AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"When I first saw you, I didn't think in terms of you being an Indian. I mean, you saved me from being accosted, and I thought you a strong and brave man. But others do not think the same way, I understand what you were saying about it. It's hard to understand why people don't judge each other by who they are, not what they are. I guess you think me a bit crazy for a white woman to not be afraid of you."
"It is…" he thought a moment on his words. "Very unusual."
"Do you think me crazy?"
"No… now go to sleep."
He would never tell her how much he enjoyed the kiss. Nor how long he would remember it, either. He had to keep her safe, not romance her. But the very fact that she did not judge him by his skin, that she trusted him so easily endeared her to him. He'd never met a white woman like her before.
They walked that next day, and she wondered why he had slowed down?
"Walking takes less energy, and we will not tire as quickly. Besides, we have come a long way, and no one has come with a gun to stop us. I think we will be safe now."
"I wouldn't bet on that. I guess because I know my father." She replied. "He'll want some kind of revenge for all of this."
"All of what?"
"I can't really expect you to understand it all. You see, he lost his cook, and housekeeper and his best drinking buddy all in one day. What do you think?"
He stared.
"There's another reason I had to leave."
"Oh, what is that?"
"If I'd told my Pa what Earl tried to do, and then Earl was dead, he might try something then with me. I mean, he might think it was alright to try himself. Only when he was drunk, problem is, he stays drunk most of the time any more. And he might have held the murder over my head, to get me to comply."
"My God, would he do such a thing?"
"In his drunken state, yes. He would. Why do you think I didn't sleep?"
They were climbing a ledge and he helped her up. She looked into his eyes for a moment, then moved away. That same sensual light was still there, only magnified with awareness now.
"You think he's that determined to get you back?" He asked.
"Oh, I can assure you, it's not me, personally. He has a white slave he doesn't have to pay or yell at to get to work for him. Someone who fixes his meals, laundries his clothes and takes care of his home. Why would he want to get rid of me? But, what I'm afraid of, is if he does want to be rid of me, this will give him the chance. He can have me arrested and never have to worry about me again. Which he might consider a real advantage. He could live exactly how he wanted to then. As I do tend to nag him about his drinking."
"Would you want to go back with him?"
"No, never, I'd scrub floor before I'd go back." her word was simple and direct, and Moon stared. She said it as though he should have known her answer. "I don't like being a slave. And frankly I've enjoyed being able to sleep these past few days."
"Good point. Then we will be ever watchful."
"Your only problem is being with me, and my dress in such sad array. If not for that, you would be in no danger."
"Would your own father turn you in?" he asked with a smirk.
"I don't know. But he wouldn't be happy that Earl was dead, and he might be bitter about it." she frowned. "Although it would be a way of really making a slave of me, holding the murder over my head. Either way it would be very unpleasant. I can't go back now. I'm sorry, I know you are probably tired of my talking about it and ready to be rid of me, yourself. I wouldn't blame you."
"You have a temper when you are tired." He told her.
"I'm sorry, I don't have any reason to snap at you. I am tired. I'm not used to walking and running so much. Nor standing in a tree so long. Walking and running is better than being still that long."
"Well, maybe that's why I kissed you to take your mind from it."
"Is it?" she seemed a bit anxious to know the truth.
He looked away, "N-no… "
