Until we meet again (A war romance) (#Wattys2015)

8 months later...

8 Months later

Diana:

I got up, even though my brain was still asleep, switched off. The sun flickered over Matthew’s face as he lay there, snoring quietly. Men I thought as I changed into an old dress. Mum had given it to me as a wedding present, and I loved it. It was pale blue, my favourite colour, with pale pink lace at the bottom. Mum had sewn my name onto the inside with love and care, and I loved and cared for her. Mum had moved out so that Matthew and I could live together. We had protested of course, but she had persisted until we agreed. Dad had left her a small sum in his will, and she had used the money to buy a small house for herself on the other side of the village. She wrote often; her letters usually containing some amusing story about what she was doing. She always wished Matt and I the best, and for that I was grateful. There had once been a time where Mum had avoided Matthew like the plague, but now she was happy to call him her son-in-law. I was certainly happy to call him my husband!

It was time to feed Truffle. She still lived up on the farm with Suzie, who was quite happy for me to come round whenever I wanted to see Truffle. She was amazing, and I loved her. I had become better at riding since that first time I had slipped into the saddle. I could now canter over the hill on her back, completely fearless, while Matthew would walk slowly behind us. On one occasion, Matthew had taken the reins with me holding onto his waist. As the sun had set, I had rested my head on my back, and everything was perfect. I slipped downstairs quietly and make myself a sandwich. I closed the door behind me as I walked out into the fresh air which played with my hair. As I breathed, a cloud of my cold breath blew like smoke into the sky. I loved cold weather.

I arrived shortly at the house, and let myself into the farm, as to not wake Suzie. Truffle was waiting for me in her paddock. She snorted happily when she saw me, and trotted over to greet me. She bent down low, and let me stroke her. I pulled out the apple I had been saving for her, and she ate it quickly. The saddle was hanging over the side of the gate, so I picked it up, and opened the gate of the paddock and let myself in. I would have jumped over the gate, but now my stomach was so large that it was impossible. Matthew had advised that I shouldn’t ride in case I hurt myself, or indeed the baby, but nothing could keep me from Truffle. I flung the saddle over Truffle’s back, and she waited for me. The first time I had tried to mount her without Matthew; she had reared and had nearly thrown me off! She was used to me now though. I out my foot into the stirrup, and pulled myself up. I sat on top of Truffle and grinned. I kicked her sides gently, and Truffle walked out of the open paddock gate, heading to the hill. I didn’t even need to use the reins; she was used to our rout by now.

We reached the hill, and I dismounted underneath the tree. I was dizzy with happiness; I loved the feeling of the wind in my face, and the sense of adventure that accompanied it.

Suddenly, a pain pierced my stomach, and I had to grab the tree trunk to stop myself from falling over in pain. I cried out as the pain struck again. My eyes widened at the realisation: The baby. I had to get back to the farm; Suzie would know what to do. The pain was excruciating, and I could barely stand up, but I pulled myself up back onto Truffle. I couldn’t put one leg on each side, so I had to sit sideways. I patted Truffle gently, and clutched the reins as she started back towards the farm.

By the time I got to the farm, all strength had gone from my arms, and I could only just hold on. I was so tired, and my stomach burned with white hot agony. I screamed out, and then Suzie was running towards me, as the world went dark around me.

***

Author's note:

500 views. I still can't believe it. Just yesterday I had 400 views, which is CRAZY! Thanks to everyone who has read this story. There is more to come, so keep reading!

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P.s. This is for Joey Morino, for being there every step of the way. Xxx