The Great War || Elijah Mikaelson

xvi. Searching in the Dark

Summer 1943– New York City, New York

The heat of the city was enough to drive anyone to the country for the summer. However, Margaret's mother had other plans for how she would spend her summer. Namely marrying a wealthy man from a prestigious family. At only seventeen years old, this was not something Margaret spent much time dwelling on. She had no desire to marry. And especially not to some stuffy upper-crust, older man. Yet, with the war still raging, she began to feel the pressure of what it would mean to her family if she did not marry.

She had spent her short life quite lavishly. Always in the newest fashions and summering in the trendiest locals. The war was threatening to end all of that. Although much of that was alleviated by Margaret's parents having the forethought to be born wealthy.

Margaret and Lucille continued their stroll down the quiet path, giggling as two naval officers in their pristine white uniforms tipped their hats to the young ladies.

"Will you have yourself an officer?" Margaret nudged her friend with a quiet laugh. "They seemed quite smitten."

"Quiet, you," the brunette hushed her, pulling her away before she had any notion of speaking with the officers. "They are likely shipping off shortly and will not return for a long while."

"Sounds like the perfect husband to me," she gave her friend a devious smirk and Lucille laughed. Lucille always laughed, even at Margaret's more sinister quips.

"If it were up to you, you would become an old spinster and live on the beach on your own." Lucille attempted to continue their stroll, but Margaret had come to a stop in the shadows.

"Not on my own," her hand slid down Lucille's arm to grasp her hand. "You would be there."

Whether it was the tall trees that provided coverage from any onlookers or the intent gaze Margaret was giving her, Lucille began to feel stifled.

"Margaret, we cannot," she attempted to pull her hand back but her friend did not relent. "If someone should see us."

She trailed off as Margaret brought her hand to her bosom, cupping it in both of hers over her heart. "Then let them see us."

"That's easy for you to say," Lucille's voice went up an octave and she glanced around to ensure she hadn't attracted any attention. "Your family will protect you from any wayward rumors. You know very well that I do not have that luxury."

And she did know. The friends had met at a factory where Lucille worked to earn extra money for her family since her brothers had been shipped off in the war. While Margaret was present partly as a volunteer to aid the war efforts, but mainly to vex her mother at the thought of her daughter doing any type of manual labor.

And while she knew her friend did not mean to offend, Margaret couldn't help the flare of emotions that coursed through her.

"Yes and my life is so easy," she snapped at her friend but finally released her hand. "My mother is attempting to trade me as if I was nothing more than cattle to whichever sleazy man offers her the best price."