Free Just Between Friends by A. Wolfe Page B

accept it.”
     
         She responded rather calmly.  “No, I don’t have to accept the fact that Steven is dead, because he isn’t.  I don’t expect you to believe me.  You all probably think I’m crazy, but you will see.  He’ll be back.  I know he will.  Now please, let’s quit talking about this.  I want to hear about you.  How have you been?  Has Ben come home yet?”
     
         Alec didn’t really want to change the subject, but maybe this wasn’t the best time to continue with it, so he answered, “I’ve been doing pretty well since I’ve been home.  I’ve put on a little weight.  I was rather thin when I got back.  We haven’t heard from Ben for a while, but I know he’ll be returning any day now.” 
     
         “I’m so glad.”  Miranda declared, smiling.  “Cassie sure has missed him.  She’s turned into quite the young lady.  He won’t recognize her.  She’s eighteen years old now.  It’s so hard to believe, and she’s been faithful in her promise to Ben, that she would wait for him.  As many young men have tried to get Cassie’s attention, but she would have none of it.  I think Ben will be a very lucky man.”
     
         “I have no doubt of it.”  He agreed.  “If she’s even half as lovely as her sister, I envy him myself.”
     
         Miranda blushed.  “Oh Alec, you shouldn’t say such things.  By the way, have you met any ladies who have struck your fancy?”
     
         “No, I can’t say that I have.”  He shook his head, looking hurt.  “Once you’ve found the best, all the rest just doesn’t seem to measure up.”
     
         Miranda knew he was talking about her, but she tried not to show it, so she continued.  “What about Emily?  Have you seen her since you’ve been back?”
     
         “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.  She asked me to write to her while I was away, and we’ve been writing back and forth ever since.  We’ve seen each other off and on ever since I returned.”
     
         Miranda’s face lit up as she exclaimed excitedly, “Oh Alec, that’s wonderful!  Does this mean what I think it means?”
     
         “Now wait a minute, Miranda!”  He exclaimed.  “I only think of Emily as a friend, nothing else.”
     
         She realized she had hurt him, but she had so been hoping that he would have fallen for Emily and forgotten about her, but she could now see that he hadn’t.  She didn’t know what to say.  “I’m sorry, Alec,” she apologized.  “I didn’t mean to hurt you.  I was just hoping for your happiness, that’s all.”
     
         He nodded and looked lovingly into her eyes.  “I know that Miranda, but just as you know who you love, I know who I love.  It’s just not that easy to stop loving someone.”
     
         “I know,” she agreed.
     
         Neither spoke for a while.  Finally Alec said, “Well, I’d better be leaving.  Pa’s expecting me to help with the chores.”
     
         She arose from her chair and walked him to the door.
     
        As they reached it, he turned and looked into her dark eyes. Sadness radiated from them, as he pulled her to him, hugging her close. He ran one hand over her upswept hair, and softly spoke as he pulled away and looked at her once more, “If there’s anything you need, just let me know, alright?”
     
         She smiled, and answered, “I will,” then watched him as he turned and walked away.

Chapter VI
     
         One week later, Ben returned home, quite bedraggled, and very much excited to see Cassandra.  It had been over four years since he had last seen her, and Cassie was a woman now.  He wondered what she looked like.  Would she still want and love him, like she used to?  It had been so long.  It had been two days since he had returned, and he still hadn’t visited her, for he had been far too nervous, but the time had come and he couldn’t wait any longer.  So,