Regrets

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

July 4, 1976

"Hello, hello, hello," Raquel greeted happily, her Irish accent audible, as she entered her best friend's Philadelphia apartment.

Alexandra had invited her two best friends, David and Raquel, as well as her older broth, John, and his girlfriend Evangeline, over to her apartment. It was a big enough apartment for all of them to be in, as well as a few others she's she'd invited from the neighborhood who she'd become friends with. They were all over to celebrate the annual bicentennial Fourth of July in one of the most historical cities in the United States of America, like many others were doing if they had the chance. It was a great opportunity for those who could take advantage of it, which the group all did.

John's girlfriend had also been invited to the small celebration as well. Her name was Evangeline Ameila Adams, who most people would call Eva or Evie for short. She had curly hair, that was a bright shade of blonde that looked unnatural at times- but the color was still as natural as the great outdoors itself. She had bright green eyes and a light, fair complexion. All her features matched each other, and complimented each other extremely well. Her inner beauty co-insighted with her outer beauty, complimenting her natural appearance better than all of her features combined.

Evangeline had been raised in the state of South Carolina on the Southern East coast of the United States. She had been raised to be a proper "Southern Belle" type, like most of the girls she knew from back home. Her mother had always made sure to teach her and her sisters how to be the proper "Southern Belle", telling them that: "Us women are what keep the South alive. The men all think it's them, but part of being a belle is letting them continue to think that." It was definitely a thinker at first, but as she grew up, she finally understood what that meant.

"Hey," Alexandra greeted as warmly as she could as her friends entered.

Alexandra's personality had took a one-eighty degree turn in the last few months. It was a bit understandable, considering the circumstances, but she just wasn't really herself anymore. A good amount of her usual actions that came easily and genuinely, now seemed forced at times. Sometimes, it seems that it was hard for her to even give a genuine smile. Her whole personality and attitude had gone from warm and inviting to a bit cold and secluded in a matter of months, and sometimes seemed that it continued to get worse- and it truly worried the three people she was closest with.

"I figured we'd all eat, then head out to explore the sights of the city," Alexandra suggested, "See what kind a' things they do around here for the Fourth of July."

"Sounds like a plan to me," John agreed.

The small group all walked out of the apartment through the streets. "Ever been to Philadelphia, Eva?" Raquel asked the girl.

"I can honestly say I haven't," Elizabeth answered, her strong South Carolinian accent obvious, "But I've always wanted to visit."

"Have you ever been up north here?" David asked curiously.

Evangeline thought for a moment. "Twice. I went on a field trip to New York City and to Washington D. C. when I was in high school."

"What'd you think of them?"

"I thought it was cold." Her voice was playful and full of tease.

The group all shared a laugh. "it can get pretty cold up here," Alexandra admitted, "But the snow is absolutely beautiful."

"If you think it's beautiful up here in the winter," Raquel began, "You should visit Ireland in the winter. It's just as cold as New England, and so beautiful."