Diminishing Love

Chapter Seventeen - The War Office

Chapter Seventeen

"What can I help you with, mam?", the officer seated at the front desk asked Aurelia, not taking his eyes off of the papers on his desk.

"I wish to inquire about the missing in action section", she responded politely, handing the man the telegram she had received... That day. This time, the officer did look up, and when he did, he would not look down again. He gazed at her for what seemed like hours, and Aurelia started to feel a little uncomfortable. "So could you-", she started, making him look down instantly, a blush present on his cheeks. He was a very good-looking man, with dark hair and bright blue eyes. He seemed to be a little older than Aurelia, but not by much.

"I'm very sorry, mam, but the likelihood of us finding your man is very slim. You should prepare for the worst, however I will inquire on your behalf, Miss..."

"Aurelia Haynes", she filled in for him, giving the officer a weak smile. He smiled back, revealing his dazzling white teeth and gorgeous smile.

"Right, well I shall get right to i-"

"But Sir, I don't think you understand the situation", Aurelia interrupted, furrowing her brows.

"Go on", he demanded, raising one of his eyebrows slightly.

"We have found him", she stated calmly. The officer was obviously shocked, and a little disappointed for some reason, but he tried his best to hide it. "That is - he found us..."

"Are you sure, Miss Haynes? We are very careful with our sending of these letters", he said worriedly, looking down at the telegram in his hands. Recognition briefly flashed across his stunned face as he looked down at the name written. "Connolly", he breathed, putting the telegram down and bringing his hand to his forehead, looking down at the piece of paper on the table disbelievingly. He stood up abruptly, scraping his chair along the ground, and strode into a back room. Aurelia stood where she was, rocking back and forth nervously, as she awaited his return. A few minutes later, he came back with a pile of letters tied up with twine. He handed the parcel to Aurelia with a guilty look on his face. "Forgive me", he breathed, before a smile played across his lips. "Jack Swindell - if you need me", he said smoothly, before returning to his desk.

***

Arriving back at the recovery centre, she smiled when she saw Sash and Ley sitting next to Hagley's bed. Sash was reading to him, as Ley sat there making faces and rolling her eyes at her sister. Upon noticing Aurelia in the doorway, holding the pile of envelopes, her face lit up at the chance to distract herself from Sash's droning voice.

"YES! You're back! Can we leave now, Sash?" Ley exclaimed, giving Sash a shock and causing her to drop the book. Sash sighed and stood up, stretching her arms above her head. They were wearing proper clothing today, instead of hooded cloaks; however Ley's hair was, like always, knotted beyond repair. Sash however, had done her hair very carefully, tying it with a red ribbon to match her ankle-length red skirt. She gave Charlie a kiss on a cheek, before saying goodbye to them both, and departing. Ley looked back at Aurelia and rolled her eyes, before following behind her sister.

"Honestly, that girl is going to turn me into a jealous monster!" Aurelia sighed as she went to perch on Hagley's bed.

"Ah! Positions have reversed! I am no longer the one begging to be with you", Hagley chuckled, sitting up and kissing Aurelia.

"Nice try, but you still weren't quite in the centre", Aurelia teased, guiding his hands to her face so that he could try again. "Better", she praised, smiling at the blush appearing on his cheeks. "You're blushing", she whispered in his ear.

"No I'm not", he snapped, pushing her away. Aurelia just giggled before dumping the pile of letters on his lap. "What are these?" he inquired, picking one up and feeling around the edges.