Imported Love

Chapter One

"But no matter what he looks like I know that he will love you, and you will grow to love him.”

My mother’s words rang in my head as I waved solemnly to my family. The ocean breeze caught my curls and tossed them around my face. From high above the dock I could see my mother’s red rimmed eyes and my father, hiding under his hat. I tried to tell myself that this was going to be a good thing. A middle aged man beside me turned and gave me a crinkly smile.

“Those your folks?” He asked, nodding down at my family.

“Yes sir,” I replied.

“They sure seem upset, you going away to school?” He questioned.

“No sir, I’m going to meet my husband.” I whispered. The man raised an eyebrow and scratched his chin.

“You seem awfully young to be getting married.” He muttered.

“I’m seventeen sir,” I whimpered, trying not to burst into tears.

“Your husband, you ever met him before?” The man asked. The ship jolted forward and I was almost knocked from my feet. The man gripped my elbow and steadied me.

“Thank you sir,” I snapped, pulling free once I could stand. “What business of it is yours whether or not I know him?”

“Of course you don’t have to tell me, I was just curious. Not many of these people speak English, I was just hoping to have a friend on this ship. Sorry for inconveniencing you. I didn’t mean any harm.” The man turned away.

“Are you American?” I stammered, latching onto his shirt sleeve.

“Yes ma’am I am. Is your husband American?” He asked.

“Yes. Do you know him?” I couldn’t help the gleam of hope in my eye. The man laughed and held his elbow out to me. I snaked my arm through his and followed him over to a bench. I sat down and allowed him to sit beside me. He took his good old time lighting a pipe and taking a long puff.

“Now if I knew every man in America do you think I would have come all this way just to find a friend?” He laughed again.

“You came all this way for a friend?” I questioned, knitting my eyebrows together in confusion.

“No, I suppose not. I came here to bury my wife, she wanted to be buried in her home country.” He sighed.

“I’m sorry she died,” I whispered, hanging my head.

“Don’t be, she was awfully sick for an awful long time. I’m glad the good lord finally decided to take her home. She was in too much pain. But enough about my suffering, let’s talk about yours.” He teased. “Do you know his name?”

“No sir,” I sighed. “I was only told that he would be waiting for me at the dock and he would be calling my name.”