Day 2 - Late Morning - A walk with Annabelle

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

Annabelle: Nothing enought clear for be able to answer to this question. By time, something inside of me seem to tell me that I know this or that, like this simple flower or a smelt during the dinner, but I don't remember about what in my life it could be related, if it was important or not.

More she was talking about her memories trouble, Preston could heard a kind of worries in her voice when she put her hand on her belly.

Annabelle: Oh Preston!

She taken refuge in Preston arm for some comfort, which make feel her in security - feeling like if Preston had been someone important and close to her family, always present for them.

Annabelle: And if my memories never come back? What will happen to us?

[Preston A. Lodge III]

Preston: Don’t think like that. Your memories will return - that I’ll do everything in my power to make sure of.

He held her in his arms a few more seconds, then stepped back with an uplifting expression, turning quickly around, bending down to his basket, getting some water and shortly after he handed a cup to Annabelle.

Preston: Here, drink this.



He guided Annabelle back to where they had seated before and then Preston began to take a bite of one of the buns he had purchased. Few more seconds passed and Preston spoke again.

Preston: I remember it as if it was yesterday - yours and Albert’s engagement evening.

He paused, thinking of how tragic it ended, but how it started was something that was worth sharing. Preston noticed how Annabelle looked curious at him, waiting impatiently for him to tell what he had intended. While seeing her expression, Preston could only think of three words describing the evening, but unfortunately he spoke too quickly.

Preston: You were beautiful…I, I mean…

He took a deep breath.

Preston: Albert couldn’t have found a more perfect wife than you Annabelle. You stole all the ball-room’s glances. Everyone talked about you, all in a positive way of course.

He looked up at the sky having an amused face, and then turned his glance back to Annabelle.

Preston: When we first met, which was for this event….

He paused, slightly laughing, but made it fade out as he spoke.

Preston: It was rather clumsy of me, but I suppose it wasn’t entirely my fault. Albert introduced me to you, and the next second you find me spilling red wine on your dress, which resulted in you having to change your dress, and be less present at the evening.

He took another bite of his bun, then poured some water into a cup and began drinking, while looking down on the grass below him.

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

Annabelle smiled while try to imagine the scene for seconds.

Annabelle: But should be embarassing for you, especially if it was at my evening.



She smiled again, while looking to the sky.

Annabelle: So, Albert told me that you know him since your childhood? Tell me more about please... if you want of course. I would like to know more about which kind of person is Albert...

[Preston A. Lodge III]

Preston nodded with an amused smile to Annabelle’s first reply. He listened carefully to what she said next and was thrilled for her request of what she wanted to know from him. His childhood with Albert brought back many happy memories - a time without anything to worry about and a friendship that withstood all.

Preston: Yes, Albert and I have been friends since childhood, being neighbors. We practically spent all our free time together, always finding something to do. We were always there for each other in good and bad times. My family even went on summer vacations with the Emerson’s, particular the beautiful place of Oak Grove. Ah, good times.



He thought few seconds to answer more precisely to what Annabelle wanted to know.

Preston: Albert’s a true friend. He might not show it, but he cares greatly for those he holds dear. Just look how he made you come all the way out in the west, just to seek the best care. As your son Alexander, he’s a hardworking man, always having a foot in the latest business. I so admire how he handles being a husband, a father and his accomplished line of work.

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

The woman listened Preston carefully.

Annabelle: The way you talk about him is so impressive, I'm not sure how I must be when he will come back. You know, when we were coming in train, Abert talk up about you and how much you successful your achievement.

Whiel talking, she noticed what should be a woodcamp not far from them and walked toward. She kneel down and put her hand for pick-up a charcoal and examined it.

Amusing, Preston stood up and watched carefully the scene.

Preston: It seem that you never see charcoal before?

Annabelle: What?

Annabelle thought deeply few seconds - she don't know what she was trying to find, but it brought her attention deeply.

Annabelle: It is just... no, nothing.

She finally said, while lost in her thought, while remove a lock from her face. She stood up and turned back to Preston, with some charcoal on the forehead and the cheek.

[Preston A. Lodge III]

While finishing his last bite of his bun, Preston noticed very surprised that Annabelle had charcoal on her face. She looked amusing but there was something else, something familiar that he couldn’t quite figure. He bended down to the basket and found a napkin that Grace had included in his purchase. He stepped closer to Annabelle and without thinking further he did what he thought he should do in this situation.

Preston: Here, let me.

He took the napkin and wiped her face clean. Their eyes met and for a few seconds Preston didn’t react and just admired the beautiful woman before him, feeling his deepest, hidden feelings come alive.



He quickly turned around, moving towards the basket and picked it up.

Preston: We should move on if you’re not too tired. Or perhaps it would be better if we thought of moving in the direction of town.

[Annabelle Rose Emerson]

Annabelle stood up before answer and at this moment, too fast and dizzle, she was up she suddently fainted, like she did yesterday at the Café.

[Preston A. Lodge III]

Preston: Annabelle!!

Preston hurried over to Annabelle who was lying on the ground unconscious. He took her by her shoulder and waist, holding her in his arms while trying to wake her up, having a strong panic in his voice.

Preston: Annabelle, Annabelle...

She seemed to not respond, so he decided to lift her up and carry her into town. As he carried her, leaving his basket behind, he could feel his arms aching. He was strong enough to carry her but he wasn’t sure for how long, not being used to carry such an amount of weight.

Preston: I should never have brought you out here…Annabelle hold on..



As he kept walking in the fastest tempo he could, he bit his lip feeling the pain in his arms becoming stronger and stronger. He wouldn’t make any stop, wanting to give Annabelle the fastest help as possible. Now he only wished they had taken a carriage.
Just as Preston felt like he couldn’t take this anymore, he finally saw the view of the town and people walking in the distant.

Preston: Somebody!! Please, I need help!

Feeling closer than ever, he kept walking in the direction of town, hoping someone soon would notice him.

** Continues at the Main Street: Click Here **