A new day begins, and the same cycle continues: school, work, schoolwork, bed; pray, run, shower, ranch, and bed. However, in the midst of the cycle, between and during each activity, memories from the prior day lingered. Neither of them could stop themselves from thinking about the other, nor did they want to. Before resting her eyes and laying her head on her pillow, she sends Smitten a message…
Wise: “Know that I’m thinking about you. Good night.”
Ryder: “Good, because I never stop thinking about you. But enough thinking, it’s late. Dream about me.”
Ryder did not expect to hear from her so soon, because he understood what a great distraction he could become in her life. Throughout the day, when he wanted to speak with her, he would refrain and just hold onto the memories of her.
Annette could feel her heart melting as she could hear his voice through the screen. She missed him so much, and the weight of her longing for him was far too much bear, so she cried to herself.
Her cries, as quiet as they were, could only be eased by Ryder.
A few days went by, and Ryder finds himself at the gas station… again, with no need for gas. Walking in, yearning to see his girl…
Male gas station associate: “Hi, Welcome in!”
Ryder: Tips his hat in disappointment “Forgive me Lord, it seems I’ve grown impatient,” he thinks to himself as he grabs a bite.
The day was Friday, one of three of Annette’s days off from the gas station. Remembering what he signed up for in pursuing her, he puts himself in-check and disciplines himself for the ultimate reward.
Every day that had gone by made Annette want to run into Smittens arms every second she couldn’t spend with him. But days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months until… the assignment.
Somehow, her mentor managed to make an assignment based on the annual ball in their hometown. Annette and the other few students in the program had to attend and make connections to crowds, infections, and disease control. Annette had a game plan for how she would gather everything she needed from the event- all within an hour.
The Night of the Ball:
The ever-beautiful Annette did her hair, makeup, and slipped into a long, luscious emerald-green evening gown with sparkly silver-strap heels. Everything about her that night could make a grown man cry.
Before walking into the double doors that would lead her straight to the ball she gives herself a little reminder.
Wise: “Okay, Annette, you’re here for one thing and one thing only. Let’s be in and out- you’ve only got an hour.”
Before she could even put her hands on the door handles, out came Smitten, as if he knew she was standing behind the doors.
Months prior, Smitten had several suit fittings for this special night, which he had been attending ever since he was a little boy. In his tailor-made suit, slicked-back hair, and breathtaking stature, Annette finally fell to her knees… at least she tried to- you already know he grabbed her in a hurry.
Ryder: “Annette” He said in pure shock and wonder at the very beauty before his eyes as he tried to get her to stand straight.
Annette, completely overwhelmed, tried to run away, as she was not ready to lay eyes on him. She thought to herself that men like this only exist in movies, never in real life, where they actually know her name.
Naturally, he walks after her and grabs ahold of her attention.
Ryder: “Annette”
Wise: “Ryde… Smitten. Forgive me, I didn’t mean to run, just wasn’t expecting to see you here, like this.” She says with her eyes glistening with tears.
Ryder: “Annette, whenever you’re ready, so am I.” Intently holding on to her hands
Annette knew exactly what he was referring to and knew she had a ways to go before she was his, but knew that he was worth it.
Annette: “Give me one year, three months, and seven days,” she says in all seriousness, looking into his eyes, seeing her reflection in what seemed like heart-eyed pupils
Ryder: “What’s one year, three months, and seven days when we have forever?”
Throughout the rest of the night, Smitten, sitting with his family, dancing with his family, and eating with his family, had eyes on just her and her only.
Though she wanted to be out of there in an hour, how could she? Who would Smitten have there to gaze at, and outside of the ball, who would look at her with deep love and affection?
He already knew his heart only had room for her, but now, so did she.
One year, three months, and seven days later.
In her graduation cap & gown, she eagerly leaves at the ending of the ceremony and makes a long drive down to her new home.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK… door opens.
Ryder: “Hey there, pretty lady. I’ve been waiting for ya.”
Annette: Jumps into the arms she now calls home.
The End.
I know, it was short and sweet, but please let me know how I did on my first story!
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