Stubborn Love

Last Few Moments Of Love

Allie was waiting for Bernard to stop laughing before she could finish her story.

"Wait, wait, wait," Bernard laughed. "You-You—"

The curly haired elf couldn't even talk because he was laughing so hard. She rolled her eyes. "It wasn't that funny."

"You have to admit, it was pretty funny," he teased, leaning forward, clearly enjoying his moment. "It sounds like you launched yourself right off the skateboard flying like a golden-haired bird!"

"I didn't fly! I fell beautifully, thank you very much," she retorted, crossing her arms, her cheeks bright red. She was beginning to regret telling Bernard about her first time trying to skate board. But Bernard was able to see the corners of her mouth twitching, betraying her resolve to act unfazed.

"Right, right." Bernard nodded, struggling to keep a straight face, seeing her brows furrowed and beginning to pout.

It lasted for all of eight seconds, before Bernard was hunched over again, hiding his face as he laughed. Allie felt butterflies in the pit of her stomach. The girl let a smile slip out, though she turned her head to the side to try to hide it. Her cheeks turned crimson, and Bernard's laughter finally began to let up.

"Okay, Okay," He said, letting out a few more breathy laughs, wiping his eyes. "You've got to admit that it was funny."

Allie rolled her eyes again, and she glared at Bernard, watching as a smile began to sneak it's way onto his face once more. 

"You're mean." Allie told him, trying to hide her own smile, but was failing miserably.

"I'm an elf." Bernard said in mock offense, though he was still struggling to not laugh. "We don't get mean."

Allie gave him a look as if she didn't believe him, causing Bernard to smile even wider. "Come on, Allison. You know what I mean."

"Don't call me that." Allie said, her cheeks still aglow.

"Why not? Allison is so pretty." Bernard asked, tilting his head, then a grin spread across his face. "Just like you."

Allie paused, and looked at him with wide eyes. Her cheeks were probably purple at this point. Allie rolled her eyes when she saw Bernard's cheeky smile. "Don't say stupid stuff like that."

Bernard rolled his eyes fondly. "It's not stupid if it's true."

Allie didn't say anything, but Bernard scooted closer. She glanced up at him, and let out a surprised sound when he leaned in and kissed her. They parted after a few seconds and Allie smiled slightly.

"Holly Jolly," She whispered, not even realizing she was using elf curses.

No matter how many times he did that, it still felt as if it was their first kiss.

{}~{}~{}~{}

Allie paced the living room, pulling at her hair as she watched Bernard get ready to leave. Their vacation had come to an end, and not even a day out of it, her Dad was sending Bernard out on some mission.

"Bernard," she called out, her voice tinged with worry. "Are you sure you have to go today?" She caught sight of him as he slipped on his coat, his carefree demeanor that now tinged with the weight of responsibility.

"I have to, Allie," he replied, turning to look at her, his dark curls falling slightly over his forehead. "Santa said that this is important. But I promise I'll be back before you know it." His words, meant to comfort, only seemed to amplify her fears.

"Can't you at least wait until tomorrow?" she asked, her hands pulling harder at her hair.

Bernard stepped closer, a small smile breaking through her anxiety. "Hey," he said softly, taking her hands in his, stopping her from pulling on her hair anymore. "I'll be okay. And I'll be thinking of you the whole time." He lifted her chin with a gentle finger, forcing her to meet his eyes, which always had a way of anchoring her in the present.

"What if something happens?" she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if you don't come back?"

That playful light in his eyes dimmed at her words, and he pulled her into a warm embrace. "Allison, listen to me. Nothing is going to happen. I'll be back before you know it. Just focus on our plans for the weekend, alright?" He grinned, and she couldn't help but smile back, though reluctantly.

As if to solidify their connection, he reached up and tugged his hat from his head, the one that he never took off, and had freaked out after Allie had hid it or if he lost it. "Here," he said, placing it playfully on her head. "Keep this for me until I get back. It'll remind you that I'm with you, even when I'm not."

The hat slipped down over her eyes, and she laughed, the heaviness in her heart momentarily lifted. "You look ridiculous," she quipped, her smile genuine now.

"Yeah, well, you wear it well," he replied, his tone warm. Taking a step back, he fixed the hat slightly askew on her head, then cupped her face in his hands. "I love you, Allison. No matter what."

"I love you too, Bernard," she murmured, leaning into his touch before they shared a lingering kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes of reassurance, of love, and of anticipation for the future they had planned together.

As he pulled away, the playfulness faded slightly, replaced by a seriousness that hung between them. "Remember, one week. Just one week," he reiterated, his voice firm yet tender. "I'll be home as soon as I can."

With a heavy heart, Allie nodded and watched as he headed towards the door. Feeling a sudden swell of strength, she called after him, "Just come back to me, okay? That's all I want."

His smile returned, brightening the otherwise somber mood. "Always," he pledged before stepping through the door.

Allie stood in the living room, the warmth of the sun now dimming with the passing clouds, staring at the doorway as he disappeared from view. She lifted her hands, the hat slipping slightly over her brow, her heart heavy with a sense of impending loss. Yet, she clung to hope, to the promise of his return.

Unbeknownst to her, that moment—filled with affection, warmth, and dreams—would be the last she'd have with him for a long time.