Now, where to begin? [Holmesbury]

Chapter 22

I turned a page and a small paper fluttered onto my lap. I took it between my fingers and carefully unfolded it. I looked at the sloppy handwriting and it said:

"My dearest Enola,
I love you v̶e̶r̶y̶ m̶u̶c̶h̶ more than you can ever imagine, the universe is too small to represent m̶i̶ my love for you.
And I̶ w̶a̶n̶t̶ that's why I've been wanting to ask-"

I laughed so broadly that my jaws hurt, and I also noticed something else. Next to each chapter there is a tick in very light pencil, except for one. Chapter nine: "Most romantic ways to propose."

My facial expression slowly changed to something more serious. Wow. I had never even thought about this.

But there's no way that-

The lock clicked off.

I was startled and with a jolt I clumsily threw the book back into the nightstand, which caused a loud bang.

The door opened, with a grinning Tewkesbury in the doorway. The corners of his mouth fell down until his lips formed a straight line. "Please don't demolish my bedroom. Anyway, here I am."

"Ah, finally!" I exclaimed with rolling eyes and I looked him in the eyes.

"So um... what was my baby doing in there?"

Tewky stepped aside and pointed with both his hands towards the large doorway. "Come and see for yourself." He smiled.

I threw my legs over the edge of the bed and pushed myself upright with my arms, Then sauntered towards Tewky. Why are these rooms so huge?

"Tada!" He grinned widely. He took my hand and guided me inside.

"A warm bath with the scent of lavender, rose petals and a big pile of cloudy white bath foam." He bared his teeth.

I could cry with joy, but I thought that this little beautiful dummy should be given a scare.

Why not?

"W-wait... You think I need a bath? Am I that dirty?"

His face turned completely pale and he bit his lip. "I um- no I mean um I just thought-"

"Calm down! I was just joking, It's okay."

"O-oh..." He sighed in relief. " Yeah um, I've put my heart and soul into it."

"It's all right, Mr. Poet," I turned to him and looked into his eyes as if I were the luckiest person on earth. Maybe I am... as long as he's with me.

"Um... Enjoy your bath, and above all: relax."

He turned towards the door and stepped out. I closed the door behind him and left it ajar. I sauntered towards the bathtub and placed my hands on the edge. I bent down and did indeed smell a wonderful lavender fragrance.

I stood in front of the mirror. I let the fabric of Tewkesbury's jacket, which I was still wearing, slide down my arms slowly and carefully. I closed my eyes and sighed. Bruises and scratches appeared, they were the physical scars that I will forever keep from this incident. The most serious ones are those inside, in my head, which I will have to deal with at my own pace. And I know someone who will help me with that very well.

My underwear came off and I put everything nicely folded on the sink. I stepped into the warm water and let my whole body sink in between the beautiful rose petals, the abundant bath foam ensuring that everything was covered.

"Oh yes, and... Enola..." I looked up startled to see a half-traumatised Tewkesbury standing in the doorway.

"I- Oh- Oh my god, oh my god.... Enola, I'm SO SORRY!" He shouted hysterically and turned to leave immediately.