𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞

The Mersey Lullaby

Clair emerged along with a pocket of steam from the water closet. He understood it was a luxury for the Fawn's to have steamy water raining down on them at their disposal. He cherished every second of it. Now dressed in his day clothes, he made his way back to his room. Upon entering, he hoped Florence might've caught his subtle gesture from earlier and show up at his door. In an effort to calm his jittery nerves, Clair decided to sit and write for a bit.

Settling into the chair, he gazed out of the window directly in front of him. The sky was a lovely cerulean sort of blue with puffy clouds sprinkled amongst. Tilting his chin down, Clair examined the gardens below. A manicured winding labyrinth of hedges, the white wrought iron tea table he'd eaten at on his first day there. Clair leaned back in his chair, drawing in a deep breath.

He imagined he could taste the earthy tones of the Mersey. Clair remembered a lullaby Cathryn had sung to him on occasion.

Come, come on along 

Can you hear the river's song 

Far away the river 

Far away that song In the dark and endless sky I can almost hear in my memory 

The Mersey lullaby.

Clair drew his hand away, gazing down at his paper in surprise. He'd written out the song, he thoughtfully began to hum it's tune. It reminded him of Cathryn, only leading him to think of Ruby. Hatred bubbled up from deep within him. It seemed to Clair as if Ruby would never stop pursuing her. Of course Cathryn had told Clair about his promise, she'd told Clair anything. It's just that neither of them truly believed he'd go through with it. Yet here he was, impossible to hate, as usual.

He'd shown up on other occasions as well, each time resulting in wider eyes from both Clair and Cathryn. Once they were together, walking through the streets of Liverpool. Ruby decided to grace them with his presence, causing Cathryn to huddle against Clair. Ruby was just so damn persistent, Clair hated him for it. It wasn't just the fact that Cathryn had loved Ruby at once though, there was something else. An unsettling unspoken truth between Cathryn and Clair. Something she'd never told him, some reason she would be almost afraid of Ruby. Granted, Clair hadn't heard the full details of what had happened that night at the speakeasy, nor did he desire to.

Clair was old enough to understand what had happened with them, although it came as a surprise to him that Cathryn had shunned him off so quickly. Conveniently, Ruby was set to study abroad in France nearly the next month. Clair hadn't dared to ask what had really happened between the two, he trusted Cathryn enough to ensure himself it wasn't of his importance. Although Clair vividly remembered nights when Cathryn would sneak over to his home, only around the corner to gush about Ruby. Clair would grit his teeth and listen patiently as she recounted their actions. The way his eyes shone, what he'd said to her.

"He spoke in French Clair, French! I'm ashamed to admit it was rather attractive."

Cathryn had said once. She'd been visiting with Ruby for a period of time, before she realized Clair was hopelessly in love with her. Before the speakeasy, and whatever had truly happened that night. Whatever Ruby had said to her, whatever feelings he conveyed that made Cathryn lash out at him as she did. A knock at the door drew Clair out from his reverie, his head perked up excitedly.

"Who is it?" He called out.

In response, the door flew wide, revealing Cathryn. His heart sank, confusing himself in the process. The girl stormed into his room, slamming the door shut behind her. Cathryn planted herself on the edge of his bed.

"Can you believe, this goddamned man is back?" She exclaimed angrily, throwing her arms up.

"Why can't he just leave me alone."

"Si jamais j'ai l'occasion, je jure que je vais le tuer." She muttered under her breath.

Clair didn't know too much French, but was able to make out one of Cathryn's favorite words. Which happened to be rather unladylike. He stifled a laugh.

Cathryn continued, "He cannot just come stumbling into this house, demanding to stay here with me!" She announced incredulously.

"He'd said he'd come to collect me! How could he dare, and they all bought it. I've told him off once, and I'll do it again. Ruby Rodriguez is a horrid liar and a snake." She finished with a huff.

Cathryn's eyes glowed with pure hatred, and her mouth was twisted into an unpleasant frown. She clasped her hands in front of her and pursed her lips as she awaited Clair's response. 

He stuttered hesitantly, "Why do you dislike him so much?"

"Why do I dislike him?" She echoed in disbelief.

"Yes, what has he done to make you despise him so much. You've never told me Cathryn." Clair announced gently.

"And I don't intend to, at least not at the moment. I'm sorry." He tone softened and she reached for Clair's hand.

Slipping his into hers he said, "It's okay, I'll still be here whenever you're ready."

"And I suppose Ruby will be too." Cathryn retorted.

"Cathryn will you sing to me?" Clair burst out.

Recoiling only slightly, she analyzed him.

"Why sure, what shall I sing?"

Bringing himself over to the bed, Clair kept his hand tightly in hers.

"The Mersey Lullaby." He whispered as he lie his head down onto the pillow.

Cathryn began to sing as Clair's eyelids dipped lazily. Tired with exhaustion and sympathy for Cathryn, he slipped into his dreams, despite having it only be noon. Cathryn continued singing even once he'd fallen asleep. The backside of her fingers occasionally grazing Clair's cheek. He dreamed that her touch was a butterfly, gently flitting it's paper thin wings against his cheek.