Touch of an Angel

Now Ralph got really pissed. “You know what, Nora? Now I understand you never liked me. Not for who I am, if at all. You only tolerated me for Nelly’s sake, and that’s the part that hurts most.” She tried to explain but he cut her short. “It’s okay, save your breath. We can go now; you never wanted to come in the first place.” He paid their bill and made for the door without turning to see if she was following. Nora got up and followed quietly behind. He got into the car first and waited for her to enter. When she did, he started the engine but she turned it off. He looked steadily at her and shook his head in wonder. Leaning backwards, he closed his eyes. She reached out and touched him. “You’re angry with me,” she said softly. “You’ve got what you wanted, be happy,” he said, his eyes still closed. “I’m sorry,” she said sincerely. Ralph heaved a sigh of relief and sat upright, delighted that at last they could talk meaningfully now. “I love you, Nora, and you know that. Yet, you give me not the least encouragement, constantly treating me like an outcast. Is it a sin to be in love with you?” Nora was sorry and told him so again. She got fed up with everyone trying to make him seem like the perfect choice for her. She couldn’t help turning her grievance on him. Ralph was thoughtful; he liked the way her palm rested trustingly on his shoulders. She had never so much as shown him such slight affection before. “I see. But they only wish us well, nothing more. It’s the same in my family. Imagine my parents telling me they want no other daughter-in-law.” He paused and chuckled. “But that’s not why I’m sticking to you. I love you for everything you are and all I ask is that you give me a chance to win your love.” She was still. He placed his hands on her shoulders so he could look into her eyes. “You mean the world to me, Nora. I’m not about to let go, not for any reason in the world. Will you ever love me?” he asked gently. She took his hands off as gently as she could; the impact of his gaze was too much for her. “Give me some time, Ralph. Really, I don’t think all this interests me now. But please, believe me when I say I don’t have another.” He told her that he believed her, but only wondered what his fate would be when she met someone else. “I’m afraid of making any hasty commitments again. It may just turn out like the last one I made to you,” she said sincerely. “If I may ask, who made the choice for you, since you claim you didn’t?” “Nelly persuaded me to accept you,” she said reluctantly. “I have no doubt he means well; I just want to feel the thrill of falling in love and know that I’m doing this for myself, not just to please anyone.” “Hmm! Now you sound like the movies.” Ralph laughed and Nora laughed along. “I think I understand you. I love you even more for this revelation.” His delight was obvious enough. “Understand me?” Nora gave him a doubtful look. “Just stop avoiding me.” His eyes were teasing her and had a mischievous sparkle that made her smile. “Come close to me, then decide for yourself if I’m worth your love or not. No pressure, I promise. But I can promise this one thing: you’ll love what you’ll discover about me.” “Fair enough,” Nora said, already feeling curious, but was careful not to show it. There was something about his confidence that was intriguing. “Thank you,” Ralph said delightfully. “I’ll hold on to this hope.”