As the express train got to the station, excitement ran through my body. I got out of the train, expecting my Nancy to nearly trample me over with a hug. Yet, I didn't receive that response. Instead, I got a tap on the shoulder. I turned to be genuinely shocked to see Nancy's mother. She smiled saying hello. I greeted her with a smile, but my disappointment didn't go unnoticed. She explained her daughter would have loved to be there in her stead but her grandmother wanted her presence as she recovered from her infectious illness. I nodded stating I understood. We went back home, creating light conversation along the way. She asked how my trip was and told me all the rumors of the village she heard while I was away. Too bad, the shoe maker getting a new umbrella to fight the rain was not a rumor, just information.

I got Nancy's mother home first, thanking her for greeting me at the station and for her company as I bid her goodbye. I went back home and as soon as I freshened up, I called Nancy. My heart skipped a beat as her voice come in from the other side of the line. We chatted affably about everything and nothing just like we used to. As my credit came to an end I wished her goodnight. I didn't hug up, but my service did and soon there was just noise on the other side. I missed the sound of her voice. I got in bed, too tired to wake up and cook. As I did, I rolled into the pillow Nancy laid her head on the night before I left. It still smelled of her. I laughed as reality blurred my doubts, I was falling for Nancy.

Despite my exhaustion, I was still awake, thinking about this feeling. I knew it but doubted she did. She was naive, didn't understand all of this. I was clearly the most experienced yet I felt I would be taking advantage of her, to keep her to myself. What if she didn't feel the same? Her body responded well to me as I pleasured her but with all the women I knew, everyone desired a change of pace. Who is to say she didn't want the same. After I gave all the experience, she'd desire to see what others could offer her, if I didn't bore her first. I couldn't cling to her to me if she wanted to leave. If she didn't feel the same, I would be hurt in the end. I felt frustrated. All this was new and despite all my questions, I wasn't naive. I knew what I was feeling, and it will lead to a lot of hurt. The end was inevitable, so I decided to get ahead of it. The next time I get the opportunity to lay with her I will.

Unfortunately, the opportunity came way later. I got engaged with my job and so did she with her family business. Then came the festive holidays. We kept in touch, meet sometimes but today, today was the day. I smiled and held her hand; she looked up at me and blushed. So cute. My sixth sense kicked in and I looked up, only to find Elise staring angrily at us. She glances away as she stands with the choir to sing as the offering were being taken to the altar. Her angry stares didn't stop but I didn't let that dissuade me. I was determined and whatever problem she had, she could keep it to herself.

As the final song to depart was being sung, I lead Nancy out. We walked and sat at a bench and started talking. Crying sounds come within earshot. We both directed our attention to it to find Claire and her husband in a heated argument not to far away. She was crying, shaking her head and clearly trying to be within arm's length of her husband when he struck her. The distinct sound reverberated, echoing in my ears. Claire's husband shocked with his own action; walked to the car, got in and drove away, leaving Claire standing there alone, crying as she held her cheeks.

A long sign being breathed out made to swiftly look back, to find Elise standing behind us. How did she get there all of a sudden? She wasn't there a minute ago. I wondered, as we both made eye contact. She quickly excused herself and made her way to Claire, hugging her and leading her to a secluded end of the Church's back yard where other women gathered, clearly to comfort her. I looked at Nancy to find her white as a sheet. The events that just transpired clearly shocked her. I asked whether she would go to Claire, see if she needed anything. She shook her head no. I asked if she wanted to leave, and she said yes.

On our way out, we meet with Betty, making her way to the group of ladies. She stopped to ask what happened, and Nancy was composed enough to tell her. Betty gave her thanks and she left giving me a sideways glance. The holidays come and went, and she and her sister didn't drop by this time. I expected them to surprise like all the other times but they didn't. I did notice but thankful because I was busy with work and mind obsessed with Nancy. Betty wasn't her usual talkative self. Was everything alright? I looked at her back as she walked away. Nancy squeezed my hand directing my focus to her. I gave a sign and told her we should leave.