A Watch In Time – Chapter 7, Part 2

A WATCH IN TIME

A Full Length Short Story by Golden Keyes Parsons

Chapter Seven – Part 2

Click here to start with Chapter One

…“We have a very direct connection, but one too complicated to explain. And my family has the means to afford her a decent burial.” She turned to the sheriff.

“Where is the body?”

“In the mortuary.”

“Take me to her.”

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Garnet and Lily Kate removed their black hats and gloves and placed them on the hall tree as they entered the cool foyer of the house. The graveside service was quick and simple. Nobody attending except the two of them, and the pastor they hired to say a few words. Blanche’s absence screamed her unspoken disapproval of Ivy.

A heavy cloak of sadness hung around Lily Kate’s shoulders—sadness that her ancestor, her great-great grandmother, struggled to simply exist; that even after leaving her destructive lifestyle, she found little acceptance or friendship; that she died alone. Lily Kate was experiencing a sadness that surprised her. She was grateful she had revealed her true identity to Ivy and offered her forgiveness. Perhaps she had completed her mission?

“Mother, where is the family album you found with Aunt Lillian when she died?”

Garnet paused with her hand on the banister. “The album? Dear me, I’ve not seen it since we renovated the house ten years ago. I remember packing it away in a box somewhere.” She started up the stairs. “I think I’ll lie down for a bit.”

“Very well. I’m going to go look for the album.”

“Why would you want to go to all that trouble? There’s nothing of interest in it.”

“I’m simply curious.”

Garnet flicked her wrist and continued up the stairs. She had refused to talk to Lily Kate about Ivy or anything surrounding the circumstances of her birth. She was surprised Garnet agreed to accompany her to the graveside.

A knock on the front door interrupted her thoughts. As she opened the door, the handsome young pilot grinned at her and removed his hat. “Afternoon, ma’am. I hope it’s acceptable that I dropped by.”

“Lieutenant Cole. Why, of course. Come in. How’s the arm?”

“Please, it’s Clay, and the arm’s fine.”

He came into her house, and Lily Kate pushed the door closed.

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The days passed quickly as Clay’s arm healed. Trying to find the album was pushed aside amidst evening walks, picnics in Cameron Park, and sitting in the swing on the porch in the velvet of humid summer nights. Captured by the chivalrous courtesies and respect Clay demonstrated, Lily Kate found herself falling in love. Alarmed, she tried to resist, but unsuccessfully so. She needed to reveal who she really was to him. And who might that be? She wasn’t sure she knew anymore.

The night grew late, and a whisper of moonlight fingered through the leaves onto the porch. The swing creaked, and the crickets chirped. “Clay, there’s something I must tell you.”

He looked at her with those beautiful hazel eyes that appeared brown in the dim light. “This sounds serious.” He rubbed his arm where the cast had been removed the week before, then took her hand. “I have something to tell you as well.”

“You go first.”

Clay touched her cheek with the back of his fingers. “You are so beautiful.”

“That’s what you have to tell me?”

He chuckled. “No, that fact surely has been obvious to you—that I consider you the most beautiful girl in the world.”

Lily Kate looked down at her hands. “Clay, I don’t think—”

“Shhhh. Don’t think, just listen.” He took her hands in his. “I have fallen in love with you. Will you wait for me?”

“Does that mean—?”

“I’ve been approved to start flying again. I’m being shipped overseas.”

“When?”

Clay moved closer to her. He took her in his arms and whispered in her ear. “Tomorrow morning.”

Tears stung her eyes as she clung to him, his stiff, starched uniform cool on her cheek. “I cannot bear to let you go. You’ll be in danger.”

“Aw, nothing’s going to happen to me. As long as I know you’re waiting for me, I’ll be fine.”

Lily Kate pulled away. “Clay, don’t ask any questions concerning what I am about to say to you. I love you too. My love for you transcends time itself, the here and now. If there’s any way possible I will wait for you.”

“That’s a strange thing to say.” He frowned. “Why wouldn’t it be possible?”

“No questions. Come with me.” She led him inside and removed the watch from around her neck. Digging in a small secretary in the hall, she pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled, “Lily Kate Monroe” along with her address on it. She folded it as tiny as she could and laid it inside the case of the watch. “Every time you look at this, remember me.”

Clay shook his head. “I don’t need this to remember you—or your address.”

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Join us next Friday for part 1 of chapter 8.

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