Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path Two, Step Nine: A Simple Misunderstanding

The sun streaming through my window draws me from my slumber but I refuse to open my eyes, for the first time in so long I feel content with simply laying here drifting in and out of consciousness. I throw an arm over my face in an attempt to block out the light and when that doesn't work I resort to turning onto my side, dragging Simon with me and hugging him tightly against my chest. Just as I'm drifting back to sleep a knock at the door snaps me back to reality.

"Pardon me, Miss. May I come in?" James calls from the hallway and I sigh inwardly as I pull myself up into a seated position.

"Forgive me for waking you but it seems there is someone here to.." James pauses as he pushes the door open and steps into the room, his eyes widening in surprise and his lips curving into a shocked 'oh'.

I look up at him, bleary-eyed, and cock my head to the side in response to his startled reaction, never having pegged James as easily flustered. "Is it the landscaper? Tell him I'll be down in a minute."

"Make that ten minutes." A sleepy voice mumbles from beside me and I freeze at the sound, glancing down to find Matthews hand intertwined with my own, as last night replays in my mind; I don't remember us falling asleep but clearly we must have.

"Matthew!" James shouts in stunned disbelief, Matthews words bringing a tint of color to his cheeks, which effectively startles Matthew awake as he bolts up in bed.

"What?" Matthew asks, looking a bit put off by the sudden yelling but as he glances over to me realization dawns on him, releasing my hand as crimson paints his face. "That's how long it takes her to get ready!" He quickly defends, glancing over to me with a pleading look.

"I know how this looks but it really does take me that long to get ready."

"This.. this isn't about how long it takes you to get dressed." James sighs, rubbing his eyes in annoyance. "Matthew what are you doing in Miss Andersons room?" His voice is exceptionally calm for the unprecedented anger that lingers in his eyes. I glance over to Matthew who seems to have no response, looking much like a deer in headlights, as if no answer he could give would be correct.

"Matthew.." James begins but I quickly cut him off.

"It's my fault, I summoned him. I was having a nightmare and accidently called his name." I explain but by the newly shocked look on his face I can tell that I've only made things worse.

He opens his mouth before immediately closing it, looking as though he's trying very hard to keep himself calm, before finally looking up at Matthew. "Would you kindly meet me in the dining room." His tone leaves no room for argument and Matthew shoots me an apologetic look as he slides off the bed and walks past James into the hall.

"Forgive my outburst, Miss, I was out of line." James nods to me and hidden beneath the disbelief and anger in his eyes I can see concern, a deep set worry that gnaws at him.

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing too, we were only talking and fell asleep by mistake." He gazes at me for a moment and something akin to pity flashes in his eyes as he sighs.

"I believe you but it's more complicated than that. I'm sorry, truly." And, leaving me with nothing but a vexing response, he turns and heads down the stairs.

I had felt at the top of the world when the sun had woken me this morning yet now I find myself miffed, annoyed and mildly confused as I rush around my room in an attempt to get dressed faster. I grasp the handle of my door when I pause despite my hurry and glance over to my desk at the necklace discarded there, abandoned the day of my fathers death. When my father had given it to me all those years ago he told me it stood for hope, and hope is what it would bring me. Though this necklace is merely a revised replica I close the clasp around my neck, the glittering, shattered heart resting against my chest, feeling as though I could use a little hope.