The Ring

Chapter One

It was, just another day. I got up, the excitement and anticipation inside made me rush out of bed, which is an out of body experience to say the least. I grabbed a pair of jeans, a red top saying ‘we will rock you till the sun comes up!’ in big bold letters, a grey jumper that was far too big for me, but very comfortable and a pair of navy blue converse. I was nervous that it would be too informal, and she might say, that I would have to go home, change, and do it again, but I passed the thought away, I was too excited to have doubts. I ran into the bathroom, I knew that if I didn’t have a clean shave, she really would send me back. The after shave stung my cheeks, but the pain was drowned out by my excitement. I grabbed my iphone, disconnecting the charger, and shoving it in the pocket of my jeans. I grabbed an apple and sprinted out the door. My mind was a blur, I ran through my check list, phone, shoes (you’ll be surprised), jacket, ring... I charged back into the flat, nearly knocking everything out of place, and found the ring, in the draw next to my bed. Checklist again, phone, shoes, jacket, ring, all there. I closed the door, the ring in my pocket. I clutched it’s little box. It had a beautiful red silk covering, inside, more red silk, and the ring was a beautiful diamond, surrounded by miniature diamonds, cast onto a shining gold ring. Lily would love it.

Chapter two

Lily got up. She had no idea what Jack was so excited about. She reluctantly removed herself from my warm duvet, spring was in the air, but it made no difference, anyone would have guessed that it had been winter. Lily went into the bathroom, and washed her face, the water was cold water woke her from her drowsy state. Lily shoved on a pair of skinny jeans, a white top with a bleeding black heart (I was pretty dramatic), a burgundy jumper from republic, and my dark brown uggs, after she had finished in the bathroom. The picture on the table, of Jack and Lily in Manchester, after they had watched a football match, it made her laugh to see what they had worn, and the paint on their faces, but she would never have changed any of it. She ate cereal, and grabbed a banana to go, but not before she picked up her phone.

Chapter three

I got into my little mini. Inside was warm and I was grateful when the air-con finally warmed up, blasting my face with the warm air. I switched on the radio, just in time to hear Lily’s favourite song play, I could imagine her, singing along to it, maybe even dancing, while fighting through the morning traffic. I pulled out of the car park and looked at my watch, as usual I was late, but I had no doubt that after I through a pathetic excuse to Lily, she would forgive him, probably even say ‘where d’you get the inspiration for that on?’ or something. Eventually I reached the car park, and due to the wind, I put my hood up, yet even so, my face froze in the icy wind.                                           As I turned the corner, I saw Lily walk into the cafe. I ran to the door, not only eager to see her and ask her, but to be out of the bitter weather. As I reached the door, I was relieved, and the good feeling was added to, when I saw her look up at me, her beaming smile, filling me with warmth, before I had stepped through the door. I entered the cafe the smell of coffee, and the heat that met my face, were the last things I remember before blackness.

Chapter four

Lily went down stairs to the underground car park. She unlocked her little white fiat, and got inside. The warmth was welcoming from the bitter cold outside. She drove through the morning traffic, the wind battling against her little car. As she switched the radio on, she heard the announcer say

‘...and now, a request from Jonathon Carter in Henley, our next song is...’ he said, playing her favourite song. She sang along with the radio, thinking about how funny Jack’s reaction would have been, if he had been with her. She was on time, and parked the fiat in the car park. As she got out, she thought about what Jack’s excuse would be this time, before crossing the road towards the cafe. The blast of warm air as she entered was heavenly. She walked over to the counter, there was no cue, and ordered a skinny Latte, Jack would probably say at that point, that if she didn’t gain any weight, she would float away with a strong breeze. She sat down in the corner, and looked up to see Jack, smiling broadly at the door. That, was the last thing she saw.

Chapter five

 Jack woke, in a hospital bed, to the sound of a steady and constant ‘beep’ and the smell of disinfectant. He didn’t remember much, and it hurt his head to think about it. A nurse walked in, but Jack vision was slightly blurred, and he couldn’t see her face because of it.

After the nurse explained to him what had happened, he fell silent, his eyes focusing down at his sheet.

“I want to know... No... I need to know, what happened to Lily Parks.” He said, still not removing his eyes from the sheet. The nurse didn’t know what to say,

“Well.. I can.. I will go find out for you, Mr Robinson.” She left the room. Jack was still staring at his sheet when she returned, but he looked at her this time. This time he stared at her, with eyes ever hopeful and longing for good news. The nurse opened her mouth to say something, but quickly closed it. Jack looked down immediately.

“Were there any other, survivors?” He asked, once more staring blankly down.

The nurse replied quietly “No.” Jack didn’t speak. He fell back against his pillow and looked as if everything was lost. His eyes no longer twinkled, they showed despair and emptiness.

“I am sorry.” The nurse said, before leaving him.

Later the doctors informed him, that due to the force of the blast, it had badly damaged this back, and he would never walk again, but he would live a normal life, and would live a long one, as it had not damaged his health, and he would continue to be able to move from his waist upwards. Jack didn’t mind, he always thinking about Lily, and of course, this would mean that he could sell his cross trainer at home, and make a bit of money from it. In time, he got used to the chair, and over the next few days, Jack received many visitors. Mainly from Lily’s parents, showing their sympathy, and sharing his sorrow, regret, and endless longing. Most days, he slept, but whenever there were visitors, he sat in his chair, and talked.

But he never mentioned to anyone about the ring.

Chapter six

After I left the hospital, the doctors said they were still unsure about certain things, but they would make sure that all my requirements were satisfied. Of course, I told myself that would never happen, the one thing that I loved, and was devoted to was gone. He also said to watch your weight, as you are limited with what exercise you can do. And I thought to myself again, why should I eat, when the person I lived for, died. Again I said nothing, and left on the bus. Thankfully, the block of flats that I lived in, had an elevator, so I didn’t have to move.

I still think back to what the doctor said, especially the part when he said that they were unsure about certain things. One thing for sure, I know, that there shall forever be, a diamond ring, sitting in its little silk box, in my draw, with the question still unasked.