“It was a good day for the girl,” Christine read, “she learned one of the most important life lessons through her journey: honesty is one of the most valuable things you can give someone. Not only did she learn a lesson….she also loved happily ever after”
She smiled and closed the book, the children around her clapping. They were in the Waltzes library, surrounded by a countless number of bookshelves lined with a countless number of books. Christine was now more comfortable acting on her promise for communication and cooperation. She’d been hosting children fairytale readings every other week; and a Women’s Poetry Society meeting every month. James would arrange a socializing session for the parents when their children were in the library, and they would discuss hopes and ideas for their town’s future. Christine stood up and shelved the book near her.
“That is all for today,” she said, smiling with her hands on her knees over her frilly yellow dress, “go on into the dining room to your parents”
The children unwillingly left, Christine watching them as they giggled down the hall.
Her smile slowly faded as she saw Thomas walk around the corner and lean on a bookshelf close to the door. She didn’t look in his direction for long, going back to look at a shelf a ways away from him. James entered from the side door and walked to Christine, looking at the same shelf as she.
“Good afternoon darling,” he put his hands in his pockets, “how was the reading?”
She pulled a book off the shelf and opened it, “splendid”
James noticed her flat tone, “how are you?”
She nodded around the corner, “I was better before he arrived”
James looked around casually. He sighed and touched Christine’s shoulder, “I’ll go talk to him”
Christine laughed softly and pat his hand, “good luck”
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“Mhm,” James smirked and walked over to his brother, straightening his overcoat
“Hello James!” Thomas smiled
“Good afternoon,” James replied, “May I….help you?”
Thomas laughed, “I just thought I’d stop by and see how you and the Mrs are doing….and how the communication is going”
James scoffed.
“What?”
“Oh nothing,” James replied, “You are just going to walk in here….uninvited, mind you…..and pretend like last week didn’t happen?”
“I’m not pretending it didn’t happen-”
“You are pretending it wasn’t a big deal,” James quietly interrupted
“It doesn’t have to be a big deal,” Thomas’ smile hadn’t left, “we can put the past behind us and move forward without partial hearts!”
“It doesn’t work like that Thomas,” James shook his head, “it can’t work like that….not after that caper you pulled”
Thomas’ smile faded, “what is that supposed to mean?”
“You know what I mean,” James said, “That overly public display you and Lady Octania put on-”
“Oh, come along James,” Thomas laughed, “it was only a casual status update for the people to know, nothing perso-”
“It was personal!” James interrupted sternly
Christine peaked her head around the oner and shushed her husband
“It was personal to me,” he lowered his voice, “it was personal to this family….and it was personal to Christine”
“Oh please,” Thomas muttered, “she’s moved on. She’s moved on to you. Just be happy for….and worry about….yourself”
He left without looking back. James heard Christine walking towards him as he watched Thomas leave.
“What did he want?” she asked
“Unrealistic forgiveness,” James said
Christine shoved him but smiled, “are you sure it wasn't unrealistic forgetfulness?”
“What?” James smirked
“I have forgiven him,” she replied, “I’m just not ready to forget yet”
“I understand that,” he said, “just know that Thomas doesn’t”
“Okay,” she started to walk away
James caught her around the waist.
Christine sidestepped and looked at him, “What?”
He realized he had nothing to say.
“Nevermind,” he whispered
“Um….okay?” she laughed
Christine walked down the hall to the front door, “I’m going into town for a bit. Don’t look for the carriage for me to return, I’m just going to walk there….get some fresh air”
“Oh….alright,” James replied
He started to go down another hall but stopped
“I….I love you,” he said
Christine opened the door but didn’t go through it.
“Thank you,” she responded
James’ mouth said nothing but his face said everything.
Christine knew…. and she laughed.
“What?” he asked
“You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?” she asked as she walked out the door