Felicity
Felicity Merriman missed one man and one man only. The last time she saw him was six years ago, when she was ten years old. Now, the ache was worse than ever, and as she sat darning some clothing, she wished he was here, to talk to her and make her laugh. The last time she had received a letter from him was almost six months ago, and she didn't know what happened to him. The war was over-surely he would've sent her a letter and told her that he was coming home? Surely, he should be home by now?
"You're very quiet today, Lissie," Nan said from her place across the room. "What is the matter?"
Felicity put down the dress she was darning for Polly and sighed. "Nan," she started, "do you remember Ben?"
"Yes, I do," Nan responded, while continuing her sampler. "Why do you ask? Do you miss him?"
"Aye," Felicity responded, picking up the dress. "I miss him, 'tis true. But, don't you think it is odd that we have not heard from him for almost six months?"
"Perhaps he is visiting his family," Nan suggested. "Or-or he has gotten lost because he could not remember where we lived."
"Oh, Nan," Felicity sighed as she finished darning Polly's dress and moved on to William's breeches. "I do not think that Ben will forget where we lived. He was apprenticed to Father, after all."
Nan was silent. Felicity sighed and started on a tear on William's breeches. She wished Ben would come home. She missed the way he made her laugh, the way he cheered her up when she was crying. She especially missed the first letter he gave her, the first one that he had snuck under her pillow before dawn, the day he ran away. She had it memorized.
Dear Felicity,
I know you might never forgive me for this, but I am joining the militia. I know you will resent me for not giving you a proper farewell, but I would like for it to be a clean break, one where you will not be crying for days after my departure. Well, knowing you, Lissie, you probably won't, but still, just in case.
Know that I have the prospect of dying, Lissie. Know there is a chance that I might not come back. It will hurt even more if that happens, but I know you must know that the prospect is still there. Your father already knows-I have his blessing to fight. Give William a hug, Nan a kiss, and Polly a smile for me, Lissie. You will receive your gift if I come back, but if I do not, know you have one thing that you should always treasure: my friendship to you. I miss you already, and I have not even been gone a minute! Always remember me. You must remember.
Good-bye,
Ben
Felicity read the letter every day, more often when she first received it. The wound Ben had left still hurt, but not as bad as it did when he had first left. However, she was certain today would change. It had to.
"Felicity," Mother called, "how are you on the darning?"
"I am working on William's breeches, Mother," Felicity called back, then placed her darning down and stepped into the kitchen where her mother was. "Why? Do you require my assistance with making dinner?"
"Oh, no," her mother replied. "It's just that William came back for a few minutes, and told me that you are wanted at the store. He wouldn't tell me why, he just said it was 'a surprise for Lissie.' Can you go and see what he wants?"
"Certainly, Mother," Felicity responded. "I must feed Penny and Patriot first though."
"All right, Felicity," Mother responded. "Can you be quick about it, though? Polly wants to go too, and you know her, she won't wait patiently for long." Felicity sighed inwardly, but nodded, and rushed out to feed Penny and Patriot. They snuffled at her happily as she poured the oats into their trough.
"There we go," Felicity said happily. "Now, I have to go, but I promise I'll be back later." Felicity dashed off to the house, grabbed Polly, and made her way to the store.
"Lissie," Polly started as they were about ten feet away from the store.
"Yes, Polly?" Felicity asked.
"Why do you think Father wants you at the store?"
"I honestly do not know, Polly. Perhaps we will find out at the store, yes?"
"Yes," Polly responded, interlacing her fingers through Felicity's. Felicity opened the door to the store, and who she saw made her heart leap with joy.
"Ben! Oh, Ben!"
A/N: What? I always loved this pairing, and I still have the doll and the book sitting around my house. Anyway, it's crappy, I know, but review, or-*brings out all the Phoenix Wright murderers excluding Godot* these guys will come after you. So review, okay?