withstanding the war. ➳ au styles. [on hold; indefinitely] [in editing]

Chapter Nine.

Josh’s POV

It had been a while since I last saw Marilyn, and I was relieved to receive a call from her. She had asked me to pay her a visit, as she wanted to share some news. I knew the news was of good report because she was very excited over the phone. She could not hold in her excitement for the brief time we exchanged words, apparently she almost let the news slip more than once.

It had been a dreary day in London; an umbrella accompanied my walk to Marilyn’s. At a time like that, I had wish Elizabeth and I saved up enough money for a car, but we could just barely get by with what we had, so it was out of the question. The rain had a weird effect on me; most of the time it dampened my mood, but it did not seem to phase me that day. The sound of the droplets transforming from their bubble form to a random design on the ground was intriguing to me.

It took some time to get to Marilyn’s house, especially with her living on the outskirts of the city. It must have been nice during summer nights and snowy days though. Admiring all that nature had to offer without the hustle and bustle of city life. It must be beautiful to come out on clear nights and just watch the stars shine in all their brilliance. I must remember to bring Elizabeth here once the war is over; she would be in her element.

When I finally reached the house, a small smile was brought upon my face because I knew it contained my only friend during the war. While I had many friends, all them were fighting for the country and may never return. It was comforting knowing someone was going through the troubling times with me.

Without wasting any more time on despairing thoughts, I quickly walked to the door and announced my arrival by knocking three times. After a few moments, I heard some shuffling from the other side of door and it flew open.

Marilyn stood for a moment, beaming a wide smile that should have split her face in two. Her blue dress aided to a glow that had encased her, a glow that I had not seen before. She motioned for me inside and out of the cold rain.

As soon as my umbrella was against a wall and my jacket was hung up, I was embraced in a tight hug. She jumped a bit to swing her arms around my neck and it took me by surprise as we stumbled back. I caught both of us before we tumbled and I wrapped my arms around her waist.

“What is the good news love?” I asked her as she pulled away.

“Well I am just so excited to tell you the news, but I believe you should sit before you hear the excitement.” She said, still full of excitement, her eyes sparkled in a way I had only seen when she talked about Harry.

I had wondered if he was to return home. The circumstances to his return would be one I was interested in, but I was to remain silent until the news was disclosed to me. I took a seat on the love seat in the living room, Marilyn sitting next to me. Her smile was still wide and the anxiety was growing in wait of the news.

“Josh, I’m pregnant.” She beamed, radiating like the sun, contradicting the weather at that current hour.

I could feel my eyes widen at the announcement, but in the best way possible.

“What? Oh my. Congratulations Marilyn.” I said to match her excitement.

I understood why she appeared to have a particular glow to her when I first arrived and I was glad of the news. I knew I would do anything in my power to make sure she had everything she needed. She would not go through that event on her own, I would not allow it. It appeared Marilyn would make a wonderful mother and I was sure Harry would make a great father.

“Wait, does Harry know?” I asked, the excitement dwindling from my face.

“Of course he does. I wrote to him a week ago telling him the news. I have not heard back from him yet, but in theory, he did know first.” She said; her excitement less, with the obvious concern for Harry.