Genivive loved her sister Clarice. No one knew that more than Clarice herself. And the feeling was mutually returned. It was always whispered among acquaintences and family members that their relationship was an exceptional one... blessed by the hand of God. With other known sister relationships...there was the usual bit of rivalry, jealousy or what have you... but not were these things felt by Clarice or Genivive towards each other.
As she sat in the cool shade of the trees with Genivive, Clarice gazed out towards the meadow... and considered these things. She had an important decision to make...one that could affect both their lives forever. Edward had proposed marriage to her... for the third and last time. She could not put off giving him a definite answer beyond tomorrow.
Though they had known each other for some time now, and though Edward had proved quite suitable to be considered for a husband, Clarice couldn't help but feel something was not yet clear to her about him. And the answer could only be found through Genivive. Could she give up her relationship with her sister, to move out of the country with Edward as his wife? Her heart was torn between the two of them. She loved them both... why must her allegiance be required towards one or the other? It seemed so unfair. If only Edward would be willing to compromise, then these conflicting emotions would be dispersed forever. Yet he refused. And this brought sorrow to her heart.
"Clarice... where are you? You are so quiet." asked Genivive.
As the soft wind whispered through the leaves Clarice came back to the present and softly said, "Right here my darling...I'm right here...just enjoying the moment and the respite from the afternoon heat."
Genivive smiled and put her arms around Clarice. "It's Edward you're thinking of. I can feel it. What is troubling you so dear sister?"
"Genivie ... Edward's work is going to take him away from here... far away. I can't bare the thought of leaving you if I agree to marry him."
And suddenly in that instant, Clarice felt the truth that had stirred in her heart, but that she had resisted hearing till now. Her allegiance was to her sister... and could not be to anyone else who did not feel the same towards Genivive. She knew her answer to Edward this evening would be that she would not marry him and leave her sister. And with that truth finally setting her free her heart smiled again. When it was the right time, when it was the right man... God would let her know by his equal love for her sister, and equal desire to care for her.
With tears of joy on her face she reached over and joyfully hugged Genivive. Confused and startled... thinking she was going to have to let Clarice go... Genivive said quickly ... "Don't cry sister.... I'll be all right if you go ... don't let your heart be filled with such sorrow."
"No...you don't understand" exclaimed Clarice..... I'm not leaving you! And I'll never leave you. I just now realised your love means more to me than anything or anyone else. Maybe someday... Maybe God will grant me a fine husband... and if He does... my true husband will love you as much as I do! And we'll always take care of you my darling. You've been so brave... so good to be willing to let me search out my feelings for Edward.. and to be willing even to let me go away with him. I can not help but love you all the more for your generosity."
They held each other and laughed joyfully together for a bit and then Clarice said, "Now.. lets gather our things and go back to the house. I must call Edward and meet with him to give him my final answer."
Genivive sat momentarily while Clarice gathered their art supplies and then Clarice reached down and took Genivive's hand to let her know it was time to stand up and begin their walk home. As their hands touched, Genivive's heart filled with peace. She could no longer see with her eyes...yet her heart was filled with color and joy. With her sister there to guide her through the world of darkness she had come to live in recently she knew she would make it and always be safe. She no longer feared for her future, but walked steadily and suredly towards it with Clarice by her side.
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