fanfic friday issue 2 - hearts and rings

I’m in love with him.

I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. My heart flutters whenever I see him, and every second we’re apart I can’t think of anything else.

He’s like a drug to me. I don’t need anything else, I don’t want anyone else.

The wind blew along my neck, ruffling up my short hair and billowing my skirt. It was late in the night, just before midnight. I knew I shouldn’t be out, but I had to be with him again. Just one last time. After tomorrow, things will never be the same again. As the time ed, I stood, waiting. With every second that slipped by my body slowly filled with dread. What if he got caught sneaking out? What if he didn't want to see me? I couldn't help the thoughts from rushing into my head, threatening to tear everything down.

“Where is he..” I muttered, about to leave when I heard a voice in the distance. Just then, my whole body lit up like a flame, almost twitching with excitement. It’s him! I couldn't help myself, I turned around and ran into his arms, wrapping my own arms around him tightly. I knew I was wearing the biggest, goofiest smile, however I didn't care. We’ve known each other since children, yet I always knew we were going to be something more. I breathed in his scent, smelling his cologne. It was almost a wonder we became friends in the first place. We’re both cripples, however while he was born into a rich, extravagant family, my family can barely afford to pay for food each month.

“What took you so long?” I asked, placing my chin on his chest as I looked up at him. He looked down at me, a smile creeping from his lips.

“ Last minute preparations made it hard to get away. But it's ok. I’m here now.” His voice was almost like a low purr, leaving me in pure bliss. I didn't want to let go of him, just standing here, gazing into his eyes filled me with so much joy. Eventually he pulled away, holding both my hands in his.

“ You’re so beautiful tonight. If only-” He didn't even have to finish his sentence, I knew what he was going to say. He was engaged to another woman. They were going to have the wedding tomorrow at noon, and I was invited. It was too soon, I wanted to be with him more. Tears welled in my eyes as my cheeks burned up.

“Why.. why does the world have to be so cruel.. All I've ever wanted was to spend my entire life with you, you know that”

The man before me gave me a look of pure sadness, wiping my eyes with his finger.

”I’ve done everything I can.. But my parents won't listen to me! They think that you’re not worthy to be my wife because you come from a poor family.” I knew this already. I’ve cried about it more times than I can count. I looked up at the branches and leaves of the tree we use as our meeting spot. This was so unfair.. He doesn't even love her! If only she could run away with him, they could be happy together. But that would come with it’s own problems, problems that they wouldn't be able to solve.

”Please don’t cry” he pleaded to me, causing me to look at him. “If this is our last night together I want it to be a happy one.” I nodded, sniffling as I tried to stop the tears from flowing.

“I love you... more than anything..” I told him, my voice barely above a murmur.

“I love you too” he responded, smiling at me with a sad smile. “ We should probably try to get to the Speakeasy before the morning does” He teased, I couldn't help but laugh.

“Well then let’s go!”

Our favorite speakeasy was in a rather secluded area, however the bartender was friendly and the jazz was my favorite, so it was worth the trips down the alleyways and the many twists and turns.

“Two Bee’s knees please.” My love said, ing the bartender his money. Even though liquor was made illegal with the 18th amendment, people still bought them illegally from places like this, and hey, what’s one cocktail going to hurt? I sighed, watching the performers play as I sipped my cocktail. The Jazz here really was the best, the performers were very talented. “We should go dance!” he smiled, holding his hand out to me. I looked at him shocked.

“But I’m a terrible dancer, you know that.” I told him, he shrugged

“ So what does it matter? Lets just have some fun!” I couldn’t say no to that even if I wanted to. Taking his hand, he led me out onto the dancefloor and began to dance, moving along to the music.

Despite my terrible dance moves, I obeyed. After all, who could say no to a face as alluring as his? I felt my cheeks fluster as I dragged my way to the dancefloor, following in his tracks. It couldn’t hurt to have a little dance, for a fun evening.

“Follow my lead, and you’ll do great” he whispered in my ear, his warm breath tickling my senses and driving me crazy.

As the band struck up the first chord in a new song, he took my hand and gently placed it on his shoulder. Taking the other one, he teasingly kissed the surface of my hand, making my cheeks burn with ion. He then proceeded to place it on his upper arm, and with a grab of my waist, we started to dance.

The minutes felt like seconds to me as he held me in his arms. One step after another, I followed him in the best form possible. We laughed whenever I would clumsily stumble over my own foot, and he would pick me up again, as if lifting my spirits even higher. It was as if no one was in the room with us. Just him and I, in our ethereal dream of ours, dancing the night away with our youth.

As the music came to an end, he smirked playfully, and dipped me down on the very last decrescendo, pulling me into a soft kiss. I smiled, wrapping my arms around his shoulders to steady myself and embrace him, as we pulled away from each other, he ran his palm on my burning cheek, with his thumb on my rosy pink lips.

“I told you it would be fun! Look how well you did. I'm very proud of you, my dear.” he praised me with a toothy grin.

I giggled, locking eyes with the man I truly would do anything for. His lovely little smile made my heart light up as I nodded. “Thank you my love, but I did stumble a few times, and you know that.”

“You fell as gracefully as an angel up there. I hardly noticed!” He laughed, pinching my cheek as I huffed, then sighed happily

This night was truly one of the best nights of my life.

If only it could have lasted forever

The next morning I awoke with a terrible pit in my stomach, as if someone had placed a heavy weight there overnight.

‘ Today is the day ’ I thought to myself, staring up at the ceiling. ‘Today is the day where I lose him forever’. I already had a dress picked out for the occasion. My mother had hand-sewn it for me, and it fit perfectly. Getting out of bed, I walked over to the closet and took the dress out. The dress was a beautiful lavender color, which happened to match one of my hats. After changing, I made sure I looked presentable before leaving. It was supposed to be me. I'm the one who should marry him, not that wretch of a woman who dares call herself a bride.

The pit in my stomach only worsened as the day went on. As I arrived at the venue, I couldn't help but notice how everyone’s outfits were a lot fancier than mine. As if I didn't already look out of place, the people here seemed to look down upon me with great disdain. It’s not like I could blame them. To people like them I was probably just an insignificant low-life. Clinging towards the outskirts of the gathering, I counted down the seconds until the main event, the feeling of dread growing worse and worse.

’I just want to see him again..’ I couldn't help but think, trying my best to hold back the tears ‘ I can’t cry now. No, not yet.’ Sitting down in my designated seat, I waited for the bride and groom to show up. My seat was right in the back, however I could see the podium all too well. As I waited, I couldn't help but think about the night before. His warm breath against my ear. How fun it was, dancing in the speakeasy. I couldn't imagine ever loving another man like I loved him. And that's when I saw him. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a black bowtie, his hair combed to the side. As he walked down the aisle, he spotted me, his eyes lingering for just a moment before he continued onward to where the officiant was already standing.

“I love you. Please, let’s run away right now and leave this all behind us” is what I wanted to say, yet I couldn't bring myself to form the words. All I could do was sit there and watch. The Best Man followed the groom, and then the groomsmen, taking their places on the groom’s right. The bridesmaids followed the groomsmen, and then the maid of honor. The flower girl and the ring bearer walked down together, almost like a cute little couple themselves. The flower girl was holding a basket full of petals, throwing them up into the air as she went. The ring bearer was holding a red, velvet pillow on which lay two rings attached with a ribbon.

And then, the bride stepped out onto the aisle.

I had to it, the sight of her took my breath away. She was beautiful even on a regular day, but today she seemed to be almost glowing. She was wearing the most beautiful White dress I had ever seen, paired with a headpiece covered in white jewels. Her father was on her right hand side, walking her down the aisle arm in arm. Once the bride has walked down the aisle, she handed her bouquet to the maid of honor, before turning to the groom.

“ Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to……”

I wasn't listening. All the sounds around me became fuzzy and muffled, as if my head had been plunged underwater. It certainly felt like I was underwater. I sat, and listened as the ceremony progressed, as the two said their vows.

“...If anyone objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace”

I felt the lump in my throat rise. This is my last chance, I have to say something. I have to. I can't just sit back and watch as the man I love marries his life away to another woman.…

Why can't I say anything?

Why?

It's as if my voice has been ripped out of my throat. I struggled to speak, to do something, anything. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak. All I could do was watch.

“ Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride. “

The groom, my love’s eyes rested upon me, for just a moment. I could see in his eyes that his heart was filled with just as much sadness, grief and despair as mine was. And then that moment was over. The groom locked lips with the bride, and I sat there, powerless to stop it.

I was so foolish back then.

I never got over that day, not when the weeks turned to months and the months turned to years. I could never forget him.

I ended up marrying another man a few years later. My husband doesn't love me the way he did, only wanting me for my body. Our marriage has grown sour and bitter, and I find myself growing more and more miserable everyday. I sat up in my bed, only a shadow of my former self. My body has been bent and broken by time, and my heart can no longer beat the way it used to. I could feel my breath growing shallow, and slowly I felt myself slip away into the darkness.

Where are you now, my love?

Are you waiting for me on the other side?

I still love you, even after all this time.

I’ve never loved another the way I love you. My heart flutters whenever I think about you , and every second we’re apart I’m filled with more and more grief.

You were like a drug to me. I didn’t need anything else, I don’t want anyone else.

When I see you again, on the other side,

Let’s dance together again, for the rest of time.

——————————————

forgive me for not adding

an intro, i feel like the

beginning was more impactful

without it.

if you haven’t seen the other

writing official posts (which

if you haven’t, wtf are you doing)

the theme for this ff friday

or saturday in my case

was 1920’s romance!

im not very familiar with the

1920s, nor am i familiar with

romance, so this was a fun

challenge for me!

i hope you enjoyed the end

result as much as i enjoyed

writing it.

this week ari was going to be

my partner, however due to

complications, she couldn’t

yet that doesn’t mean that

i was working completely alone.

i would like to give a massive

thank you to alice for the absolutely

amazing cover image. seriously,

that girl can edit.

and another massive thank you

to cazzy for helping me write some

of the story!! she is such

an amazing writer

finally, i would like to thank

ari for agreeing to be my partner

and for coming up with the idea

in the first place. I totally

wouldnt have come up with it

in my own

they ( and everyone else on the

wo team ) are absolutely

amazing, and you should definitely

go show them lots of love!!

and on that note, i have to go

until next time, my friend

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