Kiss of Heaven
DiScLaimEr hErE
A Walk in the Past
1937
A cold summer breeze was felt by two figures sneaking through the night towards their spot near the bayou. The woman was weeping as she tightly clasps a silver necklace. Beside her a man was whispering gentle words in her ear, seemingly to sooth her trembling form. Her tears continued to flow as the man cupped her face gently, and it was then that she looked into his eyes… his red on black eyes. The man was a soldier, his calloused hands are proofs of his skill in combat and his mind is as sharp as a sword, he was about a head taller than the woman, with his muscular figure and strong arms he carried her to their spot. They stayed still holding each other closely, knowing that this could be their last.
A month from now they should be married…
A week from now he would be sent to war…
"I still hate you, you know…" the lady said while she held her lover's hand while his other locked her in an embrace, their eyes fixed on the scenery of the waters.
"Do you? I thought you said you love me a while back."
"Yeah I did, but why do you have to go?"
"I am needed there."
"I need you here."
"If I had a choice I would rather stay, but I don't… I will come back though… come back for you."
"Stop, don't make promises when you're not sure if you can keep them."
"But I am sure."
"Really? You and I both know the chances of you coming back are slim to none."
"You are so pessimistic."
"I am trying to be realistic."
"I love you."
"You're a moron."
"Are those the last words that you want me to carry?"
"No, I am sorry, I didn't mean it that way, you know me, and I hate it when you go."
"The war is almost over; if all goes well this will be my last mission."
"Maybe you can take me with you, I can help you, I can treat the wounded. Tell me and I can do it, as long as I know how you are."
"Reina, I can't do that, it is not safe."
"It doesn't matter." She answered with pleading eyes.
"I am sorry, I cannot live with myself if I take you with me, I cannot protect you there. But I can protect you by being there." The man just replied with a smirk as he felt the hand of the woman clasp his tighter.
"What is it Chere?"
"Do you really think we'll see each other again?" She asked with hesitation.
"Yes."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
His words were sealed when they shared a passionate kiss, a kiss that meant so much for the other. Reina then gave her lover the necklace she was holding, and placed it around his neck "I know you will return to me, and no matter how long it takes, I will wait for you." Reina said with a melancholic voice.
Rave answered her by giving her, her ring, the ring they were supposed to use on their wedding day; it was a simple gold band, with a Ruby on the center, and diamonds surrounding it, The letters R&R were engraved on the inside of the band. He had the same ring, only it was thicker, and had an Emerald instead of a Ruby. It was their silent vow, a marriage made in their hearts, and they sealed it again with a kiss.
XXX
Weeks turned into months, with the young lovers in very limited contact. Every week Reina could be found in her sanctuary, the spot on the cliff over-looking the bayou where Rave made a small hut for her before he left. His letters and telegrams were sent there. Reina was growing weaker and weaker by the day, not only emotionally but physically as well; it's as if her body was giving up on her. She sent for a doctor who confirmed her suspicions, she was two months pregnant, and she was happy. But that wasn't the only news she got. She contracted a disease, un-contagious but terminal and without cure. She never told anyone else but her best friend Kate.
After finding out that she was pregnant, her father, who was a very prominent man disowned her, her parents didn't even know of her sickness. So she faced her troubles alone, the good news was that the sickness wouldn't be a problem for the baby, but her having the baby could lessen her chance of living longer. Nevertheless she decided to keep her baby. Kate tried to stop her from having the baby for she would be risking her life, but her decision is final.
"This baby is a memory of what Rave and I have. Don't worry about me Kate; I'll make sure not to die on you before the baby is born." She said half jokingly.
"Reina don't talk like that, you are not sure of what's going to happen in the future. There is still hope you know.
"I know, but still…"
Reina lived in the hut, while Kate visited often; there wasn't a smile to be seen on her lips although her eyes were filled with hope. Once a week she receives a letter from Rave, informing her of the progress in the field and telling her stories of brave men that he encountered, this was what Reina was holding on to. But then on the sixth month the letters stopped. Reina tried to drown the gossip about the war and how their people are on the brink of losing, but that didn't stop her worrying. She became very sick and as an effect her long auburn hair developed white strands cupping her face.
XXX
After having her baby Reina grew even weaker. She had twins, a boy and a girl named Gab and Ally. Unfortunately, since she was too weak in her pregnancy Gab died only after a few hours. Upon the discovery of Reina giving birth, Rave's family decided to find her and her offspring to take them in their catering arms. A few days after, a telegram came from the army…
Rave was not only a brave man, he was strong and dignified, an outstanding soldier and an honorable general. He refused to leave any of his men behind and so to speak he was very much willing to make a sacrifice in the line of fire… in Reina's heart she knew that Rave wouldn't do anything stupid, nor would he want to give up what they had, but she knew the chances she took in loving him.
She was fully aware of what could happen to soldiers during the war but she didn't think for a moment that this is going to happen. She tried to think of consolations, of happy times, but none of those helped her. She held the telegram real tight with just enough force to crumple it as tears found their way to her eyes. Without Rave her world will never be the same again, and the sickening feeling of a love loss tore her apart.
After a few days the pain grew much worse, as two coffins stood there in front of the lawn, one for her deceased baby and one for her husband. Soldiers of high ranks graced the ceremony, as if they were standing for royalty.
"The general is a true hero sir, a brave soul… he saved us all-." Said one of the officers to Rave's father, and he only nodded in return. He was proud of his son for being an honorable general, a true hero indeed. And that bravery left them with memories, and things that they can never get back.
XXX
Contrary to what the doctor said, Reina survived her sickness longer than expected, she was given only a few months to live after giving birth but its been ten years and she is still alive. Unfortunately, the pain of the death of her husband never left her. She never smiled again and she was always in tears. One night she dreamed that her lover's voice is whispering in her ear…
"Do you really think we'll see each other again?"
"Yes."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
The love of her life, forever gone and her strength slowly fading… fate was cruel, definitely unkind. "If only." She said clasping her ring… she placed it on a chain and put it on her daughter's neck.
"I am so sorry Ally."
"Why mama?" The ten year old girl said.
"Remember me always okay?" Reina answered dodging her daughter's questioning.
"Of course mama, I will."
"And your papa too."
"Oui mama… you have told me so much about him, so much that I can never forget."
"You're a very good girl, I am very proud of you."
"Why are you speaking like that mama, are you alright?"
"I need you to do one more thing baby."
"Sure mama."
"Your papa and me, he promised that we would meet again. All my life I've been waiting for him, but I guess that promise won't be coming true anytime soon. But your father hasn't broken any promises to me yet, and I believe he will not break the last one."
"What are you saying mama, I don't understand?"
"Find us baby… promise me you would keep us alive."
The girl only smiled and hugged her weak mother as a reply, she was very confused, and yet she knew that her mother's words hold something special. She may not understand know, but in time she hoped she would.
"I love you Ally." Those were the last words Reina said…
Okay guys… this is the revised chapter (oh… rather revised story) for Kiss of Heaven… as you all know, this fic was previously posted but the plot was seemingly lost in oblivion… lol anyway, hopefully that will not happen again.
Sorry for the inconvenience (this sounds like a grocery store announcement). Please review please, please.
Super thanks to roguishcharm… über fabulouso of a beta-reader, if not for her this fic would go boom. Toodles Angie, hope u are sleeping well.
And ultimategammy91 too… thanks for the encouragement