Belonging

by Maria Bernard

  Chapter 41

  Long after everyone had their fill of pizza, beer and after hearing of Crispin’s overseas adventure, only Kell and Crispin remained seated at the kitchen table.

  “So, wow, that’s quite the trip you had,” Kell said, shaking his head. “Now, here you are, suddenly rich, and in love. Who could have imagined it?”

  “Indeed,” Crispin said with a sigh.

  “Sorry about your mother dying so young,” Kell said with a frown. “But at least you found your roots. Now you know where you came from.”

  “Yeah, it wasn’t easy to hear, especially the part about how my so-called grandfather treated his daughter. I do have my uncle Piers, although, I’m still trying to figure him out.”

  “Family… it sure does get complicated sometimes,” Kell said with a sigh.

  “Just so you know, Kell, I still think of you, Dorian, Becky and, yes, even Keegan as my family first.”

  “Thanks, man, you know I feel the same.”

  “That’s why I want to run a few ideas by you,” Crispin said.

  “Ideas?”

  “Yeah…” Crispin leaned in across the table. “I suddenly find myself with all this wealth.”

  “Must be awful,” Kell teased sarcastically.

  “It can be,” Crispin answered truthfully. “I mean it could be. Imagine if I didn’t have all of you in my life? Who could I trust with all my riches?”

  “Very true. You’d always wonder who your true friends were,” Kell said with a smile. “Good thing we already established we liked you when you were a penniless bastard living on student loans.”

  “Well, since you bring it up, that’s exactly where I want to start,” Crispin said. “I want to pay for all our student loans.”

  “What?” Kell asked.

  “Yes, you heard me,” Crispin said. “I know Becky’s good since she’s got her scholarship. But I want to pay for yours, Dorian’s and, yes, even Keegan’s.”

  “Crispin, I haven’t got any debts,” Kell reminded him. “I paid for it all with the insurance from the incident.”

  Kell had lost his entire family to a carbon monoxide leak years ago when he was a teenager, and Crispin already knew all this. But in his excitement to help his friends he’d forgotten the part about the insurance.

  “I’m sorry, Kell, I got excited. Of course, I already know that.”

  “It’s all good. I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s not necessary to give me money.”

  “How are you doing?” Crispin asked him.

  “Better since I have Becky and you lot,” Kell said with a sigh. “But I still have my moments. I’ve actually started seeing a therapist about it.”

  “Well, that’s great to hear. Good for you,” Crispin said, sitting back in his chair. “Okay, so I have many other ideas as to where to spend my money.”

  “Is it really that important?” Kell asked. “Why don’t you just sit on for a while. Let it all sink in.”

  “I have been thinking about it,” Crispin said with confidence. “I want to support the band. I want to buy one of those luxury tour buses for our upcoming summer tour. You know the ones with the bunks and a bedroom in the back.”

  “Now that’s an awesome idea!” Kell snapped, inspired. “Tell you what, instead of giving me money, I claim dibs on the private bedroom. You owe me for ruining my spring break with Becky!”

  “Ha! Perfect, it’s all yours. It’s the least I can do. I plan on stopping at hotels at night, anyway.” Crispin said, thinking about Gwen. He couldn’t wait to see her again.

  “Well, thanks, Crispin,” Kell said, standing up and stretching. “Whatever you end up doing with your newfound status and wealth, may it bring you happiness.”

  “That’s what I’m striving for.”

  “When are you gonna bring that lady of yours over?” Kell asked. “I can’t wait to meet the woman who finally tamed the lion.”

  “Freed the lion, more likely,” Crispin said with a smile. “You’ll meet her tomorrow.”

  Chapter 42

  In the weeks following their return to Kingston, Ontario, Gwen and Crispin became mostly inseparable. While, technically, they kept separate addresses, they often spent their nights at either her apartment or at the House of Goths. Gwen continued to work at Mathewson’s Jewellers, insisting she should stick to her commitments, just as Crispin saw fit to keep to his. She did request the summer off to join Crispin on tour with the Kingston Quartet. She also took his advice about finishing her education. Gwen accepted his financial support and had already enrolled in university to commence her final year of studies in the upcoming fall.

  While standing behind the counter, overlooking the many trinkets on display, she often thought about their trip to England. As she stroked the lovely bracelet on her wrist, she smiled at how things had turned out. Overhearing the jingling of the shop door, she looked up to see her friend Stacy the travel agent, who helped make it all happen, walk in.

  “Hello, Stacy, did you forget? I’m not having lunch with you today.”

  “I know that, silly. You’re leaving for your cross country tour with Crispin’s band.” Stacy said, leaning across the counter. “I just thought I’d drop by on my break to say goodbye and to wish you a wonderful trip.”

  “Thanks, Stacy!”

  “That’s not all, though,” she said with a look of concern. “I had the strangest dream.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah,” Stacy explained. “I thought you might like to know since it involves you.”

  “Well, go on.”

  “I dreamt you came running into the agency.” Stacy smiled and laughed. “You were all aflutter.”

  “About what?”

  “Well, you had this big trip you were going on. Something huge. You were so excited and wanted me to help you book flights, find accommodations.”

  Gwen raised her eyebrows at her friend. “I suppose when you’re a travel agent, those are the best types of dreams to have!” she teased. “Well, I don’t know of anything like that. I mean, Crispin’s planning on returning to Harlow Manor, but not until Halloween. Maybe you’re anticipating booking those flights for us. Plenty of time for all that, though.”

  “Yeah, maybe that’s it. But I don’t know, I think this was different. Somewhere new and exciting.”

  “Hmmm…. I’ll let you know if ever something comes up,” Gwen said.

  “All I’m saying is, I’m right across the street if ever you need me. Have a great time on tour. You’ve come a long way, Gwen. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Stacy, and thanks for messing up our accommodations in London.”

  “Oh, you’re very welcome. I’m sure Crispin will forgive me one day, too.”

  “Haha, I’m sure he’s gotten over it.”

  “Well, aside from his many eccentricities, a fool he is not. Ciao, Gwen.”

  “Goodbye, Stacy. See you in six weeks.” Gwen waved at her friend and went to the back to gather her things. Her suitcase was there, packed and ready to go, along with her laptop and notebooks. Crispin would be there soon to pick her up. They were to return to the House of Goths, stay the night and leave first thing in the morning, travelling east to Prince Edward Island, the first province of many on their Canadian tour. They were to travel on the luxury tour bus he had recently bought. They might have flown, but everybody decided driving across Canada would be more fun. Who was she to argue? This trip would be way different than England. For one thing, she didn’t bother with an itinerary since Crispin had that all worked out with his bandmates. It made her a bit nervous not to be in control of her destiny, but at the same time, she found the not knowing quite freeing. With Crispin in control, she felt confident things would go as smoothly as possible.

  At the jingle of the door, Gwen returned to the front, expecting a customer or perhaps Stacy had forgotten something. Instead, she came face to face with the man of her dreams. “Crispin? You’re early!”

  “Am I?” He made a gre
at show of checking his watch. “No, I believe I am right on time.” Turning around, he locked the shop door.

  “It’s not closing time yet. I told my uncle I’d be here until he came in to take over. We have an hour yet.”

  “Well, technically, the shop is still open, only you have a very important customer who will compensate your uncle to have the place all to himself for exactly one hour.”

  “What are you up to?” she asked suspiciously.

  “Well, I have an important gift to purchase and I need your undivided attention.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Oh, yes!” he confirmed.

  “And what is it you’re looking for?”

  “Well, that’s just it.” He cupped his chin and tapped a finger to his lips. “I have a pretty good idea of what I’m looking for. But the young lady I’m shopping for has very specific tastes when it comes to jewellery.”

  “Does she?”

  “Oh, yes, and very good taste indeed.”

  “Okay, well, why don’t you tell me what it is you’re looking for and I will show you what we have. Is it a bracelet?” she asked.

  “Not a bracelet. Not this time.”

  “A necklace perhaps? Earrings, or a watch?”

  “No, not this time.” He slowly shook his head. “This time, I’m looking for a ring.”

  “A ring?” Gwen swallowed deeply, refusing to get her hopes up. “A friendship ring, a promise ring?”

  “No, I’m looking for a ring of far more significance.” He quirked an eyebrow and flashed her a smile. “I’m afraid, nothing less than an engagement ring will do.”

  “Crispin!” Her hands shot up to her face. “Don’t toy with me!”

  “You know I don’t play games, outside the bedroom, that is.” He winked. “Trust me, I’m one hundred percent serious.” Unable to resist, he caressed her cheek. “Now tell me, which ring should I get for my special lady. You see, my fiancée has eccentric tastes.”

  “Only when it comes to men.” She giggled and winked.

  “Go on, don’t distract me with those eyes of blue-grey. Help me choose.”

  In truth, she had spent much of her recent free time in the shop gazing at the various rings on display. Ever since meeting Crispin, she had often fantasized about him proposing. But she would never have believed it would happen so soon. Sensing the seriousness in Crispin’s intentions, she directed him to the engagement ring display. With trembling fingers she unlocked the cabinet and reached in, her hand already trained in which direction to go. She’d often taken the particular ring out, even tried it on for size. It was the most beautiful, delicate, gold diamond solitaire. The ring had fit perfectly the first time she had tried it on and it already felt like it belonged to her.

  “Ah, yes, perfect.” Crispin took it from her trembling fingers and rolled it onto his pinky, gazing at it, studying it with great pains. By now, tears were threatening to form in Gwen’s eyes. Without further ado, Crispin held out his hand and encouraged her out from behind the counter. When she stood directly in front of him, he then knelt down on one knee. “Gwen Mathewson?” He waited until she looked at him. “Will you marry me?”

  Stifling her tears long enough to answer, she nodded and spoke loud and clear, “Oh, Crispin, yes!”

  Standing up, Crispin, slid the little ring on her finger. He gathered her up in his arms, lifting her in the air. He then sealed the deal with a kiss before placing her gently back down on the ground. He could tell from the look on her face, beyond the tears of joy, her mind was already racing. Indulgently, he held her hands and waited for her to gather her wits.

  “Go on, ask me,” he said with a wink.

  “It’s just… when?” she asked. “I mean when should we get married? We’ve got the tour, then classes in the fall.”

  “There she is, the one I’ve come to know and love.” Smiling ear to ear, he leaned up against the counter.

  “There’s just so much to think about.” She said with liquid eyes, gazing from him to her ring finger.

  “There is, but there’s plenty of time,” he said. “Let’s aim for next year. I think we deserve to enjoy our engagement.”

  “Yes, that’s a good idea!” she agreed.

  “Plus, you’ve already got so much to plan,” he said with a crafty smile.

  “I do?” she asked, curious.

  “Gwen, there’s something else I want to ask you.”

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “After the tour ends in August, we’ll have about three weeks before classes start up,” he said with a thoughtful expression on his face.

  “Yes, that’s true,” she said.

  “Come away with me,” he said.

  “Where?” She held her breath in anticipation.

  “I miss travelling with you,” he said with a wistful smile. “It was such an amazing experience, but I feel it was too short. This time, I was thinking Rome, Florence, and Venice. What do you think?”

  “Oh, my God!”

  “I’d also like to go to Ireland for a few days on the way back,” he added.

  “Ireland… to find your father?”

  “Yeah, I believe I should at least try,” Crispin said. “If he doesn’t know I exist, I think he should.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea, Crispin!”

  “So, you’ll come with me?” he asked.

  “Are you kidding!” Gwen said. “Of course, I will!”

  “Perfect, now where are your bags? I’ll place them in the car. As soon as your uncle shows up, we’ll head on back to the house. Becky and the guys are waiting. Everyone’s excited to get going. Tonight, though, we’ll have ourselves a little send-off.”

  “Okay… my stuff’s in the back.” She handed him the keys to the backroom. “And if you don’t mind watching the shop for a moment, there’s something I need to do!”

  “Yes, sure, anything for you, my cheeky monkey.”

  With a smile on her face, Gwen left Crispin in the shop and marched across the street and ran into Stacy’s travel agency.

  “Gwen?” Stacy startled, looking up from her desk. “Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s perfect!” Gwen locked the shop door behind her.

  “Oh, what’s going on?”

  “Drop everything, Stacy! I need your undivided attention!”

  Chapter 43

  On the quick drive over to the House of Goths, Gwen couldn’t stop smiling or gazing at the engagement ring on her finger. She couldn’t wait to share the news with Becky and the guys. Shortly after their return to Canada, weeks ago, Crispin had eagerly introduced her to his friends, who now, she considered her friends, too. She fondly recalled her first impression of the guys. While they were all definitely Goths, they were also quite different in appearance and personalities.

  Kell, she had found intimidating at first, with his pseudo-military style of dress and red-streaked black hair. But she soon realized that he was quite charming in a reserved manner. Dorian, despite his floppy mohawk, piercings, and tattoos, had set her at ease with his flashing blue eyes and unassuming personality within seconds of being introduced. Keegan, she still hadn’t fully figured out, but aside from his scruffy appearance, and rough-around-the-edges personality, she could tell he was goodhearted if only from the playful way he interacted with Becky.

  Now, Becky, who she had been worried about meeting the most, surprised Gwen with her endearing personality. In fact, she had never met a sweeter person. Within seconds of being introduced, Becky had welcomed Gwen with a warm hug and a huge smile. She had very happily taken Gwen aside, away from the boys, to thank her personally for looking after Crispin. She had been so worried when he had left. When Gwen had told her how much Crispin meant to her, Becky had even started to cry tears of joy. Clearly, she was happy to learn that the prickly Goth was in good hands.

  “He’s prickly, but he’s also very sweet,” Becky had said. “I’m so glad you found each other.”

  “What’s with tha
t smile?” Crispin asked, parking in the driveway, stirring Gwen out of her thoughts.

  “Oh, just thinking about telling everyone of our news!” she said excitedly, unbuckling her seatbelt. “I can’t wait to see Becky’s face when I tell her she was right.”

  “Really? I don’t recall telling her I was planning on proposing.” Crispin quirked an eyebrow. “Hmm… have you been scheming behind my back with that sneaky little dormouse?”

  Gwen shot him a rueful smile. “Let’s just say, I think she knows you better than you realize. Apparently, you’ve had an extra skip in your step this last little while.”

  “Well, is that right?” Crispin said with mock indignation. Both he and Gwen got out of the car and made their way in. The moment, they entered the house, Becky greeted them at the door.

  “Hey, lovebirds,” she said, acting casual. “What’s new?”

  “I said yes!” Gwen exclaimed before Crispin got a word in.

  “Oh my God!” shouted Becky. “I knew it!” She came at them and hugged Gwen first, then Crispin. “I’m so happy for you both!”

  “Can’t a guy have any secrets around here?” Crispin bemoaned.

  “Oh… I’m sorry,” Becky said with a frown. “Did I ruin it?”

  “Aww… Becky, you crack me up,” Crispin said, unable to feign indigence. He tugged her in for another hug and kept her there until she giggled, reassured.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” Kell asked, coming in from the other room.

  “Kelley, look!” Becky held up Gwen’s hand to take a closer look at the shiny diamond ring. “Crispin asked Gwen to marry him!”

  “Congratulations, man!” Kell said with a smile, coming forward and shaking his hand. “Wow, full of surprises, you are.”

  “Apparently not,” Crispin said, winking at Becky.

  “What?” she asked guiltily. “I only guessed you were planning on proposing, I didn’t know it would happen so soon. We were just toying with the possibilities.”

  “Yeah, you know how us girls love to talk weddings!” Gwen said, coming in quick to defend her friend.