Romeo and Julian

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is pure coincidence. This story is posted in the Nifty Archives for the sole enjoyment of the readers and contains homosexual subject matter. If you are forbidden by law to read such materials please leave now. The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by The Nifty Archive, without the express written consent of the author. This story will, at times, contain graphic sex scenes, and if you are forbidden to read these, or it is illegal, please leave now!

Authors Note: Ok! Now that I have finished moving, experienced my Birthday!, gotten all of my school shit done and over with, found a job, and found someone I truly care about, I am excited to present you with this lovely chapter! It has come to my attention that some of you might enjoy a brief summary before the chapter due to the length of time I take with writing each one of them. So, from now on I will be doing a short summary of the previous chapter so you know what's going on and you aren't totally lost! Once again, any comments, questions, or concerns, please email me at jfaulkner1992@hotmail.com with R&J in the subject line (this is vital!). I appreciate all of you for waiting as long as you have and being such loyal fans! I respond to every email and it brings me joy to deliver a nice long chapter for you guys. Happy reading! Xoxo- Jordan

Summary: Romeo and Julian were last left off at the Masquerade at the Governors estate. Julian, with the help of Anya, has been able to attend to the party incognito, as is every other guest. Victor and Scarlett were dancing the night away as a budding young couple, but Romeo seemed to be a third wheel. Unfortunately, Julian had no one to converse with either, until Hugo stumbled upon him drunk! Hoping to get away Julian fled until he collided with the stranger we know as Romeo, however both of their identities are unknown to each other. The night is met with fun and budding romance I cannot summarize! Unfortunately, Anya had warned Julian to be home as the clock struck twelve. Our young lovers were just about to reveal their identities to one another until the clock rang out in desperation. Julian flees in bitter obligation leaving Romeo crushed, but worst of all, Julian in despair.

The Planned Future

"Goodbye!" I shouted.

So many thoughts ran through my head as the clock struck twelve. The beautiful man stood before me with a look of everlasting hope. I didn't want to run; I didn't want to leave what was possibly the best thing I have ever experienced in so long. I looked towards my stranger whose eyes glistened with a wet cover, for tears had begun to emerge. My blood flow ran cold knowing I was hurting him and turning our everlasting dream into a horrifying nightmare known as reality. But, I had no choice for the chains that bound me were tugging my brain. I had no choice. I had to run.

I tugged to be set free but was met with a pain. The stranger's grip upon my wrist was attached with a loving force, hard enough to make me stay, sweet enough to know he meant no harm. The answer lay behind his eyes. Those dark mysterious eyes that lay behind his black mask accentuated with a crimson outline. I wiggled out of his grasp and pleaded as much as I could. A surge of adrenaline surfaced with another clang of midnight's presence. It rang through my ears shaking my brain against my skull. The physical pain of reality was more than I could bare, but leaving the wonders in front of me made the pain no better. I was at war within myself and I was going through utter pain. I ran while the pain surged through my body and pumped out of my breaking heart.

"I'm sorry," I cried out. Wet tears fell down my face leaving icy streaks that blistered in the wind.

I ran as fast as I could through the hedge maze. I thought back tracking would have been an easy task but when you experience a night like mine, the magic clouds your memory. I'm surprised I even remembered where I was to be honest. I still felt like I was in a lucid dreamscape. The smell of summer air filled my nostrils as I ran. The vast amounts of hedge and stone all became similar and I thought I was lost. Out of nowhere Bruno, the bluebird who kept me company earlier, came flying by my side and darted in front of me, leading a way, for he knew the trouble I was in. I trusted his flight patterns and he gave me the strength to fly. Unfortunately, he made me fly back to the nest I so badly wanted to desert. Through more twists and turns I finally heard the clattering of the party goers. The cries of laughter were filling the air. I began to grow anxious at the thought of Claudia reaching home before I did. I had hoped Anya would try and stall her but it isn't like she knew where I was, or what I was doing. I finally made my way out of the hedge maze and back to the central patio. The crowds of people were more rowdy than before, probably because of the alcohol. High tide was among me. I struggled through the waves of people, each of them busier than the next. I was hit by several liquid bodies not caring if they're in anybody's way. Finally, I struggled up the steps and onto the balcony looking over the veranda. I turned around to see my stranger just emerging out of the hedge maze. He emerged dazed but with determination in his eyes. I knew I needed to run faster.

As I reached inside the Governor's manor the people weren't that hard to maneuver around. It just took a bit of grace and skill for I didn't want to attract attention. I had enough distractions going on inside my head and I didn't need anything physical either. The clangs of all the clocks striking midnight fueled my speed to get out of the manor. Time was slowly closing in on me. I began to pick up my pace as I bumped into a woman through a careless maneuver, sending her into the arms of another man in front of her. Her shrill and muffled voice echoed out, "Did someone just bump me?" made me cringe. For it was none other than my stepmother herself. My body froze with the screeching echo of her voice banging inside my head. Fortunately, my savior Anya pushed me forward in time for my Stepmother to turn around and think it was she who bumped her instead of me. Anya's delicate fingers gave me just the right spring to send me forward. I looked back with a "Thank You" in my eyes, but I could see Claudia scolding her while the man she fell into was simply laughing yet he looked somewhat familiar. I felt at ease to know she hadn't left yet and I felt confident that without any more obstacles I would be safely home.

After a more graceful attempt through the hall, I finally reached the front door and the cool summer air burst upon my face as a wave bursts upon the shore. I felt at ease as I made my way towards the gate, until I was met with a loving tug and a heart filled plea. With exasperation he tugged me forward and I wanted nothing more than to cradle in his arms and apologize for ever letting the chains Claudia possessed over me tug me further and further away from the things I wanted. This notion lasted until the obnoxious clang of midnight's presence. It's echo rang through the star lit sky.

"Please!" he begged, "You have given me everything I have ever dreamed

of; don't run away from it now."

I shed a lone tear at this plea. I felt my heart ache as I knew the answer I had to give him. My body trembled as he grasped onto my wrist with one final plea to make me stay. I let out a soft cry and finally spoke some of the hardest words I ever had to say. My mouth grew dry as the sandpaper words slid off my tongue. They scraped against my mouth hurting every pulse in my body.

"Please," I begged, "You don't understand. I must go. I beg of you. Please, release me."

"But you are the most beautiful man I have ever met!"

The final ring of Midnight rang through the world we so desperately lived in. It shook my hands in his and I finally cried out, "Please!"

He gazed at me with an understanding and slowly released his grasp on my wrist. I slithered away in agony and was unable to retrieve my father's bracelet as it slid off my wrist upon my untimely departure from the man I could possibly learn to love. Every step I took formed a new ache inside my body. The moon's light among the dirt road I had taken was unable to heal the broken heart I was founding. I was given a taste of freedom tonight, and I had been so stupid enough to throw it away for obligations that bind me. What I couldn't understand was why, after all the independence I had begun to gain, I still came back. For I was a caged bird, who sang a song, and tonight I was freed, but upon freedom I was met with a dream, but reality called away, and into my cage I was thrusted, singing the same tragic song that gave me hope. Upon me replaying the dream I had experienced over, and over, inside my head, I had trudged a good deal of the way home, to the cage that bound me. I finally emerged to the villa with a sad disposition. I felt like my wings had just been clipped. I began to cry as I took the final steps up the front pathway and into the cage I was so accustomed to. For after all, tonight was just a dream, and reality will make itself ever present. I reached my hand to the knob of the door and was met with an icy sting of reality. The sting echoed through my soul and rang in the very core of my heart. Every emotion I had restrained this evening was let out with a soul wrenching cry. I broke down for the freedom I had so willingly walked away from because the problem with most dreamers is that they never do anything about the dreams they want. I fell down to my knees, met by the cold concrete that once again shook my very core to the brim. I went to reach at my wrist for my father's bracelet and was met with a sudden realization- it was gone. I completely forgot how it slipped off when I narrowly escaped my strangers grasp. Reality was hitting me hard. As I lay my head into the nook that links my forearm to my upper arm, right where the elbow is, I shed dream-filled tears. Reality was angry with me and it was making itself known. Hope was such a dangerous thing. It was no wonder why reality and hope clashed so much with each other. After a few more tears were shed I picked myself back up and wiped away the icy paths left from the broken dreams that escaped my eyes. I had no one to blame but myself, I chose to come back, which is why I'm choosing to leave- some day. After all, the problem with most dreamers is that they dream of something instead of really doing it.

I walked into the dungeon that was my home, well the place where I served my life's nonexistent debts I suppose. I lit the room up with what little confidence I had left. I could still feel my heart beat, even if I was rattled to the core, one should never give up hope for hope was the fuel of life. That's why reality never really wins against hope, simply because hope is always in our hearts no matter how dim they may be. It was a rare to see reality triumph over hope, but it happened, it just wasn't going to happen to me. I quickly scurried to my room in the tower so I could change back into the rags that labeled me a servant to this estate. Beneath these rags was hidden a fire known as dignity, something I wasn't aware of till tonight for my stranger had awoken this spark inside me. I had forgotten I was worth something until he showed me otherwise. I fashioned the low flame of love behind my eyes and smiled a smile of hope. My reflection in the mirror was one I didn't recognized when I glanced at it. Even though my clothes were dirty and torn, the man I saw had purpose hidden behind his eyes, and emotion behind that smile whereas Claudia fashioned nothing but something fabricated. Yes, she felt emotion, but it was never pure. It was always pursued by something else, naturally greed.

I quickly descended the stairs and continued back into the kitchen putting on a pot of tea, anticipating orders when Claudia returned. I hurried over to the fireplace to start it up. I put smudges of ash on my arms and face to give off the appearance I had been busy working the night away rather than enjoying the dream that had truly happened. I heard the brooding laughter of my stepmother through the open window and hurried towards the front door. In a timely manner I opened the front door and watched Claudia waltz in with Hugo trailing behind her, and then Anya whose eyes were red and cheeks puffed. Black trailed beneath her eyes and I realized she had been crying. This wasn't good. The mood was sullen and the tension was thick. Claudia sat herself in her normal chair, while Hugo trailed upstairs with his footsteps booming under each step. He was as graceful as a horse at high tea. He fell at the top of the landing and I smirked the smile of karma. Even though this new day started off in a shattering reality, it wasn't so bad after I picked myself up. Anya began to walk up stairs, her frail hand among the banister, until Claudia spoke in the tone she addressed me in.

"I am not done with you, young lady."

Anya turned around, and looked at me with a quivering mouth. A tear shed down her face which she quickly wiped away. I saw the tear fly across and land near my foot. The pool it formed seemed so much icier than the broken dreams I cried earlier. I knew something was very wrong at this. Anya past me swiftly and sat across from her mother. I stood by the door awaiting orders but silently made my way to the kitchen.

"My tea Julian," ordered Claudia.

I took the scalding pot off the fire and poured it into two separate cups. I knew I would most likely be reprimanded for it being two hot but I didn't really mind at the moment. I was worried for Anya. After pouring the tea I made my way back into the living room and served them both. Anya refused hers gracefully until Claudia spoke, "Nonsense, a proper lady always accepts a cup of tea, regardless if she's thirsty or not."

Anya muttered an apology in my direction and Claudia followed her apology with, "Nonsense! A proper lady does not apologize to the servants!"

Anya looked at my direction with sorrow in her eyes. I knew it was nothing personal. I was extremely curious at what had happened with Claudia and Anya though. Unfortunately, curiosity killed the cat.

"Now Anastasia," spoke Claudia.

I dropped the tray on the floor when Claudia called Anya Anastasia. It rang through the room and I was met with a scold by Claudia. This was serious. Extremely serious. Claudia only called Anya Anastasia when she meant business, and business was never Claudia's strongest profession. I picked up the tray and made my way back into the kitchen. Like I said, curiosity killed the cat.

I had to stay in the kitchen until they left the room so I could at least clean up the tea cups. I tried listening to their conversation but I only heard various parts. I was given too few pieces of the puzzle to expect a full and complete project. I'm sure I would be met with some amount of information. Silence is always the best way to get something out of someone. In time, people spill something. Anya would soon come to me, hopefully. I decided to poke my head in and see if I could get the dishes out of their way. I walked into the very heart of their conversation.

"You will marry him and soon inherit his entire estate," explained Claudia.

I froze in my tracks when I heard Claudia say this. Marry? Who would she be marrying? And when? I had no idea Claudia had been planning something so informal. Me and Anya had once spoken of love and the hopes of being rescued into a landscape of pure bliss. Now I knew Anya's heartbreak. She would never experience this. Claudia gazed at me with the sudden interruption I had placed between them. Anya looked up at me as well with pleading eyes. I made an effort to save her.

"Forgive my interruption ma'm, but it's getting later and later and I would like to remind you of the sleep you need," I spoke respectfully.

Claudia gazed over at the clock and let out a silent sigh until she spoke, "Oh my Julian, you are quite right! A lady does need her beauty rest."

Turning to face Anya she spoke again, "We will continue this discussion another night Anastasia. Now go to sleep. As for you Julian, stay."

Anya stood up and peered in my direction with a "Thank You" surfacing across her eyes. I flashed a wink right back in her direction. After saying goodnight to the both of us, and hearing a scolding for saying goodnight to a servant, Anya made her way up to bed. She trudged up the stairs as if the world lay upon her shoulders. Claudia sat across from me sipping what was left of her tea. I figured she was going to scold me for it being ill prepared, but she surprised me with something totally different. She thanked me.

"For what?" I asked suddenly.

She chuckled somewhat at the shocked expression I fashioned and finally explained, "For being a prime example."

I was still puzzled at this and asked her to elaborate. Her answer wasn't something I was expecting but I wasn't totally shocked either. After all, she is Satan's mistress. She is meant to destroy my hope that burns inside of me. She was reality in human form.

"You placed a perfect example tonight. I was teaching Anya proper etiquette that should always be fashioned by a lady. You were able to help me add in some extra lessons."

`Bitch', I thought. She would thank me for something like that. She was chuckling at her little joke and I wanted to do nothing more than to throw the scalding pot of tea I left in the kitchen on her, but I refrained from doing so. Claudia made her way upstairs and I made my way to the kitchen. I washed the last few dishes and tidied up the kitchen before making my way up to my room. After long and languid steps I finally made it up to my room and plopped down on the mattress. The night had certainly drained much out of me. And soon sleep had caught up with me.

The aroma of roses filled my nostrils. I felt the soft mushy ground beneath me. I opened my eyes and was met with twinkling stars. Some shot by in a second while others burned brightly. The cool summer air washed across my face in a light breeze. I felt paralyzed as I viewed my surroundings. I tried to move but I couldn't. I realized I felt something on my face. I went to touch my face and felt something hard. There was a sort of appliqué technique on it, and I rubbed my hands over my face. Only my eyes were covered. I felt a cloth on both sides of my head and rubbed my fingers upon both sides as it trailed behind my head until I felt a tiny knot. I was wearing a mask. I heard the rippling of water around me. I stood up and made my way to the babbling sounds. I felt like I heard my name being called through the splashes of water. I walked past a few tree's and finally into a meadow with a soft lake displayed with a river flowing into it. I made my way towards the lake and surveyed my surroundings. Gatherings of flowers were splotched evenly on the ground into perfect bunches. Rocks were sweetly placed in serene areas. I made my way to the edge of the lake and surveyed the water's surface. It was so smooth as it reflected the brightly painted moon and the dimly lit stars. I met my reflection with hesitation as the man I saw, surely wasn't me. He was more toned with the tight white shirt hugging his chest. His toned arms lay exposed to the moons light. His slender waist was met with the light as well. I moved my body in effort to really realize the man that mimicked my every move was indeed me. I laughed at my stupidity and kneeled to the ground, still watching my reflection. I felt like Narcissus except with more dignity and less vanity. I waved my hand across the lake and surveyed the ripples. I watched my reflection bob up and down distorting the clear mirror that was in front of my. Finally, as the ripples stopped and the surface soon smoothed once again, I was met with the reflection of two faces. I was startled at this and I stood up immediately. The man's reflection was taller than mine, a bit more built around the chest and waits a tad bit bigger. His face was covered by a mask too that reflected the moons bright light back onto the water.

"Don't be afraid," he spoke softly.

"I'm not," I responded, but truly, I was. Not for my life, but I was nervous.

"Why?" he asked in sorrow.

I fashioned a puzzled look at the water and turned around to find my stranger staring at me. The eyes I once knew were staring at me in my dreams. I thought I would never see them again. I saw a tear sliding down the side of his face. I went to wipe it away and was met with the icy sting of a broken heart. I knew at once what he was referring too.

"It's complicated," I explained, "But I had to be gone before Midnight. There was nothing more that I wanted than to be with you, but I just couldn't stay."

He let out a soft cry and stepped back into the darkness. I saw everything but his face as he took off his mask. He held the silver mask in his hands and dropped it to the ground. It shattered as it hit the grass, bursting into tiny drops of water. I felt some of it hit my leg and feared it was glass. I was met with icy stings from the frozen tears. They all screamed heartbreak into my skin. The stranger held my father's bracelet in his hand and let it dangle until he dropped it and just like the mask it shattered into tiny vast droplets of water that splashed against my legs. The icy stings were becoming unbearable. I felt the heartbreak of leaving him all over again. I began crying, first softly, and then it turned harder. It was almost uncontrollable. I couldn't stop crying. It just kept coming and coming in large waves of emotion. My feet froze in place and I realized my tears had trailed down my body, freezing me in place. This sweet dream had turned into a nightmare. I could see the stranger standing in front of me, completely silent, his face hidden by the darkness. My freedom of movement had been stolen from me as my tears were freezing me in place. Soon my entire body but my head stood frozen. I began begging my stranger to free me. Finally, I felt lack of air as I felt ice cover my entire face until I was a frozen statue. My vision was obscured, but I saw my stranger stand at the foot of me, in my frozen state. He placed his hand, though I felt no warmth, upon my cheek, and kissed what were my frozen lips. I was consumed by the tears that were fueled by loss, heartbreak, and tragedy. I was screaming inside my mind as I watched my stranger turn to leave. There I was, standing frozen like a statue in a garden, crying out for my lover to return.

"Julian! Julian!"

I was awoken by a shaking and calling of my name. I turned over to find Anya over me with concern in her eyes. She must have noticed my nightmare. I sat up as she sat down next to me, her hair in disarray, and her eyes fashioned with worry.

"Julian, you were panting in your sleep! Are you alright?" she asked kindly.

"Yeah," I replied, "Just a bad dream, that's all."

"It must have been if you were crying out in such despair, one might think your heart was broken," she said as she glanced at me with question in her eyes.

"It was just a nightmare, that's all," I reassured, "What's up? Is everything alright?"

Anya lost it. Her eyes welled up with such intensity that they positively burst! How they did from the amount of crying she did last night I'll never know; I'd imagine her eyes would be sore from the true catharsis it's accustomed too. She threw herself back on my bed in a dramatic movement and shut her face away from the world that so wronged her. She hid her eyes in the crook of her arm and let out continuous sobs. I was completely taken aback by this because I had just woken up and I was still half-asleep concerning the lack of sleep, well comfortable amount of sleep, I had received. I instinctively put my hand on her back and rubbed her affectionately. I laid back and continued to stroke her and would whisper sweet encouragements that most likely didn't help since they were so cliché. Regardless, she calmed down and finally turned to me with sore eyes. Her hair was a complete mess from what looked like endless hours of tossing and turning while facing the reality presented before her. I got up from my bed and reached over to my dresser. I scrambled over the mess in hopes to find a hairbrush. I had thrown my clothes all over the room last night when I was in such a hurry to change so I wasn't exactly organized. After a few minutes of careless searching I managed to find my brush and make an even bigger mess than before. I returned onto the bed next to Anya and began to brush her wild mane. Her ginger hair slid out with ease and in time the knots began to loosen, with the exception of a few stubborn hairs.

"So," I said quietly, "What's going on?"

"Mother," she said slowly, "Wants me too...too...t-". She burst into more tears at this but she quickly regained control. I think it started to hurt her and she tried refraining as much as she could because she would often pause to quickly regain her strength and composure. After a few breathing techniques and some encouragement from me she started explaining to me her situation.

"Mother has made a decision for me," she explained silently.

"And that decision is?"

"I am too be married off soon," she responded rather quickly.

"What!?" I returned quickly, "To whom?"

"I don't know," she said with a sigh, "But he's wealthy apparently."

`Big surprise,' I thought.

"You haven't met him?" I asked.

"No, not yet. But he will be coming to the Manor sometime this evening. That's why I came up here. So I could warn you," she explained silently with her head tilted down. There was something she wasn't telling me. I could feel it.

"What is it that you aren't telling me? Why would you warn me?" I asked instinctively.

I changed my position on the bed and turned her around in front of me so we would be talking face-to-face, no deception. She looked scared as she hung her head low. I felt like she was getting ready to tell me I was to executed and she was supposed to help me repent for whatever I did wrong. I held my breath at the news to come.

"It's Mr. Moore's cousin," she spoke softly.

"Moore?" I asked with silent anger, "As in Kent Moore?"

"Julian please," she begged as she reached over to grab my hand for support. I snapped my hand away.

"Answer the question," I snapped.

She looked at me, hurt that I would ever speak to her in such a manner, for we were each other's allies when we had no other, whenever the world was against us, we were here for each other.

"Yes," she answered quietly with restraint, "Kent Moore's cousin is the man I am to be married too."

I stood up and went to the center of the room. I ran my fingers through my hair at this sudden realization. That bastard would have a hand in my stepsister's, no- my sister's, future. I sighed out loud and turned to Anya once more and sat in front of her staring her straight in the eyes. I grabbed her hand and finally asked, "Why have you come to me?"

She knew how I meant the question. I knew she wouldn't bother to come up here if she didn't need my help, for Claudia was the enemy, and she so desperately needed an ally. She brushed her hair behind her ear and let out a soft sigh. The sigh you give when you're caught in a corner and all you can do is give it your all to escape. A sigh of help.

"I need your help," she asked.

"What can I possibly do though?"

"I don't know," she sobbed, "But I need your help. I- I- I can't marry him. I don't even love him, let alone know him!"

I looked at her and finally responded with, "Tell me how the conversation happened with you and Claudia. How did this subject even come up?"

She looked at me with worry and I knew this was the part she wanted to cover up. I reassured her that this was vital information if she wanted my help. She sighed once again and began her explanation.

"Well, I saw you running through the hall and I noticed it was midnight. You were running so fast I couldn't tell if you were just trying to get home or get away from something," she said inquisitively, "And when I saw you bump into Mother, you remember how I pushed you out of the way in the nick of time?"

I nodded in understanding. The wheels inside my head slowly began to turn and my stomach began to churn. I started to begin I was responsible for some of this. I hoped I wasn't.

"Well," she continued, "Mr. Moore happened to be present and laughed at how clumsy I was. After a snarky comment from Mother on grace and poise Mr. Moore began to talk about how he was thinking of me and was just about to bring me up. He talked about fate and such and finally stated that he thinks me and his cousin would be a perfect match. And then it became settled. I was too become his cousins wife and ultimately a Moore. They're stopping by for dinner tonight. Which you're supposed to help with apparently, but Mother has called on Gretchen to do that because she wants you out of the way. She feels that you'll ruin everything with your personal vendetta against Mr. Moore."

Now, I must explain a few things. Gretchen was our old head maid and a dear friend of my Father. After his untimely death she left and quit because she couldn't stand my Stepmother. She was so upset that she couldn't take me with her and help support me but she was too poor to barely care for herself. She landed another job as a maid but the pay wasn't as generous as my Father's. I wasn't too surprised to hear that she would be returning because no one could cook like her. You may think, well if she's so good why isn't she running her own shop or why doesn't she land some amazing job, but the fact was that my Father was overly generous to her because they were friends. Gretchen liked certain people and the ones she didn't like she made known. She didn't care about manners. Just because she was poor didn't mean she didn't have pride. It's her disgust for the upper class that keeps her from rising to a comfortable living style herself.

As for Mr. Moore, I have very few kind words about this man. He's a common businessman, one of the few that were successful, and he was my Father's business partner. He cheated my Father during their years as business partners. He lied a great deal about innocent things which made no sense. He hardly speaks the truth and the irony of it all is the fact that everyone knows he's a liar. They sit there and listen to his constant lies and ostentatious personality in hopes they receive an ally, but the truth is he will be the first person to desert you. I don't know this out of speculation; I know this because I saw it with my own eyes on the day my Father died. When the riot broke out he was the first person to take off in a sprint. All we saw was a cloud of dust rise and fall, just like my Father's life. What made me hate him even worse was that he didn't show at my Father's funeral- his own business partner of 25 years. We never even heard a word from him until a couple months later when my Father's assets were spread out among the family- mainly Claudia. I kept my distance from that man. And the last thing I want is for my sister married off to his family. I won't let it happen.

"Don't worry," I said, "I'll think of something but until then, go get ready, for we have to go to the market and pick up a few things."

"I can't," she responded quickly, "Mother says I have to stay home and make myself presentable."

I whipped around and shook her in exasperation.

"Why do you stay with her? Listen to her? Put up with her?"

She was taken off-guard by my sudden burst of anger. Although it wasn't all anger, it was frustration in the sense that I was tired of seeing her manipulated. Claudia may have been her mother, but she certainly didn't act like it. My blood was boiling now.

"Julian, what else can I do?" she cried, "Become a servant like you?"

Her words stung me like tiny tear drops made of ice- each one hitting my forehead and shattering piece-by-piece. It was the first time I had ever felt insulted by Anya. I shed a tear at her comment for it was an epiphany. I was a servant. Anya realized what she said and quickly began apologizing.

"Julian I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

I stood silently across from her and gazed. My heart beat inside my chest proudly. Each heart beat produced more and more confidence in my body until I finally walked to the door and opened it for her, ushering her out silently. She complied with my request and stood in the doorway.

"Julian please," she begged silently, a few tears began to trickled down her red cheek.

I turned towards her with my eyes locked on hers. She gasped slightly at my fierce gaze and turned her head down. I finally spoke the most important words to her. Not for her benefit but for my own. I had to remind myself that this isn't what my Father had planned for me and a clean slate lay somewhere.

"I may be a servant but at least I know when someone's taking me further from the things I want."

She raised her head and let out a lone tear that trailed down her face. Her mouth agape at the truth she knew was there. She wiped her face clean and tangled her hair in her fingers. After a few minutes of silence she finally spoke.

"I'm sorry Julian."

"Just be ready in ten minutes," I said.

"But..."

"I said ten minutes. Leave Claudia to me."

She nodded in agreement and went down the stairs. I closed the door and leaned back rubbing my temples slowly. The stiff door made my back ache for comfort. I let out a sigh and got dressed. If I was to be preparing dinner tonight, Gretchen would need some things from the market. I would just have to take Anya along. I don't know why, but I felt like she needed to come along. It would at least perhaps give us some stall time and me away from the house so I could think more clearly. First, I needed to get Anya out of the house. I scurried down the stairs after getting ready and bolted into the kitchen where I ran smack into a familiar plump woman.

"Julian!" shouted Gretchen with a hint of laughter, "Julian, dear! I've only been here an hour and you're already trying to push me out! Is this how we treat our dearest friends? Come, give me a much needed hug."

Gretchen wrapped her arms around me in a family embrace. Practically the only embrace that's ever felt comfortable and safe, apart from last night. What I'd give to go back to that night. Gretchen was muttering something while she was practically squeezing the life out of me. I had realized that she wasn't talking but softly crying. I departed from her grasp and looked at her. Her stout appearance and rotund face was slightly pink and her eyes a less bit puffy. Her gray hair was put up in an untamed bun with silver strands out and about. She brushed them back with her plump fingers and smiled a yellow grin. She had aged considerably since I last saw her but I couldn't help tear along with her. She was my everything when I was growing up. She always read me a story or patched me up when Claudia failed to do so- which was all of the time. She finally mustered up her strength and hugged me once more. The embrace was not as tight but still love was present with every squeeze.

"Gretchen, why are you crying? This is a happy occasion!"

"It's just you look so much like your Mother," she responded softly with a happy cry in her tone.

I broke out into a smile and hugged her once again. I was elated to hear such a compliment from Gretchen and it was glorious to know my Mother still lived on through my appearance. She died giving birth to me but I always felt like I knew her. I felt like she was always present in the wind, or whenever the rain would fall upon my skin. I just felt like she was there, making up for lost time. Unfortunately, our happy moment was interrupted by a dragon. In walked Claudia with Anya in tow. Her face was still blotchy from crying but she still looked as pretty as ever.

"Oh, how cute, it's a peddler's reunion!" laughed Claudia.

"Hold your tongue Claudia. You best remember who has the power tonight," snapped Gretchen.

I silently smiled at Gretchen's remark and tried my hardest to not surface a small laugh of power. Thankfully, I was able to keep my emotions to myself. Claudia sneered at the both of us and she kept her mouth shut. After all, Gretchen was right. She did have the power tonight ironically. She was here on a favor to Claudia. No one could cook like Gretchen and Gretchen could choose to leave if she wanted. It felt good having such a strong ally on my side. I felt like poisoning Claudia's food, but alas, I'm a romantic- not a murderer. I'll save scenarios like that for my dreams. Silence took over the kitchen until finally Claudia spoke.

"Anya seems to insist on going out to the market with Julian," said Claudia. She finally turned to look at me for a good minute until she spat out a nasty, "Why?"

I jumped at her "Why". I was taken aback by the volume of the question. Gretchen noticed this and thankfully came to my rescue.

"Because Madam, he needs help getting a few ingredients for me," replied Gretchen.

"And why does Anya need to accompany him?"

"Simple," stated Gretchen, "So she can bring flowers as a centerpiece. You know how the florist admires Anya. He told me so himself."

Claudia stood puzzled. She shifted her stance a bit until she finally muttered, "Alright. But, have her back an soon. If you're not here when I want you, I'll just have to come searching for you. Mr. Moore and his cousin will soon be here and they can't show up to an empty house. And you, Julian, better be on your best behavior. Tonight is not the night for vengeance. Understood?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Alright, off you go! And Anya, pick up something pretty. Not the usual type of centerpiece. Everything must be perfect in order to secure your future!"

I cringed at those words. Anya's future? I noticed Anya silently bow her head. I've never seen her so defeated before. I've never seen her so submissive to her mother. Yes, she followed orders but I always thought she was more powerful. After a bit of pity Anya and I set off to the Market in silence. I was still pretty upset about the comment from earlier. The road seemed long and the air seemed thick. The sun shone brightly emitting massive rays of heat. It was going to be a hot day indeed. The summer air was crisp as I breathed it into my nostrils. Finally, after some good minutes of silence Anya startled me by speaking.

"Are you still mad at me?"

"Good heavens no," I lied. I wasn't exactly mad, I was more disappointed.

"But you are disappointed?" she responded meekly.

"Yes, in fact. I just don't understand why you put up with her or why you let her dictate your life."

"I know she only wants what's best for me."

"Yes, but you are not happy," I said looking at her. It was the first time I glanced at her direction since we left the house.

Anya let out a sigh, "You're right. She tries helping me but in turn just takes me further from the things I want."

"But what is it that you want?" I asked softly.

"To be in love."

That was it. Her answer was so simple. Yet the truth behind her answer was more complex than she would ever know. I was practically in love with a stranger. At least she was able to admit Claudia was overstepping her boundaries by controlling her. I began to feel sympathy for Anya for she puts up with Claudia more than I do. I admired her more after that thought. I thought I had it bad. I couldn't even begin to realize what she must go through as her daughter. I guess everyone is fighting their own battle and it's one's responsibility as a person to see that.

"I have faith that you will, one day Anya," I responded.

We finally caught up to the bustling center square and the busy market. Vendors lined up selling various goods such as fruits and corn and other such things. Gretchen gave me a few common items to pick up: a few spices, the flowers, eggs, vegetables, and bread. Anya leaned in close to my shoulder and rested her head on it. I raised my arm around her and we continued walking together- as brother and sister. We got the necessary items off the list and the only things left were the flowers and bread. We arrived at the florist's shop but we were met with a closed door. I went to try and open it but it was sealed tight.

"Closed!" shouted Anya, "But he never closes! He only lives here!"

I laughed at Anya and shrugged my shoulders.

"Maybe he's visiting a family member or something. People have lives too you know."

Anya laughed at my wit and mentioned how Claudia wouldn't like that we weren't returning with the flowers she so desperately needed. We made our way to the bread shop laughing over the silliest things. We were having such a good time we weren't exactly watching where we were going. It just felt good that we were laughing again. We went to turn the corner where I smacked right into an unknown man. He must have been travelling rather fast for he knocked me down, that is until he caught me with his swift hands and breath taking agility.

"Oh!" Anya gasped. I turned to look at her as I was being cradled in the stranger's arms. Her eye's met mine for a brief instant and we were met with a loud chime. The clock had struck twelve.

"Oh! We better hurry! I'll run up to the bakery now before he leaves for lunch!" said Anya. And with that, Anya headed her way up to the bakery without me. I seemed to be stalling in the stranger's arms until he finally grunted. I think that was his cue to tell me he couldn't support my weight any longer. I turned to look at the stranger who was holding me. He pulled me up and our eyes locked. We both gazed at each other like we both knew the same secret. His hazel eyes burned like the wood in a strong fire. With each sparkle cracking brightly. He felt the same connection I did for we couldn't stop staring at each other. I felt like time had slowed down and the world around me melted away into an abyss that didn't matter. I felt like the world I had craved was being created right before my very eyes. I felt freedom all over again. We we're snapped out of transfixed state by a blonde man, who I recognized as Victor Croft from the bakery the day of the riots. He seemed rather puzzled at our situation.

"Did I interrupt something?" asked Victor.

"I'm sorry," I stated, "I just wasn't looking where I was going."

"Huh, you seem to have a habit of doing that you know," stated Victor.

The stranger raised his hand to hit Victor's chest. His strong hand lay open and all I wanted to do was grab it. It just seemed so familiar. Like it was waiting for mine to lock into it. I was once again broken from my transfixed state by a familiar husky yet strong voice.

"Relax, Victor, the man said he was sorry," spoke the Stranger, "But it was I who wasn't looking where I was going. And my step wasn't exactly slow either."

He broke out into a soft laughter which rang like soft music in my ears. He seemed so familiar. Almost, like a dream presented right before me. I was waiting for the nightmare to begin. He wouldn't take his eyes off of me like he was scanning me from head to toe. He was trying to remember what I was trying to remember. How did we know each other?

"Right," spoke Victor, "Well, we must be going. You know how Scarlett doesn't like waiting."

"Right," I said, "My apologies once again."

"Do I know you?" spoke the Stranger suddenly.

"Huh?" spoke Victor who in turned looked at me then back at the beautiful man beside him.

"I'm sorry?" I said quickly.

"It's just, you seem so familiar. I feel like we've met before," he spoke softly with a strong undertone. His perfectly sculpted face moved in such a graceful manner when he spoke. I was amazed I hadn't drooled all over myself. Small beads of sweat perspired amongst his forehead. I too, was beginning to grow hot, but worst of all, nervous. I knew exactly what he was talking about because I felt it too. Victor kept looking back and forth at us with confusion plastered across his face. We stood transfixed at each other trying to recollect the past we both knew we had. We were, once again, interrupted from our transfixed gaze by a woman in red. She was rather stunning actually. Her black hair against her fair skin stood out like a black crow against a white sheet of snow. Her green eyes stared fiercely at me.

"Who are you?" she spoke sternly. She turned to Victor and pointed at me, "Who is he?"

Victor stood dumbfounded at her because of the situation going on between me and the Stranger. He just shrugged his shoulders in confusion.

"Well," she spoke firmly, "Are you going to answer me? Is anyone going to answer me?"

I went to speak my name but my voice was drowned out by the chime of the clock tower. Fifteen minutes had passed and I was amazed at how time flew by me. I needed to get back to Anya quickly. I jumped at the chimes once more as it chimed its final song. The Stranger noticed this instinctively and his eyes grew rather large.

"I'm sorry but I have to go. Goodbye!" I said rather quickly and made my way towards the bakery.

"You..." he gasped.

"He?" said Scarlett and Victor in a curious unison.

"Me..." I said as I walked away briskly. The wheels in my head were turning.

I turned back to see him staring at me with a longing face and pleading eye's. I knew that gaze but I continued on. I felt a sting in my heart. Each step became harder and harder to take. My heart began to ache and my mind began to bulge. My body was trying to tell me something, but I just couldn't grasp onto it. I turned back once more to see him still staring at me. Victor and the mysterious woman, who I assumed to be Scarlett, standing beside him trying to get his attention. I was startled to see him moving in my direction. I continued making my way towards the bakery in hopes of solving the puzzle that lay before me. I was deep in thought when I was brushed aside by a passing aristocrat and stumbled over a ledge, falling hard against the cold ground. I dropped my groceries on the ground. After a few glances of pity from townspeople I began picking up my stuff. I was surprised to see a familiar hand helping me.

"Just like those nobles, always getting in people's way?" spoke the Stranger.

"Oh, but I'm sure they were going somewhere very important," I replied nervously.

"I doubt it," laughed the Stranger, "They're probably off to drink their next gallon of tea and share pieces of irrelevant gossip. Here."

He handed me some of the spices I dropped. It lay there so comfortably in his hand that I felt almost wrong to take it away from such safety. I went to grab the spice from his hand and as I began to scoop it up, our skin touched for the briefest instant. A jolt of familiar electricity flashed through my body. All of my nerves were shot and my eyes snapped to his with our eyes locked once more. We were presented with the reflection of our gazes. Once again time seemed to stop and our world began to change. I felt like we were the only two people present. For once, I felt alive. I snapped out of this trance with the chime of a bell nearby.

"Thanks, thanks for all your help," I said, "Now, if you'll excuse me I have to get going."

"But wait, I don't even know your name," he replied.

"Oh me, I'm just a stranger," I said quickly.

"But what if I wanted to meet this charming stranger?" he spoke back playfully.

I smiled and responded, "I doubt this stranger has any idea on how a man should be treated."

"Like royalty I suppose."

"No," I responded quickly my eyes locking on his, "Like a person, with kindness and respect."

"Oh," he said softly, "You're not like most people are you?"

"What do you mean?" I asked suddenly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he pleaded, "I wasn't implying that in a rude way."

"It's ok," I replied, "It's just how I view people. It doesn't matter their social status, or how much money they have. All I ask is for love. But, that's just a dream."

"You wanna know the problem with most dreamers?" he asked.

I shuddered at this question. Everything began to make sense. I knew exactly who he was. I turned to look at him once more with a slow peering gaze. His eyes sparked a familiar spark.

"That they dream about something instead of really doing it," we both said in unison.

"It is you!" exclaimed the Stranger.

I smiled widely and felt so relieved to see the man behind the mask. I almost dropped my basket of groceries until I was met with a familiar obstacle. Her high pitched orders rang through my ears. I knew the nightmare was coming.

"I thought I told you never to talk to strangers!" exclaimed Claudia, "Now hurry up with those groceries, what are you doing! Have you forgotten our engagement?"

"Sorry Stepmother!" I exclaimed, "Goodbye."

"But..." started the Stranger, "Not again."

"Again?" spoke Claudia, "Do tell me why you are conversing with a Mantz, Julian? Are you trying to shame your family even more? More or less your Father?"

"We met at the..."

"The spice stand!" shouted Anya, "He helped us find the spices from earlier and the florist shop was closed and he informed us where he was. He's been very helpful actually. But Mother it is getting a tad bit late. We should really get home. Really, he was just helping."

"Truly," I added, "He was no harm. It's my fault really. I forgot Gretchen's list and he helped us. It's my fault Stepmother, entirely. I apologize."

`Yes it is," she agreed, "The next time your services won't be needed Mantz. Come now Anya!"

I stood frozen at Claudia's words and the realization of who my Stranger truly was. Of all the people I were to find beautiful it was to be a Mantz. Yet, I didn't care. I was staring longingly at him with a small smile upon my face. He too was fashioning a look of carelessness and romance. I didn't realize that Anya and Claudia had left me until Claudia came back shouting at me.

"Julian!" she shouted in anger and frustration.

"Coming Stepmother!" I responded. I started my way to Claudia who was waiting for me with her dragon eye. Her nostrils appeared to be flaring up in anger. I couldn't tell if it was because of me, or that a Mantz helped us. Regardless, I hurried on after them.

"Hope to see you around, Julian," said the Stranger slowly with a smile on his face.

My stomach fluttered with that comment and my cheeks grew red. I had to quickly hide my excitement from Claudia but I smiled back at him. It wasn't fair. He knew who I was, but all I knew on him was that he was a Mantz. All I did know was that I hoped we did see each other again, and I hoped Claudia didn't hear what he said. I trudged behind Claudia and Anya with the groceries in my hands. I was eager to see what the future brought me. I just hoped it was him.