Time is needed

Gareth stared up at the ceiling and cuddled Autumn closer. She sighed. She had fallen asleep, her head rested in the crook of his arm, after telling him what had happened. Gareth turned to look at her. He was somewhat disappointed when she only acknowledged his love for her, and not recipocrate it. She had been pregnant with his child. Gareth still could not comprehend the fact that she was carrying his child, much less accept that they had both lost the little one.

"Darling, we had better get back before anyone notices us missing.", Gareth whispered as he gently stroked Autumn's cheek. Autumn stirred and opened her eyes slowly.
"Come on sleepyhead.", he urged and kissed her forehead. Autumn sat up slowly.
"Gareth, I--", she began softly. Gareth only shook his head.
"It's ok, we will work something out. For now, we will grieve out loss together.", Gareth said with a small smile.

On the way back to the Manor, Autumn was stopped a number of times by friends and guests at the hotel lobby, of whom were all invited for the Christmas party. Gareth stayed close by her side. It was then they were approached by two guys. Gareth instinctively put his hand her shoulder, Autumn looked up to him. Gareth said nothing.

"Qiuru!!", a guy called out. Autumn looked ahead and smiled.
"Vanness! Guys!", she greeted and went to hug them. Vanness looked up at Gareth and nudged Autumn. They both smiled.
"I read the news.", he teased in perfect english.
"What news?", Autumn asked in surprise.
"Congratulations.", Ken said with a knowing smile.
"The news about you and him.", Vanness teased.

"What news?", Gareth asked.
"It's all over the papers.", Ken explained. Gareth frowned.
"I'll look into it.", Gareth said to me and gently squeezed my shoulder. I nodded.
"It's good to see you again.", Ken said with a smile.
"It's good to see you again. Enjoy your stay here and have fun. I'll see you guys around the Manor.", Autumn said with a smile. More hugs and the guys went on their way.

"Who are they?", Gareth asked.
"Love interest, interested in love.", I pointed at Vanness and Ken respectively. Gareth only arched a brow.
"Long time ago.", she added and looked around. She waved at familars faces and called out greetings. Autumn knew alot of people. But alot of them were also looking at them with interest.
"Come on, let's head on back to the Manor. We're supposed to have tea with my family until we bumped into you.", Gareth said. Autumn only nodded and walked silently beside him. Gareth frowned inwardly, something was wrong with her. He could feel it in his bones that Autumn's upset about something.

Gareth was not sure about this news that has gotten everyone around them interested in them. The news could be good or bad. He had to read it before making any decisions as to what actions needed to be taken. They made their way back to the main Manor and found his family settled in the kitchen with Pris, her family and Nicholas. Gareth and Autumn settled in to join them for tea.
~~~

"How are the guests?", Pris asked me.
"I met alot of familar faces. Everyone's settling in fine, and are so glad to be back here again for the biggest party of the year.", I told her as I sipped my tea.
"How are you feeling Autumn?", Mum asked cautiously.
"I'm doing fine.", I told Mum with a smile. Monique held my hand.
"I'm fine, really. Don't worry you all. I'm perfectly fine now.", I emphasized slowly and looked at Gareth whose face was straight but his eyes reflected something else. I took a sip of tea and said nothing else.

"That is a good start. But there is going to be more stress coming up.", Dad said as he pushed a tabloid paper towards me and Gareth.

Gareth picked it up and we looked at it as Monique continued to hold my hand. Gareth frowned as he read the papers. I looked at Pris and Nicholas. They seem to be on better terms. I've not a chance to catch up with them, but it seems like they have found their own way of dealing with their problem.

"That is...", Gareth said with a frown. Everyone kept silent. I looked at Gareth and the papers.
He handed the copy to me. Gareth looked as if he was contemplating his next move.

The papers had reported about Gareth, and how he was holding up on his new title. It also reported on the success of the launch of his latest line of bridal gowns and evening dresses. Pretty much an update on him and his business. But what took up most of the article was our relationship to each other. It was reported that we were the newest and most scandalous couple in town, considering that we were caught in the most compromising situations, a number of times, since I arrived in London for the first time.


They had managed to dig up quite alot of information about me, as well as Allen and my relationship to him. And somehow, there was a rumor about me being pregnant. They speculated that the baby had to be Gareth's, considering that we had been dating for awhile now. This was also big news as the public were trying to figure out why Gareth had fallen head over heels with me, given that I was from a common background. But nothing concrete came out of this speculation.

"That was in depth. My background and all that.", I said as I looked up. No one said anything. Worried looks on their faces. I smiled weakly. Monique squeezed my hand gently.
"Well, you all know what it's like being a socialite!", I exclaimed weakly. Silence.
"Aww! Come on! It's not like I'm dead. If the public wants some juicy gossip, then they have it.", I said and held up the papers. Gareth reached out and took the papers from me, his face straight, but his eyes showed worry and concern. I looked around.
"It's Christmas. Let's now let this get us down. Things will get better.", I said slowly.
"Yeah! It will! Let's just celebrate and enjoy this festive season.", Pris voiced out. Nicholas nodded in agreement.


I looked at Pris, silently giving her thanks, which she acknowledged. Gareth held me hand, and I turned to look at him and smiled. Gareth frowned slightly. I pat his hand and slowly got up and excused myself. Gareth stood up, as did the other men. I nodded and left the table. Gareth was about to follow me, and I shook my head, indicating that he should stay.


I needed time alone to sort things out. About me, the next step, getting over Chloe, and about my relationship with Gareth.