Never Have I Ever

 Hey everyone! Today I noticed that I was nominated for a Never Have I ever tag!

(Thanks Annika!)

So, here we are!

Never have I ever: Read a Later book in the series first.

Ummm.....actually, yes. When I was reading the viking quest, I read part two first. 

Never have I ever: Burned a book.

No.........??

Never have I ever: gone into a shop to buy one book but came out with many.

 I actually have never bought a book from a bookstore. I've won books before but never actually bought one.

Never have I ever: loved a book when I was younger but hated it when I was older. 

No, but I've hated books when I was younger, and then loved them when I was older.

Never have I ever: read a book I knew I’d hate.

I've never read a book I'd knew I would hate, but I also did not like The Hobbit. I thought that was boring.

Never have I ever: wrote a fan fiction about my favorite book.

Never done this before!

Never have I ever: dressed up as my favorite literary character.

Well, no. But I do try to do voice impressions and imagine what they sound like.

Never have I ever: hated a book by an author I love.

Sorry, but yes.

Never have I ever: skim read a book.

Yes, actually. I would read lots of parts, but some were really boring so I would rush through a little bit.

Never have I ever: pretended to read a book I haven't.

Uhhhhh.......I don't think so. 

Never have I ever: read a book without the dust cover.

Yes!! I cannot stand having the dust cover on it while I read. It's mainly because it keeps falling off, and one time it ripped while I was reading it....

Never have I ever: had a book boyfriend/girlfriend.

Uh, no. That seems kinda weird....

Never have I ever: picked up a book based on the cover alone.

Yes. That's how I found the viking quest!

Never have I ever: read the end of the book before the beginning.

I have done this once. and I sorta regretted it.

Never have I ever: read a history or anthropology book for fun.

No, not really.

Never have I ever: particapated in a readathon.

I did that maybe twice, but I never won.

Never have I ever: bought multiple books in a series before reading it.

I do this every time unless I didn't know it's a series or the other book isn't out yet.

Never have I ever: written in a book.

 

Nope. I don't recall doing that.

Never have I ever: filled up an entire bookshelf and have to have stacks of books balanced precariously throughout different rooms.

I don't have that much books, so no.

Never have I ever: found myself liking a trope most people hate. (Mayas question)

I don't think so.

Helloooooooooooooo

 Hello everyone! 

I think I may be stopping Alberta for a few reasons.

one, is that I'm honestly getting really bored and I wouldn't be surprised if you were too.

two, is that I just finished my other book, so I've been busy designing a cover and other stuff, 

but I'm also in the process of writing a different book called Buried Treasure.

I don't really know what's to happen to Alberta, I was just thinking she would learn to read and then....I'm out of ideas.

I'm hoping The Dawn of Freedom will be a success. in category's, it is

drama

emotional parts

adventure

historical

and finding God

if you have any opinions about TDOF feel free to leave a comment!

Alberta Chp. 8

8

Alberta followed Matthias through drake alleyways and streets for nearly two hours. But suddenly, he stopped her. They were in an ally way, and he spotted three men in the streets. They looked like trouble. Behind them, was a little rock pathway leading to a fairly good sized house. That was the house, Matthias was leading her to.

“How will we get passed?” Alberta whispered.

“The same way, me and my Father have ever done.”

“Which is…” Alberta said.

Matthias lightly chuckled. “My father used to always say, ‘no Gardner of mine, has ever backed away from a fight. They go right on through and deal with it, no matter how small they are.’” 

Matthias smiled. “My father was the most stubborn man I have ever met in all my life.” Matthias looked back to the men. They were gone.

“Where are they?” Alberta asked.

“Lookin’ for something?”

They both wirled around. They were trapped. One man blocking one way, and two men blocking the other.

“Look, I know it may seem bad, but we’re only trying to get to that man’s house, right over there.” Matthias pointed the way, and as soon as he did, the man closest to him grabbed his arm and tied them together.

“This can’t be good.” Alberta said.

“Ya think?” Matthias was angry now. They were both tied to a pole. One on each side. 

“Matthias, I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

“How about nothing? Nothing at all!” 

Alberta stomped her feet. “This isn’t my fault.” 

“Oh, sure, sure, sure. None of it’s your fault. Only, if it wasn’t for you, I’d be asleep in my nice cozy bed.”

Alberta scoffed. “You don’t even have a bed.”

“What would you know?” 

The three men laughed. “Aww, the little boy and girly is throwin’ a fit.” They laughed some more.

Alberta’s face grew red. “I am not throwing anything!”

“Keep it down, will ya? If you quiet it up a bit, they will get bored and leave, and then we can find a way to escape. They’re just a bunch of dodo birds, so this will be easy. They didn’t even think to check my coat for weapons.” He grinned. “I still have my knife.” He whispered more quietly. He sneakily took his knife from his pocket, and cut the ropes. 

“I think we can make a run for it.”

“Really?” Alberta looked at the mansion, so close, but yet so far away.

“Look.” Alberta motioned her head towards a little rundown bike. It was sitting in the dumpsters.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Matthias whispered.

Alberta noticed that the bike had two seats instead of one. One seat was in front of the other. “Let’s go.”

The Dawn of Freedom

1762

A P R I L 

C H  A  P  T  E  R   Six—

Temperance sat in the hot, wet, ill-smelling little room in the very bottom of the massive ship. She sat tied up in a corner, with blood leaking from her black eye and her bruised back. Long, red, strips of blood stained her back and arms. She had been beaten with an actual slave whip. She never thought a person could endure that much pain. She didn’t know if it was worth it or not. 

Her hands covered her head as she wept. She had been on board the ship to America for a whole month now. After she was punished for spitting on Mr. Reeds’ shoe, she continued disrespecting every leader on board, and was always whipped and beaten.

James accompanied her and wrapped a woolen blanket over her shoulders. “You mustn’t keep getting yourself in trouble. You’ll die down here.”

“I know James, but I’ve lost all hope. I can barely move my legs. I know they will heal, but it may take days. Help me up, will you?” 

James helped her to the watering tub, where she gratefully sipped a little dipper full of clean, warm water. 

James suddenly tripped over a sack of corn. He groaned in pain and held his leg. 

“James, what is it?” Temperance cried. “I can’t see you! I can only see a black figure.”

James groaned again, trying to hold in his tears. He was told to take care of his sister. He couldn’t cry now, when there were tougher times ahead.

“Millard Fillmore once said,  ‘An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory’.” James said.

“What should that mean?” Came Temperance’s bitter voice.

James tried to shrug it off. “It means I won’t cry anymore. I’d rather cry out of happiness than pain.” James tried to sound confident, but really he was unsure and terrified. He tried to encourage his sister. But without Mother—how?

That night, Temperance, James, and Gideon stayed together and talked. Gideon told them about the short time he spent in England. He told them about how he learned to read and write, and how to address people like a gentleman. He also said that people in England often bow and curtsy.

“Here, like this,” he said, demonstrating how to do a curtsy. 

Temperance copied him but her’s was clumsy.

“Hold your dress like this,” Gideon showed her.

He showed James how to bow, and the three became close friends.

“Don’t let them make you feel small.” Gideon whispered in her ear. 

Dawn of Freedom Chp. 5

 

1762

M A R C H 

C H  A  P  T  E  R   Five—

Temperance looked out the side of the boat. She thought of Mother. He probably didn’t even bury her. I know she’d hate to see me like this. Her head dropped in her hands. “Slaves.” The thought sickened her. “We’re really slaves.” She felt a knot coming up from her throat. She felt nervous and afraid. “But at least I’m not seasick.” Temperance glanced over at her brother who was currently vomiting over the side of the boat.

Suddenly a boy approached her. Besides James and her, he was the only other white slave on the boat.

“I saw you crying earlier. I wanted to tell you—” 

“To not cry, because they’ll think they’ve won?” Temperance shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help but cry. My mother is dead, my father has deserted me, and now I am a slave.” She looked away. Her dirt brown hair hid her face.

“I don’t mean to upset you…I…” He straightened up like a gentleman. “My name is Gideon. I was orphaned only a short time ago, when Typhus took my parents.” He looked down at his feet. “I've been alone ever since. Until I was found, of course.” 

Temperance caught his glance but quickly looked away. She didn’t want him to see her tear-stained face.

“My name is Temperance.” She spoke almost in a whisper.

Gideon thought for a moment. “Temperance.” He repeated. “I had a sister named Temperance. But she also died of Typhus, as a baby.” He thought once more. “I think Temperance is a fine enough name.” He mumbled.

“What do you mean?” Temperance wondered.

“Well, you see…I’m taking care of a baby. But she hasn’t gotten a name yet. I think I shall call her Temperance.”

Temperance smiled. “It is very kind of you to name your baby after me, but—” She hesitated. “Please call her Esme.” 

The words seemed a random surprise to Gideon. 

“Esme was my mother’s name and—” Temperance realized something, though she didn’t know whether or not it was good. “She’s my sister. And I am very grieved to know that she will most likely grow up as a slave.”

Gideon rubbed his chin while he thought. “How do you know?”

Temperance looked around. “Well, who gave her to you? Was it a woman who was heading to America? Did she say who the mother is?” 

“Well, yes, I suppose she did. You may have the baby.”

Temperance looked away. “We can’t. I’m afraid we have a worser fate than you. Our master is cruel, and I think we may soon be separated, my brother and I.” She looked toward James, who was playing his harmonica quietly in the corner.

“Well, we’ll come to an arrangement soon.” Gideon decided. “Where do you come from?” He asked.

“Well, my father has lived here all his life, and my mother grew up in France. But I’ve stayed here.” She looked to the dot of land that used to be her home. “I live in a cottage on a little hill,” she said. “And you?”

“I grew up in England, but I came on a ship to the Netherlands only about a year ago. Now, once again, I’m leaving.” Gideon looked upset about the situation, but anyone would be, if they were a slave.

James walked over and noticed that his sister had been talking to the stranger boy. They talked for quite some time and then Gideon walked off.

The two children sat together and shared a slice of stale bread.

“What will become of us?” Temperance sighed. 

“No one knows for sure. Not even Mr. Reeds.”

Temperance’s face grew red with anger. “Mr. Reeds? That’s how it is? You say his name as if you know him as a friend! He’s cruel, and he’ll put us each in different homes, so we can work and clean like animals for the rest of our lives! I heard you say master earlier. But why? How is he our master?”

“He bought you, that’s why.” Mr. Reeds was standing there. 

Temperance had no idea he was even on board the slave ship.

“You are the property of me until I die, or until I sell you. Is that understood?”

Temperance looked him in the eye and did a very bold thing: she spit on his boot. “I am not an animal. I am a person and I belong to my mother!” 

The Dawn of Freedom Chp. 4

1762

M A R C H

C H  A  P  T  E  R   Four—

“Trying to run, are you?” The children’s heart nearly jumped.

Temperance couldn’t help but cry. “Father, no! Please! Don’t send us away!” She was on her knees begging. 

Father kicked her. “Get up. You’re leaving seven o’clock. Be ready or you get the whipping of your life.”

Temperance gasped in fear. She grasped James’ arm quickly. As long as they were together, they were safe. 

They followed Father from a distance, leaving their trustful horse Mission, all alone in the deep woods.

They followed Father to a beach where there was people scattering all over, loading boats and passengers.

Father shoved the children to a man who looked as if he were waiting for them.

“Here’s your fifteen shillings.” The man said, handing a palmful of coins to Father. “I’ll get them on the boat, but first I have to discuss the room arrangement.” His voice was serious and quiet. He didn’t quite seem like the kind of person you would find enjoyable.

“You’ll go with him now.” Father said. “Mind him, and listen to whatever orders he gives you.” 

James was quiet, but Temperance couldn't help but speak. “But Father…we’re your children.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “What about Mother? Will you take care of her?”

Father glared. “Your Mother has died from Typhus. It was contagious, so I left.” 

Temperance felt like screaming. “You left her? You left her to die! I—” She stopped the words from bursting out. 

“Hate me all you want. You’re not my child anymore, nor my responsibility. You belong to Mr. Reeds. A man who is journeying to the New World. He currently has no need of a slave, but he says he’ll find a suitable home for the both of you. I’m sure there are people in America in need of a slave.”

James looked up. “Do you mean to separate us, Father?” James could see right through the anger filled eyes. 

Father said nothing. He only walked away in silence.

The children sat down on the sand. Their faces were dim and lifeless. 

“Don’t worry, Temperance, we’ll find a way. We won’t get separated, we can’t!” He stopped to think. “The man Father mentioned—he’s going to America. Once we arrive, we’ll run away and never have to face something like this, ever again.” He looked at Temperance. “Don’t cry. Don’t let them see how you’re really feeling. It’s almost a sign of victory for them. They want us to be upset. But we can’t let them win.” He tried to encourage her. “There’s still hope.” James tried to spot the man. 

Temperance crossed her arms. “The man looks mean.” She mumbled miserably. 

James said nothing. His sister was obviously very upset, but what could he do? What if when they tried to escape, the man found them and really did separate them?

“Get up.” The English voice said. “Get up now. The boat for slaves is leaving.” His eyes seemed to look right through their eyes into their soul. Like an animal, Temperance could sense when someone was threatening, or meant trouble.

The children stood up. The man introduced himself. “My name is Nicolaus Reeds. Only, since you are both slaves, you may call me Master Reeds and nothing else.” Nicolaus tied a thick, rough rope around both of their hands. It hurt deeply.

Nicolaus took them to a large, vast sailboat that almost looked frightening. It was called, The Rotterdam. 

Almost in a second, the children were pushed into a man that inspected them and then led them to another man who found a place for them on the boat. 

Temperance’s whole body filled with anger toward Father. She felt so furious. Why does everyone think us like slaves? I serve no one here!

“Go to the lower deck in the left room. That space is designated for the troublemakers.” He chuckled harshly. “It’s the worst spot.” He added.

James’s eyes grew as wide as saucers. “But sir! You can’t be serious! That’s the worst spot! Don’t fret, I promise I’ll keep a keen eye on my sister. She can be ferocious sometimes, when you test her temper.” 

Temperance’s gaze met his. Half of her was humiliated, the other half was hoping this worked.

“Besides…if we’re sick and weak, we can’t be as much help to our Master, as we should.”

“Master?” Temperance was astonished. 

The man raised his arm to hit her but stopped, when James went on.

“Mr. Nicolaus Reeds paid an awful amount of money, just to get two half—dead servants.”

The man scowled at him. “Slaves.” He corrected.

“Yes, yes, of course.” James grinned up at the man. “What might be your name, gentleman?”

“The name’s Rudder. But I ain’t no gentleman, mind you. Now get up the rail and pick a spot yourself. But if you get in trouble, you’ll get a proper beatin’.”

“Aye sir.” James replied happily.

Mr. Rudder looked toward Temperance. 

Temperance mumbled a quiet, “Yes sir.”

Alberta Chp. 7

7

Alberta cried for hours. She went to her window. She thought all hope was lost. But suddenly she thought, I’ll run away. And I’ll never have to deal with this ever again. I’ll finally learn to read.

Alberta looked out the window. “It’s pretty far down, but—I have to do it. I’ll find Matthias.”

Alberta slowly lifted her foot and had it balancing on an inch of a brick was stuck out a little bit. But suddenly her foot slipped and Alberta fell, and almost to her death.

But a loyal friend she had, ran with all his might and sliding on his knees, on the rough cobblestones, he caught her just in time.

Alberta was shook with fear. When she recovered, she looked back at Matthias. “I’m so glad you’re here. I have so many things to tell you. And thank you for catching me. I could have paralyzed myself or worse—even died.”

Matthias shrugged. “Don’t go blabbering about it to anyone, you hear?”

“Well…” Alberta began. “I can’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m—I’m running away. And I need your help. Do you know of a place where they could teach me to read? And also,”

Matthias felt the back of his head. “I think I might.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Alberta told Matthias all about Elizabeth on the way. 

Alberta noticed Matthias constantly reaching into his pocket and feeling around. She then remembered something. “Matthias,” she began.

“Yeah?” He suddenly stopped and took his hand from his pocket.

‘That ring, you had. Was it really your ancestor’s?” 

Matthias paused. After hesitating, he replied, “Yes. But I thought I’d pass it down to my friend. As a gift.”

Alberta almost cried. “Matthias. I know Elizabeth’s the way she is, but, but that’s over now. We’re free. Maybe we can even go to Africa, or all those places we’ve always wanted to go as children.”

“Alberta. I don’t even know what to say. We don’t have any money. We don’t have anything. We’re both poor.”

Alberta said nothing.

Matthias spoke once more. “Maybe one day, when we’re older and things are better with your sister—maybe we could raise a family of our own. But—but not right now.”

Alberta Chp. 6

6

Alberta sat by the bed. She felt her sister’s forehead. She sighed discouragingly. “Oh, Lizzie. Why?”

“Why what? Do you mean why I have persistence?” Elizabeth’s eyes barely opened.

“Oh, you’re awake. I didn’t mean it in that way.” Alberta rested her hand on the bed. “But what do you mean about persistence?”

“I mean, that I won’t let you live a life, living a shack with some mail boy. He’d probably tire—no, he couldn’t get tired of someone like you, but he could leave you anyway and find someone more…ladylike. That’s what most peasants do.”

Alberta put her hands on her hips. “You’re no more of a better person than he is! Folks who live in fancy houses, are not grander or more value, they are simply…lucky, I guess.”

“It’s not just about the house, it’s also that we—or I have had more schooling and education and am living a civilized life. Your mail deliverer lives like a dog. I’ve even seen him stealing!”

“But he doesn’t just steal. He gives food to hungry children and families who can’t afford anything. That’s kind of him.”

“Doesn’t matter what he does with his food, he steals it plain and clear.”

“Oh, Lizzie, you stubborn old mule. When will you except that, well, we want—” Alberta hesitated. 

“You want to run away and get married, right? And leave me here, with three youngsters?”

“They’re not really youngsters anymore, Elizabeth. Franz is seventeen, and the others—well they can almost take care of themselves.”

“No, Alberta! No! I won’t allow it! You want to leave, let me find a suitable husband for you.”

Alberta immediately stood up furiously and left the room.

She went to her room and sobbed. Her sister had been cold and mean ever since Miss Albury’s death. But was there something she could do about it?

It was late. Alberta refused to come down at dinner. She heard her sister tell her siblings, what a disgrace she is. Alberta tightened her fists, but still refused to come down. She had other plans.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Alberta locked her door and opened her window. She had once asked Matthias to nail in little wooden stubs that stuck out, so she could climb down. But Elizabeth had found it, and had her servants destroy them.

But this was an emergency. Her whole life, she wanted to read. And this was her only chance. Alberta kept thinking, when suddenly she heard her sister’s voice through the door.

“Alberta. You may hate me forever. But I have been keeping something—someone, from you.”

“Who is,” Alberta said.

“He’s a gentleman. His name is Clark. And—” She hesitated. “We’ve arranged your marriage.”

Alberta flung open the door. “What? You can’t do that! Mother would’ve never let you!”

“I am in charge. And I’m—I’m going to die soon. And I need to know you’re in good hands.”

“No!” Alberta burst out in tears. “I’ll run away! I’ll never have to see you again!” She buried her face in her hands.

Elizabeth, not feeling an ounce of pity, took out a key from her pocket and locked the door.

Alberta quickly ran to the door and tried to stop it from shutting, but it was too late. 

The Dawn of Freedom Chp. 3

1762

M A R C H

C H  A  P  T  E  R   Three—

They galloped only a short sprint, for without a light of some sort, you could barely distinguish your own hand or someone else’s foot.

Temperance stopped Mission. She led him to a dark place in the woods. There, they would sleep in the complete darkness, not knowing if it was safe or not.

There was no fire. For the fear of Father finding them, was unimaginable. It was a terrible sick feeling in your stomach that seemed to never go away.

Temperance saw the dark figure of her brother. His arms were wrapped around his legs and he shivered. ’Twas a very cold day in March. Temperance almost felt a dot of snow land on her face.

Temperance watched James. He seemed quieter than usual. He was never the one for too much jokes, but he did have a little sense of humor. A sense that Temperance grew to love. James was thirteen and an avid reader. He was the only one in his family who could read. He even taught Temperance a few words. She learned how to spell only a portion of her name, until Father found out and nearly scared the living daylights out of both of them.

“T-e-m-p-e-r…” Temperance hesitated.

“Keep going.” James had said.

“E-r-…”

And then suddenly Father burst through the door. He beat the “stupidity you worthless fools have” out of them, for no reason.

“I wonder—” James began. His voice startled Temperance of her memories. 

“What do you wonder?” She asked.

James looked to his feet that he could hardly see. “I wonder what it will be like being blind.” He sounded hopeless, but not complaining.

Temperance sighed. “James, don’t speak like that. We’ll find you glasses, I promise.” 

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Temper.” He knew his sister hated it when he called her that.

“How can you say such a thing? You won’t be blind, you’ve only went a few hours without spectacles.”

James’ head flew up. “Do you take me for a fool? Of course, it wouldn’t happen because of a few hours without glasses! But you just don’t understand. It’s getting worse, the spectacles barely do a thing. Mother used her life’s savings to buy a pair for me. She had been saving up for a wedding ring. Don’t you remember?” He looked down again.

Temperance couldn’t find the words to say. She decided to change the subject. “I wonder what it will be like, in the New World.” Temperance sighed with excitement. “We’ll really be like other children. I might even learn how to read.” Temperance hid that dream deep in her heart and very rarely revealed it.

James chuckled. “Girls don’t learn to read.” He said it in a tone that sounded as if he thought what his sister said was crazy.

“And why is that?” Temperance’s eyes flared.

James looked confused. “They just don’t.” He laid back down with his hands folded behind his head.

“You think yourself so smart, don’t you?”

James sighed. “Just go to sleep, little sister. We have a long ride ahead of us.”

Alberta Chp. 5

5

Alberta squeezed through the hole and down the streets, where she bumped into Elizabeth, who was calling for her.

“Elizabeth, why did you call?” Alberta asked.

Elizabeth’s voice sounded shakily and kept breaking up. She was indeed exhausted and tired from her work, day and night. When she finally spoke, it was almost a whisper. But a disappointed one. 

“Alberta May Albury! Why, you’re in your night gown! How ridiculous for a child you age!” She placed her hands on her hips and scowled. “What were you doing?” She sounded older than her age. 

“I looked everywhere. I searched the whole town, thinking you were earning pay. But no? You were just dilly dallying?” She spotted Matthias nearby, holding a bouquet of flowers, about to approach Alberta, when he found her.

“Dilly dallying with that scoundrel again.” She glared at the boy.

“No, Lizzie. He’s not a scoundrel. He’s my friend.”

“Yes, well, pretty soon, he’ll be your husband, if you don’t watch it.” 

Alberta gasped. “No, Elizabeth, it’s not like that at all—”

“Oh, really?” Elizabeth spoke sternly. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a golden ring. “The boy dropped it on the street, just an hour ago.”

“How do you know it belongs to him?” Alberta groaned.

“It has your name engraved on it, that’s why!” Elizabeth grasped the ring tightly, and was threw it out onto the busy road, when Matthias ran fastly, with all his might, and snatched the ring from the air, shouting, 

“No, wait!” He caught the ring and shoved it in his pocket. 

“You should be more careful with your things, instead of losing them, and then causing a big scene!”

“I’m sorry, Madam. But you have no right to try to do what you just did. That ring means a lot to me. It came on a ship from Germany, almost two hundred years ago. It was my ancestor’s.”

“And why do you think, I’d believe such a story?” Elizabeth demanded. “It sounds preposterous. Also—” She glared even more. “That has my sister’s name on it.”

Matthias took the ring from his pocket. “Alberta Jan, was the owner of this possession, and over time it was passed down until it got to me. But yes—” He smiled at Alberta. “I agree, your sister would make a fine owner for it.”

“I did not agree to anything. Now take your ring and be done with us.” Elizabeth held her chin up.

It was silent for a moment. Then looking at Elizabeth, then to Alberta, Matthias felt his head and shrugged. “Fine, then. I’ll go.” He backed up slowly and then turned around and left.

Alberta was afraid that might mean for good. When he was completely out of sight, Alberta cried. “Why did you do that? That’s so cruel!”

Elizabeth tightly took Alberta by the arm and forced her back into the mansion, after a while of walking. 

Elizabeth pushed her through the door. “You animal! You’ve disgraced our whole family! Going out in your nightgown, in the middle of the morning, prancing about in the field, like some untamed pony! How ridiculous, you’re nineteen years old now! It’s time you start acting your age!”

“Stop it!” Alberta wiped her tears away. “Mother would’ve wanted us to fight,” she stated. 

Elizabeth looked down, still with a scowling expression. “I don’t care what Mother would’ve wanted. You were always the favorite. You know that.” Elizabeth looked as if she could cry.

Alberta wanted to comfort her, but she knew her sister would probably just push her away.

Finally, after silence, Elizabeth looked back at Alberta.

“If I ever see you with that boy again…” She looked as if the words were struggling to come out. “I’m going to—” Elizabeth felt her stomach. She began groaning, and almost fell to the floor, but steadied herself.

“Get the doctor,” She whispered, and then collapsed on the ground.

The Dawn of Freedom Chp. 2

1762

M A R CH

C H  A  P  T  E  R   Two—

“When will we leave?” James asked. He knew twelve year old Temperance was younger than him, but he seemed to always be too shy to lead anything.

“Mother didn’t say,” came Temperance’s response. “All I know, is that we must prepare our things before Father gets back.” Temperance wiped away a tear. “He’ll probably beat Mother for not having us here.” She looked away to hide her tears. It was dark and the night sky seemed to mock their miserableness. 

“We should head back.” Temperance decided.

James stood up and tried to walk but hesitated. He extended his arm and reached around. 

Temperance knew he was almost blind without his spectacles. In fact, he may really be all the way, if he didn’t wear them enough. His eyesight slowly grew worse over the years, but never improved.

Temperance took his hand. “Don’t let Mother see you that way. She has to look upon us for the last time, as…” Temperance sighed. “As alright. I don’t want her to be worried.”

James nodded his head. “Could you help me to the house?”

“Of course I will.” She took him elbow in elbow and guided him. Even for her, it was hard to see.

They arrived at the house. Mother was baking a loaf of bread for each of the children. She swiftly wrapped them in cloth and placed them neatly in bags. “Hurry, take these with you. I’ve packed you bread and cheese. Hopefully, long enough for two weeks.” She looked at her two children. “James. Take care of your little sister.” Her face turned to a quick expression of anger, when she saw James’ bloody face with no glasses. But her anger suddenly vanished.

“Children. Please make me a promise. Don’t ever stray from it.” Temperance and James nodded solemnly. “We’ll do anything.” They vowed.

Mother put a hand on her children’s shoulder. “Promise me, that you will never hate Father. Forgive him and—” She hesitated. “And love him. Will you promise me that?”

The children were astonished. But they said nothing. They both just nodded their heads and remained quiet.

Suddenly they heard footsteps. 

“Go quick! If your father ever finds out—” She cried tears of joy and left the subject. “I love you both more than anything else in the whole world. Do you understand?”

The children both kissed her on the cheek. “Goodbye Mother.” They both whispered.

They snuck out of the back door and into the field where they mounted upon their old horse Mission. Though Mission might be old, she could get them to safety.