Lying on the grass, they feel the breeze that floats over the England landscape. Night was all about, but sunshine was in their hearts. The three, now children, would come to appreciate these small moments in the future, especially once the world is set on fire. Alice was playing with the daisies again, whereas Cora and Duncan examined the stars.
"There it is…right there. Can't you see?" Cora points to the shapes in the night sky.
"No, I cannot," Duncan, always the stern one, says this shortly. "I do not see it."
"No, no, Duncan! It's right there!" She begins to trace the shape with her fingers tenderly, as if she was truly touching them. "…I don't know what it's called."
"Hmm…I believe that is not a constellation at all," Duncan says this as if it were a statement, rather than a suggestion or observation. He moves his head, as to see Cora; every now and then, Duncan enjoyed gazing at Cora, with her cherry cheeks, soft lips, and extensive brunette hair.
"Here, Duncan!" Alice places the daisy chain she has created upon Duncan's head. "This is for you." Cora giggles, while Duncan groans. "Don't you like it?" Alice asks, whilst disappointment appears on her countenance.
Duncan was about to say a negative response, such as, "How could I ever like such an ridiculous thing? I cannot fathom it." However, Cora gives him that 'look' – the one that says, 'Don't do it, Duncan. Don't do it.' To Duncan, it is an affectionate look, that makes the hairs on his neck stand, his body tense, and heart beat faster. Deciding against his original reaction, he says, "Well, of course I love it, Alice." With that, Alice grins, and begins to create one for herself. Turning to make eye contact with Cora, Duncan searches for a look of appreciation and congratulations. However, Cora does not return the gaze, but has resumed observing the stars, with a warm smile on her face.
She was never mine.
The words appear in his thoughts like a burglar, breaking in; uninvited and undesired. He wants to shoo these words away, but as he stares at Cora, he knows that her heart is not focusing on him. Distress rushes over him like a great ocean wave.
But I want her to be mine.
Alice was undoubtedly the girly one of the two; she was constantly bothered about situations; "It's so hot out! Can we rest awhile?" was her typical complaint on strolls. Whereas Cora was the most strong-minded one, the one who could go against the odds when need be. She had a sharp tongue when angered, but a soft heart when compassionate. As the years passed, things became more apparent; Alice was interested in large skirts that stuck out wide, whereas Cora was more reserved in fashion selections, picking nice colored dresses, with petite hats. Although Alice was the most vain, Cora always seemed to maintain a natural beauty, while Alice worked at her looks constantly.
Suitors came knocking for Alice, as Cora sat in her chair in the parlor, sewing quietly, alone.
Suitors came to ask consent to dance with Alice at balls, as Cora stood to the side, watching the others dance.
All the while, Duncan watched Cora, always approving of her natural beauty, her warm smile, and her patience towards life.
Once, Duncan saw a young couple leisurely walking about the streets of London, looking quite marvelous and joyous, sometimes their arms hooked, other moments their fingers intertwined. Immediately, an image of Duncan and Cora doing the same appeared in his imagination.
This was three months before moving to the New World for the war.
She will be mine.
She will be.