Erik and I spent the next month at each other's sides. We almost never left each other alone. Dedrick came several more times, trying to convince me that he was better for me than “the freak.” I told him in no uncertain terms exactly what to do. He never came back. I was glad to see the last of him. He annoyed me to no end. One day Erik and I were sitting in the middle of February in the library. I was reading again and Erik was thinking. He had been doing a lot of thinking lately and very little talking. As concerned as I was for him I didn't question his mood. I knew he would tell me if something was wrong. I had asked him if he was alright to which he replied that he was fine. He just had somethings to think about. He had also gone into town frequently and with nothing to show for it. On top of that he and Uncle had had some long conversations where I was not present. The only reason I knew they were happening was because Aunt told me that Erik was with Uncle. Now we were sitting together but not a word had been said for nearly an hour. I had had it with the silence.

“Erik, something is up. What has been happening behind my back?” Erik looked surprised at the outburst.

“What do you mean?”
“Don't act innocent. I know something has been happening. Long talks with my uncle, strange trips into town, long periods of time where we don't talk and you act like you are in deep thought.”

“I wasn't acting. I was in deep thought.” Erik smiled at me. He was wearing his mask. I hated it and reached up and removed it. That way he couldn't hide behind it. Erik shot a dagger-filled look at me. Uncle and Aunt had finally seen him without the mask and though they were a little nervous, they soon accepted it. They didn't like it as much as I did but they were willing to bear with it.

“Erik, I want that mask to stay off for now. When the mask is off I can read your expression better.” He scowled and reached for it. I pulled it away and our little squabbled ended with him being on top of me. And if I knew him he wasn't about to let this fine opportunity go to waste. I was right. He kissed me soundly enough that I knew my mouth would a little sore for the next few hours. I loved every minute of it though. He had grown bolder over the past month and I definitely liked that. He now without hesitation would put his tongue in my mouth. All I had to do was open my mouth. He finally pulled away but I still wouldn't give him his mask. He sat back upright and smiled at me. I like his smile a lot.

“Erik, would you tell me what you are thinking about?” He sighed and said,

“Well, I was planning on telling you soon anyway.” He rose to his feet and said, “Alair, we have been in love with each other for quite some time. I will understand if you don't want to take this relationship to a new level but I want to.” He pulled something out of his pocket and dropped to one knee.

“Alair, will you marry me?” I sat there in complete shock as I looked at the sapphire ring that he held. It was a plain gold band with a large sapphire on it. Plain and beautiful. I saw a nervous look in his eyes and knew I had better say something soon.

“Erik... Erik... I...” I stuttered. Finally one word came to mind. “Yes.” He didn't move for a moment as the complete reality of what I had just said dawned on his mind. He took my left hand and slipped the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly. I loved it. But he still had to say something.

“Alair... thank you!” He literally picked me up and spun me around. Once he set me down he kissed with if it was possible more fire then before. We were engaged and he was ecstatic. I felt all his joy in that kiss. At last he pulled away.

“You are really happy, I see.” I said when I had caught my breath. He nodded, at the moment unable to say a word. We took several deep breaths before he kissed me again. But it wasn't either one of us who broke the kiss. It was a clearing of a throat at the doorway. I turned and a blush came over my cheeks. It was my aunt. She was standing in the doorway and was shaking her head.

“I don't know why I even bother asking wondering where you two are. You always seem to be in each other's arms. I should know by now that you will be together.” I smiled and held up my hand.

“Aunt, Erik proposed. We are getting married.” Aunt smiled knowingly.

“I know. Erik, Medwin, and I have been talking about it for some time. I am glad to see that you accepted. I hate to ruin the romance of the moment but there is a someone who wants to talk to you.”

“Who?”
“His name is Jacques. He looks different.” Erik and I exchange horrified looks with each other. I run over to the window and look down. There I see three gypsies and horses. Erik knew by the look on my face that we had been found. Coco was here.