"Why are you here Arthur?" Her frail shoulders shakes, her voice ragged, as if she is holding back sobs. Her hands subconsciously grip her teal dress, as she turns to face me. I want to reach out and hold her close to me, and whisper into her ear that it's going to be ok, that I promise that I could change for her. But I can't. I have to be strong. I have to be cold. For her sake.
"Marie..." My voice cracks as I say her name, but my eyes remain emotionless "I don't know why I thought I could be with you. It's obvious you are too vulgar, too spoilt, too-" I can't continue, as I see the tears spill down her cheeks, her eyebrows furrowed in anger and her mouth opens in protest, but no sounds come out. I want to tell her I don't mean, because I truly don't. But I mustn't. I continue, even though the lump in my throat isn't subsiding. "I can't bear to be around you, that is why I'm fighting for my country in this war. Every German I shoot; I will think I'm shooting you."
And that's when she slaps me, hard. I suppose I should have expected that. My hand unconsciously touches my cheek, and I look at the Seychellois girl in front of me, as if for the first time. I look at her knee length blue dress, her bare feet, her dark hair cascading in waves down her back. I look at her caramel skin, her quivering full lips, her golden eyes, glistening from the tears that run freely down her cheeks. I can't bear to see her cry, so I close my eyes and turn away. I start to walk towards the ship, which will whisk me far away from her, when I hear her whisper
"Don't lie to me"
I turn to face her, but cannot form any words. Instead, I let my face show my true feelings. She runs up to me, and holds my face in her hands. "And one final request. Don't forget about me."
And that's when she kisses me. I close my eyes, and enjoy the one final embrace before I must depart. As I leave, I taste salty tears.
The Frenchman I had been telling my story to stays quiet after I had finished, and then says in his thick accent "So why were you trying to make her hate you?"
I glance down at my rifle, avoiding eye contact, and run my grubby hands through my matted blonde hair.
"I didn't want her to feel the pain of the loss of a loved one if I die" I mutter, before glancing up and smiling a forced smile "But then I've never been a good liar"
It's the Frenchman's turn to glance away, as he nods, and mummers "I know the pain to loose someone you love... I wish no one else had to feel that pain"
I am about to ask him about it, but then the officer comes past, yelling "2 minutes until zero hour" I smile at the Frenchman "May god have mercy on us all"
He nods, and we take our places against the wall of the trench. I try to say a prayer, but all I can think about is her. I close my eyes, and say a soft goodbye.
I clamber over the top of the trench, and machine gun pellets rain havoc. A young boy to my side falls to the ground, the life draining out of him by the second. I run onwards, my feet trudging through the wet mud. But then I feel a pain in my stomach, and fall onto my knees, gripping my stomach. My hand comes away crimson.
I force my eyes shut, and see Marie's smiling face, and I smile.
Then everything goes dark, and sounds disappears.
It's over.
Dear Marie La'rette,
I am afraid to inform you that your fiancée, Arthur Kirkland, has been reported missing in action. He was part of the Lancaster Feudeliers at the Battle of the Somme, a division well renowned for their morale and good-will. He was last seen ascending into no-man's land. We hope we have not lost a great soldier, and will inform you if anything including your fiancée will happen,
My Sincerest apology
James Colvin, Commander 4th division
AN: wow this is so cliche I can't believe it. Anyway, please ignore Sey's bad name, and leave a review if you have time.