Crossing Into Forever

Chapter 44

The morning sun shining through the window of the apartment filtered through her closed eyes and soon Ella was slowly coming out of her dreamy state. The covers felt so soft and warm against her naked skin, and it wasn't long before the memories of the night before came flooding back to her. This time though instead of being embarrassed or ashamed, she was elated and so content. She snuggled down deeper in the covers and reached her arm over to feel her husband lying there, but all she felt was the empty side of the bed. This troubled her and she opened her eyes to see she was lying alone in the luxurious bed. Before she could question where he might be, there was a knock on the door and Maggie came bursting through the door, just as cheery and happy, talking about getting her ready to go downstairs for breakfast and to meet her husband and his guests.

"You were sleeping so well this morning, the doctor didn't want to wake you. He knew you had had such a busy day yesterday and he thought you could use the extra rest. Ella felt a little embarrassed because it was obvious what had taken place during the late evening hours of the night before, but Maggie didn't seem to be the least bit bothered by any of that.

"Come child, lets get you up and showered she you can get downstairs."

Ella hesitated because she was completely naked under the covers. Maggie sensed her hesitation and turned her back to Ella while reaching her a robe. Ella climbed out of bed as she was told and wrapped the robe around her. She quickly made her way into the bathroom and started showering and readying herself for the day's events, even though she had no idea what her plans were. Once she was ready, Maggie escorted her downstairs. Once they walked into the great room where last night's festivities had taken place, Ella noted that Nicholas, the headmaster, Agatha, Mother Christina, Nicholas's friend, Dr Findlay, and another woman were sitting at the breakfast table.

She walked over to Mother Christina who rose from her chair and gave her a tight hug. She pulled Ella back from her and looked at her for a second. "You look absolutely beautiful this morning child." Ella thanked her and for a moment didn't want to let her grandmother go, but knew she had to. She couldn't help but feel the stair from the other woman still on her. She recognized the woman as one that he used to walk with in the cafeteria while watching over all the students during mealtimes. Ella accepted her husband's gesture as Nicholas rose up and pulled a chair out for his new wife. "You are glowing this morning dear." Nicholas whispered into her ear. Ella could feel a pink blush rise up from her neck to her cheeks.

"You look stunning this morning Mrs. Moustakas" the headmaster chimed in and the others around the table agreed.

"Thank you" Ella meekly said as she was still quite embarrassed for everyone to know at least part of what had taken place last night.

The woman, who was still eyeing her, was still as beautiful as she always had been and dressed exquisitely in an elegant dress. She had a thick French accent when she spoke. "Why Nicholas, she is a pretty little thing...no doubt you will have a lot of fun with her."

Ella couldn't help but hear the sneer in her voice and was a little taken aback but didn't really know what to do or say. She was sitting now beside her husband, and he had his hand over hers and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze to reassure her that there was no threat.

"Careful Cecillia, your claws are starting to show" Nicholas casually said. If anyone would not have heard his actual words, one wouldn't have known he had said anything cross or sarcastic. His face had a half grin which only angered Cecillia even more. She politely got up and excused herself. Ella sat there not sure what she should do, but Nicholas seemed to have the situation well under control, so Ella relaxed and started to enjoy the plate of food that was sitting in front of her. She was listening to those in the party speak and realized she and Nicholas were going to be leaving for a honeymoon. She was purely elated! She had no idea she was going to get to go on a trip somewhere. It didn't matter where, so thought to herself. Just the thought that she was going to get to go somewhere was so exciting to her.

"Where are we going?" Ella asked Nicholas with a surprised smile on her face.

"Where do you want to go, Ella?" Nicholas asked her.

"I don't know. I've never been anywhere, and I will be thrilled to go wherever you want to take me. I'm just so excited!"

"We will go back to the room shortly and decide where we should go. We can look at a map and pull some books down and we will find the perfect place for us to spend our honeymoon."

Nicholas and Ella made their way back to their apartment after breakfast and were gone for a very conspicuous amount of time. It was later that day before they came out dressed and ready to leave for their trip. The decisions and plans were made and off they went to explore and begin their new life together.