The Dark or The Light? (Chapter 7)

Chapter 7.

"Mark can you leave us please? Isabell and I need to have a session." Jeremiah’s eyes were on me the whole time and I felt like I was going to break down any second.
"Sure. I think I might go to bed anyway." Mark said. He kissed me on the cheek. "Goodnight Isabell."
"Goodnight Mark." I saw the look in his eyes. They were sparkling with so much joy that I felt even more confused. Mark walked towards the door and left. I turned away from Jeremiah.
"What did I say about taking it slow Isabell? Your not ready yet."
I felt fresh tears fall from my eyes.
"I know."
"Then why-"
"Because he does something to me that makes me feel almost…normal."
"Isabell I-"
"I know what you said and I honestly believe it. I do and I promise that I will take it slow. I just…want to be alone okay. Please." I turned to face him.
"Okay but we need to talk about it Isabell."
"Yes I know."
"Goodnight." He said after a while.
"Goodnight Jeremiah."

He turned and walked out the door. Somehow seeing that made me think back to the day when Lucus had walked out on me and left me alone. I walked over to the fire and sat down in front of it. I remember all the times we spent laughing and being truly happy. Then I hit me. All the times we were truly happy was when we were just best friends. It all became different when we were together. I pushed that thought out of my head just as quickly as it came. I lay on the soft, thick brown rug and slowly I drifted into a dreamless sleep, as always.

I felt something soft touch my nose, softly. I ignored it and tried to get back to sleep, but it did it again. I flicked my eyes open to see Mark sitting beside me. I saw his lips pull into a smile and I gave him a small smile back. I realized I was still in the cottage.

"Good morning, Izzy."
"Hi." I said groggily.
"So I was wondering if you wanted to do something with me today?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"On what it is." I saw him grin evilly.
"You’ll see." I rolled my eyes. What was with him and surprises?
"Oh shoot."
"What?"
"I have to walk all the way up there and get dressed!"
"No you don’t. Your mother picked out some clothes for you and there is a shower in the bedroom." He said pointing to the room.
"Oh so that’s a bedroom." I thought allowed. "I’m just going to go get dressed."
"I’ll be waiting." I smiled.
"I know."

I disappeared in the room. The bedroom wasn’t a big as the others in the house. It was cosy and small and had its own fireplace. There was a huge bed in the middle and was centered between two nightstands. There was a wardrobe that no doubt was consumed by clothes and then a door that led to the bathroom. It had one bath that looked antique, from the sixteenth century and a huge glass shower. I turned it on and stepped in. After ten minutes I got out and dressed in the flowery dress my mother had put in. It was a short, strap dress with small black flowers on a purple colored material. I put my hair into a lose braid and walked out to meet Mark.

"You ready?" Mark asked.
"Yeah. Can’t wait." I said trying to put as much enthusiasm as possible.

I walked over to him and we left. I was surprised he didn’t try and hold my hand or pull me into his waist like most guys did but then again he did understand me. We walked in the direction opposite the house. I looked up to notice that there was a blanket and a basket on top of it.

"A picnic?" I asked.
"Yeah. Do you like it? If you don’t its okay."
"No. I love it." I looked up at him and he was grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you."
"Your welcome." I kissed his cheek.

We walked over a little further and sat down on the blanket. It was quite a long way from the house. Which I did not mind at all. I noticed there was a radio as well. He turned it on. Some old music came on. It was a slow jazz type sound. I smiled, that was exactly the type of music I felt like listening to.

"Would you do me the honor of having this dance?" He was bending over and offering his hand. I giggled.
"Ah, I’m not sure you want to do that?"
"Why not?"
"Because I can’t dance."
"Its all in the leading. Trust me."

I contemplated for a moment. When I stood up the music suddenly changed and some swing type music came on.

"Oh no! I am not dancing to this."
"Yes you are." His lips turned up in a evil grin and he started to take slow steps towards me.
"Don’t even think about it!" I turned and started to run back towards the house. I was laughing so hard. I turned around to see him starting to chase me. I was jogging backwards now. "YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO CATCH ME AT THAT SPEED!" I yelled. Then his pace picked up. I quickly turned but it was too late. He grabbed my waist and started to spin me around. I couldn’t stop laughing. "Put me down. I give in!"
"I’m sorry what was that?"
"I give in!"
"I can’t hear you what?"
"I GIVE IN!" I half yell, half laugh. I hear him chuckle and he slowly lets me down. I realize he has pulled me back so we are a few inches from the blanket. I turn slowly and face him. He puts his hand on my waist and put my hand around his neck and the other on his hand. The music has changed again to a new song. It’s slower so we can dance to it. Neither of us says anything. Instead we just sway from side to side, with the music. About an hour later we pull out of our reverie. We decided to have lunch. He started to pull out different foods. Ranging from sandwiches to muffins to chocolate cake (my favorite)! Before I even realize what I am doing I pull myself over to him and nestle myself in between his legs. I lay against chest, feeling his breathing rthyme move with mine. It’s like we are in sync with each other. His arms slid around my waist and he pulls me tighter into him. It’s like we are two puzzle pieces made for each other. A perfect fit and the worst part was, I didn’t mind it. I actually wanted to stay that way forever.
"I want you to promise me something." I told him.
"Anything."
"Don’t ever leave me okay."
"Isbell I won’t." I turned to face him. I could feel tears start to well up in my eyes but I push them back with as much force as possible.
"No you have to swear to me that you will never leave me. Ever."
"I swear to you that I will never leave you. You’re my life now Isabell, the only thing that matters." I kissed his cheek.

I turn back and lean my head on his cheek. After a while we decide to eat. We talk about ourselves. Our likes and dislikes and stories. We couldn’t stop laughing at the stories. I could feel my heart mending itself, slowly. I mean it isn’t exactly there yet but its getting better. I then tell him about Lucus. What he was like. How he used to make me laugh. I only told him the good parts though. I was afraid that if I told him the bad I would break down and he didn’t need that. After a while the sky started to darken so we decided to head inside. Mark picked up the blanket and through it over his shoulder, and then he carried the basket. I found myself reaching for his hand. We walked back towards the house, in silence but it was comfortable. Like the moment would be ruined if we said anything. When we got back I noticed my mother sitting on the swinging chair reading a book.

"Hey you two. Did you have fun?" She was trying to hold in her smile.
"Yes." I said.
"I’m just going to take these inside. I will talk to you later." Mark said. He kissed me on the cheek and then walked inside. I on the other hand walked over and sat on the swinging chair with my mother. She didn’t say anything though. All she did was stare at me.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing it’s just…you’re coming back to me Izzy. I know you’re not there yet but my little girl is coming back." Her voice broke and a few tears left her eyes.
"Oh mom." I pulled her into a tight embrace. She pulled back.
"Look at me? I told myself I wouldn’t cry." She started to wipe her tears away.
"I’m sorry mom. I didn’t know how much this affected you."
"Sweetie it wasn’t your fault. You experienced something that no one should have gone through least of all a teenager."
"Yeah, I know." I looked up and she was smiling at me.
"You have to remind me to thank that boy later."
"Why?"
"Because he brought out my Izzy. I have something to confess. He came to me this morning and asked if he could take you on a date. I was very hesitant. I didn’t think you were ready but when he told me that it was going to be a picnic in the backyard I agreed. My confession is that I only said yes so that I could spy on you two. I know it was bad and I’m very sorry but I needed to know that you were okay and then I saw you laughing and dancing around and I started to cry. You looked like you. Not that girl that I have seen for the past two months. You looked like my Isabell and I just wanted to savor that moment."
"You want to know a secret?"
"Yeah."
"For the first time in a long time I felt like me."
"I’m so happy for you Isabell."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"Was Jeremiah watching as well?"
"Yeah. He couldn’t believe it actually. He has never seen someone be so open and alive after what happened. He said that people have taken months to just talk let alone laugh. He also said that he was wrong about the two of you being together. Jeremiah told me that now he has seen what an impact Mark has on you that it can actually benefit you."
"I’m glad because he can. Mom it’s like Mark makes me feel so…whole. Its like he is-"
"Your perfect match."
"Yeah…that’s what I’m afraid of."
I could see she was about to ask why but Jeremiah came outside.
"Do you mind if I talk with Isabell?"
"Not at all. I will see you later baby." She kissed me on the forehead and walked inside. Jeremiah took her place.
"Isabell I wanted to talk about you and Mark."
"I know. My mother told me."
"Oh. Good. I didn’t think it would be good for you but now that I see it, well I was wrong but I still think that you should take it slowly."
"Don’t worry Jeremiah. I am."
"Okay well I wanted to talk to you anyway, before dinner."
"Sure. What about?"
"I want you to describe for me…what it was like being with Lucus."
"What do you mean?"
"You two were going out at the time weren’t you?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, so describe it for me. Were you two in love?"
"I…well we…I think…I…I…" I couldn’t get the words out. Now that I think about it I don’t know wether we were in love or whether we weren’t.
"I loved him." Was all I said and I know that much was true.
"Okay but were you in love with him?" I opened my mouth but words wouldn’t come out. I tried to think back to the time when we were dating. I mean we kissed and we had sex but I don’t know whether it was love.
"I don’t know anymore."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I think we were."
"Well…what did it feel like when he kissed you?"
"Oh that’s easy it felt like…um" the more I think about it the more confused I get. I mean Mark’s kiss made ever fibre in my body tingle and feel alive but with Lucus’s kisses it was like it was just lips on lips. More like a have to do it rather than wanting to. "I don’t know."
"Isabell what have I told you about place holders?"
"Yeah I know but I honestly don’t know. When we kissed, I mean it was a good kiss but it was we just did it but I…I don’t know."
"You did love him though right?"
"Yes! More than anything but I don’t know whether it was in that particular way." My mind felt so scrambled.
"How about we go have dinner? We can finish this talk the day after tomorrow."
"Why Saturday?"
"Oh, Mark and I have to go and visit our parents. I hope that is okay?"
"Oh yeah that’s fine."
"Okay then."

We got up and walked into the house. The table was set already and my grandparents were sitting in their normal seats. I walked over to my grandfather and kissed his cheek, then my grandmother.

"What was that for sweetie?" My grandmother asked.
"I’m in a good mood." She smiled at me. I walked over to my where my mother was sitting and soon enough Mark walked in and sat down. I couldn’t help but smile at him and he smiled back.
"Well let’s eat shall we?" My grandfather said and we started to place food on our plates.

This time the dinner was filled with conversation. From English literature to philosophy even physicology. Occasionally my grandfather would test me on my English authors or painters and as always I would ace it! I would constantly look up at Mark who was staring at me. When I would catch him he would blush a little and look away, only to look back again. My mother would always giggle. After dessert we were so full that if I had a drop of water I think I might explode.
"I was thinking if I could offer you a proposition Isabell." My grandmother said.
"Okay."
"Instead of having an over the top ball, if we could just have a small lunch with just some close friends."
"Oh…ah…" I looked over to Jeremiah who was just looking at me.
"Mayfield we have already discussed this, Isabell has just gotten used to us. She isn’t ready and you know that. We shouldn’t pressure her."
"Your right. I shouldn’t have brought it up I’m sorry Isabell. It’s just…well so many of my friends have paraded their granddaughters around and said that they are the best and I know that If I introduce them to you, well they won’t be able to say that any longer." I gave her a small smile but turned back to Jeremiah. He just shrugged.
"If you think you’re up to it but remember my first rule."
"Well…there won’t be a lot of people right?"
"No of course not. Only about twenty people. Maximum."
"Um…okay."
"Are you sure Izzy?" My mom asked.
"Yeah besides it’s not that many people so…"
"Great! I will go and tell everybody now! I think Saturday will be perfect! What do you think Izzy?"
"This Saturday?"
"Yes of course!"
"Oh…um yeah. Sounds fine."
"Brilliant! I have to go and get everything ready!" She got up and was out of the room before I could blink. I was seriously regretting this.
"You could have said no Isabell. She would have understood."
"I know but she wants to tell everyone that I’m better than them so who am I to say no?" I said jokingly. We both started to laugh.
"Well I’m going to go to bed. Are you coming?" She asked.
"Actually I was thinking of going down to the cottage. If that’s okay?"
"That’s fine Isabell. Goodnight baby." She kissed me on the forehead and left.
"Goodnight Isabell." My grandfather said.
"Night Grandpa." I looked at the clock and said nine-thirty. I was feeling a little tired as well but not so much to go back to bed.
"I think I might hit the hay to. We have an early start." Jeremiah said. "Don’t stay up to late you two." He winked at us and I rolled my eyes. He walked out the door.
"Are you going to sleep down there?" He asked.
"Well I was actually going to go and paint but I think I will because I will probably be to tired to walk back."
"Okay."
"Do you want to come with me?"
"Yes." He said instantly. I giggled. We both got up and walked out the back door. I entwined our fingers and we started to walk towards the cottage.
When we eventually got there Mark held the door open for me.
"Why thank you kind sir."
"Your welcome madam." He said bowing. We both started to laugh. I walked over to the fireplace and started it. It instantly warmed the place. I turned to see Mark staring at my painting…again.
"Haven’t people ever told you that you shouldn’t stare at yourself?"
"Funny." He said rolling his eyes. "I just can’t get over how amazing it is."
"Thanks." I walked over and stood next to him.
"You should enrol in art school or something."
"Nah. I won’t get in."
"Are you kidding me? They have be stupid to not let you in. No scratch that. They have to mentally ill not to let you in." I kissed him on the cheek. "What was that for?"
"For being so sweet."

After staring into each other’s eyes for about five minutes I decided to look around the cottage. I haven’t had the time to explore. I walked into the bedroom and over to the wardrobe.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"Exploring."
I pulled open the doors and a whole lot of dust came with it. I coughed a bit. Then I saw it. The wardrobe was filled with all different types of clothes. Mainly gowns. Endless gowns and dresses. Sun dresses mainly.
"Wow." Was all I could say? Mark walked over to me.
"Wow." He repeated. There was one dress though that caught my eye.

It was a bright yellow color. It had a strapless, corset type part that covered the top part of the bodice. It then went back to yellow with different layers. It was short and looked like it finished just above the knee. I found two black high heels that would go perfectly with it. Well I found my outfit for the luncheon. I pulled out both items and laid them on the chair that was in the corner.

"That’s going to look beautiful on you." Mark whispered in my ear.
"Thanks. Do you want to go to sleep now?"
"Yeah."

I grabbed my bag that I had left here and found a tank top and shorts. I went into the bathroom and slipped them on. I walked out and realized that Mark didn’t have anything.

"I forgot you don’t have any clothes."
"It’s okay. I found some silk pajama pants in the draw. They should do me for now."
"Oh okay."

He went into the bathroom. I climbed into the big bed. It was the most comfortable bed I had ever laid on. It was like sleeping on clouds. I heard the door open and so I opened my eyes. Mark had his pajama pants on but didn’t have a shirt on. I didn’t really admire it the last time but now that I was really looking he had the hottest body I have ever seen. His six-pack was as clear as day, and his arms, oh god his arms, they were so beautiful. He was so beautiful. I saw him smile and I just noticed that I was practically drooling. I blushed and through the blankets over my head. I heard him chuckle then he climbed into the bed. He pulled me into him and he twisted to fit my mold. I could feel the warmth of his body and just by that touch it was like mine was on fire.

"Goodnight Isabell." He whispered in my ear. His voice was low and husky or in other words very sexy.
"Goodnight Mark."

I snuggled into him and once again I feel into a deep sleep with him by my side.