Everlasting (Short Story)

Everlasting

In 1934, the sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the tranquil beach near Maplewood Springs, Virginia. Birds soared across the sky, adding to the peaceful ambiance. Amidst this serenity, a young couple chased each other playfully along the shoreline, their laughter mingling with the gentle sound of the waves. Suddenly, Amore, 18, collapsed onto the sand, laughter lighting up her face. Arthur, 19, sat down beside her, panting and smiling. He leaned in closer, their eyes locking. Gently, he caressed her cheek, and they exchanged sweet smiles.

"In the days I couldn't see you, I missed you terribly. I was afraid you'd found someone else by the time I returned," He said, his tone tender.

Amore placed her hand on his cheek, her eyes full of love. "Throughout those days, only you filled my heart and mind."

He kissed her softly on the lips. "I love you, Amore. Even if my mother disapproves, you'll be the one I love forever."

She sat up, a hopeful smile on her face. "Promise?"

Arthur stood and searched for something to draw with in the sand. Finding a stick, he traced a large heart shape and led her into the center of it. He took her hands in his. "I promise to love only Amore Philips. The birds in the sky, the waves of the sea, and God Himself are my witnesses." He smoothed a strand of hair from her face. "I love you so until the end of eternity, my love."

Amore embraced him tightly. "I love you too, Arthur. You are the only man I will ever love, remember that."

Suddenly, Arthur's mother, Charlotte Emmons appeared with four henchmen. The couple was forcibly separated. Two men held Amore and Arthur as they struggled to break free.

"You really came all the way from Richmond just to meet this girl, Arthur? Do you have no respect for your late father?" Mrs. Emmons' voice was filled with disdain.

"She had nothing to do with Papa's death, Mama! It was an accident. And it's not her fault that she's the daughter of the woman Papa loved," He retorted, his eyes blazing with defiance.

Mrs. Emmons' slapped her son, her face twisted with anger. "No! If your father hadn't run off with that woman, he might still be alive! Her mother ensnared your father, and now this girl is doing the same to you! Nicole is the one for you."

"Let us be happy, Mama. My happiness lies with Amore. I love her. I will not marry Nicole. I'd rather die first!" Arthur's voice was desperate, pleading.

His mother signaled one of the henchmen holding Amore. The man pointed a gun at the crying girl. He struggled to free himself.

"Your beloved's life, or you marry Nicole?" his mother's voice was cold and unyielding. "Well, Arthur?" She watched as the couple exchanged a tearful look. "Alright, Ismael. Shoot her!"

Tears streamed down Arthur's face as he fell to his knees. "I'll marry her! I'll marry Nicole, just spare her. Please, Mama!"

He knew his mother would truly follow through with her threat to kill Amore. She was incredibly powerful and influential, not just because their family was the wealthiest in Richmond, but also because she held the position of the city's governor.

Mrs. Emmons' smiled triumphantly. "Good. Let's go."

The men released the tearful Amore. From a distance, the lovers exchanged a sorrowful gaze, leaving her in tears.

Now, in 1940, Arthur lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the weight of his mother's demands and his own unfulfilled dreams pressing down on him. Nicole slipped into bed beside him, gently stroking his shoulder. He turned away, his back to his wife.