Running with Lola

"Grandma, I want to hear the story of Harry and Lola!" announces Milly as she bounds through the french doors, leaving them frantically swinging behind her. Harriett looks affectionately down at her granddaughter. Milly's glowing green eyes gaze eagerly into her own. "Well hello there my Milly. I'm very happy to see you on this glorious Wednesday." Harriett feels warm as Milly's contagious excitement fills her. "Mummy is late again, she wants us to wave at the window." says Milly, accompanied by an exaggerated eye roll. As they wave from the bay window, pushing aside the crisp white curtains, Harriett smiles at her oldest daughter Vivienne, with unquestionable pride. "Dr Vivienne Stone, you really can do it all." Harriett thinks out aloud. "Come sit my child, and don't forget the woven shawl to keep you warm."

As they make their way to the day bed, topped with an assortment of fluffy cushions, Harriett catches her reflection in the mirror. No longer shocked by the lines of tails, written over her face, she knows her time here is nearly over. She pulls Milly close as they loudly giggle and fall back into the enveloping softness and lay looking up into the crystal chandelier above, just like they have, every other Wednesday. With the glistening lights upon them, the scene is perfectly set. "Now, just like any great story, it all started with a grand ball." begins Hariett.

The sound of the orchestra, though undeniably beautiful, with its sweet sailing notes filling the air, was not nearly as loud as Harry would have liked, for he could still hear the drill tones of his father, the town's Minister, conversing with Professor Wilkins. Yes, hammering away at each other, their conversation becoming louder, Harry can't bear to listen to another word. They are arranging the marriage of Harry with the professor's second-born child. Harry, with fox-like sleekness, slips away unnoticed. He meekly glides along the perimeter of the dance floor, admiring the women and their gentle hands, rolling through the air with the elegant flow of their dresses following. The men place a hand modestly on the curve of their partners back, as they stand bold, proud and tall. The laughter and joy saturate the room. "What a fine day for everyone." Harry says to himself, removing the thoughts of his father and his future being determined. "The very best." whispers a soft, gentle voice behind him.

Harry feels her breath on his neck. The hair on his arms stand to attention, sending a lightning shiver rushing through him. He turns to see a flow of warm chestnut hair racing toward the grand piano, and she pauses, slowly sitting gracefully. Her slender fingers begin to dance delicately along the keys as the orchestra and guests quieten. She plays Beethoven "Moonlight Sonata" with such ease that all present watch eagerly, captivated by her magic.

Harry has heard of her. It is Lola. The town regularly gossiping about her ravishing beauty and accompanying piano skills. Destined for great things they would all agree. The hall bursts into applause, pulling Harry from thought. Lily turns and curtsies, smiling brightly at everyone. As the dancing enthusiastically resumes, Harry and Lola edge closer together, wading through the crowd, drawn together by their powerful energy. Harry's heart now beating through his chest, vibrating through his body, his eyes are fixed on Lily's perfect porcelain skin and her vibrant hazel eyes. He is mesmerised, never had he seen such beauty.

Standing together, their breath warm against each other's faces, time is at a standstill. Their lips gently touch. But just like a soft rose petal falling away from their bud, they pull away, realising what they were doing and knowing they mustn't. "Run with me!" Lola whispers, grabbing Harry by the hand and then she is off. Zig zagging through the field of people they burst out into the open lawn. Together they run, hand in hand, frolicking through the grass and trees, laughing and chattering and stopping frequently to hold each other, sharing moments locked together.

Hours had passed, as the moon edged across the night sky, feeling only like minutes for the two of them. Lola pulls Harry eagerly toward the barnyard. They joyously collapse into the barnyard haystack. Tangled in each other's embrace and draped with Lola's woven shawl, they stare up into the night through the battered thatch roof. Bathing in the starry sky, they soak up every second, wishing this moment would never end. It is only the barn owl watching over them, who will ever witness their love. A love so beautiful, so passionate and pure. A love so forbidden.

Harry and Lola hear the booming voice of Harry's father calling him in the distance. Lola grabs Harry by the hand, urgency floods over them as they lock eyes. They know their love can never ever be. This is it. "Run Harry, you have to go. I'll never forget you. This is the best night of my life and I love you. Take my shawl and know I will think of you every day. Now run Harry. Run wild Harry. Do all the things you have ever dreamed of. Never stop. And think of me! I'll be running too!" As Harry began to run, his frantic breath knowing he must return to his father with much haste, he turns for a final look, to cast his eyes over her beauty. To see her smile just one more time. But just like that, Lola had vanished. Forever.

"And that my darling Milly is the end of the story." sighs Harriett, pulling Milly firmer into her embrace. "It is so sad Grandma, they should be together forever." Milly states matter of factly. Harriett strokes her granddaughter's hair, gently nodding in agreeance. "We meet a lot of special people in our lives my Milly, not just one, but many. And they will all be very special, in their own way, we just have to treasure our moments with them, those moments live forever." Milly sits and faces her grandmother "I am so glad Harry and Lola had their night together, I think they are very lucky Grandma." Milly jumps up from the day bed and Harriett is left deeply pondering the many people she has met along her long path and the array of magical experiences. As Milly begins to walk away she pauses momentarily, lingering in deep thought. She takes a deep breath and slowly turns towards Harriett with a cheeky smile. "And you know what else Grandma? Harry reminds me of YOU!" She giggles and scampers out of the room leaving Harriett alone. A tear forms in the corner of her eye and she forces her eyes closed, tightly gripping the shawl. "Yes, he does my darling. Yes, he does."