The Ring.

By Mary McLoughlin.


The invitation dropped through the letterbox. She knew it was an invitation; her Granddaughter had phoned her last night to say it would be arriving. Elsie sat down and opened it. Her Granddaughter was coming round later; she wanted to discuss her Wedding with her. She was looking forward to it. She made herself a cup of tea and sat down to reminisce on her own Wedding Day, which was over fifty-five years ago, and only she remembered what happened on her wedding day at the service in her local church.

The Sun had shone brightly on that day over fifty-five years ago. She looked beautiful in her white silk wedding dress, her long veil nearly touched the floor and covered her face, and it was secured with a tiara. She left for the church on her father’s arm, he told her she was his princess, and he was so proud of her.


John her fiancé had come to see her last night, she had asked him to bring   her Wedding ring, he had bought this for her, and she had not seen it, she took it from the box and looked at it, he said: ” Please do not try it on it is bad luck, you can wear it forever after tomorrow.” She laughed at him, put her hand into her pocket, and then put the ring back into its box. “You are so superstitious, John, but I will not wear it until tomorrow, if that's what you want.”


The Ceremony was lovely; she just held her breath for a moment and closed her eyes just before John placed the ring on her finger. It was done, she felt relieved, and then John lifted her veil and kissed her, they were now husband and Wife.

They had been happy and had two children, and then three grandchildren, and they had reached their Golden Wedding. John passed away two years later. She missed him so much, but had her precious memories of him and the times they had shared; she had now lived alone for three years. She touched her Wedding ring and made a secret little smile.


It was early evening, and the doorbell rang. Her little dog Charlie started to bark, she told him to stop barking, it was only her granddaughter Lisa and Craig, her fiancé. She let them in and made them a cup of tea. Lisa hugged her and said she wanted to talk to her about her wedding, which was taking place in four weeks. Craig also hugged her and told her he was pleased that she would be able to come to the Wedding, which would take place in his hometown in Wales. This was because his mother could not travel due to her being confined to a wheelchair because of her chronic arthritis.


Elsie told them both she would not miss it for the world and asked how his mother was. He told her she was all right, but travelling up to Scotland for the wedding would be too much, so everyone was going to go to Wales on a coach which Lisa’s father had organised. Elsie said, “I am looking forward to it, visiting Wales and seeing my only granddaughter married to the man she loves, it will be wonderful.


Lisa told her that her dress had arrived, and it fit perfectly, but she was not going to tell anyone what it was like; only her mum knew, as she had helped her pick it. Craig then told her she would look lovely in anything she wore.

Lisa asked her if she had sorted out her outfit for the wedding. Elsie told her it was all in hand and she would not clash with her daughter or Craig’s mother; she had found out what colours they were wearing and then avoided these.


Elsie was very smart for her seventy-eight years and kept herself active doing Yoga and aqua exercises each week. Lisa said the arrangements are all finalised, the only thing we have not done yet is buy a ring. Craig wanted to do it yesterday, but I could not bring myself to go with him.


 I just keep remembering grandad saying to me from being small, “When you get married, Lisa, I will buy your wedding ring just like I bought your grandmother’s.” Then last night I had the strangest dream, I dreamt that Grandad said, “I have bought your ring, Lisa, ask your grandmother to give it to you.” “Don't you think that is strange, grandmother?”


Elsie looked a little shocked. Lisa asked her if she was all right,” You have gone pale looking.” Elsie replied, “I am okay. I will tell you something now that I thought nobody else would know, but perhaps I was wrong, and John knew all along. “What is it?” asked Lisa.


 Elsie told them both that she was very fond of both her grandparents, and her grandmother had a beautiful wedding ring, which she always told her that she wanted her to have when she passed away. Elsie said, “It was a beautiful ring, and she would let me try it on, and when I got older, it fitted me perfectly. My grandmother, Ada, died three months before my wedding. My grandfather gave me the ring and asked if I would keep it and have it on my wedding day. It meant so much to him.”


“John your grandfather had bought my wedding ring, before I could tell him of my grandfather’s wish and he was so pleased with it, he brought it round the night before our wedding and would not let me try it on, I did not want him to be upset, so I asked him if I could look at it, I then put my hand in my pocket and swapped the rings.”


Elsie then showed them her wedding ring that had belonged to her grandmother, it was still incredibly beautiful, and she said; "the truth is Lisa, I have never worn the ring your grandfather bought me, she went to her bedroom, opened the drawer, and brought the boxed ring out, It was quite similar to the one she wore, but not identical, she gave it to Lisa who tried it on her finger it fit her perfectly and she loved it. “So, you see, your grandfather has bought you your wedding ring.”

 

The End.