#gen1910
As the war continued,Lawrie and Jackson had to fight as well. Lawrie was barely holding a rifle, he mostly hide behind Jackson, looking around with a lost expression.
At some point,Lawrie saw the enemy approaching. -They’re here!- he screamed.
-Call the others!- asked him Jackson.
But while running, a mortar shot detonated close to him. He was knocked unconscious.
Second part under the cut
WhenJackson saw Lawrie to the ground, grabbed him and hide behind a big rock.
-We are gonna make it out alive, together. I promise,- he said to Lawrie.
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Universities have closed due to the war. May didin’t want to go home, her desire was to become a doctor, unfortunately this would be impossible for her. However she could work as a nurse instead. Helga was just as sad to return home.
-Come with me, we can do something to help,- May said to her.
The two girls rented a room in a very old and run-down pension, and easily found a job. May became a nurse, as she hoped for. Helga’s got a job in a military equipment factory.
Part II under the cut
At first it was not easy for May. At the big hospital she saw the first wounded soldiers returning from war. Many of them did not survive their injuries. Form time to time she asked news about Terrence, or her brother. Nobody seemed to know them.
-Don’t lose hope,- told one of the soldier to her.
Lately however, May was feeling sick and nauseated. She thought it was because of all that work, and because she was worrying about her loved ones. She often found herself throwing up in the toilet. She tried to be strong. Many young boys were fighting and suffering at the front, she had to to her part.
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Life in the military field was hard for Lawrie. It seemed that the other boys had begun to make friends. But he was too shy, he didn’t think that war would bring them glory, but only suffering. Lawrie stood aside, rarely talking.
Between the soldiers, one boy seemed particularly lively. He was Jackson,Lawrie’s childhood friend. Because of war they’ve stopped writing to each other.
-Ehi, I know that awkward looking boy,- said Jackson before jumping on Lawrie back as a greeting.
Part II under the cut
During the first night, Jackson and Lawrie stepped away from the military field.
-Isn’t it like the old times?- said Jackson.
-Not really, we are risking your life,- responded Lawrie, visibly scared.
-I’ll protect ou, like I did back then,- promised Jackson, holding Lawrie hand. -And then we’ll come back, together.-
At that moment Lawrie realized that the he couldn’t see Jackson as a friend anymore. It was dangerous for a boy to love another boy, especially during a war. Still, he couldn’t help but embracing Jackson, and Jackson glaldy reciprocated the hug.
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It was a rainy afternoon at the Walsh house. Lawrie was celebrating his birthday but no one was happy. He would soon be leaving for the front.
-I can become an conscientious objector,- proposed the boy.
-Most of them are imprisoned, do you think that jail is better than the battlefield?- said Luther.
-Maybe I’ll still be able to reach uncle Matthias abroad.-
-You’ll become a deserter Lawrie…- said his mother.
There seemed to be no solution, so Lawrie left. His parents watched him from a distance, barely holding their tears.
Not only Lawrie, but Bruno and Martin,Pauline’s sons, had to enlist. As well as many other healthy young boys.
Ferdinand was leaving his wife, they married only a few months before.
-Come back,- she said, holding him tight.
-I will.-
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May had been avoiding Terrence all week, but one day he stopped her in town.
-After the party you ignored me, did something happen?- he asked.
-I just thought that our two worlds are too different Terrence. I too come from a whealty family but yours is way too rich. It intimidates me, I could never live like that,- May said.
-I’m … sorry to hear that, - said Terrence with a trembling voice. -Then I guess this is a goodbye. I didn’t propose to that girl, my parents are really angry at me. And tomorrow I’m leaving for the military service.-
At first, May could only watch Terrence’s back getting away. Then she runned towards him, hugging his back, she didn’t care if people would have seen that inappropriate behavior. Terrence returned the hug.
-Does this mean that you will wait for me?- he asked her. May didn’t answer with words, but with a kiss.
Part II under the cut.
They went to May’s home, only Helga didn’t leave, but she wasn’t there, the house was empty. They hugged and kissed.
When They were lying in the bed Terrence asked -Are you sure you’re want to go further?-
-What will our future hold? I want to do this, with you,- she answered.
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Going to a party alone would have been considered inappropriate, but May decided to go anyway. Terrence’s mansion was huge and luxurious. The hall was decorated with gold and marble, many people were already dancing. Terrence was in the company of his future fiancée and his mother.
-I can’t believe she showed up, - said the two women, scandalized.
-I invited her,- Terrence said, going to say hello.
May was a little embarrassed. -This dress is not for me.-
-You are wrong! It’s beautiful … you are … well, it looks good on you,- grumbled Terrence.
-May I have this dance?- asked Terrence. Everyone was watching them.
-Yes… But I’m not that good at dancing,- said May. She knew that the other guests would have misjudged her behavior.
-Listen Terrence, I want to know the real reason why you invited me.-
-I’ve told you, other students are here too.-
-The real reason,- she insisted.
-I’ll tell you. But not here.-
Part II under cut
They went outside, in the large terrace. The night was clear and the lights of the city merged with the stars in the sky.
-We cannot deny that war is upon us. I’ll have to enlist soon,- Terrence said. Although May was aware of this, her eyes started to water. -I was wondering of you can… If you want to wait for my return,- said Terrence holding her.
-Oh… I’ll…-
-Excuse me…- a voice interrupted them, it belonged to the mother of Terrence’s future fiancée. -Terrence, dear, your parents are looking for you,- she said.
-Yes… I’ll go…- said Terrence running away.
-I see what are you trying to do here. This marriage will take place, possibly before Terrence’s enlisted- said the woman to May.
-Why should I listen to you?-
The woman grinned. -My husband is a colonel, if Terrence marries my daughter he will be assigned to an area away from the battlefield. The deal is this: a good marriage for our daughter and Terrence will never have to fight. If you care about his life, you better not interfere.-
May was shocked by that news. Terrence’s safety depended on that marriage. She left the party without saying goodbye.
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May was quite stressed out, both from the study and from the news of the impending war. Not to mention her relationship with Terrence.
At one point one of her roommates told her that someone was looking for her at the door. May was surprised to see her younger sister.
Olive, however, didn’t look all that young anymore, the woman in front of May was confident and mature. She was wearing elegant clothes, her hairstyle was was cutting-edges.
-Olive …- May exclaimed, before her sister embraced her.
The sisters took a walk in the center of Britechester that afternoon.
-If you care about that boy, go to the party,- Olive said.
-I don’t think I can do it, we’re at war! It’s not time to dance- May replied.
-On the contrary, this is the perfect time! We don’t know what might happen in the future!-
-I don’t even know how to dance…-
-Oh … but I’ll teach you!-
The evening before the party, Olive helped May to get ready.
-Just a little bit of make up, none will notice.-
-Come with me…-
-I’m afraid I’m not invited. And… you must go alone. You don’t have to worry dear sister, you’re brave, smart and beautiful. That man is lucky to have your heart.-
May was surprised to see her sister so wise and mature, how had she lived those months at the music school?
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Olive my beloved sister,
hearing you were admitted to music school warms my heart. I hope, since we are close to each other, to see you soon. Life, unfortunately, it isn’t only about parties and music. Life is study and hard work. Still, I wish you’ll fulfill all your dreams.
A lot happened to me lately. Do you remember Terrence, my childhood friend? He’s helping me with the lessons I cannot attend. We have to hide in order to study, it’s not permitted to a young unmarried woman to stay that close to a boy. One day he seemed particularly worried, he told me he had something to confess. But then we were interrupted.
Later, that week, I saw him walking with a girl dressed with the finest gown. An older woman were following them. How could I’ve been so blind? Terrence’s engaged! He looked at me from afar with a sad expression, I couldn’t speak and ran away.
After class he wanted to talk to me. He told me the girl I saw wasn’t his fiancée. Their family are hoping for an engagement, but he hasn’t made the proposal yet. I replied that it was none of my business, but he insisted.
Eventually Terrence invited me to a party to be shortly held at his Villa. Every medical student is invited, so I should be there as well he told me. I want you to be there, these were his words. I’ve yet to decide.
I’m too, going to end this letter with the saddest news. War has now become a much more likely prospect. If so, most of my roomates will go home. Helga said that she prefer to fight, than to come back to her family, her house is a prison. I don’t blame her. I love our parents, still I must stay, study and become independent. I don’t want to go home whatsoever.
Then, miss Black died. We found her lying at the entrance. Oh I’m so desperate. She was a strict woman but I think she enjoyed being in our company. What will become of us now? We were told that his granddaughter will manage the house from now on.
We are living in times of uncertainty… should I attend a party when we are at the verge of a war?
Please, answer to me soon.
Your beloved sister,
May
I don’t know if this long format is good. If you find posts like this too long on your dash please let me know. This Post contain tagged trigger warnings.
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My dearest sister,
I’m finally an adult. My birthday was delightful but I wished you were by my side. I played the piano for mom’s family, they were all surprised by my ability. Then we danced all night, our little brother is, unexpectedly, a good dancer! Mother and father danced as well, they seemed so in love!
Dear sister, this is how life should be. I would love to play and dance forever. I must become a musician in order to attend the most luxurious parties, wearing wonderful dresses. I don’t want to stay at home all day or marry a man who will tell me how to behave.
They accepted me at the conservatory! I’m leaving in a few hours. I’ll take the train for the first time in my life. Isn’t this exciting? Father recommended me to stay away from boys, because they can be harmful. He told me the time to be in love has yet to come for me. If only he knew my heart was broken once already… don’t tell him please!
I’ve saved the best for last. My music school is not far from your university, we can see each other on our free days. Isn’t this amazing?
with love,
Olive
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