When Darkness Breaks

by Traci Sanders

  “Impressive. What was it about? Anything I would have read?” he asked with a teasing smile.

  “Not likely,” I said with a chuckle. It was a fantasy romance titled ‘Beyond the Stars.’ ”

  “Yeah, that doesn’t sound like something I would have had laying around the barracks,” he replied with a hearty laugh.

  Our conversations got deeper over the next few months. I learned everything there was to know about him.

  Even more, I told him everything there was to know about me. Something about him made me convince my heart that it was safe with Harley.

  He would never abandon me.

  He was different.

  He was the one.

  * * * * * * * * *

  I place the picture back on the wall and shuffle to the right to view the next one. It shows Harley and me standing on stage in a side embrace. I’m showing off my princess-cut diamond ring.

  He’d just proposed, and to my own surprise, I said yes. That night unfolds in my head for a moment. I can almost hear the music playing in the background at the Mango Tango club where we first met.

  * * * * * * * * *

  I cheered along with the crowd when he took the stage and belted out his rendition of “Shameless’’ by Garth Brooks. God help him, he loved to sing.

  When the song ended, he dropped to one knee and informed the audience that he had a little announcement to make. His eyes met mine and it was as if there was no one but the two of us in that crowded room. My breath abandoned my body when I heard his words:

  Jewel,

  I’ve gone through my entire life not knowing the love of parents or siblings, and feeling as if I never really belonged anywhere. But that all changed when I met you. You have shown me more love than I could have ever imagined possible.

  You’ve become my best friend, my lover, my safe haven. I would give my last breath of life to keep you safe and keep that light shining in your eyes that guides my heart. You bring out the best in me and make me want to be a better man. I finally know my place in this world—it’s right here by your side. Please do me the honor of becoming my wife and allowing me the chance to show you every day for the rest of my life just how special you are to me. Will you marry me?

  My hands shook and mascara-tinged tears soaked my face. I joined him on stage with a kiss and a resounding “Yes!” as his trembling hands slid the ring onto my finger. The whole building roared with applause and whistles. The club owner took our picture and even gave us a copy. We later found out that he hung it on the wall in the club. It was an unforgettable night.

  * * * * * * * * *

  My tears flow without mercy now as I hug the picture for a moment then hang it back on the wall to take down another one—our wedding day. It was just as wonderful as I’d always imagined it as a little girl. That memory slides to the forefront of my mind for a moment.

  * * * * * * * * *

  White chairs were lined in neat rows, covered with white linens and purple sashes tied to the backs. It was an elegant scene.

  My mom waited with me in the bridal dressing room while Chelsea and Gretchen finished some last-minute decorating outside. I was pacing and biting my nails, almost ready to call the whole thing off.

  “Honey, are you okay?” she asked as she offered some last-minute hair fluffing.

  “I don’t know, Mom. I’ve never been married before. What if it doesn’t work out?”

  She shooed away the remark with a wave of her hand. “Why would you say such a thing? Of course it’s going to work out. It’s normal to be nervous on your wedding day. But don’t worry, you and Harley are meant for each other.”

  I turned and looked my mother in the eyes. “Yeah, I thought you and Dad were ‘meant for each other’ too, but look how that turned out.”

  “Jewel, that was different. You and Harley are not your father and I.” She paused for a moment and swiped a tear that threatened to leave the corner of her eye, and then straitened her posture to reinforce the validity of her next statement. “We were young and right out of high school. Getting married just seemed like the next logical step. Your father and I never dated anyone else. You’re thirty years old and you’ve dated a lot of men.”

  “I’m just saying, honey, you and Harley dated other people before you met. You took the time to get to know one another, and you both established your careers early in life. The timing is perfect for the two of you.”

  I sat and expelled a heavy breath. She took a place beside me, used a half-bent finger to turn my eyes toward hers and said “Honey, don’t punish Harley because of your feelings toward your dad. He loves you.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I hope Dan makes you as happy as Harley makes me.”

  Mom had recently met Dan at a Parents Without Partners dance she’d been dragged to by one of her colleagues. I’d noticed a light in her eyes that I’d not seen before.

  She hesitated before releasing her next words. They must have been held in her heart for a long time. “He looks at me with such desire and affection. Your father never looked at me that way.”

  My mouth was agape. “Mom!” Then I laughed and said, “Well, I know of at least one time that he must have looked at you that way, because I’m standing here.”

  We both laughed at that, and it released the butterflies I’d been holding captive in my stomach the entire day. I was ready to get married.

  * * * * * * * * *

  My father walked me down the aisle. It was the first time I could remember ever having his undivided attention. His new wife Susan sat in a chair toward the front. He was the first to remarry after the divorce and I kind of blamed Susan for ‘stealing’ my father in the beginning. Of course, I grew up and realized that things didn’t exactly happen the way I’d conjured them up in my mind. My parents assured me their split was mutual.

  Since Harley was a Second Lieutenant, the ceremony was true-to-form military style with all the elaborate traditions. It was held in an open field near the base. My dress was gorgeous, capped-sleeved, satin, with a sweetheart neckline and flowy bodice. I carried a bouquet of purple and white roses. My veil was a simple circular flower arrangement with traditional tulle that cascaded down my back.

  I was enamored to learn that the passage through the ‘arch of steel’, presented by his fellow military buddies, was meant to ensure our safe transition into our new life together.

  The reception wasn’t quite as elaborate, but was perfect for us. We serenaded our guests with our notorious rendition of “I Got You Babe” to commemorate the day.

  At last the night ended and we said our “thank-yous” and “goodbyes” then made our escape to Port Canaveral to board the Lady of the Seas cruise ship, destined for the Bahamas for the next seven days.

  * * * * * * * * *

  I hang the picture back on the wall and continue to stand there looking at all the others in our collection. There’s one of us on the cruise ship, another with us snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas.

  The one thing I made sure to do when we moved in was create an ‘Our Story’ wall, an idea I’d seen on Pinterest. I knew I wanted to have one in my own home someday.

  I just never imagined our story would have ended so soon.

  CHAPTER THREE

  It’s amazing how much one can miss taking care of another person. There’s no extra laundry to be done, no dirty dishes to wash.

  His clothes hang in perfect rows in the closet, his toothbrush sits dry and unpasted in its holder. I asked him three times if he’d packed it. Not that he needs it now.

  Cruel reminders are everywhere that he’s never coming back for these things, that he’s never going to need them again. The joy and laughter that once filled our room mocks me now. What’s there to look forward to anymore?

  I curl up in a ball under the covers and breathe in what little of him remains on his pillow. Behind my tear-soaked eyes lurks a memory of our last day to
gether when he was alive. It had started out as the perfect day.

  * * * * * * * * *

  Harley slept in as I tiptoed downstairs to make breakfast. In moments, the house was infused with the scent of bacon, eggs, French toast, and coffee. I enjoyed my food out on the back porch watching the waves caress the shore. I finished my meal, placed some fresh fruit in a bowl on the side, and carried the tray upstairs. He blinked his sleepy eyes when he saw me. His smile was intoxicating.

  “Mmm, looks delicious.” He sat up in bed with arms folded behind his head.

  “Well, after last night, I figured you could use a little refueling.” I offered him a dirty smile.

  “The food looks good too.” He returned my gesture, took the tray from my hands and sat it on the dresser. Then he grabbed me by the waist, and threw me onto the bed.

  I squealed and squirmed around in hopes of escaping his strong fingers that were torturing my ribs. “No, stop! I hate to be tickled!”

  “Ooohhh, let’s find out if I can make you pee your pants,” he teased, and continued to find other reactive areas.

  Finally, I made my counterattack and managed to grab the bulging stones between his legs. I squeezed until the power in his fingers diminished and he surrendered.

  “Ha, looks like I’m not the only ticklish one.” I threw him a victorious smile, released his genitals, and fell onto my back.

  He gently rolled on top of me and stared into my blue eyes. His soft fingers brushed through strands of my hair. “I love you, Jewel. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to get to wake up to you every day for the rest of my life. Thank you for marrying me and making me the happiest man alive.”

  “I love you too, Harley. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I’m proud to be your wife.”

  We locked lips, barely allowing a breath to escape. His hands began to wander and just as they reached my belly button, the phone rang.

  Our passionate moment was replaced by silence as he answered it.

  “This is Harley.” He shooed me away from him and whispered ‘’go away” with a smile, then, “No, Sir. Not you, Sir.”

  My husband’s eyes adopted a gloomy appearance and he turned away to finish the conversation. I heard the words, “Yes sir, I will be there.” And then a click.

  Knots formed in my stomach and my breakfast threatened to reappear. I closed my eyes hard and the only sound I heard was the echo of my pounding pulse. I knew this time would come eventually, but didn’t expect it to happen so soon. No, no, no. It wasn’t fair. We’d just returned from our honeymoon, hadn’t even had our first fight as a married couple.

  He’d hung up the phone, almost in slow motion and sat on the bed without a word; his head hung low, his breath heavy. He turned to face me and took both of my shaking hands in his.

  “That was my commander. He said we pull out at 0600.”

  Tears pooled in his eyes. I’d never actually seen him cry and I wasn’t sure how I would react if I did. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to contain my own emotions, so I forced myself to play my part the same way I did when my parents told me they were divorcing. I shut down. My arms pulled away from his and I began to pack his things as I rambled.

  “So what all do you need to take? Will it be hot there?”

  I grabbed a few t-shirts and pairs of boxers. “How many pairs of socks do you think you’ll need?”

  I wanted to die inside with each piece I placed inside his duffle bag. My stride was broken for a moment as I paused to inhale the scent of one of his t-shirts. My body shuddered and tears streamed down my face. I wasn’t able to fake it as well with him.

  Harley wrapped both of his arms around my waist and placed soft kisses on the back of my neck.

  “Jewel, honey. Look at me.”

  I restored my brave face and turned around with my eyes trained on his—determined not to let him see my tears. His muscles bulged against my skin with tension and he embraced me as if he never wanted to let go.

  “It’s going to be okay. We can get through this.”

  “I know. I’ll be fine,” I said, lying so easily.

  Knowing that it might be quite some time before we would have the chance again, we finally rediscovered the mood and made love one last time. It was soft and sweet, the perfect way to say goodbye. Our bodies stayed pressed tight together for the rest of the night. I finally found rest, listening to the beat of his broken heart, because mine was playing the same tune.

  The break of dawn illuminated the path as I drove Harley to the base. His head leaned against the passenger window, his eyes fixed on nothing particular as signs and trees whizzed by. I could tell he was torn between staying with me and doing the right thing, even though there was no choice to be made.

  Almost in slow motion, we unloaded his things from the car and embraced, surrounded by the other military men and women who bid their own farewells to their loved ones.

  The pain in my chest was unbearable. I tried to swallow the lump that had formed at the back of my throat as the last few servicemen had boarded.

  Harley brushed a half-bent finger along my cheek. “Remember the sign, sweetheart. I’ll always be with you.”

  His voice was soft and empathetic, as he placed tiny kisses upon my hand. The plane engine roared a signal that takeoff was imminent. He pulled me to him and covered my mouth with his, and time stood still. Our tongues entwined as our wet lips slid across one another at a fierce, desperate pace. I’m not sure if either of us even breathed for the duration of that kiss. We shared a long, final embrace and then he joined his comrades.

  I waited until the plane was but a dot in the sky to release my pain. Hot, stinging tears drenched my cheeks and became waterfalls within seconds. The other military spouses around me inquired if I needed anything. When I declined, they offered a supportive hand on my shoulder and gathered their children to head back home to continue living life the only way they knew how. Alone.

  It took a few minutes to compose myself. I sat in the car, unable to move, unsure of what to do next. All of my actions and decisions had been guided by the strong and loving presence of Harley for the past year. Not that he was controlling, I just preferred to be with him more than anyone. He was gone … and I was lost. The ache in my chest was so violent I thought my lungs were going to explode.

  At last, I wiped my warm face with my hands and turned the key to drive home, the home I was supposed to share with my husband.

  * * * * * * * * *

  If only I had known that would be our last moment together. I would have kissed him longer. I would have never let him go.

  I remember coming back to this house and not wanting to face my first night alone, so I invited Gretchen and Chelsea to sleep over that night. We hadn’t spent any time together since I’d returned from my honeymoon, and I figured some girl time would be good for me.

  Our evening began with me giving them the tour of the house.

  * * * * * * * * *

  “Wow, it turned out really nice, Jules! The colors he chose are gorgeous,” Chelsea said.

  “Right, like you two didn’t have a huge hand in this.” I squinted at both of them.

  “Well, we did move in some of your stuff from your old apartment and set up while you two were on your honeymoon, but Harley was adamant about choosing the colors and décor for the house. He was quite involved in the whole process,” Gretchen said.

  “Yeah, you got a good one there, Jules.” Chelsea added, with an envious smile.

  I spun my engagement ring around to line up the diamonds with the wedding band. Yes I do, I thought to myself.

  I hugged them both and said, “Thanks, girls. You two are the best. I appreciate everything you did at the wedding and helping make my new home so perfect, even if I never said it.”

  “We love you, Jules,” Chelsea replied. She brushed a bleached blonde curl from her flawless, made-up face.

  “Yeah, we’re happy
for you and Harley,” Gretchen added.

  “I’m starved. How about Chinese?” Chelsea offered.

  “Sounds good. I’ll put on a movie,” I replied.

  I ordered “The Fault in Our Stars’’ on my DVR and we all made preparations to settle in for a few hours.

  Chelsea removed her hot pink Dolce & Gabbana pumps and set them to the side of the couch. Then her five-foot-nine Barbie frame with flawless blonde locks disappeared into the downstairs guest room to change out of her business attire.

  Gretchen released her reddish-brown bun and ran her fingers through her hair as her just-shy-of-five-foot frame carried her to the bathroom to change.

  Once we were all in our PJs, we noshed on eggrolls and wine, and laughed and cried throughout the movie. It didn’t take long for me to regret having chosen a sappy love story because I was missing Harley more than ever by that point.

  Afterward, we stayed up a little longer and talked, mostly about our college days.

  “Yeah, Jules, you’ve got a good man with that Harley.” Her words were slurred due to the massive amounts of wine we’d consumed by then. “You haven’t always been lucky in the man department.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I said, letting out a giggle. The alcohol had reached me, too.

  “Do you remember that guy you dated our junior year?” Chelsea asked. “What was his name? Scott, Todd, something like that.” She snapped her thumb and finger together, as if that would trigger the correct name.

  “His name was Tadd, thank you very much,” I replied. “Why, what was wrong with Tadd?”

  Both girls burst into boisterous laughter.

  “Remember he wrote you that love song and sang it to you outside our dorm window that night?”

  “Yeah. What about it? I thought it was sweet,” I replied.

  “Disgustingly sweet. That’s what drove you crazy about him, remember?” Gretchen said. “How did that song go again?”

  I shared the song with my friends.

  Jewel, my Jewel

  I’d be such a fool

  If I ever let you go

  I’d die, I just know.

  “Now that I’ve recited it out loud, I see what you mean. That was pretty bad.” I joined them in laughter.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever dated a guy who could sing in key,” I said. “Good thing they have other talents.”