A/N: Okay. Did everyone enjoy the finale of Friends? Good. Now, on with the story.
Disclaimer: Do I have to do this again?
SHOUT-OUTS:
Miri: Why, thank you for the compliment. Thank you very much. I've actually been toying with the idea for several months now. I'm a huge fan of Christian romance novels. My favorites are the 'House of Winslow' series by Gilbert Morris, the 'Dr. Cheney Duvall, MD' series by Gilbert Morris and Lynn Morris, and anything written by Janette Oke. She's just wonderful.
Just I: Congratulations!!! That is so wonderful! I'm very happy for you! Do you have a date set, or is this just a step towards the wedding? I was engaged for a year before we set the date, then it was another year before we got married. And we dated for three years before we got engaged! Sometimes I wonder if we rushed into things. (Just kidding).
Ruby: Yes, I have a Cathy. But you haven't met her, yet. Don't worry. You'll meet her soon enough. I actually tried to spell her name with a 'K' (I prefer the K), but she simply wasn't having it. So 'Cathy with a C' she remained. I thought it would be interesting to have Chris be a writer. Partly because Anne had tried her hand at it once and partly because Chris's paternal grandfather (Owen Ford) is a writer. I'm glad you approve, but I haven't decided what 'type' of writer she will be, yet. And you want to be my beta-reader if I write a novel? That's so nice of you, and very flattering. Thank you. And I think you would be an excellent novelist. Much better than I would.
Gufa: Missed you! And, actually, I sing. I play a little piano, but haven't had a lesson since I was ten. Mostly, I play by ear. I had to have Chris hate three o'clock in the morning. It wouldn't be proper if she didn't hate it. I realize I was coming from an American point of view, but I honestly couldn't think of it as World War II until my own country was involved. I don't know why. I don't think my country is any better than Canada or Great Britain (the jury is still out on France. Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm just kidding.) I know Sara was supposed to be a 'world-famous actress', but I had to mix a little of the book with the show in this case, I'm afraid. Sara had to be home to take care of and give advice to Chris and Lorelei. And even when you're correcting me, I miss you. And I share your opinion on writers. We'll be covering that soon, actually.
Strawberry Lip Gloss: Your review came at a perfect time. I thought the finale of Friends was NEXT WEEK! I almost missed it! Luckily, though, I was able to get my mom to record it for me and I got to watch it Friday night. You have no idea how hard it was, dodging all the buzz about the finale at work and on the internet. And I'll be posting snippets from Will's letters, at least. Still haven't decided about Walter.
Stella Maynard: Thank you, my friend. And the twins are very fun, as you will find out when you get to know them better. Particularly Isabella. I hope you did well on your exam. I wouldn't want to be responsible for you getting a bad grade or anything.
Love Books: Hate is a strong word, my friend. But I'm not too fond of her, either. And I don't think I'll be reforming her. But I'm not sure. The twins will be tons of fun, I promise. Writing will be her major but, as I said before, I haven't specified what type of writing.
Steph: I agree with you about the harder class. Except when it comes to math. Algebra is for me what geometry was for Anne. I HATE Algebra. And I'm so glad someone can think about that line in the context of the song. I love that song.
Stallygal: Sorry it took so long! It's been crazy around here.
An-Cat-Gaelige: 'Admirably'? Author blushes Thank you very much. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. And don't worry. It will be longer. Oh, yes. Much longer.
On-Fire-for-Christ: I know, I know. And I'm so sorry. But the well ran dry on this story for a little while. Hopefully, things are better now. And thank you so much for your well-wishes on my anniversary! You remembered!
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''April 28, 1942
"I wonder if Elena and I have the same number of hairs on our head."
This thought was spoken aloud as the girls, meaning Elena, Isabella, Chris, Lorelei, Natalie, and Cathy, milled around in Lorelei's bedroom, trying to get ready for the Spring Dance that night. Most of the girls smiled at Isabella's statement, but Elena rolled her eyes.
"That's the strangest thing I've ever heard you say, Isabella," Elena remarked as she put the finishing touches on her twin sister's hair.
"I don't see what's so strange about it. We're twins, aren't we? And we're identical, aren't we? Therefore, the number of hairs on our head should be the same."
Chris came up behind the sisters, looking in the vanity mirror and trying to put some cosmetics on while talking at the same time.
"I think you've been spending too much time in Philosophy class, Isabella. You're thinking too much."
Isabella shot a mock glare at Chris's reflection.
"Are you saying that I never used to think?"
Chris smiled at Isabella's reflection.
"No, I never said that. You did."
Isabella stuck her tongue out, Chris laughed, and Elena shook her head.
"You're both insane. You would think that two young women could conduct themselves with a little bit more decorum."
Isabella put a hand to her heart and feigned shock.
"Oh, gracious me! What a big word, Elena! Luckily for me, I am thinking too much these days and so I am able to understand it. Though I certainly don't intend to conduct myself with it. That's too boring."
This drew laughter from the rest of the group. Elena merely smiled. She really wasn't much for laughter these days. Privately, Chris heartily agreed with her friend's mood.
"How is the writing coming along, Chris?" Cathy inquired. All the girls, by now, knew that Chris had finally decided on a major. Only Lorelei and Elena knew how much trouble Chris was having with it, though.
Chris frowned, wondering how she should answer. On one hand, Cathy was a very sweet girl who would never intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. On the other hand, Cathy shared a room with Yvette and never seemed to be able to keep a secret from her roommate. Yvette was best friends with Anna, who had become the bane of Chris's college life, and if Anna found out about Chris's troubles then Chris would never hear the end of it.
"It's going well enough," Chris finally replied. Both Elena and Lorelei glanced at her, then at each other. But neither said a word.
Cathy was no fool, however. She knew there was more to it than that. Although somewhat hurt that Chris didn't seem to want to confide in her, she let the moment pass. Elena took the chance to change the subject.
"There, Isabella. Your hair is done. And it looks lovely."
When didn't Isabella look lovely? Chris couldn't recall a time in the past four months that Isabella had looked less than stunning.
"Thank you very much, sister dear. Now, you sit down and I'll do your hair for you."
"Oh, no you don't. It's bad enough you managed to talk me into going to this dance. But you will not touch my hair, Isabella. I'll come out looking like Marlene Dietrich or something."
"Not possible. Your hair is too dark," Isabella replied cheekily. Elena ignored her.
"Nevertheless, I think I would rather have Chris do my hair. If you don't mind, Chris."
"No, I don't mind at all. If you can help me with this last button."
After the button was fastened, Chris set to work on Elena's hair and let her mind wander a little to the dance.
It was strange, really, the thought of attending a dance without Will. Except for the occasional dance at weddings, Chris hadn't danced since her fiancé left. At first, she had felt rather uncomfortable about the situation, but had finally formed an alliance with Elena. The two girls had decided to go as each other's 'dates' and had even taken the joke so far as to buy corsages for each other. It was a source of great amusement for the small circle of friends.
The rest of the girls, strangely enough, all had escorts. This was strange only because there was such a shortage of young men. Most of them couldn't join for one reason or another, sports injuries and the like. Cathy was going with a boy who was a few months younger than her and, therefore, not of age to join up, yet.
Lorelei had accepted the invitation of Peter Jamison, a pleasant young man of twenty years. He had actually served in the Air Force for a year until contracting a very serious case of pneumonia. The Air Force sent him home and the doctors said he would probably never fully recover. His lungs were too weak. Due to his service and the length of his recovery, he had started college at the same time Lorelei had. In fact, Peter Jamison was the young man Lorelei had 'stolen' from young Janet.
Chris wasn't sure what to think of all this. She liked Peter very much. No one could help liking Peter. But it was obvious that he felt more for Lorelei than simple friendship. Chris had no doubt what Lorelei felt for Peter. But what if that changed someday? What if Lorelei fell in love with him? Truly, Peter was everything Lorelei had ever dreamed of when they were little girls, discussing their future husbands. He was funny, handsome, intelligent. But so was Walter! Oh, why couldn't Lorelei fall in love with Walter? Why did she have to marry Peter?
Chris was so caught up in blowing things out of proportion that she didn't hear Elena until the older girl had to raise her voice.
"Chris!"
Startled out of her fantastical thoughts, Chris met Elena's eyes in the mirror.
"Hmmm? What?"
"What are you thinking of? You've been yanking on my hair for the last five minutes. And in the same spot."
"Oh, Elena! I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you at all?"
"No, I just wondered what you were thinking about."
Chris saw that Lorelei was looking at her suspiciously. Honestly, there were times Chris could just curse the bond she and Lorelei shared. It really was inconvenient when she was thinking of something that she didn't want Lorelei to know about. For instance, right now she felt like Lorelei KNEW that she had been thinking of Peter Jamison and his imminent marriage to her best friend. Chris shook her head a little. There she went, blowing things out of proportion again.
"I was thinking of the lecture Dr. Moody gave two days ago," she lied unconvincingly. In truth, the aforementioned lecture had held Chris spellbound. Though Dr. Moody was not the nicest of people, he was one of the most wonderful teachers Chris had ever had.
Despite Dr. Moody's teaching prowess, none of the girls believed Chris for a second. But, being rather intelligent, none of them said a word. Chris finished Elena's hair without further incident and then put the finishing touches on her own. As she did so, she couldn't help but realize that, without meaning to, she had fixed her hair the way Will always liked. The sides of her hair were pulled up and fastened in the back with her pearl hair clip, with a few curls escaping around her ears. She pinched her cheeks a little, presumably to give them more color, but really to bring herself out of reminiscing. It wouldn't do any good to dwell on the past tonight. Tonight, she was supposed to have fun.
As she was assuring Natalie that the younger girl did indeed look lovely in her lavender dress, there was a knock on the door. Lorelei opened it and Sara Harding swept in.
"Well, don't all you girls look beautiful? Those boys will be falling all over themselves to dance with you. Natalie, dear, you look like a dream in that color. And Cathy! Have you lost weight, darling? You look simply stunning in that gown."
Chris bit back a smile as she secured Will's necklace around her throat. Lorelei's aunt amazed her. She had managed to allay the fears of the two most insecure girls in the room. Chris had just been trying to reassure Natalie about that color. And Cathy, whom Chris thought had a darling figure, was always self-conscious about her weight. Both girls preened a little over Sara's compliments.
"Chris, there's a visitor for you downstairs."
"Who is it?" Chris inquired, rather perplexed. Sara merely gave a light shrug of her shoulders.
"He wouldn't say. I believe he has a message for you, though."
Chris looked over at Lorelei, who shrugged her shoulders as well.
"Well, I guess I'll go see what it is, then. Probably just a telegram from Alex. He said he was going to send me one."
She left the room and Lorelei looked at her aunt.
"What are you hiding, Aunt Sara?"
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about, Lorelei. By the way, why would Alex send a telegram? Doesn't he usually write?"
Lorelei smiled as she dabbed a bit of scent in her hair.
"He's bored with writing letters. You just have to know Alex, Aunt Sara."
"Well, I'm looking forward to that."
Meanwhile, Chris was headed towards the staircase. She wondered who the visitor could be. Not for a second did she believe that it was a telegram from Alex. Perhaps it was Alex himself? He had mentioned getting some leave and he knew about the dance. It would be just like Alex to show up unannounced, just to surprise her. This happy thought spurred Chris on and she began to walk a little faster.
When she reached the top of the staircase, however, there was no one in the entry hall below. Puzzled, she began to make her way down the steps. Halfway down, she heard a child's laughter coming from the 'informal' parlor. It was Blair Harding's laugh. Blair was the baby of the family, a precocious seven year old with her father's golden hair and brown eyes. She adored both Chris and Lorelei and followed both girls around whenever opportunity arose.
Soon after Blair's laugh resounded through the first floor, another laugh followed. This one was deeper, definitely belonging to a man. Mr. Harding? No, he was away visiting a client. The laugh sounded again and Chris's heart stopped. She knew that laugh. Practically flying down the rest of the steps, she came to an abrupt halt in the doorway of the parlor.
Blair was there, as well as her sister Janet, but Chris stayed focused on the other person in the room. A tall young man, in the dress uniform of an Army corporal. He had been sitting, but quickly rose to his feet when he saw Chris. Chris couldn't move. In point of fact, she wasn't sure she could breathe. He held his hat in his hands, fiddling with it nervously as he began to speak.
"I would've written, but I wanted to surprise you. I..."
But he didn't get any further than that. It's hard to talk when one is being kissed. Chris clung to him as if her life depended on it. She didn't care that Janet and Blair were in the room. Paid no attention to Blair's statement of, 'Ewww!'. All she could think of, all she cared about, was the person she held in her arms.
"Will!!"
Lorelei's voice did snap Chris out of her self-created, two-person universe. She stepped to the side as Lorelei launched herself into her brother's arms. The other girls soon appeared in the doorway, eager to meet the young man they'd heard so much about.
"Oh, Will! Why didn't you write? Or phone? We could've given you a proper greeting!" Lorelei admonished her older brother.
"Looks like he's been greeted well enough," Isabella whispered to Elena, who stifled a laugh. Will's lips were not exactly their natural color at the moment. Chris heard Isabella's comment and, mortified, blushed to the very roots of her hair. Will also heard and grinned good-naturedly as he took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped off the offending lipstick.
Chris allowed Lorelei the chance to introduce Will to everyone. After all, hadn't she gotten to greet him first? But she stayed right next to him throughout the introductions and, in spite of shaking hands and keeping one arm around his sister, Will still managed to touch Chris every now and then. Whether it was to reassure her of his love or to reassure both of them that all this was real, Chris didn't know. In point of fact, she didn't really care.
The front doorbell ringing alerted everyone to the fact that their escorts were here. It was at that moment that Chris realized she had a problem.
"Oh, Elena! Elena, I'm sorry!"
Elena smiled at her and Will looked confused.
"Sorry for what, dearest? Don't be silly. Will is here and the two of you should go to this dance together. I didn't really want to go, anyway. I was just going to keep you company. Besides, I have a paper due in History next week. I really should be working on that."
"Not go? What's this I hear about not going?" demanded Isabella, who had retrieved her date from the crowd of young men and was now dragging him into the parlor. He didn't look like he minded at all, though.
"It's very simple, Isabella. My escort has found a different, and may I say much better-looking, date for the dance. Really, Isabella. I don't mind at all."
Isabella pursed her lips and her slender eyebrows came down in a perfect 'V' shape. 'Uh-oh,' thought Chris. That was the Look. The look Isabella always got when she refused to give in.
"You are not going back to the dorm and stay in that stuffy little room all night by yourself. You are coming to the dance with us and you're going to have a wonderful time."
Elena shook her head.
"No, Isabella. You go and have fun. I meant what I said before. I never really wanted to go anyway."
Isabella opened her mouth to say something else, but then seemed to abruptly change her mind. She smoothed her features into a placid expression.
"Very well. If you're not going, then neither am I."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I won't go without you, Elena, and that is all I have to say on the matter."
Chris arched an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Lorelei, who had come in to introduce Peter to Will. She had never seen Isabella use this particular tactic with Elena before. Looking back over at Elena, she was surprised to see that it seemed to be working. Apparently, Isabella didn't use this tactic often.
Isabella's date, on the other hand, appeared to be in distress. It had taken him months to work up the courage to ask the beautiful Isabella Donnelly for a date. He had adored her since the first day of the fall term, practically worshipping her from afar. Now, he was finally getting the chance to be with her and she was refusing to go!
"Are-are you quite sure you won't go without her, Isabella?" he inquired. Isabella looked up at him from her seat on the sofa, her eyes snapping. The poor boy backed up a pace and Will hid a laugh behind a cough.
"Of course I'm sure, Andrew. What sort of ridiculous question is that? And do stop trembling so. I've no intention of biting you."
Chris wasn't so sure about that, but she was sure that she'd never seen Isabella so agitated before. She looked over at Elena and caught the older twin's eye, willing the girl to say she'd go. Chris felt rather sorry for Andrew. He was a nice young man and, at the moment, quite undeserving of the business end of Isabella's temper. Chris knew for a fact that, when she calmed down, Isabella would feel horrible for snapping at him.
Apparently, Elena felt the same way about it. Andrew was one of her closest friends and she knew how he felt about her sister. Well, if Isabella was going to be this way about it, then there was only one thing to do.
"Okay. I'll go to the dance. But I won't have any fun."
"That's all I ask," Isabella replied, smiling and kissing her sister on the cheek. "Now then, Andrew, you have two dates instead of one. And both equally good-looking. Well, girls? Shall we be off then?"
She led the group out the front door, her arm tucked snugly through Andrew's. He was looking as though being snapped at wasn't such a bad thing after all. Lorelei and Peter, then Will and Chris, brought up the rear.
"You have some very interesting friends, Christine," Will whispered softly, threading his arm around Chris's waist as they walked. A peculiar shiver ran through her when he spoke her name. She looked up at him, smiling.
"You have no idea, William."
''''''''''''''''''At the Dance
"Well, I'm glad to see Elena is sticking to her promise of not having any fun," Will remarked as he and Chris passed Elena. She was dancing her second dance with Andrew. As of yet, she had not sat out one dance, except for the few slow ones that had been played so far. Her eyes sparkled and she had been laughing nearly all night.
"That's the reason Isabella wanted her to come. She gets wrapped up in thinking about her fiancé too often. They love each other very much and Elena just hasn't learned how to deal with him being gone."
"I see. Have you? Learned how to deal with me being gone?"
Chris ducked her head, realizing that he had cornered her.
"Christine?"
"No. No, I could never learn to be without you, Will. I just hide it better than Elena does."
They danced in silence for a while until Will finally made a suggestion.
"It's rather hot in here, Chris. This stuffy old uniform of mine isn't helping matters. Is there somewhere we can go? Outside, perhaps?"
"Of course. Just follow me."
She led him out of the dance hall and onto a veranda surrounded by gardens. A few other couples milled about, but not many. The night was still young and dancing seemed to be the order of the evening so far.
"This place is beautiful," Will remarked. "Does it belong to the college?"
"Yes. It used to be a dorm, but they renovated it for dances and other gatherings."
Silence settled over them. Will moved closer to Chris and wrapped an arm around her waist in a comforting manner. She leaned her head up against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Chris just knew that, any moment now, she would wake up from this dream. But at least she could enjoy it while it lasted.
"Chris?" Will finally said, somewhat hesitantly.
"Mmmm?" she responded, not even opening her eyes.
"Aren't you going to ask me why I'm here? I mean, instead of in Europe."
"No," she replied, her eyes still closed.
"No?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because if I ask you that, it will lead inevitably to me either waking up and realizing this has all been a dream or to you informing me that you'll be leaving again soon. I don't care for either of those to take place."
"Well neither do I. But I would like to talk to you, Chris. I can assure you this isn't a dream. But we don't have as much time as I'd like."
Now Chris opened her eyes. She raised her head and looked up at Will. Goodness, had he grown more since she last saw him? How strange. Even stranger that she would notice it at such a time as this.
"I see," she heard herself say. "How much time do we have?"
"To tell you that, Chris, I have to tell you everything from the beginning. Are we allowed to walk down into the gardens?"
Chris nodded her head. Will took her hand in his and led her down the stone paths of the gardens. As they walked, he began to tell her what had brought him back to Canada.
"My CO has wanted to transfer me back home for some time now. I've fought him every step of the way on it, but he finally gave the order."
"Why did he want you back in Canada? And why did you fight him on it?"
Will smiled a little.
"Believe me, Chris. It wasn't because I didn't want to be with you. There isn't a moment I haven't thought of you. Truly, there isn't. But I joined to fight for my country, and he wanted to send me home."
"Did he have something against you?"
"No. The opposite, in fact. He said I showed great promise, militarily speaking. Chris, he sent me back to Canada so I could prepare for my next assignment. I, along with several other Canadian soldiers, will be joining up with some American soldiers. Then we'll be headed elsewhere."
"Where were you in the first place? Specifically."
"No. I can't tell you where we were, Chris. I shouldn't even be telling you all of this. But I had to explain to you why I have to leave in the morning."
Chris stopped in her tracks and stared at Will with wide eyes.
"In the morning? You have to leave so soon?"
Her voice was rather shaky. Why so soon? Even Walter had been able to stay for a few days!
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm supposed to be in Montana by tomorrow afternoon. I've been in Helena at Fort William Henry Harrison for the past month, actually. Training. They gave us leave and all I could think of was getting to you. I got special permission to come back to Canada on this leave, Chris. I've dreamed of you every night, envisioned you during the day. Surely you understand how much I've missed you."
He cupped her chin in his hand and raised her face until he was looking directly into her eyes. It hurt him to see that they were brimming with tears, but he wasn't surprised to see it. He felt like crying himself, actually.
"Of course I understand, Will. I just wish I'd known how short a time we really have. Then I wouldn't have wasted it by going to this dance."
Will gently wiped an escaped tear from Chris's cheek with his thumb.
"I myself have never thought dancing a waste of time. Particularly if it means I get to hold the person I love more than anyone else in the world, the person I intend to spend the rest of my life with. When we're old and gray, Christine, we can sit in our rockers on the porch of our home in Avonlea and remember the night in Montreal when we danced under the stars. Of course, by then, we'll be too old to dance and the memory will be that much sweeter. Besides, I'm afraid it might be a long time before I have the opportunity to dance with you again."
She smiled at him through her tears. He drew her closer to him as the music from the dance floated out across the gardens on a gentle spring breeze.
"May I have this dance?" he whispered.
Chris merely nodded in reply as he took one of her hands in his and began to move in time to the music that was playing. It was almost as if time stood still for both of them. It seemed that they danced for hours, when it was actually only a few minutes. The music ended and, even out in the garden, the announcement could be heard that the next dance was the last of the evening.
As the band started to play once more, Chris stepped up closer to Will and laid her head on his shoulder as they danced. Halfway through the song, she was surprised to hear him begin to sing. Will really did have a wonderful voice, but it was rare that anyone could coax a song out of him. Tears formed in her eyes yet again as he softly sang to her.
'I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small cafe, the park across the way
The children's carousel, the chestnut tree, the wishing well.
I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you.'
He stopped singing, although the music was still playing. They danced for a moment, not speaking at all for fear of breaking the enchantment that had seemed to wash over them. But eventually the music ended and the fragile spell ended along with it. They stopped dancing, but neither made a move to break apart. Eventually, however, Lorelei's voice drifted out to them from the veranda.
"Chris! Chris, I'm sorry, but we have to go."
"I don't want to go," Chris whispered to Will.
"Neither do I. But we've done this before, haven't we? And you survived."
"Barely," came the reply. Will smiled a little.
"I think you're exaggerating just a little, my love. Christine, your strength has always amazed me. It's part of what made me fall in love with you in the first place. Of course, it didn't hurt that you have the most incredibly beautiful eyes I've ever seen."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, William Pike," Chris said playfully. But the blush creeping across her cheeks contradicted that statement. Will felt some of his tension melt away when he saw her smile. He had been afraid that he wouldn't get to see that smile again before he left.
"Oh, I don't know about that," he replied, grateful for the chance to banter a little. "After all, it got me you, didn't it? Because you are mine, you know. Just as I am yours."
Chris wrapped her arms around Will even tighter and buried her head into his chest, determined not to cry. When she spoke, her voice was muffled by the fabric of his uniform and Will tried not to smile at the sound. Especially considering the words she was speaking.
"Will, I love you so much. Every night, I look out at the stars and wonder if you're looking at the same star I am. I wonder if you're safe and if you're thinking of me, too."
"Well, I can answer two of those questions without a second thought. I have looked up at the stars, when I have the opportunity. And I think of you with every beat of my heart, Christine. I miss all of you, of course. I miss Avonlea and the sunsets over the Lake of Shining Waters. I miss meeting you at Hester Gray's garden. I miss the walks Lorelei and I used to take along Lover's Lane. But most of all, Chris, I miss you. The way you can always make me laugh, the way you make me feel that I am the only man in the world for you. You're my life, Christine, and I hope and pray for the day when I can stand before God and announce to the world that you're mine and I'm yours."
"Will, promise me you'll be safe."
Will ducked his head a little.
"You know I can't promise that, Chris. But I can promise that I will do my best to get back to you. Soon, Chris, all this will be over. And we can spend the rest of our lives together."
Chris raised her face to Will's and was rewarded with a soft, lingering kiss. Once again, for a brief space in time, they were the only two people in the world. But reality came knocking all too soon.
"Chris! Chris, where are you?"
Will pulled away and glared in the direction of the voice.
"You know, there are times when I wish you weren't such good friends with my sister," he scowled. In spite of her state of mind, Chris had to laugh. Will looked at her in surprise, but the laughter was contagious. Soon he began to laugh as well. Guided by the sounds, Lorelei and Peter soon appeared.
"Well, I'm not sure what's so funny," Lorelei stated, "but I am sure that we're already late for curfew. I'm sorry, Chris. Believe me. I wish there was more time, too."
Chris immediately felt guilty.
"Lorelei, I'm so sorry. You've hardly gotten any time with Will at all."
"It's okay, Chris. Really."
"No, it isn't. But I know just how to fix it. You walk home with Will. I'll walk with Peter. That is, if Peter doesn't object."
"No, I don't mind at all. Lorelei needs to be with her brother."
'Must he always be so nice?' the irrational part of Chris's mind asked. But Chris ignored it and, though she didn't really want to walk back with Peter, she was happy to see that Will and Lorelei were getting some time together. Occasionally, Lorelei's laugh would float back to her and it made Chris feel much better about giving up a nice walk with her fiancée.
The front door was another matter altogether. Before Chris could even stop her, Lorelei had thanked Peter for a lovely night, given Will a fierce, tearful hug along with some parting words that Chris wasn't able to hear, and had disappeared inside. Peter made a graceful exit and Chris found herself alone with Will.
"This isn't a true goodbye, you know," he said. "I'll be by in the morning for that. So for now, let's just pretend that I'm taking you back to Green Gables after a tryst in Hester Gray's garden. Tomorrow, we'll go for a walk down Lover's Lane and have a picnic by the Dryad's Bubble."
"But that won't happen," Chris replied, trying desperately to keep the tears from welling up in her eyes.
"Oh, but it will," he assured her. "Hasn't it happened nearly every night in my dreams? I'm never truly separated from you, Chris. If you remember that, you'll find that things are much easier. For now, though, I think I'll say goodbye and let you get some sleep."
"Sleep? How could I sleep after a night like tonight?" she exclaimed.
"But you need your rest for that picnic," he persisted. He seemed so sincere that Chris had to smile. Standing on the step above him, she dropped a kiss on his forehead.
"You're right, of course. I should get some rest for our day tomorrow."
He smiled back, but his face suddenly grew serious. His eyes met hers with an expression that sent shivers all over her.
"I love you, Christine."
"And I love you, William."
He kissed her then. A deep, passionate kiss that Chris would not forget anytime soon. When he released her, he gently ran a hand down her cheek.
"I'll be back tomorrow," he said. Chris nodded and then watched as he turned and headed for the nearby hotel he had gotten a room in. Sara Harding had, of course, wanted him to stay with them, but he had refused, saying it would make it harder for him to leave again.
Once he was out of sight, Chris turned and went inside herself. After shutting the door, she leaned up against it and brought her hand up to her cheek.
"Tomorrow," she whispered to herself.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''
A/N: Now, wasn't that the sappiest thing you've ever read in your life. But I won't apologize for it. You can't make me. Sappy stuff is good for your blood pressure, I've been told. See? I'm doing something good for mankind. Anyway, please read and review! Thanks!
Disclaimer: Do I have to do this again?
SHOUT-OUTS:
Miri: Why, thank you for the compliment. Thank you very much. I've actually been toying with the idea for several months now. I'm a huge fan of Christian romance novels. My favorites are the 'House of Winslow' series by Gilbert Morris, the 'Dr. Cheney Duvall, MD' series by Gilbert Morris and Lynn Morris, and anything written by Janette Oke. She's just wonderful.
Just I: Congratulations!!! That is so wonderful! I'm very happy for you! Do you have a date set, or is this just a step towards the wedding? I was engaged for a year before we set the date, then it was another year before we got married. And we dated for three years before we got engaged! Sometimes I wonder if we rushed into things. (Just kidding).
Ruby: Yes, I have a Cathy. But you haven't met her, yet. Don't worry. You'll meet her soon enough. I actually tried to spell her name with a 'K' (I prefer the K), but she simply wasn't having it. So 'Cathy with a C' she remained. I thought it would be interesting to have Chris be a writer. Partly because Anne had tried her hand at it once and partly because Chris's paternal grandfather (Owen Ford) is a writer. I'm glad you approve, but I haven't decided what 'type' of writer she will be, yet. And you want to be my beta-reader if I write a novel? That's so nice of you, and very flattering. Thank you. And I think you would be an excellent novelist. Much better than I would.
Gufa: Missed you! And, actually, I sing. I play a little piano, but haven't had a lesson since I was ten. Mostly, I play by ear. I had to have Chris hate three o'clock in the morning. It wouldn't be proper if she didn't hate it. I realize I was coming from an American point of view, but I honestly couldn't think of it as World War II until my own country was involved. I don't know why. I don't think my country is any better than Canada or Great Britain (the jury is still out on France. Hey, don't look at me like that. I'm just kidding.) I know Sara was supposed to be a 'world-famous actress', but I had to mix a little of the book with the show in this case, I'm afraid. Sara had to be home to take care of and give advice to Chris and Lorelei. And even when you're correcting me, I miss you. And I share your opinion on writers. We'll be covering that soon, actually.
Strawberry Lip Gloss: Your review came at a perfect time. I thought the finale of Friends was NEXT WEEK! I almost missed it! Luckily, though, I was able to get my mom to record it for me and I got to watch it Friday night. You have no idea how hard it was, dodging all the buzz about the finale at work and on the internet. And I'll be posting snippets from Will's letters, at least. Still haven't decided about Walter.
Stella Maynard: Thank you, my friend. And the twins are very fun, as you will find out when you get to know them better. Particularly Isabella. I hope you did well on your exam. I wouldn't want to be responsible for you getting a bad grade or anything.
Love Books: Hate is a strong word, my friend. But I'm not too fond of her, either. And I don't think I'll be reforming her. But I'm not sure. The twins will be tons of fun, I promise. Writing will be her major but, as I said before, I haven't specified what type of writing.
Steph: I agree with you about the harder class. Except when it comes to math. Algebra is for me what geometry was for Anne. I HATE Algebra. And I'm so glad someone can think about that line in the context of the song. I love that song.
Stallygal: Sorry it took so long! It's been crazy around here.
An-Cat-Gaelige: 'Admirably'? Author blushes Thank you very much. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. And don't worry. It will be longer. Oh, yes. Much longer.
On-Fire-for-Christ: I know, I know. And I'm so sorry. But the well ran dry on this story for a little while. Hopefully, things are better now. And thank you so much for your well-wishes on my anniversary! You remembered!
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''April 28, 1942
"I wonder if Elena and I have the same number of hairs on our head."
This thought was spoken aloud as the girls, meaning Elena, Isabella, Chris, Lorelei, Natalie, and Cathy, milled around in Lorelei's bedroom, trying to get ready for the Spring Dance that night. Most of the girls smiled at Isabella's statement, but Elena rolled her eyes.
"That's the strangest thing I've ever heard you say, Isabella," Elena remarked as she put the finishing touches on her twin sister's hair.
"I don't see what's so strange about it. We're twins, aren't we? And we're identical, aren't we? Therefore, the number of hairs on our head should be the same."
Chris came up behind the sisters, looking in the vanity mirror and trying to put some cosmetics on while talking at the same time.
"I think you've been spending too much time in Philosophy class, Isabella. You're thinking too much."
Isabella shot a mock glare at Chris's reflection.
"Are you saying that I never used to think?"
Chris smiled at Isabella's reflection.
"No, I never said that. You did."
Isabella stuck her tongue out, Chris laughed, and Elena shook her head.
"You're both insane. You would think that two young women could conduct themselves with a little bit more decorum."
Isabella put a hand to her heart and feigned shock.
"Oh, gracious me! What a big word, Elena! Luckily for me, I am thinking too much these days and so I am able to understand it. Though I certainly don't intend to conduct myself with it. That's too boring."
This drew laughter from the rest of the group. Elena merely smiled. She really wasn't much for laughter these days. Privately, Chris heartily agreed with her friend's mood.
"How is the writing coming along, Chris?" Cathy inquired. All the girls, by now, knew that Chris had finally decided on a major. Only Lorelei and Elena knew how much trouble Chris was having with it, though.
Chris frowned, wondering how she should answer. On one hand, Cathy was a very sweet girl who would never intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. On the other hand, Cathy shared a room with Yvette and never seemed to be able to keep a secret from her roommate. Yvette was best friends with Anna, who had become the bane of Chris's college life, and if Anna found out about Chris's troubles then Chris would never hear the end of it.
"It's going well enough," Chris finally replied. Both Elena and Lorelei glanced at her, then at each other. But neither said a word.
Cathy was no fool, however. She knew there was more to it than that. Although somewhat hurt that Chris didn't seem to want to confide in her, she let the moment pass. Elena took the chance to change the subject.
"There, Isabella. Your hair is done. And it looks lovely."
When didn't Isabella look lovely? Chris couldn't recall a time in the past four months that Isabella had looked less than stunning.
"Thank you very much, sister dear. Now, you sit down and I'll do your hair for you."
"Oh, no you don't. It's bad enough you managed to talk me into going to this dance. But you will not touch my hair, Isabella. I'll come out looking like Marlene Dietrich or something."
"Not possible. Your hair is too dark," Isabella replied cheekily. Elena ignored her.
"Nevertheless, I think I would rather have Chris do my hair. If you don't mind, Chris."
"No, I don't mind at all. If you can help me with this last button."
After the button was fastened, Chris set to work on Elena's hair and let her mind wander a little to the dance.
It was strange, really, the thought of attending a dance without Will. Except for the occasional dance at weddings, Chris hadn't danced since her fiancé left. At first, she had felt rather uncomfortable about the situation, but had finally formed an alliance with Elena. The two girls had decided to go as each other's 'dates' and had even taken the joke so far as to buy corsages for each other. It was a source of great amusement for the small circle of friends.
The rest of the girls, strangely enough, all had escorts. This was strange only because there was such a shortage of young men. Most of them couldn't join for one reason or another, sports injuries and the like. Cathy was going with a boy who was a few months younger than her and, therefore, not of age to join up, yet.
Lorelei had accepted the invitation of Peter Jamison, a pleasant young man of twenty years. He had actually served in the Air Force for a year until contracting a very serious case of pneumonia. The Air Force sent him home and the doctors said he would probably never fully recover. His lungs were too weak. Due to his service and the length of his recovery, he had started college at the same time Lorelei had. In fact, Peter Jamison was the young man Lorelei had 'stolen' from young Janet.
Chris wasn't sure what to think of all this. She liked Peter very much. No one could help liking Peter. But it was obvious that he felt more for Lorelei than simple friendship. Chris had no doubt what Lorelei felt for Peter. But what if that changed someday? What if Lorelei fell in love with him? Truly, Peter was everything Lorelei had ever dreamed of when they were little girls, discussing their future husbands. He was funny, handsome, intelligent. But so was Walter! Oh, why couldn't Lorelei fall in love with Walter? Why did she have to marry Peter?
Chris was so caught up in blowing things out of proportion that she didn't hear Elena until the older girl had to raise her voice.
"Chris!"
Startled out of her fantastical thoughts, Chris met Elena's eyes in the mirror.
"Hmmm? What?"
"What are you thinking of? You've been yanking on my hair for the last five minutes. And in the same spot."
"Oh, Elena! I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you at all?"
"No, I just wondered what you were thinking about."
Chris saw that Lorelei was looking at her suspiciously. Honestly, there were times Chris could just curse the bond she and Lorelei shared. It really was inconvenient when she was thinking of something that she didn't want Lorelei to know about. For instance, right now she felt like Lorelei KNEW that she had been thinking of Peter Jamison and his imminent marriage to her best friend. Chris shook her head a little. There she went, blowing things out of proportion again.
"I was thinking of the lecture Dr. Moody gave two days ago," she lied unconvincingly. In truth, the aforementioned lecture had held Chris spellbound. Though Dr. Moody was not the nicest of people, he was one of the most wonderful teachers Chris had ever had.
Despite Dr. Moody's teaching prowess, none of the girls believed Chris for a second. But, being rather intelligent, none of them said a word. Chris finished Elena's hair without further incident and then put the finishing touches on her own. As she did so, she couldn't help but realize that, without meaning to, she had fixed her hair the way Will always liked. The sides of her hair were pulled up and fastened in the back with her pearl hair clip, with a few curls escaping around her ears. She pinched her cheeks a little, presumably to give them more color, but really to bring herself out of reminiscing. It wouldn't do any good to dwell on the past tonight. Tonight, she was supposed to have fun.
As she was assuring Natalie that the younger girl did indeed look lovely in her lavender dress, there was a knock on the door. Lorelei opened it and Sara Harding swept in.
"Well, don't all you girls look beautiful? Those boys will be falling all over themselves to dance with you. Natalie, dear, you look like a dream in that color. And Cathy! Have you lost weight, darling? You look simply stunning in that gown."
Chris bit back a smile as she secured Will's necklace around her throat. Lorelei's aunt amazed her. She had managed to allay the fears of the two most insecure girls in the room. Chris had just been trying to reassure Natalie about that color. And Cathy, whom Chris thought had a darling figure, was always self-conscious about her weight. Both girls preened a little over Sara's compliments.
"Chris, there's a visitor for you downstairs."
"Who is it?" Chris inquired, rather perplexed. Sara merely gave a light shrug of her shoulders.
"He wouldn't say. I believe he has a message for you, though."
Chris looked over at Lorelei, who shrugged her shoulders as well.
"Well, I guess I'll go see what it is, then. Probably just a telegram from Alex. He said he was going to send me one."
She left the room and Lorelei looked at her aunt.
"What are you hiding, Aunt Sara?"
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about, Lorelei. By the way, why would Alex send a telegram? Doesn't he usually write?"
Lorelei smiled as she dabbed a bit of scent in her hair.
"He's bored with writing letters. You just have to know Alex, Aunt Sara."
"Well, I'm looking forward to that."
Meanwhile, Chris was headed towards the staircase. She wondered who the visitor could be. Not for a second did she believe that it was a telegram from Alex. Perhaps it was Alex himself? He had mentioned getting some leave and he knew about the dance. It would be just like Alex to show up unannounced, just to surprise her. This happy thought spurred Chris on and she began to walk a little faster.
When she reached the top of the staircase, however, there was no one in the entry hall below. Puzzled, she began to make her way down the steps. Halfway down, she heard a child's laughter coming from the 'informal' parlor. It was Blair Harding's laugh. Blair was the baby of the family, a precocious seven year old with her father's golden hair and brown eyes. She adored both Chris and Lorelei and followed both girls around whenever opportunity arose.
Soon after Blair's laugh resounded through the first floor, another laugh followed. This one was deeper, definitely belonging to a man. Mr. Harding? No, he was away visiting a client. The laugh sounded again and Chris's heart stopped. She knew that laugh. Practically flying down the rest of the steps, she came to an abrupt halt in the doorway of the parlor.
Blair was there, as well as her sister Janet, but Chris stayed focused on the other person in the room. A tall young man, in the dress uniform of an Army corporal. He had been sitting, but quickly rose to his feet when he saw Chris. Chris couldn't move. In point of fact, she wasn't sure she could breathe. He held his hat in his hands, fiddling with it nervously as he began to speak.
"I would've written, but I wanted to surprise you. I..."
But he didn't get any further than that. It's hard to talk when one is being kissed. Chris clung to him as if her life depended on it. She didn't care that Janet and Blair were in the room. Paid no attention to Blair's statement of, 'Ewww!'. All she could think of, all she cared about, was the person she held in her arms.
"Will!!"
Lorelei's voice did snap Chris out of her self-created, two-person universe. She stepped to the side as Lorelei launched herself into her brother's arms. The other girls soon appeared in the doorway, eager to meet the young man they'd heard so much about.
"Oh, Will! Why didn't you write? Or phone? We could've given you a proper greeting!" Lorelei admonished her older brother.
"Looks like he's been greeted well enough," Isabella whispered to Elena, who stifled a laugh. Will's lips were not exactly their natural color at the moment. Chris heard Isabella's comment and, mortified, blushed to the very roots of her hair. Will also heard and grinned good-naturedly as he took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped off the offending lipstick.
Chris allowed Lorelei the chance to introduce Will to everyone. After all, hadn't she gotten to greet him first? But she stayed right next to him throughout the introductions and, in spite of shaking hands and keeping one arm around his sister, Will still managed to touch Chris every now and then. Whether it was to reassure her of his love or to reassure both of them that all this was real, Chris didn't know. In point of fact, she didn't really care.
The front doorbell ringing alerted everyone to the fact that their escorts were here. It was at that moment that Chris realized she had a problem.
"Oh, Elena! Elena, I'm sorry!"
Elena smiled at her and Will looked confused.
"Sorry for what, dearest? Don't be silly. Will is here and the two of you should go to this dance together. I didn't really want to go, anyway. I was just going to keep you company. Besides, I have a paper due in History next week. I really should be working on that."
"Not go? What's this I hear about not going?" demanded Isabella, who had retrieved her date from the crowd of young men and was now dragging him into the parlor. He didn't look like he minded at all, though.
"It's very simple, Isabella. My escort has found a different, and may I say much better-looking, date for the dance. Really, Isabella. I don't mind at all."
Isabella pursed her lips and her slender eyebrows came down in a perfect 'V' shape. 'Uh-oh,' thought Chris. That was the Look. The look Isabella always got when she refused to give in.
"You are not going back to the dorm and stay in that stuffy little room all night by yourself. You are coming to the dance with us and you're going to have a wonderful time."
Elena shook her head.
"No, Isabella. You go and have fun. I meant what I said before. I never really wanted to go anyway."
Isabella opened her mouth to say something else, but then seemed to abruptly change her mind. She smoothed her features into a placid expression.
"Very well. If you're not going, then neither am I."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I won't go without you, Elena, and that is all I have to say on the matter."
Chris arched an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Lorelei, who had come in to introduce Peter to Will. She had never seen Isabella use this particular tactic with Elena before. Looking back over at Elena, she was surprised to see that it seemed to be working. Apparently, Isabella didn't use this tactic often.
Isabella's date, on the other hand, appeared to be in distress. It had taken him months to work up the courage to ask the beautiful Isabella Donnelly for a date. He had adored her since the first day of the fall term, practically worshipping her from afar. Now, he was finally getting the chance to be with her and she was refusing to go!
"Are-are you quite sure you won't go without her, Isabella?" he inquired. Isabella looked up at him from her seat on the sofa, her eyes snapping. The poor boy backed up a pace and Will hid a laugh behind a cough.
"Of course I'm sure, Andrew. What sort of ridiculous question is that? And do stop trembling so. I've no intention of biting you."
Chris wasn't so sure about that, but she was sure that she'd never seen Isabella so agitated before. She looked over at Elena and caught the older twin's eye, willing the girl to say she'd go. Chris felt rather sorry for Andrew. He was a nice young man and, at the moment, quite undeserving of the business end of Isabella's temper. Chris knew for a fact that, when she calmed down, Isabella would feel horrible for snapping at him.
Apparently, Elena felt the same way about it. Andrew was one of her closest friends and she knew how he felt about her sister. Well, if Isabella was going to be this way about it, then there was only one thing to do.
"Okay. I'll go to the dance. But I won't have any fun."
"That's all I ask," Isabella replied, smiling and kissing her sister on the cheek. "Now then, Andrew, you have two dates instead of one. And both equally good-looking. Well, girls? Shall we be off then?"
She led the group out the front door, her arm tucked snugly through Andrew's. He was looking as though being snapped at wasn't such a bad thing after all. Lorelei and Peter, then Will and Chris, brought up the rear.
"You have some very interesting friends, Christine," Will whispered softly, threading his arm around Chris's waist as they walked. A peculiar shiver ran through her when he spoke her name. She looked up at him, smiling.
"You have no idea, William."
''''''''''''''''''At the Dance
"Well, I'm glad to see Elena is sticking to her promise of not having any fun," Will remarked as he and Chris passed Elena. She was dancing her second dance with Andrew. As of yet, she had not sat out one dance, except for the few slow ones that had been played so far. Her eyes sparkled and she had been laughing nearly all night.
"That's the reason Isabella wanted her to come. She gets wrapped up in thinking about her fiancé too often. They love each other very much and Elena just hasn't learned how to deal with him being gone."
"I see. Have you? Learned how to deal with me being gone?"
Chris ducked her head, realizing that he had cornered her.
"Christine?"
"No. No, I could never learn to be without you, Will. I just hide it better than Elena does."
They danced in silence for a while until Will finally made a suggestion.
"It's rather hot in here, Chris. This stuffy old uniform of mine isn't helping matters. Is there somewhere we can go? Outside, perhaps?"
"Of course. Just follow me."
She led him out of the dance hall and onto a veranda surrounded by gardens. A few other couples milled about, but not many. The night was still young and dancing seemed to be the order of the evening so far.
"This place is beautiful," Will remarked. "Does it belong to the college?"
"Yes. It used to be a dorm, but they renovated it for dances and other gatherings."
Silence settled over them. Will moved closer to Chris and wrapped an arm around her waist in a comforting manner. She leaned her head up against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Chris just knew that, any moment now, she would wake up from this dream. But at least she could enjoy it while it lasted.
"Chris?" Will finally said, somewhat hesitantly.
"Mmmm?" she responded, not even opening her eyes.
"Aren't you going to ask me why I'm here? I mean, instead of in Europe."
"No," she replied, her eyes still closed.
"No?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because if I ask you that, it will lead inevitably to me either waking up and realizing this has all been a dream or to you informing me that you'll be leaving again soon. I don't care for either of those to take place."
"Well neither do I. But I would like to talk to you, Chris. I can assure you this isn't a dream. But we don't have as much time as I'd like."
Now Chris opened her eyes. She raised her head and looked up at Will. Goodness, had he grown more since she last saw him? How strange. Even stranger that she would notice it at such a time as this.
"I see," she heard herself say. "How much time do we have?"
"To tell you that, Chris, I have to tell you everything from the beginning. Are we allowed to walk down into the gardens?"
Chris nodded her head. Will took her hand in his and led her down the stone paths of the gardens. As they walked, he began to tell her what had brought him back to Canada.
"My CO has wanted to transfer me back home for some time now. I've fought him every step of the way on it, but he finally gave the order."
"Why did he want you back in Canada? And why did you fight him on it?"
Will smiled a little.
"Believe me, Chris. It wasn't because I didn't want to be with you. There isn't a moment I haven't thought of you. Truly, there isn't. But I joined to fight for my country, and he wanted to send me home."
"Did he have something against you?"
"No. The opposite, in fact. He said I showed great promise, militarily speaking. Chris, he sent me back to Canada so I could prepare for my next assignment. I, along with several other Canadian soldiers, will be joining up with some American soldiers. Then we'll be headed elsewhere."
"Where were you in the first place? Specifically."
"No. I can't tell you where we were, Chris. I shouldn't even be telling you all of this. But I had to explain to you why I have to leave in the morning."
Chris stopped in her tracks and stared at Will with wide eyes.
"In the morning? You have to leave so soon?"
Her voice was rather shaky. Why so soon? Even Walter had been able to stay for a few days!
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm supposed to be in Montana by tomorrow afternoon. I've been in Helena at Fort William Henry Harrison for the past month, actually. Training. They gave us leave and all I could think of was getting to you. I got special permission to come back to Canada on this leave, Chris. I've dreamed of you every night, envisioned you during the day. Surely you understand how much I've missed you."
He cupped her chin in his hand and raised her face until he was looking directly into her eyes. It hurt him to see that they were brimming with tears, but he wasn't surprised to see it. He felt like crying himself, actually.
"Of course I understand, Will. I just wish I'd known how short a time we really have. Then I wouldn't have wasted it by going to this dance."
Will gently wiped an escaped tear from Chris's cheek with his thumb.
"I myself have never thought dancing a waste of time. Particularly if it means I get to hold the person I love more than anyone else in the world, the person I intend to spend the rest of my life with. When we're old and gray, Christine, we can sit in our rockers on the porch of our home in Avonlea and remember the night in Montreal when we danced under the stars. Of course, by then, we'll be too old to dance and the memory will be that much sweeter. Besides, I'm afraid it might be a long time before I have the opportunity to dance with you again."
She smiled at him through her tears. He drew her closer to him as the music from the dance floated out across the gardens on a gentle spring breeze.
"May I have this dance?" he whispered.
Chris merely nodded in reply as he took one of her hands in his and began to move in time to the music that was playing. It was almost as if time stood still for both of them. It seemed that they danced for hours, when it was actually only a few minutes. The music ended and, even out in the garden, the announcement could be heard that the next dance was the last of the evening.
As the band started to play once more, Chris stepped up closer to Will and laid her head on his shoulder as they danced. Halfway through the song, she was surprised to hear him begin to sing. Will really did have a wonderful voice, but it was rare that anyone could coax a song out of him. Tears formed in her eyes yet again as he softly sang to her.
'I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through
In that small cafe, the park across the way
The children's carousel, the chestnut tree, the wishing well.
I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you.'
He stopped singing, although the music was still playing. They danced for a moment, not speaking at all for fear of breaking the enchantment that had seemed to wash over them. But eventually the music ended and the fragile spell ended along with it. They stopped dancing, but neither made a move to break apart. Eventually, however, Lorelei's voice drifted out to them from the veranda.
"Chris! Chris, I'm sorry, but we have to go."
"I don't want to go," Chris whispered to Will.
"Neither do I. But we've done this before, haven't we? And you survived."
"Barely," came the reply. Will smiled a little.
"I think you're exaggerating just a little, my love. Christine, your strength has always amazed me. It's part of what made me fall in love with you in the first place. Of course, it didn't hurt that you have the most incredibly beautiful eyes I've ever seen."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, William Pike," Chris said playfully. But the blush creeping across her cheeks contradicted that statement. Will felt some of his tension melt away when he saw her smile. He had been afraid that he wouldn't get to see that smile again before he left.
"Oh, I don't know about that," he replied, grateful for the chance to banter a little. "After all, it got me you, didn't it? Because you are mine, you know. Just as I am yours."
Chris wrapped her arms around Will even tighter and buried her head into his chest, determined not to cry. When she spoke, her voice was muffled by the fabric of his uniform and Will tried not to smile at the sound. Especially considering the words she was speaking.
"Will, I love you so much. Every night, I look out at the stars and wonder if you're looking at the same star I am. I wonder if you're safe and if you're thinking of me, too."
"Well, I can answer two of those questions without a second thought. I have looked up at the stars, when I have the opportunity. And I think of you with every beat of my heart, Christine. I miss all of you, of course. I miss Avonlea and the sunsets over the Lake of Shining Waters. I miss meeting you at Hester Gray's garden. I miss the walks Lorelei and I used to take along Lover's Lane. But most of all, Chris, I miss you. The way you can always make me laugh, the way you make me feel that I am the only man in the world for you. You're my life, Christine, and I hope and pray for the day when I can stand before God and announce to the world that you're mine and I'm yours."
"Will, promise me you'll be safe."
Will ducked his head a little.
"You know I can't promise that, Chris. But I can promise that I will do my best to get back to you. Soon, Chris, all this will be over. And we can spend the rest of our lives together."
Chris raised her face to Will's and was rewarded with a soft, lingering kiss. Once again, for a brief space in time, they were the only two people in the world. But reality came knocking all too soon.
"Chris! Chris, where are you?"
Will pulled away and glared in the direction of the voice.
"You know, there are times when I wish you weren't such good friends with my sister," he scowled. In spite of her state of mind, Chris had to laugh. Will looked at her in surprise, but the laughter was contagious. Soon he began to laugh as well. Guided by the sounds, Lorelei and Peter soon appeared.
"Well, I'm not sure what's so funny," Lorelei stated, "but I am sure that we're already late for curfew. I'm sorry, Chris. Believe me. I wish there was more time, too."
Chris immediately felt guilty.
"Lorelei, I'm so sorry. You've hardly gotten any time with Will at all."
"It's okay, Chris. Really."
"No, it isn't. But I know just how to fix it. You walk home with Will. I'll walk with Peter. That is, if Peter doesn't object."
"No, I don't mind at all. Lorelei needs to be with her brother."
'Must he always be so nice?' the irrational part of Chris's mind asked. But Chris ignored it and, though she didn't really want to walk back with Peter, she was happy to see that Will and Lorelei were getting some time together. Occasionally, Lorelei's laugh would float back to her and it made Chris feel much better about giving up a nice walk with her fiancée.
The front door was another matter altogether. Before Chris could even stop her, Lorelei had thanked Peter for a lovely night, given Will a fierce, tearful hug along with some parting words that Chris wasn't able to hear, and had disappeared inside. Peter made a graceful exit and Chris found herself alone with Will.
"This isn't a true goodbye, you know," he said. "I'll be by in the morning for that. So for now, let's just pretend that I'm taking you back to Green Gables after a tryst in Hester Gray's garden. Tomorrow, we'll go for a walk down Lover's Lane and have a picnic by the Dryad's Bubble."
"But that won't happen," Chris replied, trying desperately to keep the tears from welling up in her eyes.
"Oh, but it will," he assured her. "Hasn't it happened nearly every night in my dreams? I'm never truly separated from you, Chris. If you remember that, you'll find that things are much easier. For now, though, I think I'll say goodbye and let you get some sleep."
"Sleep? How could I sleep after a night like tonight?" she exclaimed.
"But you need your rest for that picnic," he persisted. He seemed so sincere that Chris had to smile. Standing on the step above him, she dropped a kiss on his forehead.
"You're right, of course. I should get some rest for our day tomorrow."
He smiled back, but his face suddenly grew serious. His eyes met hers with an expression that sent shivers all over her.
"I love you, Christine."
"And I love you, William."
He kissed her then. A deep, passionate kiss that Chris would not forget anytime soon. When he released her, he gently ran a hand down her cheek.
"I'll be back tomorrow," he said. Chris nodded and then watched as he turned and headed for the nearby hotel he had gotten a room in. Sara Harding had, of course, wanted him to stay with them, but he had refused, saying it would make it harder for him to leave again.
Once he was out of sight, Chris turned and went inside herself. After shutting the door, she leaned up against it and brought her hand up to her cheek.
"Tomorrow," she whispered to herself.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''
A/N: Now, wasn't that the sappiest thing you've ever read in your life. But I won't apologize for it. You can't make me. Sappy stuff is good for your blood pressure, I've been told. See? I'm doing something good for mankind. Anyway, please read and review! Thanks!