Stories for Amanda

by Amanda Todd Foundation

  “This doesn’t look nice at all,” I said. The rain, which had been doing steady work up to this point, decided to unleash in biblical proportions. The sound of the drops hitting every surface as they poured down in sheets to rival Noah’s flood, roared in front of us.

  “Well I don’t think I can get much wetter,” she shouted over the noise.

  “That’s probably a good thing, because we’re both about to find out. We’ve got to make a run for it!” I yelled, grabbing her hand and pulling her with me as I made for the safety of the house.

  ~~~~

  Being dragged through a deluge along a dark path in unfamiliar territory was not my favorite, but having a guide who knew where he was going was so much better than none at all. At least I wasn’t spending the night in a rental car.

  The house we were dashing toward was typical stone manor, Neo-Gothic design from what I could tell in the dark and streaming rain. I held onto Mr. Everley’s hand and went forward. He pulled us through puddles and small lakes until we headed up some stone steps, and finally to a door that got my attention. It was a behemoth made of oak and carved with heavy designs of flora and fauna. Fascinating. I’d get a better look tomorrow.

  We entered through the door and into a mudroom of sorts. Perfect place for me. I was covered in the stuff, and could think only about getting it off me via a hot bath. A soft bed would be welcome too. In the morning I could figure out what kind of art Mr. Everley had stashed away in his gloomy corner of Ireland and decide if I’d be staying here or not.

  “Here, allow me,” he said, taking my coat off my back and hanging it dripping on a peg.

  “Thanks.”

  I tried to shake the water off my hands, attempting to sort out my appearance, which must be truly horrifying by now, but it was beyond hopeless. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so soaking wet before.” I brushed at my emerald green shirt, realizing that even my poor jacket had lost to the rain and soaked me through to the skin.

  “Yeah, it’s downright evil tonight. I’m so glad you’re not out there any longer because I fear you would’ve floated away by now, Miss Hargreave.” He was busy hanging up his own coat and pulling off the ball cap he’d been wearing, when we both turned to face one another.

  “I’m so grateful you answered your pho—”

  In the light.

  Where he could really see me.

  And where I could really see him… for the first time.

  Straight dark hair spilled down his neck. Lips that I remembered, knew how to kiss, opened in total surprise. Captivating green eyes that had held onto mine, widened as Mr. Ivan Everley appeared to register the same shockwave I was experiencing.

  Oh no, please, God, no!

  I think it’s safe to say we were both in shock.

  And this definitely wasn’t the first time we’d met.

  THE END

  ~*~ Look for the full-length novel, Priceless, in 2014 ~*~

  About the Author

  Raine Miller

  Raine Miller is a former teacher and author of the New York Times bestsellers in The Blackstone Affair series, but she’s been reading romance since that first Barbara Cartland book was discovered at the tender age of thirteen. She thinks it was The Flame is Love from 1975. And it’s a safe bet she’ll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine’s stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. Never ever!!

  Writing books pretty much fills her days now and she is always busy. Raine has a prince of a husband, and two brilliant sons to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. She loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books.

  You can connect with her on:

  Facebook at Raine Miller Romance

  or visit:

  http://www.rainemiller.com

  to find out what she’s working on now.

  JACOB & NOELLE

  A love story

  By

  E.L. Montes

  2013 Copyright © ~ E.L. Montes

  YEAR OF 1938

  January 8th 1938

  My dearest Jacob,

  My heart aches without you near. I wish I could hold you, especially on cold nights like tonight. When there’s nothing but the quiet sound of the winter wind knocking on the door, I imagine you’re here, with your arms wrapped tightly around me as we sit by the fire. We talk about music and art and books. Just like when we first met. Do you remember, Jacob? Do you remember the day you won my heart?

  We laugh until the early morning. Oh how I miss your laugh; the way you toss your head back and howl with your hand clenched to your stomach. I’m laughing just at the thought. I also miss how the words ‘I love you’ whisper through your lips. No one could ever say those words and ignite my stomach to flutter as you do. I just miss you. No matter how long it takes I’m going to wait for you Jacob.

  Love,

  Noelle

  February 24th, 1938

  My beautiful Noelle,

  How could I ever forget the day you took my breath away? I was a simple young man, as I still am, walking along the city searching for work when my eyes spotted gold. Yes, pure gold you were. With your stunning blue eyes, autumn long locks and glorious red lips. You were lost and asked me, of all men in the City of New York, for directions. I was the luckiest man. I stumbled over my words like a fool, but you giggled… it was the most lightening, refreshing sound I’d ever heard.

  I walked you all the way to your destination, never mind that it was in the opposite direction of where I was meant to go. I didn’t care as long as I could hear that sound again. I formally asked you out on date. Do you remember our first date, Noelle? I remember clearly, as if it was yesterday. Nothing in this world could prepare me for you.

  You are the reason I keep going each day, fighting in this war; not just for our freedom, but for you. I will have you in my arms again, Noelle. Just wait for me as you’ve told me you will.

  I hope your studies are going well.

  Love always and forever,

  Jacob

  March 29th 1938

  Jacob my love,

  I remember our first date very clearly. I made a fool of myself. We watched a film, ‘The Awful Truth’ and laughed the entire time. Afterwards, we walked along the park holding hands, discussing our favorite literature and learning we had more in common than we had imagined.

  As much fun as we were having, it was getting late, and being the gentlemen that you are, you respectfully walked me home. I wanted so desperately for you to kiss me; I didn’t want the night to end. But you turned around to walk away. I couldn’t let you go so I gripped your arm, pulled you back and pressed my lips against yours. You must have thought I was a very foolish girl, but you didn’t say it. Instead you kissed me back. It was the best kiss I’ve ever had, Jacob. It was the kiss that made me know that you were the one. It was a magical kiss.

  Oh, I wish you were here so that I wouldn’t have so many distractions during my studies. I worry for your safety constantly.

  I count the days, the hours, the minutes and the seconds until we see each other again.

  Love,

  Noelle

  June 3rd, 1938

  My dearest Noelle,

  I’m sorry it’s been months since you last heard from me. We were moved elsewhere, and I just received your letter.

  Please don’t ever have those thoughts of yourself. You could never be a fool. That kiss was perfect. I wanted to kiss you desperately but I also wanted to remain a gentlemen. And of course I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable after such a wonderful night. I was beyond grateful that you pulled me back for a kiss; the kiss that officially branded our love.

  I mark the passing of time as well, my love. It’s late here as I write you, with a lantern under a tree, the leaves sheltering me from the rain. Some men are on duty looking out, while others are talking among themselves. Some
are writing to their loved ones as I am, and there are a few who are sleeping soundlessly. I find it difficult to sleep here. The loud cricket noise keeps me awake, and in the far distance I can hear grenades going off or gun shots, and sometimes even the screams of men. But through it all I know that I have something to look forward to. You.

  Could you do me a favor? My mother sent me a letter. She informed me that my father is ill. Can you visit my parents on my behalf? I may not be there physically, but with you there it may feel as if I am. My parents adore you and would be happy to see you again.

  Don’t worry about me, Noelle. You’re the reason I keep fighting. Soon, my love, we’ll be together.

  Love always and forever,

  Jacob

  July 8th, 1938

  Jacob,

  The moment I received your letter, I stopped everything and visited your parents. Your mother was thrilled to see me. She welcomed me in with no hesitation. Her warm, gentle brown eyes remind me of yours.

  Your father is getting stronger. He has his bad days though. He talks about you a lot. They both do. Your parents couldn’t be more proud of their son. I’m proud of their son too.

  I spent the fourth of July with them. We sat on the front porch, drinking tea, and laughing at their memories of you as a child. When the fireworks lit up the sky, we were silent; well I was silent, as I admired how beautifully the vibrant colors splashed along the stars, like a paint brush along a canvas. Then I thought of you… how could I not? With your love of art I was sure you of all people would admire the beauty of such a sight. I didn’t realize my tears had fallen until your father passed me his handkerchief.

  I felt connected with your parents, Jacob. Since I’m finished with my studies for the summer, I offered to help your mother nurse your father back to good health until school starts back up again in the fall. It’s the only way I can feel closer to you, Jacob. I hope you don’t feel as if I’ve intruded, but your parents make me feel a part of the family.

  How are you? Tell me as much as you can.

  Love,

  Noelle

  August 13th, 1938

  Noelle, my love:

  How is it possible for me to be even more in love with you right now than I was yesterday? You have no idea how much it means to me that you’re helping my mother with my father. They are very fond of you because you’re beautiful and kind and mean so much to me. They treat you like family, especially since I told them you’re the woman I’m going to marry. Yes. I’m going to marry you, Noelle Emma Stephens, and I hope… no I pray that you say yes.

  I’m sure the painting along the sky was beautiful to witness, but if I was there I would be far too distracted staring at you. Your beauty is far more captivating and compelling than any art I have ever laid eyes upon. I only speak with experience of course, my love.

  How am I? Well, today is better than the past couple of weeks. We were on foot for a while, and I thought we would never stop. Finally, we settled by a campsite. I think we’ll be here for a few more days until we’re off to our next destination. It’s scorching hot and the sun feels deadly at times, but we’re drinking plenty of water.

  I can’t believe it’s been over eight months since I’ve seen you, held you, kissed you. Marry me, Noelle.

  Soon.

  Love you always and forever,

  Jacob

  September 15th, 1938

  Dear Jacob,

  Yes! Yes, I will marry you. Nothing would make me happier than becoming your bride. And we can live in our own little world. Because the one I’m witnessing on my own is very cruel. Not to say what you have experienced out there in the war is less malicious than what I have seen.

  Oh Jacob, if you only could see what I have seen. Hear what I have heard. I made a friend; she is beautiful and smart and kind. But because her skin is darker than mine, others see her as nothing. She is beyond brilliant. Smarter than any man I’ve ever met. She could be a doctor, Jacob, but the world we live in may never allow this for her. It breaks my heart.

  I met Sally on my way home after my studies. It was a beautiful day out, and I decided that a stroll through the park would be nice. While admiring the beautiful scenery I heard a woman’s cry behind a tree. I followed the sound and saw two gentlemen, dressed in Uniform, laughing and taunting her. They heard me approaching and turned. I was afraid; not sure what they would do to me. They urged me to walk away; to leave them be. I couldn’t, Jacob. I couldn’t turn my back on that innocent girl. Her dress was torn; her face smeared in her own blood. I said no. I wasn’t leaving. At first the two men didn’t like it; they made nasty comments and called me names. So I did what I could. I screamed. Loud. Forcing my lungs to burn as I used all of my energy. I would have used my last breath for that scream. It worked, Jacob. The two evil men ran off as other people walked by and took notice of my display.

  Taking my jacket, I wrapped her fragile body with it, and guided her to my tiny apartment. I wasn’t sure what led me to feel for this woman. After I cleaned her up and gave her food and clothing she slept for days. It was as if she had never had a good night sleep. When she was finally energized we talked, and laughed and talked some more. Oh, Jacob, you would fancy her and her ability to partake in an intellectual debate. Though, the more we spent with each other, the more others took notice. After a couple of weeks I would hear whispers among others as I walked by. Harsh things they spat at me. I kept my head high. I wouldn’t let anyone bring me nor Sally down. Sally says I’m a blessing, an angel and a Godsend. I laugh and tell her I’m neither. I’m just me.

  Why oh why do we live in such a cruel world, Jacob?

  I wish you well, my love.

  Love,

  Noelle

  November 16th, 1938

  Oh my dear Noelle,

  But you are, you are a Godsend, to me and to all that have ever had the pleasure to be in your presence. If you take a moment and thoroughly ponder, you would reason with yourself that you were meant to be there. You were at the right place at the right time.

  If you wouldn’t have taken a stroll through the park that day, you would have never heard the cries of Sally, and, therefore, never had the chance to stop those men from hurting her. You were there for a reason, Noelle. Of all the women in the world, you were placed there, and that is a Godsend.

  And to answer your question: ‘why do we live in a cruel world?’ I do not have an answer for that. I wish I knew, but you see my sweet Noelle, I have experienced cruel. I have witnessed with my own two eyes evil men, who killed with their bare hands, and laughed whilst telling the tale. I was a bystander and helplessly watched as children and women were brutally hurt by these men. Things I would not even begin to tell you in fear that you would have nightmares. And when I tried to fight it or stop it, I was pushed away or my life was threatened.

  In the world of this terrible war I’m living in… nothing could stop them. They are far more evil than good. The longer we stay the more I’m losing friends; they are slowly turning into them.

  Thankfully, I still have Thomas. I met Thomas one night on the battlefield. A bullet punctured through his shoulder and I helped him to safety. Since that night we became close friends. We look out for each other. He has a wife and two little girls. He’s eager to get home to his family as I am for you.

  Noelle, I don’t want to tell you all of this and lead you to believe that our world is nothing but evil. Yes, there are bad things in this world, but there are also good things, and believe it or not there are still good, genuine people. Like yourself.

  I miss you dearly.

  Love always and forever,

  Jacob

  December 24th, 1938

  Jacob,

  Have you ever studied your reflection and wondered who the person was staring back at you? I have. I feel lost. Every day that goes by I feel like I’m losing a bit of myself.

  I’m not the naïve, little girl I once was. Pain is a true feeling. Love is a far stronger feeling than I have eve
r grown to know. And loving you so much as I do hurts, Jacob. Today, I was reminded with how unbearable it could be without having a love one close.

  I knew almost one year ago when you left, that I would miss you dearly, but I thought I could be stronger. That it would only be a few years and it wouldn’t feel like an eternity. Each day, each minute that ticks by, each letter I receive from you, continues to remind me of just how much more it hurts.

  I received a telegram today. My youngest brother, Eric, was killed on the battlefield. My heart was crushed into a million pieces and I’m not sure I can heal from this. As I write you this letter, my eyes full of tears; all I can think of is you. I don’t want to lose you as well.

  Will I see you again, Jacob? Am I strong enough to handle the thought of never having you in my arms again? For you to hold me, kiss me and whisper those three precious words?

  It hurts to love you, Jacob. I’m not sure I can do this.

  Noelle