Violets in bloom

Anthony Lévesque had gown up in the small town of Silver Lake. He loved that the great outdoors were only a few steps away. As a child, he had loved going fishing and swimming in one of the small bays of Silver Lake. He loved playing in the woods with his friends and having campfires on the beach with his family.

Anthony had left for university, but was instantly homesick. The only comfort he had was that he was still living in close proximity to Violet Richards. They’d been best friends since kindergarten. They kept in touch while they were both living and studying in Montréal. They would meet up to help each other study for their exams or just to grab a cup of coffee and chat.

He had missed Vi since he had come back to Silver Lake to become the town’s only lawyer. Violet had chosen to stay in Montréal and pursue her career there. They still exchanged the odd email or text message, but it wasn’t the same.

Anthony always had a special connection with Violet. As kids, they were fast friends, but as they grew older, Anthony always felt a spark when Vi was near. He had never found the courage to tell her how he felt and regretted it every day.

When he learned that Vi had come back to town, he was so elated. He wanted to rush out of his office and drive over to her house at lightning speed. But the news of her arrival was foreshadowed with that of Marigold, Vi’s sister, passing away. Anthony fell back in his chair at the news his mother had relayed to him on the phone. Mari had always been such a ray of sunshine in the community, always willing to help others. Anthony was one of few people that had known about her illness. Marigold had sworn him to secrecy months ago when she had asked him to draw up her last will and testament. He had been so torn, wanting so much to tell his friend about her sister’s condition, but the lawyer in him overruled his love for Vi.

He was devastated at the loss of Marigold. He was also feeling guilty for having concealed her illness for so long. It took him several days after learning the news to finally have the courage to go see Violet. He had a responsibility to fulfill as a lawyer, but also felt that he needed to be there for his best friend.

As soon as Violet saw him, she ran into his arms, the only place she should ever be. His guilt started to slip away with her in his arms. She always brought balance in his life, even in moments of great personal turmoil, and she had sadly lived through too many of those moments. Anthony had been there when she had lost her mother and later her father as well. Violet needed to know that she wasn’t alone, that he would always be there for her.

They hugged for a long time, Violet crying in his arms. When she collected herself a bit, he handed her a letter from Marigold. Vi refused to read it right away, so Anthony didn’t rush her. They sat up most of the night talking about their favorite childhood memories.

It had now been two weeks since Violet had lost her sister Marigold to cancer. The funeral would be taking place today. Anthony woke up early and headed to Violet’s to accompany her to the cemetery where the ceremony would be taking place. Marigold had asked for a small ceremony with only her closest friends, followed by a reception at the community center.

Violet was so brave during the ceremony. She had a stoic look, one that she had been forced to wear too many times in her life so far. Anthony couldn’t stop himself from reaching for her hand, to comfort her as much as to feel her soothing presence beside him.

After the ceremony, she looked pale and fragile. Anthony offered to bring her straight home, but Violet wanted to respect her sister’s wishes. When they arrived at the community center, he was happy to see that most of the town had turned up to celebrate Marigold’s life. Violet was passed from one person to another, receiving much needed hugs and support. It seemed to reinvigorate her, hearing so many stories of her sister’s accomplishments.

When it was finally time to leave, Violet was in somewhat better spirits, but looked exhausted. Anthony accompanied her home, wanting to make sure she was alright. When they entered the house, he noticed that the letter he had given Vi two weeks ago still lay unopened on the coffee table. Violet’s gaze followed his and her eyes welled with tears.

“I’m too scared to open it. If I do, it means that she’s really gone. I know it sounds silly…”

“No, it’s not silly at all. You were very close to your sister and it’s hard to let go. But knowing Marigold, she wrote the letter to give you some closure.”

“It’s just difficult admitting that I won’t see her again. I haven’t had the heart to touch anything of hers in the house yet. I’ve left all of her things where they were, afraid that she might come into the room any second and chastise me for moving one of the picture frames on the mantle.”

Anthony looked at the pictures and smiled. One picture in particular caught his eye. It was a picture of a matador waving a flag in front of a raging bull. He picked it up and looked quizzically at Violet.

“Marigold didn’t travel much, except that one trip to Spain. After we moved away for college, she went on a two-week trip to Spain. She didn’t talk about it much, except to say that, though Spain was a lovely country, it had nothing on Silver Lake."

Violet picked up the envelope and handed it to him.

“Could you read it to me?”

Anthony was surprised to feel a little lump in his throat and coughed to get rid of it. He took the letter in one hand and led Violet to the sofa with the other. Once they were comfortably seated, Vi snuggled up next to him, he opened the envelope. The letter inside was handwritten on several pieces of paper.

My dearest Violet,

I truly hoped you would never have to read this letter. I want to start by explaining that it was my decision to conceal my illness from you. I wanted to give you the freedom you needed to accomplish your dreams. I know that you would have come straight home to take care of me if I had told you sooner…

I have lived a beautiful and fulfilling life. I have no regrets, except for leaving you so soon.

I don’t want you to dwell on the past. We had some lovely memories that we will always cherish, but you should be enjoying the present. Live your life as best you can and please do not stay in Silver Lake because of me. You should only stay here if it feels right, not because you feel obliged to keep my memory alive...

Anthony had a hard time reading that last passage. He wanted nothing more than to convince Violet to stay here with him. But, like Marigold, he understood that it was selfish to stop her from going after her dreams.

The letter ended with a few funny memories. Marigold knew that her sister would need cheering up after reading the letter. Anthony turned to look at Violet. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, her eyes red and puffy. He pulled her closer, turning her face towards his. He slowly bent to give her a kiss on the cheek, but as he did so, Violet met him halfway and planted a kiss on his lips. It took all of his strength not to devour her mouth. All of the feelings he had repressed for so long were bubbling to the surface.

Violet pulled back slightly, a small smile quirking up her lips.

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long, but was always too afraid…”, she said, blushing.

“So was I”, he said, taking hold of her chin and placing his lips on hers again.

They kissed until both were out of breath. Anthony couldn’t believe what was happening. He had dreamed of this for so long, but reality was far sweeter than anything his mind could have conjured up. They continued to kiss and talk until three in the morning. The stress of the day must have finally caught up to her, because Violet fell asleep in Anthony’s arms. He picked her up and brought her upstairs to her bedroom. As he was about to leave, Violet begged him to stay the night with her. He gladly obliged.

Anthony didn’t sleep, preferring to watch Violet’s peaceful face as she slept. He was elated by what had transpired the evening before. Perhaps, he hoped, this was the beginning of a new chapter for Violet and himself…

Part 3 of the Silver Lake Saga coming soon...