SmartGirl Internette presents...

          I quickly ran inside and held my hand over my mouth. “My feelings haven’t changed, Victoria! They won’t go away,” he called.

          “Victoria, what is the matter?” asked Tara from her bedroom window. I could feel my face going redder and redder. I ran up the long staircase and into my bedroom and locked the door. I was shivering and my heart was pounding all the more. All I could think about were memories of winters spent in the snow with Rupert and my sisters making snowmen.

          I loved spending time with my best friend. We had secret dens, and by my mother’s large house in the woods ahead were the remains of an old, torn-down castle. In what was left of it, Rupert and I would pretend to be Kings and Queens! We had balls in the castle. It was so magical, and we both vowed never to tell anyone about our secret place.

          The tears began to fall down. Daisy came in and hugged me, wiping away my tears. “Is it Rupert?” asked Daisy.

          “He… he kissed me,” I muttered.

          “Victoria! No! He cannot do this to you! You are with John!” she said sharply. “You didn’t kiss him back, did you?”

          I turned away from her. “Yes,” I gulped.

          “Victoria! You are in a big mess. What about John? He has feelings for you?” asked Daisy.

          “Yes, he does,” I said, crying all the more. Daisy guided me to my bed and stroked my hair as I cried.

          “Oh, darling. You truly have gotten yourself into a big mess. You must choose who you want, who you love!” said Daisy, and I knew she was right, but I couldn’t bear to break either of their hearts.

          “I must go and see Rupert,” I said, rushing out of my bedroom door with my coat still on.

          “Victoria, wait! Don’t go and see him! He’s already expressed his feelings. Don’t confuse him all the more!” called Daisy.

          “I must go find him!” I said, running down the staircase.

          “Stop there, Victoria. Where are you going? You just got back!” my father said.

          “Not now, Father! I must go find Rupert!” I said as I ran out the door.

          I ran towards the woods to the old torn-down castle. Only half of it remained. I saw him sitting on the floor and gazing at the sky. His eyes immediately locked mine. “I knew you would come!” he smiled.

          I couldn’t control my feelings anymore. I ran over to him and kissed him. His arms were wrapped around me and he wouldn’t let go. To me, it felt like old times again. We were together, engaged again. I saw a twinkle in his eyes.

          “I never stopped thinking about you for one moment,” said Rupert.

          “I always thought of you. I always remembered the cold winters we shared,” I said.

          “I regret what happened between us. I can’t bear to be apart from you any longer!” said Rupert.

          “I cannot stay,” I whispered.

          “Why? You must! We must be together!” said Rupert.

          “I … have met someone else. I have… I have,” I said, muttering. I could not find the words to say that I had fallen in love with John, so I thougt.

          “Fallen in love again?” asked Rupert with a frown.

          “Do you have to make this so difficult for me, Rupert?” I asked.

          “Well, answer the question!” said Rupert. “Do you love him?”

          “I… I…” I still couldn’t say it.

          “Please don’t tell me you love him when you do not!” said Rupert.

          All was quiet and a snowflake fell across my cheek. I saw him looking deep into my eyes, and I could not move. It was as if time was frozen.

          “I know how you feel,” he whispered into my ear.

          “I love you!” I said shaking. I looked at him and knew there would be no going back.

          Rupert took my hand and placed it in his. We walked alone for hours in the snow. My heart was telling me this was so right! And my head was telling me it was wrong. I had John to think about.

          Alarm bells rang. John would be coming to visit in a few days! How would I tell him?! “I have to go back!” I said, running away… yet again.

          “Victoria! Come back!” he called.

          What does this all mean? I need help! Please help me. Do I go ahead with Rupert, or be with John? Oh, my head hurts!

 

          I gazed at John and somehow I knew that he was right. Rupert’s smile visualized in my thoughts and something told me nothing would ever be the same again. I agreed to go. John put me on the train. "I'll come see you off, and I'll be there to visit in a few days, but this I think you should do alone," said John, kissing me on the cheek.
          It had been several months since I last visited home, and spring went and summer came. This summer would soon come to an end as well. As I gazed out the window, I spotted familiar surroundings. I was back in Berry Lane; however, it didn’t feel like summer. There was a huge coat of snow on the ground and the air was cold and foggy. I could barely see.
          Tara ran excitedly at me and she flung her arms around me. “How are you, my darling sister?” she smiled. The whole family was there, including Rupert. He was just as I remembered and even more handsome.
          “I knew you would come,” he softly whispered in my ear as he hugged me. My heart began to beat faster and faster, and I didn’t want to let go. 
          “Come along Victoria, darling, you must be tired from your long journey! You must like a rest. I have also had your room redecorated! I thought, 'you are a young lady,' you would want something more grown-up!” said my mother. This can’t be happening. She has taken the liberty of decorating my room! 
          “Oh, thank you, Mother…. Um… how thoughtful of you,” I said, choking back my words.
          “Come and see it!” said Tara, taking my hand. As soon as I saw my room, I was mesmorized. I fell in love with it! The floor was solid oak, so beautiful and golden! The arm chairs were silk white with red roses on them. The wardrobe was also oak, and it had a big mirror on the front of it! My mother had bought me a four-poster bed, and it had the coziest bed cover I had ever seen. It had patches of red roses on it. There was lamp by my bed and a vase of red roses by the side.
          “Thank you, Mother! It's beautiful,” I said, kissing her on the cheek. As soon as everyone had gone and left me to put my things away, I felt a warm embrace at my  sides.
          “Oh Vic! It will be just like old times you and I again! Together!” Rupert said. “Come on, darling! Shall we go outside like old times?”
          I smiled, putting on my coat and gloves. We began to have a snow fight in the snow!
          “Oh, honestly. I would have thought you both would have matured by now!” sighed my mother. Rupert threw a snowball at her window and caught her in the face.
          “Oh, oh, oh!” she yelled shivering. “You foolish boy!”
          We giggled and carried on! Mother was always so grumpy, things had to be done proper!
          "It simply isn't done!" she shouted out the window. I fell over in the snow and Rupert bent down to help me up. As I got up, he kissed me. I felt goose bumps! But this simply can’t be happening... I need help!

     That night I couldn't sleep; I tried to figure out how I felt about John. I began to feel annoyed, so I quickly crept down the corridor and down the stairs. I hoped I wouldn't wake John. Goldie sat outside his bedroom door, guarding his room. The dog looked up at me and started barking. "Please be quiet, Goldie! Hush!" I whispered, but the dog followed me anyway. "Oh, come on," I whispered.
     I sat out in the garden. The moon shone down on the lake. It was beautiful. I sat on a log and threw stones into the water. I knew I felt something for John, but the question was: would it ever be as strong as how I felt for Rupert? I did not know. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up. It was John.
     "I couldn't sleep either," he smiled.
     "Me either; I was just trying to work out what the kiss meant," I said.
     "I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time, and I cannot lie to you, Victoria. I liked it!" said John.
     "I did, too, but I'm feeling very confused right now. Rupert and I have just parted and everything is going so fast!" I said.
     "If I fell in love with someone else would you be jealous?" asked John.
     "Of course I would! I would be wild with jealousy!" I said.
     "Same here! Would you be happy just being friends?" asked John.
     "I'm not sure... I don't think so," I whispered.
     "Then you have answered your own question! Now you know how you feel about me," and a big smile filled his face. He was right!
     "Oh my goodness, I didn't realize I just answered my own question!" I laughed.
     "I have one last question and we'll put this question by forever, as soon as you answer it and forget about it. Do you still hope to get back together with Rupert?" asked John.
     "John, I cannot lie to you," I said. "I was hoping to a few months ago, but we have both moved on. He has Heather, now! I will always have a special place for him in my heart, but I'm happy if he is happy, and I have accepted that. I just want to move on with you and be happy."
     "So what does this mean? What will happen to us? Friends, or more?" asked John.
     I smiled, "Both."
     That night we sat there and discussed our hopes and dreams. I hadn't felt so happy and comfortable with a man like that in months. I finally felt I knew where I belonged. As it got later, we both moved and laid under a tree. I felt comfortable and fell asleep against his chest, and before we knew it, morning had come and we awoke to the sound of birds singing.
     "Well, shall we have breakfast outside, Miss Sin Claire?" smiled John.
     "I think so, Mr. Moore," I smiled.
     I arranged the breakfast table and made fresh orange juice while John was in the kitchen making pancakes with blueberries. At the breakfast table, we locked gazes and giggles.
     At that exact moment, the phone rang inside and I ran in to answer it.
     "Hi, Victoria! It's me, Tara. Have you heard Rupert's news? Heather left him. It's such a shame they were engaged, as well," said Tara.
     "Yes, it is," I said.
     "How are you and John doing?" she asked.
     "We are great! We just got together..." I smiled.
     "Do you still love Rupert?" asked Tara.
     "I'm over him now, Tara," I said sharply and confidently.
     "Well, that's not what he says about you," said Tara.
     "What does he say?" I asked her.
     "That he still cares for you. He told me not to tell you, but I had to! I was hoping the two of you could rekindle your romance," said Tara.
     "It's not going to happen, Tara!" I said.
     "Well, the least you could do is come home and visit him," said Tara.
     "Don't worry. I will, just not today," I said.
     "OK, well, please let us know when you are coming home," said Tara.
     "I promise. I will see you soon, darling, but I am not ready to come home. Not just yet, anyway," I said.
     "Who was that?" asked John, taking a sip of his orange juice.
     "Just my sister, wanting to tell me all about the gossip back in Berry Lane. She says they all want me to visit, but I said not today," I said, taking a bite out of my pancakes.
     "Do you ever intend to go home?" asked John.
     "In all honesty, John: no. I am so happy and content here," I said.
     "What if I moved to Berry Lane with you? Would you go back home then?" asked John.
     "I am happy here," I said. "This is my home, my haven. I am happy."
     "Well, darling; you must return home for a visit. Otherwise, your family will think I'm holding you prisoner here!" said John.
     "I don't care what they think any more!" It's my life and I will do just as I please," I said.

 

The following morning, I decided to take Goldie out for a walk.
    "Don't worry John Goldie will be fine" I smiled taking the dog out for a morning walk around the village. It was seven o'clock in the morning and there was a gentle breeze and there was snow on the ground. There was a beautiful blue sky. There was no one else around so I thought! Goldie started running excitedly, dragging me along with him!
    "Goldie slow down! I don't want be taken for a walk!" I said trying to control him with the lead! Just as I was about to cross the road, Goldie ran straight into a carriage.  The poor dog became alarmed.
    "GOLDIE" I called after him, the dog ran on and on into the park. Until I spotted a lake it was frozen but then I remembered how a foolish mistake I made nearly cost Rupert his life! Oh please don't crack the ice! I can't go through that again. I felt alarmed myself. When I reached the lake, it certainly wasn't cracked thank goodness and there was no sign of the dog either! Oh no!  I searched all over the village for Goldie and no one had seen him. I knew I had to break the news to John.
    "John" I gulped.
    "Yes darling" smiled John from his reading his morning paper.
    "I... um.... Lost Goldie" I muttered.
    "You what?" asked John.
    "I lost your dog, I'm so sorry he ran off and I lost control of him!" I cried.
    "Oh no not again that dog did that to me last week!" said John.  We continued to search all over the village and in the park several times still nothing.
    "I guess he's ran away" sighed John.
    "I am so sorry it's my fault, correction it's always my fault!!!" I said feeling terribly guilty.
    "No it's not! Goldie should pay more attention!" said John.  The next day we continued to look all over again. Until I finally gave up and I put John's washing on the line. I spotted a familiar face next door.
    "GOLDIE" I called to him. The dog was running around in elderly Mrs. Bishops' garden.  Mrs. Bishops had left a freshly made pie to cool down in the window. Goldie jumped on to the logs.
    "Goldie no!" I snapped. I climbed over John's garden fence, my dress was torn too but I didn't care, I had to get his dog back!
I quickly ran and I tripped over Mrs. Bishops washing line sending all her washing on the floor! Goldie climbed into the window and grabbed the pie with his wet mouth.
    "Goldie get here" I whispered, Mrs. Bishops remained in the kitchen and she still hadn't noticed John's dog or me for that matter!
    "Goldie" I crawled on the floor until a large gust of wind blew one of Mrs. Bishops blankets in my face, I couldn't see where I was going, I screamed with fear and I tripped over the logs.
    "My pie!" screamed Mrs. Bishops. She had noticed Goldie, "you silly animal, I made for that for my husband!!!". Goldie grabbed the pie when Mrs. Bishops tried to catch him. I could see from a small hole in the sheet and he suddenly came running at me with all his might. I tried to walk backwards and I fell into a puddle of mud! My whole face and body was covered in mud as well as Mrs. Bishop's pie and the blanket was so no longer clean, the white blanket was covered in mud as well! Including the washing!!! I grabbed Goldie.
    "I am so sorry!" I muttered when she came into her garden! I felt terribly embarrassed! I noticed John too and he was crying with laughter in his garden.
    "My pie! It's not any use to anyone now is it! Just look at my washing!" she snapped.
    "Look on the bright side Mrs. Bishops, what a marvelous mud pie!!!" he sniggered.
    "It's not funny!" the old woman snapped.
    "It's not everyday I get covered in mud and make a complete idiot out of myself" I laughed.
    "Yes, you are right" smiled John. I had to do all of Mrs. Bishops washing again and I even made her a fresh pie as well.  John sat with Goldie by the fire.
    "My goodness that would have made a marvelous scene in one of my books" he giggled. I laughed also, my view of John changed forever when we both kissed that night.
    "You are so beautiful even if you do have mud on your face" he laughed.
    "Oh, I forgot to clean up!" I said feeling embarrassed.
    "It's perfectly fine! You still look beautiful to me" smiled John.
    "Oh John" I smiled and I began to feel confused as well! Who do you think I should be with, Rupert or John?!!!

When it was time for lunch, I waited anxiously in the college waiting room and waited for Rupert. John's mother lived near the town so it was perfect because I could leave John to spend time with his mother and meet him later. The secretary announced to Rupert that he had a visitor only I asked her especially to not say who that visitor was:)

"Victoria" smiled Rupert, he wrapped his arms around me.

"It's so wonderful to see you Rupert! I have missed you!" I smiled.

"I can't believe you're here! What are you doing here?" he asked me curiously.

"I came with a friend, John" I beamed.

"Oh are you seeing each other?" asked Rupert.

"No we are just friends. We met yesterday at a ball at my house. He's an amazing man. I'm staying in London with him for a while I decided I wanted a change and I wanted to explore London. So I'll be staying in London for a while" I smiled.

Behind Rupert was a female. She had jet black hair and she had the biggest brown eyes you had ever seen. She looked beautiful!

"Victoria this is Heather" he smiled pushing her forward.

"Hello Heather" I smiled.

"It's so nice to meet you Victoria, Rupert has told me so much about you!" smiled Heather.

"I have heard lots of wonderful things to tell you Rupert" I smiled. This was the moment I had been dreading!!!

"I wanted to tell you this in person Victoria, Heather and I are seeing each other. I wanted you to be the first to know" smiled Rupert. I felt like I had thrown a perfect opportunity away with him! I was so devastated however I put on a brave face and congratulated him.

"I'm so happy for you both, you look wonderful together. Tara hasn't wasted any time either, she's engaged" I smiled.

"You don't have to explain, I know all about him. Tara wrote to me as well" he smiled, my sister kept that quiet from me! I felt a little angry as well. All this became too much to handle.

"Oh" I shrugged.

"I love him so" smiled Heather, I wanted to run back to John. Rupert looked deep into her eyes lovingly, like he did at me a while ago!

"I love you darling" smiled Rupert.

"Lets go and have dinner" said Heather.

"Are you coming Victoria? Or do you have other arrangements with your friend?" asked Rupert.

"I'm sorry I'm late for an arrangement with John, I promised him we could have dinner together. Sorry Rupert otherwise I would have loved to. It's wonderful to see you again and to see you happy. Goodbye now" I lied, Heather walked on she didn't look back at me and Rupert looked on as I left. 

"But Victoria there's something else I wanted to tell you." paused Rupert.

Seeing his disappointed face brought back the way he looked at me when he left to go to Cambridge. So many hurtful memories and yet so many happy ones too.

"Don't forget to write!" called Rupert.

"I won't" I called back.

I walked the extra miles to John's mother's house and I burst into tears.

"What has happened!!! Who has hurt you? Just tell me Victoria and he will be a very, very sorry man" said John angrily.

"Its. Rupert, he has replaced me already with someone else" I sobbed in his arms.

"Oh darling I knew you weren't quite over him. I know it's hard but it will get easier I promise. Just give yourself time and you will be happy again I promise" said John stroking my arm and I trusted him!

"I never want to go there again" I sniffed.

"It is entirely up to you. It will be time for us to go soon anyway. Have you eaten already?" asked John.

"No" I replied.

So John's mother cooked us both a home cooked meal and then eventually it was time to go.

"Victoria sweetheart I know how awful this must be for you dear but if this Rupert person can't see what a beautiful, sweet girl that you are, then he is such a fool. Love will find you again. As they say "Everything happens for a reason" and you may not be with Rupert in the future but someone better will come along and sweep you off your feet" smiled John's mother and she was right. I hugged her.

"Thank you for being so supportive. It is wonderful to have met you" I smiled.

"It is wonderful to have met you too dear. I am sure you will be back for a visit! Until then have a wonderful time in London" smiled John's mother.

"I will be back soon mother I promise" said John kissing his mother on the cheek.

"You make sure you come back now you hear! Victoria I would love to see you again soon and I will show you some of John's baby picture's" teased his mother.

"Oh mother...." laughed John.

"I would like that" I smiled.

When we both came back to the cottage, I sat by the lake with John and we talked for hours in the garden.

"Are you sure you are ok?" asked John and he looked at me.

I looked at him and I hugged him tight and John held me tight.

"I will be ok. I don't need Rupert, knowing he is happy is enough for me" I smiled.

"You know when you get married some day Victoria, your husband will be so lucky to have you! I would be so proud if I had a girl like you" smiled John.

"Oh John you are such a good friend" I smiled and I kissed him on the cheek.

John beamed.

Love hurts..



Find out what happens in the next chapter! Please do leave a comment, feedback is very important to me! :-) Thanks for reading it means a lot to me!

"Victoria before you go, I'm ever so sorry about Rupert he is such a fool" said Elizabeth, she looked very concerned.

"Thank you Elizabeth. Really I am fine, honestly it was my fault as well and I regret what I said to him. I just made matters worse and I should know Rupert well enough by now that he always does the opposite to what people say well I guess I should go" I said.

"Wait.... wait Victoria" called Elizabeth as I was about to go. I stopped for a moment and I wondered what was the matter.

"I am sorry I could not help over hearing that you were leaving for London today so I was up early this morning baking you a Victoria Sandwich cake and some freshly made sandwiches. I didn't want you getting hungry all the way up to London" smiled Elizabeth handing me a picnic box.

"Oh thank you Elizabeth you didn't have to do that! It must have been you who put the fresh cake in the picnic weeks ago, I forgot all about it" I smiled.

She winked at me and I hugged my sister tight. I realized that I would never let an argument like before, get in the way again and I didn't want to lose my sister! After all Elizabeth and I were becoming wonderfully close.

"Come on Elizabeth you are holding your sister up for her journey!" said my mother.

"I will be back before you know it!" I smiled and I set off for the journey.



 When we arrived in London everything looked absolutely beautiful. His home was a cottage, I fell in love with it.

"What do you think?" asked John.

"It is beautiful" I smiled and it truly was! The cottage was pale yellow and gold around the windows and the roof. I peered through the outside front room window, inside was a grand piano, with orchid plants in the window. His golden retriever was waiting for him, with the housekeeper. This place was truly paradise! The garden outside was a bigger amazement to me. The garden looked like a big park to me, outside was a big lake, benches, lots of trees and at the back of the garden there were lots of fields.

"I'm planning to stay here for a long while, so I can write my new book as well. It's also wonderful to have the company of a friend to come and stay with me. It gets awfully lonely with the just comfort of Goldie my dog. My housekeeper only works a few hours so I'm alone in the evenings and sometimes in the mornings" said John taking off his scarf, "come on Victoria make yourself at home".

"Hello John it's wonderful to see you! Goldie has missed you" smiled the housekeeper she seemed pleasant.

"I've missed him too! Thanks Mrs. Jones you have done a wonderful job of looking after this place for me. You can go home now, you don't need to come here for awhile, I will let you know when I need you. I would like to tidy this place up myself. Thank you" smiled John. John was nothing like I possibly imagined, he wanted to do his chores himself not like Rupert!

"Hello Goldie" I smiled picking up his dog and putting him on my lap.

"Would you like some lunch Victoria?" asked John.

"I would love some! However I still have some left over Victoria Sandwich cake and some sandwiches we could share those if you like?" I asked him.

"Splendid, how about some orange juice as well?" asked John.

"That sounds wonderful" I smiled.

I began to think of Rupert and Heather and I wondered if they were engaged yet? I know I have to move on but it gets hard sometimes, when once I came so close to being the next bride in the family and I clearly missed that chance! 



The people who had John's address were my family. I didn't give it to Rupert. I knew he had important things to worry about. I knew we both needed some space from each other for a while and then when we are both settled, I knew then it would be the perfect time to write to him again but not yet!

"You should see the library upstairs, it's small but I have some of my books in there but my favorite author is Charles Dickens! I think he is amazing! A Christmas Carol is my favorite story, I love Scrooge's character he is so mean and yet he turns nice" smiled John.

Later that night, the steps began to creep and the tree branches began to brush against my window. I felt uneasy in my room by myself. I hate to admit this but I was imagining all sorts of things in that big bedroom like ghosts ha:)  I decided to go downstairs and there sitting at the dining room table was John with a pad of paper and a pen writing.

"Oh sorry darling did I wake you?" asked John startled.

"No not at all, I couldn't sleep! My imagination is running away with me I think" I said.

"You miss your own home, your own bed don't you? The surroundings here are unfamiliar to you I respect that. I have to admit when I often slept in my own bedroom and I would hear noises I would frighten myself silly! I would dream about my scary novels! So I put Goldie's basket in my bedroom, so he could sleep by my bed. So I wouldn't be alone" giggled John.

"I love it here, it's a new experience for me. If I stayed at home once more I would have been miserable, until you came to my rescue" I smiled at him.

"I am glad I can help you. You might as well go back to bed, I will be down here all night working on my book" said John.

"No I don't want to. Can I be of any help to you?" I asked him.

Later that night John and I came up with new characters for his latest book, it was fun inventing new characters and deciding what they were going to be called. Before we knew it morning had arrived.

"Thank you for helping me Victoria. I am so proud of my finished novel and I will dedicate this book to you. I'm very grateful for your help maybe you could come and help with my books more often" winked John.

"You are very welcome what are we going to do today?" I asked him.

"Well I need to visit my mother in Cambridge today, you are very welcome to come along with me for a visit?" asked John, Rupert immediately entered my mind, I needed to see him and make sure he was doing ok.

"I think I might visit Rupert, if that's alright. I haven't seen him for a while now I would like to see how he is doing at college" I smiled.

"That's perfectly fine are you going to surprise him" asked John.

"Yes" I smiled.

So we travelled up to Cambridge and I knew where Dante lived and the name of Rupert's college, Rowlings College.

I began to feel even more relaxed with John, he always made me feel so good about myself.

January 15th.

It was a Sunday afternoon, a perfect sunny day for a picnic.

"Bella, could you make us a picnic please? I want it to be a surprise for Rupert, it's his birthday I want it to be extra special! I'm going to bake him a cake myself, a Victoria sandwich cake it's his favorite" I smiled, I had bought a new dress for the occasion, I was also planning a surprise party at my house with all his beloved friends and family. Even his distant best friend Dante from Cambridge was coming, they were best friends since they were infants and Rupert had found it difficult and emotional to say goodbye to him. Dante had moved to attend college and Rupert began working with his father at the bank. I had the job of as a nanny looking after Mrs. Woodbridge's children, Anna and Belle but ever since Rupert became so ill, Mrs. Woodbridge hired a temporary nanny to look after them until I returned to my duty.

"You are going to bake it yourself Miss? Would you like me to do it for you Miss, to save your troubles?" asked Bella, she had come all the way from Ireland originally.

"It's perfectly fine, thank you Bella!" I smiled putting on my apron.

"Why are you putting on an apron Victoria, when we have servants to do cooking for us?" asked my rude sister Elizabeth, I loved her dearly but I didn't like my sister's rudeness towards our staff. I had known Bella since a child, I told none of my family this but I respected and loved Bella. She was polite, never had a bad word to say about anyone even if she was spoken to badly by the likes of Elizabeth she still continued her work with a smile and if you ever needed someone to talk to, she would stop her work immediately to help you and help you decide what was to be done in awkward situations, however with Rupert and I going through such a hard time, I hadn't even consulted her. I also planned a surprise from her too, I had invited her family to come and stay with us for her birthday soon.

"Don't talk to Bella like that, she is a human being not an animal, you can be so cruel! Don't worry Bella she's rude to everyone" I snapped at my sister.

"You know at times when you humiliate me in front of our staff and family I despise you!" snapped Elizabeth, "I'm going to go and see Henry, at least my husband adores me unlike my sister!".

"I'm sorry Miss, it was my fault again! It's always my fault" cried Bella.

"No Bella it was not your fault! It's just Elizabeth being her mean, spoilt self again! I don't know what Henry must see in her that's all I can say. All she cares about is her looks, hair and what she wears!" I said madly.

"Oh Miss you mustn't talk about your sister that way, you both need each other. A family is a special gift, you must love and support each other despite your differences and troubles!" said Bella.

"You are right Bella, now I must get on and make Rupert's birthday cake!" I smiled, I made Rupert's cake by hand with the help of good old Bella of course!

As soon as Rupert's cake was made I felt so proud of my achievement, the cake smelt so good I wanted to eat it.

I looked at the clock nine o'clock now it would be time for church. As soon as the church's hour long section finished I rushed home to finish his cake. I would ice his name on to the cake.

I went back into the kitchen, there stood a mad Elizabeth.

"I heard everything you said about me!!! I heard every single word that came out of your vicious mouth! I love Henry with all my heart!!!" she screamed with anger.

"Trying to convince yourself that Elizabeth, I should hope you do. Or do you love the mirror more!" I giggled at her. I was only joking though only Elizabeth didn't see it that way! Oops!

"Well if you think so highly of me, Rupert will think highly of his homemade cake by his beloved!" cackled Elizabeth, for a moment or so I saw my sister as a witch and not as my sister.

Elizabeth picked up the cake angrily and threw my cake on the floor and stamped on it with all her might until there was nothing left but a squashed cake. My hours of hard work were done for nothing.

"How could you Elizabeth? I've spent all morning making that from my own two hands with the help of Bella guiding!!! It's ruined, simply ruined! It was for Rupert you witch! It was Rupert's birthday today! I can't believe you're my sister" I screamed and I grabbed hold of my sister, I wanted to hurt her like she had hurt me.

"COME HERE" I screamed, the anger was pumping.

"What are you going to do to me little sister? You are a liar it is not Rupert's birthday!!!" said my older sister trying to manipulate me.

I became even more angrier, my hands began shaking and I ran so hard and grabbed hold of her and I pinned her hard to the wall.

"Miss... Miss stop!!!" yelled Bella running to stop me from viciously hurting my older sister, my fist went into the air before I could use it, I felt a strong grip on my hand.

"Stop... Victoria" I turned round it was Henry (Elizabeth's husband).

"You filthy beast... Henry she simply tried to attack me for no reason at all" said Elizabeth innocently trying to convince Henry, she was awfully shaken up as well and I was truly upset that a little joke and sacrasim turned almost into a fight!

"How could you even think of doing to that to your own sister Victoria. you of all people!" snapped Henry holding Elizabeth behind his back, so I wouldn't attack her again. Only I felt so shocked by own actions, I felt truly mad and angry at myself! I was also upset that Elizabeth squashed my cake as well!

"Sir. Sir I saw the whole thing. Elizabeth threw Victoria's cake on the floor and squashed it, Victoria had been working on so hard for Rupert's birthday, it was all over some silly cake" said Bella.

"You are a liar" screamed Elizabeth.

"Keep quiet" I yelled to my older sister.

"I don't believe this Elizabeth you really disgust me at times" snapped Henry, walking away angrily, "a birthday cake for Rupert! Why?".

"Rupert come back darling.. Oh Victoria I'm so sorry. I. I deserved it please forgive me both. I didn't mean it. Please" my older sister begged me but I turned her away ignoring her but I said quietly "I am sorry too but please just leave me!".

"My.. My cake" I cried, everything was ruined! "All that work was done for nothing!!!". I cried quietly alone.

"Not for nothing my darling. I knew you put so much hard work into that cake for me. I have you that is more important than any old silly cake" I felt a soft touch on my face.

"Oh Rupert. it's ruined! How did you get in here?" I asked him, I flung my arms round him and cried like a baby. It was my fault too!

"I heard everything from outside. She's your sister you should forgive each other!" said Rupert.

"How can I? I will never speak to her again" I vowed to myself.

"Come on my sweet. it's my birthday remember?" smiled Rupert.

"Oh Rupert I'm so sorry 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' I have a wonderful gift for you but I'll give it to you later when we're alone" I smiled trying to forget the whole ordeal, today was for Rupert after all!

"I have something for you too!" he smiled.

"You have a big treat today for dinner, we're not having dinner with everyone else" I beamed. Bella smiled also.

"Oh, well you usually do don't you Victoria? Sunday dinner is important to your mother she likes you to have a decent meal. Does she know about this?" asked Rupert concerned, he always cared that I didn't miss family arrangements.

"Yes" I lied, "Bella tell mother I won't be here for lunch?" I whispered to her.

"It's already been taken care of" smiled Bella.

"Thank you Bella" I smiled.

"Don't thank me, thank your sister she put in a good word for you, she is truly sorry" said Bella.

"Oh I'll do it later" I said trying to put that thought on hold.

Rupert stared at the mess of my cake on the floor.

"It's a shame isn't it Victoria? You went to all that trouble and your work ruined. I would love to have tried it" said Rupert.

"Yes it's her fault" I moaned feeling angry all over again.

I gazed at the clock twelve o'clock, a few hours after the cake inncident.

"We'd better go and have lunch then come on Rupert" I smiled hiding the picnic box behind me.

The weather was beautiful, the sun shone bright, we could hear the gentle sound of the stream flowing by and there was a gentle wind in the air.

We sat underneath our favorite tree.

"So what's this present you have for me?" asked Rupert.

I took out of the box a portrait I had made of both Rupert and I, I became very good at drawing, I handed it to him, I'd been working on it for nights in secret. Inside wrapped with it was a pocket watch something Rupert had always wanted as a child.

"Oh they're beautiful especially the portrait! Thank you my darling" he smiled, I got out the picnic too and inside was a freshly made Victoria sandwich cake, I became shocked and wondered how it could got in there.

"Oh what a wonderful surprise how did you do that for me? Was it a trick to fool me?" laughed Rupert, I laughed but I wondered who had done it for me.

"I didn't. I." I kept quiet.

"Oh you little fibber" smiled Rupert.

"I have one more gift for you" I smiled.

"What is it? Another surprise. I love surprises" smiled Rupert.

"I love you Rupert" I smiled at him.

"What did you just say? You love me. oh that's the best present in the world!" he smiled.

"It's true I love you. always will" I smiled saying it again I wasn't ashamed to admit it.

We lit the cake with candles and I smiled in delight how happy he was.

He gave me a small box.

"I hope you like it!" smiled Rupert. Is it what I think it is?

Inside the box was a solid gold heart locket, I secretly hoped it would be my engagement ring back but the necklace was beautiful!

"Thank you!" I smiled.

I knew he had one more surprise left, the surprise party.

We went home together hand in hand.

"Rupert come on" I smiled, the lights were off.

"Where is everyone?" Rupert asked really worried.

"I don't know" I gasped trying to sound worried.

"Let's go in and see if anyone is in" said Rupert taking strong hold of my hand.

"SURPRISE" called everyone and Dante was in front.

"Wow Dante you came back.. Oh it's so wonderful to see you my dear friend" Rupert's eyes lit up. Dante came forward with his fiancee.

"I have been a busy boy my friend I am engaged" smiled Dante.

"We're hoping to have a wedding just before Christmas and Dante wanted to ask you something" smiled Dante's fiancee.

"I want you to be my best man" smiled Dante.

"I would be honored Dante" smiled Rupert with open arms for his best friend.

"I have a wonderful girl too" said Rupert pushing me forward.

"How did I guess? I knew you two would be together, when are you going to get engaged yourselves?" asked Dante to both of us.

"Soon. I hope" I hinted towards Rupert nodding at him.

"Well as a matter of a fact the timing isn't quite right for an engagement just yet. However there's one thing I must admit I've always wanted a" paused Rupert until I interrupted him.

"A Christmas wedding perhaps?" I asked him.

"You can read my mind yes I'd loved one!" he smiled.

"We both can't have a Christmas wedding the same year!" snapped Dante's fiancee.

"If we both have them at a different time maybe" I said.

"No. no" she screwed up her nose.

I knew it wasn't the time or place to argue with her, I just hoped she would be married before me.

"Don't worry darling we'll be married just like said we would soon!" smiled Rupert and I took his word for it.

That evening, Bella and the servants and cooks prepared a marvelous meal for Rupert's birthday. After dinner Rupert and Dante got talking amongst themselves in private.

I wondered what they were talking about and I wondered if it was important maybe.

I gazed from outside the window as the snow began to fall heavily, I watched them from the kitchen window for a minute looking at Rupert's reaction, he seemed happy and calm, smiling too so I thought.

"So.. Are you engaged? Oh I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself my name is Alice" smiled Alice Dante's fiancee.

"I'm Victoria. we were.... I mean we hope so" I said.

"You were?" she questioned me with curious eyes.

"I'll have to tell you now. Well Rupert nearly died from pneumonia, we were engaged but it was at the wrong time do we decided to put our engagement off but we'd be a couple. I know it's wrong but I don't care!" I said.

"That's a shame. I'm so happy Rupert is better! Dante told me so much about him and you as well" smiled Alice, at first I thought Alice was pushy but now I realized I liked her a lot.

"Thanks so am I" I smiled.

"Would you like to be a bridesmaid?" smiled Alice.

"I would love to" I smiled.

The guests were so happy to see Rupert and so was I until something changed for the better.

"Victoria can I talk to you?" asked Rupert.

"Yes of course" I smiled thinking it was something I'd want to hear.

"I can't marry you?" said Rupert.

"Why?" I gasped.

"I just can't. I know you don't feel me for that way!" said Rupert.

"But I do.. I wouldn't have gone to all this trouble today if I didn't love you. I even admitted it to you several times!" I said.

"I'm sorry it's nothing to do with you it's my fault!" said Rupert, a simple birthday party turned out to be a life change for me and I wasn't sure if I liked this at all!!!

"You've upset me for the last time Rupert!" I snapped.

"If you knew why. you'd be upset so I'm not going to tell you!" snapped Rupert.

I had a suspicion Dante had something to do with it.

"What did you say to influence Rupert that didn't he want to marry me?!" I yelled at Dante.

"Rupert told me something that may of got in the way of marriage so I told him maybe marriage wasn't the best thing for him at this moment in time" said Dante innocently.

"Are you trying to blame Dante for a decision made by Rupert?" snapped Alice defending him.

"I want to know why all this sudden change of heart. We were happy until you both arrived. Go back to Cambridge" I snapped and then I suddenly realized I was out of order but I hated admitting when I was!

"That's out of order I must say.. You invited us as guests and then expect us to leave. Cambridge is a long way away" snapped Rupert.

"What I am going to do? I am truly sorry" I said upset and hurt.

"Maybe I can do something to help. come on Victoria despite all the tension I know something special is there between you and Rupert. Don't worry I'll get it out of Dante what they were talking about, so you will know what's going on!" said Alice, I trusted her.

Later that evening Rupert and I said nothing to each other, I was determined I wouldn't spoil his birthday so I acted happy and chirpy.

"Victoria. I think I understand what the problem is" said Alice.

"Yes go on" I said.

"Rupert doesn't want to live here anymore he'd like to go college and move from here. You would never see each other, your life is here" said Alice.

"He said he wouldn't marry me for that reason" I snapped.

"He was afraid what to do and what you'd say, Dante told me" said Alice.

As soon as the guests left and it was just Rupert and I, I hoped we had a chance to talk.

"Why did you say that to Dante and not me?" I asked him.

"I was afraid you wouldn't marry me. I would like to go to college and move from here but I know you wouldn't, move from your family and friends for me, would you?" said Rupert.

"I would my darling. anywhere you go I'll go with you. What would you like to do at college?" I asked him.

"I don't know yet" said Rupert.

"That's fine, so is everything we shared gone now?" I asked him.

"No if you're prepared to move away with me where a college will accept me" said Rupert.

I had to think hard for a moment, the only life I had ever really known was here, I did have a good steady job, I was happy with the way things were, I liked seeing Rupert, I enjoyed every minute with him but I wasn't sure if I would be prepared to leave my family, to chance things with Rupert? I was terrified our relationship would change.

"I can't do that! I'm happy here. My life has been on hold for so long, I don't know if I would be prepared to risk everything for our love!" I said.

"Well if that's your decision, then I am sorry there is going to be no wedding. We can't make a long distance relationship work! Wherever I go, if it's three hours away or more! I know you don't want to be travelling all the time Victoria! I feel quite disappointed you know when you risked everything to be with me" said Rupert.

"Fine be selfish and go. I will perfectly fine without you, I don't need your love or a ring on my finger to make me happy! I can do whatever I please and I won't to consult you in any decisions I make. I could travel the world if I wanted to. A perfectly good party ruined on the count of you!" I snapped, I felt quite shocked by my own actions but I thought I knew what I wanted!

"I can't believe you sometimes Victoria! You are a big dreamer, we could be happy together just the two of us! In a nice quiet cottage, we could get a dog and raise a family in a few years! Or we could both have careers it would be perfect, we could support each other, if you could be dedicated to make it work?" asked Rupert. I hated talking in the kitchen but it was only place in the evenings where we could talk and Bella happened to be some where else.

"A big dreamer indeed, I think you will find you are the dreamer Rupert! You haven't even found a college yet to accept you, so I think you're ahead of yourself! Think things through, please I'm so scared of losing you! I love you" I starred out of the window and I felt jealous of my sister's husbands. They didn't' leave their home!

"So is it settled now? You're not going to come with me? Victoria please it's me or your family" asked Rupert.

"NO! Where should I leave my home, if you loved me you would stay here! We could get married here but from the sounds of it all you care about is yourself!" I screamed.

"FOR GOODNESS SAKE! You are acting like a spoilt child, usually you are so considerate, beautiful and you always think of others. You don't seem yourself! I fell in love because you were the person I wanted to be with near or apart. I hate the person you have become!" he yelled at me, "I don't need to be spoken to like a young boy all over again. I'll find someone who will love, understand and appreciate me! I'm going without you as soon as my college applications are sorted. Goodbye Victoria and yes you were right a perfectly good party ruined by you Victoria. Remember that- by you!".

"That's the last straw! Get out of my house and don't EVER come back EVER!" I screamed at him.

I threw him into the cold, I felt all the tension and I knew that everything we truly shared was over including friendship. I was so upset, the tears began to fall.

Rupert looked at me one last time with sad eyes and for a while that would be the last time I would ever see him!

Eventually I went back to my job as a nanny and Rupert moved to Cambridge so I heard, he went to stay with Dante.

I began to feel miserable and unhappy all the time, a big character of my life was missing and that was Rupert.

"You are extremely unhappy aren't you darling?" asked my mother.

"I am" I said.

"Victoria, Victoria there's a handsome new doctor here he is Rose's friend LOOK!" called Tara.

Yes she was right, the doctor he looked absolutely handsome. He had dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

"I am delighted to have made some new friends already" he smiled "my name is Dr. Jack Snow" smiled Jack, looking at my younger Tara especially.

"Hello Jack" smiled Tara.

"I never knew you had such beautiful daughters" smiled Jack to my mother.

I felt a little jealous of Tara.

"My name is Tara, I'm sixteen" she beamed.

"I am twenty" said Jack, he looked a little embarrassed revealing his age.

"Would you like to come with me on a picnic tomorrow?" asked Tara.

"I didn't know you were having a picnic tomorrow!" said my mother.

"I thought I would welcome Jack" smiled Tara.

"That is very thoughtful, I would be delighted to do so" smiled Jack, I secretly hoped he would be interested in me but I was also happy that Tara had someone interested in her.

That afternoon Tara and Jack were gone for hours in the garden, talking and laughing.

"Well Tara has certainly won him over" smiled Rose.

"Yes. Jack seems lovely" I said daydreaming thinking of what Rupert would be doing this very moment.

"You don't seem happy for her" said Rose.

"I miss Rupert ok!" I said.

"Why didn't you go with him then?" asked Rose.

"I didn't want to! Oh I just hate myself for acting so stupid I should of gone with him!" I said.



Three weeks later a letter arrived from Rupert:

Dear Victoria,

I fully regret our argument I just wish we could of said goodbye properly not in some fight. However I understand we must move on now.



Cambridge is an exciting experience for me, I have found work with the newspaper and I have decided to study law as well. I am very busy and I find that I don't have much time to relax , however this new way of life is satisfactory rather than working with my father at the bank.

I have also become fond friends with this wonderful woman Heather. She is also studying law and is overall a very different character from anyone I have ever known. Heather is certainly not afraid to tell anyone what she thinks, she is excellent at giving advice, I somehow find myself thinking that her opinion and your opinion are extremely important to me.



I hope I could still come back from time to time to see how are you doing. Would that be ok? Maybe I could bring Heather to meet you as well, I'm sure you will get along famously!



I am living with Dante at the moment, their wedding is set for next Christmas Eve. Alice still very much wants you to be a bridesmaid, despite everything that happened at the party. Heather has also met them both and she has been invited to the wedding as well. Alice hopes to see you soon as possible, so your dress can be made.



Heather is really special Victoria! I am sorry to say but I think what we shared is officially over, I am really sad to say that. I think we could have had something special but I guess we must both move on now. We are both leading different lives. However I am still very keen to be great friends with you . Good luck darling and I will write again soon.



                                      Yours

                                     Rupert.





My heart sank already in three weeks, he had met someone who he called special. He had forgotten about me. I wondered who this Heather person was, she must have made an impression on both Dante and Alice! Especially Rupert!

"It's Rupert he's wrote to you what does he say?" smiled Rose.

"Take a look at it yourself!" I said. Rose read it carefully and her face dropped.

"I simply don't believe it, in three weeks you've been replaced!" snapped Rose.

"He doesn't say that and she's his lover!" I snapped trying to take my mind off things. I knew I had a mess of things!

"What's all the fuss about" yawned my mother.

"It looks like Rupert has moved on quickly!" said Rose.

I began to feel sick how could he move on that quickly!

"If he says she's just a friend and then a friend she is!" said my mother.

"I hope your right" I said quickly scrunching up the letter in my hand.

Earlier than evening I spoke to Bella.

"Darling, I think Rupert is very unsure he wants to explore new friendships with other girls, he probably can't get you out of his head. You were his first love after all!" smiled Bella.

"Yes you are right we are just all over re-acting. I will write to him!" I smiled.

In my bedroom I began to write:



Dear Rupert,

I am so glad that you are happy, I hope Heather makes you happy, you are a really special man you deserve all the happiness in the world after all you have been through!



I understand that we can't go back to yesterday when we were so happy until I was so selfish and ruined it all! I am really sorry and I hope you can forgive me. Your friendship is important to me and lets just forget about everything that happened and start a fresh.



So much has happened here Tara has fallen in love with a new doctor who has moved here Dr. Jack Snow, he is very pleasant and he treats her well. I think soon when she's old enough there's going to be a proposal waiting for my little sister. I am still the same old Victoria, no news in my love life.



I have returned to my job, Mrs. Woodbridge was kind enough to let me come back. However you are sadly missed, it's not the same without you here I have to admit.

I will come and visit you soon.

                         Yours

                         Victoria.

"You've made a big mistake" said my grandmother later that evening, my mother decided to have a ball to cheer me up and introduce me to new boys.

"My name is John" he smiled. He looked very handsome in his tuxedo. His hair was golden brown a lot darker than Rupert's hair, he had big blue eyes and when he smiled his eyes sparkled and his teeth twinkled (they were as white as anything). I couldn't take my eyes off him. The other boys who my sisters had introduced me to not one of them had the same quality about them as John did. John looked the perfect age. Jack had his girl Tara, they both looked great together and I was only the sister who wasn't taken!

"Hi I'm Victoria" I smiled, I had a pink ball gown dress made for the occasion.

"You look beautiful tonight, I just can't understand a beautiful woman like you, without a date!" he beamed, he looked straight into my eyes.

"I was engaged a while ago my fiance and I decided we both wanted different things and we decided it was best to be friends. However he has found someone else I think, I'm looking for the right person to come along until then I am coping fine on my own!" I smiled trying to sound independent but I knew I couldn't fool myself!

"I know how you feel darling, the same thing happened to me also about two years ago. You must be hurting?" asked John.

"Well it has taken time yes but I know it's for the best" I smiled.

"So how old are you? I'm twenty" he smiled.

"I have just turned eighteen my birthday was a few weeks ago. My sister Tara is younger than I am and already at such a young age she has found someone she loves. That is Dr. Snow well his real name is Jack he is twenty also but I don't think they will be getting engaged for a while because she is young and I'm not sure if she knows what love is at the moment, she might be feeling flattered by male attention, I am not sure. However I see the way Jack looks into my sister's eyes and I know he is taken with her" I said suddenly my jealous side became obvious.

"I think they look great together anyway enough about everyone else, I want to learn some more about you. By the way what did you think of J. Moore's new book Dream No More?" asked John with curious eyes.

"Oh he is an absolute favorite of mine! The book was absolutely brilliant, it made me jump the whole time I was reading it! When I turned the lights off to go to sleep, every bang and creep made me jump. I couldn't believe it when the lead character George eventually died! I was expecting one of the other characters to die. The horrible ghost Mildred frightened me too. I can't wait for the sequel to find out what else happens and hopefully we will find out more about the curse and see if anyone to break it" I suddenly forgot all about Rupert and John made me happy and comfortable.

"That's great, would you like to meet him?" asked John.

"I would but I think he's really old. I wonder what goes through his head when he writes them. I bet he has never seen a ghost. I bet he is old." I giggled.

"Well you have met him" smiled John.

"Where.. WHERE!" I said raising my voice.

Everyone turned around and giggled at me, pointing.

"Where then?" I asked John.

"In front of you" said John, I looked around feeling very confused.

"Miss, Mr. Moore is John" said an older man, I felt so embarrassed.

"You are him?" I asked going cherry red.

He nodded.

"I'm so sorry for those remarks, I imagined you were an older writer. I'm sorry I think I'll go now" I said leaving the party. I sat on the stairs and I felt incredibly stupid and I wished my sisters and mother had told me who he was! J. Moore was John!!!

"Don't worry no one else knew either  accept for the gentleman behind you, he was my father" smiled John. I suddenly felt better.

"I can't believe it!" I smiled.

"Anyway I would like to be treated as any other man. Tell me some more about you" smiled John.

"There isn't much to say, I work as a nanny for Mrs. Woodbridge, I live here and I am terribly miserable at the moment. I would love to travel somewhere else!" I said.

"As it happens I am travelling up to London tomorrow on the train, I have a cottage up there and I often go up there for some quiet. The cottage is beautiful! A lot smaller than your home but the garden is beautiful! I have a lake there, beautiful blossom trees. I have my own land and my own stables too. Why don't you come and live with me just for awhile?" asked John.

"Yes I would loved to" I smiled, anything to get away.

"Wonderful. Don't forget to do some packing and you will be picked up at eight sharp, I'll be waiting" smiled John, "now come on, lets dance".

I spent the evening dancing with just John. When he left I knew I had made a wonderful friend for life.

"Oh Victoria he was absolutely breath taking" beamed Daisy.

"He was" I said dreamingly.

"Jack kissed me properly, I have never felt so in love. Even though I am sixteen I want to spend the rest of my life with him!" smiled Tara, "and he gave me this ring". Tara showed us this beautiful red ruby ring. I was wrong and I knew my sister was in love!

"I am so happy for you darling" I smiled hugging her.

"What did he say when he gave you the ring?" asked Daisy curiously.

"He told me, he has never loved anyone as he has loved me. We have been together a few days but I love him so! He said he wants to marry me but he's afraid to because of his age. I told him not to be so silly, now I have found love with him, I will never love another man now!" said Tara.

"If you love him Tara, then marry him. You have our permission" smiled my mother and father.

"Thank you so much" Tara looked so happy and she looked grown up.

The next morning Jack was greeted with open arms and big smiles.

"Thank you so much for accepting me, I promise you I'll look after Tara, I promise! I love her and I would do anything for her and I mean anything!" said Jack seriously.

Now four sisters!!! It was all too much.

I finally announced I was leaving.

"I'm leaving, I'm going to London for a while. Don't worry I'll be fine and I'll be back to visit from time to time. Don't worry Tara, I won't miss your wedding either" I smiled.

"We won't be getting married for a while yet! Do you have to go?" asked Tara.

"Yes" before anyone could change my mind, when eight o'clock came around I got ready to leave.

 "Be safe now you hear!" said my mother.

"I will" I smiled.

Check out the following chapter coming soon! :)

"You could of worn my wedding dress?" my mother had asked me but it was no use
answering I wasn't the bride-to-be any more. However I tried my mother's dress
on and dreamed of having my big day.

"I would have worn yours" I smiled proudly. I gazed at myself in the mirror
with mother's wedding dress on, it fitted me perfectly. The disappointment was
becoming worse and un-bearable. I imagined myself walking down the aisle at
church, the benches would be decorated with white roses and my flower girl
which obviously would of been Rupert's little sister Annie would be throwing
pale pink rose petals on the floor, her dress would be a wonderful white and
lilac dress with little lilac fabric roses on her dress and a sweet little
matching hat. My following bridesmaids would be my beloved sisters with lilac
dresses to compliment Annie's dress in style and they would all be wearing the
same bridesmaid hats. My maid of honor would have been Rose, I'd be walking
down the aisle as proud as anything in my mother's beautiful dress, my hair
would be down and curly with white roses. My mother's dress would flow down
beautifully and my bridesmaids would help pick up my trailing dress. Rupert
would be smiling tenderly waiting for me. My father would give me away, kiss me
on the cheek and say 'congratulations my little girl, you look beautiful. I
know Rupert will look after you. I wish you all the happiness in the world!',
I'd walk on and look lovingly at Rupert. Mr. Van Dyke would be devastated that
I'd finally be married to my best friend of ten years and my lover for life.

 

"Victoria!" Rupert gasped, I screamed with shock.

"Go away. It's bad luck to see me in my mother's dress!" I snapped, I looked
around for my mother but she had gone.

"I'm so sorry for all those horrid things I said, I had to come back and
apologize. I am truly sorry I wish I could take all those things I said back
but I all ever wanted is for you to say that you loved me and that you wanted
to marry me. I thought you didn't, I am so confused now when I see you in a
wedding dress" said Rupert looking confused but at the same time I could tell
there was still a special bond we both shared.

"Rupert no more running away from my feelings, I longed to try my mother's
dress on. I wanted to feel something wonderful to be the bride. I imagined how
our wedding would be! I admitted to my sister I loved you last night, you don't
know how devastated you made me feel! You come back and expect a miracle for
everything to be different! It was difficult for me to tell a best friend of
ten years you love him like a lover and want to become his wife and I do!!! I
was also afraid of losing our special friendship we both shared. But I can't
become your wife this quickly you need to allow me time to become your lover
and then marriage. Not have everything as you want it! Will you let me have
that?" I asked him.

"More than anything but there is one thing I need to hear 'I love you' is a
magic word for lovers to express to each other and without it there is no love.
I need to hear you say it like you mean it, otherwise all will be lost and
there will be nothing more we can do!" said Rupert.

I couldn't understand, why it was so hard for me to express 'I love you' to
someone who I knew and loved so well.

"I." I muttered.

"Go on.. I.. you can say it" said Rupert trying to get it out of me.

"I. love.." I said quietly.

"I love you!!! Why can't you say it? Why is it so hard for you to say it
Victoria!" snapped Rupert, "if you say it we can become lovers!!! You do want
this don't you?".

"I've been meaning to say this to you, Rupert you need to let me say it in my
own time, it would false for me to say 'I love you' just to please you it
wouldn't have meaning. I want to say it to you with love intended with it! You
know how much I love and care for you, I promise I do. Please Rupert!" I
snapped back.

"You really do care for me don't you my darling? I didn't believe it until you
said that, you were right and I am truly sorry for making you say that so soon.
I would love to hear it un-planned and in return I must say it to you. I love
you" he smiled kissing me on the cheek. I couldn't help but smile, we were
together again and nobody could say or do anything to change my mind.

 

 

Chapter 4: Rupert's Deathbed.

"Miss.... Miss" I awoke to someone patting my face shaking me. I was alive!
I looked and I realized it was morning and I was surrounded by quite a crowd of people by the river bank. I gazed up and looked around I felt sick with worry, there stood in the crowd were my parents, sisters and Rupert's older brother and Rupert wasn't there.
"RUPERT" I screamed shaking with coldness.
"Give her a coat" said a voice who awakened me and I gazed at the man and I realized it was Mr. Van Dyke!
My father wrapped me in his coat, 'how could of you been so foolish! Playing games at this time of night, if Mr. Van Dyke hadn't of been there to hear your screams and rescue you both, you would have been dead! You silly girl! You're supposed to be a young woman not acting like a child! Now Rupert is sick because of you!" he screamed at me.
"She saved Rupert's life! She took off her coat and his coat and used it so they would stay a float! She nearly died herself you wicked fool!" yelled Mr. Van Dyke I had seen a softer side to him, usually he was quite a spoilt man determined to get what he wanted even if it meant marrying a young wife such as myself!
My father's face dropped with guilt "I'm so.... Sorry I... I didn't know... I".
"Be quiet you stupid fool, blaming your own daughter if anything she saved young Rupert's life. She risked death so her best friend could live. What a brave thing to do" said my mother.
"Go away, I want to see Rupert" I cried shivering, "it was my fault! I was ice-skating on the lake and I cracked the ice and fell in. It.... I-it was all m-my fault! Rupert dived in to save me and then he went under. I don't know what happened to him but I knew I had to save him. If he's ill or even hurt that should be me! Not him!" I screamed with fury.
I was quickly taken to the hospital where Rupert was staying. The nurses wanted to attend to me but I wanted nothing but to see my dear friend.
I gazed at Rupert lying unconsciously in the hospital bed, his face was bruised, had a bandage round his head. His hands were sore with cuts and bruises. I cried hysterically, nothing I could say or could do would make things any better. If only I had yes to him in the first place none of this would of this would of happened!
The nurse looked at me with sad eyes and answered 'Miss he's suffering from Pneumonia, we're not sure if he's going to live. He was coughing heavily, struggling for breath and he was complaining of chest pain when he came here and he had a high fever! Let me attend to you" she begged me. My heart felt as if it was torn in two.
"These twenty fours are critical or he could either live or die I'm sorry" she said to me.
"No leave me I'm fine! I'm not leaving him!" I snapped, Rupert's mother sat next to her son stroking his hair.
"Do you know what happened?" she asked me.
"I fell into the lake, I cracked the ice and I went under. Rupert tried to save me but I'm not sure what happened I found him lying at the bottom of the lake, I took off his coat and my coat and used it as a float, I dragged him to the surface and then I fell unconscious. I'm so sorry this is my fault" I wept.
"My dear, God bless you! You both tried to save each other in my eyes. That is true friendship and a sign of true love! You both chose life or death for each other. In this situation I feel absolutely terrified and it may be death for my son. I can't say that I mustn't Rupert is a fighter! I won't leave him and he'd want you to be here with me too. You're the only girl he ever loved. When he arrived here in the ambulance all he kept saying was 'Victoria.... She's hurt... Victoria where is she? Take me to her". I can't believe he has Pneumonia" cried Rupert's mother, my heart began to melt, here is he on his death bed all he could worry about was me. We both cried together. I cried to God to let him live. The day became a blur, when we should be preparing for a wonderful Christmas together, we were praying to God to let Rupert live.
I stared at Rupert, Mr. Van Dyke visited both of us.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Van Duke, I hope your son will be alright I know it! Victoria you owe me a favor" he smiled.
"Mr. Van Dyke now isn't the time to discuss my future plans with you!" I snapped and then the man angrily left!
I talked to Rupert remembering our times together as children and one thing I never mentioned to anyone, my first kiss was shared with Rupert when we both turned fifteen, my feelings changed towards him as we grew older however it was clear he still loved me.
"You will get through this Rupert.... You will! After this we're going to get married together I promise" I whispered to him, I was going to give him his ring that tragic night but I placed the ring on my finger and hoped that would make him determined to fight.
Rupert's mother looked at me with a big grin "really? Rupert asked you to marry him? Please Rupert you have to fight, you have to get better if Victoria is going to be your wife!" she begged him. He still had difficulty breathing. The twenty four hours passed, Rupert continued to battle on.
Three days to go until Christmas Eve approached, I prayed this year Christmas would be canceled.
The nurse smiled at me "Rupert is over the worst, I think he's going to be fine but he's going to need lots of medical attention though" we were both filled with hope.
Christmas Eve approached us, I held strongly to Rupert as Rupert's mother went to get some fresh air.
"Come on Rupert wake up!!!!" I begged him, "please".
I felt a squeeze in my hand. I knew he could hear me. He let a cough and wheezed a little.
Rupert remained in a deep sleep, I feared every minute of losing him.
"Remember our first kiss Rupert? Squeeze my hand once for yes and twice for no" I hoped he'd squeeze once!
He did.
"Remember we were playing hide and seek with my sisters in my garden, we both hid at the same tree and we both bumped heads. He, he do you remember? We both ended up kissing" I laughed trying to hide my fear.

Chapter 5: To Love And To Cherish.

Slowly one eye opened and so did the other!
"RUPERT" I called to him, he tried to sit up.
"Can I have a glass of water" he asked me, I gave him the water.
I cried with tears of joy.
"Was that true what you said, we're getting married? Or did you just say that to make me fight harder. Because if you did I don't mind but I'd rather know the truth did you mean it?" he questioned me, I began to question myself for a minute but I thought I felt certain about this but it felt like a big jump for me!
"YES we are!" I blurted it out.
"Really, you want to marry me?" he smiled.
"Well if you're not sure look at my finger" I smiled pointing to his engagement ring!
I hugged my fiancé.
The best Christmas present anyone could give me was when the nurse announced Rupert would be allowed to come for Christmas.

On Christmas morning, father helped Rupert down our stairs, his legs were weak and he still wasn't one hundred percent well but we knew in time he would be. Rupert sat next to me, father got fresh coal for the fire and we had a marvelous coal fire, a real Christmas tree with decorations my sisters and I had made as children and so on. Bella our maid had made a fresh turkey dinner with all the trimmings were laid in the dining room but nobody could go in there until all the meals were prepared for everyone. The presents were remained under the tree until we had everybody together to open them, this moment looked like a scene from Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Everyone together including Rupert's mother was simply magic.
"Shall we tell them?" Rupert whispered in my ear.
"Yes but after dinner" I whispered.
Father came in smiling, "well lets open our presents now everyone!" he smiled.
"When is good a time to tell them darling?" asked Rupert, I found myself avoiding that subject: marriage! It felt like a big word for me to use and I felt a little afraid of marrying someone who I knew and loved so well. I felt a little jealous of my three sisters, Daisy, Elizabeth and Rose all three of men gazed lovingly at their husbands they were all very happy and they knew what they wanted, I didn't.
"Rupert not now please! Don't spoil the moment, please I promise we'll tell them after dinner I promise" I said begging him, Rupert looked as if he felt hurt so I quickly kissed my fiancé and he smiled and dropped the subject.
Everyone opened their presents with happiness and I suddenly I knew, if I didn't tell then now, there might not be a better time to announce our engagement.
"Everyone can I have your attention please for a moment! I have some news Rupert and I are engaged, we're getting married" I smiled, everyone smiled hugged us and congratulated me.
"I couldn't be happier for you Victoria!" smiled Rose.
Later when midnight stuck, Christmas Eve was over.
"I can't believe your finally going to be my wife" whispered Rupert.
"Well its happening" I answered.
"You're not happy about this are you? You tell me you want to get married on my death bed and when I come around again, everything has changed even you! Have you changed your mind! You need to make up your mind Victoria or you may very well lose me. It's your choice at the end of the day. I can't keep on waiting for you Victoria, you either want me as your husband or you don't. Decide now!" said Rupert gripping hold of my hand, "until then I'll take this, until you make up your mind". Rupert took off my engagement ring, emptiness overwhelmed me everybody knew we were going to be married and if there was no ring it would give Mr. Van Dyke a better chance of me marrying him! I strongly didn't!
"Rupert" I called after him as my best friend tried to walk into the snow, he fell quickly down on his knees.
"See what I mean... I can't even walk properly without help!!! Victoria give me your answer right now! Do you love me the way I love you?" asked Rupert.
"I can't do this Rupert! I need to be on my own! Please give me longer to decide!" I begged him.
"No.... no more waiting, it's over, don't visit me any more I won't visit you, this is the end of it!" he snapped at me and he took his ring back. I helped Rupert back inside and all of sudden the tears to started flowing and I couldn't stop crying.
"What's going on?" asked Daisy.
"Nothing at all, I'm fine" I tried to sound chirpy and happy but I knew I couldn't fool Daisy.
"Don't lie to me. I know when you're unhappy!!! Why are you crying and where's your engagement ring?" asked Daisy horrified.
"The engagement is off, it's over. I couldn't decide if this was what really what I wanted and I begged him to give me longer to decide but he won't listen to me. He said he's not waiting and it's o-over" I cried to my sister I swallowed my words and stuttered them out because I was so upset I couldn't speak.
"Oh Victoria, William and I went through this exact phase you're going through I couldn't decide several times until, I realized when I saw other woman throwing themselves at him that I couldn't bear to be without him and when he kissed me I felt crazy about him! That showed I loved him!" said Daisy, I felt a little surprised my sister knew exactly what I was thinking and feeling!
"I couldn't bear to be without him but I don't know, I.... I love him" I sobbed. Is this all over now?

 Chapter 3: The Big Decision (Big Disaster)

  "I.. I" I muttered.

  "Yes you mean to say 'I will'?" asked Mr. Van Dyke.

  "NO I WON'T MARRY YOU I WON'T" I screamed.

  "YOU WILL MARRY MR. VAN DYKE. YOU WILL LOVE HIM AND BE HIS WIFE, AFTER EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE FOR YOU. YOU STUPID FOOL!!!!" my father yelled violently.

  "Why should Victoria marry someone she doesn't love? Why should she? You tried to pressurize all of us into marrying Mr. Van Dyke neither of us loved him. Why put the pressure on Victoria when you can clearly see she's a child and she doesn't want to!" snapped Rose on my behalf.

  "I don't believe it, I simply don't believe it! That child loves me, she does" said Mr. Van Dyke in disgust.

  "Mr. Van Dyke I'll marry you" called Tara even though she was fifteen, too young!

  My heart felt as if it would fail any moment. I felt disgusted with Tara!

  "Well at least somebody appreciates me one of the Sin Claire's daughters!" smiled Mr. Van Dyke smugly.

  My father suddenly became silent for a moment he looked at me and then at Tara.

  "Do you really want to marry Mr. Van Dyke, Tara?" asked my father to my younger sister, I prayed she'd say no.

  "I just said that, so you wouldn't be horrid to Victoria for not marrying him. No I wouldn't personally, so please father I beg you don't make me marry him!" cried Tara.

  "I am absolutely OUTRAGED! I AM DISGUSTED EVERYTHING I'VE DONE FOR THIS FAMILY, I MIGHT AS WELL AS BE BETTER OFF DEAD! IF NONE OF YOUR REMAINING TWO DAUGHTERS WILL MARRY ME, I KNOW A GRATEFUL GIRL WHO WOULD GLADLY! I SHALL NEVER VISIT THIS FAMILY HOME EVER AGAIN, SO DON'T ASK ME FOR ANY MONEY IF YOUR FAMILY IS SICK OR NEEDS A DRESS MADE!" screamed Mr. Van Dyke, he treated us as if we were filth. I felt so grateful to my sisters who making it clear I wanted nothing to do with Mr. Van Dyke.

  "I'm sorry Victoria! I need to take a walk I need to be alone" said father. However I kept Rupert's proposal quiet and so did Rose thank goodness.

 

  That night all I could think of was Rupert. I had to go and be with him and decide what to do. So many decisions to make, so little time. You see Rupert was never the waiting type, he always wanted things to be said there and then. He could never wait for anything, he refused. But I hoped he would wait!

  I quietly put on my fur coat under my nightclothes and I slipped on my boots. The stairs began to creep, I was terrified I'd be caught at two in the morning but that was a risk I had to take.

  Finally when I reached the front door a big smile filled my face.

  "Where are you going Miss?" asked Bella our servant.

  "Please don't tell anyone Bella! Please!" I begged her.

  "Alright Miss, what shall I tell them if they wake up early and notice that you are gone?" she asked.

  "Just tell them I have gone out for a morning walk" I said.

  I knew Rupert's house wasn't far. I walked down the hill and I threw a snowball at his window.

  "Who's that?" Rupert called.

  "Victoria!" I called quietly.

  He quietly came out; "what is your answer?" he asked me again.

  "I don't know, Rose told me all those things you said. I never said no!" I said.

  "Does that mean it's a yes?" he asked me.

  "Look give me a week to decide! We need to spend lots of time together like right now, it's going to be Christmas Eve next week I'll tell you my answer then, until then let's be closer than we were" I said. Rupert took my hand and we gazed at the icy lake, he wrapped his arms around me. The snow began to fall harder I shivered.

  "Here have my coat" said Rupert giving me his coat.

  I gazed across at the snow filled road, how everything looked so beautiful at night. I felt a breath against my lips.

  "Rupert get off me, we're not even married and we are not even lovers! This isn't right!!!" I snapped.

  "Is there any love in your heart" he snapped at me feeling hurt.

  He scowled at me like a spoiled little boy after his favorite toy in the toyshop. He walked quickly trying to ignore me, "and I want..." he put his left foot in front and he fell down as quickly as a whippet.

  Suddenly I forgot all about his stupid marriage proposal, laughter filled my mind. I could not stop laughing.

  "Look I'm making snow angels" giggled Rupert. It seemed like old times again.

  "You silly old fool" I giggled, "I think I'll join you lovely night for making snow angels isn't it?" I was disobeying my parents being at this time of night.

  "Certainly, my snow angel man wants to marry your snow angel!" he laughed.

  "If only they could talk to each other I wonder what they say to each other" I smiled.

  I picked up a snowball and waited for Rupert's answer until... WHACK.

  "AH YOU GOT ME" he called.

  "Quiet Rupert let's go somewhere else where we can have fun!" I smiled.

  We walked to a quiet park.

  I gazed down at myself.

  "I forgot I'm wearing my night clothes" I froze with laughter.

  "It's a new fashion is it? I think we're doing a trend like Ebenezer Scrooge, wait do I see the ghost of Christmas fashion!!!" smiled Rupert. Finally my old Rupert was returning.

  "You.." I smiled.

  "I won't tell anyone if you won't, it will be our little secret until wearing your night clothes under your coat becomes fashionable! I'll tell people Victoria Sin Claire was the first woman to start the trend!" smiled Rupert.

  "What are you grinning for? You have a warm jumper and your pajamas on! Here have your coat back I'm no longer cold! I'm JUST STARTING TO GET WARM!" I smiled running away from him!

  "I'll catch you" he smiled. It felt strange playing at this time of night.

  The water on the lake was frozen I wanted to skate on the ice but I couldn't see much.

  I decided to glide like a ballerina but on ice, suddenly I lost grip of myself and I fell on the ice. Fear began to enter my mind, I dare not look and I knew I'd cracked the lake and I had a fear of drowning I went under the water! I began to struggle for breath, the cold air took away my breath I began to fight and I tried to swim as best as I could it was no use.

  "RUPERT HELP ME I'M DROWNING" I screamed to my best friend.

  "Victoria, I'm coming don't fight it, try and stay a float, DON'T MOVE" called Rupert, he dived into the water and he tried to pull me out but I could feel myself going under even more I began to scream, I'd lost all energy to try to come up again.

  "HELP.. HELP US.. PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME" I screamed, suddenly I froze with fear where was Rupert?

  "Rupert. Rupert" I called to him but there was no answer, I began to find the energy to go under the water, the water was so dark and filthy I could see barely nothing. The pond weeds began to get in the way of my view and so did the fish. At the very bottom Rupert lay unconscious I took off my coat and I took off his coat and I managed to make a float, with my all my might I managed to pull Rupert along. I struggled for breath I knew it would be a matter of seconds and I'd soon be joining him. Another person dived into the water but I continued to drag us both up to the surface. The person took Rupert off me and all of sudden I began to see blurred vision and darkness I fell further back into water, with no energy or will to pull myself back up I knew this was matter of life or death both me and Rupert.

  I hope Rupert will be ok, it is all my fault! Will he be ok?

 

  If there is anything you would like to see happen? Then please do leave a comment. Thank you very much for reading this;)

  Check out Chapter 4, coming your way soon.

 Chapter 2. Hand In Marriage?

 "Can you do something with this horrible brown dress Mrs. Woods" I asked her.

  "I'm sorry but that material is old! I couldn't do anything with it. How about I make you a nice new dress instead?" she asked me, the poor old woman needed money desperately.

  "That will be wonderful thank you kindly" I smiled. Instead I gave the brown dress to a poor girl on the street.

  As we drove home, I walked carefully out the carriage, 'thank you so much Mr. Van Dyke' I smiled gratefully forgetting all about him wanting to marry me.

  Rupert had gone but my sister's eyes stopped at me neither of them said a word for a moment. They all were memorized by my new dress.

  "Do you like it" I smiled spinning around.

  "You look beautiful" smiled Tara.

  "Indeed" Elizabeth, Rose and Daisy agreed. All three sisters were married apart from Tara and me. I knew secretly it was between me and Tara who were going to marry Mr. Van Dyke and it wasn't going to be me, even though the old man had taken a serious liking to me!

  "We're having a ball here tonight" smiled Tara. I couldn't help but smile I had the perfect dress for the perfect occasion.

  "Do you think Mr. Van Dyke knew there was a ball here this evening is that why he had this dress made for me at such expense" I smiled.

  "I heard father saying something to him last night about a ball I expect so" said Rose.

  "Why should you have a dress made whilst the rest of us have to wear the same boring ball gowns?" moaned Tara.

  That afternoon I took my dress off and put another old dress on until it was time to dance. I placed the new dress on once more.

  No one was looking. I played the same game as I did with myself in the mirror giggling at myself.

  "Oh Victoria you look so breath taking" smiled Rupert. I suddenly jumped out of my skin.

  "I thought no one was looking, I'm sorry I didn't see you" I muttered.

  "Well someone was, it was indeed me! Oh why must you marry Mr. Van Dyke Victoria! Surely you don't love him? You don't love him do you? He's too old. Please don't say  you have accepted his hand in marriage?" asked Rupert clearly looking worried and afraid!

  "Calm down Rupert, no I haven't!!! I don't love Mr. Van Dyke, he's a gentleman yes and he's a respectable friend of my father's. What has brought this on Rupert? You don't feel for me in that way do you? You always pay me compliments but that's what friends do they not? Flatter each other with compliments?" I asked my best friend, I felt terribly confused and stupid that I hadn't seen the signs before or I chose not to!

  "No Victoria friends don't just pay each other compliments! Come with me outside for a moment" said Rupert not letting go of my hand.

  "Rupert let go!" I cried.

  "I love you, I love you Victoria" he cried placing a box in my hand and inside was a big blue diamond, a solid gold ring.

  "This isn't what I think it is?" I asked my dear friend.

  "Yes it's a proposal! Can't you see I love you, I care for you I cannot sit and watch you be Mrs. Van Dyke, when I know you don't love him! YOU DON'T! Marry me, I'm your best friend I care for you, oh please say yes!" begged Rupert.

  I ran into the darkness and I sat by my favorite thinking tree. I gazed at my hands, I still had his ring!!!! I cried quietly everything was happening so fast! Why on earth had Rupert asked me to marry him! Why was he terribly convinced I was going to marry Mr. Van Dyke?!!!

  Rose sat beside me.

  "Oh my darling, Rupert told me what happened he's so upset, he has gone home and he's convinced you won't marry him. He was crying he kept repeating his words to me 'if she says no, I don't think I can go on. I love her she's said no, I know it! The only person I ever loved was Victoria and will always be Victoria!!!'. Don't tell anyone this but I always believed that you wouldn't marry Mr. Van Dyke, I always thought you'd be Mrs. Rupert Van Duke! You were made for each other my darling, I see the way he cares for you. I see the way you care for him, you may not know it but it's love!" said Rose. I gazed inside the box again, the ring was beautiful.

  "But father will be so upset if I don't marry Mr. Van Dyke, his heart is set on it. He will never speak to me again!" I sobbed.

  "In this situation you have to follow your heart Victoria, chances like these don't come often. If you say no you may very well lose him! There are other girls out there who would gladly marry Rupert for his money and not for love" said Rose wisely.

  "I don't know if I love him. This is happening so fast, I don't know how to handle it" I shook my head in disgust at myself.

  "You love him don't you?" smiled Rose.

  I remembered all our times together as children and I remembered how close to death he was with Scarlett fever.

  "Remember when he was struck with Scarlett fever how ill he was, close to death. You never left his side for a moment, you stayed with him. It didn't matter to you if you caught it. When he pulled through I'll never forget your exact words you spoke: 'I was so afraid of losing him, it's a miracle. I love him so much it hurts!'

  You do love him don't you?" she asked me again.

  I returned home and I continued to think, until my worst nightmare happened.

  "Miss Victoria Sin Claire will you be my wife?" asked Mr. Van Dyke.

  My father smiled, my mother looked worried and hopeful at the same time. I began to shiver and feel sick! Should I say yes to Mr. Van Dyke or say yes to Rupert? Help me!!!

Chapter 1.  Victoria's Introduction

 I had four sisters, Daisy, Tara, Elizabeth and Rose. We lived in a huge mansion along the hill in Berry Lane. Elizabeth was the oldest followed by Rose and then Daisy, then me and the youngest was Tara.

We had beautiful long ball gown dresses for dinner parties at night or my best friend Rupert would come along and get his orchestra to play music for us, we had beautiful winter dresses for every day of the week. My personal favorite was my red dress with the fur along the collar, I had solid gold buttons all the way down at the front of my dress, my grandmother had bought me specially made red gloves to match my outfit, I had black ankle boots, the dress was so long I could get away with wearing long stockings to keep me warm! Rupert always commented on my dress every time I wore it. He'd always say 'you know you look so beautiful every time you wear that dress Victoria! The red looks absolutely beautiful with your dark chocolate brown hair and brown eyes! Your have men falling at your feet!'. See how my life can rapidly change!

Chapter 1a. The Red Dress How It Became My Favorite

My father's hope was for one of us to marry his respected friend Charles Van Dyke. I slid down the long winding banister. I decided to let my long brown hair fall down. It came all the way down to my bottom. I gazed at the Victorian mirror and gazed at my reflection I realized I looked so much different with my hair down rather than pinned back into a fancy style. I laughed at myself, I looked further into the mirror and from no where another face appeared into the mirror. The face of a familiar family friend, his face was old and wrinkly surrounded by a brown moustache, with expensive glasses. Half of his dark grey hair was missing, so he hid his missing hair with a top hat. Oh no it was Mr. Charles Van Dyke! Mr. Van Dyke to me!

"Hello my Victoria dear! Looking lovelier than ever I see! You do look beautiful with your hair down like that I must say! I'm not used to seeing one of Sin Claire's daughters with their hair naturally down and I've never seen a woman with radiant beauty such as yours Victoria" he smiled smugly, don't get me wrong I loved the compliments but I knew secretly he'd say anything to flatter me and trick me into marrying him! I had an old horrible brown dress on.

"Thank you sir" I replied politely.

"I hope you don't mind me saying so but that dress looks dreadful on you! Absolutely dreadful! It clashes with your hair and dark skin! Come with me. Let me buy you a new dress that you will like, specially made for you, Mrs. Woods will make you one. I'll pay her double the amount. I want my future wife looking respectable! How about a red dress with white fur around the collar and solid gold buttons!!!?" he smiled. My mother had insisted I wear that brown dress because my grandmother had bought it for me as a Christmas gift but I absolutely hated it. So I gladly agreed however I ignored the comment 'I want my future wife looking respectable!'.

"I would love that Mr. Van Dyke, but I couldn't let you spend all your money on me!" I said politely.

"Come on my dear, let's ride into time in my carriage. We'll get you that marvelous dress the one I saw in the exact window, the red dress with the white fur and solid gold buttons!!! Mrs. Woods will make you one!" he smiled taking my hand and linking it with his.

"So you're off out are you my daughter?" smiled my father, "the two of you are bonding aren't you".

I was only seventeen and already my father had marriage on his mind and he wanted me badly to marry his best friend even if it meant Mr. Van Dyke was thirty-five years older than me!

In the carriage I gazed out of his window, the snow covered the hills like a quilt. My sisters were playing in the snow making snowmen. How I longed to be out there with them having fun, Rupert joined them making me want to join them even more.

"This one looks like Victoria" giggled Tara.

"Be quiet" I hissed.

"Hello beautiful, where are you off to?" called Rupert.

"You're see later" I winked at him, quickly he ran to the carriage and handed me a red rose, my heart began to melt.

"Thank you it's beautiful" I smiled.

"So are you" he smiled. All of my family members expected me to marry Mr. Van Dyke but everyone accept one thought different.

"We're here" said Mr. Van Dyke happily, I gazed at the dress in the window and it was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen! I wanted it badly.

"Oh my gosh" I smiled.

It took Mrs. Woods a couple of hours to make it for me and to make it fit, I felt like a queen in it. After she put the finishing touches to the dress, she sewed the white fur round it.

"I've finished Miss, take a look in the mirror" she smiled.

From that moment on that dress became a firm favorite of mine! I placed the rose Rupert gave me in my hair, people were frowning that I didn't have a hat on but I didn't care!

Check out the next part of the story coming soon.