I Will Love You

Chapter 12

I watch a few little boys run, dressed in their beige pants, held by beautiful suspenders, their wrinkled white shirts and berets that made them very cute. The girls in turn were lovely in beautiful little dresses, each in a different color, sitting on the church steps waiting for their mothers to come in to hear the sermon.

Diana, with her arm entwined with mine, starts walking towards the large, well-molded door and mahogany, I spot Katelyn's twins, sitting side by side on the stairs, talking to the other girls. As soon as I walk through the door, I look at the wooden benches lined up and ahead, in a group of well-dressed men, all in suits and vests, I notice the presence of Nicholas, equally well dressed.

His black eyes meet mine, his hand goes up to his black hat, giving a quick wave before returning his attention to the other boys beside him.

I sit on the wooden bench next to my sister. Gradually, other people enter and settle in the church seats, waiting for the sermon to begin on Sunday. I focus my attention on a beautiful image of Christ, a beautiful painting, hanging over the organ, beside the instrument are two stone tables, with candles burning.

The pastor goes up to the pulpit, with his bible in hand, his right hand is raised, as a sign for the faithful to close their eyes and say the opening prayer. For a few minutes, innumerable and indecipherable whispers echo between the walls of the church, until finally and at the same time all cease, giving way to the thick and strong voice of the pastor, who begins his sermon using the example of Isaiah 23-40 . After the first part of the sermon, Diana hands me ten cents, to put it in the red velvet bag of the offertory.

After the end of the word and the prayers, some faithful went to the painting of Christ, to pay their devotion. Before I knew it, my sister was already out of the church, probably talking to Katelyn and Mary. I get up calmly, with the leather bible in hand, trying to remember a word the pastor said, of course I failed, I spent the entire sermon focused on the incisive and loving eyes of the portrait of Christ.

- He forgives you. - I suddenly hear Nicholas's voice, I look at him trying to understand what he's talking about. - He forgives you for not paying attention to a word the pastor said.

I smile gently.

-How do you know I didn't pay attention?- I say in a low voice, fearing someone will hear me.

- It was a guess.- The boy says in a small laugh.- But he forgives you.

- Amen.

I make the sign of the holy trinity, as I step ahead of Nicholas, walking towards the exit of the church. I spot Diana excitedly talking to Mary, most likely talking about the festival she is looking forward to, I look away at the children running across the lawn happily, this time Evelyn and Annabeth are beside Katelin and the duke.

Her beautiful golden eyes, as soon as they stop at me, wave excitedly. I think they're cute and very adorable, but sometimes I wonder if they wouldn't be happier if Katelin gave them a break to play with the other kids.

-Do you want to ride back?- I notice Nicholas beside me.

- I don't think it's right just for me to learn something from you. - I answer turning to him.

- And what will you teach me? Embroidery? ”An ironic smile plays between his lips.

- Maybe painting ...

Nicholas laughs, looking away. I hear a quick sigh and then his hand in front of my body.

-At least it's not ballroom dancing!- I smile a little surprised, because Nicholas has accepted it so easily.

-I'll never have accepted that proposal.- I say quietly, lowering his hand. - And maybe I'll ride with you again another time, Diana would die here even if she saw me get on a horse.

Nicholas takes a step down, stopping in front of me, looking at me defiantly, his lip tilting a little in a discreet smile, before turning away and going to the black horse on the other side of the forest. Before riding the animal, Nicholas looks at me again and then he assembles and in seconds the animal is already dusting the dirt road.

I calmly walk down the steps to Diana.

- Lily, that dress looks beautiful on you. - Mary says looking at my dress. - I'm glad you came to today's sermon.

- Me too, I wish I had come before.- I say gently.- What were you talking about?

- How beautiful the square will be for the festival. - My sister says excitedly. - But how our house will be even more for the ball at the end of the day.

- I imagine....

I went back to the house listening to Diana chatting nonstop about how beautiful the house will be, how impeccable everything will be and how this will be a golden opportunity for me to find a husband. I wish it wasn't all about a wedding that I don't even know will happen, but despite that I like seeing my sister so excited about something, I haven't seen her like this since Dad brought ice cream to the house, I still remember how many times my mother caught her attention, so she wouldn't eat everything alone.

The cloudy sky and the orange leaves of the trees didn't deny it, autumn is there, I can't wait for the rainy season, I really love the smell of wet earth.

“I was thinking of having a wedding dance for you!” Diana says without concern.

“Don't you want me at your place anymore?” I turn to her.

- That's not it Lily, I want you to get married and be happy ... - Her green eyes focus on me.- And since you are not interested in anyone, maybe if I do something more specific someone will catch your attention ...

It's all about marriage ...