Only Fools Walk Free - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,12

you and Samuel today?” Clarice asked.

“We are well.”

As Clarice got closer and closer as she followed the path between the decorative crypts in the cemetery, the smile fell from her face, and she stumbled to a stop. “Oh, my God!” she said breathlessly.

‘Vangeline turned and looked at Clarice again, not sure what had caused her to exclaim as she had. “Is everything alright?” ‘Vangeline asked.

“I can see him,” Clarice whispered.

Samuel stood at the gate, resting his hands against the inside of the gate, careful not to extend a finger beyond its boundaries. He smiled at her just like he used to when he’d see her hurrying toward him for one of their clandestine meetings.

“Samuel! I can see you!” she shouted, breaking into a run as her heart leapt with joy.

‘Vangeline looked back at her, then at Samuel. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!” she cried. “He’s there, right there! I can see his outline in the mists. Oh, Samuel, I can see you! You are just as I remember — so beautiful!”

She held her arm out, over the threshold and gasped when she felt the warmth of his touch on her wrist. “I can feel you! I always wondered if it was my imagination, but it’s not. I can see the outline of your hand on my wrist and feel the warmth!”

Clarice climbed up on the base of the gate and leaned over toward him, puckering her lips for him to kiss.

Samuel clasped her beautiful face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers.

Clarice closed her eyes as the warmth and love he felt for her enveloped her. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you, my Clarice. So much,” he said.

“He says he loves you, too,” ‘Vangeline told Clarice.

“I’ve brought lunch, and a book of poetry. Won’t you share my lunch?” Clarice asked ‘Vangeline.

“Thank you, Clarice, but no. I only came by for a brief visit. I’ve much to do today.”

“If you’re sure,” Clarice said, setting her picnic basket on the cement walkway beside the crypt.

“I am sure. You stay here and enjoy your time with Samuel,” ‘Vangeline said, pausing to glance over at Samuel.

Clarice knew that Samuel was speaking to ‘Vangeline. She could see his lips moving, outlined by the mists the way they were, she just couldn’t hear his voice.

“He says you should read him some of your poetry book. He loves to hear your voice. And tell him of your days since you were here last,” ‘Vangeline said.

“I will do both,” Clarice said happily, gazing at her husband. “I still can’t believe I can actually see him today!” she said happily.

‘Vangeline smiled sadly for Clarice. “He is happy that you can see him, too.” ‘Vangeline put her bonnet back on her head and tied the ribbons beneath her chin, then she slipped her gloves back on. “I’ll be on my way now. You take care, Clarice,” she said hugging the girl.

“I will, ‘Vangeline.”

‘Vangeline kissed her gloved fingertips then slipped them through the gate, where Samuel pressed his cheek to her fingertips. “I love you, Samuel. I shall return soon.”

Clarice watched as ‘Vangeline made her way out of the cemetery. She didn’t look back at the young star-crossed couple, she just kept to her path and quickly disappeared from view.

Clarice turned back to Samuel, still visible if she moved just so to get the full effect of his person moving through the mists. “Shall I read?” she asked.

Samuel gave her a brilliant smile and nodded his head dramatically so she’d see him respond.

Clarice settled in front of the crypt, mindless of the mists and fogs dampening the walkway, and by default, her skirt. She opened her book of poetry, and began to read to Samuel. They passed a lovely afternoon, chatting, reading, and just reveling in being near one another.

After that day, Clarice always made a special effort to visit Samuel each time there was heavy fog or mists in the area. And each time she was treated to the vision of her love, waiting for her, a smile on his lips. Years passed this way, but Clarice never stopped coming to spend time with Samuel.

Then came the day Clarice arrived to find ‘Vangeline standing beside the crypt, quietly weeping. Her heart thudded in her chest and she ran to ‘Vangeline, shouting out her concern before she was even close enough to speak to her. “What’s wrong? Is he gone?”

‘Vangeline looked up to see Clarice running toward her down the path that led to the crypt Samuel had been bound