Inseparable

Anastasia: Part Five

                        


Gabriel

The evening unfolded like a classic tale, brimming with warmth and laughter. I found joy in simple pleasures, sleeves rolled up, assisting with dishes after savoring May's and Alma's culinary masterpieces.
Around the table, Alma's little brother embodied the curiosity of youth, asking more questions than any of us could keep up with, reminding me of life's wonders of the unknown. Even now, at 590 years old, I still have many unanswered questions.

The night unveiled layers of personalities within John that he usually kept private; he was full of funny stories about the girls he shared, even against their pleas not to divulge embarrassing stories. John told us feats of strength by a single mother, acknowledging May's indomitable spirit. He even told us an amusing tale of growing up and how people thought Charles was his father. One of the funny stories he shares is how he overheard two old, white ladies whispering as they looked from May to John and then to Charles; he said they clucked like a bunch of hens as they gossiped about how that red hair was a strong trait and that I couldn't possibly be his child. They wondered if the poor, dimwitted man even knew. I then told Charles what the women had said. Charles walked up to the old bitties at this outdoor bistro table where the two hens sat, leaned over, and whispered:

"If you really want to know... his father and I are lovers; we just need the woman to have the child."

John told us how the woman gasped and the other clutched her chest, and in horror, Charles took John's hand and said, "Come on, son, father's waiting for us."

Everyone laughed at this tale; I did as well, but it made me admire Ana's father even more. John told us how he and Alma met and how he had been persistently trying to court her since they were teens. Alma told us in a very joking manner that he was still trying but not very successful.

Dove's entrance marked the beginning of a particular magical evening. Dove is already a very tall young lady, and wearing a shoe with a heel, she was close to 6 feet. She looked absolutely lovely in a yellow taffeta dress. I saw the resemblance she and John shared with their mother, May.

As Ana entered the dining room, her vision was indescribable. Her beauty made the moon jealous, for even its radiant glow couldn't match the luminosity she carried within. It was a brilliance that seamlessly spilled into her outward appearance, painting her presence with an ethereal glow that captivated my heart. In an emerald green silk dress, the gown had two delicate straps across her shoulders, with half sleeves that gracefully revealed her bare shoulders. A slight dip at her chest, an empire waistline accentuating her delicate figure while showing all her curves, and a flowing ruffle along the side exposed a silky underlayer.

I found out later that her dress was the newest fashion from France. Ana is naturally beautiful and looked glorious tonight. A touch of makeup highlighted her cheeks and brought out her mesmerizing beauty. What captivated me the most were her eyes: big, bright, green eyes—the same eyes that made me feel like we were meant to be from the moment I first saw them. She was a vision of beauty. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only Ana and my profound connection with her. That same feeling I've felt nonstop since she entered my office. A magnetism that pulled us together so forcefully that only death could separate us.

Every step closer to the table intensified the emotions within me. As we held hands, the touch of her fingers sent a comforting warmth through my entire being. Pulling out of her chair, I couldn't help but marvel at how the simple act held significance far beyond its apparent simplicity.
The soft glow of candlelight danced across the table, creating an intimate atmosphere that heightened the anticipation of the night's celebration.

The conversation flowed effortlessly during dinner. Charles, with his unique sense of humor, told lots of jokes, filling the room with laughter. In the glow of the dinner candles and the moon shining through the large bay window, laughter echoed through the room. Dove and Ana shared a nostalgic moment. Reminiscing about their childhood escapades, Dove vividly depicted their mischievous adventures together. Tales of secret hideouts, daring pranks, and the shared joy of innocent laughter unfolded, creating a charming backdrop for the night. It added lightness to the special occasion. The clinking of glasses and the taste of wine enhanced the camaraderie around the table.
As the evening progressed, I mustered the courage for a daring act—the first in my 590 years of existence.