By the light of the fire

It's Christmas time again, and thoughts of him won't stop bubbling up in my mind. Here I sit alone by the fire, sipping coco, just like we used to do together, Louis and I.1

Twenty years ago, when I was a mere twenty years of age, I saw him for the last time. We had snuck away from my mother annual Christmas party, so we could be alone. Together we sat, right in this very spot. now things seem dull, but then the fire seemed to kiss the room to life. The white drapes took on a warm coppery tint, along with the rest of the cushy room. I could smell the pine from the tree, and peppermint.2

He stared at me, his eyes drinking me in. "Evie, will you promise to marry me someday?"3

"You already know I would." I blushed.4

"Here." he pulled his family ring from his finger, and removed a ribbon from my hair, so he could fashion it into a necklace. Lovingly he draped it over my head, so it glimmered against my breasts."This signifies my promise."5

"Oh, I love you so much!" I cried, throwing myself into his arms.6

"yes, and I love you." He smiled down at me, all of his love shining in his bright green eyes.7

"I will make an official proposal, just as soon as I get back from my trip over seas. I promise I will give you the fairy tale wedding that you deserve. As long as you will wait for me?"8

"You know that I will wait until the ends of time." I kissed him, loving his taste.9

I laid down, stretching myself out on the soft bear skin rug. He ran his hands over my hair softly.10

"God, your so beautiful." He whispered, kissing me lightly. 11

I smiled softly up at him and closed my eyes, soaking up the feeling that had swallowed me. I could feel him curling up next to me, and giving a happy sigh, holding me close to him. I loved his smell, tobacco and leather. Together we drifted off into sleep.12

When I woke, he was gone. A little shiver rushed through me, for the fire had gone out. On the ground next to me, was a note which read:13

"Dearest Evie,14

I couldn't bare to witness your tears, so I felt it would be best if I set sail with the image of you sleeping with the most beautiful smile on your face. I promise that I Will return to you in two years. Please, remember your promise to me. Wait for me, and we will be together. I hope to receive many letters from you, and I will return the favor. I love you, and don't ever forget that.15

Love always,16

Louis17

I still sleep with that letter under my pillow, and I still wear his ring, right over my heart. I waited for year after year, but got no word from my beloved. Not until ten years after his disappearance. They sent him back, him not remembering a thing about himself, or about me. I remember seeing him, being escorted up the steps to his home. I ran up to him, hoping that deep down in his heart, he would remember me. I could feel my insides, bursting with hope. I wanted more then anything for him to remember. That the magic of love would conquer all.18

"Louis, darling!" I cried trowing myself at him. "I waited for you! I did! They said you would never come back, but you did. Oh, I missed you terribly." I sobbed, my face pressing against his chest. It took me a few moments to realized that he wasn't embracing me back. I looked up into his confused weathered face. Those eye's that had been so full of love seemed to fill with fear. I could feel my heart breaking.19

"Please, miss, he is no longer himself." His escort brushed me away, leading Louis away.20

I stood there, as the small splatters of rain began to fall, watching the only man I had ever allowed myself to love, to walk away.21

I've spotted Louis from time to time over the years, but we never speak. He doesn't want to talk with anyone anymore. I tried countless times to speak with him, to win his heart once again, but he wouldn't permit such a thing. He once referred to me as a silly tart. That was the last time I talked to him22

So, every year, I sit by the fire place on our rug alone, sipping coco. Maybe, someday he will fall and hit his head, bringing back his memories. But until then, the only kisses I shall receive, are fromt he light of the fire.