Chapter XXIII

Be aware of switching POV's.

Nico’s POV

Goodbye. My heart says. Goodbye my love.

I slump with hands buried in my face on the edge of the bed. My fingers scrunch at my hair as I stare stonily at the floor.

“You knew this, didn’t you Lucien?” I state more than question.

He nods slowly.

“Why did you kiss her?” Once again, a statement more than a question.

He doesn’t deny my presumption and says what I just figured a few seconds before. But, I wanted to hear it from someone else.

“I knew she couldn’t return my feelings. I knew this from the first time I started loving her,” his voice cracked at this before continuing, “And yet, I wanted a memory of us. I think, she realized this when she gave in and kissed me as well.” His trailed at the end.

I lifted my hands from my head and hung them across my knees.

“Is that why you were like that when I came in?”

He nods, understanding I was referring to why they were just laying silently like that.

I sit, and he stands, in silence.

After a few moments he speaks up.

“An unrequited love...” 

He pauses to look up at me before continuing sorrowfully, “How hopeless we are, Nico.”

Andy’s POV

I smile as I watch her face brighten up at the sight of the store up close.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, Andy!” she enamors.

I chuckle. “The store, huh?”

She bobs her head excitedly and bounces in through the doors I hold open for her. She lets out a small gasp as she takes in the expanse of the magnificent shop. There are two floors, each filled artistically to the brim with latest fashions and stunning attire.

I search the shop with my eyes for a familiar victorian wearing, dark-haired owner.

“Leon?” I call out questioningly.

“Right here,” says a voice behind me.

I spin around to see the very man come strolling into the store.

“A little late, aren’t we?” I tease with a sidelong grin.

He laughs lightly and walks to the front of us in his usual position to greet customers.

“I was held back a little by your brother as well as mine.”

I furrow my eyes, but he waves it off and faces Elisa.

“And how may I assist you today, young lady?”

He holds out a hand like an English gentleman and she blushes before placing her hand in his. He bows and leads her away after she responds, “A dress for the dance, thank you.”

I follow and watch him pick out a few garments. I then decide to rummage for some as well. Passing by the neatly arranged racks, I sift out the ones that catches my eye. Returning with an armload of dresses I make way back over to Elisa.

“Perfect timing Andy, she’s just about to try some on,” says Leon once I’m close.

We direct ourselves to the dressing rooms and await Elisa’s appearance after handing her the various gowns we’ve collected.

“Chose the ones you like best, Elisabeth,” Leon says after seating himself upon a leather, backless couch.

“Okay! Here’s the first one!” she calls out before stepping out.

It’s a simple yet elegantly designed spaghetti strap, sky blue dress cinched at the waist.

“Hmm,” I observe, “it goes well with your eyes, but I think we could do better.”

She nods and disappears behind the curtain.

The next is a dark red and indigo colored gown with a laced hem and neckline and see-through swaths of fabric as sleeves. It was a striking dress and undulated across the floor.

“It’s an exquisite dress no doubt, but I believe something like that would suit your sister more,” comments Leon.

“You know my sister?” says Elisa wide-eyed.

“More like just met,” he clarifies with a smile, “Next one now.”

I was worried at the mention of her sister, but she seemed to take it well.

She came out next clad in light rose and dark magenta accents intertwined with white. It cascaded to the floor in delicate billowing enfolds and faintly shimmered when she shifted position.

“Do you like it?” she asks meekly, making us realize we were gawking at her.

“Forget about the other dresses, this one is it,” says Leon getting up from his seat.

I simply nod dumbly in response as she turns to see what I think. With a bright smile she vanishes behind the curtain again to change for the last time. Once she steps out we put all the dresses back on their racks and leave the store with the chosen dress.

“Thanks Leon!” We both yell back and wave.

He nods and gestures the like before withdrawing into his shop.

I accompany her on her walk home as it’s not far from Leon’s.

After a few moments in silence, Elisa speaks.

“I’m going to talk to Esteire,” she says resolutely, “Even if we’re not sisters by blood, that doesn’t mean we can’t be as close as ones.”

My eyes lower slightly, touched by her understanding. It was time they made up, especially if she was leaving soon. Though I wondered... 

Perhaps she might not after all.