Hi everyone! Here is a modern short story. More than 100 words this time. LOL.

I always thought that if I ever decided to start writing fanfiction, I would go for a modern take as my knowledge of the Regency era is inadequate. I have no idea why a lot of my stories are Regency. I surprise even myself. I just wanted to try my hand at writing and so far, I am really enjoying it. Thank you all for reading and supporting me.

I must declare that English is my third language, which means there could be errors. Apologies.

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Elizabeth was not a deeply religious person. She had been brought up in a Catholic family and they had heard mass every Sunday morning when they were younger.

Now that she was grown up, though not as mature as she once thought, she kept her faith but only attended mass on special occasions like Christmas and now, Easter. Perhaps she had been too busy with work or she had not felt the need to nurture her spirituality.

It had been a year since her big showdown with Will. She thought she had given him as good as she got, only to find out later how wrong she was. Will was the good guy and George was the villain. If she had a time machine, she knew exactly which event she would go back to and change.

She knew she had lost her chance with Will. He could never love her now. He probably regretted he felt anything for her other than hatred. She felt so stupid. Summa cum laude, who was she kidding? She had fallen for George's contrived stories because he complimented her with flowery words. And she did not believe Will because he had wounded her vanity when they first met. Well, that was not all of it. She had mistakenly thought he was proud and arrogant, but he was not. He was rightfully confident. She had judged him as aloof and condescending, but he was just shy and reserved.

She was very happy that Jane and Charles were now happily married. She knew Will had a hand in reuniting them. Now she understood that Will was only looking out for his best friend when he advised Charles to take things slowly. He did not expect Charles to just up and go.

And then there was Lydia. She had discovered that Will was the one who saved her baby sister from that nasty George. Will was just too good, doing that for her family without any expectations of repayment or gratitude.

The last time she saw Will had been during the wedding. He had looked so gorgeous in his dark suit. He had been ever so polite to her but she felt he was distant. She had relished every second of their dance, knowing that was the only chance she had to be close to him. And then it was over.

This Holy Week hit her hard. She was sorry. Very, very sorry. Never before had she felt the need for repentance. It was like she wanted to offer sacrifices to make up for her mistakes. She made herself take part in all the Holy Week traditions, including completing the Seven Churches visitation. She even observed fasting and abstinence.

This was the final step. She knew it would not change anything, but it made her feel a little bit better that she was giving herself this opportunity to acknowledge all her faults and try to start anew.

She was at her local church, anticipating the start of mass service. She sat on the front pew, intending to absorb the message in the homily and discover something there to console and rejuvenate her. She found herself tearing up and she allowed herself to cry, quietly, to release the emotions she bottled up inside for so long.

She felt calmer now. More at peace with herself. If she happens to see Will in future, she knew she would feel a bit of sadness but she would do her best to reach out and be friendly. She would probably feel a tinge of jealousy when he gets a girlfriend (it would be no surprise if he already had one) but she would be gracious and be happy for them.

See? I can do this. I feel like I am a slightly better person already.

She took a deep breath, preparing herself for a new beginning. She spent a moment stood outside the church, before getting ready to descend the steps leading to the pavement. She looked around and thought the grass was greener, the birds were chirpier and people were happier.

Time to head home. It was a bright, sunny day but it was cool with a gentle breeze. Just perfect for a walk.

Bump! She crashed into somebody when she reached the bottom of the steps. She felt silly for being so clumsy.

"Oh, I am so sorry! I wasn't looking."

"It's alright, Elizabeth. No harm done."

She knew that voice! She gazed into Will's mesmerising blue eyes. She stumbled,

"W-will? What are you doing here?"

"Nice to meet you too, Elizabeth," Will replied, eyes twinkling.

"Oh, I am so sorry again. Where are my manners?"

"Stop apologizing, Elizabeth. How are you?"

"I am well. Yes, very well. And you?"

"I am fine, thank you."

Then there was an awkward pause. She just promised that she would be friendly the next time she saw Will and now she could not think of anything sensible to say. Well, she did not expect to see Will today! God must be testing her.

"Listen, I have to get home. Happy Easter, Will! Send my love to Georgiana."

And then she was gone.

Whew! That wasn't too bad for a first meeting after so long, was it?

"No, I don't think so."

She turned to face Will. She did not realise that she said those words out loud. She went wide-eyed and covered her mouth with her hand. And she did not realise that Will was still with her. He could not be following her, for sure. Maybe he was just headed in the same direction. Wait, didn't he live about 20 miles away from here?

He interrupted her thoughts,

"But it could be better."

She gulped.

Okay. I will be brave and listen to him admonish me. I deserve it and more.

"I mean, I was hoping we could… talk? Maybe sit down for coffee?"

She stared at him. She then blinked several times.

Did I hear him correctly? He wants to talk and spend time with me?

She shook her head disbelievingly.

"I see. Well, thank you for not ignoring me. And for not slapping me. That hurt, you know. But I deserved it."

"Oh, no. No, Will. You did not deserve the lashing I gave you that day. And certainly not the slap. I was totally in the wrong. I am truly sorry to have caused you pain. I know it is virtually impossible but I hope you can forgive me one day."

"There is nothing to forgive, Elizabeth. But… if it will make you feel better, you can grant me a small favour."

"Anything, Will. As long as it is not illegal or expensive," she laughed.

"Coffee? I know you already declined. But I promise I will behave. And, of course, I will pay."

"I did not decline, Will. I just could not go for out for coffee today because I have something slow-roasting in the oven and I need to get back to it in time like, in the next… (checking her watch) half hour."

"Another date then? I mean, day?"

"Sure. Unless…"

She saw him raise his eyebrows.

"Unless you want to come home with me. I mean, unless you want to have lunch with me. At home."

And she saw him smile. A rare, genuine smile.

How is it possible for him to be even more handsome? And he has dimples! I could melt just about right now.

"It would be an honour and a pleasure, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Shall we walk then, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy?"

And that was the start of something new, and something really, really good.

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Happy Easter, everyone.

I was thinking of writing Will's POV. Maybe. If anyone is interested. Who isn't interested in Will? I know I am. ;-)