Love and other calamities

January, 2004

January, 2004.

"Happy anniversary Ruthie," Elijah whispered in Ruth's ear. They stood in the same field where they had begun their friendship six years earlier. He held her in his arms and kissed her forehead.

"Happy anniversary goose," she replied; her head resting against his chest as she let her eyes close to enjoy the serenity around them.

"I can't believe it's been two years."

Ruth laughed before standing on her toes and placing a smoldering kiss on her boyfriends' lips. He had grown since they were fourteen; his growth spurts finally settling in. He was now taller than she was with a slightly darkened patch of stubble irritating his chin. Despite the deepening of his voice and the expansion of his muscles, Ruth was elated that nothing else about the man had changed. He was still the sweet; often shy, boy who would watch her dance in the fields.

"I love you Elijah Webster."

"I love you Ruth Martin. Only two more years and we get to approach our families and prophet Jeremiah about our marriage."

"I wish it weren't that long. I want to be with you now." Ruth groaned and tightened her grip on Elijah's waist.

"Patience my love, we'll get the happily ever after we deserve."

"Do you really think so?" She asked. She desperately wanted to believe in his words but, she had been hearing talk between her father and the prophet about her marriage. She never heard enough to be sure but, her gut keeps warning her that the men are planning to take Elijah away from her. She could never tell Elijah though; he had enough strikes against his name for all the times he had questioned the prophets' teachings.

Elijah grinned down at her before swooping low and lifting her into his arms. Ruth giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck while her legs wrapped around his waist. He spun her around and basked in the joy and carefree laughs coming from the only woman he ever loved.

"It's you and me Ruthie, no matter what."

"You and me," she agreed.

They continued to hold one another while Elijah spun them around the empty field. The crisp winter air did nothing to chill their playfulness and instead, encouraged them to be young in their restlessness and optimism.

They had big things planned; a life filled with love in the Apostle Community where they were raised. Elijah wanted Ruth from the moment he first laid eyes on her when he was ten years old. She hadn't lost the youthful innocence she possessed back then and he planned on having her keep it well into their adult life.

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A/N: The next update will be next Wednesday.