"Red and Black Roses: Vignette 3" by Laruen

Vignette 3　
Lulu has not seen Leland for three years. Things were going fine until a letter came in the mail. She had no idea a piece of paper could tear her family apart. When her husband came home, he brought his best friend over for dinner. She heard the front door open and two familiar voices. She thought she was dreaming though. Alex and his friend walked into the kitchen. She turned around and saw Alex and Leland with serious faces. Alex told Lulu to sit down. Alex was being drafted. He showed he the paper and then his will. It said that if he were to die, that Leland was to take care of Lulu and baby Leland. Lulu got up, walked upstairs and slammed her bedroom door. She loved Alex and he took her in and was there for her when Leland wasn’t. If Alex died…what would she do? Is this a sick miracle or a prank from the Heavens?
(The Goodbye)
Lulu and baby Leland went to the airport with all the other soon-to-be-widows. Leland is dressed in his cadet uniform while Alex is in his camouflage. She never let go of Alex’s hand until the last possible moment. Lulu and baby Leland got into the car when Lulu finally broke down. She bawled and screamed to God asking why her. Leland opened the door, pulled her out and hugged her. After she was a little more calm, he drove them home. He left her alone until Alex was suppose to come back and they would go from there.
(8 months later)
Alex came home, but not with the rest of the soldiers. She looked everywhere for him. She thanked God for all the soldiers she knew that were still alive. Then she saw Leland standing with two other soldiers. His face was overwhelmed with gray. Lulu walked over to them like a ghost. Leland hugged her tight, but she shoved him away. She yelled in the other two soldiers faces who had no pity on their faces. Leland contained her until she drowned in her tears. Their deal was final, but she wished that she could have some more time with her husband.
(The Deal)
The deal was this: Leland would marry Lulu after they buried Alex. They would raise baby Leland to think his father was Leland. When he was old enough, they would tell him of his dad, the hero. Even though her life was now complete, she was still empty. She hated herself because she was being so selfish. She later became happier and she got her dream to grow old with Leland. God definitely works in mysterious ways. He gave her everything she asked for and that’s why you have to be careful what you ask for.