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| Sunday, 20 June 2004 |
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Short story Lorraine Lorraine sat on the comfortable divan in her outer verandah. It was a cool, hushed evening. The dying sun slanted down into the garden, lingering on the pathway lined with pots of glorious multi-coloured bouganvillea. She belonged to an aristocratic family. Born to an easy life she was used to being waited on hand and foot ever since she could remember. She had her education in a renowned Colombo school and grew up to be a graceful young girl. Recalled Lorraine watched the setting sun colour the lawn crimson while she considered the extravagant engagement ring which Chris had given her on her 18th birthday. She suddenly recalled that in a few months she would be wed to her childhood sweetheart. Somehow a tinge of sadness entered her heart when she realized that soon she would have to leave her gentle mother and beloved father whose fondness for her was clearly revealed in granting her every little wish. Oh! she would indeed be sorry to leave this spacious house and its gardens covered with luxurious tangles of white jasmines from which she often picked little blossoms to tuck into her plaits. Charming She was charming with delicate features and a fascinating smile. Her eyes were golden brown with lashes that curled up. She could glance provocatively from its tilted corners. That evening Lorraine wore a pretty green dress and sat pondering on what a gay life she would have when she became Chris' wife. Stranger Suddenly she looked towards the adjoining house separated by a low fence. She momentarily saw a stranger watching her in a manner which gave her a feeling of feminine pleasure. For a moment she was embarrassed and looked down at the buttons on her skirt. Then she glanced once more at him and a hot flush touched her cheeks. David smiled and looked deep into her eyes. He came closer to the fence and said, 'Are you surprised to know that I live right next door?" His simple friendliness and admiration made her give him a ravishing smile which touched his heart at once. Affection Gradually their friendship matured into sincere affection, David found that he longed to spend time with her, and Lorraine reciprocated. Clandestine meetings brought them closer, but she was utterly dismayed and more so because he never once questioned her about the ring on her finger. Sometimes her eyes clouded over with sadness and she seemed to be overcome with frightening emotions. David noticed a bewildering look on her. Time went by and he realized that there was much excitement in the house next door. Lorraine herself was evading him. Invitation David was never to forget the morning when she ran up to him as he stood at the fence. She gently pressed on invitation into his hand and ran back into her house. David read the invitation - "Mr & Mrs Dickson are pleased to announce the marriage of their only daughter Lorraine to Chris Williams..... He felt as if nothing was of much importance now. Just uneventful years in which he would work, read and listen to music. Dream As in a dream he visualised Lorraine with braided plaits in which her favourite flowers were tucked. He discovered in himself the pain of losing the loveliest thing he had ever known. Someone beautiful almost out of this world. David went indoors and going over to the window he looked out vaguely and saw nothing except a blue - grey mist. Caryl Nugara |
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