The Covenant - Chapter Five

“Hurry up!  The bridal party is headed to the reception and we’re going to be late!” pleads Lauren trying to encourage her sister to reapply her makeup more quickly so they won’t miss a moment of the celebration.

“I think Liz looked so beautiful!  I want to look as pretty as she did on my wedding day … her eyes were so bright and I loved the updo and wisps in her hair” lifting up her hair in an imaginary do looking side to side at each angle while pursing her lips in the large decorative mirror in the public bathroom, Hailey continues “Lauren, you’ll need to help me learn how to do that.  We can practice on each other.”

“Ok, but not now.  I want to make sure that we are able to sit in a good spot so Captain Wentworth to has a clear view of us” self-consciously Lauren explains “I want him to notice how ‘womanly’ I look today and not to think of me as someone so much younger than him but more of his equal. Don’t you think in this dress I look at least five years older than I am?”

“I guess so, I never really noticed.  You always look the same to me” bluntly states Hailey “Why do you need to look older anyway?  He already knows how old you really are.  If he really likes you, it shouldn’t make a difference anyway.”

“Yeah, I know but don’t you think I look more mature today?” insists Lauren mocking a glamour shot into the mirror as if it is a camera.

“Whatever … you think what you want” replies Hailey tired of the discussion and wanted to get back to the reception to see what Hayden is doing with all the other women dressed-to-the-nines at the reception. “Let’s go or we are going to miss the whole thing!”

After they leave, Annie comes out of the stall having overheard their conversation.  She looks at her hair which is plainly set and the lack of lipstick as it has worn off earlier in the day.  She looks tired from not having slept the night before thinking of the past and wondering if a future with Rick has been lost forever because of a bad choice but with good intentions that she made years ago.

In her reflection, Annie takes her hand and touches the corners of her eyes slighting raising her brow. “It’s no use.  I will never be twenty again” she whispers quietly to herself in the empty room. She finishes up drying her hands and applies some fresh lipstick to enhance her appearance.  She straightens out her dress while tucking her tummy in but confesses “I can’t breathe like this all evening. Fifteen years has left its mark, I might as well embrace it.”

“Oh there you are!  We were looking for you!” exclaims Jennings “I saved a seat for you next to me.  I’ll meet you back there in a few minutes.  You definitely don’t want to miss the bouquet toss.  However, I need to let you know, I’m planning on catching this one” nudging her in the ribs “Just between you and me, I’ve been hoping Mr. Woodhouse might get the hint – but so far he’s been rather clueless.  Maybe you can help me out by filling him in on the good luck that catching the bouquet means, especially if I catch it today.”

“Ok, I will.  It’s a promise. My best wishes on being the next bride!” giggles Annie having enjoyed watching Jennings and Mr. Woodhouse flirt back and forth for years since both of them lost their spouses and who always seem to enjoy each other’s company more than anyone else.

“Alice thinks I should leave it up to the younger ones” explains Jennings but with more passion confirms as she opens the swinging door “All’s fair in love in war, I say!  Mr. Woodhouse is definitely worth the extra effort!”

Walking down the hallway towards the corps fellowship hall, Annie finds herself smiling and hoping that one day she will also find true love whatever form or age in comes in.  Lost in her thoughts, she runs into a pair of black shoes that evidently were headed directly towards her.  Her head bumps the middle of a man’s chest.  She recognizes his cologne from a long time ago and deeply blushes.

“Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t see you”, gushes Annie trying to move out of the way but dancing to an odd rhythm in-sync with her unexpected partner.

“It’s alright, I should have moved out of your way.  I noticed that you seemed a little preoccupied” apologizes Rick and then fumbling for what to say next “It was a great wedding don’t you think?  People should get married all the time for the party afterwards”.

Annie instinctively gives him a puzzled look because without realizing his true motive thinks that the best part of the wedding is the ceremony and especially where the couple exchanges vows but afraid to say anything manages “I guess so, if you really like going to parties.  I don’t go to parties very often, I don’t mind being on my own”

She can feel the words come out of mouth but as words reach a tone all she can think to herself is, “Don’t give him the impression you’re a hermit.  You do get out … well sometimes … at least it happens once in awhile.”

“I don’t go to parties much either since being stationed overseas at least not like the ones that are here” explains Rick wanting to continue the conversation but not sure what to say next “It’s quite different being home again.  I’m getting use to some of the typical social customs again.  I guess that I’ve managed to acclimate myself to the culture where I’ve been the last ten years.  It’s very different being back again.  I feel a bit of an outsider even though I’m still familiar with everything.”

“Oh … have you had much trouble adjusting to the food again?” asks Annie wondering why she couldn’t come up with a better question at least one that was slightly more interesting.

“It’s all right.  I like rice and beans for breakfast though and I rather miss it since being back” chuckles Rick “It’s been good to get re-acquainted with everyone again.  I was afraid that they might have forgotten me.”

“Oh, that would never happen” excitedly states Annie then feeling embarrassed at her quick response continues “You’re family wouldn’t forget you and you have your other friends from school too”.

“Yes, that’s true.  It’s been a long time and people tend to focus on those right in front of them and forget about the ones they leave behind until they see them again” offers Rick “Everyone has been very friendly though and I’m enjoying my visit”.

Unable to respond because her heart wants to let him know that she never forgot him, not one conversation, not one look, not one moment since he has been gone; Annie looks him directly in the eyes but only says “I’m glad you’re having a good time with everyone.  Lauren and Hailey seem quite pleased to have you here.”

In that second Rick almost takes a step back and raising his chin while taking in a deep breath as if to re-group his thoughts “Yes, they are very sweet and pretty young women.  I never knew Charles had such beautiful and intelligent sisters.  They seem quite confident and goal oriented too.”

In contrast to these words of acclamation, Annie can feel every ounce of her inner soul falling into a deep pit at this true acknowledgement of her dear friends’ characters, “Yes, they are nice girls.”

“Well, I don’t mean to keep you from the reception” politely but in a colder tone states Rick “Your loyal friends are probably waiting for your return”.

“Oh … uh … yes I suppose they are” awkwardly agrees Annie “It is time for me to get back, I’ve been talking way too long. It was nice to see you again.”

“You too.” Blandly states Rick with his back already turned from her and purposefully walking away down the corridor.

After turning the corner of the hallway, Annie stops a moment to collect her breath and sadly thinks to herself. “At least that is over. I’ve met him and I obviously don’t mean anything to him anymore.  I can get on with my life now because there is no point expecting anything from him. But I’m just not sure how to do that …”

At that same exact moment, Rick leans against the bulletin board of the latest announcements of camp, day camp, Bible Conference, and other activities for the summer. A few posters gingerly fall to the floor as his back hits the wall. Resting his head in his hand for a moment, he can feel the pressure throbbing against his forehead. His eyes sting and he blinks several times while gritting his teeth to regain his composure. “Why did I ever think she cared about me? It doesn’t even seem like she missed me.  All I’ve done is spend my time thinking of her the last fifteen years.  She acts like she barely remembers me as even an old acquaintance.”

The music fills the room with plenty of smiles and laughter.  Everyone appears to be in a good mood celebrating the marriage of Darcy and Liz.  Both of them glow in their excitement and love for each other.  Everyone is more than thrilled and happy for them.   As the wedding reception winds down, the bridal bouquet toss is announced.

Lauren, Hailey, Beth, Ariel Gray, Mary and Kitty Bennett, and Lila Steele are also joined by Jennings and Alice Hammer.  

Jennings positions herself with her feet wide apart as if ready to receive a football after a hike. She pulls up her uniform skirt slightly above her knees in her off-black hose stocking feet.  She claps her hands once together “I’m ready for ya!” she chimes in as the other girls smile and feel the competitive edge rise to the challenge.  She flexes her shoulder muscles one last time as the bride prepares the bouquet to be thrown.

For a second, Annie looks up and catches Rick’s eye at the bridal table. He smirks but blushes slightly before turning away to talk to Charles for a moment. Seeing him choosing to turn the other way rather than watching her, Annie thinks to herself with deep regret “He’s the only one I would ever want to marry but it seems like that time has passed for us”.

“Ready?” asks a very happy and contented Liz to her friends “One, two, three, here it goes!”

The bouquet flies into the air as small clusters of baby’s breath glide to the floor, it twists and turns in the air and finally lands at it destination.

Jennings leaps in her best jumping jack pose.  It narrowly misses the goal posts of her hands, sliding to the right and into the palms of Mary Bennett.

“It got me!” shouts Mary squeezing her knees together while jumping up and down in a semi-squat position “I’m the next one going to get married! I can’t believe it! I’m so excited! I can hardly wait!” after pausing for a second and smelling all the beautiful array of flowers looking over at the bachelor cluster turning to her sister, Kitty, in utter excitement Mary squeals “ I just need to meet him first! Maybe today will be the day!”

Again, Rick catches Annie’s eye and holds it for a moment as they both exchange a smile between each other. But then she notices his attention switches over to observing both Lauren and Hailey who are quietly analyzing amongst themselves their disappointment and strategizing on how to spend more time with the male companionship that is dutifully there for the rest of the evening.  In acknowledging her loss, Annie finds that they are both quite animated and charming to watch. She politely smiles at each of them before returning to her place at the reserved assigned table.

With hands on her hips, Jennings playfully glares at Mary for a moment in her cycle of astonishment and defeat. Rather loudly she declares, “Well, I guess that I’ll just have to wait for the next one! One day I’ll get my man!”

The Covenant - Chapter Four

“Oh Annie you missed the best rehearsal dinner ever!” squeals Hailey clapping her hands in utter enthusiasm “It was so much fun!  It’s too bad you had to stay home and miss it!”

“It was an amazing evening!” interrupts Lauren taking a sigh looking up to the ceiling lost in her memories “He was so charming!”

“I thought so too!  He’s so good looking too!” gushingly admits Hailey “He may be a bit older, but I think he’s the most attractive officer I’ve ever met.  I might even consider going to training school to be with him…”

“You’ve already got Hayden!  You don’t need another boyfriend.  You guys are practically engaged, you’ve been going out so long!” Lauren jealously interjects “No, unless you’ve forgotten, you’re taken and unavailable. He’s all mine!”

“I can look if I want to.  Who’s to say I won’t change my mind?” defiantly asks Hailey “He would definitely be worth looking in a new direction if the opportunity became available.”

“What would you do with Hayden?  It’s always been Hailey and Hayden as long as I can remember.  You fit together, everyone thinks so too!” gushes Lauren trying to give her sister a reason to deeper her commitment to her boyfriend to make things easier for herself.

“Who are you talking about?” asks Annie looking up from her book that she has been concentrating on with great difficulty with all the noise in the room.

“Annie, there was this new captain at the rehearsal dinner that evidently is a friend of Darcy’s.  They have known each other since they were teens and were on service corps together” explains Lauren “He’s older, but he’s very good looking and so charming.  He talked to Hailey and me all evening!  I don’t think we stopped talking for more than five minutes.”

“Liz put him between us.  You were suppose to sit next him but that changed when you didn’t show up last night” offers Hailey “It’s funny, he seemed rather annoyed that you didn’t come but I didn’t know you knew him.  You never mention him.  I told him that too. But that seemed to make him more upset.  However, Lauren and I were able to cheer him up and had a wonderful evening with him.  Who knows, if he gives me a chance, Hayden may need to make more of an effort to keep me”.

“Ummm … maybe you need to take a break awhile from Hayden and just enjoy being a young adult for awhile.  How are things going between the two of you lately?” caringly asks Annie concerned that Hailey may be rushing into a commitment that she is not ready for.

“They’re fine.  Hayden is Hayden.  We just graduated and I expected a ring but he didn’t ask me.  He’s talked about it, but he’s so slow.  If he doesn’t make up his mind soon, I am start looking around and then he’ll be sorry!” pouts Hailey “All my friends are getting engaged and we’ve been going out longer than they have.  We’ve been together since high school.  It’s time we were getting married. I don’t want to be an old maid and still waiting for him to ask me!”

Hearing the last statement, Lauren shoots her sister a severe look and motions her head pointing back towards Annie.

“Oh Annie, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t mean you were an old maid” anxiously apologizing Hailey earnestly does not want to hurt her good friend’s feelings “You made a choice not to get married.  You’re happy being single.  You haven’t dated in forever.  Obviously, you could have been married if you wanted to be.  I wish you had married my brother and not Mary.  You would have been a great sister-in-law, you’re still my pseudo-sister though and I’m glad you’re here and around us too!”

“How come you never mentioned Captain Wentworth?” asks Lauren trying to change the apparently painful subject evident from Annie’s body language and facial expression “He’s so handsome.  If he had known me, I would have definitely been talking about him. He seemed excited to hear about you.”

“What did you say?” cautiously asks Annie afraid of what the opinionated response might be.

“Oh, I just told him that you had gone to graduate school, but now you are an LPN working towards becoming a doctor but you haven’t totally made up your mind about that yet” remembering the conversation in spurts, Lauren continues  “He asked if you still attend Kellynch Hall.  I told him you were very involved in the corps and seem quite content on your own.”

“Did he ask anything else?” curiously asks Annie wanting to know what else was said.

“Mostly he just wanted to talk about me.  I told him all the activities I’ve been involved in at college this year, and my friends that I’ve been hanging out with, and what I did during spring break.  He asked me what my goals were for my future and I told him that I wanted a fashion designer” explains Lauren “He was very encouraging unlike most of the family and thought it might be something that I should try.”

“He didn’t encourage you.  You were doing all the talking.  He barely had a chance to ask you any questions, because all you were doing was talking and hogging the conversation” irritated interrupts Hailey “I tried to say a few things to him which he seemed quite interested in knowing, but just as our conversation would start, you’d take over again talking about yourself!”

“Well, he wanted to know about me.  I’m sure he did!  If he’s going to be my next boyfriend, he needs to know me better” snaps Lauren at her sister’s obvious irritation “He seemed to like me. I think everyone in the room noticed too!”

 “Annie, you’re lucky. At least you don’t care about having someone and don’t have to fight with your sister.  I don’t think Beth and you ever liked the same guy” offers Hailey trying to put her romantically competitive relationship with her sister in perspective.

“Yeah, you didn’t seem to want my brother either and gave him to Mary instead” sulks Lauren “At least you’re not a hypochondriac.  You would be taking care of us instead rather than having to hear her whine all the time! I don’t mean to be harsh about Mary, but it’s the truth.”

Listening Annie sighs and looks down at the floor unable to know exactly how to respond.  She should be defensive of her younger sister’s character, but Lauren isn’t lying and the entire family is fully aware of that repetitive truth.

“I wouldn’t have been a good match for your brother, you know that.  We’re good friends still and that’s enough” remarks Annie “I think he would have been rather bored with me within the first month of being married”.

Knowing that what Annie is saying is closer to reality than just an excuse, Hailey offers “There still could be somebody for you. You never know, he might show up today.  You’re not a hopeless cause even if you are older.”

“Well, thank you” giggles Annie in a slightly sarcastic tone “I never considered myself near hopeless but at least I have your encouragement of a romantic future for myself with an unknown prince charming. The future isn’t as bleak as it possibly could be.”

“I must say Captain Wentworth is closer to your age and sort-of more like you, but I’d rather keep him for myself” states Lauren making a claim before any need is necessary “You can find someone else.  I’m sure there will be someone coming along sometime soon.”

“How do you know he isn’t going to go for someone more like my type?” debates Hailey “I might snag him before you do!”

Just then the doorbell rings both Hailey and Lauren scurry to see who it is leaving Annie in the kitchen alone for a few minutes sipping on some tea and having toast.

Lost in her thoughts, Annie smells the fresh scent of flowers in the vase in the center of the table that she picked out the garden this morning.  She remembers fifteen years ago a conversation that she is unable to forget.

“What do you mean you can’t marry me?” Feeling a wave of hurt asks Rick holding her hand and refusing to let it go while they walk in the garden at her parent’s home.

“I just think it would be better if we waited a little longer.  Lydia Russell doesn’t think it is a good idea for us to get married right now.  My father said he would have nothing to do with me if we got married.  I can’t get married without my family” offers Annie feeling her heart tear inside.

Grabbing her other hand into his own Rick pleads “We can make it.  We don’t need them.  All we need is each other.”

“It isn’t that I don’t love you.  I want to do what’s right.  Lydia Russell told me it is what my mother would want if she were still alive.  She wants me to finish my education” explains Annie “I can’t take care of you as I would like to as a wife if I’m busy studying all the time.  We wouldn’t have much money if we are both going to school.  It would be better to wait.”

“I don’t want to wait.  I could find a way to make enough money to support both of us.  You’ll be all right with me.  I’ll take care of you, you never have to worry about that” anxiously promises Rick rubbing her hand afraid of the consequences of losing her.

“You need to go to school too.  You are so gifted and talented.  If you are going to be where you should be, you have to get your degree for all of your abilities to be recognized as I see them.  I wouldn’t want to keep you from your future because of struggling financially because of me” sorrowfully explains Annie as tears are welling up in her eyes “If you still want me after we finish school, I’ll be here.”

“I don’t understand.  If you love me, you would marry me now no matter what your family says or that Lydia Russell” argues Rick “You care about their opinion more than you do me.  I don’t mean much to you. I don’t understand how you could hurt me like this! I love you, Annie.”

“I love you too!  I only want to do what will be best for both of us.  We both still have a lot of growing up to do and things to experience.  You would resent being tied down to me.” Starts Annie repeating words that were said to her “Once you got where you wanted to be, you would probably find that I was not as interesting if I didn’t have something to offer back to you.”

“What are you talking about?  I love you just the way you are and find everything about you amazing to me” angrily states Rick feeling that she is mimicking someone else’s excuses “Why do you not trust me enough?  Why are you willing to listen to everyone else but me?”

“It’s not like that.  I’m making this choice myself because I do love you.  I love you very much. I would only hinder what great things are ahead of you” sadly remarks Annie unable to hold back her tears anymore “You need someone who is more outgoing and can be the show person you need them to be.  I like being behind the scenes and helping people.”

“Annie, I don’t need you to be any different than you are. Can’t you see that?” pleads Rick “You need to stand up to your father and Lydia Russell.  They don’t know what is best for you.  We should be together.  But I only want to be with you if you are sure that you love me more than your family.”

“How can you ask me that?  They’ve taken care of me my whole life.  Lydia Russell is like a second mom to me.  She would never suggest anything that didn’t have the best for me in mind” feeling angry and unable to control her confused emotions Annie continues unsure of her true feelings “You’re the one who doesn’t love me.  You’re asking me to give up my family for you.”

Feeling furious and completely misunderstood, Rick shoots from his gut but not his heart “Well, I guess that is that then. We don’t love each other and we need to move on.  Don’t expect to hear from me.  I’m not going to be asking you anything again.  You can stay with your family since you think they love you so much and you can’t live without them.”

“Fine, at least I know they love me!” yells Annie throwing the random while flowers in her hair that he had placed there earlier in the day “Don’t talk to me.  I’m not going to be missing you!”

Startled by laughter from the other room, Annie awakes from her trance and wipes a solitary tear on her cheek taking another sip of her hot tea and letting the fumes bring back a peaceful moment as her heart aches as the recalled memory. “I was so foolish” she whispers softly out loud to herself.

“We didn’t expect to see you again until tomorrow!  What brought you here?” loudly exclaims Lauren ecstatically giggling just outside swinging French doors of the kitchen.

“Your brother invited me over to show me the kit car he has been working on” states Rick “Is there anyone else here?  I noticed an extra car in the driveway.”

“Oh yeah, Annie’s here.  She stayed over last night” explains Hailey grasping for some of his attention, “Our nephew fell of the bunk bed while playing batman with his brother and got a concussion, she stayed up all night with him to make sure he was okay.  She’s ends up being their babysitter a lot and they enjoy being around her too.”

At that moment, Rick walks through the swinging doors of the kitchen.  Annie looks up and they stare at each other for a moment unable to speak while every emotion floods their senses. “Annie?” softly asks Rick unable to find any other words to say.

“Yes …” Annie hears the words leave her mouth but feels as if her tongue is stone to form anything else.

“I forgot, you know Annie” Lauren intercedes feeling the awkwardness in the room but not sure of the reason “at least she said that she knew you this morning”.

“Yes, we know each other but that was a very long time ago.  People forget things if they’re not around them for awhile” suggests Rick feeling that she may not remember who he is or what she once meant to him. “Unlike most, I have a good memory though and can remember just about any conversation I ever had.”

“Wow!  I don’t think that I would like that ability!  Sometimes I say things I don’t mean and would hope that they would forget it especially when I want more money from my dad for a new outfit” chimes in Hailey trying to ease the tension in the room “I wish that I could remember things.  It would have been helpful this last semester when I showed up a half-hour late for my last final!”

“Come on!  I think that I hear Charles in the other room, he’s waiting for you.  I’ll show you where he is at” offers Lauren pulling at his arm towards the kitchen door feeling envious of the intense stare that Annie is receiving from him “I’m sure he’s been waiting for us!”

Nervously feeling not in control of her emotions, Annie shyly looks down at her tea cup and massages its handle before looking up again and meeting Rick’s eyes for a moment. She sees a second of warm recognition, but then almost as quickly his eyes turn cold as he grins at Lauren holding his arm next to him and leading him back into the living room to join with the others.  Annie feels a vast emptiness enter the room leaving behind a wake of sheer loneliness and loss.

 

The Covenant - Chapter Three

“Jonathan Markus Musgrove, come right back here this minute!” insistently screams Mary angrily scowling at the empty staircase with her hands adamantly placed firmly on her hips and animatedly shaking her head in rhythm with her words.  “You cannot take that squirrel upstairs!  It belongs outside and it is not your friend!”

On hearing these words as she enters, Annie begins to silently giggle to herself.  There is usually an adventure of some sort at the Musgrove household.  “Where is Andrew?” asks Annie looking around for the smallest but most mischievous member of the family.

“Last I saw him, he was chasing a wild rabbit around the backyard with a bucket of water” offers Charles yawning while searching through his Ipad for the latest technology news “He’ll be back some time, not to worry.”

Frustrated with the undesirable outcome, Mary stomps into the room making everyone aware of her presence. “uhhh … I put up with so much.  I’m so tired.  I don’t need this nonsense” looking towards her uninterested husband in a voice of unquestionable command “You need to tell your children to behave!”

“Have of them belong to you, dear” slyly looking up to her from his recliner, Charles adds “honestly, their ingenuity is from me, but their cunning ability outwit you comes from your side of the family.”

In return Mary glares at him for a moment, but unable to respond shakes her head and rolls her eyes in defense because she knows his words are true. “It’s been such a long day.  I shouldn’t have to put up with all this Charles!  I work so hard at home and all you do is sit at a desk all day.  You should take care of the boys when you get home so I can have a break!”

Appearing to be sensitive to her wishes, Charles contemplates this less than ideal offer for a moment and determines in order to save the happiness that remains in the house the room is better left silent rather than to comment.

Observing the mood of the conversationalists, Annie opens up her favorite book hiding a smile behind the pages and reclines on the sofa into a more comfortable spot.

“I’m looking so forward to the rehearsal dinner tonight!  It’s going to be so much fun!  I haven’t been to one in such a long time.  It was so nice of them to invite me along.  Charles is standing up with Darcy.  They were on service corps together as teenagers.  They’ve been friends for years.  Such an opportunity to be friends with someone as well-connected as Darcy doesn’t happen very often” Mary adds with a note of superiority  “I would understand it if he chose to be friends with me since I have so many friends among his acquaintances, but Charles is quite a surprise to discover that Darcy would like him so much.”

Hearing the tone of Mary’s voice, Annie glances over to Charles to see if he noticed the sting within Mary’s words. She sees him shrug his shoulders and ignore her as unfortunately her soliloquy continues.  “I’ve always been ahead of Charles as far as my social status.  As Elliots our family has been around for generations in the Army. Everyone recognizes our name.  Who wouldn’t want to make a connection with us?  Musgrove, I must admit, is a fairly new name in Army circles.  Darcy would easily recognize our name as a counterpoint to his own, rather than Charles’ family”.

Uncharacteristically Annie counters Mary’s opinion in order to support Charles “Everyone has a place with me.  It doesn’t matter where they come from or how long I’ve known them.  I enjoy people for who they are not because of some name that is attached to them.  Every person has something to give to life and I like to discover and share whatever that is with them.”

Hearing this reprimand, Mary tightens her lips and raises her chin slightly higher than normal, sets her shoulders and turns to walk defiantly towards the kitchen but remembers something, “Oh, I forgot to tell you.  Rick Wentworth will be there.  I’m sure you will remember him. I ran into him today at the grocery store.  He is standing up with Darcy as well and is considering staying in the area during his furlough time from being stationed overseas.”

Hearing the name that she has adored for so long yet for years, unable to speak his name out loud, Annie wide-eyed stares at her younger sister reaching for breath that remains elusive as her heart pounds against her chest.  Anxiously Annie asks, “Whhhhaat did he say? Did he ask about anyone?”

“I don’t think so.  He said how wonderful I looked and how glad he was to see me again.  I can’t really remember what else he talked about.  Let’s see, it was something about how much he likes the area and has good memories of being here.  He said he made a lot of friends during the time he spent here” Mary takes a moment to check herself out in the mirror by the door  and smack her lips “He’s quite handsome now.  He was just a young teen really when he left.  I wouldn’t mind looking him every day.”

Glancing over at her, Charles sighs and grabs the remote for the TV to watch his favorite show that he has DVRd from the previous evening.

“Did he ask about me?” cautiously asks Annie not wanting her sister to remember the reasons for the less than happy terms on when he last departed.

“I don’t think so.  He seemed quite taken with the memories of me.  He didn’t forget about me” vainly expressing her impressions, Mary insensitively continues “Of course I’m someone who is hard to forget.  You are a bit of a wallflower.  I wonder if he even remembers who you are.  Most people don’t, you know.”

A note of sadness pervades Annie’s heart, “He was always kind to me.  I couldn’t forget him.”

“Well, maybe you’ll have a chance to help him remember who you are at the rehearsal dinner tonight if you can manage to be attractive enough to get him away from all the other women in the room who will definitely be seeking his attention” suggests Mary brushing a hand through her hair still gazing into the mirror “Maybe you should wear that purple dress you bought last year for Emma’s wedding. It looked nice on you.  It at least brings out the color of your eyes, but you’ll need to do something with your hair.”

“Yes, that is a pretty dress.  I liked the way it fits on me. Hopefully it won’t be too snug, it’s been awhile since I tried it on” adds Annie thinking of how to put her hair up to make it look more attractive than the pony tail she normally keeps it in because of the intense heat during the summer.  Holding her hair up in a loose French roll “What do you think of something like this?”

“Hmmm … let me think about it.  It might work” offers Mary “Fortunately I have an appointment with the salon in about an hour to get my hair done.  So, I guess that I’ll see you later. Keep an eye on the boys for me will you?”

Mary doesn’t wait for Annie to respond expecting to be available as she always is.  Walking out the door, Mary glances down at her phone.  “Uhhh.  Janelle can’t babysit tonight!  Well, this isn’t going to work. I have to go to the rehearsal dinner.  My husband is a groomsman.  It is expected that I will be there.  Annie, why don’t you stay here with the boys?  No one is really expecting you.  I’m not even sure you are really invited.  I’m sure they were only trying to be polite.  You’re only helping with floral arrangements and don’t have a significant role in the wedding.  They won’t miss you, but it will be obvious if I’m not there.  Who is a groomsman without bringing his wife along to make a complete couple?  You’re just by yourself anyway and will be like a third wheel there.”

“I was invited.  Liz asked me personal” defends Annie not appreciating being forces to babysit by using a guilt trip “But if the only choice is to leave the boys home alone because you can’t find anyone else to watch them, I don’t mind taking care of the boys.  We always have a good time together.  But I would appreciate you looking for a substitute rather than me, so I can go to the rehearsal dinner too. They are my friends as well”.

“Oh all right. But you do such a better job than a neighborhood teen who spends their entire time texting on their phones and I end up having to pay for that” reluctantly acknowledges Mary “It’s very difficult to find good help, and you are one of the best who love my children as your own even though  you’ve never been a mother.”

“Well, although it hasn’t happened yet, I hope to be a mother one day and time with your children give me plenty of practice” snaps Annie offended by her sister’s commentary.

“Yes, it’s always okay to dream.  You’re not getting any younger, but it still may happen” snidely remarks Mary remembering that she was not her husband’s first choice who instead had actually chosen Annie who gently refused him but is often reminded by her husband “Your prince may come one day. At least in the meantime, you have plenty of opportunity with my children to keep you company. Your nephews look up to you and love you so much”.

Not feeling like wanting to spend any more time with her sister or with someone who has already forgotten her, Annie offers with a sigh “I’ll stay.  Don’t worry about calling anyone.  I will take care of them.”

“Oh, you are such a lifesaver and a dear!  I don’t know what I would do without you!  Most are not as lucky as I am to have a sister like you!” exclaims Mary thrilled to be going to the party without her sister hoping to be the center of attention instead. “You don’t know what this means to me!  I get out so little because of the boys.  You don’t mind.  You’re single and can go out as much as you want. This is a chance of a lifetime for me!”

Feeling rather at a loss, Annie faintly smiles feeling like she has just surrendered to the Queen of Hearts of Alice in Wonderland “Say ‘hello’ to anyone who asks for me”.

“Fine, I’ll do that for you” blandly remarks Mary applying another layer of lipstick before heading towards the door “I’ve got tons of things to do before tonight.  I may go buy a new dress after going to the salon.  I’ll see you later Annie.  Thanks so much for watching the kids.  Charles, come on, you can go to the Good Deals to see what new tech toys they have in stock while you wait for me”.

The front door shuts behind them and the room is silent for a moment. Annie picks up the trucks and comics scattered about the room placing them in a large wicker basket for that purpose.  Her heart deeply aches at yet another lost moment. She comforts herself, “He probably wouldn’t recognize me, let alone remember me anyway.  If he wanted to get in contact with me again, he would have a long time ago.  He knows where I live, I haven’t moved. I’ll never forget him though.”

After making sure the boys are all right, Annie leans back into the recliner and drifts into the cavern of her lost memories …

“How can you even consider marrying him?” Lydia Russell questions her in disgust “You’re both still children.  What do you know about marriage?  What do you even know about love?  This is just a crush and it will pass as soon as you meet someone else more interesting than him.”

“I don’t think so.  I’ve never felt this way about anyone before” honestly states Annie standing firm in her resolve to let her love for Rick be known.

“Yes, I sure you think that you do, but it will pass.  Of course you never felt like this before, and there will be many times you will make the same statement when you experience something new with other men in the future” excuses Lydia Russell trying to offer some advice with the intention of being heeded.

“No, I don’t think so.  He loves me and I love him too.  We may be young, but we’re good for each other” defends Annie wanting to share all the love she feels inside for him with everyone that is important to her.

“You’re just a girl still.  You’re not even quite a woman yet.  Legally you’re an adult, but you are just starting out in life.  You haven’t had to be pay your own bills yet, or learn how not to be lonely living on your own, you need to finish your education if you want a real satisfying career.  It isn’t time for you to be married or even thinking about it” rationalizes Lydia Russell placing an arm around Annie’s shoulders “You have so many opportunities in front of you, being married will only make you feel trapped later.”

“But he loves me.  He can take care of me.  I’ll take care of him too! He makes me happy being with him.  I don’t want to be with anyone else ever!” snaps Annie feeling as if she is not being heard.

“You’re mother asked me to take care of you before she was promoted to glory. I’m here for you. She wouldn’t have chosen me to take care of you if she didn’t think that I knew what was best for you.  Your mother wouldn’t have wanted to see you giving up your future so quickly just because you met a boy and thought you were in love with him” informs Lydia Russell taking Annie’s long hair into her hands as her mother use to do when she had something important to say to her.

“My mother would have wanted what was best for me.  Rick loves me and understands me.  I’m not ever going to meet someone like him.  I’ve met him now not later.  We are meant to be together” defends Annie with the peaceful assurance she feels inside.

“That’s what all girls say when they fall in love for the first time.  There will be many young men in your future.  You need to finish your degree.  You don’t even have a proper engagement ring.  He gave you a pearl because he can’t afford a small diamond.  You will be living at a level that you are not accustomed to”.

“I don’t mind living simply.  I never have.  I’ve always wanted to be a missionary and have never been influenced or have the desire for too much excess” sincerely defends Annie knowing that what she says is the truth “I don’t need things to make me happy with him.  We will have each other for that.”

“Well, see.  When you get older, you’ll realize how much things can substitute for loneliness” states Lydia Russell who finds shopping at the mall an escape from her personal choices of solitude “How does he plan to support you?”

“We’re going to be officers.  We’ll be fine” frankly states Annie “We don’t need a lot of things.  But we do need each other.”

“Don’t you think that if you both finished your education first, you would make better officers” begins Lydia Russell from a new angle of argument “You’ll be more informed and can offer more experience and wisdom to your future congregation.  Education never hurts, only enhances.”

“You have a point, but there is no reason we can’t be married and finish our schooling while we are officers” considers Annie “Continuing education is necessary and a requirement.”

“It will be so much more difficult after you are married and if some ‘surprises’ show up along the way.  Children are blessings, but you won’t have time to study nor the energy to do it either” explains Lydia Russell from experience.

“Do you just not like Rick?” curiously asks Annie wondering why her mentor is giving her such a difficult time about their engagement.

“He’s fine.  But he’s not for you.  He’s not anywhere near an ‘Elliot’.  He doesn’t have your status or upbringing.  You have so many opportunities because of your mother’s wealth and inheritance that she left to you” Lydia continues noticing that Annie appears to be finally listening for the moment “How do you know that he isn’t just after your money?  Will he wait for you or is he demanding to be with you now?”

“He wants to be with me now because he loves me” argues Annie crossing her arms in front of her.

“Have you told him about your inheritance?  He’s getting a lot by being with you, but what are you getting from him?  Does he have a decent job right now to take care of you?  How will he support you?” asks Lydia knowing already the insufficient answers.

“He’s a corps helper so he can learn how to be an officer before training.  He doesn’t make much, but we could live on it.  I have a job too as the receptionists at the Boys and Girls club.  We’ll be all right” offers Annie “He doesn’t care anything about my money.”

“Then why can’t he wait?  Why doesn’t he encourage you to finish school first?  He isn’t thinking of you and what is best for you.  He wants to get married to have someone cook and do his laundry for him since his mother is no longer there to do it” perceptively offers Lydia knowing Annie since she was a child  “You need more than that, trust me. I know you quite well. If he loves you, he will wait. If he doesn’t want to wait, you’re better off without him.  If you run with him now, he’ll abandon you in the difficult times too”.

“He’s not like your ex.  He loves me, I know he does” states Annie feeling tears well up in her eyes “He’s perfect for me.  I’m never going to find anyone that loves me as much or that I love so deeply!”

“Maybe I should have a talk with his family.  They can support your ideas about marriage and perhaps help me to come to a conclusive opinion that will be best for you too” suggests Lydia with the hopes of also discouraging his family from such a hasty marriage.

“I think that would be great then you would know how excited his family is too about us being together” agrees Annie “Rick will never let me go, he loves me too much.  We’re going to be married. You’ll see.”

“Aunt Annie!  Aunt Annie” yells Jonny while shaking her arm “Andrew just fell off the top bunk.  He was pretending to be superman!”

“I’m coming!” jumps Annie up from her restless memories “Is he okay?”

“Yeah I think so.  But he’s got a bump on his forehead that is all red” explains Jonny “He flew really well though.  He nearly hit the dresser across the room!  I wish that I could fly like that! Have you ever wanted to fly away Aunt Annie? I’d bet you’d be a good flyer too!”

 

The Covenant - Chapter Two

Closing her eyes while soft music fills the room, Annie relaxes as her thoughts flow to another time and place.  As memories fill her thoughts, she can feel the excitement of hearing that she will be going to Peru for the summer.  It’s a country that she has never visited before let alone try to conform herself to a new culture and immerse herself in ministry among a foreign community.  Her Spanish language classes in high school should come in handy, if only she could remember all the words that she will need at the right time.

So many talented young adults fill the orientation room.  They seem gifted at everything from public speaking, to singing, dancing, knowing how to play a variety of instruments, terribly outgoing and sure of themselves.  Annie remembers feeling out of place, but hoping that God will be able to use her anyway.  She has always wanted to help people and this seems like a wonderful opportunity to really make a difference in other’s lives.

Looking up she can see a handsome man entering the room.  For an instant their eyes meet, Annie can feel their warmth but quickly turns away feeling that she may have been staring for a little too long.  She slyly looks up again for another look and finds his smile to be warm and engaging. He peers at her again while talking to the confident guy next him blabbering away about how much he is admired for his public speaking skills with the intention of making others in the room feel like novices.  

As she looks over the pamphlet of information with basic phrases, how to exchange money, what to do about dry cleaning for her uniforms, a list of rules, and other contact information and friendly voice echoes just behind her.

“Hi! My name is Frederick Wentworth, but my friends call me Rick.  What’s your name?” asks Rick taking a hand to comb through a loose strand of hair attempting to put it back in place.

Annie can feel herself fidget in her nervousness speaking to the attractive guy making a way to sit next to her.  “My name is Anne Elliot, but my friends call me Annie.  It’s nice to meet you.”  Shyly smiling up at him and quickly looking down again to see if everything is in place with no traces of a leftover lunch.

“I don’t think I’ve met you before.  What corps are you from?  Is it close to here? “ curiously asks Rich leaning closer to her trying to listen to whatever she has to share.

“I attend Kenilworth.  It’s a rather large traditional corps with a band and songsters  in the North” explains Annie trying to think of something to add to continue the conversation “My family has been attending there for generations.  I think we’re the oldest family in the corps.  If fact, my family help start the Army in the states.”

“Wow … that’s interesting.  I don’t think that I’ve met anyone that can trace their family back that far.  I’m a first generation Salvationist.  My parents don’t attend.  I came to know the Army through the Boys and Girls club as a kid.  I liked playing air hockey and pool in the afternoons during the summer during middle school” Rick shrugs his shoulders at the old memory, “The corps wasn’t too far away so I could ride my bike every day rather than be home alone . My mom had to work so it was either hang out with my older brother who had no interest in babysitting or go down to the community center and hangout with my friends.”

As Rick shares about some of his life, Annie smiles back at him enjoying the conversation.  “Do you mind if I sit with you for orientation?  There doesn’t seem like many available seats”.

“Sure” Annie can hear herself respond and decides to add “There’s plenty of room if you can’t find a seat anywhere else.” Annie turns the other way for a moment blocked from his view and cringes for not coming up with a better response.

Rick looks at her and nervously chuckles while hoping that she really does want him to sit next to her and it is not just a matter of convenience. “After orientation is over this afternoon, would you like to take a tour of THQ and the trade department? I haven’t been here before, have you?”

“My dad comes about once a quarter to get a new fitting on his uniforms.  He likes to have them tailored so they fit well.  He also has them add a soft red lining for more comfort.  His favorite material are the linen uniforms even though they are a bit more expensive” explains Annie talking about the first thing the comes to mind feeling that he probably could care less what types of uniforms her father wears.

“I just got my first uniform a few months ago when I was enrolled. I thought that I might pick up a couple extra pair of work pants and shirts for the summer.  I don’t know where Trade is located so if you don’t mind, would you show me where it is?” asks Rick hoping to be able to spend more time with her to get to know her better in a more comfortable setting.

“I’m free this afternoon and I need to pick up a sweater and a new timbrel for the trip. On the flight coming here, my timbrel busted on the plane from being shoved into my rather large over-packed suitcase.  Unfortunately,  when I opened my suitcase, all my shampoo and other lotions had also exploded from the air pressure” feeling a little embarrassed but finding the humor in it noticing that Rick finds it funny too Annie continues “At least my clothes smell good now, more like coconut than ocean breeze.”

“Maybe I’ll take your advice and try that.  At least I’d smell good all summer too. ” Rick teases “We’ll be the best smelling people on our teams especially when the automatic laundry facilities are not available.” Rick slyly smiles and adds “I was just thinking about wearing a car freshener on a chain instead.”

As she imagines his homemade necklace, Annie strains to make a face that the last statement sounded halfway normal but fails and gives away her surprise.

“I’m just kidding” Ricks teases “But it would be a rather good idea don’t you think, especially when there is no A/C available in a lot of the places where we will go. I’m not use to the heat.”

“Did you have to get many immunizations?  I took everything that they recommended, but I ended up being a little sick and sore too from them” asks Annie wanting to continue the conversation but not sure where to head next.

“Yeah, I did.  My backside really hurt for a day or two” rubbing the spot where the shot was located for effect, Rick shares holding out his arms in front of them and twisting them at the memory “I also brought a Mesquito net with me, I’m not sure that I’ll need it, but I can’t stand to be bit. I don’t know which is worse a mesquito or an ant bite.”

“I’d rather have neither” states Annie knowing that she practically packed an entire medicine cabinet in her suitcase debating if she needed clothes or some particular safety and recovery items more. “I brought a few things with me just in case anything happens that I don’t mind sharing with you.”

“I’m glad that you’re my friend.  At least I know that you’ll take care of me should I get myself into danger or harm’s way” grinning a large cheesy smile at her, Rick states “You’ll be my angel for me.”

Hearing the words “my angel”, makes Annie feel her cheeks turning red and rushes a hand to her jaw to cover up any discoloration in her face.  She smiles unable to make a further comment.

“I’ll meet you at three in front of your dorm and then we can walk around the campus together.  Is that all right with you?” asks Rick with hopeful eyes and a warm smile.

Taking a deep breath hoping to lower her voice rather than the shrill that sometimes occurs when she gets excited, Annie calmly answers “I’ll see you then!”

Suddenly Annie is jarred into the present from her daydream of the past to hear Jennings voice next to her “Uhhh … Alice …. I don’t know about that color?  What do you think Annie?  You’re a young woman, you know what we should be wearing and what would be better off left on the shelf.”

Blinking her eyes a couple of times to focus as she raises her head from the massaging chair, “I think that I like the blue frost a little better than the lime green, but that’s just my opinion.”

Alice Hammer sighs, “I know.  I like both colors.  What if I got most of my fingers painted in the blue and then the two ring fingers in the lime green?  What do you think?  Then I could just add a few decals too”

Jennings violently shakes her head, “At least make the shade match if you want to use two different colors.  What decals are you thinking about this time?  I think the zebras were a bit much last month.”

“Well, maybe Annie can help me decide.  I love animal decals, but maybe a flower might be better.  What about a Cantuta?” asks Alice Hammer holding up her hands to the sky imaging the image on each decorative nail.

“Ummmm…” responds Annie lost in her thoughts again “The Cantuta is the national flower of Peru”.  As she overhears the discussion about what floral accent to use, Annie thoughts float back to 15 years ago.

“What do you think of this flower?” asks Rick having just picked a bushel of them from a long stem hanging from a bush.  “I like the red ones the best, but he pink and yellow ones are nice too.”

He shortens the stem and places a few over her ear like they might do in Hawaii.  “There I think that’s better.  It brings out your eyes.”

Moving closer to him, Annie blushes and can’t help wondering how someone so terrific could have entered her life.  They walk side by side for awhile content with the company of each other.  Four weeks have gone so quickly with only four more to go.

“What are your plans when you get back?” asks Annie wishing that his school will be close to her own.

“I can’t afford to go to college this year.  I have my associates, but I may have to wait another year.  I’m thinking about going to the training school instead” pausing for a second to see her response, Rick continues on perceiving no negative feedback in body language “Twenty is young, but I can always finish my degree afterwards.  All the officers are required to take continuing education, but I can put that time towards credited classes and I’ll have a BA by the time I’m commissioned.”

“I’ve thought about going to the training college, but my dad wants me to finish college first.  My mother left it in her will money that she inherited just so I could attend college.  Education was very important to her, and I want to honor her memory to but fulfilling her wishes” sincerely explains Annie “It may be a few years before I’m able to go.  My family though thinks that I would be better just staying at the corps and being a committed soldier.”

“What would you like to do if you could do anything?” asks Rick curious to find out if her desire for the future matches his own.

“I would like to go on to training, but it really isn’t up to me.   I don’t really have money of my own to support myself for two years so I would need my family backing to make it.  They’ve already told me training is not a possibility for at least another five years unless I get married and can do whatever I want, but I doubt they would let that happen any time soon” sighs Annie knowing that Rick doesn’t have the ‘right’ old Army name that her family could use to admire and promote their own egocentric agendas.

“Annie, every flower is beautiful. They look a lot alike when they are put together as a bunch.  But each one has their own stem.  They have their own leaves from which the flower has to grow and bloom” gently touching her forehead next to the vibrant Cantuta and leaning into her, “You need to capture the beauty within you and find out what it is you want for yourself.  It’s really the only way to be happy and find contentment in life.” 

Awakening from her slumber, she hears Alice Hammer exclaim “Aren’t they wonderful!” walking chair to chair and demonstrating jazz hands to the other polite but uninterested customers in the salon. “I got bells with ten different notes painted on each one of them! Look, it’s a full octave on the fingers and my thumbs each have a sharp and a flat.  I can pretend I’m making music even when it is better to be silent such as during the message during the worship service when Major gets a little long winded, or when I’m at the library waiting on Jennings to finally decide that she has chosen enough books for the week to read.  If I get a little bored, I can just play along my favorite song with my hands!”

Somewhat appalled as typical of her expected social status, Beth Elliot looks at Alice Hammer like she is crazy and the whole idea is absurd.  However by contrast, Annie smiles at her dear friend wondering how she comes up with so many creative ideas.  She hopes that one day she will be more like her as she begins to get older.

“Bells are such lovely things.  Have you ever heard a full set of bells ringing from a chapel steeple?  I think it must be one of the most beautiful sounds in the world,” reminisces Alice Hammer “I could sit in a large quite cathedral all day surrounded by stain glass just to hear the blended soulful melodies of the bells”.

Beth wrinkles her nose at the idea, “I always find the bells way too loud for comfort.  I don’t know why anyone would bother to use them anymore.  No one can hear them above the traffic and it is such an outdated thing to do”.

Taking a sigh and closing her eyes once again whispering “Bells are such a beautiful sound especially for a wedding.”

“What do you think of marriage Annie?  Is it something you see yourself doing some day?” sweetly asks Rick holding her hand and softly kissing her cheek “It’s something I’d want to do if I knew that we both loved each other and never wanted to be apart.”

Looking up at Rick, Annie replies “I definitely could see myself very content as a wife if I were with someone who loved me and could be faithful to me for life.”

“I like the idea of always being with you Annie” quietly states Rick stroking her cheek and holding on to a strand of her hair that has fallen from the pony tail and onto her shoulder.  “How would you feel about being around me all the time?”

“I don’t think that I would ever be bored.  You make me laugh too much!” honestly admits Annie but more seriously continues “I think it’s the best thing that I could ever choose to do”.

“Maybe this is something that we should think more about” dreamily announces Rick but then with more of a hint of sobering reality, “We both go home next week, but we’ll see each other again at Territorial Youth Conference a couple of weeks later.  Maybe I can meet your sister then, and your dad too if he is coming.”

“I think that would be wonderful!  My mentor has been assigned as a chaperone too.  She was my mother’s best friend all through her childhood and adult life before she passed away.  Her name is Lydia Russell.  I’d really like you to know her.  I think that you’ll like her a lot!” offers Annie very excited about the possibility of Rick meeting her family in just a few short weeks.

“Come on Annie, you’ll have to finish your dreaming later.  We’re going to be late.  I’m picking up Ariel and we’re going shopping this afternoon for Liz’s bridal shower.  You need to pull yourself together, because I’m in a hurry” snaps Beth already headed out the door. 

“Bye everyone!  I’ll see you at the shower tomorrow!” sweetly waves Annie sharing a few hugs with Jennings and Alice Hammer on her way out and then turns again to Ms. Kim “Thanks again!” offering her a rather large tip for her well-done work.