Sterling Chase with Elise Chase March 23,
2014 *Gently
handling the old photo album as he walked down the corridor to the quarters
where he would find Elise
and Tegan.
A number of mixed emotions and memories ran through his head as he reached out
to knock at the door* Evening Elise. I was just going through a box of outdated
combat gear, looking for pieces for Carys when I came
across a smaller box containing Chase family memories. *Smiling as he holds out
the book* Thought you might like to have this one.
Elise Chase *Opening the door with a small amount of surprise when Sterling indicates he has something for her. She looks at the leather bound book in his hands, recognizing the age of it, the book stirring memories of his mother and father.* Me?
Sterling Chase *Nodding
his head as he watched the curiosity dance in the beautiful violet eyes that
once tortured him, but now felt more like family than ever* Yes, you. My mother
was an artist with the camera. Guess she had found a subject she really liked
in you.
Elise Chase *Mimicking
her mate, she arched her brow as she took the book from Sterling and
motioned for him to come inside.* That part of technology captured her for
sure. She would have loved the digital movement. Are you sure you want me to
have this? *Tracing the lettering on the front cover, she hesitated to open it
at first.*
Sterling Chase *Cutting
a glance at how gently and lovingly she stroked the book* Yes. Just open the
cover. See for yourself.
Elise Chase *She
slowly sat on the couch and placed the album on her knees. Unlocking the old
latch, she turned to the first page and let out a small gasp. There in black
and white was a photo of herself as a child she had never seen before. It must
have been right after she had come to live at the Chase Darkhaven. The next
photo was her first cotillion. And August...she gently ran a finger along his
image walking with her.* I never knew she took these. How did you find them
again?
Sterling Chase *Taking
a steadying breath as the pages colored his own memories* I was going through a
box of old combat gear from the Agency. Carys is learning self defense and I wanted to give her some practice gear. A second box was buried at the bottom filled with different photo albums and this was one of them. *Awkwardly running a hand through his hair* It wasn't meant to bring painful memories *hesitating* just beautiful ones. Tavia takes
very good care of our belongings so the albums remained in perfect condition.
Elise Chase *Nodding,
she brushed a tear away she had been unaware that had fallen.* Oh, Sterling, they are beautiful memories. I just thought...there were no actual evidence of these things. I love it but I am also a little overwhelmed at remembering everything. Your parents were also mine. They raised me too. August and your mother were very influential on me and who I became.
Sterling Chase You
turned out perfect, Elise. *Glancing back at the book as it rested tenderly in her
hands* I understand being overwhelmed. Take all the time with it that you need.
The book belongs to you, as do the memories it contains. You are enough to make
any family proud, it is right that you have something to remind you of that
always. I know Tegan would agree in that.
Elise Chase *Looking
up from the album, she tilted her head to the side.* We both got our happy ever
afters, didn't we? I can't thank you enough, Sterling. I want to savor each of these pictures and mayhap even talk about your parents with Micah, Aric,
and Carys. It was such a different world then and I would like them to know that.
Sterling Chase *Letting his features relax to a full fledged smile* For ever, and ever. No need for thanks, Elise, this is the way it should be. I look forward to hearing from you about sharing with the kids. There's a lot to learn from a trip to the past and I think it's a great idea. Tell Tegan I send my greetings. *Giving one last chuckle
before heading back to his beloved Tavia*
Mom always did take the most beautiful pictures, Elise, but in this case, her
subject out-shined the photos. Enjoy the rest of your evening.
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Elise Chase *She watched as he walked out the door, his gift still tenderly held in her hands. She could not believe that these had never been discovered before but there was a time and reason for all things. Gingerly turning the page in the album after he closed the door, she smiled as she saw a picture of her after learning how to drive. She had forgotten how much trouble that old convertible had caused. Laughing, she thought about how these memories were going to be inspiring.*
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