Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: FAMILY (01/21/16)
-
TITLE: Challenging Adjustments | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kelly Gellert
01/28/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
It’s strange, almost amusing in a wacky kind of way. I had always imagined announcing my engagement to be a time of joy and celebration. Who doesn’t? Yet in reality our decision was met with utter shock which had morphed into objection and trailed into the full blown row. I had been braced for questions and doubt. It’s to be expected really when you’ve only known each other for one month. This, however, was close to the worst I’d feared.
Hugh smiled at me as if there was nothing out of the usual going on and took hold of my hand and caressed it. It made me more conscious of the tension rather than sooth me. There was a shift of unease around the table and someone muttered under their breath. He then lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it.
“Stop it,” I whispered sternly pulling my hand away. All were frozen in their seats not quite sure what to do. Even the children.
“Well, another delightful family meal,” one of the brothers choked out pushing back from the table, “Jasmine, help me clear the table will you.” At that, everyone offered to help taking the opportunity to get away from the stuffy dining room, away from us and the drama we had caused. I sat unmoving. I hated conflict at any time. This even more so being the outsider who stirred a raging storm.
“That’s the worst of it over,” Hugh sighed leaning back in his chair, “They’ll get used to the idea…or just have to deal with it.” I looked at him and his nonchalance broke, compassion flooding back into his demeanour. “I love you, Hannah. As crazy as this all is, and I know it is crazy as hell, but my cancer isn’t going away and I want to spend what’s left of my days with you.” My eyes moistened hearing that truth again.
“I don’t want that to be at the expense of your family, Hugh,” I whispered. He reached out to rub my shoulder.
“They won’t deny me love in my last days,” he declared softly. I sensed his streak of stubbornness lingered still.
“Don’t be so offhanded about this. They have understandable reason to be concerned. They love you and are worried for you. You’ve lived a full life. You’ve done very well in your career and have used your fame and wealth admirably. You’ve had your own family and cared for them thoroughly. You’ve loved and you’ve lost. And then enters this woman, 32 years your junior and seemingly captivates you and convinces you to marry her knowing that you don’t have long to live.”
“They can’t really believe that,” he protested. I placed my hand gently on his knee.
“And from where you stand, can you tell me what’s more important in life than relationships?”
He knew well that I did not wish to be the wedge that split his family. Before I’d agreed to marry him I had insisted we do everything possible to ensure there was no bitterness between him and his children and their families. He shifted in his seat and then sighed, nodding gently.
“Dad? Hannah?” came his daughter’s voice from the doorway. She hesitated a moment, then continued slowly. “Marriage is a bit of a shock, but I’ve noticed over the last two weeks that there is something deep and true between you. May I ask some questions?”
“Certainly sweetie,” Hugh assured her smiling like she was his little girl who’d snuck out of bed to be with him after he’d been away for months with work, “Sit down with us. Ask whatever you like, anything at all, and we’ll answer as honestly as possible.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
God bless~
This is well written with several unexpected moments.
Very creative, romantic story.