A Year Hence: Summer Solstice - Closures

A year has passed since the start of this story. I'm now a priest and it's about time that I put an end to this tale of mine. I officially start with my work tomorrow so I thought it best to give Emilia one last visit.

Yesterday, I put on my red and black garb for the first time since the ceremonies and walked down the same street on my way to the fields where Emi and I used to play, train, and grow up. People bowed down in respect wherever I went. Even if it felt really awkward, the thought that I finally got what I wanted pretty much made up for it. It was nothing that I couldn't get used to really.

I looked at the bridge beside the culvert cesspool. Memories of that fateful moment three nights ago felt all too fresh. I couldn't stay for too long.

After a good half-hour's walk, I finally arrived at Father Anthony's training grounds. Father was giving out the usual daily announcements. She was there, along with most of her classmates. Upon seeing me, Father Anthony bowed down in respect. I almost forgot that my rank was now higher than his.

I asked for his permission to talk to Emilia, to which he politely approved. Emilia got up slowly and walked to where I was staying by the woods. I wanted to see something from a not so distant past. But somehow, it wasn't there. Her smile from childhood was no longer there. Perhaps it was all whisked away along with the storm that stayed for an entire year.

Emilia spoke with a sad tone, feeling the impending sad news that I bring.

"So, you've finally changed your job. Congratulations."

I smiled, still drowning in my own game of charades.

"Couldn't have done it without you."

Still afraid of losing 'it' again, Emilia turned away before replying.

"Silly Red, you've succeeded because you never lost hope. I am so happy for you. I really am."

I could tell from experience that she was just being hurt more as we prolonged the conversation.

"Whatever you say is fine by me, Emi. Anyway, I came here just to say that I start my missionary work in two days. I still don't know where I will be placed."

Running tears that never fall graced the beautiful crimson eyes of Emilia. A strong girl she may be but it was just all too painfully powerful for her. Still, she managed one last salvo of composure and replied,

"Good luck then. Oh, and yeah, you look really good in your robe. I bet you'll be the chick magnet wherever you'll be destined."

Ever the optimist Emilia, I thought. She started walking back to Father Anthony's class. I put my hands in my pockets as I watched my best friend walking away, no longer a child from my memories but as a woman that I love.

Father Anthony saw Emilia come back so he finally continued with the daily announcements.

"And as for a final announcement, I will no longer be your instructor. The council has decided to put me once more in action inside Glast Heim. I shall be leaving in two days but before anything, let me introduce to you your new mentor."

The whole class was speechless at the announcement. Even Emi.

"Father Ranaulf Emmerich Draughtsalve, welcome to your new assignment."

I walked in front and gave my respects to the old professor. My eyes were glued to but one student.

Emilia finally broke out in tears of joy. She ran up to me double-paced, it was classtime but she didn't even care anymore. And for the first time, too, Father Anthony didn't even bother to restrain her. She threw herself at me with open arms. I caught her and felt the best embrace that I have had all my life.

She softly whispered to me, "So this is what you wanted to tell me."

I kissed her lightly in the forehead and smiled, amidst all of her peers, "Silly Emi, I don't need to come here to tell you that. I came here to tell you that I love you, I always have and I always will."

She kissed me in the cheek and whispered back, "Well, you finally got your first girlfriend."

"No. You're not the first. You're the last."

Sometimes, life isn't all fairytale.

Thing's don't always end as intended.

But that doesn't mean you should lose hope.

Because sometimes, they just do.

This is my story.

My Four Seasons.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoiyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

-Jet-