Clandestine Affection

II

A month or so had passed with agonizing pain for Ernest since the peculiar incident which he remembered so dearly every hour of the day.

His dull life seemed bitter each day as his daily schedule consisted of endless work and visits from his fiancée which would only make his sorrow last longer than ones should. He longed for the day in which Valentin would once again write to him.

Each night he slept less as his slumber was interrupted by soft thoughts of Valentin. Ernest was certain that Valentin had arrived in Paris and having received no letter from him made him feel as if he were being tortured in the vilest ways. He often wrote letters to Valentin but almost immediately crumpled the paper after being unsure as of what to write, for there existed so many things his heart wanted him to become aware of.

Ernest was exhausted of waiting for a nonexistent letter from his unknown lover; his health had weakened from the sleepless nights of writing purposeless paragraphs. He was often stared at for the particular look of debilitation which haunted his appearance. Marla often made remarks on Ernest's fatigue which only worsened his state. His dreams got more vivid each night as well as his desire to speak with him.

Dear Valentin,

Last night I saw you in my dreams such as the night before. The very delightful gathering we had has been the only thing occupying my thoughts. I hope you enjoyed it thoroughly. I fondly recall your soft skin against mine, your wandering eyes and your melodic laughter. You will no doubt be surprised to receive a letter such as this one, I am more than surprised to be writing such a thing myself yet I cannot bear this endless waiting without hearing from you.
I ask for your forgiveness as I am writing although you stated that you will be quite occupied. Nevertheless, I do hope your stay in Paris has been pleasant and that this small event has not changed how you view me.

Tomorrow Marla and I shall be joining you in Paris as we prepare for our upcoming wedding. Do let us know if you can join us for dinner during our stay.

Yours faithfully,

Ernest Crawford.
-
Ernest kept the soon to be delivered letter close to his heart as he escaped from London with his soon to be bride; he could feel his heart beat faster with the sudden change of air.

The moment they arrived in Paris Ernest faced Marla with excitement.

"Oh, Marla, perhaps I was in need of a sudden change in my surroundings. London can certainly get awfully boring." Ernest said as he faced Marla, a smile on his face.

"I should think so." Confirmed Marla, gently laughing at the sight of her enthused sweetheart.

Ernest pressed his hand against Marla's tiny waist and kissed her softly.
-
Gold poured down their faces as the restless  sun shone across the many streets which Paris contained. The moon smoothly followed the sun which was now out of sight and with that Ernest was once again off in the streets.

He meandered from street to street with the smaller crowd which unintentionally followed him. His vision got sharper and he slowly gained speed as he approached a tall beige building with a blue roof filled with many large windows caged by slim balconies. He advanced towards the comparably smaller entrance and and placed his letter on the desk.

"Deliver this to Valentin Mortand, say it's from a close friend." And in no time, just as the stranger was yet to reply, Ernest had already fled.