Afterlife (A Dickinson Fanfiction)

Chapter 2: Chance

Emily had spent that whole night trying to think of something to say to the beautiful girl though she was exhausted from the night before she knew there was something she wanted to say to get Sue to notice her. Then it hit her, she is a poet she could just give her the poem she had wrote about Sue that night. She had read it over at least a hundred times while walking down to the oak tree, she was nervous because no one understood her poetry and how much it meant to her...well maybe George but he was the exception having been in love with Emily for years he adored everything she did even if his feelings toward her were not reciprocated.

***

After walking for what seemed like ages to her she finally arrived at her reading spot and sat and waited. She made sure to arrive a little earlier than usual to make sure she didn't miss Sue on her morning routine. Hours had passed and Sue had not yet arrived, Emily was getting a bit worried knowing that Sue had not once missed the walk past the oak tree since Emily had begun reading there. After what felt like a lifetime she decided to head back home with the poem in her hand when she heard a familiar voice.

"Emily"?

***

"Why are you here so late in the day?"...

*Emily- "What are you doing here George?".

*George- "What? I can't come and visit the most beautiful girl in Amherst anymore?".

*Emily- Sorry George, I guess I'm just a little disappointed, I was supposed to meet someone but they never came.

*George- "What kind of manic would turn down a chance to meet the amazing free spirit that is Emily Dickinson"?

*Emily- "It doesn't matter Sue probably has better things to do today".

*George- "Sue?.... Sue Gilbert?

* Emily- "yea, why?

*George- "I saw her earlier, she looked like she was crying I think another one of her relatives passed".

*Emily- "oh my gosh I had no idea!".

"That's why she never showed up! How could I have been so selfish". Emily thought to herself.

*George- "Anyway, wanna hang out later?".

*Emily- "Sorry George I have a mission to complete".

*George- "Good luck soldier". ("Salutes")

*Emily- "Bye".

***

"I shouldn't bother her today, she's probably still mourning. Why is this so important to me anyway? I didn't need friends before and I don't need them now so why do I want to meet her so badly?".

"She is as beautiful as they say, maybe that's what drawed me in". But I'm just looking to be friends with her maybe that's why I want to meet her?". (Sigh) I don't know"....

She stared at the ground, lost in thought when all of sudden she heard someone by the river. It was Sue the one she had been trying to talk to all day, but it did look like she had been crying, Emily wasn't sure how to approach the situation but wanted to try any way, she had to give her the poem she wrote.

*Emily- "Susan Gilbert"?

*Sue- "Yes?".

*Emily- "oh....ummm I just wanted to say hi....uh hi.

"Emily what are you doing?" She thought to herself.

*Emily-"A-Actually I wanted to see how your doing, I uh heard what happened.

*Sue- "I'm okay, it was just unexpected is all" (wipes tear from cheek).

*Emily- "oh, um if it makes you feel any better I have something for you"...

(Hands Sue the slip of paper with the poem on it)

*Sue- "What is it?".

*Emily- "It's a poem, writing poetry is kinda my thing and I guess seeing you walk past the oak tree each morning gave me some inspiration".

*Sue- "Thanks"...

*Silence*

*Emily- "ummm I guess I'll see you later then bye! (walks away awkwardly).

*Sue- (Smiles) "yea okay".

***

Sue gets home that day and forgets about the poem until her curiosity gets the best of her.

(Sue opens the note and reads)

"Perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -

thro' endless summer days

Service, like a Drum -
Kept beating - beating - till I thought
My mind was going numb

Like one in danger, Cautious

Too bright for our infirm Delight

And carried Me away

Rowing in Eden -
Ah - the Sea!
Might I but moor - tonight -
In thee

Since then - 'tis Centuries - and yet
Feels shorter than the Day"

-Emily Dickinson

(Smiles) "Beautiful".

***

End of Chapter 2