The Covenant - Chapter Forty

"I just love parties!  Don't you Annie?" happily asks Lauren squeezing Ben Wick's hand beside her who looks a little less than comfortable until looking over to Lauren and then warmly smiles at her.

"It's definitely good to be with friends again, that is for sure" agrees Annie sitting closely beside Rick at the large table in the middle of the restaurant who is gently touching her knee under the table. Because the touch is so light, Annie is not sure if this is by accident or plan but she enjoys being close to him none-the-less whatever the cause may be.

"I'm so excited to see the dresses tomorrow at the Auxiliary fashion show. Mama has promised to buy me one!" exclaims Lauren her eyes dancing in excitement "We'll have to find beautiful bridesmaid dresses for you and my sister too.  I want to have such a gorgeous wedding that people talk about it for years to come!"

"I'm sure it will be beautiful just because it is you and Ben together" offers Rick not understanding the production of a wedding but preferring a smaller ceremony among friends with a more romantic honeymoon if given a choice but no one was asking him.  He casually glances down at Annie's empty hand and wonders what kind of wedding she would like.

"I hear we are talking about weddings" begins Elliot sitting on the other side of Annie next to Ariel on his opposite side.  "I think the grander the better.  It's time to show-off to your friends. What do you think Annie? If you were to marry me, what kind of wedding would you like?"

In a second Annie catches a flash of the look on Ariel's face who appears to be in pain but quickly changes her countenance to a more cheerful fake smile.

"Well, if I ever marry anyone it would only be for love.  Having said that, a small wedding among family and close friends seems like a great option to me so that it would feel more personal and private.  I would definitely want to go on a great honeymoon to spend quite a bit of time with my new husband though."

The women at the table share a secret laugh together and Lauren turns beat red at the table while staring down at her plate of food to avoid any eye contact. 

"Why are you laughing?" defensively asks Ben not liking to see Lauren who appears to be upset to him but missing the point entirely. 

Quickly Beth jumps in "We were having some fun earlier discussing things in regards to her bridal shower, that's all. You might reap some benefits though, nothing to worry about."

Willfully ignoring Ariel, Elliot turns to Annie again "Where would you like to go?  I'd take you anywhere."

 

Hearing this statement, Rick huffs and wipes his face with his napkin not sure how he should respond.  He looks over to Annie who appears to be deep in thought for a moment considering Elliot's offer.  He moves his leg away from her as he waits for her answer.

"Whoever I choose to marry, I hope that it would be a place that we would both like to be to start our new life together" carefully responds Annie feeling Rick move closer to her again. 

Rick places rests his hand behind her chair for a moment until he notices Beth across the table looking puzzled back and forth between Annie and him.  Rick removes his arm but raises his chin to suggest to her, "So ...I want to be with Annie."  Beth raises her eyebrows in utter surprise and takes another bit of her food chewing it quite thoroughly.

Uneasy with the silence, Ariel jumps in "Wasn't that quite a storm we had?  I've never seen the streets shut down like that in New York before!"

Having an epiphany, Beth cunningly turns to her friend, "Yes it was quite cold.  Did you happen to see if any of the shops were opened?"

"Some were opened, but even Dunkin Donuts ran out of donuts.  But we found a nice deli for lunch one day" amiable remarks Ariel before taking a moment to realize what she said.

Immediately Elliot looks to her with a stone cold look not moving an inch.

"We?  Who were you with?  I recall you were suppose to be in New Jersey for a family reunion.  Did you come back earlier and not tell me?" accusingly asks Beth not appreciating being lied to by her best friend, "Were you here or not?"

Uncomfortably Ariel fidgets in her seat turning more red by the second, she stammers "I ...uuhhh ..... we ummm.... it was like this....."

"What?  What was?  What do you mean?" interrogates Beth with her voice rising in anger knowing that she will not like what she will hear next "Who is 'we'?"

Finally in desperation, Elliot intercedes "Ariel was with me during the storm.  We stayed in town.  My flight was cancelled and her car landed in a snow drift.  So I picked her up and we waited out the storm together."

"But why didn't you call anyone, you could have stayed with us?  We are all staying in the same building!" emphatically responds Beth in no attempt to keep her voice down in the restaurant.

Both Elliot and Ariel share an informative look and then in sync decide to look down at their plates and disturb what food has been left on them.

Placing both hands firmly on the table, Beth purses her lips, glaring at both of them. "Well, what a surprise this is?  Every one of us  thought you were interested in Annie, even talking about looking for rings with her.  You and Ariel trumped all of us."

 

 

Perusing around for her next victim of confrontation to release her anger, Beth turns to Ben and rudely asks "How does it feel to be with Lauren now?  We all heard how broken you were to lose your last girlfriend.  Have you fully recovered?"

Shocked by her question, but wanting to respond Ben starts to reply "I'm grateful for Lauren coming into my life.  I wasn't sure how much of a life I would have after I lost my girlfriend in the car accident as Rick can testify.  I thought that all my happiness had left with her" taking a deep sigh Ben Wick continues as his voice lifts "But fortunately God had other plans for me.  Although a horrible accident happened to Lauren when she fell, it gave us an opportunity to grow to love each other while she was healing.  I don't know how I will go on if I had to exist without her."

"Oh ... how long did it take for your feelings to change?" asks Beth wondering why Elliot would ever turn his attention away from her towards Annie or now Ariel, her former very best friend.

"It was gradual over time.  But there was a day when I suddenly knew she was the one for me" explains Ben.

"I think men's hearts stay more faithful over time than the hearts of women" offers Rick joining in the conversation.

"I don't think that is accurate.  Women are romantics and often take the time to analyze and consider all of the different relationships in their lives.  Men tend to get busy with work and are attracted to whatever is in front of them at the time" replies Annie remembering his car being parked in front of Ariel's home many years ago "They are attracted only as long as the woman is in front of them and lives only for them."

"I don't agree.  Men are often consumed with the loss of someone that they have loved.  Think of all the poets and songs that are written by men to attest to this fact.  Songs by women are mostly about moving on to find someone else" responds Rick trying to justify his point feeling that it only took Annie a few weeks to move on so many years ago.

"So true" agrees Ben with a swift kick under the table from Lauren noticing that there is more to the conversation than Ben is aware.

"I think it takes a long time to get over someone you have cared for especially if there is no clear reason given for their absence" shares Annie raising her voice slightly "A heart can linger wondering what would have happened if the situation had been different.  Women use their imaginations much more than men and dive in with too much eagerness into the 'what-if's where they tend to dwell for far too long.  By that time men have usually found someone new to capture their attention and have entirely forgotten the woman they have left behind."

"Isn't that right!" knowingly confers Ariel with her arms crossed looking over to Elliot who appears to have gone silently deep in thought listening to the conversation.

"But women seem to change by the moment as long as the guy provides something new that they think they will need" suggests Ben Wick "They want things and often head in the direction of the man who offers the most to them."

"That's not always so.  Some women who love have a very difficult time letting go if the love was genuine, good, and sweet to them. I think a woman loves longest if given the opportunity" firmly states Annie hoping to finish the conversation and wishing that Rick would know that she still loves him after all of these years.

"Hey! Are you ready to go?" blissfully unaware of the emotional climate and interrupting Jennings asks "It's been a delicious supper.  Congratulations Lauren and Ben!  May you have many happy adventures together!"

"Yes, we need to be on our way" explains Alfred "The Temple is having another concert tonight with Captains Will and Liz Darcy that we don't want to miss."

"I'm afraid that I won't be going tonight.  I have to leave town for awhile.  I'm not sure when I will be back" interjects Elliot looking towards Ariel "I have some family business in New Jersey that I need to take care of that I have been putting off for quite some time.  Ariel, would you like a ride with me back to see your family for a few days?"

Surprised by this sudden change of heart, Ariel quickly responds, "Yes, that sounds like a great idea! I just need to run back to the apartment to pick up a few things before we go.  I'll see everyone later at the wedding!"

As they get up to leave the restaurant, Rick takes one last look at Annie.  There are tears in her eyes that she is trying to hide by quickly wiping them away. She looks at him for a second but then pretends to be looking for something hidden deep in her purse.

"Come on Annie, you're going to be late for the bridal shower.  You can walk with me. Beth and Lauren are already on their way" commands Jennings walking behind Alfred and Alice Hammer "Now Alfred, you are not invited, this is a girl's party only!"

The Covenant - Chapter Thirty-Nine

"I was sorry to hear that you've not been feeling well" shares Annie taking a homemade crocheted blanket from the sofa to cover up his feet while Rick is reclining in the chair next to the TV. Rick sneezes a couple of times and blows his nose before responding.

"Thanks for coming.  I guess the cold got more than I expected from me" Rick resolves in a voice higher pitched and more clogged than normal.

"I brought you some cookies that I made to make you feel better.  They are chocolate chip" then with a little encouragement Annie adds "I haven't tried them yet though. I saved them all for you".  As these words come out of her mouth, Annie begins to have second thoughts about her baking skills.  She puts two cookies on a napkin for him. "Uhhh... I'll get some milk for you, I'll be right back".

Smiling to himself, Rick takes a bite and pierces his lips.  He can't swallow but unsure of what to do.  He hands the rest of the cookie to Oscar who quickly puts it in his mouth only to spit out immediately and look up to Rick as if she has been poisoned.  Unaware of her reaction, Rick hands down the second cookie for her to take.  But Oscar in her lemon angel wing coat turns up her nose and slowly walks away, plopping down to sulk on her fluffy dog bed in the corner.  Rick then decides to hide the second cookie between the cushions of the couch so that is appears that he has eaten them.  He forcibly tries to swallow, but gives up putting the remains of the cookie hidden in his napkin.

Happily Annie comes back into the room carrying two glasses of milk. "Oh you've already eaten your cookies, would you like some more?"

"No, not now if you don't mind.  I'll have some later when I'm feeling a little better" politely offers Rick not wanting to hurt her feelings.

"Oh, okay.  I'll have some then" grabbing two of cookies off the decorated plate Annie takes a large bite. "Yuck .... this is awful!  Why didn't you tell me they were so bad?" violently spitting out the cookie into her napkin and scratching her tongue with her teeth to remove any remaining taste.  "I remember at one point I got interrupted,  think that I might have put in the cookie batch a second tablespoon of salt. No wonder they are so horrible!"

"Did you say tablespoon? Did you mean teaspoon instead?" gently asks Rick but knowing from the taste it definitely from the first option.

"Is it a teaspoon?  I thought the recipe said tablespoon.  How do you know the difference?" asks Annie not much of a cook or baker, but more of a fast food guru.

Trying not to choke on a laugh, "A tablespoon is abbreviated in all caps, whereas a teaspoon is in lower case letters" sincerely instructs Rick guessing that perhaps that was the problem.

"Ohh ... I forgot about that.  I didn't really do well in home-economics in school.  Baking really isn't really my thing.  My parents didn't cook much either growing up so they didn't have a chance to teach me" states Annie offering a reasonable excuse for her less than satisfactory baking delights "I mostly get take-out because it tastes better and costs less that trying to make a meal that I will eat for three days in a row which eventually ends up in the trash anyway."

Feeling amused, Rick kindly nods his head, hoping the second cookie will not be discovered in the cushion next to her that is slightly popping it head out between the arm rest and cushion.

"It was very thoughtful of you" Rick offers trying to ease her disappointment "It definitely made me feel much better."

"Yeah, well maybe next time it will be a little better or I may just buy a box from the store and pretend that I made them" laughs Annie slightly embarrassed at her own confession of future plotting, but rather convinced that it might be the better option.

"Some time when I'm feeling more like myself, I'll have to make you dinner" suggests Rick already thinking of a meal plan to impress her.

"That sounds wonderful!" thrilled exclaims Annie truly appreciating a good home cooked meal but also at the idea of spending time with him alone again. "I can hardly wait!" Hoping dreamily that the meal will be more towards the romantic rather than the friendship side of things.

"Do you like puzzles?" asks Annie thinking that a puzzle would given them plenty of time together to talk "I brought one with me just in case you do."

"Yes I like puzzles!  I see you brought a 2500 piece puzzle, that is quite a large one of the skyline.  I hope we can manage it" Rick states feeling up to the challenge.

At that moment, Annie wonders if she might have been slightly too obvious in her motive to spend more time with him in Alfred's apartment.  She spent quite a bit of time looking for the largest puzzle with the most pieces that still fit into her budget.  She hopes Rick doesn't entirely see through the reason for her choice, then trying to come up with an acceptable excuse but feeling that it might be falling a bit short of the truth being revealed responds "Yeah, I do puzzles a lot.  They relax me.  The bigger the better."

As they start to work on the puzzle at the dining room table, Rick begins "Annie I've been wanting to talk with you."

"Yes?" eagerly responds Annie but also slightly fearful of what might be said.

"How long have you known Elliot?" cautiously asks Rick not sure that he wants an answer but moving forward anyway "Are you interested in him? Do you have plans to marry him?"

"What? I've been wanting to talk to you to.  I think that you might have heard things that may have been said that are not quite accurate" begins Annie not sure if he is interested in her or ready to warn her about Elliot's reputation which she is already fully aware of.

"How well do you know him?" asks Rick feeling uneasy but knowing the necessity of hearing an answer.

"Not all that well.  As you know we met in Peru and then before I came to New York he had already met Beth and Ariel and was spending time with them" honestly replies Annie hoping that there will not be any misunderstandings between them.

"I knew him awhile back when he was engaged to Maria Betram" replies Rick deciding not to share everything he knows at that moment. "He has an interesting past."

"Yes, I know.  I've heard some about it" offers Annie wanting to assure Rick that she is only interested in him but not sure how to begin.

Rick then considers that perhaps Elliot has told her everything, and she is still interested in him anyway.
"Oh I didn't realize that you already knew. I was just curious."

"Ummm ... did you know that I saw Elliot and Ariel at the deli after leaving Tanisha's home?" asks Annie wanting to continue the conversation "It looked like he was holding her hand".

"Really? Isn't she suppose to be in New Jersey?  Didn't he say that he would be skiing in Vermont?" quickly asks Rick seriously hoping that Annie is not jealous of Ariel and Elliot, but only sees them as friends.

"Yeah, I thought it was kind of strange.  They haven't told anyone they are a couple" offers Annie hoping that Rick will understand that she sees the two of them as a couple and that she is not with Elliot without blunting having to admit that fact. "I was rather surprised."

"Me too, if I had seen them" agrees Rick as he continues "I hope that you are not too hurt by seeing them together."

"Oh no ... I'm not interested in Elliot.  He is way too much of a flirt for me.  We often talk together, but the interest factor ends there" wanting for Rick to understand her feelings Annie shares "He likes to play the field and needs all the attention on him.  It gets rather tiring after awhile trying to keep up."

"So you're not with Elliot.  Does he know that you are not interested in him?  Your family seems to think that you are on the verge of getting married" shocked but pleased Rick explains "I was lead to believe by several people in your family that you would be engaged soon."

"It is more in their fantasy life than mine.  Elliot is a nice guy but he is not for me.  Ariel really isn't too bad of a match for him, but I don't quite understand why he is keeping their relationship a secret either.  I don't think anyone would complain that they are together" Annie offers considering the choice available to Elliot.

"I think your family has expectations that the two of you are a couple" suggests Rick not wanting to encourage her relationship with him but only to point out that the family is the motivation behind it "Lydia Russell in particular seems to like him."

"She has often liked to play a matchmaker in my life, but I can make my own decisions" firmly states Annie "But I want to be chosen too" remembering how he left her before without much of an explanation except to hear from friends he had entered the training college as a cadet.

"Yes, it's important for two people to chose each other rather than induced to find something that doesn't really exist because of the opinions of others" remarks Rick "a good relationship must be grounded in the certainty of the love two people have for each other rather than being persuaded into a bad relationship for other motives belonging to those around them" having a visual memory of her standing and talking with Lydia Russell after their graduation in the park many years ago which seemed to be the beginning and end of their downfall.

"Yes, I agree.  If Elliot and Ariel would like to be together than they ought to be allowed to be" suggests Annie wanting to add to but too fearful to share her thoughts "I would be with you if you wanted me to".

Suddenly a loud pounding is at the front door.  Annie quickly gets up to answer.  "We've been waiting for you.  Elliot is back from skiing and Ariel just arrived a few minutes ago.  They've opened the roads and subway.  We're going out to dinner to meet Ben Wick and Lauren who are at the airport so you need to get dressed.  You only have a few minutes.  I've been told you can come as well, Rick, if you are feeling any better."

"Yes, I think that I might join you. The Nyquil seems to be doing its job" agrees Rick looking forward to an evening with friends.

The Covenant - Chapter Thirty-Eight

 

"Did you remember the mascara?" asks Beth "I'm almost out and I don't know what I'd do without it!"

"No one is going to see you for the next few days and we have all seen you without your makeup!" Annie remarks shaking her head while unloading the bags of groceries in the kitchen.

"Rick hasn't" smartly replies Beth "Isn't that right?"

"I guess so, but it really doesn't matter that much to me" awkwardly replies Rick not sure if he should get in the middle of a sister argument.

"I like to look good no matter what the occasion, isn't that so dad, impressions are everything" notes Beth gleefully finding the stick of mascara in the bag "Thank you so much Rick! You even picked my favorite brand."

He whispers to Annie, "That was the easy part, it was the most expensive one."

Annie looking directly at him, "You didn't have to do that.  Beth could get what she wanted a couple of days from now."

"It was worth it to avoid two or three days of whining" smiles Rick being a little more truthful than he probably should.

"Awww ... hello Rick.  Nice to see you again.   I see you have been helping Annie and making my little Bethie happy as well" replies Walter Elliot comfortably relaxing in his high-end recliner.

"Where is your other beau, Annie?" asks Walter Elliot completely oblivious that this might not be a topic she wants to discuss in front of Rick.

"Last I heard from him was that he was skiing in Vermont with friends" replies Annie as shortly and accurately as she can but not remarking on what she saw just a few moments ago.

"I like that Elliot.  He's much alike a man like myself.  Adventurous, suave, debonair, and know the value of a dollar and good breeding" analyzes Walter admiring his own reflection in the large mirror above the sofa.

While listening, Rick puts his head down considering if he has anything else on his agenda that might place him in another location.

While trying to figure out what to say, Beth walks in holding her phone "Ariel just texted me.  She is having a great time at her family reunion but misses us here.  She may be staying there an extra couple of days because of the storm though.  That's so disappointing.  I'm stuck with Annie now, no offense Annie, but Ariel is so much more fun to talk to."

"It reminds, Elliot and I were discussing your trust fund the other day" remarks Walter unaware still that Elliot isn't a welcomed discussion at the moment.

"Why were you discussing my trust fund with him?" questions Annie not happy with any answer that might be offered.

"Well, I told him it was quite a deal of money your mother left to you.  Unlike the rest of us who have spent what she left to us, you have not.  I thought he might offer some sound advice on how to manage it since he seems to have a knack for business" explains Walter taking on an air of authority as a considerate father which rarely happens.

"I manage my funds fine.  Her gift to me paid for college and I'm saving the rest for a home, retirement, and eventually college for my children if I ever have that opportunity" firmly replies Annie not wanting to discuss money with her father who runs through it like water.  "She has helped to pay for our stay in New York which everyone seems to be enjoying.  I miss her and wish that she were with us now to enjoy it."

"Your mother was a good woman, but I wish that she had left more money to me rather than dividing the rest of it between the three of you.  Both of your sisters have already spent their inheritance" then huffing in annoyance Walter adds "I'm surprised you've still managed to hang on to your own which was why I was talking to Elliot."

"I don't understand why the conversation took place.  Elliot has nothing to do with me" haughtily responds Annie wanting to no longer discuss anything to do with money.

Ignoring her Walter continues "He had a wonderful idea.  He suggested that you buy the largest home possible with the money, then turn around and sell it for more money that you paid for it.  Then you could use the extra money for whatever you wanted to.  If you marry him, he could help manage your funds for the best possible use."

"No, thank you.  I'm doing just fine.  It's for a future home for my own family and to help with things when we need it to" bluntly responds Annie very angry that her father would discuss her own finances with Elliot.

"Well, he will soon be part of the family anyway" responds Lydia Russell quietly sitting on the couch but feeling the necessity to intervene especially now that Rick is also in the room "Elliot was asking about your ring size only last week and we went through your jewelry together to see what shape of stones you like.  It sounds like an engagement is soon to be on its way to me."

Bursting into the room, they hear Alice Hammer's voice ascending the vocal stairs "Hello, hello, hello!  We're here for some fun!"

Unable to hide his emotions, Rick quickly stands up "I'm heading down to Alfred's apartment.  It's been a long day and I think being out in the cold has made me more tired than I expected."

"Oh that's too bad" sadly remarks Jennings "I was hoping you could be my bridge partner this time!  I'm sure we would win!"

"Maybe next time.  I'm sorry, I'm going to go now.  I hope you have a great evening.  I'll see you tomorrow" stammers Rick not wanting to be around anyone at the moment until he can collect his thoughts.

Not wanting to leave things unsaid, Annie jumps up from her place and rushes into the hallway where Rick is already waiting for the elevator and walking through the sliding doors.  "Please come back tomorrow.  I'm making cookies and you won't want to miss them!"

He smiles and nods as the doors close between them.  Annie stands in the hallway staring at the metal doors in front of her. "Why do things always have to be like this?" she whispers to herself so that no one else can hear and then shaking her head  "I can't even bake cookies very well. How am I ever going to get him to stay because of my cookies?"

The Covenant - Chapter Thirty-Seven

"Are you warm enough? Did you come by yourself?" asks Tanisha "I've made some coffee, if you'd like some. How do you take it?"

"That sounds good!  Two sugars and a little cream, please" replies Annie taking off her heavy winter coat, hat, and gloves and hanging them on the coat rack in the entry way. "A friend is at the corner getting some last minute groceries and walked with me".

"Oh that's good, I was afraid you went out by yourself.  The snow can quickly pile up in a blizzard which I don't think you would be quite use to" remarks Tanisha handing the coffee to Annie "This should keep you warm at least for a little while."

"Thank you!" taking a sip Annie replies "This tastes really good, perfect for the moment."

"I heard some news recently that you and Elliot are now dating and that wedding bells may be headed for your future" cautiously surrenders Tanisha taking another quick sip of her coffee.

"Oh ... yes I know Elliot but I wouldn't say we are dating, let alone headed towards getting married" surprised Annie shakes her head trying to figure out where that idea may have come from.

"Lots of being saw you at The Temple the other night and were remarking what a charming couple you made.  Quite a few others remarked how they have run into you and Elliott all around town.  Evidently he keeps a photo of you on his screen on his phone" offers Tanisha fishing for a response from Annie whom she has known for years.

"I never saw the photo.  Yes, we go out occasionally but usually Beth and Ariel are also with us so it is not like a date.  It might appear like a date to others on the days they can't join us." honestly replies Annie having not considered that others might assume they are dating because it is just the two of them at times.

"Are you interested in Elliot?" carefully asks Tanisha not sure how she will proceed once Annie answers.

"No, not really.  He's a good friend but way too much of a flirt to take him seriously.  He would definitely hurt my heart if I set it on him.  I don't know if he knows the definition of faithful or loyalty" acutely Annie responds to her friend's questions "I would only choose to be with someone who could be faithful and loyal to me, I don't need another flirt in my life.  They are usually only just a waste of time."

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but I am relieved that you are not interested in him.  I knew Elliot a few years ago.  I don't know if you are aware, but Elliot's car is the one that was involved in my accident.  He didn't have any money then and I didn't ask him for anything.  The insurance covered most of the costs but not really not all of them.  Eventually he married into money, as I am sure you are already aware" begins Tanisha taking another sip of coffee and resting a moment before continuing  as memories take over her emotions for a moment.

"There was a new experimental procedure that would have possibly helped me, but also counseling with the person who caused the accident had to participate in the program.  There was no cost to him, except for an hour a week sessions for ten weeks.  The program was to document not only the physical but also emotional therapy in the healing process." 

"That sounds interesting.  What an opportunity!"  encourages Annie feeling that anything that would possibly make her friend more comfortable would be worth the risk.

"Elliot refused.  He never told his former wife about the accident.  It was too humiliating for him.  I think he was afraid his DUI would come out and other information about that night that would ruin his political career potential" softly explains Tanisha  "We had been dating for awhile when the accident happened, but he barely spoke to me afterwards.  He didn't once visit me in the hospital. I wasn't asking for a money, only a chance to try something that might lead to my recovery."

"I didn't know Elliot was married before" replies Annie "He never told me.  He has a lot of secrets.  What happened to her?"

"He had several affairs on her and she eventually left him" blandly explains Tanisha without malice but being truthful "I believe Maria Bertram has married again. But she is also a handful."

"This information is all new to me" considering the information, Annie adds "I don't know Elliot very well.  He rarely speaks about anything personal with me.  I would only be interested in someone who could share about all of their life with me.  I'd much rather be with someone who is real than someone who refuses to completely be themselves."

"Well, I should probably go.  Rick is waiting for me at the store.  I'm sure he has bought everything in the store by now" smiles Annie to herself.

"Rick .... Rick Wentworth?" happily asks Tanisha "I haven't  heard his name for years.  Is he back from missionary duty?  I remember Rick.  He's a wonderful guy, always kind and thoughtful.  I never understood why it didn't work out for the two of you.  But I was dating Elliot and doing my own thing then, unfortunately we lost touch for awhile."

"Yes, I ran into him on service corps while in Peru last summer" remarks Annie with a sweet smile at the memory "He's in New York and has been assigned to the training college which he will begin in a few  weeks."

"You'll have to bring him with you the next time you visit.  He was very helpful to me in a couple of our classes in college and a good friend too" remarks Tanisha "Annie, you don't have to take my advice, but he's the one for you.  Maybe there is still a chance after all of these years."

"Yes, maybe.  I hope so.  But he has to figure that out too" bluntly replies Annie wishing that he would figure it out sooner rather than later.

 

Reaching the store, Annie looks across the street and thinks that she sees Elliot and Ariel sitting together at a table at the deli.  They look very animated with each other.  On closer look, it appears Elliot is holding Ariel's hand across the table.  Annie is puzzled but not jealous.  "I thought he was suppose to be in Vermont this weekend, skiing with friends.  Maybe he decided not to go.  Ariel was suppose to be in New Jersey for a family reunion, maybe that didn't work out either because of the weather.  Well, I hope they have a good time together during the blizzard."

"There you are.  I think that I have bought the store out of all of their marshmallows.  Are you ready to head back?  The snow is really coming down now" notices Rick putting a gentle arm around her back in case she should fall on the ice but not close enough for her to feel it through her coat. 

"Why don't you give me a bag or two?  I can help" as Annie takes a bag of bread and cereal, and a gallon of milk from his arm "I don't mind and I can carry them."

Quietly walking along the icy sidewalk together during the storm, each silently acknowledges that they would rather be together in the cold than a warmer place alone. 

The Covenant - Chapter Thirty-Six

"The snow is really coming down.  I'm going to go check on my friend, Tanisha Smith, before we get snowed in to make sure that she has everything she needs for a few days" announces Annie wrapping the scarf more tightly around her neck and checking her boots for a snug fit.

"Do you want me to go with you? I don't mind.  I need to pick up a few things from the corner store" offers Rick who doesn't want anything happening to Annie in the snow.

"It's okay" replies Annie grateful for the offer "I'll only be gone a few minutes, an hour at most.  I just want to make sure that she's all right".

"Well I'll walk you to the house and run into the corner grocery store for some hot chocolate and milk, while you chat" Rick replies refusing to take no for an answer.

"Let's hurry,  it seems like the snow is staying and piling.  I really don't want to get stuck outside" walking out the door with her purse in hand, Annie waves to the others who are arguing over the most recent score of the last game.

Rick walks near to her considering what he would like to say but not sure how to begin.  His thoughts travel back to  when he last saw Annie many years ago ...

Driving up to her neighbor's house and thinking to himself, "Her car is in the driveway, she's finally back.  I wonder who that other car belongs to. I don't understand why I haven't heard from her all summer.  I'm leaving tomorrow for training, 500 miles away and I haven't even been able to tell her.  Why did she forget about me? Uh oh .... someone is coming out the front door."  Rick bends down below the wheel but raises just enough to peek a little over the dashboard to see Annie standing with a young man.

"She is more beautiful than ever. The summer was good to her.  Who is that guy?  Why is he talking to her?  Why is he being so friendly?  He doesn't even know her?  He needs to take a step back, he is moving way too close to her.  Why is she smiling back at him?  She should be smiling at me. Why am I in this car and not with her?  What is he doing there?  He needs to go home now!"

As his temper rises so does his courage.  Annie and Thomas continue to chat on her doorstep.  Thomas is very animated while speaking.  They seem like old friends who are very comfortable with each other. Rick is more agitated by the second.  This was not what he was expecting to see when he saw her again.  He contemplates only for a moment that he will confront Annie and find out exactly what is going on ...."

In the meantime as they are waiting for the elevator to arrive, Annie glances over at Rick's profile and reflects on what a handsome man he is.  She remembers many times when she was younger admiring him and wondering how lucky that someone like him would be interested in her. Those feelings linger and ache as she wonders if he might be able to return those feelings for her once again.  It seemed like he wanted to kiss her in the kitchen, but then again he might have just be leaning to grab the spoon behind her on the counter to stir his tea and she was in the way.  She remembers when he did care or least it was something when she last spoke to him years ago.....

Standing on the porch chatting with Thomas about his latest fascination with a TV series and explaining every episode before departing,  Annie looks around and sees a familiar car parked just in front of her neighbor's home.  "It looks like Rick's car!" excitement and bewilderment building inside of her "Why is he there?  Why isn't he at my house?  Is he interested in Ariel Clay now?  She's been chasing Wickham for the last year.  Why is his car parked in front of her house?  Why does Thomas keep on yapping, he hasn't even noticed I'm not paying attention.  What did he last say?  I'll nod my head at least Thomas will think I'm listening."

Annie smiles back at Thomas and giggles at something he says.  She shifts from where she is standing to get a clearer view of the car but then perceives a movement in the shadows and realizes that someone is still in it.  Embarrassed to be spying on the car, she acts as if that last statement Thomas said has been intriguing.  Thomas enthused that Annie appears to be just as interested in the topic as he is, becomes more agile in expressing his interpretation of the most recent season finale.

Exiting the car, Annie is very away that Rick appears to be angry.  Annie begins to panic the maybe he is upset that she wrote so often when obviously he didn't want to hear from her because he never wrote back or called.  Fear consumes her for a moment. She raises her eyebrows and attempts to focus on Thomas perhaps she can prevent Rick from confronting her about the letters because she is with someone else.  She laughs at Thomas last sentence which she didn't entirely comprehend.

Advancing Rick changes his loose hands into a fist, Annie observes he appears to be getting redder.  "Why is he so upset?  I didn't say anything in the letters to hurt him?  I just wanted to know how he was doing?  Wait a minute ... if he didn't want to hear from me, why didn't he just tell me.  Why am I feeling defensive?  He's the one who didn't contact me?  He dropped me without saying a word?  Who is he anyway?  And now he is dating my neighbor, Ariel Clay, who dates everyone and their brother.  He deserves what he gets.  I can't stand him!  How dare he hurt me like he has!" 

Annie turns to Thomas and starts to flirt with him to make sure that Rick is reminded of what he is missing. She hopes he will see how charming and attractive he is and ache like she has for the last few months. She tosses her head and smiles deeply at Thomas, standing in a way to give her body a good view point to Rick.  She wants him to consider how much she is worth and he has thrown it away.

Finally Rick reaches them after crossing the lawn, "So, what are you back now?" in an angry tone.  Annie narrows her eyes "Yes, I've been back" but doesn't bother to say only for an hour. 

"Who's this?" critically examining Thomas from head to two "Where did the two of you meet?"

Glancing over at his car parked in front of Ariel's home, Annie snidely answers "We spent the summer together further north at the cabin my family owns".

Clearly stating that they are a couple, Rick is infuriated that Annie did not tell him where she has been until now, how could she deceive him like that? "So, did you have a good time?" jealously asks Rick feeling like every fiber of his being is on fire.

                "Yes, it was quite fun" Annie delightfully replies in as real a fake voice as possible that she can manage looking over to Thomas and smiling again to make Rick realize again what he has lost.  "What about your summer?" glaring at the home of Ariel remembering how she was flirting with him at their graduation but he didn't seemed swayed then but evidently a few weeks can change a lot of things.

                Suddenly recalling that Ariel lives next door to Annie, Rick is inspired.  He looks over and nods his  head over to his car, "Yeah it was a great summer.  I had lots of fun and new experiences, some great people to hang out with while you were gone" but decidedly chooses not to add that none were like her or will ever mean as much to him.

                "Oh  ...." quietly responds Annie feeling for a second that she is about to cry but then determined that he will not see her pain but wanting him to hurt as well "That's good that you made new friends wherever they are from.  I'm sure they had more in common with you than I do."

                Furious that Rick feels that she is implying that he is not as good as Thomas and that this other guy is being traded as a better catch than him, "Yes, I get along well with my new friends.  They know how to have fun on the spur of the moment and are quite entertaining" again glancing for long enough at Ariel's home that he is entirely sure that Annie is aware of her reputation and that they might be a couple now.

                Unable to keep up the pretense much longer before bursting into tears, Annie politely responds over her fury "Good luck.  I wish you all the best.  I hope you have a great future!  Maybe we will run into each other some time again."

                Staring Thomas down one last time, "Yes, that might happen. Hope you have a good life!" turning quickly and heading to his car before she is able to see a random tear fighting to be let out.

                ... as the elevator doors open, Annie and Rick both steal a glance at each other, content once more that at least for a moment they are standing next to each other once again and while quietly lost in their thoughts head out into the snow storm.

The Covenant Chapter Thirty Five

"Whose deal is it next?" asks Alfred rubbing his hands together and feeling a bit competitive with the game of canasta then tightly squeezing Alice Hammer's hand for good luck.

"I think it is Rick's turn" offers Jennings double checking the scores and rather miffed that she is coming in last place.

"Are you warm enough?" concerned Annie asks looking at Jennings  hovered over the game table in purple stripped thermals and a red hooded sweatshirt wearing matching fuchsia knitted gloves and earmuffs that she borrowed from Alice Hammer.

"My old bones aren't use to this cold of weather.  When does it warm up here? July?" mockingly suggests Jennings rubbing her socked feet against the carpet to add friction and heat.

"I'm so hot!" exclaims Alice Hammer wearing a headband to keep her hair from her face, and fanning herself with an extra score pad that she found in the box while drinking  a large ice tea.  "It must be 90 in here! Your hormones must be out of whack too!"

"It is clearly snowing outside and you're acting as if it is summer!" retorts Jennings tucking in a blanket around her knees "At least Rick was kind of enough to start a fire and turn up the heat" and then looking at the others at the table "What do you think?"

In unison Annie and Rick share of look of empathy and sigh deeply, it genuinely feels like a sauna but they do not feel like intercepting the discussion between friends.  Turning to Annie for an escape, "Would you like to help me make some more tea?" To which Annie immediately heads toward the kitchen.

Without saying anything, both of them giggle.  Rick offers a second wet paper towel to Annie so they can wipe their warm faces to cool down.  Rick jokes, "You missed a spot ..." and leans down to kiss her as Annie raises her chin to meet his eyes when a voice behind them asks "Is there any more ice? I think I'm actually melting in there!"

Moving away from Rick not because she didn't want to kiss him but feeling uncomfortable of being caught, "Sure there is Alfred.  We saved some especially for you."

"Those two are best friends, they either get along great or fight like cats and dogs" groans Alfred wiping his forehead with his wrist. "I may need to go home to change into some shorts if that heat goes any higher."

"Well hopefully not, maybe we can talk her into keeping it where it is" offers Annie "I just remembered my father bought a heating blanket with him that he hasn't even used yet.  Since he went back to Crestwood for the weekend, I'm sure it would be okay if Jennings borrowed it.  He won't even notice."

 

 "They say we're suppose to get five feet of snow tonight.  As I was walking into the kitchen, I saw that they have closed down the subways" explains Alfred "The  ladies are already staying in the building, but you live a ways from here. Rick would you like to stay in my guest room tonight until the storm is over?  You'll have more time to spend with Annie that way."

"Thank you for the offer.  I think that I will.  It's not looking too good out there" graciously accepts Rick thankful that he might have more than expected time with Annie.

"I need to go home and take Oscar out for a minute, will you let the ladies know I'll be back in a minute or maybe two" asks Alfred shaking his head "I may bring back an ice pack with me".

"I've been wanting to tell you, my friend Ben Wick sent an email.  He and Lauren Musgrove will be coming to town in a week.  Her mother is part of the auxiliary in Crestwood and is the representative to visit the Wedding Fashion show the Women's Auxiliary is putting on to raise funds for the Family Shelter" tells Rick stirring the sugar into his tea "They are also shopping for wedding dresses while Ben is coming to spend some time with me".

"Oh, that sounds fun!" agrees Annie already feeling that she will miss spending some time with him.

"I thought you might want to go to the show with Lauren and her mother" suggests Rick carefully watching her reaction.

"Sure, that sounds good" offers Annie in a non-committal way not sure if he is trying to find an excuse to get rid of her while he spends time with his friend or possibly suggesting something else which she feels is still only a daydream.

"Annie, I've been wanting to talk to you and ask you a few questions about the past" slowly speaking Rick begins "If you don't want to tell me that's okay, but I'd like to know."

"Okay ..." unsure of what the questions will be Annie responds "go ahead, I'll do my best to answer."

"Why didn't you tell me you were going away?  Why didn't you tell me where you went? I tried calling you but there was a message that your phone was no longer in service" asks Rick in a formal manner not wanting to give anything away to the depth of the pain he felt at one time.

"I wrote to you nearly every day and you didn't respond.  I tried calling a few times and it went straight to voice mail" Annie asks hurt from the past memories but trying to hold it in.

"What are you talking about?  I never got any of your letters.  What happened to Thomas?  I heard you guys had eloped" curiously asks Rick feeling his temperature rise but not sure if it is from the room or his emotions.

"Thomas? Nothing - ever!  Our 'relationship' was a figment of Lydia Russell's imagination" exhaustedly explains Annie "I was never interested in him or vice versa.  We were just being constantly thrown together because of her matchmaking ideas.  But there was never anything between us."

"That's not what I heard. In desperation I wrote to Lydia Russell to find out what happened to you. I got a letter from Lydia Russell telling me of your upcoming engagement party and that she thought the two of you might elope within the next month" angrily states Rick not sure how to control how he is feeling at the moment.  "Even after the summer, you never wrote me back to tell me anything different."

"You didn't write to me after all my numerous letters that summer.  I thought you had found someone else" gushes Annie "I did not know that you didn't have them.  I thought it was pointless to try and contact you if you were willing to give me up so quickly, obviously you didn't want to be with me."

"Come on! One more game.  Did you get the ice tea made?" yells Jennings from the other room exasperated from her discussion with Alice Hammer over the room temperature.

"We'll be right there!" answers Annie but not wanting their conversation to end before hearing a few more answers.

For a few seconds Rick looks pleadingly at her and whispers in his discomfort, "I didn't know ..."

"I finally convinced her to turn the heat down by 5 degrees, now we'll be pleasantly suffocating at 88, shaking her head as Alice Hammer fills another glass.