Point-blank Proposal

‘Oh, I almost forgot.’ Harriet smacked her forehead. ‘I came to ask you if I could borrow that dress you mentioned yesterday. It’s sort of a date, and I don’t want to show up in my PT shirt.’ ‘Um, sure.’ Callie checked the time. ‘I’ll go get it for you. Actually, why don’t you come with me? My friend Wendy may have some shoes you can borrow. And I have makeup you can use.’ ‘Great. Thanks, Callie.’ Back in her dormitory, Callie dug out a long lilac dress from her suitcase. After Harriet slipped it on, Callie let down her long hair, allowing it to cascade over her shoulders. Harriet had an excellent physique due to rigorous training, her body well-proportioned and her muscles toned. Moreover, she possessed mile-long legs that Callie envied. As soon as she donned the elegant dress, she radiated grace and drew attention. Harriet’s thick eyelashes and somewhat bold eyes required no help from eyeliner or mascara. ‘Wow.’ Callie stepped back to admire the view. ‘Wow,’ Wendy echoed. She’d lent a pair of three-inch heels to Harriet, adding to her already formidable height. Even without makeup, the woman was a vision. ‘You would’ve made a killing as a runway model,’ Wendy said. ‘Agreed.’ Callie nodded. Studying herself in the mirror, Harriet was less certain. ‘Are you sure? I feel like I’m going to trip over myself in this dress.’ Callie laughed. ‘Just walk slower. Don’t march.’ ‘Do you think a guy will like what I’m wearing?’ Harriet touched the smooth fabric. ‘Absolutely!’ Callie nodded fervently. ‘Any guy who doesn’t drool at the sight of you is either blind or a monk.’ ‘I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.’ ‘Don’t worry, you look incredible!’ Callie spritzed some perfume in the air and let Harriet walk through the mist. ‘What time is your date?’ Harriet checked her watch. ‘In twenty-two minutes.’ ‘Which reminds me, you should take off that watch. The black colour and the military-style design don’t really go with your dress.’ Harriet slipped off her watch and handed it to Callie. ‘Now you are ready for your date.’ Callie stepped back. Harriet felt a rare case of butterflies in her stomach. She took Callie’s hand and spoke earnestly, ‘Will you come with me, please?’ Callie glanced at Wendy, who nodded at her encouragingly. ‘All right.’ *** Elias stood under a poplar tree with his hands clasped behind his back, dressed in army fatigues. He was itching for another cigarette, but smoking in public was against the rules and would set a bad example for the cadets. He checked his wristwatch. It was approaching the appointed time. Harriet was usually punctual. Elias had a rough idea of what she intended to discuss. In fact, he’d have sought her out to have the conversation if she hadn’t taken the initiative. He swept his eyes over the distance and glimpsed two figures heading towards him. One was Harriet, her gait purposeful and confident. As for the other one… Elias squinted his eyes. The petite figure was none other than his wife, Callie. What was she doing with Harriet? Elias had no idea the two knew each other. Harriet had only been here for three days. Had she sought Callie out? Did Uncle Hershel tell her about Callie’s existence? Why did she bring Callie to this meeting? A confrontation? Questions raced through Elias’s mind. Harriet had spotted Elias with her keen eyesight. She turned to Callie. ‘Thanks. I think I can handle this on my own from here.’ Sensing her jitters, Callie’s lips curved upward. ‘Has your friend arrived?’ Harriet nodded. ‘In that case, I’ll make myself scarce.’ Callie gave Harriet an encouraging pat on the shoulder. ‘Best of luck!’ ‘Thanks, Callie.’ With a wave, Callie left, jogging back to the dormitory where Wendy no doubt awaited with snacks and questions. Harriet drew several deep breaths, clutching the edge of her skirt as she walked towards the training ground. Elias had observed the exchange between the two women, but was too far away to hear what they said. As Harriet neared, his thin lips were pressed into a tight line. Callie’s departure only added to his confusion. What was she doing, leaving him alone with another woman? Harriet stopped a few paces in front of him. ‘I hope I’m not late.’ ‘Right on time, as usual.’ ‘Good.’ Harriet twirled around. ‘Do you like the dress?’ ‘It’s nice.’ And looked vaguely familiar. ‘Good. My new friends were right.’ Harriet stuck out her right leg to show off her footwear. ‘And the heels. Not bad, huh? Even has a pink ribbon at the back.’ ‘It’s not your usual wardrobe, but it looks good on you.’ ‘Noted. I’ll know what to shop for next time I’m in town.’ Elias got to the point. ‘Harriet, what was it you wanted to discuss tonight?’ Harriet looked up at the imposing figure before her. While she was tall herself, Elias, standing straight, still dwarfed her. She admired and respected him greatly. She was already living with Uncle Hershel when Elias came, angry and hurting over his parents’ murder. Having lost both her parents as well, Harriet could relate. They lived companionably under the same roof for almost a year before Elias joined the army. Uncle Hershel was often away, leaving the two kids to fend for themselves. Elias was an older brother, a protective guardian, a good friend. Could he make the transition to being her husband? ‘Elias, will you marry me?’ Harriet asked point-blank. ‘Did Uncle Hershel put you up to this?’ Elias had anticipated the question. It was just Harriet’s style to shoot straight. ‘No, but he hinted at it. He wanted me to spend more time with you, but I figured it’s best to get straight to the point, don’t you think?’ ‘And what is the point?’ ‘To get married, of course,’ she said matter-of-factly. Elias chuckled. ‘Harriet Daniels, Hasty Harry indeed.’ ‘Hey, I didn’t act in haste. I’ve given this some serious thought.’ ‘And you seriously want to marry me?’ ‘Why not? Better you than some random dude I don’t know. Trust me, if I don’t go home to Uncle Hershel with a ring on my finger, he’s going to send me on a string of blind dates till I ditch the bachelorette status.’