Knowing our close proximity, Charles and I became close. He stopped by with issues, or just to see me. There was no hiding that we very much got along. One day, he had finally admitted to it. It wasn't long and exaggerated, it was short and sweet. I liked that. He didn't need to do much to impress, as his presence was enough. It wasn't long before I had told my father, and he was glad I wasn't going to die alone. It wasn't long before the two of us were wedlocked. I had moved away from father, but not too far. I didn't want to escape from his grasp again, and I didn't want to escape from mine.
"This is it." I said, stopping in my place.
"This is it?" Charles said back. I nodded.
We arrived at the church where my dreams and hope were both crushed and achieved. We sat in the same spot that father had sat. My heart was pumping violently in my chest. I smiled at Charles nervously as he removed his hat from his head. Soon, strings of children were lined up at the pulpit. I looked around at the faces. There were many. Elegant, taller, and happier girls were chosen first. Timid girls were next. A rather shy and intimidated girl had spaced herself from the group. She was around the age of nine. Something had troubled her deeply. She coiled her fingers in her dress's hem. She looked up once to get a view of the church before, fixturing back on her dress. She then dropped her hem and tightened her fists at her sides. I saw her hands shake and she stood there.
Charles and I shared a look. He gave me a half-nod before, and I soon approved. We were able to select her from the group of children.
Charles found my hand and squeezed it tightly, a light smile appearing on his face. I returned the smile, briefly showing my teeth.
That night, when we officially had custody of the child, we made her feel welcome. Charles and I introduce ourselves to the girl. She was a beautiful girl with brown hair. He hair had uneven strands of blonde within it. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, wisps of free hair dangling by her ears. Her eyes were beautiful light blue. The lovely color made me smile. It carried a meaning. Her eyes never met ours, leading Charles and I worried. Charles went on one knee and gently lifted the girls face.
"Hey..." he started, "You don't need to fear. We'll keep you safe, and care for you. We are your family. We are nothing like the orphanage. We love you." He hugs her, but she doesn't lift her arms.
"I've got you," he whispers. "You're safe." He repeats. The young girl lifts her hand and returns the gesture. She rubbed her face into the crook of his neck. She soon spotted me and motioned for me to come over. I joined the hug. Charles let go first, leaving the young girl and I to finish the hug. Before I let her go, I kissed her forehead.
"And what is your name?" I asked.
"Elizabeth." She answered, a smile appearing on her face.
YOU ARE READING
Your War, My War
Historical Fiction"Nobody ever wins a war. Lives are still lost, families are broken apart, and horrific memories are brought to the grave. It was never a good feeling. It was never a proud topic." Bonnie, a lonely orphan young girl, experiences the frontlines findin...
