"Elle?" I heard someone call from outside. It stroke me as odd seeing as it was 9:30 at night. I gathered I must be hearing things and went back to reading my book. "Elle?" I heard again and then something hit my window.

I put my book down and slowly walked towards my window. I swung the two doors open that led out to my balcony. I looked down and saw James "James? What are you doing here?" he didn't reply but just smirked. "Hold on I'm coming up." before I could reply he was already climbing up the lattice that led up to my balcony.

I ran to my bedroom door and locked it so no one would come in. I then literally ran to my ensuite and brushed my hair and quickly reapplied some clear lip gloss.

I ran back into my room and sat on my bed and a second later James walked in. "Nice room." He said after a low whistle showing how impressed he was. "Thanks." I murmur then it struck me "James how did you know where I lived and where my room was?" he chuckles lowly. "Well from your clothes, manner and overall personality I gathered you were rich, your last name is on your gate and I didn't know which room was yours I just took a chance. I have pretty good luck that way." He smiled.

"Oh." I nod and stand up "Then what are you doing here?" "I wanted to speak to you...about today." "OK shoot." I respond. "Elle...I don't know how to say this but I can't stop thinking about you. But then after today with that guy...are you two together?" his question makes me sad but he should know the truth.

I look down at my feet and try to swallow the sudden lump that arose in my throat. "Yes James...we are." I say meekly. "But you don't love him, do you?" he raises an eyebrow. My eyes widen in shock and I take two further steps towards him "No I don't how did you know that?" "Because Elle when you saw him today your eyes weren't full of love they were full of fear and loathe." He stepped towards me and put one hand on my left cheek. I just looked into his eyes for a moment as he looked into mine then slowly his lips pressed against mine.

I had never felt a kiss like this...this one was full of lust and desire and I never wanted it to end but like all good things it did. James looked at me moving his hands down to my waist. "Come with me." "Come with you where?" I furrowed my eyebrows together in confusion. "To Woodstock." I shake my head and take a step back. "James...I-I can't"

He sighed in frustration "Why not Elise?" I was about to reply but I couldn't think of a reason. Then I heard 3 loud knocks on the door. "Elise your father wishes to talk to you down stairs." It was one of the servants. "I have to go James." I say "Please Elise come with me...I will be at the bus station at 10:30 that's when the bus leaves. Please meet me there...prove to me that kiss meant something." He didn't give me a chance to reply but instead hurried out to my balcony.

"Miss are you ok?" the person on the other side of the door asked. "Uh yes I will be right out."

I composed myself and then quickly raced towards the dining room. I slow down and gracefully walk into the study where father was sitting along with Charles. "Elise take a seat." Father gestures to an empty chair in front of his desk. "What's this about father?" I ask politely "Charles here was telling me about your...little adventure this afternoon. It's obvious from my tone that I am very unimpressed." Father's voice was angry and Charles appeared to be smirking slightly.

"Yes Father." My voice was soft. "You are to never see that boy again. You are only allowed to spend time with Charles and you are required to be a devoted and loyal fiancé. Tend to his every need and maintain your reputation Elise. You future is Charles, Elise and you have no other choice." Father's voice was bitter.

"But father.." "No buts Elise now off to bed!" I nod and leave the room silently. "Oh Elise hold up." I hear Charles call and it took all my strength not to yell at him or hit him. I stop at the bottom of the stairs. "Would you like to go out tomorrow?" he goes to take my hand but I pull it away. "No Charles I would not. Especially after your little snap in the car today. I would much rather be myself." I bark but in a polite tone. I then turn around and start walking up the stairs. "You know Elise you are going to marry me one day." "Believe me Charles against my deepest wishes I know." I say but keep going up the stairs.

I run to my room and grab a bag out of the top of my cupboard. I quickly pack everything I think I'll need some money.

I then walk out onto the balcony and gather my courage to climb down the lattice. I reach the bottom and run as fast as I can down the back and through the little gate.

The bus station was only 20 minute walk away but I ran unsure of the time.

15 minutes later I arrive at the bus stop out of breath but see James. "James!" I call out as he is about to board the bus "Elle!" he grins. I run up to him and embrace him then kiss him softly. "The kiss meant everything." I whisper as I pull away. "Come on or we'll miss the bus." He grins.