The Anniversary

Chapter 1:
The Feeling

“Well Marco, what do you think I should get him? He already has so many things.”

“I don’t know Sophie. Whatever you feel pops out at you.”

“Oh Marco, look at this! What do you think will he like it?”

“Well he definitely doesn’t have one of those!”

In Sophie’s hand lay an exquisitely shaped sculpture of a young couple dancing. On their faces you could see the happiness they shared. You could almost see the love in their eyes. Sophie stood in the same spot just staring at the two lovers for just about 5 minutes. Then she slowly turned to Marco.

“Marco, do you think Howl really does love me?”

“Sure Sophie. I mean you are the reason he smiles so much lately.”

“But he never looks at me like this. Oh what am I doing? I shouldn’t just be standing here. Of course Howl loves me. It was silly of me to think otherwise. Shall we pay for this then?”

“Alright Sophie, oh don’t forget we also have to buy groceries so you can cook that special dish you have been talking about for Howl.”

“Oh my, I had forgotten. Thank you for reminding me. Well we have things to do so let’s go.”

After paying for the small sculpture, Sophie and Marco went to find the ingredients she needed for supper that night. Walking through the square Sophie stopped. ‘I have a strange feeling that we are being followed.’ She thought to herself.

Turning around slowly she looked through the crowd trying to find anyone who seemed out of place. Not finding anyone she turned back around.

“Sophie, is anything wrong?”

“No Marco, nothing’s wrong. I just thought… well it was probably just my imagination. Shall we continue?”

“Alright, if you are sure nothing is wrong. So first thing on the list is….. oh, Steaks. So where do we get those?”

“The butchers of course it should be just around the corner there.” Sophie said pointing.

Walking into the butcher shop Sophie walks directly up to the butcher and requests the finest Steak cuts he had. Showing each one to her Sophie picked out the four finest pieces. They were huge; she just knew they would be juicy and tender when cooked.

“What’s next Marco?” She questioned as they walked out of the shop.

“Let’s see… um oh, it’s Potatoes. Let’s go to the vegetable stand to get them. It should be just a little ways down.”

Reaching the vegetables Sophie begins to go through the potatoes looking for the best. She suddenly stands straight up again. Looking around the square she shivers almost imperceptibly. ‘Must have been my imagination again I really do need to stop it.’ Finding what she needed they head to the Dairy for some milk.

“Marco, do you feel like we are being followed?”

“Yes, I haven’t seen anyone but I can feel their eyes. It is sort of creepy. What do you make of it?”

“I am not sure just yet. I do hope they stop soon though. I have looked for the culprit but cannot seem to find them. We need to hurry up and finish. We’ll talk to Howl about it over dinner.”

“Alright, I believe this is the last thing we need though. So we can head back straight away.”

“Oh good, how much do you think we should get?”

“Hey you’re the cook not me, remember?”

“Alright, well let’s see, how about a gallon? That way we have some extra for in the morning.”

Finishing their purchases they took the packages back through the square. Both ignored the feeling of being followed as they came back to the door of the castle. Turning once more to look around Sophie entered the door and closed it behind her finally ridding herself and Marco the feeling of being watched.

Sophie walked to the kitchen and deposited the parcels of food she carried and then she turned to Calcifer. “Cal has Howl come home yet? I really must speak to him.”

“Sure Sophie he’s upstairs in his room. He just got in.”

“Thanks Cal I’ll be right back to start dinner with you Marco.”

“Alright Sophie, but hurry up.”

Walking across the room Sophie started up the stairs to the second floor landing. Turning right she walked to the door at the end of the hall. Knocking lightly she waited for a second before opening the door.

“Howl? Howl I really need to speak to you.”

“What about Sophie?” He asked her from his position on his bed staring at the ceiling. There was a pause and he looked into her eyes.

“Well while Marco and I were at the square shopping we both felt like we were being followed. I turned three times to see if I could find out who it was. I couldn’t. They followed us until we came back here. We didn’t know what to do.”

“Don’t worry Sophie I am sure I will be able to find out who it was.”

“Oh thank you Howl!”

Walking closer to him she leaned over him and kissed him gently on his lips. Looking into his eyes she leaned down again and kissed him more insistently. He brought his hand up to her cheek and allowed it to glide into her hair. Pulling away slightly Sophie smiled.

“I have to go back down to help Marco with dinner.”

“Alright Sophie I’ll be down in a bit. Oh and Sophie, Happy Anniversary! You didn’t think I would forget. Did you?”

“Of course not Howl. I would never think you would forget.”

Turning around she headed out the door and down the stairs to start dinner with Marco and Calcifer. Howl sat up slowly deep in thought.

‘They were being followed. The question is by who. Who would follow them around the square? Damn it all. What the hell is going on? Is she not safe still? I have done all I can to keep her safe. What if it just isn’t enough?’ Shaking his head lightly Howl stood and started to pace his room. Every possible person running through his mind. Sighing he walked out of his room and down the stairs. ‘The only way to find out is to go to another source. I have no choice but to ask for her assistance on this matter.’

Walking to Calcifer, Howl knelt next to the hearth and spoke quietly to him. “I am going to speak to Madame Solomon about the incident in the square. I want you to make sure they stay safe.”

“Alright Howl, just don’t go too far. I know how you can get out of control with this stuff. Be careful and come back. Not only for me and Marco but for Sophie too. And don’t be late for dinner Howl. It means a lot to her.”

“I won’t be late. But I must find out who was following them.”

Walking to the door he turned the dial to blue and walked through the open door right into the courtyard at the royal castle. Looking around he went to the closest door and saw Madame Solomon sitting before him.

“Solomon, I need your help locating someone.”

“Howl you need my help? I can’t believe it. You’ve never really needed my help.”

“This time I do. Someone was following Sophie and Marco. I don’t know who it was. I wouldn’t come here if I weren’t worried. I would never come to you unless I felt it was urgent.”

“Oh I know that Howl. Let me see what I can find. Oh by the way, you haven’t seen the prince lately have you? He seems to have gone missing again. No signs of struggle however. Hmm… no I am sorry Howl but I can’t find a single thing. Looks like this one just does not want to be found.”

“Hmm… I was afraid of that. No I am sorry but I haven’t seen the prince. I do not think he would come to see us. He’ll show up sooner or later. Unharmed and happy as can be.”

“I do hope you are right. Although I do believe you are right. The only way you will be able to find the follower is to follow Sophie and Marco on another day.”

“Of course Solomon. Thank you for your assistance on this matter.”

“You are quite welcome. And thank you for your assurance of the prince’s safety.”

“Good day my lady.”

“Good day.”

Turning around Howl strolled out the door calling the door to the castle to him; he opened the door and walked through disappearing from the courtyard. Walking up the stairs he walked to the hearth and sat before Calcifer.

“So what did you find out from Solomon?”

“Nothing of any use. Even she couldn’t find the culprit. She did however give me some good advice on how to find the person. Next trip they make I have to follow.”

“Oh Howl, what if we can’t find out who it is? What will we do then? Do we know which one they are after?”

“No we don’t and that is the worst of it all. If they are after either one of them it’s terrible. I just hope I’ll be able to find them before something terrible happens.”

Sighing deeply he looks around the room. “Hey where they?”

“They’re upstairs getting ready for dinner. I do believe Sophie bought a new dress and shoes for today.”

“Well then I guess I should go get ready as well. Dinner smells divine and I don’t want to be late.”

Standing up Howl headed upstairs and into his room to get ready for the special dinner that Sophie had made for them all on this very special day. He smiled to himself. They have been together now for an entire year. He patted his pocket checking to make sure his present to her was still safe and sound.

“HOWL! Dinner’s ready!”

“Alright Sophie I’ll be right down!”

He opens his bedroom door and walks down stairs. He had to wait until the perfect moment before giving her his gift. Smiling even wider he enters the dining room.

A/N: Alright everyone let me know how it is and if I should continue it or not. Reviews are fuel as another of my favorite authors would say! So Rate and Review please.