Until We Meet Again

Chapter Three: Stealing Glances

Sunday morning, 8:30 am.

I woke up with a sense of excitement, which I could not brush off. Church had always been a comforting part of my Sundays, basking in the word at 9:00 am sharp, but today... today I'd get to see Andrew. Last night's date still felt like a dream, and the thought of catching his eye across the chapel made my heart race. Andrew had attended the same church as me for years, but today it felt different.

Standing at my vanity, I took my time curling each strand of hair, the soft waves falling just right. I pinned a small silk flower near my temple, giving the look a gentle, classic touch. It felt silly, fussing this much to go to church, but I didn't mind, it was worth it. I slipped on my fanciest blue dress, smoothing out the flared skirt and adjusting the little puffed sleeves. The look was sweet, but something about it felt grown-up too. When I finally made it downstairs, Mom's approving nod only added to my excitement. My family was ready and waiting by the time we headed outside to Dad's old car, a forest-green '38 Ford Deluxe with shiny chrome accents and white-wall tires. I climbed into the back, feeling the smooth tan leather against my palms, and gazed out the window as we rolled down the road, the breeze slipping through the cracked window.

The drive to church was familiar, with the trees casting patterns of light and shadow as we passed. When we finally reached the chapel, the sight of it felt both comforting and thrilling. The little white church with its arched windows and tall steeple held so many Sunday memories for me, but today, it seemed to hold something more. My heart skipped at the thought of finding Andrew there, maybe even sharing a shy smile before the service began.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror, cheeks already a little pink, and took a steadying breath. We all piled out of the car and stepped through the chapel's double doors, the warm, familiar scent of polished wood and hymnbooks filling the air. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting soft colors across the pews and making everything feel almost ethereal. Mom, Dad, and I found our usual seats near the middle, right at the aisle's edge. I glanced across to the opposite side and spotted Andrew. Just like me, he was at the end of his row, looking as handsome as ever in his Sunday best, his brown hair neatly combed back. Our eyes met, and he waved, his warm smile lighting up his face, and those eyes, so sincere and kind, practically sparkled when they found mine. My heart did a little flip. I waved back, tucking a stray curl behind my ear, feeling my cheeks turn pink. I quickly looked away, trying to play it cool, but I couldn't resist sneaking another glance. By then, he was already looking toward the podium, a soft smile still lingering on his face. I couldn't help but smile, too, as I returned my focus to my family and exchanged a few greetings with some neighbours. As the service began, we lifted our voices in song, the whole congregation joining in on two of my favourite hymns. Then, the pastor stepped up to deliver his sermon, his words as calming as they were inspiring. He spoke of kindness and faith, themes that made me reflect on how blessed I felt, especially with a new friend like Andrew to look forward to seeing. When the service wrapped up, the chatter and laughter of familiar faces filled the room. I had just turned to leave when I felt a presence beside me. It was Andrew, his face alight with the same kind smile as before.

"Did you enjoy the sermon?" he asked, his voice soft yet confident.

"Yes, very much," I replied, my cheeks warming as I asked, "What about you?"

"Oh, I liked it too," he said, nodding earnestly. A moment of silence passed, one that should have felt awkward but somehow didn't. He looked at me, his eyes taking me in as if there was something special about today. "You look... really pretty today, Margaret," he said, his voice lowering just slightly.