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Torn
Apr 14, 2012 14:21:59 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 14, 2012 14:21:59 GMT -5
Madeline carefully balanced the tray of tea as she opened the door to Abbie's room. An oil lamp burned dimly and a fire crackled as it the wood began to burn to embers,"Abbie, my dear?", she said softly as she placed the tray on the small stand next to the bed.
"I'm awake momma", she said not turning to face her.
"I brought you some hot tea", she sat on the edge of the bed.
Suddenly enraged by the nurturing gesture, she turned and sat up,"How can you be so calm and offer me tea after what they did?"
"Abbie, calm down please", she replied folding her hands in her lap.
"How can I be calm when my own mother won't even stand up for me? I have done nothing, except for fall in love."
"You have fallen in love with someone who you cannot possibly have a future with."
"And you would rather I have a future with someone like Emmet Cahill? A man who has to black mail a woman into marrying him?"
Madeline sighed as she gazed at her youngest child; cheeks wet with tears, eyes with questions,"My love, I never wanted to see you hurt. Your heart is so big and so full of love. The man who holds it is one who must be willing to take you for all that you are. Emmet may not be your choice, but he is stable."
"It's always about money, isn't it? My happiness means nothing to you or anyone else."
"Oh Abigail, I do want you to be happy. That's all any mother wants for her child."
Abbie shook her head as the torrent of emotions released themselves, her body wracking with sobs,"Then why? Why let him take me away? Why take me from the one happiness I have had? I don't love Emmet, I will never love him! He sees me as nothing but a trophy to parade and yet you don't care! I won't marry mother! I won't!"
Madeline stood up composing herself,"Abigail, I never wanted you to be hurt. But we as women have duties to our family and despite what you may think, you will understand in time."
"No, I won't! I will never force my daughter into a loveless marriage! I will never make her love a man her treats her like a prize cow!", she her voice dropped as she stood up,"You may take your leave."
"Very well then", she said tightly,"You have choices to make Abbie and I only pray you make the right one."
"I said you may take your leave." As the door closed she picked up the cup and saucer delighting in the way it smashed against the door.
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Torn
Apr 19, 2012 11:54:44 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 19, 2012 11:54:44 GMT -5
Abbie slept fitfully as images from the evening played themselves out in vivid nightmares. She finally pulled herself awake as the sun began to dance across the floor. She looked towards the door and noted that the shattered pieces of the cup and saucer had been cleared away. "Sarah", she thought with a sigh, her ever faithful friend and maid. She and Abbie had practically grown up together and besides Melinda there was no one that she trusted more.
She shivered as her feet came in contact with the cold floor, she splashed water on her face and gazed out the window as she towled away the drops. She had been given a choice, an ultimatum; choose Emmet and what her family wanted or she would never seen Ryan again. Either way she knew she would never see him again. She knew once they were married that Emmet would move them away somewhere; she thought of the unhappy years tethered to a man who knew nothing of love. His only love was for money and for power. He wanted her as a trophy yes, but not as wife or as a woman. She gritted her teeth as a determination set into her. She would not marry Emmet Cahill, she refused to give them the satisfaction. She turned as the door opened.
"Abbie you're awake", Melinda said closing the door quietly.
"I won't marry him, Mel", she fixed an icey stare on her sister.
"That's why I am here", she said crossing the room,"Paul nor myself will let this happen."
"What are we going to do", she accepted her sister's hug.
"You must do something, you won't like it, but it will help put things in motion."
"Anything!"
"Okay", Melinda took a deep breath,"Go downstairs, tell them you will agree to marry Emmet."
"I won't!"
"Don't interrupt", she said,"Tell them you will, but that you want to see Ryan first. Paul has contacts at the shipyards, he can get the both of you safe passage on a ship."
"A ship to where?"
"Back to Ireland", she replied with a teary smile.
"Oh Mel!", she felt the lump in her own throat,"That means I will be leaving you and everyone else."
"But it's the only way you will be happy", she gave a sniff,"I will miss you, make no mistake, but I cannot let my baby sister be unhappy."
"How soon can we get passage?"
"Paul is working everything out, it may be a day or two. But while we wait to hear something you have to play the part. Can you do that?"
Abbie was silent as she thought of having to be remotely interested in Emmet or any of his advances. The idea made her physically ill, but she knew there was no choice,"If it means that Ryan and I are safe in the end, than yes. I will do what is necessary."
"Come and I will help you dress", Melinda took her arm.
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Torn
Apr 24, 2012 11:29:09 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 24, 2012 11:29:09 GMT -5
Abbie and Melinda descended the stairs quietly. They entered the parlor where Emmet, Paul, Margaret, and Madeline sat quietly talking. A fire blazed cheerily in the heart negating the tension that hung thick and deep in the room.
"Melinda", Paul extended a hand to her,"How are you darling?", he kissed her cheek.
"I am well, thank you", she gave him a smile,"I think Abigail has something she would like to tell everyone."
Abbie stepped forward, going over the words in her mind. She lifted her eyes to see an expectant and nearly triumphant smile on Emmet's face. She looked to her mother who refused to look at her daughter, finally she looked at her Aunt who nodded for her to say something,"I have considered what everyone has said," she began,"and I know my actions as of late have been a disgrace to you all," she paused to compose herself,"I will agree to the courtship and marriage, but I have terms of my own."
"Of course you do", Emmet rose to his feet,"Let us hear these terms."
Abbie pulled herself up to her full height and square dher shoulders,"I want to tell Ryan goodbye. Melinda and Paul will escort me to the jail to see him. Once I have seen him, I want his guranteed safe passage back to Ireland without interferance from anyone. He has done nothing wrong and I will not allow him to be persecuted for my actions."
"Absolutely not Abigail", Emmet disagreed quickly,"He will be given passage back to Ireland, but you will not see him."
"If you want me to be a part of any of this, I will see him," she said matching the gaze he gave her.
"Abigail, my dear", Madeline stood up,"A jail is no place for a lady. Allow Emmet and Paul to see to his departure."
"Odd that you say that mother, because I am sure jail is exactly where I will be once I marry Mr. Cahill," she wanted to take the words back as soon as they left her mouth. Why couldn't she hold her tongue just this once?
"Very well then", Emmet said through gritted teeth,"Paul, Melinda, and myself will escort you. Once you have said your goodbyes, Ryan will be put on a ship."
"Thank you for your kindness", Abbie said over indulgently,"Please have a carriage made ready to take us."
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Torn
Apr 28, 2012 7:34:37 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 28, 2012 7:34:37 GMT -5
Ryan lay on the small cot in the jail cell. It was cold and dank, with nothing more than a thin blanket for any warmth. He was healing from the fight, breathing no longer hurt and the bruises were beginning to fade. The guards had been kind enough with giving him more food than others had and their willingness to let him be able to get fresh air. He had already over heard them talking about their disdain for the Cahill's and their money; the family felt they owned half the city. They failed to realize they may have officials in their pockets, but not the civil servants themselves.
His mind drifted to Abbie, the final image he had of her was one of a tear stained face and being restrained by Emmet. Why had she not come yet? What had Emmet or her family done to her? He closed his eyes as a violent hatred rose up inside of him. If any harm had come to her, he would find a way to make Emmet pay, not matter what it took or how long it took, he would find a way.
"Prisoner Kelly", the guard called,"Look sharp, you have company."
Ryan pulled himself up and walked to the cell door. His pulse raced as he hoped to see Abbie come around the corner, instead he saw the smug face of Emmet,"If you are here to torture me in regards to Abigial, I won't have it."
"No, I have come to tell you that she wants to see you," he replied lighting a cigar.
"Then why are you here?"
"To explain my terms to you," he blew a puff of smoke into the small window of the cell.
Ryan coughed, turning away,"Say your piece Cahill."
Emmet puffed on the cigar again and turned to the cell door,"You will tell her than anything between the two of you is done. That you don't love her. You never did, you only said it to keep her close. That you are sailing back to Ireland willingly."
"Does she know you're here?"
He shook his head,"Why would I let her know I came here? You must know that I can give her a life you can't, that one day she will come to care for me."
Ryan's hands clenched reflexively at his side,"She will never love you, you cannot buy a woman's love or extort it from her. You have no idea who she is or want she wants from life."
He pondered the words before speaking,"And you have what to offer her? A shack? A life of poverty?"
"It's more of a life than you could ever know. It would be a life of happiness and love and those are what your petty money cannot buy."
He looked through the bars at Ryan,"You will tell her exactly what I said, or you will simply never see Abigail again."
Ryan's anger seethed through him and before he knew it his hands had reached through the bars grabbing Emmet's shirt,"Mark my words Cahill, you lay a hand on her and it will be the last thing you ever do!"
"Guards!", he yelled causing Ryan to release him,"I'm done here." he straightened his shirt,"Think about it Kelly, do what's right and no harm will come to her." he turned on his heel walking briskly out of the jail.
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Torn
Apr 28, 2012 12:08:41 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 28, 2012 12:08:41 GMT -5
Abigail had to wait two full days before passage on a ship could be booked for Ryan and herself. Emmet had seen to Ryan's while Paul had made the arrangements for her. She had been accepting of Emmet's company when forced too; she listened and acknowledged his words in the right places, smiling or nodding, which ever the situation called for. She sat staring out the window of her room, the ring he had given her sat on the window seat next to her, she refused to put it on. She looked at the ring as though it was a snake waiting to strike. It was poisonous and waiting for her to make one false move.
"Ms. Abigail", Sarah said,"They have the carriage out front."
"Thank you Sarah," she stood up.
"Don't forget your ring", she picked it up off the seat.
She swallowed the bile that had risen in the back of her throat,"I won't have to wear it for long," she slipped it over her finger and felt the weight like a block of concrete waiting to pull her entire being down into the unfathomable depths,"Sarah, I want to thank you for everything over the years", she hugged her,"You are one of the most wonderful friends I ever could have had."
"Why are you saying this?", she looked at the young woman she had been assigned to from a young age.
"You never know what may happen when you walk out a door", she smiled as she left the room. She descended the stairs and stopped as she saw Emmet holding her cloak out for her.
"It's quite cold out", he said with a smile.
"Thank you", she took the cloak putting it on herself.
"You will come around Abigail", he said placing his hands on her shoulders,"You just need time."
She eyed his hand and slid away from him,"Please keep your hands to yourself Mr.Cahill."
"You forget who's ring you have on your finger," he quipped.
"You forget who has been forced to wear it", she said in return.
"I will not be talk to in such ways by my fiancee", he grabbed her roughly,"You are marrying me, you will belong to me. All these comments and remarks will not continue, I won't allow it."
"I am marrying you because I am being forced too", she countered trying to free her arms,"I will never love you!"
"Is everything okay?", Paul said as he entered the house.
"It's fine", Emmet replied letting her go,"Abigail, was just putting on her cloak.
"Go to the carriage Abbie", Paul said watching as she walked out the front door,"Touch her again like that cousin, and I will make sure your hands are broken."
"It's none of your business," he snarled brushing past him.
********************************************
Ryan paced the cell, he had been waiting for what seemed an eternity. He knew Abbie would be coming to see him, but what would he say? Would he do as Emmet said and risk breaking her heart or would he profess his undying love for her and never see her again? Either way he would lose and that knowledge broke his heart and ate away at him. He had never known a love like he had for Abbie, the sweet water colored eyes, hair as dark as a raven's wing. The fiery personality, the way she could make him laugh, how she trusted him with her secrets and her desires. But more it was that she had trusted him with her heart and with her love. She may be forced to marry Emmet, but he would not follow any orders. Abbie would know where his true heart and soul lay, it was with her and only her. He sighed trying to massage the throbbing behind his temples.
"Kelly, seems a lovely lady wants to see you", the guard unlocked the cell.
"Ryan!", Abbie said nearly knocking him to the ground.
"Abbie!", he breathed closing his eyes and stroking her hair,"You're safe."
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry", she sobbed.
"You have nothing to be sorry for", he kissed her cheek and spied Emmet at the corner of the cells.
"Listen to me", he whispered pulling her towards a corner.
"What?", she pulled back and looked at him.
"Whatever I say next", he felt the tears pool in his eyes,"Know it isn't true."
"What do you mean?"
"Just know that I love you," he whispered kissing her softly.
"Ryan?", she shook her head.
"I know you may think what we had was love, but we have to be honest with ourselves', he said loud enough for Emmet to hear,"This is done Abigail."
"Ryan, no", she said stumbling back from him,"Stop it!"
"This is the way it is," he continued,"I should have ended it before it went too far, it's my fault."
"I don't believe you", she choked out.
"You have too", he gazed at her pleadingly,"For both of us, you have too. I knew if I kept you close I could have a tie to your family, but it has gone too far."
Abbie realized what he was doing and gave him a tearful, yet hopeful smile,"How can you say that? How could you use my family, but more so me? I loved you!"
"I know you did and I'm sorry for that," he said crossing his arms to keep from reaching for her.
"Then this is goodbye", she felt the tears trickle down her cheeks as she stepped towards him,"I'll meet you at the ship', she whispered against his ear.
"This is goodbye", he nodded before pressing his lips to hers one last time.
Abbie stepped out of the cell and hugged her arms to herself,"Goodbye Ryan."
Emmet smiled to himself as he stepped back into the main guard area,"Are you okay?", he looked at her as she came around the corner.
"I have nothing to say to you", she held her head high refusing to let him see the tears.
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Torn
Apr 28, 2012 14:36:17 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 28, 2012 14:36:17 GMT -5
The shipyard was noisy and crowded on sailing days. Seawater mixed with the fresh fish and people milling about. Fisherman were selling their catch, farmers selling crops, merchants selling everything from jewelry to handmade clothes and specialty items. Emmet kept a firm hand on Abbie's arm as they waded through the sea of people with Paul and Melinda. He wanted to see Ryan get on the ship, sailing away from Boston, and out of their lives for good.
Ryan held his boarding pass in his hand, watching as the health inspectors checked all of the third class passengers. He scanned the crowd for any sign of Abbie, she had said she would meet him here. The thought of the two of them finally being rid of Emmet and sailing back to Ireland filled him with a warmth he had not had for some time. They would be married right away, he would work for the wealthy families in the village, tending to the horses while Abbie kept their home. He imagined the sound of giggling children surrounding him when he came home, kissing his wife and then playing with the children. He smiled to himself as the scene played out across his mind. He startled as the inspector asked him to look at his eyes and hair. After he passed he moved through to the boarding area and then he saw her, but grimaced as he saw Emmet.
Paul spotted Ryan and stopped Melinda,"I am going to occupy my cousin. Give the boarding documents to your sister."
"Be careful", she kissed his cheek folding the papers into her hand.
"Emmet, there are fine cigars over here!", Paul called from a vendor.
"In a moment", he replied looking for Ryan.
"Come here you cad!", he pulled him away",Let Melinda baby sit for a moment."
"Fine", he mumbled,"Don't let her out of your sight", he instructed.
"Very well", she nodded as Paul pulled him away,"Abbie, take the documents and go."
"Abigail", Ryan rushed over once Emmet had disappeared into the crowd.
"Oh Ryan!", she hugged him.
"No time love", he took the documents from Melinda", Come along", he pulled her over the rope barrier.
"Your trunk is on board", Melinda said,"Paul has two first class tickets there for you both", she hugged her sister and then Ryan,"Take care of her."
"You have my word", he kissed her cheek.
"I love you Mel", Abbie grabbed her sister in a fierce embrace,"Tell momma and papa that I'm sorry."
"I will Abbie, I promise", she held back her tears,"I love you!" she waved as the two turned back into the crowd.
Abbie held onto Ryan's hand as they made their way to the first class gangway,"We're going to make it", she turned kissing him. The world suddenly seemed to go quiet as a shot rang out and Ryan slumped against her.
"Abbie", he looked up at her as the burning pain spread through his chest.
"No, no, please!", she screamed,"Someone please! Help me!", she held into him as they sank to the ground,"Ryan, please don't do this to me", she sobbed holding him.
"It's okay", he rasped feeling the blood in his throat,"At least", he coughed,"I'm in your arms."
"Help us!", she screamed again.
"I'm a doctor", a man said breaking through the crowd.
"He's been shot", Abbie sobbed.
"We must get him on board if I have any chance of saving him", he gathered several other men to help him haul the wounded man onto the ship and into a state room.
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Torn
May 12, 2012 11:10:56 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on May 12, 2012 11:10:56 GMT -5
"Stay with me Ryan", Abbie pleaded as the doctor and the men lay him on a bed.
"Miss, you can't be in here", one of the men said gently.
"I can't leave him", she sobbed as the injured man groaned in pain.
"Abbie," Ryan breathed through gritted teeth,"I'll be fine."
"I can't." she shook her head,"You need me."
"You don't need to see me like this", he tried for a smile and it came across as a grimace,"be my brave girl."
She nodded and pressed her lips to his,"I love you."
"And I you", he answered as he closed his eyes giving in to the pain.
"Come now lass", said the same man with kind brown eyes.
Abbie allowed herself to be led from the room out into the hallway. She paced as she heard voices from the other side of the door. She attempted to wipe the blood from her hands on her dress and sobbed as she did.
"Abigail!", Melinda called rushing down the narrow hallway of the ship.
"Mel!", she ran into her sister's waiting arms,"He's dying Mel, I know it."
"It's okay dear one", she soothed.
"Emmet pulled the trigger", she said angrily as she saw Paul.
"He's already been arrested," he said putting a hand up,"You know I had nothing to do with any of this."
"I know you didn't", she tried to allow air into her lungs,"I'm sorry."
"Whether Ryan lives or dies, my cousin will be rotting in a work camp somewhere."
"He can't die", she covered her mouth to smother the sob that was escaping. She sank to the floor finally too exhausted to fight,"If I had just told him goodbye and let him go, none of this would have happened."
"Yes it would have", Paul knelt in front of her,"You don't know my cousin. He would have hired men to make sure Ryan never set foot back in Ireland. The doctor may be able to save him."
"Abigail", Melinda said softly,"We need to take you home, you need rest."
"Not until they tell me he's okay." the trio looked up as a man came out of the room, wiping blood from his hands.
"Are you the doctor?", Paul asked.
"I am", the man said with a frown,"Pete Wallace," he shook Paul's hand.
"Is he okay? The injured man?"
"He has lost a lot of blood, but I have made him ready to be moved to the hospital. It will be very precarious until he is in their care."
"I will have my carriage brought up," Paul nodded,"Melinda, bring Abigail."
"Come along Abbie", she coaxed her sister from the floor.
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Torn
May 12, 2012 11:44:23 GMT -5
Post by onyxfyrefly on May 12, 2012 11:44:23 GMT -5
At least Emmet finally was arrested! The cad!
You can't let Ryan die! He and Abbie need their happy ending!
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Torn
May 12, 2012 17:15:34 GMT -5
Post by laurenne on May 12, 2012 17:15:34 GMT -5
I agree with onyx. I'm glad Emmett was arrested. More soon, please.
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Torn
May 12, 2012 20:37:33 GMT -5
Post by celticbear on May 12, 2012 20:37:33 GMT -5
FINALLY THAT CAD EMMET GOT WHAT WAS COMING TO HIM! NOW HOPEFULLY ABBIE'S MOM WILL SEE THAT MONEY DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE ABOVE THE LAW! AND THAT LOVE IS ALL ABBIE WANTS! NOW FALL GIVE US THAT HAPPY ENDING!
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Torn
Jun 9, 2012 19:38:05 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 9, 2012 19:38:05 GMT -5
Abbie was exhausted, the bumpy carriage ride back home barely registered in her head until the door was opened and a hand offered to her. She descended from the carriage in a daze. Blood was dried and caked on her dress, under her nails. She scratched at the dried patches on her hands as she and Melinda climbed the stairs to the house.
"What has happened?", Madeline said as they entered the large foyer,"Abigail, my God! Have you been hurt?"
"Not me momma, Ryan", she looked at her,"The precious Emmet you all thought so highly of shot him."
"You cannot be serious!", Margaret answered wide eyed,"Paul's cousin?"
"Yes, Aunt Margaret", Abbie turned an icy stare on the woman,"Emmet shot the man that I love and I presume you care not."
"Abigail, come along", Melinda took her sister's arm and led her up the wide stair case,"Mother, please send Sarah along to help Abbie clean up."
"I'm so tired,"Abbie said with a sigh as Melinda began to unlace her dress.
"Sarah and I will get you clean and warm and then you may sleep," she said using a warm cloth to wipe the blood from her sister's hands.
"I have to see Ryan," she objected softly.
"Paul is seeing to his stay at the hospital. You need rest and so does he", she looked up as the door opened,"Sarah", she sighed with relief,"Can you please fetch Abbie's night dress and more clean cloths?"
"Yes ma'm", she nodded going to the armoir.
"They're going to send me back home aren't they?", Abbie said scrubbing at her own nails.
"Doubtful", Melinda answered,"Momma had a letter from Papa, it's getting worse now. He wants us to stay here until further notice. He and some of the other men are working on the future of the plantations. If anything they will see to it that Paul and I are married right away."
"And then you'll be gone", she felt the lump in her throat,"I'll be left in this God awful place."
"No you won't", she hugged her,"You can live with Paul and I until this is sorted out." The room fell silent as the women finished helping Abbie into her night dress and settling her into bed with tea and and an extra blanket. Sarah stoked the small fire that danced merrily in the hearth.
"You sleep now dearest", Melinda stroked her sister's cheek,"Tomorrow you will see Ryan."
"I love you Mel", she hugged her before settling back against the pillows. She closed her eyes and was asleep before she could form another thought.
**************************************************
Ryan awoke disoriented and his chest felt as if a hot coal had been placed inside of it. He took in a tentative breath and winced at the pain.
"Relax there mate", Paul said sitting up in the chair next to the bed,"Doc just got you closed up a bit ago."
"What?.......What happened?", he forced his eyes to focus on Paul,"Abigail?"
"You were shot", he began,"Abbie is fine, she's home resting."
"It was Emmet wasn't it?"
Paul nodded,"I'm so sorry, I had no idea he would go to these lengths. But he will be rotting for a long time."
"Thank you", he sighed closing his eyes,"Will Abbie be coming?"
"I'm sure she is being restrained by Melinda right now. I know she wanted to be here."
"No, she needs to be taken care of right now. I want to see her, but I'm sure things will be strange for her with her mother and her aunt."
"I don't know about all that there lad", he smiled resting his elbows on his knees,"Once they realize what my cousin has done, they will have a change of heart."
"I don't want to cause her anymore pain", he focused on Paul again,"if they want me to go away I will."
"You know that's not what Abbie will want. The two of you can talk once you are feeling a bit stronger."
"Tell her not to rush here, to take her time," he closed his eyes again.
"Rest now, lad", he squeezed his hand and made his way towards the exit.
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Post by celticbear on Jun 9, 2012 20:19:19 GMT -5
Glad Ryan is okay! I hope Paul is right about Abbie's mom and aunt! FALL! UPDATE SOON! PLEASE!
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Jun 9, 2012 22:32:11 GMT -5
Post by onyxfyrefly on Jun 9, 2012 22:32:11 GMT -5
Yay! An update! Fall, I miss you!
Hopefully Abbie's family will have a change of heart and Ryan will heal just fine.
I must admit this was hard to read today as we go into day 7 of our vigil...
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Torn
Jun 11, 2012 1:47:57 GMT -5
Post by laurenne on Jun 11, 2012 1:47:57 GMT -5
I am so glad Ryan is okay. More soon, please.
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Jun 11, 2012 9:43:19 GMT -5
Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 11, 2012 9:43:19 GMT -5
Ryan rested as much as possible between the pain and sweats from breaking fevers. His mind was a blur of dreams and nightmares from the events. One moment he had been walking onto the ship with Abbie, and the next he remembered the pain and falling against her. He recalled her terrified pleas and tears, her face had swam before his eyes. His own cheeks had been wet with tears and with a fear, the fear of dying and of leaving her alone. Alone to deal and face her family, but more so of what would become of her if Emmet should take her as a wife. He awoke in a pool of cold sweat.
"Easy now", Abbie said in a whisper as she mopped his brow.
"Abigail", he opened his eyes to focus on the sweet blue that looked back through thick lashes.
"Yes, it's me", she smiled stroking his cheek.
"How?....How are you here?"
"You have been out for a few days now. I came as soon as I could."
"But", he sighed in frustration,"Your family, Emmet."
She shook her head running her fingers through his hair,"Emmet has been locked up, Paul told you? And as for my family, let's just say that there has been a bit of an understanding reached."
"An understanding?", he gripped her hand tightly,"What does that mean?"
She took a deep breath,"The understanding that I will not adhere to their stuffy rules about money and class. That I am happy and in love with you and that I won't let that go."
"Abbie", he looked at her with a thin lipped smile,"We'll marry as soon as I am well enough."
"No rush", she smiled pressing her lips against his softly,"You have to be fully mended before anything else."
"We may not", he said placing a hand over his chest,"have much to start with, but I will do what ever I need to, to make a life for us. We'll build a house, any kind you want. We'll have a family as soon as you want, or if you want to wait."
"Ryan", she laughed,"You're getting worked up my love, all of it will come in time. For right now, we need to concentrate on you and helping you get well enough to come home."
"I love you Abigail", he placed a hand against her cheek.
"I love you too", she said as a tear escaped through her lashes.
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