Love at First Sight: Part Three

Some of you have been asking, and since I don't have time to write a long post right now I've decided to grant your request... Here's the final part to Love at First Sight, the rewrite I wrote last year of The Princess and the Pea.

If you would like to read the other two parts...
Part One: http://atwinforgod.blogspot.com/2008/07/love-at-first-sight-part-one.html
Part Two: http://atwinforgod.blogspot.com/2008/12/love-at-first-sight-part-two.html

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Love at First Sight: Part Three

A knocking at the door awoke Natalie from a deep sleep. Lifting her drained body from the feathery mattress was torture but the act was at last managed. Blond waves tumbling about her head in disarray Natalie called. “Come in.”
With a creak of the hinges the door opened to reveal a tall youth, his curly brown hair looking a bit tousled, and his chocolate eyes -just how she remembered them- holding a look of determination.
“How are you feeling?” He asked his voice full of the same tenderness she remember from the woods.
“I've been better I must admit, but you have all been most kind to me and I thank you.” Smiling Natalie continued. “Come tomorrow I will take my leave, I don't wish to tread on your hospitality longer than necessary. Thank you again for the kindness you have shown me.” As she stopped Natalie noticed the young man looked stunned.
“But you can't go!” He exclaimed. A confused look flashed across Natalie's face and the boy quickly corrected himself. “I mean, no need to worry about treading on our hospitality. You are most welcome here at Porter house.” As he moved into what seemed to her a prepared speech the young man began to inch closer and closer to her bed, it looked to her like he was trying to so nonchalantly- it wasn't working. “So please don't worry yourself, if circumstances provide that you need to stay longer, do so by all means. Our home is yours.” The youth's face looked almost anxious as he talked on and on about irrelevant topics that did nothing but confuse her further. After lots of monologue and taking of tiny mouse steps the young man was with in arms reach of the mattress.
Then his voice stopped and he seemed to have a moment of deep meditation. All of a sudden with a scream and a wild gesture he bellowed. “Look at that!”
Spinning around in fright Natalie gazed behind her in the direction he had been pointing. Nothing. Quick as lightning she turned back around. What is wrong with this man?
Standing even closer to her bed than he had been before the youth now had a sheepish look on his face. “I'm so sorry for my outburst I thought I saw something near that wall over there.”
“You thought you saw something?”
“Yes.”
“What is this thing you thought you spotted?”
“A cat.”
“What?”
“It looked to me like a crazy kitty.” Natalie stared at him, aghast. Has this guy lost his marbles?
“Probably just the kitchen tabby. Well I must be on my way. I hope you sleep well.” With those words he was gone. Giving a baffled sigh Natalie walked slowly back toward the bed.
“His visit was pretty close to pointless. I wonder what his intent was?” Just as she was about to climb back onto the soft mattress for a much needed rest there was another rap at the door. Since she had no choice in the matter Natalie cried. “Come in.” Creaking yet again the door opened only a crack before stopping. A head of brown curls poked into her room once more and a bashful voice asked.
“What is your name?”
“Um, I'm Natalie.” She hesitantly answered.
"Good night than Natalie.” And he was gone.
“What a odd young man.” She murmured sinking down upon the silken sheets. Only the feeling wasn't as pleasant as she had remembered it. Turning she tried another area of the humongous bed. Worse! Natalie tried different positions and different places, nothing worked. Her night was one of sleepless agony.


It was a wait full of anguish. Sunshine filtered into the somber breakfast room defying Charles's fearful mood. Sitting beside him his mother seemed the very picture of calm and collected.
“Mother how can you sit there like that?”
“Like what?”
“Just the way you are. So unconcerned when my future happiness is on such shaky ground!”
“You see dear Charles, though your happiness is uncertain mine is already assured.”
“What?”
“You see, even if this girl is not rich I am positive a girl with financial backing can be found for you sooner or later.”
“Mother, how can you be so cruel, so heartless?”
“It is in my nature Charles dear.” Bitter words of rage and sorrow were about to fly from his mouth at the women before him but just than the door to the dining room burst open and a girl with wild hair and a haggard look stormed in.
“I don't understand your motives but I can assure you this will not stand!” Turning from his hateful mother Charles faced Natalie with a look of distress.
“Whatever is the matter?”
“You should know! I'm sure that it is all your doing. Waltzing into my room last night,
disturbing me from a wonderful slumber, scaring my out of my wits, just to tamper with my bed! It is despicable. When me father hears about this you'll pay!” As the girl began to shake her fist in his face Charles fell back in his chair, he felt dazed and betrayed.
“Who is your father?” Charles didn't look up at the sound of his mother's voice but Natalie did.
“Andrew Carter.” She stated in a smug manner. His mother didn't even flinch.
“So you're Andrew's spoiled brat? He told my he had one. Natalie's your name isn't it girl?”
“How do you know my father?”
“We were chums as children. Haven't kept in very close contact but still word gets around about important things like children.” She said it with a sneer. Natalie didn't retort, didn't utter a sound, but a low moan came from Charles's contorted body. “I'm so sorry Natalie. So so sorry. I didn't want to do it, she made me.” With these words he lifted a shaking finger to point at the offender. “Love at first sight, that's what is was. Can you ever forgive me?”
“What are you saying?”
“The pea! I am so sorry about the pea. It was the cause of your restless sleep. Please forgive me!”
“You mean to tell me you two conspired to place a tiny green pea under my mattress?” Sarcasm laced her voice.
“Yes.” They answered in unison.
“But why?”
“Because I wanted to marry you.”
“And I wouldn't allow it unless you had fortune to your name! Now that my ingenious idea to use an element from a fairytale has worked my son is free to marry you.”
“Oh mother thank you!” Charles had seemingly forgotten his anger as joy coursed through him.
“Wait one minute.” Both the mother and the son turned at the sound of a highly offended voice. “Maybe I don't want to marry him.” Turning to Charles she continued. “You are a nice guy and I have to say your chocolate eyes made me feel all fluttery at first. It pains me to break this to you pal but the truth is, I'm not in love with you. There is someone out there for you, I'm sure of it, but it's not me.”
"How dare you refuse my son!” Mrs. Porter jumped to her feet. Charles said nothing only stared in remorse as the last words he ever heard from the mouth of his first love poured forth.
“I took the liberty of using your phone to make a call to my father. My ride should be here momentarily. Farewell to you, my hope for you both is that you find everything you are looking for.” With that she left.


Never again was Natalie Carter seen by any who carry the Porter name. Her words, though heartbreaking they may have seemed, turned out to be the one thing that helped Charles do what he must. Love at first sight is a concept laughed upon by many but to this day Charles believes it with his whole heart, and so does Natalie. Problems easily arise when this idea is applied, so most avoid it. The reason for these difficulty's is answered in one question. What is love? Love is used to describe feelings that have other names and other meanings, that is where we find our problem. Both Mr. Porter and Miss. Carter had to discover the true meaning of the word before they could justly judge their own emotions.

Our ending though is a happy one. Charles fell in love (really this time) with a poor beauty and married her. His mother disproved (of course) but by than she was to old to do anything about it. Natalie managed to change her fathers mind and thus avoided a much dreaded wedding. It was not until she met a rich young foreigner that she found the true meaning of this much debated word. And with true love they both lived happily ever after.

Love at First Sight: Part Two

Well I've finally decided to post part two of my Princess and the Pea rewrite. Keep in mind that I wrote this a year ago, so it might not be very spectacular...

Before you read part two I would suggest reading part one. To read part one go here: http://atwinforgod.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20at%20First%20Sight

Well, without further ado I present to you, Love at First Sight: Part Two.

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Love at First Sight: Part Two

Lightning shot through the air like fire casting the night sky ablaze. Again and again it flashed luminously, always followed by a blast of thunder jarring the very bones of the unfortunate souls who carried the curse of being out on such a evening. Effusion upon effusion of rain plummeted from the enraged storm clouds above. Passionate gusts of wind shook the foliage that surrounded her and Natalie screamed. Not that anyone could hear her, she was lost and alone. Though the reason for her running away still stood she had begun to wish she had thought better of starting the adventure on such a night.
Why are you so stubborn Natalie? It is true, father had no right to force you into an engagement with that freak as if he had forgotten it is the 21st century, but you knew a storm such as this was likely and still you chose to make your move tonight? And like the runaways of old you set out on foot, and forgot your credit card! Questioning herself was proving more frustrating than not so Natalie gave up the pointless argument and tried to concentrate on her journey. She couldn't.
“Why did I come?” She wailed into the blackness surrounding her. “Of course I have always longed for love but if I could only be home in my warm, dry bed right now. I think I would even marry that old weirdo.” Her shouts were absurd for there was no one around to hear her, but cry out she did, over and over again until she was so hoarse she was forced to stop. Finally, her legs gave out and Natalie Carter fell to the ground shivering violently. The darkness seemed to grow thicker and heavier, it was suffocating her. “Help me, somebody please.” Croaking the pitiful words from her exhausted body used the last ounce of her strength and the 17 year old was about to give up all hope when a shout reached her ears.
“Henry! Hurry up. This storm is getting more nasty by the second. We need to get inside.”
“Coming Mr. Charles, I sure am.”
Picking herself up off of the earth Natalie somehow managed to begin walking, following the sound of the two men lifting their voices above the anger of the storm. Than she tripped, tumbling to the dirt with a shriek Natalie heard the sound of silk ripping. Having already given up on her outfit ever being recognizable again she didn't give one thought to her precious party dress, only to the pain she felt in her left wrist as she tried to rise onto her sore feet.
“Here let me help you.” At the sound of a compassionate voice Natalie lifted her head, tangled wisps of muddy hair clung to the sides of her face as she found herself staring into a pair of concerned chocolate eyes. The whole day had been more action than pampered Miss Carter had seen in a long time, and it was all to much for her. She collapsed.

Can this be love? Question after question flitted through Charles's mind, but of all of them this was the most prominent. Trying to make their way home after getting lost in the horrific tempest that was still raging outside the comfortable Porter house, Henry and he had stumbled upon a fatigued young women wondering about in a daze. Moments after discovery she had fainted. Tenderly transversing the girl from the wet outdoors into a cozy bed where she could sleep safe and warm Charles had pondered the moment he had first looked into her blueberry eyes. Was it love at first sight? Now as he reclined in his favorite velvet chair, waiting for his mother to exit her bedroom so he could break the news of an unannounced guest to her, his many feelings where overpowering and the yearning to sort them all out was breathtaking.
How can it be love? My resentment of marriage should tell me without a doubt that it is not possible for me to fall in love- at first sight of all things- only hours after protesting to the very idea. Yet something inside me is telling me I am. What to do?
“Charlie did you want to see me?” Taking a deep breath for courage as his mother glided into the room, Charles rose to his feet and exclaimed.
“Mother, Henry and I were out walking when this dangerous storm came up. While trying to make it home we stumbled upon a girl.”
“A girl!”
“Yes. She was covered in mud from head to toe, her dress was torn, she was soaked, and she was shaking ferociously. Soon after we spotted her she fainted, so we brought her back here.”
“You did what?” Ignoring his mother's outburst, Charles continued, resolving to finish.
“My mind is made up mother, she is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and I have decided to marry her.”
“Are you crazy? From the sound of it you found some kind of vagrant on the side of the road and decided to bring her home to wed. I will not permit it! You will only marry if the applicant is backed by a fortune!”
Watching his whim crumble before his eyes Charles took a deep breath against the pain but before he could reply their was a knock at the door.
“Come in.” His mother's icy tone answered the tap. With a click the door slide open and Henry hobbled into the chamber. After glancing at Mrs. Porter out of the corner of his eye Henry fixed his gaze on Charles and delivered his message.
“I did all the things that you ask, Mr. Charles. Th' girl says she is quite fine and she thank you kindly for a roof over her head. Meredith has washed all of her things but tis the strangest thing, Mr. Charles, she found gold jewelry in that girl's dress pocket she did, and her dirty garment, why it be made of silk! Tis a queer, don't you think Mr. Charles?” As the words of Henry's report sunk in newfound hope began to bring light to Charles's sullen face.
“It is queer Henry. Did you bring the items?” Holding out his hands the old man presented Charles with the requested objects which he had been clutching the whole time, but which had been overlooked before due to the young man's melancholy.“Thank you Henry.” Charles said dismissing him.
Throughout the exchange between the servant and her son Mrs. Porter had kept quiet, but as she observed the glow on her only child's face she could keep her curiosity at bay no longer.“Why do you seem so overjoyed? The fact that the girl has in her possession a silk dress and some gold jewels does not mean you can marry her. Unless....” Her voice faded and her face changed as the realization of what it could all mean appeared to have struck her. Basking in the promise of it all Charles barely heard his mother as she spoke her plan aloud. Her words were like a distant mumbling until she exclaimed. “We will use a pea!”
Dreams of happiness were instantly replaced with the here and now. Turning to his self-assured mother with a look of confusion on his face Charles questioned. “A pea?”
“Yes”
“For what?”
“Haven't you been listening?”
“No. What is the pea for?”
“To help us determine if this girl- What did you say her name is?”
“I didn't say because I don't know. What were you saying about the pea?”
“It is to help us discover this girls true identity.”
“Mother are you insane? How is a pea going to help us resolve this issue?”
“Don't you remember that book of fairy tales you loved when you were a boy?”
“Yes. What does that have to do with anything?”
“The Princess and the Pea. Ring any bells?”
“You don't mean to tell me we are going to place a pea under the girls mattress to verify her heritage?”
“Son we are going to do exactly that.”

Love at First Sight: Part One

Sorry It has been so long. I've been out of town making more memories has part of my crazy summer. I promise I will get around to posting more about it soon. But for now I have to get to bed, babysitting tomorrow morning.

I also want to add a side note about the four videos I posted. I know a lot of you think they are very odd. It really is hard to appreciate them unless you know the "movie makers" personally. For most of them I couldn't stop laughing. It is one of those "you just had to be there" or in this case "you just have to know them". For all of you guys they may seem, strange, crazy, weird, or bored, along with a number of other things. I hope you don't think that about them. They really are just great guys who enjoy making humorous videos.

Here is the first part of my Princess and the Pea rewrite.

Love at First Sight: Part One

“Son, I think it is time you found a wife.”
Torrents of thoughts raced through Charlie Porter's head. A wife! Mother simply can not be serious. How can she even suggest such a horrifying thing? Instead of expressing his concerns immediately to his assertive parent, Charles gagged on his soup. Coughing fits soon echoed through the great hall. Not a finger twitched, no movement was made to help, his mother only watched until her child recovered from his choking.
“Now Charles don't go into spasms, marriage is really not all that bad. See how well it turned out for me? Look around you, in the bargain I gained much. Fortune, that's the key son. When you wed it will be to an heiress, a girl with riches to her name.”
But what of love mother! This is the 21st century, it is not the time for some kind of medieval matchmaking scheme in which we conform to the highest bidder. Besides we don't need any more money! Father left us with enough estate to provide for an entire legion if we wished. Charles felt his tormented feelings rising within him, his face turning a most unflattering shade of pink. Words begged to be unleashed into his mothers face, but he didn't comply. Will I ever learn to stand up to her?
Listening to the women who had his life chained to her desires made the bile climb in his throat, quickly he turned his head away and tried to close his ears to her tedious lecture. Sitting stiffly in the plush velvet chair he had reclined in his whole life, residing in a Beverly Hills mansion that seemed more like a prison, being lorded over by a female who's only care was to get what she wanted; the depression was almost to much for sensitive Charles. His rat of a mother continued her persuasions but she was no longer being heard by her audience of one, the boy of eighteen was slipping away, the world was lost to him, his mothers voice seemed to fade- a droning in the distance- the dining room faded, and then nothing.

Pain draped over him in a foggy shroud. Placing a hand to his throbbing temple Charlie opened his eyes and glanced at his surroundings. Lying across his already made king sized bed he had a fine view of the intricate landscape painted on his bedroom ceiling.
“Mr. Charles?” A familiar voice murmured a hesitant question. Rocketing himself onto his feet in a movement much to fast for someone with a headache as painful as his, the young man made his way quickly toward the one and only person he new he could trust, Henry. With a groan Charles interrogated the elderly servant.
“I fainted didn't I.”
“Aye Mr. Charles you did that very thing. Tis a shame tis.”
“What's that Henry.”
“Why your mother that be what. She got the whole house in an uproar she does.”
With an anxious sigh Charlie asked the one question he most dreaded hearing the answer to, though in his heart he knew the reply before it came. “So she's serious than, about my marriage?”
“She is Mr. Charles. Of that you can be very certain.”

Sirens wailed in the distance, babyish cries and frustrated screams could be heard from the mother-child duos hurrying along down the sidewalk, blaring horns told the world to get out of the way because number one was on a mission; the atmosphere seemed to proclaim the same message as the sign they had passed only moments before, “Welcome to the City of Los Angeles”.
“Look around you Charles dear, doesn't this seem like the perfect place to find a wife?”
Glancing out the window of the newly purchased limousine his mother had bought for the sole purpose of bride searching Charles committed the view to memory. Gloomy skyscrapers lined the streets like menacing giants casting odd shadows over passersby. Fog seemed to cover the city, the effect of toxic fumes on society. Looking far from amiable the pedestrians that crowded the street gazed at the black limo with resentment. Automobile motion was restricted and Charles calculated that they had not advanced five miles in the past half hour.
“Mother are you sure a suitable wife can be found, here?”
“Of course Charles. Don't worry yourself. The ad I published had strict requirements, the young women you will be interviewing are the most beautiful, compliant, pleasant, and gracious rich-girls you have ever laid eyes on. Just you wait and see.”

“I'm not so sure about this.” Seated in a throne-like chair gaping down at the hundreds of marriage candidates waiting to see him, Charles's feelings were overwhelming. The view was worse. riving in a variety of appearances the females below him were the most disheveled, onerous, obnoxious, and ill-bred group of poor-girls he had ever laid eyes on. The sharp clicking of heels on tile interrupted his thoughts and he turned to find his mother, the very picture of rage, waltzing up behind him.
“This is inconceivable! Why it is all simply a mistake. It can't be true. I asked for rich young ladies of fairness, easy going natures, enjoyable company, and full of consideration. And what do I get?”
“Just the opposite mother, you have received the very inverse of your request.”
“Well I guess I was right all along, the city is no place to look for a bride. If only you had listened to me from the first Charles we wouldn't be in this situation.”
“But mother I-”
“Never mind Charles you are forgiven. Now come we have better things to do than sit around here.”
At last I am free! Never mind mothers false statements about my opinion. Thank you, you crude city girls. If it wasn't for you I would have soon found myself wed to.... well somebody.
“Charles dear don't sit there daydreaming all day. We have much to do, calls to make, people to see, if we plan on having a suitable assembly by next week.”
Hesitating for only a moment Charles asked. “An assembly of what?”
“Why marriage candidates of course, in Avila Beach. You remember that lovely town don't you Charlie? The populace leaves something to be desired but maybe the young ladies of that sweet community can show us better conduct than the others we have seen today. Plans here in LA just didn't work out, as I knew they wouldn't, luckily for you I have a backup plan. To Avila Beach we go, let's see how many fortunes that little spot on the map can muster.” As she flaunted away, head held high, hopes obviously soaring, she suddenly remembered one last comment she had forgotten to bestow upon her despairing son. With a slight reprimanding tone she called over her shoulder. “Wipe that look of your face Charles, it is most unbecoming.”

Sunny rays of glory blinded Charles as he stepped out of the open door of the limo. Wind whistled through the nearby palms, but the rest of his surroundings were masked in an eerie silence. It was unnerving.
“Charlie!” A snappy voiced sailed over the wind, halting abruptly in front of him. His mothers shrill cry did nothing to brake the uncanny stillness, if anything she only added to it. “Come along Charles! We don't have all day you know. I really don't understand your apathetic attitude lately.”
Aching from the inside out Charles's reply was one of sorrow. “Coming Mother.” Trudging along, barely able to place one foot in front of the other, his heavyheartedness seemed to weigh him down, dragging him lower with every passing second. Salty ocean breezes rustled the brown curls on Charles's head, but he didn't smell their freshness nor taste their flavor though he inhaled one shaky breath after another. Even the hushed allure of the sea offered him no distraction as his attention continued to focus on the loathsome task before him. Surely the end of the search is before us. We have examined the inhabitants of a great city and now we will see what this modest town has to offer. Plainly we will find someone who suits my mother and that will be the end of it. I've no doubt I'll be married before winter is upon us and my future wife's fortune will be secure, in my mother's hands. And I, I will be a husband with a wretched wife!

“THIS IS ALL YOU HAVE TO PRESENT US WITH?” Fury seeped through every aspect of his easily irritated mother. Charles had just stepped through the door of Avila Beach City Hall to find his only living parent releasing the fullness of her temper. Woe to the one who had provoked her wrath. Than Charles spotted that very one.
“Mrs. Porter please try to calm yourself. After you have restored tranquility to your spirit we can both take our seats and mutually discuss the problems you seem to be experiencing.”
“Oh no there will be no discussing between us. I told you what I expected, paid through the nose to get it too, and this is what I receive! A bunch of brainless ragamuffins! I'm taking my son and we are leaving. We'll find a proper wife somewhere besides Avila Beach, Los Angeles, or the whole of California for that matter. Come along Charles!” With those words flung into the face of a very stunned
mayor Mrs. Porter pompously strutted out of Avila Beach and Charles had no choice but to follow.

“Well son I have come to a conclusion.” Slowly lifting his head so that he could look his mother in the eye when she made her announcement Charles braced himself, his mother's conclusions were seldom a benefit to anyone other than herself. “I have decided to put aside bride hunting for a time.” Charles couldn't help it, he gasped aloud. “Don't look so shocked,” his mother continued, “it is only for a brief interval. Soon we both will begin the quest once more.”
At that moment, for the first time in a very long while, Charles felt the urge to leap to his feet and hug is mother. But he did not conform to the impulse and it faded in an instant. His joy though did not fade and after a few more minutes of silence in the room Charles could contain it no longer. “Excuse me for such a quick exit mother but I don't have much of an appetite for breakfast today.”
Flying, that was the only word that came to mind when Charlie later tried to describe the elation he experienced that morning. Dashing across the whole outdoor expanse of the Porter estate Charles wasn't sprinting, he was soaring.