this is just one chapter. i am only 17 but here is my work. it is also copyrighted.

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An emotion that had bewildered and perplexed her for many years had seemed to descend upon her fast. Everyday that sped by was a mystery to her, her disposition spiraling out of control, her thoughts randomly scattered around her convoluted mind.

The strong burning passion developing within her was unfamiliar and strangely disconcerting. Although she refused to believe in the power of love, she soon became warm to the idea that she could love. The reason why this fairytale emotion came to light was brought in the shape and form of a certain someone; one much wittier and less spiritually corrupt than her.

It had only recently occurred to her that sharing life with another could be rewarding and fulfilling. It was a flash of uncertainty that prevented her making a decision whether or not to take his hand in marriage though.

The question stunned her, as she stood hesitantly staring into her lover's eyes.

"That's not a question you hear everyday." Rose answered, in the desperate quest to avert the conversation.

"It's not a question you ask everyday...not unless you mean it." Mark replied, eagerly pursuing the conversation.

Rose lowered her head, slowly closed her eyes, and sighed awkwardly.

Mark sensed her reservation and though it devastated him to speak the words, he gazed wondrously into her dark eyes.

"We don't have to rush anything, I can't wait."

Although struck with relief, her reply appeared more solemn than relieved.

"I'd like that. I just don't want to rush into a marriage when I'm only twenty-one. I do love you, I never doubted that, but marriage is the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate bond."

The tense silence consumed the whole house, and small intermittent lulls of silence were created by the singing mockingbirds that stopped the rigid atmosphere from cracking. Mark released his grip of Rose's small hands and searched in his pocket for a small box, which Rose presumed contained the engagement ring.

He delicately placed the box onto the oak coffee table next to the large lamp, implanted with mini crystals that sparkled in the sunshine that penetrated through the open window.

"Think about it?" he spoke, hoping with all his heart that she would reply with that three letter word that he so desperately wanted to hear.

She acknowledged the question with half a smile.

Rose's past came with many secrets, some had been unlocked, others still kept hidden within the depths of her mind. Her past had brought her grievance, pain, anguish and distrust, that had she had carried into her new life.

For her invading desire to love had lead her to a man that cared for her more than life. Her inability to trust anyone had dissipated after meeting Mark.

An orphan and an only child, naturally Rose had grown up as a disturbed and lonely child in need of company and love.

Her hesitating attitude towards such a commitment had left her emotionally paralyzed; yet she needed little help in her decision to move in with Mark. For he had awakened her inhibitions, and dreams, and had promised her, that one day he would make each one come true.

Rose walked down the deserted lanes that lead to a small tranquil lake at the other end of town. The tall deciduous trees enclosed the lake, as if to keep it safe from reality and truth. That was the reason Rose loved to be there. It gave her a sense of numinous, belonging and freed her mind from the life before that haunted her.

She would often pick wild flowers, and pick the small petals one by one, flinging them into the water leaving the colourful petals scattered, floating peacefully on the clear water.

As she arrived, she slowly sat on the rock by the side of the lake. The waters were still; the sun beamed down from the cloudless sky. The gentle wind inspired the trees to sway, sounding relaxing and placid.

She closed her eyes. Silence. Serenity. Seclusion. The radiant blue water created an enchanting ambiance.

A pebble dropped into the water, sending ripples through the water, like a tear- drop; if only she knew how many tears were to come.

She took in a deep breath of the cold fresh air in the hope to rejuvenate and liberate her mind. Her tribulations released from her with each breath she took, if only she knew she'd only have a few more. The wind blew back her gleaming dark hair, she pulled her coat over her body to protect herself.

An hour or two elapsed, and the skies darkened. She lifted herself from the ground. She swept her cold hand through her lovely dark full-bodied hair, stepped through the passageway that lead to the road and disappeared in the July night.

"There's something I need you to know." Rose addressed Mark gravely and calmly.

Mark's eyes narrowed uneasily, his face suddenly filling up with concern.

"You're the most important person in my life, and I can't help but feel almost...cruel, turning you down." She found it hard to keep eye contact with him. "Every girl has her mother criticizing her dress, or telling her how to wear her hair. There's so many things that come with marriage, something old something new, something borrowed and something blue...well, I've already had the blue, fifteen years living in misery, and living with anguish and hurt. You're the only thing in my life, and I don't want to spoil what we have with marriage."

Mark's relief was addressed with a loving hand gesture as she stroked his cheek.

"I feel as though by marrying you, everything will change. I'll lose my identity and what if marriage jinxes our relationship?"

Suddenly Mark's answer came through loud and clear. Time was paramount; given time, Rose would be ready for the ultimate commitment.

Her sentiment for a burning passion that had dominated her thoughts was dispelled by a question that Rose believed could endanger the happiness in the life she had created for herself.

"I'm not bothered if you stay the woman you are, or if you become Mrs. Rose Thompson; I'll still love you the way you are."

Rose's strong pull towards saying the word "yes" had almost allowed her to give in.

"I really don't think it's time for me; not yet."

The subject matter stopped there. No more evasions of the matter, the answer was crystal clear, and with the love and ardent adoration he had for her, came a selfless strand of wait.