The Ash Tree

Chapter 3

I apologize for not updating in a while and for changing the story, but I feel I can move it along better and faster now. I believe this chapter is longer than before. If you find any grammar errors, again I'm sorry, I'll fix them when the book is completed.

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Chapter 3

"Alice! You made it." Oliver smiled. We both snuck out of our homes to meet at our spot on the top of the hill in the field.

"I wish I did not have to leave. I may not see you again." I cried rushing into my friends arms. I hurried my face in his chest, gripping onto his shirt. My chest hurts. It hurts so bad.

"We will see each other again." He said, his voice sounding sad. He hugged me tighter.

"How do you know?" I looked up and gazed into his sad eyes. He smiled at me, but I could tell he was trying to be strong for me.

"I know because nothing will be able to keep us apart forever. We will meet again." He said determined. I buried my face in his chest again. He is my best friend. I do not want to lose him. "Alice, can you promise me something?" I looked at him confused.

"Can you promise me that you will never forget me? That we will always be friends till we are able to meet again. That we will wait for each other." He stared me in the eyes, so serious.

"Of course Oliver. I promise to never forget you." I said never looking away from him.

"And I promise to never forget you." He reached into his shirt and pulled a leather cord

around from his neck. "I made this for you, so you will have something of me with you." He placed the cord around my neck before backing away. I stared down at the tablet attached to the cord. There were two birds with the letters A and O. It was beautiful.

"Oliver..." I could not tell him how much I loved it.

"I have another present for you." He said looking nervous. "Close your eyes." I closed my eyes, happy and sad. But one thing is for sure, I will never forget him.

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"Alice! Alice!" I opened my eyes and found myself in Oliver's arms. He breathed in relief.

"What happened?" I asked alarmed.

"You fainted. You skin turned cold and your body went limb. I kept trying to wake you, but you did not stir." His face was pale, he looked terrified.

"I...I think it was a memory." Oliver smiled and hugged me.

"What was it?"

"I saw us. We met on a hill. I was leaving and we were saying goodbye. You gave me this and were going to give me something else." I looked toward Oliver. His face was red and he would not look me in the eye.

"What was the other present you gave me? I hope I didn't lose it." I said panicking.

"It's not something you lose." He started rubbing the back of his neck. "I-um-it-was-kiss-on-the...cheek." he spoke quickly.

"Ohh." An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Oliver cleared his throat.

"I have to work today, but tomorrow we will leave for Ashton."

"But it is a six or seven day trip on wagon. You have to work, I do not wish for your father to be angry with you." I said. Oliver face turned grave.

"I left my father's business and opened my own. We both wanted different things." His face was hard. "I will close down shop and tomorrow we will leave for the city."

"Oliver, you have to stay here. I know not what will happen when I return. I promise once I learn the truth, I will return." I grabbed his hands and we both smiled a sad smile. Oliver looked upon my hands and his smile faded.

"Why would you return? Your husband, my lord, will not be pleased of you traveling a long distance to meet another man." My smile fell too, and my chest tightened. I had forgotten of the wedding band on my finger. I have broken my promise. I did not wait for Oliver to return to me. I turned toward him and caressed his cheek.

"Husband or not, you are my dearest friend and you took me in even when you did not recognize me. You are a great man and I wish to repay you. I care not what my husband will say, I will visit you again." I promised. He tried to smile but was unsuccessful. "I will not leave till morrow. When you return home, I wish to learn about your adventures while I was away." I laughed, it sounding sad in my own ears.

"As you wish M'Lady." He bowed before walking out the door. Leaving me feeling guilty and alone.

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I hoped you liked the chapter. I probably sound like a broken record, but if you can, please leave a comment/review about the chapter and or book. It can be if you liked it, what you liked about it, if you didn't like it etc. Please, and thank you ^_^

P.S. - I'll update as soon as I can, pinky swear.