DISTANCE - Author: Elle


'Daddy' Emily ran towards her father, who picked her up from the ground, embracing her tightly. 'Oh princess how I missed you' whispered in his little girls ear. 'Hey dad' Finn said, standing opposite his father. smiled and put his hand up to give his son a high five. 'Don't think I haven't missed you, kid' looked at him. Finn smiled and hugged his father. 'I've missed you too dad' he whispered. laughed on the inside. His son, always trying to be a man. 'So, did you protect the stronghold while I was away?' asked, when his son backed away from him. 'Yes, I did' Finn nodded proudly. watched her family be reunited from a distance. She realized, that everytime came home from a tour, her family had become stronger. Off course, while was away, they were happy. was crazy about his two children and whenever he was home, the house was much noisier, when he wasn't there it was too quiet. With or without him present, loved it. She loved for all he had given her; a man to love, children to take care and be proud of, happiness, the material things were just an addition to all of that. 'Hello sweetheart' smiled broadly, leaning in to give her a kiss. 'Hi' she shyly smiled. It was her usual reaction. It's something that had been there from the start. The tingling feeling inside her cartwheel performing stomach, when gave her a 'hello' kiss. 'How’s it all been?' asked, intertwining his hand with hers, his daughter on his other side, Finn walking in front of them, having the earplugs of his mp3 player headphone in his ear, bopping his head to the beat of the rock band he adored. 'Mm, it's all been fine. Emily is doing well and Finn's grades in school have gone up the ladder. So everything's just dandy' smiled, squeezing his hand ever so slightly. 'And the company?' asked. 'We're doing fine. I need to talk to you about that, by the way' said, the look in her eyes suddenly changing to worry. 'What is it, darling?' asked. 'It's something we need to discuss at home' smiled softly. nodded.

The ride home was filled with Emily telling lots of stories to her father, smiled as her daughter amused her father in the backseat. She looked at Finn, who wasn't too happy with his little sister's voice being louder then his favourite music. was happy she had made up the rule that each time they were driving somewhere, whether the ride was short or long, one of her children's favourite music could be played on the car's music system. That way and she wouldn't have to deal with speaking to Finn while he didn't hear them, cause of earplugs in his ear. 'Can't we have a limo, at least we would be able to hear the music, without Em's voice carry over it' Finn sighed. 'Finn, you know it's the excitement of her father being home that makes her voice carry over everything. If it were your father's cd, you'd still be hearing her' laughed. Finn smiled, off course his little sister was an annoying midget to him, but he was still proud to be her big brother and that was a role he'd certainly take upon him in the future, when the boys would come round for her.

enjoyed everything around him, the sites that passed him, everytime they drove from the airport the outside surroundings were new to him. Even if he'd only been away for a day or two. He looked around the car, his daughter next to him, telling him stories about play time at kindergarten, he looked at , behind the wheel, watching the road carefully, he smiled, then he darted his eyes to his son, his mirror image, even if he could only see the back of the cap and a bit of sandy hair. Then he looked back to his wife, catching her eye in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were magically . Her eyes which had enchanted him, almost twenty years ago, during a masquerade party on Valentines day. So much had happened since then. He was a member in one of the most successful bands in the world for fifteen years. His fellow bandmembers were still four of his best friends and he realized that life couldn't be better.

'Go, set up the table for dinner' ordered her children. 'Come Em, mum and dad need to talk, without us here' Finn paraded his sister into the dining room area. 'He's getting too smart' sighed, turning to face . 'Well, how could he not with a mum like you? And his father's looks' smiled and wrapped his arms around her. 'Now, I want a proper welcoming' he smiled cheekily and leaned in for a passionate kiss. smiled as they broke apart 'your son was right, we do need to talk' she guided him to the lounge. 'What is it , you have the same worried look as you had at the airport' said, sitting down.

took a fancy looking envelope from the side table. 'I know, it is something that’s worrying me' nodded. 'What is it sweetie?' asked. 'I don't know, . Let me first tell you what it's about' said while she started playing with the envelope in her hands. nodded. 'This letter arrived two days ago at work. It was directly addressed to me' had firmed her grip on the envelope. Somehow everytime she held it, she couldn't let it go, like it held some power over her. 'The owner of the house, has heard of our office and wants me to come and appraise the house' she smiled softly. 'Can I read the letter?' asked, stretching his hand out to it. 'Yes, off course' nodded. She gave it to him. 'It's real parchment' gasped, as his fingers slipped past it, turning it round, he noticed it had been sealed with a familychrest in tallow. He took out the letter. 'It says you need to travel there next week.' said, looking up at her. 'I know' said, looking quite anxious. 'February 14th' said, reading the last paragraph 'That's Valentine's day' he said looking up at her. 'Yeah I know' nodded. 'Our twentieth' she smiled. reflected her smile. 'So, I was thinking. We should go there together, maybe we can spend the night there. I've taken it up with . She had something planned for and herself, but seeing as Finn is old enough to babysit, she doesn't mind them staying over. shrugged her shoulders. 'And we'll be together on Valentine's day' smiled. 'Well that's just one of the perks' giggled. 'Sounds good to me' nodded. 'We're finished with the table' Finn came in, as his parents pulled apart from the hug. 'OK, hun.' nodded. 'I'll get started on dinner then' she smiled and kissed .

'Emily, Finn, listen up. Your father and I are going to spend February 14th in the house of a client of mine. You'll be staying at and that night. 'Yay' Emily cheered. 'Cool' Finn shrugged his shoulders. 'Wow, I thought that'd be harder' smirked. 'No mum, it's cool' Finn smiled. 'I'm a grown girl, mummy and daddy, I won't cry, I promise' Emily smiled bravely. 'We know princess, and even if you do cry we know you’re a big girl' smiled. They finished dinner, talking about everything had done while he was on their European promotional tour.

Six days later, and brought their children to their friends’ house. 'All right, take care you two. And thanks for lending us the help' winked as they said goodbye to their kids and went off home. 'Be good to and . And Finn, you've got two little sisters now' said as she placed a kiss on her son's cheek. 'Fiana is not my sister.' Finn frowned. 'I know, but pretend she is' gave his son a pat on the back. 'Right' Finn sighed and went inside the Feehily house. 'They’re in good hands' smiled as Emily followed her brother inside. 'We know' and smiled. 'All right, take care you two' gave her friends a big hug. 'Take care mate.' gave a brotherly hug and a peck on the cheek. 'We will’ both of them nodded. Arriving home, they packed some last things, ate dinner, cleaned up and after that went to bed, while listened to 's peaceful slumber breathing, she herself couldn't catch the ride to dreamland. She was uneasy, she felt some sort of danger. Deep inside of her a feeling, that strongly recommended not to go, stirred inside of her. 'Don't be stupid. It's a major client' she told herself, then closed her eyes.

Soon had fallen asleep, but it wasn't a peaceful one, flashes of a man and a woman secretly meeting, the man's dead body hanging from a balcony. shut up straight. Cold sweat covered her body. '?' 's weary head appeared next to hers. 'I had a nightmare..' looked at him. The eyes of his wife, filled with fear, woke up. 'Oh sweetheart' took her in his arms. 'It felt so real' flung her arms around him. 'You’re here baby. You're with me, we're still home' wiped the sweat from her face and gently caressed her hair. Lying back onto the pillow, pulled close to him. ' baby, if you don't want to go, we won't go. We'll pick up the kids and let Ben handle it'. said, tightening his grip. 'No, I think we should go. I must go.' said, firmly. 'You'll be with me, . This was just a nightmare' she shrugged it off, snuggling even closer to her husband. After having shared a kiss, they fell asleep in each others arms.

'Have we got everything we need?' asked. 'Your suitcase, my suitcase. Our backpacks. A full tank, my beautiful wife, your gorgeous husband, yeah we've got everything’ nodded. laughed. 'Let's go then, o gorgeous husband of mine'. 'Thank you for so sarcastically agreeing with that' smiled as they stepped in. An hour and a half later, got off the highway, to turn onto a motorway. The blue sky that had been there at the start of their journey slowly became grey. 'We're almost there now' said, as she looked at the route, which had been sent with the letter, informing her of her inheritance. Thick grey clouds had gathered above. As drove into a small town, raindrops started to come down. 'We just have to pass through here.' said, peering outside, as she shifted her gaze from the map. The small town was more of a ghost town. There were no people on the streets. 'You think anybody lives here?' asked, not paying attention to the road. '!!' shrieked. looked forward and hit the break. The car came to a halt, just a small inch away from the person that stood in the middle of the street. 'Are you insane?' shouted as he jumped out of the car. 'Sir, sir, are you all right?' came out of the car too. 'What were you thinking? I mean I could've killed you. Are you listening?' was still raging at the man, but he had turned to . 'You can't be here, they have told you to stay away' he said, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and anger'. 'I've never been here' she shook her head. 'You can't be here. You won't find him. He's dead you know. He killed himself soon after you left' the man spoke angrily. 'Sir, you must mistake me for someone else.' frowned. 'I know what you've come to do. You've come to take them to hell' the old man said, turning his head back forwards. 'C'mon . Thank you sir, be careful not to stop in front of cars’ signed his wife to get in the car and then stepped in himself. 'Fool' murmured, as he drove round the old man, watched the rear-view mirror. The old man, turned around and for a moment became frightened. As she looked into the mirror again, the man had vanished. She looked round, but he wasn't seen turning a corner, the old man was gone.

'I'm losing it' she murmured, turning back again, shaking her head. 'What, what are you losing?' asked, keeping his eyes on the road now, to make sure, there wasn't another person, he'd almost run over. 'You've seen that man, right? He was there, wasn't he?' asked. 'He was honey. I saw him, don't know if he saw me though. He was rather fixed on you' said. 'I know. How can I be told to stay away from a place I never knew existed?' she asked. 'I don't know either . But we'll find out when we get up there' said determinedly. nodded. Fifteen minutes later, pulled up to a big fence. 'Wow' they both gaped. The house was enormous, it rather looked like a landmark then a mansion that was used as a home. 'Pinch me, I'm dreaming aren't I?' asked. 'No, . The mansion's there' said. Suddenly the fence opened. looked at the stone pillar, but didn't see a security system or a bell. 'Weird' he smirked, but started the engine and drove up the long gravel path.

stepped out of the car and looked up at the house. She turned to who had also come out of the car. 'Well I don't think someone lives here anymore. The windows were so dirty, you couldn't look in, let alone look out. The front lawn grass looked dead. Something about this place gave him the jitters. was a man that followed his heart and his gut and right now his gut was telling him strongly, to step back in the car with his wife and return home. 'Think of what we could do with it. Have it restored, I could start up a hotel in here. You know I've always wanted that.' smiled. 'You think?' asked. 'What's wrong with you?' spat at him. She knew could be stubborn, but this was him being downright negative. looked at her in surprise. 'I'm sorry. That came out wrong.' walked over to him and kissed him shortly on the lips. 'It's the house . I don't like it' shrugged. smiled softly. 'Maybe that's just the appearance. I mean I'd freak out if I were to buy a house that looks like this. But that's why I'm saying we should restore it. This could be a fabulous hotel' smiled.

From out of nowhere the front door opened. A skinny old man, dressed in an ancient butler suit stood in the doorway 'Miss ' his deep dark voice said. 'Mrs ' corrected him. The man looked at him and felt an icy chill go down his spine. Hadn't he felt bad about this house before, certainly felt something being wrong with it now. Whatever was going to happen, he wasn't going to let out of his sight. 'Follow me’ the butler said and turned round. looked at her husband and shrugged his shoulders, hand in hand they followed the man inside. With a loud dark bang the door shut behind them. 'Must be mechanical or something' shrugged, when his wife looked at him. She nodded and they continued following the butler. 'So, how long have you been working here?' asked. 'I've been here for quite some time, miss.' the butler answered. He spoke slowly and his answer held some sort of mystery. 'And what's your name?' asked. 'My name is Chekers, miss' the butler spoke. 'It's Mrs. I'm here with my husband.' said, squeezing 's hand. 'Whatever you say' Chekers murmured with an evil look in his eyes, that the s didn't see. 'I shall tell the master you’re here’ Chekers said as they reached two large dark wooden doors. and nodded. The butler went inside.

'She's here Leonard' Chekers smiled evilly at his master. 'Is she, is it her?' Leonard looked up at him. 'Yes, she seems to have forgotten who she is. She's come with some nitwit she calls her husband. I am sure Lord, that you can easily remind her who you are and who she is' Chekers said, his look dark and angry. 'Let them in. Let me see, who has befouled the mind of my love' Leonard, got up and straightened his coat. Chekers grinned and turned. 'The master shall see you now' he said, as he returned into the hall. and looked at eachother, then smiled at the butler and followed him into the chamber. 'Wow, gasped when she entered the room, was equally impressed. 'Mr and Mrs ’ Leonard opened his arms, as to welcome them. 'Hello' smiled. 'Hi' nodded shortly. Leonard strided towards , took her hand and lifted, to give it a kiss. raised an eyebrow. 'Let me introduce myself. I'm Leonard McNair.' Leonard smiled and held out a hand for to shake. 'Mr McNair. The house, from what I've seen until now. I can hardly believe you want to get rid of it' smiled friendly. 'Yes, this house is close to my heart, but it's time for me to leave it. Too many memories, too much sorrow. There's a desperate need inside of me, I need to move on and leave this house be and it's past' Leonard's eyes filled with hurt. 'Well, I'll do my best. But I can already tell, I'll make you an offer you can't refuse' said. 'I'm sure you will not disappoint me Mrs. . Now I'll let Chekers show you your room. And I'll see you again at dinner time. Mrs , can I have a private moment with you, later? To discuss business off course' Leonard smiled politely. 'Yes, Mr McNair, off course' nodded. 'I shall send Chekers to collect you' Leonard took her hand again and gave it another kiss. 'We'll see him coming then. Come grasped her hand. 'Chekers see to it that mr and mrs get to their room' Leonard looked at Chekers who bowed to him and lead and out of the room. When the door closed behind the s. 'You'll soon be with me again my love' Leonard said, vanishing.

'I don't like this . I don't like this one bit' said, as Chekers had left the room they had been given. '. He's just being friendly and polite so I will buy the house' shrugged. 'I think he's too friendly. Towards you anyway' said, plumping on the bed. 'All right, I admit, he's putting in his charm' said, pluming down next to her husband. 'But it's pure business . Nothing other then that’ she lay her hand on his cheek and turned his face to meet hers. 'I love you . Nothing can change that. I'm your wife, the mother of your children. You gave me everything I've ever wanted. You have made me the happiest woman on the planet.' smiled and kissed him. pulled her closer. 'I love you, . I'll never let you be taken away from me' whispered.
's hands roamed over her body, letting his hands disappear under her top, pushing it upwards to take it off. gasped as his warm moist kisses trailed over her neck. One hand trailed past the skin of her upper body, making her arc against his. loosened her bra and took it off. moaned as he kissed his way down via her breasts. He opened her jeans, pulling them off. For a moment he did nothing, just admired her beautiful naked body. He crashed his lips onto hers, letting her undo his shirt and his jeans. When he was completely naked he let his hand meet with 's core. Making her moan loud and wriggle at the top of her high. She did the exact same for him. 'Make love to me' whispered against his lips. She bit her lip as entered her. His thrusts were slow at first, then he picked up a pace. Her nails dug into his flesh as they reached another high at the same time, making call out for her. But with him, another roar was heard through the house. A roar of hatered, so loud that the entire house shook on its foundations. 'I love you' breathed heavily. 'I love you' kissed her passionately.

Just as they were both dressed, a knock on the door came. 'Come in' sighed. 'Mr McNair, would like to see you now Mrs. ' Chekers came in. 'OK' she nodded. helped do up the last button of his shirt and kissed him. 'See you soon' she smiled. watched his wife go with resentment. As the door closed, he let himself fall back to the bed and closed his eyes. He didn't like the way this was going. He didn't like the thought of Mr McNair being alone with his wife. He trusted , he didn't trust the gentleman. Suddenly something made him open his eyes. In front of him floated a blueish light. It danced around from him towards the door, back and forth. 'I'm insane' whispered, but got up. The blueish light began to dance wilder, it opened the door to the room. pinched his arm which hurt. 'All right, I'm not dreaming. I'm letting myself be lead by a blueish light. What is it that this place does to you? See, I'm talking to myself out loud' he sighed, following the blueish light out of the bedroom.

Ah, Mrs. ' Leonard said as Chekers brought her into a new room. It was a different one then the one she was brought to when she arrived. It was the library. realized it when she saw all the books. 'Mr McNair' smiled friendly. 'Leonard, please, call me Leonard' he smiled. 'Leonard' nodded, giving him a friendly grimace. 'So, what do you think of this house?' Leonard asked. 'It's amazing. Like I have said before, I think I'll advise my company to make you an offer you can't refuse. But one thing Mr Mc.. Leonard.. Earlier when you told me your reason for selling the house. And I know..it's none of my business..but back there.. your eyes.' knew she had hit a raw nerve when Leonard turned round. 'Leandra..'

turned the corner, still lead by the light and found himself staring into a dark hallway. The blueish light went towards the door directly opposite him. From the small cracks. could see a dim light shone behind it. He walked towards it, his footsteps carrying him faster and faster, till he was in front of the door. He heard voices, felt his heart race. He just knew, that behind this door, there was something. Something that would tell him why this place wasn't normal. He felt his hand shake as he reached for the doorknob. Turning the knob, he pushed open the door. 'Oh my god' he gasped, as he saw what was inside of the room.

looked at Leonard who had just called her by a different name in a sort of desperate anger. 'Why don't you remember, Leandra.' he looked at her. 'Leandra?' asked, she didn't understand. 'It's me Leandra. The man you love.' Leonard grabbed her by the shoulders. 'I'm . I'm not Leandra. Let go of me' she tried to release herself from his grip. 'Why have you returned on the side of another man? Why is that? Do you wish to torment me? Why Leandra?' Leonard’s hands went to her neck. got frightened. 'Leonard. Please, I am not Leandra. I'm not the woman you've loved' she said, her voice shaking with tears. 'Yes she is, master. This is Leandra.' Chekers had come back in, his voice dark and controlling. Leonard looked at his butler. 'Leonard I am not. Whatever he's telling you. I'm not your wife' whispered. 'Sir, would you mind Mrs and I have a few words in private' Chekers asked. 'No, no off course not' Leonard shook his head, let go and vanished into thin air. turned round to face Chekers. 'You will not ruin this for me, do you understand.' Chekers eyes had gone dark. 'But how Chekers, how can you tell him I'm someone I'm not.' cried in desperation. Chekers snapped his fingers and a painting appeared in the middle of the room. walked closer to it, her eyes went wide.

Upstairs thought he was going mad. In front of him were two ghosts who were looking at him in fear. The room was full of paintings of his wife. 'It's her husband' the female ghost pinched the male ghost. 'I know that' he sighed in a nagging tone. 'Tell him. Tell him Harold' the female ghost said. 'Who are you' asked. 'We're Harold and Helen Hastings. We were servants here when we were alive.' the male ghost introduced himself and his wife. 'We are still servants. Chekers doesn't let us go. After his daughter left and the master killed himself. He went insane. This is all his doing. The only thing he painted was his daughter. He has never told her that Leonard ended his life after she left. He simply couldn't master the strength. He always told her he would come to get her, but he never did. Chekers kept all her letters to him. Chekers was the first to find that Leonard’s ghost was still here. Unfinished business you see. For years Chekers has followed his family line. For years he's told Leonard Leandra would come back to him. And she did. Your wife, Mr. is the exact image of Leandra. That's why Chekers has let you come here. He has Leonard believe that your wife is his long lost love Leandra. His plans are to marry them and to kill her.' Helen told him. couldn't believe what he was hearing. 'I must tell Leonard. He must know' said. 'There is a way' Harold smiled. Aside a trunk sprang open. He walked towards it and knelt down as he saw envelope’s of yellowed parchment. He picked up a pile and as he searched through it, all of them were addressed to Leonard. 'These are the letters Leandra has sent Leonard. You must show them to Leonard.' Helen urged . 'And there's another thing’ Harold turned towards the blueish light. 'Show yourself' he asked it. 's mouth fell open..

'Leandra was my daughter. Leonard was the son of a wealthy man. Their love was forbidden as she was my daughter. The daughter of a servant, the daughter of a commoner. Leonard was to marry Milady Davon. He loved my daughter as my daughter loved him. It was today. Valentine's day 200 years ago, that Leonard's father would announce the engagement between Leonard and Milady Davon. Leonard and Leandra had made plans to disappear. You see, Leandra was with a child. I had informed my masters that Leandra had been with one of our servants and that she was to leave the house as the baby was born. That way I could secure the baby's life. Before the announcement Leonard and Leandra met in secret, unfortunately, they were overheard, by Leonard's mother. As Leonard's father announced the engagement, my daughter went into labour. She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Leonard's mother however wasn't at her son’s announcement, she came down to us. She offered heaps of money for my daughters leave, then she wouldn't fire me and my wife. My daughter agreed and disappeared. Leonard’s mother had her write a letter in which she stated she didn't love Leonard and that she never wished to see him again. He hanged himself the same night.' Chekers explained. His face was close to her own. 'My dream' whispered, tears running passed her cheek. 'You can give us rest, . Marry Leonard' Chekers said, his eyes cold. 'But I can't. I'm already married' gasped. 'If you will not marry Leonard. I shall have him kill your husband. Leonard is a ghost, . There's nothing your husband could do to protect himself. A dead man can't be killed again' Chekers face had an evil grin, walking away from her. 'All right, I will' agreed. 'Good' Chekers disappeared.

'He's coming' Helen shrieked and disappeared. 'I need you to tell him.' she said. 'Why can't you?' asked. 'My energy. I have no unfinished business. I lived my life. I said my goodbye's when my time came.' Leandra's ghost whispered, going on and off like a badly tuning radio.,. 'The more unfinished business, the more energy you have to stay on this side.' Harold explained. 'Leonard is my last unfinished business.' Leandra spoke again, turning back into the light. 'It saves energy, being just a light. It's the appearance that takes us ghosts the most energy.' Harold explained. 'She's going through with it. He's gotten her to say yes to the wedding. He's threatened to kill you Mr. . That's why she agreed.' Helen suddenly popped back into the room. 'WHAT' shouted. 'Chekers, he's threatened to kill her and put the master on killing you. He has me helping her into her weddingdress. I better get back, before he comes to get her' and Helen left again. 'I've got to save her' said, looking desperate..

felt nausea fill her body while she put on the weddingdress. 'Don't worry mrs. It'll all work out' Helen said, as she popped back into the room. 'How can it? I'm being forced to marry a ghost, or he will kill my husband. The man I love. The man I've always loved. The only man that I will ever love.' pushed another tear away from running past her cheek. 'The man that'll come to save you, don't worry.' Helen whispered close to her ear. gasped and looked at the ghostly female in front of her. 'He'll be there in time, mrs. Don't worry' Helen smiled. 'Is the lady ready?' Chekers suddenly appeared. looked at him, with new found strength. 'Yes, I'm ready' she nodded. 'Right, well then. Let me bring my daughter to her beloved' Chekers smiled evilly as he put up his arm, like a real father would bring his daughter to the man that she was to marry. took the arm. Silently praying that what Helen had said, was true. That she was to be rescued by before she could say I do. As they walked the halls, could hear an outrageous thunderstorm going on. The Wedding March was being played on the urgeon that had seen in the great hall, which they had passed on their way to meet Mr. McNair. Leonard, her soon to be husband, if would be too late. 'There he is, look happy' Chekers spoke to her.
As forced a smile on her face, Leonard smiled back at her. A blueish lighted, but black cloaked figure stood next to Leonard, holding a bible. 'A priest' gasped. 'Off course, this is a wedding after all' Chekers murmured under his breath. 'It's your salvation.' said, gritting through her teeth. 'And yours' Chekers grabbed her by the waist, with such strength, thought he was going to break her arm. She bit on her lip, to stop the tears from falling. 'Please God. Please let him find me' she prayed in silence. Taking the steps towards a man, who believed she was his long lost love.

followed the blueish light through the hallways, but there seemed to be too many of them. 'Where are you taking me. We might be too late' yelled as he ran. 'Don't worry, we'll have you there in time. This is the short cut' Harold said, floating next to him. 'I'm still human remember' yelled. 'Yes, we remember' Harold nodded. 'Dearly gathered. We have come her today to witness the union between Leonard Montgomery Allan McNair and Leandra Caroline Chekers. felt a sharp pain in her chest as she heard the name of Leonard's true love being uttered as it was her own. Looking up at Leonard, she tried hard to think back to that day. That beautiful spring day. Nature had just gone into bloom. The temperature was right. The sun was shining and their beautiful son, just three years old was their ringboy. with all her might, pictured standing in front of her. Looking at her with his sparkling proud eyes. Right here, right now, it was their weddingvows being read to them. was looking in her eyes, not speaking, but with his eyes, telling her how much he loved her at that moment, how proud he was to stand there before his family, before his friends, before God. How honoured he was to repeat 'do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to honour and to protect, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health till death do you part'. 'I OBJECT' ’s voice carried over the empty hall. 'NO' Chekers eyes shot fire. 'She's mine, fool. She belongs to me' Leonard pulled his sword.

'She's not. Leonard. Your butler makes you believe she is. I can tell you that woman in that dress is my wife. -. Born in . Mother of Finn and Emily . And my love, my heart, my every reason for living. If you kill me, you must kill her too, cause without eachother, we won't be whole' breathed heavily. '. I love you' started to run towards him, but Chekers stabbed her in the back with a knife. 'NOOOO' both and Leonard shouted. leapt forward and could catch her, before hit the ground. 'FATHER' another voice was heard in the echoing hall. Chekers looked up, his eyes wide. Leonard looked to where the voice had come from. 'Leandra' he gasped. 'Yes, Leonard it's me. I've come for you.' Leandra strided towards Leonard. 'But you, you are dead. You've passed into the other world' Chekers said, tears filling his eyes. 'No father. I have not. I couldn't find Leonard there. I came back. I know the entire story father. How you kept silent about Leonard’s death. How you killed off your entire staff and imprisoned them in this realm. How you tried to convince Leonard that I was alive and coming for him.' Leandra looked at her father. 'But that can't be. You never showed yourself' Chekers gasped. 'I'm too weak father. I have no unfinished business here on earth.' Leandra sighed. 'Yes you had or you would not be here' her father spat angrily. 'I'm here to save both your souls from going to hell father. Look at what you've done. I'm here to save you. I'm here to come to take you with me. It's time to leave our past be and to go to rest.' Leandra let go off Leonard and walked to her father. 'I did it all for the two of you. If you had only shown yourself' Chekers fell to his knees, clinging to his daughter. 'If you had only seen father, if you had only opened your eyes. But it's not in my hands to forgive.' Leandra looked at , crying over his dying wife. Chekers crawled towards them, away from his daughter.

'Don't you touch her. You have done enough' shouted. 'Forgive me. Please, forgive me' Chekers cried, taking 's hand. 'No, if she dies, it will be on your hand. I love her. This is my life and you've taken it from me. Like you've done with everything else. You sent your daughter away, you've murmered everyone that you loved and who loved you. I will not forgive you' raged. 'I will. Stop being so outraged .' said, opening her eyes. 'You know, you might wanna use a weapon that cuts through silver or iron next time' she said sitting up. 'Forgive me, please.' Chekers begged, his eyes on the ground. 'After all you've put me and my husband through. Deceiving us, deceiving the ones that love you. Trying to blackmail me into a marriage. Steal me away from my life, my children. I should be like my husband and not forgive you. But seeing as you are only just a man acting out of love. I forgive you. I release you from your curse. May heaven take you. Go and rest now, grandpa’ lay a hand on Chekers shoulder. A ray of light suddenly appeared over Chekers. and had to look away. All they heard was 'thank you' and when they looked again. Chekers had gone.

'I can't believe you' said, pulling her close. 'It's in a woman's nature to forgive.' answered. 'I love you' smiled, tears rolling from his eyes. 'I love you. More then life itself' whispered and kissed him. helped her get up and held her tightly. 'Thank you’ they were woken together from their moment in time. and looked at the enlightened couple in front of them. 'Thank you for ending my fathers work' Leandra smiled. 'I can finally be at rest, together with my love. Mr. , I hope you can one day find it in your heart to forgive me' Leonard looked at . 'You did it for love' smiled. 'Yes, I did' Leonard looked at his beloved next to him 'And I have her now' he smiled. 'Rest in piece' smiled. 'Never, never let eachother go' Leonard sent a last advice to them as another ray of bright light appeared. 'Goodbye and thank you' Leandra smiled, tightened her grip on Leonard's hand and they turned to blueish lights, vanishing from earth, to their final resting place. 'I don't know about you, but this has been the freakiest Valentine ever' sighed. 'For sure.' nodded. 'And please, let's get out of here' asked. 'Please yes' nodded. changed back in her own clothes, they were lucky not to have brought their suitcases into the house yet, so they could leave directly. They never looked back.

** One Year Later**

'It's a boy’ the doctor smiled. Giving the baby to one of the nurses. 'Push Mrs , push’ another nurse kept saying. 'Aaaaarghh' bellowed through the delivery room. 'Here's the head. You’re doing good Mrs . Just one more push.' Another earthshattering yell came from 's lips. 'It's a girl’ the doctor smiled. An hour later, Emily and Finn were let into their mothers’ room. 'Say hello, to your new brother and sister' smiled at her children. 'Hi there' Finn looked proudly. 'Hello' Emily smiled. 'Do they have names?' Finn asked. 'Yes, Leonard and Leandra.' smiled, looking at . 'They were named after your great great great great grandfather and mother. Who loved eachother very much.' explained. 'As I do you my love' he looked at . 'I love you' smiled and they kissed.


THE END



it would be much appreciated by the author if you would leave your comment, so that she knows if you liked her story.
feedback can help to grow as an author.