We'll meet again Evelyn Rosewood

Awesomely bad idea

Beth was getting ready to go on a walk with John.

Then, out of nowhere, an idea came to her mind. Her father said he won't force as much if she already had someone... He won't object...

She came up with a plan. To sum up: She, by any circumstance, didn't want to marry Edward McRoy, so she will be in love with John. Or at least pretend to be. After all, he was a bloke she will be the least unhappy with.

By that point, she didn't care if that plan of hers hurt John's feelings. All she knew was that she didn't want to spend the rest of her life with Edward.

In the enchanting realm of a warm, June day, Beth and John embarked on yet another stroll. A gentle breeze carried whispers of anticipation and excitement. The wind seemed to change its direction every minute or so.

"John?" Beth called.

"Hm?"

"I've got to give you something."

"Oh really? And what would that be?" John smiled.

"A gift."

Beth's words hung in the air, teasing his curiosity.

"Gosh, Lizzy, I'm truly flattered, but you didn't have to give me anything, I..," he couldn't finish.

She gently put her finger on his lips.

"Shh. It's not something you can unwrap, you know?" she grinned.

Beth smirked. She rose onto her tiptoes, as John was a bit taller than her, drawing closer to his face.

Their eyes locked as their lips met in an electrifying, but not exactly true kiss.

John's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. When she pulled away, he couldn't help but ask, "What just happened?"

Beth's eyes sparkled, not in a gentle way of affection, but more in a way of hoping that her plan will work.

"I don't know. I guess I just couldn't resist," she was nearly sweating, hoping that he'd buy her story.

He didn't say anything. His heart was racing and confused. John was left speechless. It looked like he wanted to say something, but overwhelmed by everything, he leaned in and gently pressed his lips onto hers once more. It was a silent confirmation of a turning point in their friendship and a sign of her intention working.

But a wave of guilt washed over her. Deep down, she knew that her heart didn't truly belong to him. The weight of the secret bore heavy upon her, silently tormenting her as she continued to play a role of a lover. Little did she know the consequences that may lay ahead.

Pretending to love John meant leading him down a path of false hope, where his heart could easily be shattered upon discovering the truth.

She was, honestly speaking, spoiled and had high social intelligence that she used badly, so she didn't care. She put her hand around his and held it tight. John seemed blissfully unaware of her struggle, and he welcomed her touch, feeling a growing affection for her.

So, after a long walk he walked her home when it got dark. In her he saw a glimpse of a future he couldn't help but imagine.

In the days that followed, John found himself growing more and more fond of Beth. Her laughter, her smile and the way she challenged him intellectually. His affection seemed to deepen with each passing day, and even George pointed out that he was behaving like a 16-year-old, but he overreacted. After all, we've all been in love at least once.

Beth couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness. He could sense the exhaustion on her sometimes and he wondered if he did something wrong.

Beth was caught in a whirlwind if emotions, but she always remembered the alternative and her encounter with Edward, the harassment and hurtful words thrown at her. In comparison to that, John was a saint. By the end of August 1939, everything started to fall on its place.

Beth hadn't seen Edward in a long time.

She and John hung out regularly and she admitted to herself that she enjoyed it.

Yes, her father was talking about a war coming, but she hardly believed it will happen. She knew a thing or two about politics, but she didn't bang her head onto it like John did.

No.

Nothing.

Nothing could blow her bubble.

Ooooh the fine art of plot.
Hope you are enjoying.
All my love,
Evelyn :)