"Ringless"

The case still had dust on it. The old flute had been on a high shelf in the closet until June’s counselor suggested a hobby might distract her from the grief. When she saw the ad for a community band that was starting up, she knew this was the way she wanted to go.

She stepped into the auditorium and saw a diverse group of musicians, every age, every size, every color. How wonderful that music could bring all these strangers together.

But one man wasn’t a stranger at all. His face was all too familiar. It was a face that dwelled in her dreams as a teenager. A face now weathered but, if possible, even more handsome. Andrew’s face.

June kept her distance. It didn’t work out then and it wouldn’t work out now. That ship had sailed.

Music was passed out and rehearsal began. Andrew would be at the back of the group. She couldn’t see him, but every cymbal crash, every bass drum hit, she thought of him. She remembered how he used to make up the parts when he lost the music. He’d get in so much trouble.

          Rehearsal ended and June felt so fulfilled. It was just like old times. Her playing was a little rusty, but it came back to her pretty quickly.

Before she left, she debated sneaking a glimpse at Andrew. The decision was made for her. “Hello, June.”

“Andrew. It’s good to see you.”

“Even better to see you.” He twirled his drumsticks through his fingers.

Her cheeks warmed and she lowered her eyes. Her fingers traced the outline of the latch on her flute case. “How’ve you been? It’s been a long time.”

“Yes, about twenty years, right? But being in a band and seeing you again, it feels like we never parted.”

“A lot has happened since then.” Her face fell.

Andrew cradled her jaw in his hand. “What’s the matter, June Bug?”

The old nickname made her smile. “Don went to be with the Lord. It’s been a year, but it’s still hard sometimes.”

Andrew wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. It felt good to be in a man’s arms. But what would Don think of her?

Andrew released June. “He was a lucky man to get to spend the last of his days with you.”

“I’m sorry.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to be so depressing. How about you? Are you married?”

He held up his ringless left hand. “Divorced.”

“Oh. Sorry to hear that.”

“It’s for the better. It means I’m free to take you out for coffee if you’ll let me.”

June’s lungs stopped working but her heart seemed to pump twice as hard. “You don’t want to waste your time with me.”

“It wouldn’t be a waste.” Andrew picked up her hand and held it in his. “I missed my chance with you twenty years ago and I’m not going to lose out again. God put us in this place together and you know it.”

Was it just coincidence or were they meant to find each other today? Could she let her heart feel again? “I . . . I don’t know.”

Andrew’s eyes gazed warmly into hers. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “You are just as enchanting as ever.”

“Well . . .”

“I’m not going to take no for an answer.” He started twirling his sticks in his free hand.

“I suppose a little cup of coffee couldn’t hurt.”

“That’s my June Bug.”

They walked together toward the door, Andrew whistling a march tune.


This piece was written as a submission to a magazine, but was not selected for publication. The rejection notice was actually really nice and complimented my writing. The lady said she hoped I would submit again. So...not quite a success, but the positive feedback is uplifting. I had submitted another story which was also rejected. Read it here: http://laradelliott.blogspot.com/2017/09/heart-strings.html.