I can't believe I am at Chapter 11 already!! I had thought this Chapter would go further... but it seems that things never go quite as you anticipate when pen meets paper. Hope you all enjoy it!! Chapter 12 should be along shortly 8)
Chapter 11:
For Cassie? Jonathan repeated, sounding incredulous. Youd do all this for Cassie?
Jonathan, Edmund began quietly, his words addressing Jonathan, but his eyes never leaving Cassies face, Id give my life for her. Id bargain with the devil himself and give up my soul for her. In a heartbeat. Love means wanting someone elses happiness above everything everything else, Jonathan. Edmund allowed a hint of a smile to touch his lips, his eyes glistening with emotion, as he looked back into Cassies teary, red eyes, before turning back to Jonathan and continuing.
I gave in, Edmund kept talking, feeling suddenly optimistic about actually getting through to this young man. Richards son. Perhaps he owed him that much. I gave in to the love that was being offeredincredibly unselfishly and graciously by this amazing woman who had every reason to continue hating me until the end of time. She was able to see past the scars to see the scared, insecure boy who once was and yes, to open her heart and to accept and forgive the man. Even as Edmund said the words, part of him still didnt understand how it had all happened. How this woman had actually chosen to be with him. Him, of all people. Edmund knew no matter how much he analysed it or dissected it or had Cassie try to explain it, her love would always leave him in awe. Maybe it was that way for everyone. He didnt know. He did know that he couldnt imagine ever loving anyone else.
Once you see yourself through someone elses eyes its really quite remarkable how it changes you Edmund felt that awe, even now.
Edmund brought his wandering attention back to Jonathan. Its not too late, Jonathan, he insisted. Its never too late so long as you are willing to open your heart. Is it easy? No, Edmund laughed, or at least tried to before the pain to his battered rib cage caught him short, I wont lie to you, Edmund wheezed, its bloody terrifying!! Its like free falling from an airplane without a parachute like racing the Indy 500 without brakes, Edmund became more animated as he tried to make Jonathan understand, searching his mind for all those crazy, reckless things hed done to get his fathers attention. Like sword fighting with real blades, scaling castle walls without a rope or like standing bare back on a galloping horse on a dare Edmunds voice trailed off, as his mind wandered back into the past again. What a rush, Edmund remarked quietly, remembering the astonished, reverent look on Richards little face as Edmund had actually dared to do it.
I know you know all about taking risks, Jonathan, Edmund ran his hands across his face and breathed deeply, forcing his focus back on the present. On Richards son. Thats how we get those rushes, the adrenaline, the natural highs, right? All those highs that make the low points when you fall liveable The difference with love is, Edmund hoped wholeheartedly that he was making some sense here, the difference is, if youre lucky, there will be someone to catch you when you fall. And thats definitely something worth risking for, isnt it? Edmund searched Jonathans now tear-stained face for some sign of understanding, of surrender. Cmon Jonathan, he encouraged, anxious to finally, finally break through. I know you want this. I know you need to believe me. Ive been where you are!
Jonathan couldnt hold back the tears any more. I dont know, his voice was shaky, desperate small. I dont know if I can, Edmund I keep hearing Alfreds voice in my head. Hes always there, always doubting, screaming Jonathan tore at his hair.
Dont listen, Jonathan! Edmund shouted, grabbing Jonathan by the shoulders and forcing him to look into Edmunds eyes, willing him to believe. Listen to me, Jonathan. Listen to you mother. Listen to your heart. Edmund relaxed his grip. I know if you listen hard enough you will find your real father, Richard, there. Listen to him, Jonathan!
I dont want to drown in this its too much Jonathan sobbed.
Then grab on, Jonathan, Edmund commanded, as he rose stiffly to his feet. Grab on to any lifeline to pull yourself up. Take it! Edmund insisted, as he reached out his arm to Jonathan. Use it! Believe in yourself. Dont let your step-father win, Jonathan. He cant hurt you any more. Only you are doing that, by listening to him, instead of your own voice. Edmund looked down at Jonathan, his hand still outstretched to the boy, urging him to take this leap of faith with him.
Slowly, uncertainly, Jonathan began moving his hand towards his uncles, still wary of him, of himself
Nobody move! a voice exploded into the room.
Edmund staggered backwards slightly as shadowy figures and blinding lights burst into the tiny room, startling Jonathan back out of his reach.
ONeill! Edmund cursed between gritted teeth.
Chapter 11:
For Cassie? Jonathan repeated, sounding incredulous. Youd do all this for Cassie?
Jonathan, Edmund began quietly, his words addressing Jonathan, but his eyes never leaving Cassies face, Id give my life for her. Id bargain with the devil himself and give up my soul for her. In a heartbeat. Love means wanting someone elses happiness above everything everything else, Jonathan. Edmund allowed a hint of a smile to touch his lips, his eyes glistening with emotion, as he looked back into Cassies teary, red eyes, before turning back to Jonathan and continuing.
I gave in, Edmund kept talking, feeling suddenly optimistic about actually getting through to this young man. Richards son. Perhaps he owed him that much. I gave in to the love that was being offeredincredibly unselfishly and graciously by this amazing woman who had every reason to continue hating me until the end of time. She was able to see past the scars to see the scared, insecure boy who once was and yes, to open her heart and to accept and forgive the man. Even as Edmund said the words, part of him still didnt understand how it had all happened. How this woman had actually chosen to be with him. Him, of all people. Edmund knew no matter how much he analysed it or dissected it or had Cassie try to explain it, her love would always leave him in awe. Maybe it was that way for everyone. He didnt know. He did know that he couldnt imagine ever loving anyone else.
Once you see yourself through someone elses eyes its really quite remarkable how it changes you Edmund felt that awe, even now.
Edmund brought his wandering attention back to Jonathan. Its not too late, Jonathan, he insisted. Its never too late so long as you are willing to open your heart. Is it easy? No, Edmund laughed, or at least tried to before the pain to his battered rib cage caught him short, I wont lie to you, Edmund wheezed, its bloody terrifying!! Its like free falling from an airplane without a parachute like racing the Indy 500 without brakes, Edmund became more animated as he tried to make Jonathan understand, searching his mind for all those crazy, reckless things hed done to get his fathers attention. Like sword fighting with real blades, scaling castle walls without a rope or like standing bare back on a galloping horse on a dare Edmunds voice trailed off, as his mind wandered back into the past again. What a rush, Edmund remarked quietly, remembering the astonished, reverent look on Richards little face as Edmund had actually dared to do it.
I know you know all about taking risks, Jonathan, Edmund ran his hands across his face and breathed deeply, forcing his focus back on the present. On Richards son. Thats how we get those rushes, the adrenaline, the natural highs, right? All those highs that make the low points when you fall liveable The difference with love is, Edmund hoped wholeheartedly that he was making some sense here, the difference is, if youre lucky, there will be someone to catch you when you fall. And thats definitely something worth risking for, isnt it? Edmund searched Jonathans now tear-stained face for some sign of understanding, of surrender. Cmon Jonathan, he encouraged, anxious to finally, finally break through. I know you want this. I know you need to believe me. Ive been where you are!
Jonathan couldnt hold back the tears any more. I dont know, his voice was shaky, desperate small. I dont know if I can, Edmund I keep hearing Alfreds voice in my head. Hes always there, always doubting, screaming Jonathan tore at his hair.
Dont listen, Jonathan! Edmund shouted, grabbing Jonathan by the shoulders and forcing him to look into Edmunds eyes, willing him to believe. Listen to me, Jonathan. Listen to you mother. Listen to your heart. Edmund relaxed his grip. I know if you listen hard enough you will find your real father, Richard, there. Listen to him, Jonathan!
I dont want to drown in this its too much Jonathan sobbed.
Then grab on, Jonathan, Edmund commanded, as he rose stiffly to his feet. Grab on to any lifeline to pull yourself up. Take it! Edmund insisted, as he reached out his arm to Jonathan. Use it! Believe in yourself. Dont let your step-father win, Jonathan. He cant hurt you any more. Only you are doing that, by listening to him, instead of your own voice. Edmund looked down at Jonathan, his hand still outstretched to the boy, urging him to take this leap of faith with him.
Slowly, uncertainly, Jonathan began moving his hand towards his uncles, still wary of him, of himself
Nobody move! a voice exploded into the room.
Edmund staggered backwards slightly as shadowy figures and blinding lights burst into the tiny room, startling Jonathan back out of his reach.
ONeill! Edmund cursed between gritted teeth.
