Beginning, Next Section
Author's Note: Hey, everyone! I've been reading all of your stories for awhile and I thought maybe it's time I contributed since I had this feeling that I was turning into a true Dwiggie. It was kind of scary at first but I might as well succumb to my fate. =)
William
I wasn't sure whether I should've been sorry for her or annoyed at the realization that she had a brain the size of a peanut. Either way, I was extremely frustrated by our conversation and my mind had wandered off. I knew I wasn't missing much anyway. I might as well have been talking to a duck. She could certainly resemble one. No offense to the duck, that is.
"I would have to check my..."
"Oh, William, that would be wonderful! Pick me up at seven. I can't wait to see you!"
"I bet." I muttered under my breath.
Carol clicked off. Even if she heard my comment, I was far from believing she comprehended the sarcasm behind it. How did I get into this sort of mess? Not that Carol wasn't attractive. She was tall and slim, with long blond strands and everything that a swimsuit model needed to succeed. Which meant a brain wasn't required, much less a personality.
If it hadn't been for Charlie, I would've spent the evening doing something productive. I mean, what's wrong with a man sitting in his underwear listening to Madonna? Well, everything. But that was Richard. (Don't ask me! He's only my cousin. I couldn't explain it if I tried.) I, for one, wore boxers and preferred Counting Crows and good old hard rock. Now, I was going to waste the rest of the day with his sister. The things you do for a friend... No, this was not something you did for a friend. At least, not where Carol Bingley is concerned. This was something you did for your brother and that was what I considered Charles.
"You'll love her! I just know it!"
"Charlie, it wouldn't be good if I fell in love with your fiancée." My voice was even but I smiled as I listened to Charlie's exuberance over the phone. It finally happened. Yes, my best friend was in love and I was on my way to meet the lady who stole his heart. Elizabeth Bennet was lucky. No other man compared to Charles Bingley. His never-ending optimism, pleasant conversation, and warm heart endeared him to women within a fifty-mile radius, possible more. (And who said they were all women?) He had many acquaintances that attached themselves to him and sought his company. I could've been jealous. Everyone looked toward him rather than me in any situation, but how could I develop the green-eye monster when he never ceased to looked toward me, just to see me standing by him like glue since the day we met?
Elizabeth
"He should be here any minute now." Charles smiled at me like a schoolboy introducing his parents to his first sweetheart.
"I can't wait." When he turned around, I could feel my face screw up as I thought about this meeting. I wasn't sure if I wanted to meet the famed William Benedick Rinaldi Darcy. (Just rolls right off your tongue doesn't it?) He was Charles' friend after all, but he was Carol's interest. The two siblings were such polar opposites that you were sure they were related. So, why the common regard for one man?
I looked at Charles tapping his feet to the tunes of a rock song. He was simply itching to dance but he wanted to wait for his friend as well. I silently acknowledged my gratitude to William Darcy for that at least. Charles somehow managed to dance as though he had two left feet strapped in six-inch heels. Red. I could picture it in my mind.
I felt a tug on my arm and I knew that William had finally made his appearance.
"Oh, Charles!"
Carol's harsh and high-pitched voice pierced through entire conversations as she made her way over to us, dragging a man along with her. And what a man! This was William Darcy. I was certain of it.
His brown hair was combed meticulously but a few strands fell into his dark, brooding eyes. Medium height and built slim but well, I could not help admire his smooth facial features and strong physique. Lord Byron was my first thought but I dearly hoped that he was not a masochist. It would've been a real shame for someone that utterly gorgeous.
"Carol, I see you've finally arrived. Is that a new outfit?" I smiled sweetly though I groaned inside as my eyes took in the brilliance of a clingy orange cocktail dress. Why did she always looked like she had just sucked a lemon? Well, she probably didn't eat much more than that everyday. She was as thin as a stick and ready to fall over on her designer shoes.
"Bess..." I hated her for using my abominable nickname, but she had always thought it quite amusing. "Have you met my date, William?"
She pushed him towards me, and I had to bite my lip as he rolled his eyes at her. For a mere second, his eyes locked with mine, and I made no effort to avert my gaze. They were deep and dark, and G-d forbid, I could've drowned.
"So this is your Elizabeth?" He turned toward Charles and the spell was broken. My eyes focused on my trembling hands and my mind could not function properly.
From a far away place and a far away time, I heard Charles and William speaking to each other, but I couldn't hear what they were saying. It seemed as though I had to force myself to look up as he offered me his hand and smiled.
If I had thought his eyes were amazing, his smile had me stretching a grin from ear to ear. I couldn't understand it. Though I had conceded he was handsome the moment I saw him, there was something so genuine about the look that he gave me, nothing more than a friendly look, which sent me into a daze, like a shy school girl who had fallen in love at first sight.
William
"So, what did you think of her?" Charles grinned at me like a Cheshire cat and he had good reason.
"Green with envy."
"C'mon, Will, you're never green about anything."
I paused for a second. No, I was never green about anything at all, at least not for a long time. Whenever it came to Charlie, I was more happy for him than myself. It had always been that way and I suppose it would remain so for a long time. I hoped, forever.
"Perhaps. But I think she's wonderful and she's lucky to have you."
"She-lucky? I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm the lucky one here."
It was always like Charlie to say something like that but somehow, I saw the truth in his statement and it troubled me.
"Of course, you are. I don't know how any girl with sense would marry you." I grinned and brought up my waterbottle in a toast. "To the luckiest man on Earth! Charlie, tell Liz I'll marry her once she figures you out."
He rose his coffee cup in acknowledgement and smiled. It seemed as though it was plastered on his face. For awhile, we just sat there on the couch, staring at the blank television in front of us. He seemed content with thoughts of Elizabeth but companionable silence usually meant I would have to have something interesting on my mind as well.
What do you do when you're sitting in your boxers? Philosphy didn't seem like the right answer to me so I pushed as much sense as I could muster out of my mind. I couldn't help but wonder how little time I would need to complete such a task if I were Carol. With an impish grin, I turned on the stereo. Charlie didn't seem to mind one bit. I might as well have been sitting next to a vegetable. At this moment, the Bingley siblings were as close in relation as they could ever be.
I sat back and began to sing along to the tunes of Weezer. Ah, a classic! I imagined it sounded like a cat trying to strangle itself, which would have been really intriguing as cats would have no reason to strangle themselves and lacked the opposable thumbs to do so. Charlie didn't mind so I commenced with my task.
Charles
I looked at Will. He was straining his voice so hard I thought I could hear him crack. Literally. Of course, I would usually join him in his tirades but I never knew how much love could change a man. Five hours and thirty-seven minutes since I've last seen her. I had to smile ruefully as myself. I am a lucky devil, aren't I? Too bad there's no one out there for Will, and Carol is certainly not an option. Is there anyone for him? He sounded like a squawking chicken, if chickens did squawk. I knew he had it in him to sing like a choir boy but he seemed to have more fun squawking. And you wonder why he's still a bachelor, don't you? Well, I'll just have to take it upon myself to change things, don't I?
Elizabeth
"Hey!"
I looked up and almost choked.
"Are you alright?"
I could feel my face burn up as he handed me a napkin to wipe the coffee which dripped down my chin. What was he doing here? With a forced calm I certainly did not feel, I managed to say, "So, what brings you out to these neck of the woods?"
His lustrous eyes wandered the shelves. I wished they would've wandered somewhere else. (I almost choked again, by the way.)
"Do you own this place?"
"Own what?" I had drawn a blank. It seemed as though I did that every time I was in William's presence. Well, this was only the second time I had seen him, and it had only been a few days since I met him at my engagement party. How odd, I almost forgot I was engaged...
"Hey, Liz! Are you still there?"
I blinked. "Why are you calling me Liz?"
He shrugged. "You look like a Liz."
"Oh."
"Well, it doesn't seem like you're much of a conversationalist today, or maybe Charlie has been lying about you."
I blinked again. Now I knew he was giving me funny looks!
He smiled disarmingly. "Charles recommended this place to me, but he didn't tell me you work here."
"Oh."
I knew I sounded like an idiot, but I couldn't think of anything to say.
"Do you think you could help me out? I kind of came here for a reason."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. There's this book I'm looking for called 'The Art of Anastasia.' Have you heard of it?"
"Oh..." I nodded slowly. Then it hit me, why would a grown man want a book on an animated movie about a Russian princess? I raised my eyebrow and found myself able to quip, "And you would be interested in animated characters because..."
"Because Anya's hot!"
"What?!"
"My niece, George, is obsessed with the movie and I thought I would feed her insanity by getting her anything and everything that has to do with it."
"Oh... Wait a minute... Her name is George?"
"Georgiana. But I've been calling her that since she was little. Sort of stuck."
"I know what you mean. My sister and I have nicknames for one another. I never liked mine and she never liked hers so we sort of came up with new ones for ourselves."
Looking around dramatically, he stepped backward. He struck a pose and gestured with his right arm toward the ceiling, crying out, "She speaks! She's capable of intelligent conversation."
Leaning towards me, he said in a stage whisper, "I apologize most profusely, but I almost figured you had the mental capacity of Carol when you refused to respond in complete sentences."
The mental capacity of Carol! My chin dropped in surprise. "Carol!"
He was about to speak but I cut him off.
"I would like you to know, mister, though I may be a book shop owner, I attended Colombia University and received a Bachelor's Degree in English literature, cum laude!" The volume of my voice raised a couple degrees as I spoke, and I didn't know why I was so angry. All I knew was I wanted him to know that I was not some bimbo. It was not my fault the intensity of his gaze turned me into jello.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I was just making a joke. I realize no one can truly be on the same level as her." He smiled carefully. "I didn't mean to upset you."
Oh, G-d, what must he think of me now... "No, no, I should apologize." I shut my eyes tight to get the image of his dark eyes out of my head but to no avail. I brought the corners of my mouth up, though the smile I offered was probably weak and unconvincing. "I'm just a bit stress about the wedding and everything. Business has been a little slow and with my sister coming back to town..."
"Of course. C'mon, let's go get that book and maybe you can lock up early and I'll buy you some coffee."
"You really want that book, huh?"
He simply smiled back at me. I wanted to scream at my frustration. Why did he have to be so handsome? I couldn't wait until Jane got back. I knew I could count on her. I knew I would be able to tell her everything and she could fix that nagging feeling at the back of my head and the pull on my heart.
William
I had to admit she was interesting, but I hadn't applied it as the good sort of interesting or the other sort of interesting. From the moment I met her, she seemed to be in another world, as though she was caught in a fog. Maybe that's what love is. You're so confused, you don't know where you are half the time.
I looked over at her over the rim of my coffee cup. She immediately averted her eyes and a deep blush spread over her cheeks. She was probably thinking of Charles. If only I could find a girl who would do the same when she thought of me.
Elizabeth
Oh, he's looking at me again!
William
I squirmed in my seat. What was a man suppose to do when the girl he's having coffee with is thinking about another man the entire time? What was it with people in love? They all turn into vegetables. I was having coffee with a shapely zucchini! I looked at her.
No, zucchini wasn't the right description for her. Of course, I was using a vegetable to describe her in the first place. I sat back to get a good look. She had dark hair, though it was probably a shade or two lighter than my own. It seemed to have a reddish hint to it, glowing under the fluorescent lights of the café. Her eyes flickered under thick lashes and though they were nothing out of the ordinary, those lashes which fringed them made her look innocent and filled with curiosity. She was more of a... Oh, Charlie was much easier to describe. He was a cucumber. Definitely. Cool and laid back with all sorts of uses. Then, there was Carol. She was like a spud. Not a potato, but a rotten spud. As for Richard, he reminded me of a green bell pepper. (Do you really want to know?) Then there was John, who was an eggplant. That was because... What was my original train of thought? Oh, yeah, Liz. She...she was something else. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
I squirmed in my seat again. She hadn't said anything in the last ten minutes! I probably looked like a second grader whose teacher wouldn't let him use the bathroom. I was so amused with the idea of squirming in my chair, crossing and uncrossing my legs and pleading with that horrid old witch (recollections of my disturbing memories in elementary school) that I started to laugh.
Elizabeth
Is he laughing at me? Is there something on my face? At this terrifying idea, I pulled out my compact and saw nothing obvious. Was it my teeth? Have I've been talking with spinach in my teeth?
William
"What are you doing?" I said between fits of laughter. She had pulled out a mirror the second I succumbed to my chuckling. (And to think, I'm the normal one in my family! Wait until you meet my cousin, Lloyd. I should explain his cooking in cowboy boots sometime. And then there's Uncle Lenny who barbecues in the nude. I suppose we were very liberal people.)
She looked at me. "Spinach?"
Spinach?! No, she didn't look like spinach. Maybe apricot... Wait, that wasn't a vegetable. I shook my head and she put her mirror away.
"Maybe broccoli..." I mumbled to myself. No, that wasn't right either.
"Broccoli? I have broccoli in my teeth? But I didn't..."
William
I looked at the clock. I had five minutes before my lunch break began and Carol would be calling soon. Unfortunately for me, I was a creature of habit and she knew just about every daily custom I practiced. Reaching for the phone, I decided to beat her to the punch by tying up the phone line. Who was I going to call? I flipped through my card file and peered at the name. Elizabeth Bennet.
Why not?
Dialing while I tried to maneuver my sandwich from the brown bag (yes, I still use those brown paper bags!), I could not manage to punch in the right numbers. In frustration, I put the phone down to dial again. As soon as I had done that, it rang. I looked at it.
Should I pick it up?
Carol
There was something wrong with Charles. He wouldn't look at me and I knew he didn't want me here. Well, the hell with him. I wasn't about to leave William.
"So, Charles, you're going to meet all the lovely Bennets this weekend..." I looked at my nails as I awaited his answer. Was that a scar on my cuticle? Maybe he would hate her family and break the engagement. I mean, they were middle class all right, but they didn't have as much money as us. He needed someone with more wealth, more reputation...and more taste in clothing. Her style was so plain.
Charles beamed. Why did he have to smile so hard? He looked a silly child that way. "I can hardly wait to meet them! I can't believe I never met them before. Only Mr. Bennet."
"Yes..." I remarked as snidely as I could. "And why couldn't they attend their own daughter's engagement party?"
"Well, it was rather last minute, don't you think? Anyway, they live all the way in Idaho."
"Don't they grow potatoes there?"
He ignored me and turned toward William who had a silly grin on his face.
Charles
I tried to get rid of Carol as discreetly as possible but she would not hear of it. Or maybe she truly didn't get it through her blond extensions. Will looked as though he would bolt any second but that was how he always was around her. I guess I should've never forced him to take Carol to my engagement party but she was determined I do it for her. Well, I was determined to help my friend now.
"Carol, don't you have to go shopping or something?"
"Of course not. I'm having a perfectly good lunch with William."
That was the last straw. I had been dropping hints for forty minutes! I kicked her.
She gave a small yelp. I was rewarded with a deadly glare, a muffled chuckle from Will, and a few stares. I could hardly keep my laughter in as she turned red with anger and huffed, "Well, I know when I'm not wanted!"
Her dramatic exit was ruined as she tripped over her own feet and ran into the door. By this time, Will was grabbing his sides and shaking with laughter and unfortunately, I was in no better condition.
William
"Hey, did I tell you Liz called me yesterday?" I mumbled as I tried to wipe off the extreme excess of mayonnaise from my bread.
"Oh?" Charlie put it on his own sandwich to my disgust. I made a face at him.
"Yeah, I wasn't going to pick up the phone. I thought it would be Carol. No offense."
"None taken," he replied with a mouth full of tuna melt.
"Well, she called to tell me about some book she found for me."
"Anastasia?"
"Yeah, she keeps insisting that I'm getting it for myself."
Charles smirked. "Aren't you?"
I glared at his head of disorderly blond curls. That's where she's been getting those ideas! "Well, anyway, we ended up talking for awhile and I have to say, she's not bad."
"She's not bad? I thought you liked her."
"She's a girl in love. Sometimes, talking to you is less interesting than having a conversation with my freezer. With her, I thought it was the same. But we broke the ice after awhile and we kind of got it going. You better watch out, I might steal her away from you."
Charlie smiled back in return. Suddenly, his face twitched a bit. I looked at him. Whenever he did that, he was going to bring up something he didn't want to talk about.
"What's up?"
"Uh...well, it's just that..." He paused. I knew this wouldn't be good. "Did you know Elizabeth's sister is coming to town?"
"You mean Jane. She's going to her parents' house instead. I think she'll be coming back with the two of..." Oh no... I knew what Charlie was thinking. I couldn't believe I did not catch it before. From the second he mentioned Liz's sister, sirens should have been blaring in my ears. "You've got to be kidding!"
"C'mon, Will, she's beautiful."
"Have you even met her?"
"No, but Elizabeth tells me-"
"I don't care if she's a supermodel. I can't believe you had the presumption to-"
"Well, you're not going to stand her up, are you?"
"No! You're going to cancel it!" My voice rose in anger. Get a grip on yourself, Will Darcy! Charlie was only trying to help. I immediately spoke in a low and exasperated whisper. "Call her and cancel the date."
"And if I don't?" I was hard pressed on wiping that smug grin off his face.
Author Notes: Anastasia has been one of my favorite movies. (It's just so cute!) Here are some links to some great sites on the web:
Anastasia's Palace of Dreams
Brandon's Anastasia Page
Anastasia: The Lost Romanov Princess
Charles
"Do we have to go?" I could see Elizabeth pouting in the mirror as she combed her chestnut strands. I couldn't understand why she didn't want me to meet her family. Her father seemed nice, and he had a great sense of humor. And, of course, she was wonderful!
"Don't you want to see your family? I mean, we didn't decide to drive all the way up there for nothing, right?" I said as I wrapped my arms around her shoulders.
"Of course I'd like to see Dad and Jane...but the rest of them...." She seemed hesitant as she spoke. I knew she loved her family but there are always those you can't help but feel ashamed of. In that, I mean my sister, Carol.
"Well then, c'mon, let's finish packing." I pecked her cheek but she still seemed troubled. Her hand fingered her face for a second. It was probably nothing. I turned back to my suitcase.
Elizabeth
I love Charles! I love him! From the first moment I met him, he was sweet, caring, honest, and loyal. Yet, I feel like I'm about to settle into an unknown abyss. Why do I feel detached from everything around me? I'm not here. I'm not really here. Why am I so confuse? I'm just getting cold feet. It's nothing but pre-wedding jitters. It must be.
Deep down in the muddle I was in, I knew. I knew it was something which I was far from acknowledging.
We stepped out the car and I looked up to see the familiar brick house I grew up in. A feeling of nostalgia passed through me and I stared at my old bedroom window. Things were so simple back then...
"Lizzy, Lizzy?" Dad broke into my thoughts and took a good look at me. Apparently, he had been looking at me for some time. I could see my anxiety reflected in his eyes. Oh, if he could only solve my problems for me!
Problems? What problems?!
"So...where's Jane?"
"Now, darling, I know there's something wrong."
Dad and I were alone in the kitchen. The fluorescent lights and white tiles seemed so artificial and strange compared to the gray sky and soft rain outside.
"It's Mama. The way she addressed Charles..." I lied through my teeth.
I could hear him chuckle, and I knew he was shaking his head behind my back. "Wild horses won't chase that boy away from you. Don't you worry! So your mother's interested in his financial status. Her silliness won't hurt anyone, Lizzy."
"I suppose."
"Go to sleep soon." He kissed my forehead and smiled gently before heading upstairs.
"I wish Jane were here."
"I know, but she's been so busy. She promised she'd come down in a few days to see that fiancé of yours." He turned to go.
"Dad?"
"Yes, honey?"
"I have never had an unhappy moment with Charles."
He simply nodded and continued upstairs. I didn't know why I said that. It was true. But then, what if it was? Did it really mean anything at all? Did it mean I loved this man because he never made me cry and never let me down? Was I marrying for love or a twisted sense of obligation? And why all these questions now and not before? I needed a good night's sleep, and I futilely hoped everything would work itself out in my mind...and my heart by morning.
Elizabeth
"Hello?"
"Hey, Liz."
My heart began to beat at the sound of his voice. "Hi..."
"Can I request another book?"
"If you're looking for another book about..."
"Vegetables."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. A customer came in and I smiled though my attention was focused solely on the voice on the other line. "Well, what exactly are you looking for?"
"Um, I'm not sure... How about I stop by sometime?"
I thought I was about to faint. All I needed was William Darcy to complicate my sordid feelings for Charles. Of course, I couldn't bring myself to cut my ties with him. Ever since our initial coffee meeting, we had gone out to the coffee shop every time he came to the store. Well, I'll admit we've only known each other for three weeks, but I had this unexplainable feeling that I needed him and even if Charles and I didn't make it, I wanted him to be there with me. Oh, why couldn't I resist his charm?
"Sure..."
"How about tomorrow?"
I smiled. Why did I feel like a sixteen year old being asked out on that big date every time he came around?
"Of course!"
I could feel my cheeks redden at my exuberance. I tried to calm down to spare myself the embarrassment I was causing. Glancing at the calendar, I saw something that made me do just that.
"Oh, wait! My sister's coming to town tomorrow."
"Jane?"
"Yeah, I completely forgot."
"Me, too. It's kind of hard with Charlie reminding me all the time, but it's taking her so long to get down here that I figured she didn't even exist!"
I froze. Why was Charles mentioning Jane to my William? I froze a second time if that was even possible. My William?! When was he ever in my possession?
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why was Charles mentioning Jane to you?" My voice was tense as I spoke though I tried to remain neutral. William naturally took it the wrong way.
"It's not what you think Liz!"
"I'm betting it is," I muttered under my breath.
"He's been trying to set me up with her for weeks. I was against it at first, but I guess, it'll be all right. Anyway, you'll be busy with Charles. Someone has to keep her company while you two makes eyes at each other."
"When are you going to take her out?" I choked.
"The day after. But if it'll be more convenient for you, I'll do it tomorrow."
I didn't know what to say. I said the only thing that sounded reasonable. "That would be wonderful."
"Okay, no problem then. I guess I'll see you on Thursday instead."
"I guess." I clicked off immediately. Oh, what a mess I was in! I had wanted to talk to Jane about William (and Charles, too!), but now I wouldn't have the chance. Instead, I was going to have to sort through this on my own while my sister spent the night with the man of my dreams. Man of my dreams! Charles was supposed to be that man. How was it possible for it to change in three weeks? Maybe it wasn't about William and Charles. Maybe I was finally seeing that we were never meant to be. Maybe...
William
Have you ever encountered such a breathtaking sight that you feel your mind and body turn into a big blob of jello? The moment I met Jane Bennet, I was transformed into a blubbering idiot. My mind was washed of everything intellectual and I simply stared at the angel-hair beauty. And I didn't like blondes for that matter! For the rest of the night, I praised Charlie to the skies.
"So...I'm, my name is...ah..."
"You must be Will." She smiled warmly and I could picture myself turning into a puddle of mush right at her feet. "I'm Jane."
"Hi..."
"Hi!" She laughed as I looked at her dreamily.
I had been outright enraged when Charlie set me up on a blind date with Liz's older sister. I knew he was trying to be helpful and wanted me to be as happy as he was, but let's face it, no one could be as happy as Charlie. Until now...
As we continued to date, I seemed to find myself smiling all the time. It was getting rather distracting, but what did I care? The only anxiety I ever felt was whether or not she was feeling the same way. Every time she smiled or laughed, my whole spirit seemed to tingle. I could almost see the spark that connected us when we glanced at one another across the table at dinner. My mind was in such a wonderful whirlwind that I felt as though I was falling in love, hopelessly and undeniably.
"I never imagined myself as anything except a nurse." Her rosy lips parted as she took in the night air.
"What about taking the next step and becoming a doctor?" It felt like high school all over again as I attempted to casually drape my arm around her waist. She made no protest. It was silly! Why would she? We were both adults. Actually, we were both in our twenty-fifth year if I was correct.
"I've thought about it, and Lisa says the same thing, but..."
"Lisa?"
"Oh, Elizabeth and I used to hate our names."
Remembering one of those coffee conversations, I replied, "Yeah, hers was too long for her liking and yours was too short for yours."
She looked at me. "She told you about that?"
I nodded my head. Should I kiss her? We were walking along the street and the pavement seemed to glisten. Maybe it was my imagination. Anyway, if I could see the pavement glisten, it must mean something. I stopped mid-stride and kissed her.
We didn't say much after that. As though it mattered. We walked back to Liz's apartment slowly and I kissed her again before she walked in. The moon, the sky, and the stars became one as I watched her quietly close the door. Somehow, I knew I would never meet anyone like Jane and she was more important to my very existence than I could comprehend at that moment. All I truly knew was the sense of peace that enveloped the air around me. Never had I felt the way I did that night. Disillusionment? Maybe, but then, I had fallen in love and it didn't matter to me.
Carol
I could feel the blood drawn from my face. How dare she! How dare that trash take Will, his perfect physique (well, he was too lanky for my preference but that could be easily fixed), and his net worth of 78.6 million dollars away from me! I didn't invest three years in chasing that man and bragging to my friends to have him stolen by a Bennet!
I could have gagged as he made out with her, right in front of ME. I mean, didn't he have any consideration for my feelings? Hah, I know her type! That slut is probably just a distraction. Well, if he wants a distraction, I could definitely provide one for him...
William
From the sour look on Carol's face, I knew she was jealous. Her forehead furrowed as though she was actually thinking, like she had a scheme hiding behind her catty eyes. I looked at her for a second. No, steam hadn't begun to come out of her ears yet... Her gears weren't cranky.
I could have sworn she was about to throw up as I gave Jane a quick kiss on the lips. The look of horror on her face was priceless and I could barely keep my laughter in. An outside party would have thought I was taking Jane for granted, which, of course, would never happen.
"I'll see you later tonight."
Her arms were wrapped around me neck, and we were both reluctant to move.
"Yeah..." She moved back suddenly to clasp her hands. "I completely forgot! Liz wanted me to help her with wedding arrangements."
"Tonight?" I knew the disappointment was heavy in my voice.
"You could come with." She smiled that beautiful smile of hers. Then again, everything about her was beautiful. I couldn't see a single fault and believed there was none.
"Sure, I haven't seen either Liz or Charlie in awhile."
"Yeah, I bet they both miss you. And...you haven't met my family yet."
"Oh, I almost forgot they came down this weekend."
"It seems both of us have been forgetful this past month."
"I wonder why..." I murmured under my breath.
"William, darling, would you-" This was the fifth time Carol had cut in. What was she doing at my office anyway?
"Whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait," I replied as I walked around her, taking Jane with me. She probably shot daggers at Jane, but for all I cared, Carol could've flushed her head in a toilet. Actually, that would've been great. It was a show worth paying for.
"Will you come?"
How could I refuse her anything? "Sure, I would love to meet your family."
I gave her a toothy grin; yet, something gyrated in my stomach, making me feel nauseated all over. Since our first date almost a month ago, Jane and I had been seeing one another seriously. And I mean, serious. During her stay with Liz, we spent almost every day together. I felt guilty about stealing her sister away from her and completely ignoring Liz, but apparently not guilty enough to stop myself from falling out of touch with our lovely book shop owner since then. (More the reason to visit, I suppose.)
Actually, I think I'm guilty of falling out of touch with everything! After she went back to Chicago, we called one another each day and I even flew out there for a long weekend two weeks ago. Now Jane was on leave to help Liz prepare for the wedding and where was she? With me. Though I didn't mind one bit, I knew she should be with her family.
I don't think I've ever been nervous about meeting any of my old girlfriends' parents. What if they didn't like me? I felt a twinge of jealousy surge up and down my spine for a moment as I thought of how the Bennets loved Charles. And why shouldn't they? Everyone loved Charles and he would be part of the family in under three months. I looked into Jane's blue eyes. If I met the Bennets, would they accept me? Acceptance from them would mean the next step.
"Do you think they'll like me?"
"I can't see why not."
Elizabeth
It had been over a month since I saw him last, though I knew he and Jane were dating. I was afraid my sister, my father, or G-d forbid, my fiancé, would notice the pain that flickered across my face at the mention of William Darcy. I didn't even know this man yet he invaded my thoughts and dreams. It drove me mad.
Lizzy, you are mad! Here I was dreaming of my beloved sister's boyfriend while I was engaged to another man. It was a soap opera, except I was the only one acting. Everyone had no part in it. I was alone.
I had thought my infatuation with William Darcy was due to the realization that Charles was not the man for me. But, no, it was not true. Every night I thought about these two men and in the morning, it was always William who I pictured smiling over me, saying something stupid about vegetables. Like, the largest squash in the world was 349.8 centimeters in length and twice that in diameter. Maybe I wasn't in love with Will, but I could be. I looked at Charles, and he waved to me before turning back to Mom. Oh, I could never hurt such a sweet man. But, would I hurt him more by marrying him?
Charles
There was something wrong. She was clearly distracted, but maybe it was the wedding. Somehow, I knew it wasn't about that at all. Don't tell me you don't love me, Elizabeth! What would I do without you?
There was always Jane...
I almost spit my wine into Mrs. Bennet's face. A physical blow would've had the same effect on me as my eyes widen and the room seemed to spin in confusion. Where did that come from?
William
"Jane!" My eyes went to her as I walked into the room. She smiled and made her way over, her pale skin contrasting to the olive green of her dress. As a man, I could not do justice by describing her beauty. I would be clumsy and hesitant, grasping for words.
I took her into my arms and kissed her forehead.
"Ready to meet everyone?"
"Sure..."
"Politics are not the problem here."
"Of course, they are! What better example than Bill Clinton." Mr. Thomas Bennet leaned forward. With the exception of his daughters, I could not find pleasanter conversation. (Well, his youngest daughter was another story. She counted as much as the amount of clothing she was wearing.)
"No, no. Don't give me Bill Clinton! Think of Thomas Jefferson and everything that surrounds his affair with Sally Hemmings. It's about society: our morals and the media."
"You can't blame everything on the media."
"Of course I can and so can everyone else. After all, it evens the balance. Our complaints and accusations would contain a kernel of truth, just like theirs."
"And all the rest is story telling."
"Exactly."
He smiled and I did the same. I hadn't seen Liz yet, though I greeted Charlie after the introductions, and after half an hour, Jane had left her father and I to our own devices.
"Well, son, what about Vietnam? Tell me whether that was politics or society."
"Both."
"How conventional, Mr. Darcy." He smiled slightly, apparently amused at what appeared to be the simple answer.
"When it came to the end of Johnson's term, we know Vietnam was purely political. Despite the Great Society and the wealth of good he did there, Johnson certainly did not 'join reason to faith' or..."
"Action to experience." He finished.
I smiled wanly. "You mean foolhardy, obtuse action to political experience."
"So, it is politics!" Mr. Bennet sat up straight in triumph.
I shook my head in resignation and stood up.
"Something smells great! Are we going to sit here all night or eat?"
"Let's eat!"
Charles
"Could you pass the potatoes, sweetie?"
Elizabeth nodded absentmindedly and passed me the corn. I looked at her dark, downcast eyes. What was wrong? She had been quiet all night.
I turned toward Jane. I could feel my face burn as I saw Will and her, talking quietly. She was practically sitting on his lap! And why should I care? She was simply my sister-in-law. Or, at least, she was suppose to be in June.
What's wrong with you, Charles? You're about to be married to a wonderful woman. My mind seemed to scream but my heart would not follow. Oh, why did everything have to be so hard? It had been easy with Elizabeth. We dated, we had fun, I asked her to marry me, she accepted. There was never any questions or hesitations. Was that the problem?
We always had a good time. Everything went well. We never bickered and we always compromised. This was a sixth grade relationship, not a union between two lovers. Everything was wrong.
Carol
I'll knock his socks off! Everything was perfect and I smiled into his bathroom mirror as I fixed the feathers in my hair. Won't William have the surprise of his life when he walks into his room tonight and finds me on his bed in lingerie?
William
"I will never look at orange lingerie again without having nightmares!" I covered my eyes with my hands as I ran into someone. Opening them, I saw a startled Bennet blinked at me.
"Liz! I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there."
She starred at me with a blank look on her face. "Oh."
"Are you back to that again?"
"Huh..."
"Do you consider that a proper response because I don't feel obligated to answer that."
"Uh..."
She began to walk away and I was never more confused in my life. Well, that was, until she abruptly turned back and gripped my arms, pulling my gaze toward her. "Could you take me shopping today?"
"I suppose."
"Good, I'll be ready in ten minutes."
There was something wrong. There was no doubt about it but I hoped it was nothing for Charles' sake. I would hate to see my best friend in grief and I would want to share his pain and resentment, but I didn't want to resent Elizabeth Bennet. Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with Jane or Charlie but with her. I barely knew her but there was something about the way she walked, or the way she smiled that made me like her. She was a good person and even if she jilted Charlie, I wanted to be her friend. Hopefully, I could be her brother-in-law as well.
I turned my thoughts toward Jane. Beautiful, lovely Jane with her clear blue eyes and pale white skin. Her twentieth-sixth birthday was in three weeks. Maybe Elizabeth could help me shop.
"Liz?"
"Yes?" She responded quickly. I couldn't help but glance at her curiously. It was as though she were on edge and maybe she was.
"What are you shopping for?"
"Oh, china and stuff." She replied with a wave of her hand.
"Shouldn't you do that with Charlie?"
"Do you want to look at wedding dresses?"
I simply looked at her. Why would she want me to do that with her?
"I don't want Charles to see me in my dress until I walk down the aisle. Anyway, I really don't have anyone to help me out right now and Jane's style is in direct contradiction of my own. We would never agree on anything, which reminds me. You can help me chose the bridesmaid's dresses as well."
Her explanation made my head spin. Not only was it odd, it was said in a speed that was only meant to be practiced by New York cab drivers.
"What did you mean by that lingerie stuff this morning?"
I looked up from the catalog I was flipping through to look at the dressing room doors. I figured she was in the one to the left but I couldn't be sure.
She was entirely confusing. Couldn't she be simple, just like Jane? The second she had entered the shop, she spotted a gown. She made me turn around and wait until she
had put it on. She was still in there and I couldn't understand why. How long does it take a woman to put on a dress?
"Carol."
"Oh?"
"I walked into my apartment last night after I left your house to find her on my bed."
I could hear muffled laughter. She was definitely in the stall to the left.
"How she got a copy of my keys...I don't want to know but I've already had the locks changed."
'C'mon. Darcy, get on with the good stuff." I could imagine her smiling.
"She looked like she would pounce on me. She had Barry White music on and her awful perfume stunk like yesterday's laundry. My eyes were watering over and I'll tell you, that was a good thing. She had some orange-"
"Maybe we could look at lingerie today."
"Oh, please." I closed my eyes, trying to rid myself of that awful image. Even though Carol was beautiful (in her own way, mind you), she was thin (too thin!) and lacked the kind of simple taste I preferred. It made me sick the way she threw herself at me.
"I'll be waking up every night in a cold sweat thanks to her."
"Are you always this nervous when girls throw themselves at you?" The laughter in her voice sounded like silver.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you seem to run away from all that. Carol may not be my favorite person but she's gorgeous."
"She's not Jane, and she can't hold a light to you, either, Liz."
There was a soft thank you from her stall and I continued. "You know, we haven't gone out for coffee in a long time. We could do that once you're finished. Talk about the wedding or something. You know what's a better topic of conversation?"
"Vegetables?"
I paused. "You remember that?"
"I haven't forgotten."
As I considered her response, she stepped out of the dressing room. I turned around and my mind went blank.
Elizabeth
"Well?"
My knees were about to buckle and all he did was stare at me. I felt uncomfortable under his strong gaze and I would've thrown up if I hadn't been too nervous to eat anything this morning. I had planned to ask him to come with me all last night. Why? I had no idea. It probably had to do with the fact I had fallen in love with him.
"Well?" I repeated as I held up the chiffon skirt, touched with scattered rhinestones all along the sheer material. It was heavy on the hem and shimmered as it caught the reflection of the lights. The bodice was laced in the back and the front was a simple scoop neck with light floral embroidery.
"Charles will love it." He finally managed.
"Do you?"
He nodded.
The pounding of my heart filled my ears and my hands twitched nervously. I didn't know what to do. I could barley think or breath. Never in my life did I feel this way.
"Help me with the veil."
I handed it to him without looking. Oh, why was everything so awkward? I didn't remember him taking it from me. Nor could I remember him turning me toward a mirror or setting it on my head. I had closed my eyes as he adjusted it and I could feel his breath against my skin. That was all I remembered. His breath against my skin and I was complete.
"Well?"
"Hmmm?" I opened my eyes and I had yet to face reality.
"What do you think?" He whispered as he gestured toward the mirror. I had one hand on his arm and we were both smiling, The veil and the dress didn't matter. I didn't see them. All I saw was him and me. It was perfect, simply perfect. But the spell did not last, it could not last. And why? Because it wasn't real. He wasn't mine to have and I wasn't free for him to have either. That is, if he had any feelings for me besides brotherly love. Oh, could he? Or was it simply Jane he dreamed about? Was it simply Jane he pictured as he stood at the altar? Was my sister the one who lived happily ever after with the man I was falling desperately in love with?
William
We never went to the coffee shop. After I put the veil on her, she ran back to the dressing room without a word. It was as though a wall came down. She would only respond to me in monotone syllables. Half an hour passed before I gave up. I didn't know why she was undergoing such weird mood swings, but I credited them to the upcoming wedding.
The dress had been perfect but with all great things, there was a catch. An eight thousand dollar catch. She laid it away quietly. I would have paid for it. I could have paid for it. As a wedding gift that is, but she wouldn't hear of it. This was between her and Charlie, I suppose. Though they were well off enough, the wedding was running high. There was no room for any extra fancies. But you know, I've always believed in the elegance of simplicity and if there was to be money spent on anything, it would've been the dress and the rings. Of course, if it were someone truly special, nothing would matter and those little details would be looked over.
She continued to pull on white after white. I may have nodded off in the process because when she shook my shoulder, two in the afternoon had become six in the evening.
"Dreaming of Carol?" She smiled down at me.
I was glad she had her sense of humor back. "I don't remember thinking about any ducks."
Elizabeth
I was sorry I dragged William with me. I mean, if I was going down, I might as well do it alone. He had dozed off for four hours while I looked for a dress, and I simply settled on a plain ivory dress with thin straps, a plunging neckline and a dragging train. I hated that dress. I almost despised it. I didn't even know why I bought the darn thing. I just didn't want to leave without getting a dress. Anyway, I figured I could come back the next day and return it.
As William slept slump against his chair with his mouth hanging open (and looking completely irresistible, of course), I decided I wasn't going to marry Charles. Even if William was always going to be out of reach, I wouldn't subject myself to ruining Charles' life and mine. I almost ask him to go to the coffee shop but what was the use? Wherever my life was heading, it wouldn't involve him.
William
As we headed back to the Bennets, we made jokes and waved at people standing on street corners. I think it was the result of a lot of shopping (well, sleeping on my part) and the double serving of ice cream we got. We felt so silly that we even stopped at a thrift store. Carol needed a bridesmaid dress and well, there was nothing at the bridal shop which fit her style! We came across an orange number with feathers hanging off it everywhere. It made me grimace. Liz said it was shaped like a bag. I said it was shaped like a spud. Either way, we agreed that it was perfect for her. We purchased it for a quarter. I think we paid much more than it was worth.
As we pulled up the driveway, we kept looking at each other and cracking up. It was as though we shared this special bond, created by our ability to act on the mental level of a six-year-old, and I wanted more than ever for her to be my sister-in-law. We sneaked up around the house as though we were breaking curfew.
As I turned the corner, I felt something drop inside of me. I didn't know what to think. I could barely move or function properly. Of course, I hardy expected such a sight, and the shock threw my senses into chaos. I felt Liz grab my hand, and it comforted me to have her there beside me. I seemed to be on the brink of so many emotions at that moment, and I didn't know what to do. My gaze fell onto Liz and our eyes locked. We stared at one another blankly for a second before I pulled her away from the scene of Charlie and Jane in a passionate embrace.
Jane
As soon as our lips broke contact, I pushed him away. Perhaps, it would've been better if I had done that five minutes ago, but my mind had lost its ability to function and say, "This is your sister's fiancé!" when he leaned down toward me. Of course, it had been much the same when it happened the first time...
"I...I...." There were so many thoughts running through my mind. I couldn't think straight.
"Jane, please calm down." He held my hands and a burning sensation tingled through them, traveling up my arms. It reminded me of the way I felt when he had kissed me moments before and earlier that day. I shook my head. What a mess I was in! If only Lisa knew... But of course she wouldn't know! And if she did, then what? And William... What if William found out? I was wrecking four relationships! The wedding would be called off, Elizabeth and I would be incapable of trusting one another, William and Charles would no longer be friends, and the relationship which I started a month ago would be nothing but bittersweet memories. Oh, how did this happen?
"Jane..."
I looked into Charles' ocean blue eyes and felt myself shake. Did I feel the same way when I looked at William? Did I stare at him, until I memorized every part of his face? I had thought I did, but I couldn't be sure anymore.
Charles
I thought those stolen kisses with Jane proved something about me and something about us. We were meant to be together, but somehow, we became lost on our way to destiny. (Or does that sound too corny?) I didn't have any idea how we could or would solve this, but I knew I wanted to kiss her again.
"So, what are we going to do?"
"What are we going to do?!" She shrieked. It seemed as though she were on edge and somewhere, in the back of my head, I knew why. She gestured toward me and back at her again. "What about that?"
"What about what?"
She looked at me as though I was an idiot. "You're engaged, Charles! You're engaged to my sister! I'm also involved in a relationship with your best friend!"
I covered my eyes. "The only thing that would make this more complicated or worse is if Carol tried to seduce Will."
"Not true. If she tried to seduce my sister, that would certainly make it much worse."
I grinned at her. "It wouldn't make things more complicated. Elizabeth would kick her to the curb while she was professing her love."
We smiled at one another. She was so beautiful. But she wasn't mine. Could she be though? I knew it would be a long and complicated road, but what if she was the ONE? How could I not risk everything there was to make sure?
"We could make this work," I said softly.
She shook her head, making her blond strands sway. I walked up to her and put my hands on the sides of her face. "Do you want to make this work?"
She looked down. "I don't know..."
I leaned toward her ear and whispered, "Do you want this to work?"
I could feel her head nod, and then she stepped back. She did not look at me. "This isn't about me or you. At least, it's not restricted to that. There's other people involved."
"I kissed you. You kissed me back. There was no one else involved in that process."
"Why are you being so obtuse? You know what I mean."
"I don't want to hurt either Will or Elizabeth. They're special people in my life but if I'm in love with you, how can I step away from that? How can I marry your sister when there's you?"
"Will you stop acting as though we're meant to be?"
"But we ar-"
She cut me off sharply. "Look, if we were destined to be together, we would be. But we're not. We had a mutual attraction which simply got out of hand. You're getting cold feet, Charles. Maybe you're not good enough for my sister if anyone can turn your eye so quickly."
"You're not anyone." My voice was pleading but I didn't care. This was going all wrong, as though it were ever right in the beginning.
"You're right. I'm her sister." She turned toward the house and I couldn't do anything but follow. I was almost sure I had fallen for Jane and she for me, but there were so many complications. As I walked into the house, I knew, Elizabeth and I were not getting married.
Jane
I could hear Charles' footsteps as he followed me into the house. I had hoped he would stay outside. I needed to cool down. I needed to think. I needed to build a wall between the two of us. There were so many thoughts and emotions spinning through me, I could barely comprehend the entire situation. All I knew was I didn't want to think about it. Maybe it was best for us all if Charles and Lisa didn't get married. Then, I wouldn't have to see him again and the guilt...
I looked behind me, and he was there, in the doorway. A thought flickered through my head about the way his hair shone in contrast with...
Shaking my head, I left the kitchen. His heavy steps on the tiled floor told me he had continued to follow me. Why won't he leave me alone? Thank goodness, William and Elizabeth weren't here. I couldn't face them right now.
As I walked into the living room, my eyes focused directly on William. I halted and Charles ran right into me, but I barely noticed. I saw Elizabeth on the couch next to him. She was looking at her hands while he stared straight ahead, not looking at anything at all. Just staring with a cold intensity. Though he showed no indications of it, no movement except the tightening of his jaw, as though it was a spasm, I knew he sensed our presence in the room. Indeed, from the first second I walked in, I could feel the tension tighten in the air. They knew.
Elizabeth
Jane had just walked through the door and from the fumbling Charles was making, I knew he had ran right into her. I couldn't bring myself to look up. In the time it had taken them to get in here, I had gone through a jumble of emotions. After the shock had worn off, I was angry. For goodness sake, Jane was my sister and Charles was engaged to me! However, as I sat and fumed about the betrayal, the feeling of relief began to creep through me.
I began to rationalize everything. William hadn't said a word and I decided he probably didn't want to talk just yet. That kiss really did solve a lot of difficulties but because of it, there was a whole new set of problems to deal with. Separating myself from Charles would be easier than I thought. Then, the feeling of jealousy slithered through me again. How long had he and Jane been kissing behind my back? What was their relationship?
"Lisa..."
I didn't look up. She sounded regretful... But she should've said something! Despite my feelings for William, it wasn't as though I'd ever kissed him though sometimes I had to restrain myself dreadfully. Charles came up.
"Will, Elizabeth..."
I felt William get up from the coach. That was when I looked up. I couldn't comprehend the expression on his face but his eyes were focused on me. He held out his hand.
"C'mon, we forgot to go to the coffee shop."
I got up and we left without looking back.
Charles
Jane didn't say a word after both Elizabeth and Will walked out. She sort of sat down on the couch with a plop- and stared at the empty space in front of her. It shows what a bad influence Will can be. I mean, we're talking about the guy who got me into mud sliding. I sighed. Was Will in love with Jane? Was she in love with him? I went into the kitchen to make some coffee.
William
I had to admit I was poor company for Liz, but I knew she understood. Jane had just plunged a knife in my heart and Charles had stabbed me with another in the back. I couldn't believe what had happened. I wanted an explanation. But first, I had to calm down enough so I wouldn't punch Charlie in the face the second I saw him. I looked across the table at Liz. She kept stirring her coffee absentmindedly and I reached across the table to give her a reassuring squeeze on her hand. I tried to give her a smile as well, but it probably looked like a scowl.
Elizabeth
I could've given both Jane and Charles a good slap on their faces at that moment. He thought I needed comfort when he was actually the one who was hurting the most. Probably, the only one hurting at all for the reason everyone should have been in pain about. I gave a mournful sigh for him and looked at my coffee again. I couldn't bear to look at those deep dark eyes. But I still held onto his hand.
Jane
Where did this coffee come from? I picked it up. It was still warm and the aroma calmed my nerves. I remember making coffee for William one morning a few days ago. It was black. I always drank my coffee black. But I had been talking to Elizabeth and she had said (sharply, I thought) that he liked it with cream and two sugar cubes. At that moment, I had found it rather odd but I had soon forgot about it...
Carol
The moment I walked in, I knew something was wrong. I could smell the sorrow in the air. Perfect! I looked to see Jane and Charles at opposite sides of the room drinking coffee. They didn't even look up and from their motionless behavior, I could tell they had no intention of snapping out of their miserable reveries. Hmm, BOTH Jane and Charles were clearly upset... That would mean something happened with William and Elizabeth! Oh, could my day be any better? Wait...what if something happened with William AND Elizabeth?
"Charles!"
He jumped, spilling coffee on himself. He shot me a look, but what did I care? It wasn't my pants.
"Where's William?"
"He left."
"I came all the way here to see him! Now, where is he?"
"He went out, okay?" It was more of a shout than anything else.
"With who?" I shouted with equal force.
Charles mumbled something but I couldn't hear him. I took a step closer but just as I did, the front door opened. It was William...and Elizabeth.
"Where have you been?" I cried.
He walked right past me. What was it with those Bennet women? What was their spell over men?
"They're just a bunch of sluts." I muttered.
Everyone's eyes were on me.
"What?" Elizabeth questioned me.
I turned to William, instead, "Darling, what is-"
"Get out of here, Carol."
"What?"
He stepped toward me. His voice was dangerously low. "This is not your house. No one said you could come here. So why don't you get out before you're forced out?"
I didn't know what to say. Turning, I left only to trip down the front steps and skin my knee. Stupid Bennets!
Charles
"So...anyone want more coffee?"
No one responded. Well, there goes for breaking the ice. A few minutes of awkward silence ensued my question and I could see everyone fidgeting in their seats as though we were all sitting on a rash. Finally, to my great relief, Will spoke up.
"How long has it been going on?"
I could not discern the feelings which hid underneath his flat tone, but I knew instinctively that he had been hurt badly. Foolish me to forget that when my best friend fell for a girl, he fell for her.
Jane spoke up immediately, "It's not what you think. It happened this morning."
"But we saw you an hour ago."
I could feel my face turn red. "It happened twice."
"I see."
I didn't like the way Will had said that. It was as though he was making an accusation. Like there had been a conspiracy behind his back.
"Look, it's not as though this was planned." I stood up.
"Nah, it just happened twice."
My fists balled up as I took a step forward. "Did you think I was trying to hurt everyone on purpose? Like this was some sort of sick game?" My voice rose in volume with each word. I was about to continue when Elizabeth slipped in a sentence, though quietly said.
"I don't want to marry you."
The room went silent. All eyes were on Elizabeth and she looked back at me calmly. She wasn't going to marry me... I was speechless. I never expected this. Slowly, I sunk down until I was seated again.
"Wh- what?" I could hardly believe it. True, I planned to break the engagement myself and Elizabeth seemed to be having some sort of weird case of jitters, but it never occurred to me that she would actually come right out and do it.
"Didn't you hear me, Charles? There will be no wedding."
Jane suddenly stood up. Worry was etched on her face. "Now, let's not be too hasty here."
Will stood up as well. "You want them to get married?!"
The door opened and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet walked in. We looked at them and immediately sat down in unison. If we hadn't been involved in such a serious conversation beforehand, it might have been funny how we automatically bombarded them with questions and comments.
"I got my wedding dress today."
"Where's Valerie?"
"Oh, we didn't expect you back so soon."
"How are you doing? You guys look great!"
"Did you have fun? Where did you go?"
"Are you tired? Maybe you should go to sleep. It is getting late."
"I didn't kiss anybody today."
"Well, I know I certainly didn't."
"Where did you get that beautiful shawl, Mrs. Bennet?"
After we stopped, we looked at each other once again. Together, we said, "We weren't discussing anything."
Mrs. Bennet stared at us with wide eyes while her husband raised his eyebrows. "If you didn't want us here, you should've just said so."
I let out a deep frustrated sigh as they climbed the stairs. Once they were out of sight, I leaned back in my chair. This was going to be a long night. I needed much more coffee.
William
We commenced our rigid discussion in the kitchen where Charlie kept making pot after pot of coffee. He began to get jittery after awhile but our previous awkwardness did not fade. I didn't want to be here but Liz had convinced me that we needed to go through with this. The decision that we made at the coffeehouse had to be shared with the rest of them.
I looked up and caught Liz's eye. She nodded. Was she going to say something or was I? I peered at Charlie and Jane over the rim of my cup before I took a sip. Charles was squirming all over the place and Jane had refused to do anything but stare at the tile floor.
"Liz and I have an announcement to make."
"What? Are you two engaged or something?"
I shot Charlie a dark look for his sarcasm. "We decided that it would be best if we stepped out of the picture."
"What do you mean?" Jane asked cautiously.
"Just that. William and I will step out of the picture," Liz replied.
Jane opened her mouth, but she didn't say anything. It seemed like she was going to protest but there was nothing she could say. She finally gave up and returned to her newfound fascination of the floor. Charlie just took another drink of coffee. I looked at Liz who seemed to be staring into oblivion. So, there it was. An attraction between Jane and Charles. And it had been strong enough to disregard the feelings of their closest companions. There was nothing for me to do but allow them to find out if their gain was worth the loss.