Together Forever (a short story)

9

9. A shocking revelation before Christmas. 

December 22, 

"Do you remember our first kiss on a snowy afternoon like this?" 

Christina's boots crunched through the powdered snow as she walked in the middle of an empty street. They detonated like Christmas crackers every time her feet hit the ground. The world around her was imprisoned in a glair-white silence. Nothing sounded, nothing stirred, nothing sang. It was only the sound of their moving feet and her chirping voice that echoed around them.  

It has been a week since Claire's wedding and to her shifting to her new abode with Jackson. 

She was living happily and her father was extremely delighted with his decision. Thanks to Luke, he not only helped him make best decisions in the interest of his daughters but also prevented him from committing a mistake. 

"Which kiss?" 

"Ugh, Luke?" She glared at him for a second. "Few months after my posting in your company, you took me to a meeting in California and you kissed me there while it was snowing."

"Oh that one. I just recollected it." He answered as he was not really in his senses. 

"You don't remember our kisses? You are impossible, Mr. Wellington." Her remark made him chuckle but then a naughty grin curved his lips. 

"Babe, I have kissed you more than a thousand times already. I don't remember them all except for the taste of your rosy lips." He pulled her by the waist. 

Luke was about to take her lips for a kiss but Christina pushed him away and started running. She laughed loudly as she had fallen in a pit of snow until his knees, looking like a small man. 

What made her laugh more was his expressions. They were serene but a defeated smile on his sexy mouth was impeccable. 

"I swear will not leave you, Ms. Dawson!" That being declared, Luke pulled himself out of the grip of the cold snow sheet and started chasing her. 

"No… No…" Christina chortled when he grabbed her by the waist and swirled her around. 

Then he pinned her to a tree nearby and took her lips. He kissed her slowly, drinking the moisture of her lips. He was worshiping her like an idol. He touched her possessively all around her body as if it was the last time he was getting her. 

It was a heavenly feeling for them, especially him as he wanted to spend most of his memorable moments with her.

"I love you a lot, Tina. More than anything in life." Turning a body on fire, he softly whispered. 

This guy was the best thing that ever happened to Christina. 

They came walking towards a frozen lake and settled down on a wooden bench once Luke dusted the sheet of snow away from it. 

Christina kept her head resting on his shoulder. They held each other's hand more protectively and tightly. Both of them closed their eyes and tried to capture this beautiful feeling in their hearts for eternity.

She was living these moments to the most and trying to make up for the loss they incurred during the wedding. They hardly got any time to see each other like this. Christina was loving this all. 

"Luke" Her chiming voice broke the silence. "Um, we will not have a grand wedding. I want us to keep our wedding a simple one with all the rituals." She asserted him. 

She undid her eyes to see her reaction but it was a dismay because he was not listening. His eyes were looking nowhere in the air with an expressionless face. 

"Luke," She shook him by the shoulder, hence bringing him back to the present with a jolt. 

"Yeah?" He fluttered his eyes composing himself. 

"I was saying that we will have a simple wedding not as grand as Claire's." He looked at her with pity as if her dream will always remain as a dream.

"Are you okay, Luke? You have been acting strange ever since we met. Are you not well?" She asked again.

Luke opened his mouth to reply never the less his throat burned and started coughing. He covered his mouth, turning his face away and as he withdrew his hand— there was blood on his palm. 

"I.. I am sorry Christina but I will have to go." He immediately rose, holding his mouth. 

His cough won't stop. Soon his hand was a mess with blood all over. Luke grabbed his handkerchief and pressed it on his mouth as he hurried further. 

"Blood? What's wrong with you, Luke? Why are you coughing blood?" Luke's heart leaped into his throat as he watched her stare at his handkerchief which was red. 

Terror stabbed him hard. He had not wanted this. He had not wanted her to see him like this. Luke quickly turned around and caught speed, running away. 

"Luke, wait. Luke, listen to me." He hit his steps faster and thankfully managed to get away from Christina. 

Having come toward the car parking where he had parked his car, he got inside and started the engine. 

With tears in eyes and blood gushing out of his mouth through coughing, he regretted. 

"I am sorry, Christina. I am extremely sorry for ruining our date. But I can't help it. I can't help myself either." He sobbed. "I know you will be hurt but I had to hide it from you. I couldn't tell you about my cancer. I am sorry."

Tbc