Heart of Ice Ch.23

Story by Silnis on SoFurry

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#23 of Heart of Ice

This will probably be the last chapter of this wonderful series. Don't worry though, I'll be writing a little "after story" for you all to know what becomes of our couple! I hope you all enjoyed my "Heart of Ice" series. Remember to fav, vote, and comment on this chapter. Read and enjoy!


Silnis

*****

"Silnis, come on, we need you at the party. You don't have to perform, but just at least show up, okay?" Garrett had come over to talk to me about the party. Everyone else was checked off except for me. He knew how I was feeling, but at least he didn't pressure me to sing but only attend. I didn't give him any response besides the usual head nod and he left, leaving a copy of the performance list for me. Looking at it, I was supposed to be the last performer, the one to bring the house down.

I've been doing some thinking...about Markus. I always get these thoughts and dreams about our time together. I don't know what they mean, but I get the feeling that I'm not completely over him yet. Why was that? I didn't know. There were some times where I would just think about Markus and bawl not because of what he did, but because I missed what we had and yearned for it again. After that, I would call myself silly and remind myself why I didn't want Markus anymore. Stubborn I was...I know.

Another knock came at my door and it was mom. She probably was coming up here to give me some more food. I was about to shake my head to tell her that I didn't want any more food, but she spoke before I could react.

"Silnis...can I talk to you for just a moment dear?" she asked. I just motioned for her to take a seat next to me. She gingerly placed herself down on my bed and looked at me with her motherly eyes. "I don't want to say that I understand what you're going through, but I am your mother and what you're going through is killing me just as much as it's killing you." I just looked down at the floor, not really wanting to make eye contact with her now.

"Markus' mother called me and told me what happened with you and him. He told her what happened just yesterday and she thought it would be right if I knew too. But, anyways, I know that what Markus did was terrible, but think about this. Did Markus want to do what he did? You know him better than I do, but I can tell you already that he would never do such a thing to hurt you. The truth is that Markus was under the influence of the female mating pheromones. Those pheromones are far stronger than the pheromones of a male like you. So, in reality, Markus didn't willingly commit the act he did...he was forced to. Markus' mother also told me that Markus he tried to fight back, but it was too strong for him to fight. Think about this Silnis...," she explained.

I pulled my legs up to my chest and hugged them, thinking about what my mom just told me. It could be possible that she was only trying to cheer me up with a cover story. But it could also be possible that what she was telling me was the truth. Could Markus really have been influenced to have sex with that girl against his will? I knew that females had pheromones that they used when they mated, but I just thought that this wouldn't be the case. Perhaps I had just jumped to conclusions too fast. I-I never really had thought this all out. Was I just too stubborn to seek out the truth?

"I was never that good with words like your father was, but I know that he would have said the same thing to you. He wouldn't want you to spend the rest of your life like this. If he were still here...he would tell you to go save what was left of your relationship with Markus. You two have something special and I just know that he will be the one to make you happy for the rest of your life," she said, smiling lovingly. For her sake I smiled back, nodding a little bit. She kissed me on my head before leaving, closing the door behind her.

Glancing over at the performance list on my nightstand, I thought deeply about whether I should go to the party or not before I made up my mind. Getting up, I opened my closet and started to browse through my clothing selections. It was a dance party so there was no need to be formal. I was still trying to decide if I was going to sing or not. I would attend, but the decision to perform was something I would have to ponder about.

The party was going to start in about three more hours. Everyone would be excited and having a blast. I just hoped that Markus wouldn't be there. I just don't know how I would react if I saw him there. I'd probably start chucking things at him and then bawl my eyes out. I thought about what my mother told me again and actually considered forgiving Markus. This game of avoiding each other is getting old and I really want to see him again. Markus...is my heart prepared to forgive you?

Markus

*****

"You should wear this sweetie. I know you'll look just dashing in it!" My mom held out my tuxedo, smiling brightly.

"Mom...you do know it's a dance party, right?" I had to ask her again, rubbing my temples.

"I know that dear, but you and Silnis are going to be dancing together so I just thought that you should look your best," she explained, placing the tuxedo back in my closet.

"Yeah...but I'm not even sure if he will dance with me. Or even look at me. That's why tonight I have to ask him. If I don't...than I'll never know," I said, looking down at the crescent moon bracelet dangling from my wrist. I felt my mom's hands on my shoulders and saw her smiling at me warmly.

"I know things have been hectic between you and Silnis, but I know you'll make the right decision when it's time for it. You'll get him back, don't worry. Somehow...I just know that Silnis is probably thinking about you as well," she affirmed.

"Thanks Mom," I said, giving her a tight hug.

"Oh, and don't forget to bring the rings!" she reminded me.

"Yeah...I better not-" I stopped mid-sentence when she said that, "W-Wait...you knew!?"

"Do you think I don't notice a small black box with two ruby rings in it while I'm cleaning your room? Honestly Markus, hiding secrets from us isn't your strongest department," she said, smiling devilishly.

"I-I was going to tell you and Dad...after I proposed to Silnis. It was going to be my way of making up with him. I-I'm sorry...," I apologized.

"Don't feel sorry dear. Your father and I just want what is best for you. If this is want you want, then we'll give you our blessings," she said.

"Y-You're serious!?" I asked, both shocked and happy. She just nodded before I attacked her with another hug, thanking her and saying that Dad and she were the best parents ever. She had to remind that the party was about to start in half an hour to get me to stop. I thanked her again before leaving, grabbing the rings on my way out.

As I was driving, the thought of picking Silnis up tempted me, but I had to stick to my plan. I arrived at the school ten minutes early, leaving me just enough parking spaces to park in. I could already hear some music playing inside the gymnasium. Breathing out a sigh, I walked inside, never noticing Silnis hiding from me behind a concrete pillar when I got inside.

Silnis

*****

I was here about an hour earlier as it was required by Garrett. He was glad that I could come, and said that I didn't have to perform if I didn't want to. I mostly helped out with the food and beverages, but after that I was just wandered around with nothing to do. I was looking at the decorations they had for the concrete pillars when someone caught my eye.

There he was...Markus. I quickly hid myself behind the pillar, making sure he didn't see me. It's been a while since I've seen him, but he was still the same handsome wolf I loved...well...used to love. Fortunately, he didn't see me and walked on, admiring the decorations. When he was out of sight, I came out of hiding. What should I do?! Should I run and forget about the whole thing? Or should I just stay and try to avoid him? I just couldn't ditch Garrett and the others just like that so I guessed my only option was the latter. I hoped I could survive the night.

*****

The party was going really well so far. More people came as the time passed and soon we were packed with the entire student body. It was a tight fit, but we were all comfortable. I knew Markus was in this crowd somewhere, and I personally didn't want an encounter with him. I wouldn't know how I would react to seeing him so it'd be best to just avoid him entirely. Garrett had me working food and concessions and I tried my best to not be at the tables serving fruit punch for fear of meeting Markus.

The night was going great and everyone was still having a blast. I didn't have to worry about performing as Garrett had everyone whiteout my name from the posted performing lists. I made a mental note to thank him later on. I was too into the party atmosphere that I had completely forgotten about Markus. I was serving punch to a girl in line and called out the next person forward. You can pretty much guess who was the next person. Luckily, Markus wasn't paying attention and was talking to one of his friends. That gave me just enough time to duck underneath the table and hope he didn't see me.

"Umm...where's the punch dispenser person?" I heard Markus ask his friend.

"I don't know. Maybe they're coming back from the bathroom or something?" his friend suggested.

"Well...I hope they washed their hands," Markus said, pouring his own punch and walking away. I breathed a sigh of relief, crawling through the table and coming out from the side as to avoid confusion. That was a close one though....

"Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for our next performer, Reena Chris! She will be performing 'Give Your Heart a Break' by Demi Lovato," the MC announced. A cheer erupted as Reena, a tabby cat, walked onto the stage with a microphone in hand. She gave the crowd a blown kiss before the music started to play.

_ _

_The day I first met you You told me you'd never fall in love But now that I get you I know fear is what it really was

Now here we are So close yet so far Haven't I passed the test When will you realize Baby, I'm not like the rest

Don't wanna break your heart Wanna give your heart a break I know you're scared it's wrong Like you might make a mistake There's just one life to live And there's no time to wait, to waste So let me give your heart a break, give your heart a break Let me give your heart a break, your heart a break Oh yeah, yeah_

Her performance was astounding so far. Reena had always been compared to me as second best, but I don't do rankings. To me, everyone is number one in their own way. I was too busy cheering to notice Markus staring at me from across the gym. He started pushing his towards me and I didn't notice until I glanced to my side and saw him. My body just froze as still as a statue, Markus' betrayal still fresh in my head. He was well about ten feet away from me before I turned and ran. I heard him call out my name, no doubt chasing after me as well. I darted through the crowd, pushing some people on accident, but I was in flight mode and nothing mattered more than getting away from Markus. He didn't have as much luck as I did with the crowd and soon we lost sight of each other. I hid behind the same concrete pillar from before and slid down to the floor, tears wetting my eyes.

Why are you running from Markus? Don't you want him back? I-I don't know!? He was chasing after you so he must want you back! Stop it! He still loves you! Stop it!! Are you just going to sit there, cry, and do nothing to get him back?! I-I.... You still love him. Accept the truth and go back to him! N-No...I can't! H-He cheated on me and-! Stop using the same excuse! You know that he didn't cheat on you of his own will! He was forced to! Remember what you're mother told you! M-Markus....

"Silnis!" I peeked around the pillar and saw Markus searching frantically for me. I looked into those eyes and I saw everything that we've had been through together. We've had our share of good and bad experiences, but would one more bad experience change it all? Now that I thought about it...I was being unfair to Markus. When he saw what Josh had done to me, he didn't immediately assume anything about me. But I did the exact opposite in his situation. He's not the one who tore apart this relationship...I did.... I-I have to tell him! I need to apologize to him!

I felt a hand suddenly grab my wrist and I turned to see Markus right next to me, panting after looking for me. Our eyes met and I should have apologized right there and then to him, but there was still fear inside me. The fear of finding love and losing it was too much to bear again. I pulled away and tried to run again, but his grip on my wrist was strong and he pulled me into his embrace.

"Silnis...don't say anything, but just listen, please. I know some part of you might still hate me for what I did, but that wasn't me back then. I didn't want any of this to happen. I never wanted to hurt you, I promised. I love you with all my heart Silnis, and I would kill myself if I had to prove it. You mean more to me than anything in this world, and that means I will protect you until my last dying breath. Even if the whole world were to turn against us, I'd stand by your side and take every blow for you. I would do all this because I am your knight Silnis, my angel. Let me be your sword and shield to guard you against all who would harm you. But also let me be your wings to lift you to salvation where I can see you smile every day. All I need is your bright smile and love to keep me going. Will you forgive me Silnis?"

What could one do or say after that...? I did the only one thing I was good at...and that was cry. I didn't crumple to the ground and cry like I normally would, but I instead I fell into Markus' chest and cried. He warmly held me, letting me cry out all the fear, pain, and doubt that I had been holding inside. It felt so good to be back in his arms again.

"Markus...I have to apologize to you. I was unfair to you when I found out what happened to you. I just jumped to conclusions without asking you what your side of the story was. I didn't give you the chance to defend yourself. I forgive you...but will you forgive me?" I asked him. He smiled down at me, pulling me back into his embrace before whispering to me his answer.

"I forgive you," he said. I wanted to cry again, but I was dried out of tears. Besides, I didn't want to ruin this moment with tears.

_ _

Cuz you've been hurt before

I can see it in your eyes

You try to smile it away

Some things, you can't disguise

Don't wanna break your heart

Baby, I can ease the ache, the ache

_ _

So, let me give your heart a break Give your heart a break Let me give your heart a break Your heart a break There's just so much you can take Give your heart a break Let me give your heart a break Your heart a break

_ _

_Oh yeah, yeah

The day I first met you You told me you'd never fall in love_

_ _

He held me like that for the longest time. I didn't mind though. I missed smelling his scent whenever he held me so close to him. It always soothed me and made me feel that everything was going to be all right. We could hear everyone applaud Reena as she climbed down from the stage. That's when Markus pulled away, gazing deep into my eyes before he went down to his knees and held one of my hands with his hands. After seeing so many movies with this particular scene, you'd think I would be able to tell what he was about to do next? No...I just stood there with a confused expression as Markus' other hand reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small black box. That's when my heart started to pulse a little faster.

"Silnis...I know you're not of legal age yet...but I just want you to know. I love you and I know for sure that there would be no one else in this entire world who I would rather spend the rest of my life with than you," he started, pausing for a second to think.

"M-Markus...what are you-?" I asked, but he stopped me.

"What I'm trying to say is...will you marry me?" My heart just stopped when he said those four words. D-Did he just say what I thought he just said? Markus let go of my hand and pulled open the box to reveal a glittering ruby ring. I was speechless. No words came out of my mouth. All I could actually say were jumbled up sounds.

"M-Markus...I...I.... Yes!" That did it for him. Markus' face instantly beamed with joy, he lunged at me, and he spun me around like I was a ragdoll. All that time I could hear him squeal with delight. He denies it when I bring it up, but I heard him!

He finally put me down and pressed his lips against mine, kissing me in the longest time that I couldn't help but feel a little excited. I thought the kiss usually came after the ring, but I wasn't complaining. We kissed for what must've been our longest kiss before breaking apart, seeing renewed love and passion in each other's eyes. I felt his hand slip the ring into my finger and it was a perfect fit. I saw that he had a similar ring on his finger, smiling and nuzzling him softly.

"How'd you know that I wanted a ruby ring?" I asked him.

"I asked you. Don't you remember?" he answered. I didn't remember, but it hardly mattered now anyways.

"I don't remember you buying any rings though?" I questioned.

"Don't you remember in Hawaii when we were at the jewelry store?" Markus asked. Oh...now it all made sense. "Didn't I tell you that you would like it?"

"Well...I don't like it. I love it!" I exclaimed, giving him another kiss before something crossed my mind: my performance! I was supposed to be next after Reena! I was freaking out until I recalled that my name had been crossed off the performance list. Too bad...I just got in the mood to sing after Markus and I made up. Unless....

"Markus...how would like a song to commemorate this wondrous event?" I asked him, already knowing the answer.

"Go for it," he agreed, following me as I headed towards the stage. I saw Garrett and talked to him just in time to get me to perform. He was willing to let me perform just as long as I explained why I had my sudden mood change afterwards. I jumped onstage just before the MC could peep a word.

"All right everybody! I'm Silnis! Tonight, I'm going to be your last performance and I will make you all leave with your blood pumping! Are you ready?!" I got a loud cheer before the song started to play.

(In This Life-Delta Goodrem)

I was nurtured, I was sheltered

I was curious and young

I was searching for that something

Trying to find it on the run

_ _

Oh, and just when I stop looking

I saw just how far I've come

In this life, in this life

_ _

You give me love, you give me light

Show me everything's been happening

I've opened up my eyes, I'm following

_ _

Three steps fight and honest fight

Two hearts that can start a fire

One love is all I need in this life

_ _

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

In this life

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

_ _

I was put here for a reason

I was born into this world

And I'm living and I'm believing

That I was meant to be your girl

In this life, in this life

_ _

You give me love, you give me light

Show me everything's been happening

I've opened up my eyes, I'm following

_ _

Three steps fight an honest fight

Two hearts that can start a fire

One love is all I need in this life

_ _

Whoa, whoa, whoa

In this life

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Silence there was...but then cheers soon erupted from all corners of the gym. I've had many outstanding performances, but this one was the best in my opinion. I was scanning the crowd for Markus, but he wasn't anywhere. That's when I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist and pull me to face my soon-to-be-fiancée.

"You were great," he said, smiling.

"Just kiss me already," I told him. He smirked before drawing me in closer and pressing his mouth against mine. Love...oh how I missed it so.