A Lover's Acceptance

[Chapter One]

The snow was coming down heavily, each step Clyde took sounded as if he was trudging on thrown away wrappers, it was most definitely not a pleasant sound. Of course, to distract himself from the cringe-inducing noise, Clyde instead focused more in his thoughts. You see, my dear, Clyde was pondering about what to get his one and only love for Christmas, as the day was fast approaching. He had hoped he would have saved enough by now to propose, but it seems that even with his increased hours for his work, his pay ceased to grow, instead staying the same- maybe even lower, he never really payed attention to that detail. So he opted for something cheaper, yet still enjoyable for Mary, his courting partner. He planned to get her some sort of article of clothing, maybe a sundress for the spring? Perhaps a pocket watch? Hopefully something he could afford.

Before the brunette knew it, he was already unlocking his door, excited to see his lover. As he opened the door, he turned to look at Mary. The two had recently moved in together, which was a win on both sides; rent could be payed easier, and Clyde got to see his dear play out wife-like roles, such as cooking, or making him coffee. He hoped to make her his wife soon, maybe for Easter, he wasn't sure.

The taller man smiled, walking inside and hugging Mary, the much shorter brunette. She startled slightly, not hearing him enter. He only smiled more and kissed her head, excited. "Good evening, my dear! How was today?" He tilted his head, questioning his partner. "Oh, honey, it was an amazing day! I got so much done!" She smiled up at him, pausing her cooking momentarily. He only chuckled, patting her head and taking off his shoes and coat. "I'm glad, my love," he started, sitting down. "What are you making for dinner? If you don't mind my asking." He finished with a question, hoping to start a new conversation. "Ah, I'm glad you asked! I'm making your favorite jambalaya! I know work has been stressful for you lately" Mary turned back to her work, stirring the pot. He smiled. "I'm glad you think about me so much darling, it's quite caring of you" The man stretched, watching her cook.

As the couple ate dinner, they chatted like old friends, excitedly talking about their days as an old record played on the record player. It was almost like a pub, but with much less people, Clyde thought. After finishing, Mary picked up their dishes, cleaning them. Clyde appreciated the efforts from his partner, but he hated how hard she worked for him.

Around a week later, Clyde was searching for a good present for his sweet, although nothing seemed good enough. That was until a certain dress caught his eye; it was a pale yellow color, it must stop just before the knees. It was decorated with saturated blossoms, the most prominent of the lovely flowers being mustard yellow sunflowers tossed about the soft fabric. It was absolutely perfect for Mary, he had to get it home and wrapped before tonight!

Clyde walked out of the store proudly, bag in hand. He was very excited to see Mary's reaction, he hoped she would like it. As he crossed roads, his mind got caught up with thoughts of his beloved. Her wearing the sundress in the spring, dressed in her favorite hat and windbreaker. Oh how beautiful she would look. He was overjoyed when he finally noticed he was less than a block away from his home, although- it seemed his was too late before he snapped out of his thought. A loud horn could be heard as he walked across the street, looking in the direction of the noise, it seemed even Clyde knew it was too late, as he froze.

It was tragic, really. Mary was so devistated, but at least she got the dress, right Clyde? You are right, she does look quite beautiful in it. I'm sure you were hoping to see it too.

It had been 3 months since the accident. Golly, was it already March? Clyde couldn't believe it when he saw a calendar while passing by a window. He had sworn it was the day before Christmas Eve, was this some sort of sick joke? He walked into a store, attempting to talk to the cashier, who ignores his pleads. Furrowing his eyebrows, the tall man walked into the back of the store, peeking into a mirror.

He nearly gasped at the sight, startled. He touched over his face gently, his previously light skin was now a sickly purple, his cheeks seemed to be burned red. Not to mention the mysterious black goo that oozed out of his eyes. He reached to touch it, but recoiled when it burned his fingers. It seemed he was stuck like that. Frightened, the male immediately ran to greet his lover back at their shared house. Why did he look like this? He looked most awful.

Walking into his previously clean apartment, he spotted his precious dear curled in on herseltin the corner, clutching a coat of his. The house was in ruins, he noticed as he wandered closer. "Mary dear..? Are you okay? what's wrong?" The man crouched next to her, reaching to touch her back. He gasped as his hand just went through her, this was certainly new.

The man panicked as his love got up lazily, walking over to their home phone, which seemed to be unused for the past few weeks. He could barely listen to Mary speak, as he was so startled by what he had just witnessed. Why did he just faze through her like that? That wasn't normal!

It only occured to him later why he seemed not existent. As an old friend of the couples walked through the door, he completely ignored Clyde, instead embracing Mary and giving words of comfort.

It was then he realized he wasn't human anymore, he was a ghost.