You Promised

Chapter Twenty Five

The next morning, I sleep in. My mother comes to bang on my bedroom door. I wake in horror and find Adam gone. My heart leaps as I consider the possibility that he has left before I can say goodbye. I get ready then speed to the train station.
I remember that today is New Years. The station is packed with people and I crane my neck to see his uniform.
That's when I spot a solider who is scanning the crowd for a relative. I know who it is. I run through the crowd and shove people out of my way. Adam sees me and does likewise.
When we reach each other we embrace. People look away in embarrassment but I don't care.
'Adam.' I say after a moment. 'I want to give you something.'
He looks at me in wonder and then shakes his head when he sees my gift. I raise my hand and let my swan necklace glitter in the sunlight. It's ruby eyes shining as he holds it but doesn't take from my hand.
'Adam, please take it.' I say to him. He tries to object but I interrupt. 'No. Don't do this. You will only make me cry.' I say softly.
He inhales deeply and takes it from my hand. His beautiful eyes brim with tears.
'Ami.... I..' He stammers. I put my fingers to his trembling lips to silence him.
'You have to come back. Just do that. Just come home to me.' I whisper in his ear as we hug again.
'I promised didn't I?' He reminds me smiling sadly.
'Yes. You promised.' I agree, trying to stretch out the minutes until that whistle blows.
'Don't forget to start planning the wedding alright?' He says, eyes glinting with tears as he pockets the necklace.
'I will. When?' I ask him, suddenly realising that it will be difficult to plan without a date.
He pauses to consider for a moment. 'I can save up my leave and get a few weeks off, let's say, July?'
A summer wedding. What a perfect time of year. 'Yes. That sounds wonderful.' I say, ideas spinning round in my head.
Then the evil whistle pierces the morning air. I grab Adam and hold him tight.
'You have to come back. I....I can't live without you. I just....'
In response he pulls me in for a kiss. He kisses me more forcefully than ever before. I kiss him back, tears dripping from my chin.
He slowly pulls away and we stand with our foreheads touching. Another solider comes along and taps Adam on the shoulder.
He stands back and smiles at me, the most pained smile in the world. Then, he turns and walks toward the train, his knuckles white carrying his bag. My breath comes in short gasps and I feel faint. My hand finds a railing to hold onto. I lean heavily on it as I struggle to keep calm.
Adam hops onto the train as it starts to leave the station. He looks around at me and he tries a brave smile. My heart shatters as I wave to him trying not to let him see how much it hurts. His hand waves then the train pulls out of the station and out of my life, again.

I slowly head down the street, kicking up the dust beneath my feet. My hand is constantly reaching for the necklace only to remember that it's making it's speedy way to France with my Adam.
I walk alongside the stream as it winds it's way to my house. I pull my hat off my head and shuffles through the thickening snow.
Slowly, a sweet lullaby reaches my ear. I look around for the singer. Then, I spot my sister who is sitting under the cherry tree where we buried little Edward. Jenny is kneeling beside the grave placing flowers beside the little stone while singing a lullaby. Her black hat is pulled down over her eyes. She reaches the end of the lullaby and starts sobbing beside the grave.
I walk towards her and place my hand on her shoulder. She glances up to recognise my face before collapsing onto her side and crying loudly. I gently pull her to her feet and put my arm around her. I say a quick prayer with her before bringing her inside.
She stumbles to the couch and buries her face in her hands.
'Oh Ami! What will I do?' She weeps quietly. 'I....I've lost everything!'
I sit down beside her and put my arm around her. 'Jen...I'm sorry.' I pause for a moment. 'Maybe you should get a job?'
Her slowly lifts her head. 'A job?'
I twitch with growing excitement and explain. 'They're always recruiting help at the factories! I'm sure they would love you to help! There's a munitions factory in Oxford.'
She considers. 'I'm not sure Ami..'
'It will certainly give you something to do! I can ask around and get lots of people to do it with you!' I exclaim.
She purses her lips. 'Will....will you do it with me?'
'I may.' I tell her confidently.
Her grateful smile fades and her usual glare returns. 'Thats not the right answer.' She complains.
'Well it's the only one you're getting so, deal.' I say before going to look for John.
I see him outside trying to make a whistle out of some stems of grass. He growls in frustration and throws the grass away.
'Hello John.' I sit with him and twirl some flowers between my fingers. The petals fall gently to the earth. They lie there, and an idea sparks in the back of my mind. I am vaguely aware of John telling me something in the background. Thoughts swirl through my head and then I leap to my feet.
'Well, Ami it's not that big a deal.' John says stunned at my sudden jump.
'Oh John!' I say to him. 'I have to go!'
He stares at me like I have gone mad. 'Alright.'
I rush through the house and streak down the street. I run down the lane that leads to Anna's house before knocking loudly on the door.
'What!' Anna says as she whips open the door. 'Oh. Ami'
'Do you design clothes?' I rush at her. She looks confused so I repeat. ''Do you design clothes or just paint?'
Her hip goes out and she crosses her arms across her chest and pouts. 'Just paint?'
I hold up my hands in mock surrender. 'Ok ok. Sorry.'
'Well what do you want me to do?' She asks smiling.
'My wedding dress.' I tell her.
Her smile turns into a grin. 'Yes! Yes! Oh Ami!' She runs out to me and we hug each other. 'When's the wedding?' She asks quickly, pulling me inside to talk about designs.
'Probably July.' I tell her sitting down at her kitchen table.
'No no no. Stand up!' She instructs me pulling out a sketch book and drawing my general outline. I twirl on command and even strike a few poses for her. 'Ami....' She smiles at me. 'It'll be the most beautiful wedding ever!'
I look out the window. 'Yes, I think it will.'