Lover in the Window

Planning for the Future

"It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream."

-Edgar Allan Poe

The air outside is cold as the temperature begins dropping more and more the closer winter grows. The wind whistles through the air, pushing the leaves from the trees. The grass has died and dead brown leaves take its place.

Eli and Raven are walking around the property holding hands and discussing how beautiful the scenery is. Large fields all around them, dead trees are scattered here and there, a dead tree line off in the distance seems miles away from where they stand at the backside of their uncompleted house. Building materials and tools surround the construction site, and empty beer cans are laying in a pile next to one of the work trucks.

"I want to build a playground there for Elijah after the house is done." Eli points his finger in an empty area at least 100 feet away from where their back porch will be. "I want a large outdoor shelter built there." He points a little closer than before, off to the left. "We can have family gatherings, and birthday parties, and cook-outs there.

"I love your imagination. It sounds perfect." She says.

"Do you have any ideas?"

"I want a cat."

"A cat?" Eli laughs.

"Don't laugh at me, I've never had one." She nudges his shoulder.

"I can make that happen." he leans over and kisses her temple.

"Thanks babe."

Raven takes off running and does three back flips and falls into the leaves laughing.

"I forgot you were in gymnastics as a kid. Looks like it paid off." he takes a seat next to her on the cold ground.

"I was a cheerleader all through high school, as well." She winks.

"That's sexy." Eli looks off into the distance, "When are you gonna marry me?"

"I would marry you this very second if I could."

"I have an idea. New Year's. We kiss at midnight. Then spend all night staying up with our loved ones, drinking and having a good time."

"New year's?" Raven's eyebrows shrug together.

"It's our first year together, we start it off with a bang, our first year together and our first year married, all in one. New year, new life, new last name, new memories, a new beginning, and a new chance to be happy."

"I love it. It sounds perfect babe." Raven leans her head back looking up to the sky. I now pronounce you husband and wife. "Raven Layton."

Elijah comes out of the house, his hair sticking in every direction from his nap.

"Mommy, Eli, I found you." He jumps down on Raven laughing.

"Did you have a good nap, sleepy head." Raven leans forward and kisses him on the head.

"I had a bad dream."

"A bad dream? Aw baby I'm sorry. Do you wanna tell me about it?"

"Leo was trying to hurt us momma."

"Leo is gone, you don't ever have to worry about that. You're safe here."

"Yeah little man, me and your mommy will make sure nobody ever hurts you. My job is to protect you and momma." Eli runs his hand through Elijah's hair and roughs it up.