.P: Hey! Thank you for such an encouraging comment and no I am hardly half away through the story... and yes I will keep on writing until unless there is an extremely valid reason. I am so glad that you like the chapter and I hope I keep on getting your comments! Loads of love.

Danielle: Thank you so much for liking this chapter! Well you will know the reasons and stuff as the story proceeds! I swear it will get intense and more interesting! Keep commenting and loads of love!

Tiffy: Oh... I hope you are fine and okay. I hope you get well soon and thank you for such an amazing comment. You have no idea how much I appreciate it!

Naz: Thank you for a lovely comment and here is the next chapter! Hope you like it as well!! Loads of love and keep commenting!

Sammer: Here is the next chapter and thanks for such a marvelous comment! Loads of love and keep commenting!

Charity: Thank you so much! I loved your comment and re read like a billion times! Thank you so much for liking my story and actually reading it through your cell phone! I am so happy here and I was literally smiling while reading your comment. You are a good person to actually like my story and my writing and me. I mean very few people appreciate someone's work! Thanks once again! Loads of love and keep commenting!

Mads: Thank you for commenting! I am super glad that you like the chapter and Jonathan... (just a giggle) Read more and everything will unfold itself. Keep commenting and loads of love!