Fleeting Glances

"I've missed you Abi" - Abigail

It has been 4 long years since I've last seen Oliver, or Oli if your close with him as I am. He's been far away at college. Leaving me here waiting for his return. But at last, the wait is over, for he is to arrive back soon. I've only imagined what it would be like to see him again, to feel his warm embrace. I simply cannot wait for the real thing. I lounge in front of the upstairs window that overlooks his house, eagerly watching. That's when my mama interrupts, "Child whatever are you doing? Craning your neck out gawking at the people, very unladylike." She looks out the window then back at me, showing a displeased look. "I'm simply waiting for Oli's return, his mama told me he'd most likely arrive today." Once again my mother looks outside than back at me, "Foolish child, instead of spending your time waiting for Oliver Bailey's return from college, you should be preparing yourself to find a husband." She gave me the same speech she always had. Mama was convinced Oli would never take my hands in marriage and that I needed to find another. But how could I love another when I've loved Oli. He's simply perfect, no one else could ever come close to his beauty and intelligence.

I stood to leave, following my mamas orders, when the familier sound of horses neighing came from outside. I almost fell jumping to the window. My eyes dart across every inch of the window until I could see him. My Oli, standing in front of his house, looking dapper as always. I rush down to the front door, hoping to at least say hello to him, when my papa stops me. "Your mother told me what you've been doing. I know it'll be hard but I believe it to be time you found a proper suitor, you're already 19." My papa never spoke of such things so him saying this must have meant that what I feared was true, Oli will never love me as I do him. I simply walked back upstairs into my sleeping chamber and plopped down in my bed. The words from both my mama and papa consume my thoughts. We're they right? Was I foolish for waiting for Oliver, thinking he and I will someday be together? Nevertheless I didn't relinquish hope. I know someday he'll be mine and me his.

I had been laying there, consumed by thoughts for an hour when my mama strolled into the room. "Ethyl get Abigail dressed in her day clothes, we're going on a promenade! Dearest child you mustn't lay here all day, come enjoy the fresh air, It'll be just the three of us." She had a genuine smile on her face so that must mean papa had a talk with her about being harsh with me. "A stroll in the sun sounds wonderful mama, I will get ready shortly." I quickly readied myself with the help of Ethyl and left my sleeping chamber to join my parents. They were standing in the doorway when I overheard their conversation, "I know I shouldn't bother Abi but I can't help but feel embarrassed by her not having a husband. She's already 19... most ladies her age have already been married for a couple years. It is not that I mind her being unbetrothed, but the other mothers constantly remind me how she should be married. Oh Goerge, what should I do?" While her words are hurtful, I can't help but think she's right. All my friends are either married or trying to secure a husband. But still I can't give up on Oli, he is my soulmate. "I am ready, shall we go promenade now?" I hook my arm around my father's as he nods, letting Ethyl open the door for us. Almost immediately after stepping outside, we see Charlotte Bailey, Oliver's younger sister by 5 years watching us from an open window. She eagerly yells from the window, "Abigail! Are you going on a stroll? May I join?" We all smile and tell her the whole family is welcome to join us. Charlotte runs back into the house, walking out accompanied by her mama and other siblings only a moment later. After looking closely at them all and the now closed door, I soon realized Oli is not accompanying us. "Where's Oli?" It's possible I may have asked about Oli too soon as his mother quickly chuckled and gave me a pat on the arm. "He plans to join us later, he's already made plans to connect with some old friends." Hearing her answer I smiled in contentment, happy I'd see him soon.

It was not a far walk to the park as we lived fairly close. The weather was most pleasant, the flowers vibrantly shown, and there was a calm buzz of bees pollinating. It was obvious we weren't the only families who thought this as there were plenty of other families and partners also promenading. Charlotte and I were chatting about our favorite flowers when a croquet ball very aggressively hit my ankle. Biting my tongue, I let out a yelp and looked down towards the ball, then reached to pick it up. That's when a voice called out to me, "My deepest apologies my lady, I missed my putt and accidentally hit you." The voice came from a handsome looking young man who knelt down to bow. "It's quite alright you just gave me a scare." I said , chuckling at him kneeling for me. The strange boy extended his hand towards me, "May I make it up to you, perhaps you may accompany me on a stroll?" Looking at his hand I turned to face my mother, reminded of her words and worries, "I would be delighted." I gave him my sweetest smile and took his hand, to which he placed around his arm. He returned my smile and began leading me on a walk, "You're Abigail Abney right?" he said while studying my face. "Yes, and who might you be, besides a horrid coquet player?" he laughed then answered, "Darren Canwell, a pleasure to meet you my lady." Darren bowed once again but this time he added a kiss to the top of my hand. While I love my Oliver, I must say this Darren boy was quite charming.

We continued strolling for what seemed like only a few minutes but judging by how the sun began to cool, we were walking for quite some time. He and I spoke of the most pointless of topics, why the grass was greener in some parts than others, how flowers are different colors, really anything we saw around us. It may have been pointless but it was very amusing. Still I have no interest in him romantically, maybe I would if Oli was out of the picture, but alas he wasn't, and nor would he ever be. After a while I suggested we go find mine and Oliver's family and he happily complied. Along the way back we continued chatting, "So how come a beautiful flower such as yourself doesn't have a husband?" The question made me nervous but I answered honestly, "To be frank, I'm in love with someone, but I am unsure how he feels of me." he made a sort of "ah" sound and nodded his head. "Could this someone be Oliver Bailey?" Darren asked, looking into my eyes. "How did you know? Am I that painfully obvious?" He chuckled and replied yes then began again, "Maybe I could make you forget about him. What do you think, do I have a chance with the untouchable Ms. Abney?" His question made me stop and freeze, staring at him without an answer. "I seem to have shocked you with my bluntness, my apologies. But I've always been a man who knows what he wants, so forgive me now because I don't plan on stopping my attempts to court you." Before I could try to muster up a response I heard my mama's voice, "There you are darling, we've been wondering how long you'd be gone for." She smiled looking at the two of us, arms still linked closely together. Then Oliver's mother interrupted, "Abigail sweetheart look who's joined us." She pointed behind her where a certain familiar friend stood. Oliver looked as gorgeous as ever, but he didn't seem all that pleased to see me. It was as if he was glaring at me. I quickly let go of Darrens arm and ran to Oliver, pulling him in for an embrace. He embraced me back, "I've missed you Abi..." not having to know the meaning behind his words, I blushed and held back a squeal of excitement. He let go of the hug, keeping his hand gently placed on my back. I looked at him only to see him looking straight forward. Oliver was staring at Darren in an almost accusatory way. Before I could say anything he let go of me and stepped towards Darren. When Oli was finally standing directly in front of him he began saying something I couldn't quite hear.