tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67524668781889504932024-02-18T19:04:05.148-08:00Simply Stories4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-24359951437249672942018-01-19T13:46:00.001-08:002018-01-19T13:46:50.950-08:00Beautiful People (Part Two): Cade Ashpen<span style="font-size: large;">GUYS I KNOW THIS IS LIKE WAAAAAAAY LATE. I'M SORRY. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that THAT's out of the way. Let the next Beautiful People Post begin! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If he could see me now, Cade would kill me for putting him under "beautiful people". XD So, for my sake....please don't tell him I'm doing this. Everyone ready for part two? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(If it's possible, I like Cade even MORE than Ray. But don't tell either of them I said that. I'm trusting you guys. Don't fail me.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>Character Number Two: </em></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>Cade Ashpen</em></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>(No nicknames...at least, none he'd let me tell YOU guys about)</em></u></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~What Can't They Live Without?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cade is known for his incredible video gaming skills. Whether its playing complicated war games that require immense amounts of concentration and strategizing genius or even creating his own games with the use of a vast network of technical knowledge. So probably, he wouldn't be able to live without his video game library., or his knowledge thereof. </span></div>
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<img alt="Montparnasse" class="_mi _25 _3w _2h" height="214" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7a/8b/5e/7a8b5e70e0da580917c02ffb48701f00.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Name 2 Positive And 2 Negative Qualities About Your Character~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Positive Characteristic #1:</em> Cade is an incredibly loyal individual, and the thought of betraying those he holds close is about as foreign to him as the thought that blue unicorns exist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Positive Characteristic #2:</em> Though Cade is not a Christian, he holds very high moral standards for himself and is sympathetic toward the Christian community that is being depressed by the City's government. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Negative Characteristic #1: </em>A naturally pessimistic person, Cade finds it hard to look on the bright side of things. So, literally, he is a NEGATIVE character for the most part. XD </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Negative Characteristic #2: </em>Since he tends to be a gloom-and-doom person, he has a hard time excepting people into his life. The one exception being Ray, since she has such a magnetic personality that is hard for anyone to resist, even Cade. But being an untrusting sort of guy makes Cade keep everyone, including his own family, at arms length and assumes things like "my parents don't love me as much as my brother" etc. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Are They Holding Onto Something They Should Get Rid Of?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Um, <em>yes. </em>Cade is under the firm belief that his family (especially his parents) are disappointed in him when he says he doesn't want to follow in his father's steps and become the future Authority of Education. A silent rebel of the governmental system of the City, he knows he wouldn't be able to handle being a part of the skeletal makeup of the City's structure. Because of this, he feels at odds with most of his fellow Citizens and finds it all too easy to hold on to the bitterness and anger toward his family and the system they obey.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~If 10 Is Completely Organized And 1 Is Completely Messy, Where Do They Fall On The Scale?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Probably Cade would fall under a 4 or 5. Not overly messy by nature, but also not a clean freak by any stretch of the imagination. ;)</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~What Frustrates Them About The World They Live In?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cade, as I mentioned under the "are they holding on to something they should get rid of?" question, HATES the governmental system of the City. The way it forces the children of citizens to mold themselves into pre-made boxes in the society and obey the authority without question frustrates him to no end. With the pressure from family and society for an authority's son to take up the mantle passed down by their parents, Cade would do anything to relieve himself of that. He has absolutely NO interest in becoming the next Authority of Education, but would have to take on the title unless his parents had a different child willing to take his place. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~How Would They Dress For A Night Out? How Would They Dress For A Night In?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ever the home-body, Cade puts comfort above class. He doesn't really care what others think about him either, so even if the night out included an important dinner or something, he would still dress in as normal an outfit as he could get away with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few examples of what he might where to a given outing example:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dinner with a VIP: Black slacks and a polo shirt with a pair of new-ish converses (or shoes of similar style). He'd probably brush his hair, but wouldn't put a ton of extra effort into it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Education days (school days): Plain colored tee-shirt with some kind of jacket or hoodie over the top, regular tennis shoes or sandals, and worn jeans.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day at home: Same as what he would wear to the education center, but minus the jacket or hoodie and shoes. He would wear a pair of socks around the house and possibly even wear a pair of shorts instead of jeans. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Night at home: Pajamas. Or, you know, fall asleep at his desk studying for education classes the next morning in whatever he happened to be wearing during the day. In which case his mom would come in, smile, shake her head, and cover him with a blanket or two.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~How Many Shoes Do They Own, And What Kind?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I mentioned above, Cade puts the comfort factor over trying to "look good" or "be stylish", so his go-to pair of shoes is a normal pair of tennis shoes or converse-style shoes. Something that is both practical, comfortable, and can be used for years at a time. </span></div>
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<img alt="Dex quote" class="_mi _25 _3w _2h" height="320" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/40/e8/f8/40e8f8bdef64f88f8bc278e8a3db6958.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Do They Have Any Pets? What Pet Do They WISH They Had?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No, and not particularly. If he did have a pet, it would probably be neglected by him and end up becoming adopted by his parents or given to someone who would actually take care of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">IF he had his own pantry, there would be a lot of no-cooking-required foods (granola bars, pop-tarts, chips, trail mix, etc.)... things that are unhealthy for the most part, but very easy to eat. </span></div>
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<img alt="Brothers..." class="_mi _25 _3w _2h" height="320" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5a/45/42/5a4542bda7a1f7310506dfa473877b36.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Is There Something Or Someone They Resent? Why And<span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What Happened?~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spoilers removed, Cade doesn't have the best relationship with his brother and only sibling, Dex. However, spoilers removed again, though it does get a little better over time, old wounds heal slow as the saying goes. (or something like that)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I hope that gave you a better picture of what Cade is like and I hope you found him interesting. I would give you more information, but as my book isn't finished, let alone published, its hard to give more without spoilers. ;) Thanks for being understanding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry for not posting on here more often. One of my resolutions was to post more regularly...and from what I HAD been doing, basically anything is an improvement. XD </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have time, take <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFfjCASdwomkMKB4Bkfo7HJy83ucWFovxEzoxGJwcfvq6tmg/viewform">THIS SURVEY</a> and give me some feedback on what you're hoping I post about more on here. I'm hoping to use your ideas for future blog posts. Thanks again for putting up with my long absences and scattered posts. I appreciate your patience. :)</span></div>
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4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-73438931622597406122017-08-14T20:01:00.000-07:002017-08-14T20:04:43.703-07:00Beautiful People (Part One): Danielle (Ray)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you might have guessed from the title, I'm going to be doing a couple of these in a row. One, because I have so many characters I want to do with this in a short amount of time, and two, because I think having something organized (more or less) might help me post more often on here...*cough*</span><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, believe me, I have about a thousand miles of excuses why I haven't spent more time posting on here, but I don't think they're worth wasting your own precious time recounting. So instead, just sit back and enjoy a sneak peak into the characters of the <strike>monster</strike> book I'm currently writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>Character Number One: </em></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>Danielle </em></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>(Otherwise know as Ranilla or Ray)</em></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~What Can't They Live Without?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Her faith and hope in God. If Ray didn't have that to cling too, she would be a mess. Also, she treasures her Bible and would do anything to keep it safe and out of the wrong hands.</span> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>~Name 2 Positive And 2 Negative Qualities About Your Character~</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Ray is an amazing leader and spokesperson. She isn't afraid to confront people that she believes are wrong, and is pretty good at doing so in a respectful way that keeps those aforementioned people from getting mad at her.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">However, she also is prone to becoming frustrated when they don't listen to her and can be quite degrading and vocal in her anger at their unbelief. She is very strong-willed and can be snarky to the point of sassiness.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~Are They Holding Onto Something They Should Get Rid Of?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Fear of separation from those she loves, and painful memories from her past. Also, Ray tends to worry and doubt too much for her own good.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~If 10 Is Completely Organized And 1 Is Completely Messy, Where Do They Fall On The Scale?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #242424; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Probably about a seven or eight. Ray likes her stuff put in a certain way, but that certain way doesn't always make the most logical sense.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~What Frustrates Them About The World They Live In?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">The fact that everyone is trying their best to erase God from their world. Whether its taking His name out of their education system, or forbidding people to mention Him in public, Ray hates it all. She knows they know they can't deny God's influence on their history, or the fact that He still works in the lives of Christians now, but the fact that they still refuse to acknowledge Him as their Lord and Savior frustrates her beyond words.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Because she was adopted by an Authority family, she'd have to dress pretty nice for a night out. A fancy(ish) dress and heels would be required if she was accompanying them to a family dinner/outing. For a night in, however, Ray would prefer comfort. She would tie her hair back into a quick pony-tail and relax on her bed with her Bible dressed in pants and a tee-shirt or pajamas.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~How Many Shoes Do They Own, And What Kind?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">She came to her adopted family with one pair of shoes: worn out, converse-like shoes. Now, she has a couple more. A nice pair of heels for important outings with her family, a new pair of converse-like shoes for school, and for semi-normal outings around the City, she owns boots and sandals. (She'll wear one or the other depending on the weather.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~Do They Have Any Pets? What Pet Do They WISH They Had?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Sadly, no. But Ray would looooove to own a bird of come kind. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><strong>~What's Usually In Their Fridge Or Pantry?~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Anything she can manage to hide from her brothers...who have a remarkable ability to find food wherever she hides it.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/aa/75/20/aa75206daccbd41922fc7676ad63295e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Prompt | Dialogue | Writing | Inspiration | Read | Starter | Conversation | TFR’s Writing Prompts | Number Fifty Nine | Novel | Story | Writers Corner" border="0" class="_m9 _3d _2c _3p" height="320" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/aa/75/20/aa75206daccbd41922fc7676ad63295e.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~Is There Something Or Someone They Resent? Why And</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">What Happened?~</span></span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #242424; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Ooo...I promise no spoilers...but yes. And I can't tell you why. I guess you'll just have to find out later. B-)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it. A little glimpse at one of my brand new, hot-off-the-press characters for my story "A New Name". What do you think? </span> </div>
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4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-44810372433720164142017-04-18T10:33:00.000-07:002017-04-18T10:33:14.372-07:00A Much Needed Explanation <span style="font-size: large;">Guys. I haven't died. I have been really busy. And I can't believe I basically forgot about you. O.o I feel really, <em>really </em>bad about not posting here in so long. >_< I don't even want to see the last date I posted on here. It's probably been like what, six months or something? Yeah. To those of you who follow my other blog as well as this one, I'm sure you've gotten the updates on my insane life already, so you weren't worried. To those of you who DON'T...bless you for putting up with my accidental disappearance. I promise I wasn't carried off by aliens. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You need an explanation. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I have arrived to give you one. FINALLY. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There's a short answer, and a long one. Ready? ;P</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The short answer is this: I have been busy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The long answer? Hoo boy. My life has flown by in the form of college classes, publishing "The Princess and I", finishing "Ocean Mist" and getting it out to beta-readers, getting a car and a babysitting job, working as sub secretary at our church, trying to get in five books a month (which I'm failing miserably at I know...) and writing 50,000 words during Camp NaNo as part of a brand new story. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So now you can partially understand my abandonment of you all. :) It wasn't on purpose, and I miss you guys...I really do. Which is why I haven't given up on this blog quite yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the deal. With "The Princess and I" published, I won't be giving you any more snippets from that (because to be completely honest, I want you guys to BUY it now. ;) But I will give you the rest of "Ocean Mist" and start giving you a few sneak peeks into the story I'm working on currently. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because I'm actually getting my work published now, I don't want everything to be available online or none of my books will sell...so I'll probably switch from giving you guys complete chapters to weekly snippets. I'll also be adding some things like character interviews, pictures, and some of the inside scoop of what goes on behind the scenes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In other news, I HAVE started working on a sequel to "Ocean Mist", and it's going swimmingly (pun totally intended :P). Also, I have an idea for a sequel to "The Princess and I" which may surface sometime next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With life and adulting finally catching up to me, we'll have to see how much time I can spend on here, but I plan to never leave you high n' dry for months at a time again. XD </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What do you guys think about the change in post style? Are you excited to hear some of the stuff going on in my head and what it takes to get a story out of my head and on to paper? Have y'all missed me as much as I missed you? :P </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you looking forward to hearing snippets from the sequel to "Ocean Mist" or the sequel to "The Princess and I" more? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ah, it's good to be back. :)</span>4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-1524500772223095962016-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:002016-12-13T09:00:02.331-08:00The Princess & I: Chapter Twenty-three<span style="font-size: large;">Ah...it's nice to be back. :) You guys are so awesome. Really. I would have never ventured into the world of writing if you hadn't been there leaving encouraging comments and rooting me on. Every "oh, I love it!" and "GIVE US MOOOOOOOOORE" and *gasp* you send me just warms me to my toes. (Which is really helpful right now because writing can be cold work in December. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, here's the next chapter you've been patiently waiting OVER A MONTH for. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 26pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">23: Unpredictable Circumstances</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 26pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Are you sure we can trust him?” William asked,
pulling me aside for a moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I shrugged. “For now, yes. He holds no love for the
Duke, and he had plenty of opportunities to hurt me, but didn’t.” I leaned
against the wall, my stomach full, and the excitement of the previous day
beginning to catch up to me. I hadn’t slept at all last night and just now I
was starting to feel the exhaustion. Briefly I wondered what had taken it so long.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Safeguard had nothing to do with it?” William
cocked a knowing eyebrow at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I laughed softly. “His presence may have helped my
cause a little.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">My teacher glanced sideways at me, as if studying my
face in the flickering light. “I wish somehow that we hadn’t separated. So many
things could have happened while you were alone…” he trailed off, his sentence
fading away like the smoke of the candles that lit the room we were standing
in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had left
Malcolm and Henry discussing further plans in hushed tones over a dimly lit
table in the same inn I had so recently learned to sew a wound shut. The
Restless Raven was chosen because soldiers knew that those who frequented it
had no love for their master, the Duke of Devonshire, and therefore they shrank
from ever visiting the ghastly place. Not that I could blame them. After all,
the inn was hardly a pleasant place. Secretive and a good place to hide; yes,
but clean and orderly; no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Watching Malcolm talk with such animation brought a
smile to my lips. I had been gone from his presence for so long I almost forgot
how he threw himself so energetically into strategizing. He was brilliant when
it came to planning, and this rescue of his betrothed was no different. A
certain light shone in his eyes that I hadn’t seen there since the last time we
had played a game of chess. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I’ll pay you a half-crown for your thoughts,”
William’s voice broke through my reminiscing, and I glanced his direction to
find his eyes still studying me. My face must have gone a shade darker pink,
because I could see William begin to grin to himself. “Or, perhaps I shouldn’t
ask,” he added teasingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I rolled my eyes helplessly. Really, the man was
incorrigible. “It is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hardly is worth a
whole half-crown,” I said with a shrug of my shoulders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Now I’m really curious,” my teacher’s smile reached
to his eyes and I saw them twinkling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I sighed deeply. “If you must know, I was thinking
how glad I was to have my brother with me again. I missed him dreadfully.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Oh, is that all?” William asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">With a frown, I looked over at him. He seemed almost
crestfallen, but at the same time relieved. I hid a puzzled smile with
difficulty. “I told you it wasn’t worth a half-crown.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Suddenly, Malcolm appeared in front of me with a
half-smile on his face. “Are you done whispering?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I hadn’t realized. “We were whispering?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">His eyebrows rose slightly. “You were.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I beg your pardon. It won’t happen again, and yes,
of course we’re done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Malcolm shot William a look I couldn’t quite decipher,
and then motioned towards Henry. “We decided the first step in our rescue is to
find out where exactly the Duke is keeping his valuable prisoner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">William mirrored my nod of agreement. It was the
most sensible plan of action. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But how? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I must have asked the question aloud because he
continued, “As he said before, Henry has some friends who frequent the castle,
sometimes even the least used rooms which the Duke inhabits.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Henry walked up behind him, subconsciously holding
his injured arm in a protective manner. “They are less likely to attract
attention when they inquire about the princess,” he explained. “Malcolm pointed
out that some of them may even be the very ones who bring food or water to
her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“After we successfully find where the princess is
without the Duke or Alfred finding us, what will we do next?” William posed
this question to Henry, but Malcolm was the one to answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“We will endeavor to find a way to smuggle her from
the Duke’s grasp,” he said simply. “I agree with Henry…one must find an enemy’s
weakness if one wishes to triumph over them. That will be our next step:
finding a weakness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“And then,” I said finally, “you will swoop in on a
white horse in shining armor and carry your future bride off into the sunset.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">William and Henry chuckled at this, and I could
hardly keep a grin off my own face. Malcolm blushed and ducked his head before
quickly gaining control over himself again.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Of course, it won’t be quite that easy.” He sighed.
“I only wish it was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I patted him on the shoulder gently. “God will be
with us. He will keep us, as well as Christine, safe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Henry started towards the door. “I’m going to go
speak with my friend, one of the guards in the castle. If anyone knows anything
about the princess’s whereabouts, it’ll be him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Malcolm nodded his approval. “I’ll come with you.”
My brother glanced my direction questioningly. “Would you like to join us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I shook my head wearily. “I’m sure it’ll be
fascinating,” I replied, “but right now, I’m utterly exhausted and need to get
some more sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">William moved over to where my brother now stood,
next to the door. “I’ll join you, Malcolm,” he offered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">The door shut behind them, and at last, for the
first time in what seemed like years, I was able to have a whole night’s sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>* * * *
*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">A day passed, and then another, before we learned
where Princess Christine was kept in the Duke’s large castle. Meanwhile, I
caught up on much needed sleep and much needed nourishment. The Restless Raven
did serve good food, though the dishes’ cleanliness was not such as it could
have been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">At last Henry brought us the news we had been
waiting for: the princess was a prisoner in one of the towers within the castle
walls. The Duke didn’t appear to go near her, except he questioned her once or
twice to learn all she knew about her father’s plans…which thankfully for us
wasn’t much. It appeared that he had no ulterior motives except to keep her as
a bargaining tool with the king. We hoped this would continue to be the case
until we had a chance to pull her away. Who knew what the Duke would do to her
if he grew tired of waiting for the king to demand a release of his daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Our friend Lord Alfred, however, was an entirely
different matter. According to Henry’s friend, he had gotten a few bruises from
the hand of the princess, as well as a few more from her well-aimed kicks, for
the trouble he took to whisk her away from her home. Of course, this didn’t put
Christine in good standing with him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Worried lines creased Malcolm’s brow when Henry
finished releasing his information. “We’ve just got to get her out of there,”
he said with a hint of desperation, gnawing on his lower lip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">William leaned his hands on the table, making eye
contact with my brother. “Well, we’ve completed our first step in recovering
the princess. What’s next, General?”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">A small grin eased some of the wrinkles of Malcolm’s
concern out of sight. “Next we find a weakness. As quickly as possible.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“How?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">My brother’s strategizing genius bubbled to the
surface yet again. His eyes narrowed in concentration and he tapped the table
we were sitting at with his restless fingers. “We’ll have to get inside the
castle and gain a better understanding of their defenses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Sir…I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord</i>
Alfred knows what we look like,” I pointed out needlessly. I could see everyone
was thinking the same thing. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Malcolm held up a hand. “I have an idea.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*
* * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“This is insane!” I exclaimed when my brother had laid
out his “fool-proof” plan before us. I stared at the three men watching my
reaction with obvious amusement on their faces. “You must be out of your mind!”
I added for emphasis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I might be,” Malcolm chuckled. “But it will work.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I shook my head violently, sending my long braid of
auburn hair flying. “How? Alfred…the Duke <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and
</i>Alfred will see right through it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I don’t think so.” Malcolm looked me in the eye.
“Alfred will hardly think that you would allow us to dress you as a boy, cut
your hair, and send you alone into an enemy’s castle to act as a peasant boy
looking for work in the stable as a part of our rescue plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“And he’d be right!” I said, holding my hair
protectively.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“But you’d do it,” my brother continued knowingly,
“you’d do it for the princess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“Much as I hate to see all those lovely auburn waves
cut off, it’s the only way,” William added gently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Even as a blush deepened the color of my cheeks at
the subtle compliment, I gave a heavy sigh. They were both right. I would do
anything short of killing myself or denouncing my faith to bring her to safety.
With a resigned air, my hand fell away from my braid. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Sitting down on a nearby stool, I surrendered to
their plan. “Please do it quickly,” I requested. “Before I change my mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">My brother pulled out a wicked looking pair of
shears and began sawing my hair away from my head. I choked back tears as the
strands fell around my feet, but gave up keeping them contained when they
refused and obstinately continued down my face in small rivers of regret.
Already I felt my head lighten, free of the weight of my hair, but that didn’t
help my mood in the slightest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">As was the case with most girls, my hair had been a
source of pride and vanity all my growing up years, and now I was losing all
the work I had put into keeping it long and healthy to a whim of my brother’s.
To say I was distressed would be an understatement of the highest caliber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“It doesn’t look too bad,” Malcolm told me when
standing back to survey his handiwork. “In fact, it looks quite passable, if I
do say so myself.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I took my tear stained face out of my hands and
blinked away the mist that filled my vision so I could see the final picture in
the mirror over the room’s fireplace. My sight cleared, and for a moment, I
stared in shock at the creature that faced me. Then I realized that that
creature was me, and the tears began to flow once more as I buried my face in
my hands yet again in the effort to hide what I saw. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">My beautiful hair, the one thing I really had to
fuss over with girlish pride, was cut off just below the ears. Malcolm, not
being the most accomplished barber by any stretch of the imagination, had cut
it jaggedly, the rough ends all different lengths. Some of it hung down over my
eyes, effective for hiding my identity, which I realized upon some reflection,
but a very unladylike style nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Any shred of pride I held had been efficiently cut
off along with my hair. The sobs which racked my body died away to shamed
hiccups. I pulled my head up and wiped my tears away bravely, still avoiding
the image of my new self in the mirror. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I-I’m sorry a-about that,” I hiccupped. “It was
s-such a s-shock!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">My brother patted me on the back. “You’ll get used
to it eventually, Meg.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">No I won’t. </span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I ran a hand through my hair
reflectively, surprised at how soon my hand came free of the shortened length.
Tears stung my eyes, threatening to spill out again, but I sucked them back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">William was regarding me with a lopsided grin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I met his stare with a glower that came straight
from my healthy amount of wounded pride. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t say
it,” I warned. “I’m liable to slap someone, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anyone</i>,
who sees fit to make a joke about how I look at this moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">My teacher saw fit to ignore my warning. “I was just
going to say you look absolutely adorable, Meg,” he said with a smirk plastered
across his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I stomped over and peered up at him, wishing I could
be taller and be able to look him eye to eye. “Didn’t I warn you not to make
fun of me?” My eyes filled with tears again, and my hand rose on its own accord
to slap him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">He caught my wrist and lowered it slowly. “Calm
yourself, Meg, I wasn’t making fun of your hair.” I saw now that William’s eyes
held only honesty, and I forced myself to listen. “I really do think your hair
looks fine.” He glanced at my brother and the grin returned. “Granted, Malcolm
is not the best hair cutter in the world, but after a few weeks of growing,
perhaps trimming it a little after we rescue the princess, it’ll look better.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I took a deep breath, felt my shorn head, and gave
William a shaky smile. “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I can buy you some clothes, Meg,” my brother
continued. “And we’ll have to fix your face</span>—<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">what we can see of it</span>—<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">and your hair so that Alfred can’t recognize
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I regarded myself sorrowfully in the mirror. “I
doubt he’d recognize me as I am now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Malcolm tilted his head thoughtfully. “Perhaps not,
but we’ll still have to get you nice and dirty before sending you into the
lion’s den.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I sighed with a martyr-like air. “I hope Christine
appreciates everything I’m going through to get her to safety.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“I’m sure she does,” William assured me. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Malcolm grinned and headed towards the door.
“William, Henry, meet me outside. We’ll split up to gather supplies we’ll need
for getting into the castle after Meg does her part, and the things for our
disguises.” He looked at me and a flicker of sympathy clouded his eyes for a
moment. “Meg, stay here and rest. Who knows when you’ll have another chance.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">I waited until the door closed before melting into a
puddle of helpless tears once more. It was ridiculous, and I felt ashamed to
show my feelings in such a manner, but I knew that if I held the tears inside,
my resolve would crumble sooner. Better to let out my emotions now, while no one
was near enough to laugh at my misery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-89548017675171428362016-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:002016-12-09T09:00:16.002-08:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Ten<span style="font-size: large;">And we're <em><strong>finally</strong></em> back. :) After a well-deserved vacation month *cough* I was able to finish this story once and for all...so you won't have to worry about any more surprise breaks. ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(Although, I should warn you, I DO have a holiday story for you all as a special thank you for letting me off for a month. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, since you probably skipped the intro anyways...the next part of my current favorite story..."Ocean Mist". :D</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Snell Roundhand"; font-size: 42pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Snell Roundhand";">Chapter Ten: <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
feel really bad about what happened,” Dillon remarked as he watched the
youngest pastor’s kid climb painfully into the car and drive away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
dark-haired teen next to him shrugged. “My brother has been in worse accidents
than this one. I think he’ll be fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
sister of the wounded boy didn’t look so hopeful. Her brow was knit in worry,
and she had started chewing on her lower lip. “I wish I could have kept that
from happening,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
wave of guilt swept through Dillon. “I shouldn’t have brought it up,” he said.
“This whole accident was really my fault.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
sent him a sympathetic look. “Not the whole accident,” she was quick to say,
“but you’re right, you shouldn’t have brought it up,” she added honestly. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
sudden breeze kicked up off the ocean, and without the comfort of his shirt,
Dillon felt the coolness of it right down to his bones. He gave a slight shiver.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn’s
sharp eyes noticed the almost undetectable shudder and unzipped his jacket.
“Here,” he offered. “You can wear this until you get home and can change into a
shirt of your own.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon
gave the pastor’s son a look of surprise. “I might get it dirty,” he warned.
“In fact, there’s no ‘might’ about it. I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will
</i>be getting it dirty. I’m covered in sweat!”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An
unreadable expression crossed Shawn’s face, but the hand that held out the
jacket remained steady. “Jackets wash,” he said. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Realizing
his new friend was in earnest, Dillon took the gift and slipped into its
welcome protection from the wind. The arms were a little tight, but other than
that small factor, the jacket fit pretty well. A faint smell of Shawn’s cologne
reached his nose, but the smell was pleasant, and not unbearably strong. He
smiled his thanks. “That’s a lot better,” he admitted aloud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn
gave him a stiff nod before shoving his glasses back up his nose and looking
down the street where his dad’s car so recently disappeared. Dillon followed
his gaze and grinned when he recognized his own dad’s car driving towards them.
Eagerly, he waved.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Boy,
am I glad to see you!” he exclaimed when the window rolled down and Mark’s face
stuck out the window. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well,
we couldn’t leave you stranded here forever, could we?” Mark answered. “No
matter how tempting that thought might be,” he added with a grin. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven
stepped out of the backseat. “Mark and I stopped by your dad’s house after
alerting Ray’s parents and told him what happened. He’s going to give y’all a
ride back to their house again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon
glanced down at the borrowed jacket. “Could we make a detour to our house first
so I can give Shawn’s jacket back to him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What
happened to your shirt?” Mr. Blake asked, craning around Mark’s gangly form and
seeing his son’s outfit for the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My
brother was bleeding heavily from a gash in his side and Dillon provided the
needed bandage,” Nicole explained. “It may or may not be able to be used
again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
didn’t ever like that shirt anyways Dad,” Dillon added. “It wasn’t a big deal.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well,
I’m glad you were able to help him out,” his dad answered. Switching subjects,
he said, “This car only holds four people other then me. Who’s biking home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
can,” Steven offered. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
will too,” Mark put in. He punched Steven gently on his shoulder. “Y’ know,
just so you aren’t lonely.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ok,
Dillon how about you get the rest of the bikes onto the back,” Mr. Blake said. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sure
thing, Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn
and Nicole helped pack their three bikes and the remains of Ray’s bike into the
trunk and bicycle rack that adorned the rear of the car. They waved their
goodbyes to Steven and Mark and then climbed into their seats. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“All
buckled?” Mr. Blake asked from the front. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,
sir!” chorused the three teens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
car started and they moved down the road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Wow,
you guys have a really good view!” Nicole breathed out ecstatically when Mr.
Blake parked their car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah,
we really lucked out on this house,” the man agreed. “The owners were moving to
Texas for business related stuff and wanted to get rid of it. We’ve made some
improvements, but it didn’t need much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do
you mind if I wander around out in front while we’re waiting?” she asked with
shining eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No
problem,” Mr. Blake assured her with a smile. “Go right ahead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
opened the car door and walked through the lawn and across a side deck before
finding stairs that brought her to the sandy beach. A hammock hung between two
trees on the other side of the house, and a few chairs stood around a fireplace
a few feet from where she stood. Her artist’s heart drank in the scene to
capture in a future picture as shoe-shod feet sank into the shifting sands.
Impulsively, she untied her tennis shoes and slipped the socks off her feet in
order to sink her toes into the cool grains. It felt so good. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
smile lifted the corners of her mouth and she shut her eyes for a moment to
experience the beach with her other senses. All was quiet at first, but then,
her ears began picking up the sounds of distant seagulls, crashing waves,
voices of neighbors, someone playing music way too loud for their own good, the
wind whispering through the grass that grew coarse and tall on the sand dunes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
knelt in the sand and ran her hands through the slightly damp substance, each
grain unique in its different shape and color; each grain traveled from its
mother rock or shell to make its long journey here, to where she could feel it
in her fingers. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
wind dried her tongue when she stuck it out to taste the air, but she could
tell it was cool. Some sand must have been picked up by it, because at least a
few grains made it into her mouth by the time she closed it. With a grimace,
Nicole spit them out and brushed other sand over it to hide the spot. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Closing
her eyes again, she took a long, careful breath through her nose. The tangy
scent of seaweed, the earthy smell of sand and grass, and vaguely, she could
make out someone cooking something over the barbecue. It smelled good. Her
stomach growled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hungry?”
someone asked from behind her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With
a gasp and exclamation of surprise, Nicole’s eyes flew open and she spun
around. “Oh my word, you startled me Dillon!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sorry,”
the teen apologized sheepishly. “I was sent to let you know we were ready to
head out.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Of
course, thank you.” She smiled. “I was enjoying the view.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“With
your eyes shut?” Dillon asked with a doubtful grin. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sometimes
that’s what it takes,” Nicole answered simply with a shrug. “I was enjoying it
with all my senses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh,
I see,” Dillon said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
they walked back to the car, Dillon puzzled over his new friends who never
ceased to surprise him. During the ride to their home, it was very quiet. But
that ceased the moment they arrived in their parking lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">*************************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are
you ok?” Nicole asked as she knelt by her brother. They were still breathless
from running into the house the minute the car had stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah,
I’m fine. How did you get here so fast?” Ray demanded to know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Steven
and Mark stopped by Mr. Blake’s place and he drove us home before taking the
bicycles back to the rental and paying for all the damage. He said we could pay
him back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is
he out there right now?” their dad broke in, from where he was sitting on the
other couch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“As
far as we know he is,” Shawn said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well
for heaven’s sake ask them in then!” Mrs. Daniels called from the kitchen.
“I’ll get some coffee going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn
obediently did as he was told and soon both Dillon and his dad were expressing their
sympathies to Ray while sipping from steaming mugs of coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
there was a lull in the small talk, Mr. Blake surprised them all by turning to
Nicole and saying, “I hear you are quite the accomplished artist. I dabble in
art myself, and I would love to see some of your work.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
ducked her head, embarrassed, before replying. “I wouldn’t call myself an
accomplished artist Mr. Blake. I enjoy drawing, and find it a way for me to
relax, but haven’t spent a lot of time working on getting any better.” </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
he insisted that he really would like to see some of her pictures, Nicole gave
in and brought down her sketchbook and laid it open with the strange feeling
that she was opening a part of her soul to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
a few minutes, the only sounds in the room were the almost silent sound of sips
of coffee, the clock ticking, and the flipping of pages as Mr. Blake looked
through Nicole’s handiwork. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
awhile, Dillon’s dad looked up at her tense face and smiled. “These are
amazing,” he said, gesturing to the pictures with a wave of his hand. “Have you
considered getting them published?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
shook her head and gathered up her sketches like so many lost children. “No, I
prefer to keep it as a hobby. I find no pleasure in sharing my work with more
than friends and family. Someday, if my grandchildren see fit to publish them
when I’m dead, they’re welcome to the headache.” She finished her last
statement with a shake of her head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This
is my favorite,” Dillon said, pointing to the one still on the table. His dad
bent down for a closer look. “See how she captured the expressions on each face
so well?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Indeed
she had. It was the scene she drew of her family traveling down to their
vacation home for a week, the five family members squeezed into the car like
marshmallows and chocolate in a s’more. Nicole smiled at the memory now, but
picked it up to put away with the other ones. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s
one of my favorites too, although I think this one topped out as the absolute
favorite,” she said, flipping through her pictures for a few seconds before
pulling out a different picture. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her
audience leaned in again. The sketch she held was the one she had drawn of her
parents sitting together with their backs to the fire, arms around each other,
hair blowing in the wind, a perfect picture of contentment, love, and peace. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon’s
breath caught for a moment, a lump had come to his throat as the memories of
his mom came back in a wave of grief that took him completely by surprise. He
glanced sideways at his dad and noticed that his reaction hadn’t been the only
one. Mr. Blake had tears streaming down his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s
the matter?” Nicole asked in distress. “Is it something I said? Or did? What
did I do wrong?”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His
dad was in no condition to talk, so Dillon cleared his throat. “My mom passed
away a couple years ago,” he said, his voice still thick with unshed tears.
“That picture brought some memories back from our life when she was still with
us.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
blinked, feeling tears coming to her own eyes. “I am so sorry,” she whispered,
her hand over her mouth in shock. “I-I didn’t realize. If I had known…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s
not your fault,” Dillon assured her. “It’s just…”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mrs.
Blake died a few months after she discovered she had kidney cancer,” Nicole’s
dad broke in. “It was very sudden. Nobody was prepared.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll
say,” Dillon muttered. “She had always been so healthy. Mom hardly ever got
sick. She should have lived to be over ninety years old…” bitterness flavored
each sentence the teen spoke. “But she didn’t. She didn’t even live to be forty
years old. She died when she was thirty-nine.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suddenly
angry, Dillon gripped the upholstery of the chair he sat in and spat out
between clenched teeth, “It’s not fair. What did she do to deserve such a
death? What did we do to deserve losing her? Sometimes, I hate this world and
the way it works. If there’s a God, like you believe there is, and He created
this earth, like you think He did, then I hate Him for taking my mom from me.”
With that final statement, he slammed his coffee mug onto the end table and
rushed through the door, closing it behind him with a bang. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
a moment, the Daniels family sat in shock. Mr. Blake broke the silence with an
embarrassed cough. “I’m sorry my son spoke like he did about your God. He took
Cheryl’s death very hard.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
understand,” the pastor replied warmly. “It’s always very sad to loose a loved
one. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you to loose a wife and him a
mother. We’ll be praying for you both.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon’s
dad stood up. “Thank you,” he said, “for both the coffee and your prayers. I’d
better go talk to my son now.” Just before closing the door behind him, he
turned to Nicole. “If you feel the urge to draw ocean scenery, you’re welcome
to come to our place to do it. I’d be honored to have our view be captured in
one of your sketches.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank
you very much Mr. Blake,” Nicole answered with a heartfelt smile. “I won’t
forget your offer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll
have Dillon send you our address so you can find your way easier without having
to rely on only your memory.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Which
we all know is faultless,” Shawn muttered from behind his book. If anyone heard
him, no one paid the comment any mind. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With
one last round of “goodbye” and “we’ll keep you in our prayers”, Dillon’s dad
closed the door. The pastor’s family was by themselves once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-19802320391254335412016-11-14T20:26:00.001-08:002016-11-14T20:26:06.210-08:00Take a Break!?!!?<span style="font-size: large;">Because of the holiday business, along with frantically trying to finish re-writing the entire end of "Ocean Mist" and editing "The Princess & I", I am giving myself a well deserved break. *sniff* </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please don't be too upset by this. *puppy eyes* I promise I will get back to you with posts by December, and I'm going to give you a special treat for your patience. But, I'm not going to tell you what it is because...well, then you'd know and it wouldn't be a surprise any more! ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No body dies in the next chapters I was GOING to post, so don't panic. *cough* Whoops. SPOILER ALERT. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Life has been catching up with me, and school...ugh. But let's not go there, shall we? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really sorry about my schedule guys, and I hope you have a great November! :) </span>4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-34856047561052555832016-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-21T09:00:00.183-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Twenty-Two<span style="font-size: large;">And here we are again with the next chapter for "The Princess & I"! What's you opinion so far? (Other than the fact that it needs editing...believe me, I know that! I actually have quite a few people helping me with it as I write this.) Has your favorite character changed, or do you still like the same guy/girl as before? Do you like Henry? Do YOU think he can be trusted?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Read on and decide...and then tell me, because I love feedback. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">22: </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Planning Again</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 28pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry led me from one disreputable neighborhood to another, stopping
passersby on the narrow lanes, questioning men who could hardly see straight
they were so drunk, and paying some of them for helpful directions. I have to
admit, he did know how to glean information, and did a far better job then I
would have done. Granted, it helped that he had the courage to talk to a few
characters I would have done everything I could to avoid. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, when I had just about worn through my riding boots with all the
walking around the village and my voice was almost completely gone from telling
everyone and their cousin what my brother and William looked like, along with
their counterfeit names, we found them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or perhaps, I should say, they found us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry was looking worried by the time he came out of the final tavern
and walked over to where I stood in the shadows. “I can’t get any more people
to give me information. It looks as though we’ve walked ourselves to the end of
the road and there’s no place to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed, rubbing my arms in the cold. “We have to find them,” I said,
swallowing back the tears of helplessness that threatened to spill out of my
eyes and over my cheeks. I had nowhere to go, and night had long since fallen.
Trust never came easily to me…and I didn’t know how far Henry’s gratefulness
went. He could be planning on leading me into a corner or to his friends at
this very moment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Instead, hands covered our mouths and pulled Henry and me back into the
shadows of an alleyway. I found myself being pushed into a stone wall and my
wide, frightened eyes meeting William’s. He gasped as if someone hit him in the
stomach and stumbled backwards, letting go of me immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Meg?” his voice was filled with shock and disbelief. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I fell to the ground when I lost his support and sat there, rubbing the
circulation back into my arms. Malcolm held Henry still, his eyes wide in
surprise. Then, as one, both Malcolm and William turned their glares to Henry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brother tightened his grip on Henry, causing the man to wince and
groan at the pain he was causing his injury I had so carefully sewn together.
“What did you do to my sister?” he demanded fiercely. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“If you hurt her in any way…” William added threateningly, his eyes
flashing fire in the darkness. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I leapt to my feet, pulling Malcolm’s hands from Henry’s injured arm.
“Stop! You’re hurting him!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Incredulity at my actions caused them to hesitate, and I quickly
glanced over Henry’s injury to make sure his cut wasn’t bleeding again. The man
winced at the probing of my fingers, but his eyes held no malice towards my
brother and his harsh treatment. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“He got a cut,” I explained once I was satisfied the wound hadn’t
reopened. “And he didn’t hurt me.” My story came out in a rush, and though the
air around me was stiff with suspicion, they seemed to accept the fact that
Henry wasn’t going to harm any of us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, the man studied me closely. Once I finished the story and
while Malcolm and William decided what to make of it in their own minds, he
spoke. “Meg?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I avoided his gaze and stood up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">That alone seemed to be enough of an answer for him. He chuckled. “I
thought so. You almost slipped yourself. Don’t be too hard on your friend for
giving your real name away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William glanced between us. “I suppose we should thank you,” he said
grudgingly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“For what?” Henry asked as if honestly confused. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“For keeping her from searching for us all over the village in the
middle of the night by herself,” Malcolm answered for William. I don’t know
what he saw in the look I gave him, but the next thing he said was, “<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Don’t</span></span> give me that look,
you know you would have! Admit it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Much as I disliked it, I knew he was right. I would have. “Have we
found a way…” I trailed off with a glance towards Henry who was watching us
with narrowed eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The Duke is no friend of mine,” he said suddenly when he caught my
eyes on him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I shifted my weight from one leg to the other. “Why would you tell us
that?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Well, you’re obviously trying to do something without his knowledge of
it, considering the fact that you were avoiding his soldiers earlier this
evening at all costs,” Henry answered matter-of-factly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“We’re trying to rescue…” I fought to gather and use the right words.
Just in case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“He kidnapped my betrothed,” Malcolm said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ah,” Henry replied, his eyes lighting up in understanding. “So you
want to rescue her?” At the united nods from us, his brow furrowed and he
scratched his chin, as he seemed to be in the habit of doing when in deep
thought. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“A man named Alfred knows we’re trying to rescue her,” Malcolm put in,
in hopes of helping whatever plan the man might have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry sucked in a breath. “If Lord Alfred knows about your rescue
plans…that’s going to make your job a great deal harder.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My eyebrows lifted in surprise. “A Lord!” I exclaimed, not bothering to
hide the shock in my voice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm and William’s faces sank into thoughtful glowers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That explains a lot,” my brother said. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The rotten little…” William stopped his verbal abuse of the man abruptly
and glanced in my direction apologetically.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A smile twitched the corners of my mouth. “No need to hold back too
much on my account,” I said. “My own vocabulary is sadly lacking in words that
I can use to describe his infamous behavior.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry interrupted us. “I know you may not want my help at all, but if
you are willing, I think I have the beginnings of a plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm’s eyes sparked in interest and he involuntarily leaned towards
the injured man. “How could you help us?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Well,” he hesitated slightly, “I have a few friends among the guards
in the castle’s dungeon, and that is undoubtedly where your betrothed is being
held…if she’s still alive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You think we might be able to slip into the dungeon and free her?”
Malcolm could hardly hide the eagerness in his voice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Possibly. Or possibly we can work inwards from the outside. Tunnels
may be a bit common for escaping prisoners to use, but there’s a reason for
that: it has worked in the past.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The idea of having Henry help was slowly taking root in Malcolm and
William’s minds. I already mostly trusted him, despite the less than pleasant
way we met each other. Besides, I was ready to do just about anything to get
the princess to safety. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What is the young lady’s name?” Henry continued, looking questioningly
at my brother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He froze. We were treading dangerous ground yet again. “Anna,” he said
at last. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry apparently noted his hesitation. “You’ll have to tell me her
actual name, otherwise I won’t be able to find where she’s being kept.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A resigned look came over Malcolm’s face and he sighed. “Her name is
Christine,” he said finally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry uttered a low whistle. “The princess herself?” he muttered more
to himself than us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yes,” Malcolm answered shortly. “But how did you know that was the
princess? Surely there’s more than one girl in the kingdom whose name is
Christine,” he added suspiciously.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry raised an eyebrow. “Everyone in this village heard about the Duke
capturing the princess to use as a bargaining tool with the king.” The man’s brow
furrowed. “An unfortunate complication…it’s going to make our job of rescuing
her a great deal harder. Such a valuable prisoner is going to have twice as
many guards around her at all times, if not the Duke himself.” He paused,
scratching his chin again. “In fact, she may not even be kept in the dungeon.
The Duke may have her up in his specially guarded tower he keeps for political
prisoners.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William chewed on the edge of his lip. “Surely the Duke will have a
hard time hiding such a famous prisoner’s whereabouts from all the people in
the castle. Couldn’t we discretely inquire around until we find out where she
is?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“An excellent plan,” Henry agreed slowly, “except that you say Lord
Alfred knows about your plans of rescue. If that is so, he’ll be sending his
own spies to look for people asking about the princess. Once he gets wind of
our inquires, the blood hounds will follow our trail and we’ll put her life in
more danger than it already is…not to mention the fact that we’ll be killed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What do you suggest then?” Malcolm asked, his face drawn into a
worried frown. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“To be able to overcome an enemy, you must find a weakness,” Henry said
simply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a moment, we looked at him. The man I had almost left to bleed to
death on the shadowed street was apparently as full of surprises as we were of
desperation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Who are you?” I asked suddenly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry sighed. “Who am I? Nobody right now. You should ask who I was.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Who were you?” William asked without missing a beat.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I was the Duke’s Captain of the Guard.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My hand covered my mouth, muffling my gasp. “What happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I dared to disagree with his brother.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“On what?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry closed his eyes, as if to shut out the painful memories of his
past. “He wanted to send all the soldiers under me in to a battle in which we
would be outnumbered one hundred to ten. It was nothing short of murder of all
my men. I refused, and stated my reasons. His brother was absolutely livid at
my refusal and stormed to the Duke who in turn banished me on his brother’s
behalf from my position without even bothering to hear my side of the story. I
have been striving to drown my memories in the taverns since then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a moment, there was nothing we could say. Our silent shock hung for
a moment, our mouths open in disbelief and horror at what he must have gone
through. Henry gave a shuddering sigh and passed a hand over his forehead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I would do anything to help revenge these five years I’ve wasted
because of him,” Henry continued. “If you wouldn’t mind my help that is.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm grinned and shook Henry’s hand. “Consider yourself a part of
our rescue plans. We could use another man on our side.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And one who knows the inside of the castle as well as you do will be
invaluable,” William added. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The tension melted. Plans were made. Now all we had to do was carry
them out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-55842905772671536372016-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-18T16:53:24.436-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Nine<span style="font-size: large;">How is your Tuesday so far? Mine has been fantastic...thank you for asking. (I actually posted this last week, so how amazing that I can foresee the future, right?) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anywho...here's the next part of "Ocean Mist" for your enjoyment. I should tell you...not everything these kids do should be copied. Just a warning. NOW go and read the next part of the story with that in mind. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "hogarthscrjoid"; font-size: 42pt;">Chapter
Nine: </span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Did
you get a haircut?” Steven asked Dillon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
six teens had just finished getting Nicole, Shawn, and Ray through the whole
bike rental confusion. They were now slowly riding down the sidewalk that
stretched parallel to the ocean. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven’s
question registered in Dillon’s mind finally and he tore his eyes from the
gorgeous view, one that never got old even if he had spent the last ten years
of his life living here, and said, “Yeah, Dad said that if I grew it out much
longer Mark would think I was copying him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Would
that be a bad thing?” Mark asked from in front of him, twisting around so his
smirk was visible to everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,”
Steven and Dillon both said with conviction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
exchange drew laughter from the three pastor’s kids who watched it. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
guys are really something else,” Shawn muttered, shaking his head in apparent
hopelessness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why
thank you!” Mark said, giving an awkward bow from his seat on the bicycle. This
comical act only served to cause more laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
the only girl, Nicole felt it her responsibility to keep everyone from getting
hurt so when Dillon proposed a race to the end of the sidewalk, she was quick
to offer reasons why that would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>be
the best idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
guys are going to regret this,” she argued when it was obvious the boys were
going to ignore her warnings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nobody
said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>had to race,” Ray pointed
out, irritated that his sister, who usually put up with his antics, would voice
her disapproval. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nicole
and I will be the judges,” Shawn offered, eager to get himself out of something
that might mess up his perfectly tailored appearance. He hopped off his bike,
straightening his jeans and running a hand through his hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His
sister didn’t say anything to his suggestion, but followed his example and got
off her bike. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Who’ll
say ‘go’?” Dillon asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
can,” Shawn said, when Nicole folded her arms stubbornly and refused to be any
part of something that was sure to end badly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon,
Mark, Steven, and Ray lined up their bikes. Once mounted, the boys leaned
forward, their eyes alight with excitement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ready?”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
boys nodded wordlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Get
set…GO!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
the last word, all four friends took off towards the agreed upon ending point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
relished the feel of wind rushing against his face. He shut his eyes for a
moment as the bike’s wheels carried him smoothly along the sidewalk. His legs
pumped the pedals up and down, around and around, as he worked his way up the
hills. He was becoming seriously addicted to vacations. They were so awesome! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey,
dude! Watch out!” The frantic cry came from behind him. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray’s
eyes flew open in time to watch himself crash into a telephone pole. He jumped
sideways, off the bike and away from the object in his path, only to land on
the sidewalk and skid a foot before coming to a halt in a haphazard heap.
Scrapes from the cement were all over his hands, arms, elbows and knees. His
shirt was ripped and a gash from the handlebars was beginning to bleed heavily.
Pain. The world was full of pain. Everything hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
watched her younger brother ride with the careless abandon he was known for,
and heard Steven’s frantic warning come too late. Her first reaction had been
one of concern, but that soon mixed with angry frustration. Her brother must
have had his eyes closed in order to run into a telephone pole without
realizing it. With her teeth clenched, she mounted her bike along with Shawn
and rushed to the scene of the accident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her
brakes jerked her bike to a stop, skid marks showing up clear on the light
pavement. She stumbled over to Ray who lay groaning on the ground. A few tears
had squeezed their way out of his eyes, which was a bad sign. Ray <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never </i>cried in front of people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ray,
buddy, talk to me,” Dillon was saying, down on his knees by her prostrate
brother. Concern was showing in his eyes and leaked through his request. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To
her relief, Ray let out a groan. He could understand them. That was a good
sign. She knelt on the other side of him and noticed the gash in his side for
the first time. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Guys,
we need to stop the bleeding,” she said. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Um…does
anyone have a Band-Aid?” Dillon asked the small circle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
let out a groan herself. “You didn’t pack a First Aid kit?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sheepishly,
Dillon shook his head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Boy,
what is it with guys and not being practical?” she muttered. “What we need,”
she continued in a louder voice, “is actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>a Band-Aid, but some sort of absorbent cloth. The cut in his
side is too big to be covered by a Band-Aid. Also, we’ll need to wash it before
we can wrap it up.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh,
like in movies,” Mark said, nodding to himself as if it all made sense now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven
handed her his mostly unused water bottle, the first helpful thing any of the
boys had done, and she dumped the better part of it over the gash in her
brother’s side. She did her best to use the remainder of that water bottle and
Ray’s to clean the rest of the abrasions. Now to find bandage materiel…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Something
was shoved into her hand, and Nicole looked over to find it was Dillon’s shirt.
“It’ll be ruined,” she warned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
couldn’t think of anything else that would work,” he explained. “Go ahead and
use it. People are more important than things.” She glanced up and saw his easy
grin. “Besides, I don’t even like that shirt.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s
a good thing you don’t,” Nicole said as she pressed it to her brother’s cut.
“Otherwise you’d have a pretty hard time trying to get the stains out. Always
use cold water, by the way, to get out bloodstains. Just in case you needed to
know that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
a few minutes passed, and Ray was able to stop clenching his teeth against the
horrible pain of having water poured over his open cuts, he managed to crack an
eye open. Heads and worried expressions swam into view. For another minute, he
focused on the three-headed apparitions until the single, solid face of his sister
spoke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
are you feeling?” she asked him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Like
I was run over by a car and then trampled by a herd of horses before being
carried off and eaten by a dragon,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
smiled, and he heard chuckles of amusement from around him. “So, a little
better, I take it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
nodded, but winced when the movement made the pain levels skyrocket. “Yeah, I
guess.” He paused, and watched as her busy hands went to find every cut and
bruise. “You can say ‘I told you so’,” he offered. “I totally deserve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
raised an eyebrow at her brother’s confession, but shook her head. “God already
took care of that,” she said. “His punishment was worse than anything I could
have come up with. I could stand an apology for scaring me out of my wits
though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
mumbled ‘sorry’ made it past Ray’s reddened cheeks, and he looked as if he
really meant it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
soon will it be until you’re ready to make the trip back to your house?” Dillon
asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
ignored the burn of his many cuts and tried sitting up. It took a few seconds
for his vision to clear again, but he was up. Progress was good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Um,
maybe ten minutes?” he estimated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
know, maybe a couple of you could ride back and get my parents,” Nicole
suggested. “I don’t think Ray will be riding a bike again anytime soon. Then
they can drive over here and pick him up in our car.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn
nodded his agreement. “Maybe Steven and Mark could go back?” he suggested. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
two selected boys took off after a unanimous vote declared them the messengers.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once
Steven and Mark left them in the dust, Ray glanced over at the mangled remains
of the bicycle and grimaced. “That’s going to be expensive,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yep,
and guess who’s paying for it?” Shawn said, leaning against the telephone pole,
which had remained annoyingly free of crash marks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
glowered at it as if the whole crash was its fault. “Me,” he groaned aloud. He
was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>looking forward to what his
parents would have to say about this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">***************************</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
silence was almost as bad as the scolding he thought he was going to get. Ray
squirmed inside, since actually doing it would have been painful, while waiting
for the lecture he knew would come. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His
dad glanced in the rear-view mirror. He had that look in his eyes. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here it comes, </i>Ray thought, bracing
himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So,
I take it you learned a lesson today?” his dad asked at the next stoplight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
sir,” Ray admitted quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Which
was…” the pastor prompted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“To
not close my eyes while riding a bike.” </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was a good thing the next light was also red. Mr. Daniels turned around to face
his son, disbelief etched in every feature. “You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">closed your eyes </i>while riding a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bike</i>?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
whole story came out, and, to his credit, Ray did nothing to avoid the truth
about his mistake. His dad stayed silent while he told his tale. Once it was
over, the pastor met his son’s eyes in the rear-view mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So
you actually learned two lessons today,” Mr. Daniels said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
frowned. “Um, yeah? I guess so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Come
on, Ray, you know what the real lesson was. Think son. I know you can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
furrowed his brow, thinking so hard that his head began hurting. Finally, he
came up with the lesson he hoped was what his dad wanted. “To listen to my
older siblings when they’re giving me advice I know you and Mom would agree
with.” He sighed. “Nicole said my accident was a punishment from God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mmm,”
the pastor said noncommittally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
silence stretched to the point of awkwardness. His dad was the one to break it
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are
you all right?” </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Somehow
feeling worse than if his dad had lectured him, Ray hung his head. “Yeah, I’m
ok.” He glanced at his reflection in the passenger side mirror and shuddered.
“I look worse than I feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When
Steven and Mark showed up at our door, you caused us quite a bit of worry.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
know,” Ray answered miserably. “I’m sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
glad to hear that. Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We
love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
remainder of the ten-minute drive was spent in silence. Ray, too embarrassed by
his behavior, didn’t feel like small talk, and his dad appeared in the mood to
humor him this once. An almost relieved feeling swept over him when their car
was parked in their driveway and the awkward silence was now over. He hopped
out of the passenger seat only to be enfolded into his mom’s arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are
you ok? How bad was the fall? Did you have Nicole check you for a concussion?
How did the accident happen? Are your siblings ok? Did anyone else crash?” His
mom’s onslaught of worried questions took awhile to register in his head; a
head that still hurt from the crash. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
fine Mom,” he assured her finally. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
crease between her eyebrows flattened out a tad and she searched his eyes for
any sign of untruthfulness about his health. “You sure about that?”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
nodded. “The fall wasn’t a bad one, I just ran into a telephone pole.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
worried expression returned full force. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just
</i>ran into a telephone pole? <em>Ray.
Fletcher. Daniels. </em>How did you ‘just run into a telephone pole’?”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
flinched at each new name his mom added. He was in big trouble. “I was racing
with Dillon, Steven, and Mark,” he explained sheepishly. “I was winning and it
felt so good, what with the wind rushing in my face and everything, I shut my
eyes for a minute…” the sandy-haired pastor’s son hung his head. The situation
was even more embarrassing when he explained it out loud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shut your eyes </i>while riding a bike?”
his mom repeated in disbelief. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Déjà vu, </i>Ray
thought to himself while nodding wordlessly. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
pastor’s wife looked over at her husband helplessly, having trouble making more
words come out of her mouth. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mr.
Daniels laid a calming hand on his wife’s shoulder. “I talked to him about it
on the way here,” he said. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mrs.
Daniels closed her eyes and took in a few steadying breaths. She took her son
by the shoulder and led him into the house before sitting him down on a couch.
“Let me get some ice for those bruises and a proper bandage for that gash in
your side.” She left the room, her stiff back the only factor that displayed
her current emotional state. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
hope you realize that you’re going to have to pay for the damage done to the
bike,” Ray’s dad said, breaking the silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
do,” Ray said in a small voice. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
really gave us a scare.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
sorry, I really am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t
do it again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
was another awkward pause in the conversation, during which Ray could hear his
mother moving about in the small kitchen. A freezer door opened, there was a
distinct crackling of ice cubes as she put them in a plastic bag, and then the
door shut. A squeaky cupboard hinge whined out a complaint and there was a
rustling sound and the soft murmur Ray recognized as his mother talking to
herself as she looked for something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
made her appearance a few minutes later, triumphantly carrying in all the items
she needed. It wasn’t long before Ray was propped up on the couch, an icepack
held to an especially large bruise on his forehead, and the crude bandage
Nicole had made from Dillon’s shirt replaced by clean, sanitary squares of
gauze held on by strips of medical tape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mrs.
Daniels surveyed her youngest child with an air of supreme satisfaction. “I
hope you learned your lesson, young man,” she said after placing a firm kiss
where she knew there were no bruises or scrapes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
ma’am,” Ray assured his mom quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
glad to hear it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just
then, his two siblings burst through the door, breathless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-43329312108368110432016-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-14T09:00:12.454-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Twenty-One<span style="font-size: large;">Hey all, first week of a new schedule, and I don't know about YOU...but <em>I'm</em> messed up. Like my whole day is ruined now because I'm being constantly reminded about how I was late and made a mistake and felt so horrible about it...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just kidding. ;) I'm actually doing great. How has your day been? :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now onto the next part of "The Princess & I"...at this point, the other parts SHOULD have links on them in the "Stories in Progress" page. If not, leave a comment below and I'll make sure it happens in the next couple days. Thanks! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">21: </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Risky Business</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 28pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Henry came back with a thick
thread, a bent needle, and a bottle of whisky. I eyed the last item distastefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He grinned at my obvious disgust of
the intoxicating beverage. “I won’t touch a drop without your permission,” he
promised, handing all the things over to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked around the darkened
street. Safer or not, it was no place to conduct a surgery. I at least needed a
table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m going to need to have you lay
down on something higher up <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">than</span></span>
the street,” I finally admitted. “Is there a table somewhere?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Henry looked at me as if I was
daft. “On the street?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Can I have your word that you
won’t hurt me if we go into that inn?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The wounded man eyed me for a
moment. “Much harm I could do with your fingers inches from a blade you
obviously know how to use,” he stated drily. “But if it means that much to you,
no I won’t harm you. Especially not while you’re holding a needle to my skin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He had a point. I did have the
upper hand at the moment. Taking a deep breath, I gave him a nod. “Lead me to
this inn of yours then,” I said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Henry took off at a brisk pace past
the tavern, past a few darkened houses, past a butchery, bakery, and blacksmith
shop with embers still glowing in the inky shadows. Finally he led me under a
creaking sign that read “The Restless Raven: We give hot meals and warm beds!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The man opened the door for me and I stepped through into a room filled
with smoke and people. Pulling out the pillow again, I pressed it to my mouth,
breathing in the sweet scent of lavender mixed with the tangy smell of pine. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Keep me safe, </i>I pleaded inwardly. That
prayer would never grow old, no matter how many times I used it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The door shut out all fresh breezes <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">so when</span></span> I tested the air for breathability once it
was shut, I only gagged and speedily replaced the scented pillow. Henry led me
to the front desk where a rotund, balding man leaned over and gazed at the two
of us through round, owlish eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What have we <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">here,</span></span>
Master Henry?” he bellowed, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">eying</span></span>
me critically. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I winced as all heads turned our way. This was not the entrance I had
been hoping for. Thankfully, Henry seemed to know exactly what to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“This is a cousin of mine, a healer in training. I got cut in a brawl
earlier and she said she would try her hand at stitching it shut. Have you a
table nearby that we can use?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">How easily that lie slipped off his tongue…still, it was better to let
the people think I was related than for him to say I was his wife or some other
outlandish thing like that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The innkeeper, for so the plump man turned out to be, nodded shortly
and led us to the back of his inn. There, he wiped off the top of a filthy
table with an equally filthy cloth that he produced from somewhere around his
person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He gave us a wide grin that showed one of his front teeth was
half-rotted. “Will that do you?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had always been a firm hand in our home when it came to cleanliness,
and the whole atmosphere of this inn was grating on my natural want to be clean
as well as my nerves. But I had no choice. It was this or the street outside. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I nodded, somewhat wearily. “May I have some water?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That you may, lass,” the innkeeper assured me, taking off as fast as
his round figure could manage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">While we awaited the water, Henry situated himself on the table. I
pulled out the remains of the cloak to act doubly as a pillow for his arm and a
layer between the wound and the dirty table. When the water was brought, I set
down the bowl beside me on a handy bench. I washed the cut, wincing as he
shuddered. When it was clean enough to satisfy even my high standards, I pulled
out the needle and threaded it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry watched me silently, beads of perspiration already appearing on
his face. “I’ll need some of that whisky,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I nodded, pouring some of the bottle down the man’s throat. He
swallowed it almost desperately. I pulled it away from his open mouth and put
it out of reach. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That’s enough,” I said severely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He looked yearningly at it. “Are you sure? The pain’s going to be
pretty bad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I know,” I answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we
don’t want your stomach too full. This sort of thing can make your stomach do
things you might not intend it to do.” Almost immediately, I thought back to
the advice William had given me off-handedly before he set Steven’s leg back
into place. My own stomach heaved at the memory. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry’s eyes widened. “Are you saying I might be sick during or after
the operation?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I nodded grimly. “Yes.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The man closed his eyes, a determined look plastered over his face. I
held the needle over one of the nearby candles to make sure it was absolutely
clean. Infection could lead to Henry needing an amputation of his arm, and I
didn’t want something like that on my conscience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My stomach squeezed as the needle slid into Henry’s skin. I saw black
spots sprinkle around the edges of my vision and forced myself to breathe
slowly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In…out…in…out…in…out. </i>Slowly.
Focus. Do not faint. Slowly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God, give me
the strength. </i>I shut out the smoky atmosphere, the dirty state of the room
and table, the flickering light of the candles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was back in our cottage on the farm, sewing a new patch in Malcolm’s
favorite breeches that he wore around the farm. So many places were patched
that they were practically a completely different pair, but still Malcolm
insisted they had years of wear left in them. He wouldn’t let me burn them. So
many different shades of brown and blue were mixed together to make one pair of
breeches. I wouldn’t have been at all surprised if there wasn’t a speck of
original material on them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A moan from my patient jerked me back to reality. I was almost done.
Only two more stitches. Blood leaked from the wound, but my sewing would hold.
Carefully I pulled the thread tight and the skin closed together. I tied the
thread and gave the gray-faced Henry another couple swallows of whisky,
wrinkling my nose at the smell. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a few minutes, his shallow breathing returned to normal as I
re-wrapped his arm with the last strip of cloak. He sat up and swung his legs
over the side of the table and stood on his feet shakily. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gingerly, his fingers probed the wrapped cut and he gave me a lopsided
grin. “My thanks.”<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I smiled. “I hope it holds. I’ve never sewn…” I <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">shuddered, “skin</span></span> back </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">together.</span></span> Just cloth.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The textures are different, aren’t they?” my patient asked
mercilessly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My stomach squeezed, and I felt a sudden urge to go outside and loose
whatever was inside it. “Please don’t,” I whispered, swallowing several times
to keep my meal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry looked amused at my queasiness, but refrained from saying
anything else that would trigger my stomach’s current weakness into action.
“Can I do anything in return for your kindness and healing skills?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I blushed. “I didn’t do it for pay,” was my quick answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He looked at me thoughtfully. “Whether you did or not is none of my
concern, however, I do feel obligated to do something for you now. I might have
gotten an infection and lost my arm if you hadn’t helped me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it almost immediately with a
slight shake of my head, shutting my mouth that had opened slightly to frame
the question I thought better of. It would be asking too much.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry seemed to read something in my eyes and saw the movement. “What
were you about to ask?” he pressed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed, sitting on the bench and propping my head up on my hand.
“When you and your friends…” I worded the phrase carefully<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">, “found</span></span> me, I had just
realized that I had lost track of my brother and his friend. I was wondering
how well you knew this village and if you could help me find them again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry sat on a stool facing me and considered my request. “You’re a
stranger to our village.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was more of a statement than a question, but I nodded anyways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“How did you loose sight of your brother and his friend?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I dropped my gaze. Now I was treading on dangerous ground. But I knew I
could never lie with a straight face, so it would be better to tell the truth
and face the consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I was trying to avoid some soldiers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A light of understanding sparked in Henry’s eyes, and he grinned. “I’d
ask you why you were trying to avoid them, but I’ve had to hide from them
myself a few times. I understand why you won’t want to answer that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">If it was possible, my face turned an even darker shade of red, and I
lowered my gaze guiltily. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He chuckled. “Where was the last time you saw them?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I threw my memory back a few hours. Before I realized I was lost,
before the soldiers’ appearance, before the fight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Where the livestock were being sold at the market.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ah.” Henry scratched the stubble that sprinkled his chin thoughtfully.
“Well, I think the search should start there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I leaped from the bench with fresh energy. “You’ll help me find them!”
I exclaimed in disbelief. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He nodded. “Yes. They shouldn’t be too hard to find…at least not for
someone who knows where to look.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I leapt to where he was now standing, and, forgetting myself, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">wrapped him</span></span> in a joyful
hug. Suddenly coming to myself, I stumbled backwards, my face flaming yet again
and my hand over my mouth in shock. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry looked almost as shocked as me, and his face matched mine in a
fiery red that reached to his ears. His mouth hung open, and he stuttered out,
“Y-you’re w-welcome?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m so sorry, I forgot myself,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">His face slowly returned to its normal color and he allowed himself a
nervous chuckle. “I suppose one can hardly blame you,” he answered. “For what
it’s worth, I forgive you. Shall we go?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I nodded, following him out the inn’s door while ignoring the looks we
received from some of the people we passed. I hardly noticed…after all, I was
safely on my way to finding Malcolm and William. Or so I thought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-57283074797260662632016-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-11T09:00:20.715-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Eight<span style="font-size: large;">Now my schedule is all messed up. Whoops. So, guys, instead of Wednesdays and Saturdays, I'll have to post on Fridays and Tuesdays. Sorry. :-/ Hopefully that doesn't mess y'all up too much. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">ANYWAYS...onto the next chapter of "Ocean Mist"! Hope you enjoy! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: HogarthScrJoiD; font-size: 42pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Snell Roundhand";">Chapter
Eight: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The next
morning couldn’t come fast enough for Ray, who lay awake most of the night
listening to Shawn’s quiet snores beside him. The minute the alarm clock read
7:00, he jumped into his favorite pair of jeans and tee shirt before racing
down the stairs, effectively waking up the rest of the household. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Someone’s </i>excited this morning,” Shawn
mumbled into his pillow after five minutes of realizing he wasn’t going to be
going back to sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Coffee’s
ready,” their dad said, knocking lightly on the closed doors leading into the
two other teens’ bedrooms. “If you don’t hurry and get some, Ray’s going to
drink it all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn
sighed heavily and rolled out of the bed. Twenty minutes later he joined the
rest of the family in the living room for their morning devotions with a
perfectly put together outfit and freshly groomed hair. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
still looked only half awake with her hair sticking out of her side braid and
frizzed all around her head like a halo. Coffee was her first priority; a shower
and make-up came after that. Forcing her eyes to stay open and her mind stay
alert for a whole chapter of Philippians felt like one of the hardest things
she had done in her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
managed to wait until after his dad had said the final “amen” before blurting,
“Can we ride our bikes today?”…a question he had obviously been waiting to ask
all morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
pastor and his wife shared an amused glance at their son’s eagerness. “You’ll
have to wait until after breakfast for our answer,” their dad answered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From
the look on Ray’s face, “wait until after breakfast” could have meant “wait
until you die or have grandchildren…whichever comes last”, but, like the
obedient child they were training him to be, he suffered his impatience in
silence… At least until the said time was over and the three teens had helped
clean up after their breakfast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
their pleading looks, the pastor finally relented and told them that last night
he and his wife had held a small conference over the offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We
decided that as long as you stay together at all times it will be all right for
you to ride your bikes around this small tourist town,” their dad said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But
you’ll have to be back for dinner,” their mom warned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can
I call Dillon’s dad to say it’s a yes?” Ray asked. At his dad’s nod, he bolted
towards the outer deck where they had learned there was better reception before
dialing the number on his mom’s cell phone they had been given the night
before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
a few everlasting seconds, the annoying buzz rang into Ray’s ear. When it
ceased a confused “hello?” took its place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey,
this is Ray Daniels,” he said. “Is this Dillon’s dad?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Um,
no. This is Dillon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.
Well hi. I was supposed to call him and let you know that we are indeed allowed
to ride our bikes around town with you and Mark and Steven. Are you still
available?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah!
That’s awesome! Dad must’ve given you my cell phone number instead of his last
night. I’ll text Mark and Steven that our bike ride is on. Have you rented the
bikes yet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,”
Ray answered slowly. “I was hoping you could help us find a bike rental place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh,
sure! I know just the place. Text me the address to your house and I’ll grab Mark
and Steven on my way over there. We can walk into town and then rent the bikes
first and after that do the bike ride.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
think of everything, don’t you?” Ray asked admiringly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon’s
laugh crackled through the small speakers. “Not as much as your two older
siblings,” he informed him. “I’m sure they’ll think of several flaws in my idea
by the time we finally get around to riding our bikes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray
chuckled appreciatively. “It’s just their way of saying they care. They’re not
just picking on you. Trust me, I’ve had to live with them my whole life. You’ll
get used to it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ok,”
Dillon yielded. “I’ve got to go now. See you later!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yep.
Bye.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bye.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
click that signaled the end of their conversation fell on deaf ears. Ray was
already inside, ready to begin helping his siblings pack themselves a lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">*****************************</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon
waited for a few minutes before he checked his phone. Sure enough, there on his
screen was a hurriedly typed address from Ray. With this information, he told
his two friends to come to his house with their bikes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
he waited, Dillon prepared his own packed lunch. His dad came in briefly to ask
what his day was going to look like, and helped him finish before heading out
to his pizza place. Once his dad had left, he walked over to his room and
passed the time left by playing a mindless video game on his phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
a persistent knock on the door, Dillon shut off his phone and rushed down the
hallway to let in Mark. They hugged briefly, slapping one another on the back
to make it seem more manly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey
dude,” Mark greeted him with a wide grin. “You texted me to bring my bike and
meet you at your house. I take it this means the bike ride is on and the new
kids are available?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yep,”
Dillon confirmed. “Come on in and make yourself at home. Steven’s late.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark
rolled his eyes. “Of course he is. Probably trying to make his hair perfect in
order to impress that girl.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Both
boys laughed aloud at this thought, knowing that was the last thing from
Steven’s mind. Of all of them, Steven was the most shy…although Mark and Dillon
had seen him out of his shell a few times. Even after he dyed his hair, and he
remained close-lipped even to them about how that had happened, the bashful
teen had remained the quietest of the trio. Not that such a feat was so
difficult, considering that both Mark and Dillon were extreme extraverts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
his living room, Dillon and Mark bantered back and forth like the good friends
they were until a crunch of gravel in the driveway told them that the missing
link had arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Guys,
I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so </i>sorry I’m late,” Steven
apologized breathlessly. “My sister…” he trailed off with an expressive wave of
his hand and rolled his eyes. “You know how she is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark
and Dillon excepted his apology with grins and patted him on the back. “We do,”
Mark assured him, stifling a chuckle. Steven’s sister had quite the reputation,
and the two other boys considered themselves lucky indeed to have escaped the
trails of having a sister that would boss them around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
is your sister?” Dillon asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“In
very good health,” Steven mumbled. “Unfortunately.” He brightened. “However,
she’s been taking classes at the college, so she’s not home as much.” Steven
gave a longsuffering sigh. “I love her, I really do…but she can be a bit too
much sometimes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark
plopped back down on the couch. “I’m glad my brothers are both out of the house,”
he said. “They were awesome and everything, but we were never very close…I mean
Gary was ten years older than me! And he was the closest to me. Dan was in high
school when I was still a toddler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon
sat down cross-legged on the couch next to his friend and sighed. “Sometimes I
wish I had at least one sibling…” he looked up and grinned. “But, hey, you two
guys are the next best thing."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aw,
thanks,” Mark said. “You’re so sweet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are
we going to ride our bikes, yes or no?” Steven broke in after Dillon sent his
tall friend a withering look at his last comment.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,”
Dillon answered quickly. “Did you both pack a lunch to eat at the park?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
figured I could borrow some of your food,” Mark replied. “And once lunch was
finished I’d give it back…probably with interest.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
wouldn’t want it back after you ate it!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just
kidding, I did actually pack a lunch,” his friend said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“As
did I,” Steven added. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
glad to hear it.” Dillon glanced towards the clock and stood up. “We should
head towards their house and pick them up on our way to the bike rental place.”</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">******************************</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“When
did you say Dillon and his friends would show up?” Shawn queried, looking up
briefly from his book and noting the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He
didn’t exactly give a time,” Ray admitted reluctantly, “but he said he would
get Mark and Steven before making his way to our house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
three teens were waiting in Nicole’s room, since it commanded the best view of
the road, and their impatient excitement was beginning to show…even in Shawn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
glanced up from her sketch of the group roasting marshmallows and saw the long
awaited boys riding up on their bicycles. She closed the sketchbook with a
resounding <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smack</i>. “Here they are,”
she announced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finally</i>,” Ray muttered, bolting towards
the door in order to be the first to welcome their new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thank
goodness,” Shawn agreed, putting up his book with a relieved sigh and following
his brother and sister to the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are
you ready?” Dillon was asking as Shawn joined his siblings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Absolutely,”
Ray assured him. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then
let’s go!” </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole
grabbed their bagged lunch, the three pastor’s kids gave each parent a quick
hug, and then the six friends headed towards town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-27555491159224400682016-10-07T14:05:00.002-07:002016-10-07T14:06:20.774-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Twenty<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry guys...I ran out of scheduled posts, so this one is a little late. ;) I'll get some more schedules next, so the next few will be on time. Doing a lot of editing this month, so haven't done enough writing...but I'm hoping to finish "Ocean Mist". *crosses fingers* </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, here's the next part of "The Princess & I" for your enjoyment. (I know not all the parts are in the "Stories in Progress" page...I'm working on it. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">20: </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tricks & Troubles</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 28pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was amazed at how well Malcolm and William fit into their roles, and
how relaxed they seemed in the enemy’s own land. My heart jumped at every
soldier that passed by, and fell through my stomach if any of them happened to
glance in our direction. I was sure we would be stopped countless times, but no
one bothered with the three travel-weary peasants that trudged through their
marketplace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">We paid for stables and food for our horses, and continued through the
market unhindered on foot. The busy streets enveloped us and people surged
around me, each more busy <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">than</span></span>
the last. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Have your swords and knives sharp and ready! Two bits to make your old
dagger as good as new!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Hot potatoes! Baked to perfection! Take one now while they’re still
here!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Lovely trinkets for sale! Come and buy something for that special
woman in your life!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Fat geese ready for butchering! Have a roasted fowl this Sunday
evening to surprise your husband!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The cries of venders and haggling men and women as they battled for the
best price filled my ears. In our own village, market day was something I had
always looked forward too, a day to be spent with friends and talking with
familiar faces, but here it seemed utter chaos. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The trinket man grabbed hold of Malcolm and William when he spied me
behind them. “Looking for something for the lady, gentlemen?” he asked eagerly.
“I’ve got quite a few lovely things that she might fancy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm glanced at William, and then over his shoulder to me. I caught
a twinkle in his eyes. He nodded briefly. “If you don’t mind, I’m sure she’d
love to look at your things to see if there’s anything she wants.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The man quickly pulled us over to his stand where all his items lay out
on a rickety table. Malcolm motioned to the things and smiled. “Choose whatever
your heart <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">desires,</span></span>
Mary,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I accepted the new name without question. Obviously, he thought it was
necessary. It might take some getting used to, but I could handle it. We didn’t
know if the Duke knew who we were or not, but Sir Alfred knew, so it was better
to be on the safe side. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Thank you…” I hesitated a moment, my mind racing to come up with a
boring, well-used name that would help his disguise. “…Arthur,” I finished,
coming up with one that I heard everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm waited until the vendor wasn’t watching before giving me a
swift nod of approval. I hoped that the man hadn’t noticed the second of
hesitation. I turned to the table and pretended to take great interest in
choosing something from the man’s wares. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I saw them. Five soldiers were headed in our direction. And it
looked as if they had a purpose. My hands trembled as I fought to keep my eyes
from betraying the fear I was feeling. Quickly glancing over the rest of the
trinkets, I chose a silver necklace that had a delicate cross pendant hung from
its beautiful chain and held it towards the man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I think I’d like this,” I said, willing my voice not to waver. While
Malcolm haggled over the price, as was customary, I nudged William discretely
and glanced towards the soldiers. His eyes widened and he tapped Malcolm on the
shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly, an idea came to me. Before I could have enough time to
reconsider, I let out a squeal and tugged on William’s cloak. “<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Oh,</span></span> Fred!” I exclaimed,
ignoring the startled and confused look my teacher gave me. “Look over there!”
I pointed to a booth that sold scented pillows, soap, and perfumes which was
conveniently far away from the approaching soldiers. “I’ve always wanted a
scented pillow! Do get me one, please? I promise I won’t ask for anything else
all of today!” I dramatically clasped my hands over my heart, hoping William
would know to go along with my ridiculous behavior. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm shook his head helplessly, but there was a spark in his eyes
that told me he understood. “Oh, go get her a <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">pillow,</span></span> Fred,” he said. “If we don’t she’ll badger
us all the way home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The trinket man chuckled knowingly and so did a few of the people
nearby who heard what had taken place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quickly, I pulled William towards the booth. “Fred?” he hissed. “That
was the best you could come up with? I liked Arthur better.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I couldn’t very well call you <em>both
</em>Arthur, now could I?” I giggled back. “I can only come up with so many names
within a few moments. Anyways, I had to get us away from the soldiers and
confuse them somehow. Sir Alfred must have told them to watch for strangers and
question them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William was looking at me in admiration. “Well, you certainly thought
of a solution a great deal quicker than Malcolm and I!” he exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I blushed. “It was the only logical solution,” I answered airily, as if
I wasn’t quaking inside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm joined us at the booth and gave my hand a quick squeeze. The
woman selling the pillows was still busy with a different costumer, so he took
the opportunity to smile at me. “That was quick <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">thinking,</span></span> Meg,” he whispered. “Well done.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I shrugged, hating all the praise. “Thank you,” I said simply. I was
eager to have the subject change. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“She thinks Sir Alfred has alerted the Duke’s soldiers to search for
and question strangers in the town. He suspects that we followed him,” William
said quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A frown crossed Malcolm’s face. “That will make our rescue job harder,”
he muttered to himself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Is there a problem, sir?” The woman who owned the booth was standing
in front of us now with a concerned look on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm stiffened at the unexpected appearance, but kept his cover
surprisingly well. “These pillows seem to be awfully expensive,” he glowered.
“I wasn’t planning on spending a fortune at the market today, but my sister
Mary insists upon having one. Do you have smaller ones?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A relieved look came to the woman’s face and she smiled. “I do indeed,
sir!” she answered, bustling over to another part of the stall. “Here, these
ones are small enough to fit into your hand. The fine ladies fancy this kind
the most, because they can put them in their wardrobe and their clothes will
smell like lavender and pine without the use of expensive perfumes. The scent
is very long-lasting, but can be taken out if you wash your clothing in
vinegar.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I took the pillow from the woman and inhaled the scent. Lavender calmed
my highly-strung nerves, and the pine reminded me of the forests around my
home. Tears stung my eyes, but I swallowed them back. I nodded at Malcolm.
“This one would be lovely.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brother haggled the price down to something he “could afford” as a
poor peasant, and we melted back into the crowd. The soldiers we had been
trying to escape had given up on finding us and were lazily propped against the
wall of the nearest tavern. We gave them a wide berth and continued up the
road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Passing into another part of the marketplace, smells assaulted my nose
and it wrinkled in disgust. Pigs, horses, cows, sheep, and goats were being
herded along the road to be sold to the highest bidder. Carefully, I kept my
eyes downwards in the effort to keep myself from stepping in animal waste. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm and William called me to hurry and follow them, so I stepped
faster around the disgusting piles. Dodging around stray dogs and loose
livestock, I kept my eyes on the ground as a handful of soldiers made their way
through the crowds. I allowed myself to be dragged by the crowd and past the
soldiers, who paid a lowly peasant girl little mind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was because of this that I didn’t notice the change in buildings
around me, nor the thinning of the crowds. When the road looked safely clean
again, I looked up from the cobblestones only to see that I was completely
alone. William and Malcolm were nowhere in sight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Panic gripped my heart, and I quickly sank into the nearest shadow of a
tall building. A few people hurried by on their way to the marketplace, but
besides that, the street was strangely quiet. Raucous laughter came from
somewhere nearby, and I nearly jumped from my skin when three men stumbled by
my hiding place from the open door of a tavern I hadn’t noticed before. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">They passed by so close that I could smell the rank ale on them. I
squeezed the little pillow over my nose, letting the smells of lavender and
pines drown out the other revolting scent. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps they caught a whiff of my pillow, or perhaps they heard my gasp
of relief when I buried myself in the better smell, but whatever it was, the
men came back, this time slowly and a little too sober for my comfort. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of them saw me. He jerked me from the shadows and his face grew a
wide smile that showed his crooked, stained teeth. “Oy!” he exclaimed to his
friends in delight. “Look <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">at</span></span>
what I’ve found!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I slapped his hand away from my arm in a sudden burst of courage.
“Don’t touch me!” I flashed angrily. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The men surrounding me burst into laughter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You caught yourself a lively <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">one,</span></span> Dick!” one of the other men chortled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Aye,” the first man agreed, his eyes narrowing at me. “It’ll be my
pleasure to take her down a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I swallowed. Where were William and Malcolm? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God, </i>I prayed silently, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">help
me to escape whatever these men think they’re going to do. Give me the strength
to stand up to them.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the men ripped my cloak from my shoulders. I pulled away from
their grabbing hands, suddenly realizing that Safeguard was at my side. As was
God. Fire sparked my eyes, and a new courage rose from deep within me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the shock of the men who were bent on torturing me, I pulled my
sword from its sheath and held it in front of me. “Like I said before,” I
lowered my voice dangerously, “don’t touch me. You’ll regret it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">For a moment, the men stood around me in stunned silence. Then, one of
them chuckled nervously. “She can’t know how to use that sword,” he said,
trying to convince himself just as much as the other men around him. “And she
can’t fight all three of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My jaw tightened. They didn’t know I had fought eight men who were
completely sober with William by my side. If I could do that, with God by my
side I could defeat an army. My hands gripped the hilt of my sword, and I faced
the men as bravely as I could, daring them to come and fight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">As one, they pulled their own swords from their sheaths and came at me.
I danced away from their blades, keeping myself out of corners so they couldn’t
back me into a place where I couldn’t fight. One man came a little too close,
and I thrust quickly into his side. He sank to the ground beneath a waterfall
of curses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I led the other two men far enough away from their friend so I didn’t
have to worry about him finding the strength to join back in. I parried and
thrust, warding off their countless blows and returning a few of my own. The
swords flashed in the torchlight that lit the darkening street. Another man
went down when I was able to throw his sword from him and slice his arm just
enough to make him think twice before molesting any more girls. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last man took one look at his fallen companions and ran away,
looking back every once in awhile to make sure I wasn’t following him. As if I
would do anything as foolish as that. I breathed a prayer of thanks heavenward
as he left; glad to be alive, even though I was thoroughly exhausted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I almost walked away, but a groan from the wounded man on the street
touched the sympathetic part of my heart, and I knelt a safe distance away,
glancing around to make sure no more of his friends came back. I sat gathering
my breath and watched the rising a falling chest of my enemy. He was a
middle-aged man with shoulder length, graying hair. Only a few wrinkles creased
his brow however, and I put him at about twenty years older than my
twenty-four-year-old brother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Go ahead and gloat,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “I’m sure
I deserve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I frowned. He had mistaken the reason for which I stayed. “I’m not here
to gloat,” I answered, coming closer warily. “I want to help your arm.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He looked at me in disbelief. “<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">No,</span></span> you don’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed, cleaning my sword with the cloth on my useless cloak that lay
in the dirt, now too ripped and torn for me to wear. Sheathing Safeguard, I
turned again to the man who was now sitting up, inspecting the wound. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You didn’t kill us,” he said at last. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I dislike killing when I don’t need to,” I answered shortly. “You and
your friends were cowards enough to pick on a poor defenseless peasant girl, so
I knew you’d be cowards enough to give up when you realized I wasn’t as
defenseless as you thought.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The man snorted his agreement to that statement, cradling his injured
arm. “If I said I was sorry, would you believe me?” He looked up at me where I
stood safely out of arm’s reach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I studied his face for a moment. He had been the one man who hadn’t
really said or done anything to me. The man with crooked teeth had a hole the
size of my blade in his side and was several yards away, still muttering
curses. He had been the first one I wounded on purpose because I saw at once he
was the most vicious. The man who had run away was the one who had thought I
didn’t know how to use my sword; he also was the one who pulled my cloak off my
shoulders. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This man, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">however,
simply</span></span> stated that Dick had gotten himself into more than he could
handle when he grabbed my arm. Of all of them, he was probably the least likely
to harm me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You knew,” I said softly after a long silence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The man dropped his gaze. “I saw your sword under the cloak. Dick
didn’t. But I thought that the three of us could overwhelm you anyways.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I raised an eyebrow. “Well, you couldn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I realize that now,” he said. “What’s your <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">name,</span></span> girl? How did you learn how to use
that blade?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m Me-Mary,” I answered, almost slipping and telling him my actual
name. “I was taught how to fight by my brother and his friend. What’s your
name?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Henry,” he answered. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">“I</span></span> must say your brother and his friend did an excellent job
teaching you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I knelt on the ground, my body still ready to jump and run at the
slightest provocation. “Will you let me help you? You’re losing a lot of
blood.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He shrugged, but held out his arm. “Never met anyone who would heal the
same person they wounded minutes before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Well,” I smiled, ripping a few strips of cloth from the already ruined
cloak, “I’m not like anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I can tell,” he said ruefully. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even though my hand occasionally strayed to my sword as if to remind
myself that I could defend myself if Henry tried to hurt me, I wasn’t ever in
danger. He kept his hands to himself and let me do what I wanted with his
wounded arm, his eyes shut tight against the pain he undoubtedly was feeling. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I carefully cleaned the wound as best I could with what I had, and
wrapped the laceration tightly with strips I cut with my sword from my old
cloak. Once finished, I sat back on my heels and surveyed my handiwork. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry opened his eyes and slowly flexed his arm. He winced slightly.
“Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re welcome,” I <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">said.
“That’s</span></span> all I can do…it’ll need stitches.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Henry struggled to his feet. “Can you stitch it up for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brow crinkled as I considered his question. “I can try. I’ve never
done stitches before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’ve sewn though?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought back upon the years of sewing I did for Malcolm and I in our
cottage. A smile twitched the edges of my mouth. “Yes.” That was an
understatement of the highest level. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I have some things that will work if you’re willing to come with me to
the inn just down the street where I’m staying.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My heart wanted to trust him, to believe that he wouldn’t harm me…but
my intellect knew better. “I’ll stay here,” I answered stiffly. “<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Your</span></span> arm is well enough
that you can go there and back with those things. I’m not following you to only
God knows where.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A spark of respect came into the man’s eyes and he nodded. “You’re
smarter than I thought you were.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t know exactly what to say to this, so I kept silent. Henry
walked away. For a few minutes I was alone again, but this time, no one
molested me. The sword in my hand warned away anybody who might put me I
danger. It was a shield against the darkness that surrounded me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-23233367437686455162016-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-01T09:00:06.121-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Seven<span style="font-size: large;">In which you will all learn how to cook a marshmallow over a campfire. (Hint: it's NOT how Ray does it ;P)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you missed a part, you should be able to find the link to it in the "Stories in Progress" page. Otherwise, read on and have a laugh! I don't mind. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: HogarthScrJoiD; font-size: 42pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Snell Roundhand";">Chapter
Seven: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dillon found himself more and more
impressed with the different abilities of his new friends. After he had figured
out that Nicole had a photographic memory, Ray had informed him that Shawn had
a different form of her photographic memory since he could remember facts that
he read about and could figure at almost lightening speed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray was smart in his own way. First
off, he was the only person in their family who knew all the names and facts
about the leading sport stars, and secondly he could also hear music and tell
you months later who sang/played it and what the album name was if he heard it
again. Shawn had been the one who told him that about Ray, and right away Mark
and Steven put their abilities to test. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Carefully, Dillon turned his
marshmallow around in a circle, browning the outside beautifully while making
sure the insides were getting melted properly. While the marshmallow cooked, he
marveled at the amazing memories his three new friends had. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey, you cook your marshmallow the
same way I do!” Nicole exclaimed, jerking Dillon from his musings. “Both Shawn
and I brown our s’mores, Ray burns them, and our parents like them either way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ray doesn’t have the patience to wait
for the insides to melt properly,” Shawn informed him as he knelt on the ground
and put his own marshmallow next to the dying fire. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Not true!” Ray protested past his
mouthful of s’more. “I <i>like </i>my marshmallows burnt! It gives them a
stronger smoked flavor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Uh huh, <i>sure</i>,” Shawn answered
in a he’s-only-saying-that voice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Boys,” their dad warned, coming over
and raising an eyebrow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They stopped the budding argument and
Shawn instead focused on getting his s’more just right. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Was your dad unable to come?” Nicole
asked after carefully pressing her perfected marshmallow and quarter of a stick
of chocolate between two graham cracker halves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He had some work left,” Dillon
answered, preparing his own s’more. “Today was technically a day off, but we
still had to make and deliver a couple pizza’s for posterity.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why was today a day off?” Ray
questioned, resisting the urge to lick the leftover marshmallow off his
fingertips and instead taking the anti-bacterial wipe his mom handed him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s called the Fourth of July,” Mark
put in suddenly. “It’s a national holiday here in America celebrating the
anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Also
called Independence Day.” He looked up from the glow of his phone’s screen with
a lopsided grin. “That’s the dictionary definition people.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray glared at his new friend before
rolling his eyes. “Oh, sheesh. I know what the Fourth of July is,” he replied
with an accompanying punch towards Mark’s shoulder, which the taller boy easily
dodged. “I just forgot that today was <i>it. </i>We’ve been having a busy
couple of days traveling and stuff. This whole trip has been a holiday for me,
so I forgot that one of the days here was a holiday on top of a holiday.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He paused and started on a second
marshmallow, burying it in flames and watching it practically go up in smoke.
Ray ignored the protests from his siblings and continued, “However, that aside,
it makes sense that your pizza place would take the day off. But you say they
still do deliveries?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just until five,” Dillon added
informatively. “After that, if we’re still down here, Dad said he might join
us.” He grinned. “Dad’s never one to lose out on free food.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’d love to meet him,” their mom said
with a smile, handing out more marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
“He sounds like a really fun guy!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He is!” Dillon exclaimed
enthusiastically. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn carefully wiped all stickiness
from his hands, though there wasn’t much to wipe off since he was a naturally
neat eater, and stood up. “I’d like to take a walk along the water. Anybody else
want to come?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole eagerly volunteered. “I’d love
to go!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray considered the options, but when
Mark said he was planning on surfing a little, he decided to stay and try his
hand at a new sport he hadn’t learned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’d better stay and make sure Mark
doesn’t kill himself surfing,” Steven said with an air of martyrdom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The parents both said they wanted to
stay by the fire and watch the surfers to make sure no one got hurt.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll go too then,” Dillon offered.
“You know, just so you don’t end up arguing the whole time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole grinned. “Well, you’re welcome
to come, but I should tell you, Shawn and I hardly ever argue so you’re job as
peacemaker is going to be pretty boring.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Maybe I can come up with a topic for
argument then and one of you can play peacemaker,” he replied with a grin
matching hers in width. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good luck,” Shawn grunted with a roll
of his eyes. “Come on, let’s walk.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After they had gotten a few yards away
from the warmth of the fire, Nicole suddenly let out a giggle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s so funny?” Shawn queried
suspiciously. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was just remembering our last
attempt to walk along the water and hoping that this walk doesn’t turn out as
exciting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t think we’ll <i>ever </i>have a
more exciting walk then that one,” Shawn declared emphatically. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon chuckled. “I’m glad I gave you
an especially memorable vacation.” He paused before asking, “If you don’t mind,
what was it I said that shocked you so much Nicole?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You don’t know?” Nicole pulled her own
version of the Jesus stunt: asking a question with another question. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon shook his head cluelessly. “I
was as shocked by your reaction as you were by whatever I said!” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole shrugged, feeling herself blush.
“You called me accomplished and pretty,” she finally said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i>That </i>was what made you mad?”
Dillon had a puzzled frown on his face. “I was only stating facts.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah, well,” Nicole sighed and pushed
her hair back from her face, “I’m not used to getting offhanded compliments
from guys who aren’t related to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.” Dillon was still puzzled. “Why
not?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Because,” Nicole began slowly, “I
don’t encourage it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That didn’t stop me,” Dillon pointed
out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes it did actually,” Shawn answered.
“Remember how you ran for your life after you said it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, yes,” Dillon admitted, “but that
<i>was </i>after I complimented her. And it was more because of the murdering
looks you and your brother were sending my direction then her reaction.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn and Nicole both grinned as his
admission. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s what brothers are there for,”
Nicole said, nudging Shawn, “to be the back-up plan if the first one fails.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The three friends laughed together. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I’m glad you weren’t too
offended,” Dillon said finally. “You guys are so much fun to hang out with, I
really would have been missing something if I hadn’t apologized and if you
hadn’t forgiven me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We would have been missing out too,”
Shawn replied. “Ray is going ballistic with all these new friends. This
literally made his vacation. As for Nicole and I, even we are having fun with
you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Which is saying something,” Nicole
added. “I mean, Ray makes friends every day…well, almost every day, and
sometimes never sees them again. It doesn’t bother him. But Shawn and I don’t.
We’re picky with who we talk and hang out with. And you along with Mark and
Steven have made our list. That’s actually quite the accomplishment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I feel super honored,” Dillon said,
bowing to an imaginary audience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole wasn’t finished. “Besides,
forgiving people is something everyone ought to do, no matter what they’ve
done. For us, it was easy…you just didn’t understand how our family worked. But
sometimes forgiving takes a lot of effort. Christians should do it anyways.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A guarded look passed over Dillon’s
face. “You’re Christians?” he asked.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole smiled and looked at her brother
with a raised eyebrow. “Yep,” she answered. “And not ashamed of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh.” A small frown settled between Dillon’s
eyebrows. “And you say all Christians forget and forgive?” he questioned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,” Shawn replied for Nicole. “She
said Christians <i>should </i>forgive even when it’s hard. Sadly, not all of us
do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Let’s go back to the fire,” Dillon
said suddenly, effectively switching the subject. “I’m getting a little cold.
Should have brought my hoodie with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The siblings noted the change, and
wisely didn’t press the subject he had turned from. They walked quickly back
the way they had come, a little surprised how far they had walked in what
seemed a short amount of time. All three parents were standing around the fire
while Ray and two of his new friends continued splashing around in the waves. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon waved to his dad, a smiling man
who looked like an older version of his only child. Nicole and Shawn, who had
missed the first set of introductions, shook his hand and told him their names.
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So, you’re Nicole, huh?” he asked, his
eyes twinkling as he regarded the pastor’s daughter. “I’ve heard quite a bit
about you and the adventure my son gave you day before yesterday.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole giggled even as Dillon made protesting
noises behind her. “It seems like everybody has,” she said. “My reputation
proceeds me rather quickly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just to those who use it to tease my
son,” Dillon’s dad said in a reassuring tone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And that they all do quite liberally,”
Dillon growled in a half whisper. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I can imagine,” Shawn whispered back
with a wry smile.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just then Ray, Steven and Mark ran up
from the water. After a gasp and a scolding from the pastor’s wife, they
wrapped themselves in towels and stood by the fire to dry. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While the teens talked, teased, and
laughed together, the adults watched them from a short distance away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon’s dad looked over at his new
friend. “So, I assume you already know I work at Pizza Pizzazz,” he began in an
effort to start a conversation. “Where did you say you worked?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The PK’s dad looked over at the
middle-aged man with a smile. “I’m a pastor,” he answered. “I preach up in a
small community church in Western Washington, but this week my family and I are
on vacation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The same guarded look that had come
into Dillon’s eyes now entered his father’s. “Oh, I see. So you’re Christians?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,” the pastor answered. He noted
the change and wisely didn’t push like his children had also done a few minutes
earlier. “Are you?” he asked instead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A moment of hesitation came before he
answered, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The pastor glanced sideways at the
other dad. “I see. How do you know that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I used to go to church pretty
regularly,” he began, “and my parents were Christians.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I see,” the pastor repeated, more
slowly and thoughtfully this time. “So that’s why you think you’re a
Christian?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,” the other dad said carefully,
beginning to sense that the other man didn’t agree with him. “Aren’t I?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The pastor sighed, passing a hand
through his wind-blown hair. “No. Not if that’s all that you think makes you a
Christian.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Immediately defensive, Dillon’s dad
frowned. “Than what does?” he demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Believing in your heart that the Son
of God, Jesus Christ, came down to earth as a complete man, while still wholly
God, that he died for the world’s sin and then rose from the grave three days
later.” The pastor smiled. “I’ve lost count how many times I’ve preached
sermons on that.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The other man folded his arms, a
thoughtful and slightly angry look on his face. “You believe that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, I do,” the pastor freely
admitted. “Do you?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I did once,” Dillon’s dad answered
finally. “But that was before…” he trailed off and his frown deepened. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The pastor shot his wife a look and she
discretely walked towards the children who had finished drying but had drifted
towards the ocean yet again. They were laughing over something Ray had done on
Mark’s surfboard. Ray’s dad motioned towards the log. “Perhaps we can sit and
talk,” he offered. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, when everyone came back to dry off for
a second time, the dad’s were laughing together like old friends. Not long
after that, the parents unanimously declared it was high time for them to all
head back. Before they left, Dillon asked if they could all ride their bikes
around the town the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the hopeful looks from all the teens
at this request, the pastor and his wife both promised they would think about
it and call Dillon’s dad the next morning if it was a “yes”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aren’t you working tomorrow?” Steven
asked Dillon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, I gave him the rest of the week
off,” Mr. Blake answered. “He’s too distracted to be much help anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey!” Dillon protested. “But thanks
for the week off,” he added with a grin. “It’s much appreciated.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’ll have to be willing to rent your
own bicycles,” the pastor told his three teens. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m sure we’ve got enough money,” Ray
assured him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">More
</i>than enough,” Shawn corrected. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-64429988150369324892016-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:002016-09-28T09:00:11.423-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Nineteen<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the next chapter for y'all. Hope you enjoy! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you missed a part, go to the "Stories in Progress" page and you should be able to find what you need. Otherwise, read on! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">19: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A New Plan</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm was pacing back and forth in front of my tent and was in a deep
discussion with none other than my teacher and travel companion, William Price.
He noticed me and walked over with a wide smile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You look much more like the sister I left behind in the castle,” he
said after hugging me. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I feel much more like the sister you left behind in the castle,” I
replied seriously. I looked over his shoulder to William, my eyes full of one
question: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did you find Steven? </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William read the question and nodded towards the other tents. “We found
Steven last night. Duke was walking slowly and with no guidance whatsoever, due
to the fact that my brother was unconscious, about half way between our camp
and the enemies camp.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I gasped in dismay. “Is he still unconscious now?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“No, the healer is with him now. After some wine, food, and a good
night of sleep he’s improved some.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed in relief. “I am glad. May I go see him?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Not right now,” Malcolm cut in. “William just came out from talking
with the king about his plan for rescuing the princess.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I glanced between the two men. “And?” I pressed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The king has agreed to what William put before him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Which was?” I asked breathlessly, hardly daring to hope.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“William will continue to travel towards the castle as was the plan
originally, but Steven will stay behind. You will also go with him…” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I will?” I interrupted him with an excited squeal that I quickly
suppressed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My teacher grinned. “I knew you’d hardly let me leave you behind,” he
said. “After all, you were the one who insisted you come with me in the first
place.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I nodded. “I feel that it was my fault that the princess was
kidnapped,” I said. “After all, I was the one who should have realized that Sir
Alfred was a traitor. I was the one who shouldn’t have let her meet with him
alone, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the one who should have
kept by her side no matter what she said…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This time Malcolm interrupted me. “Now is not the time for regrets,
Meg,” he replied firmly. “Let me finish what I was trying to say.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My mouth snapped shut and I gave my brother all my attention. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You and William will be rescuing the princess, but you won’t be the
only ones…” he paused for effect. I held my breath without realizing it. “I’m
coming with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I let out the air in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whoosh</i>
and grinned up at my brother, suddenly giving him a giant hug. He gasped in air
at the unexpected action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m so glad you’re coming with us!” I exclaimed, then shot a
mischievous look over his shoulder to William. “I’ll feel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so </i>much safer,” I finished cuttingly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I beg your pardon!” William said with a wounded air, taking the bait. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm joined my laughter, and it wasn’t long before William gave up
his pretense and chuckled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“When are we leaving the camp?” I asked after the sounds of mirth had
died down. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“As soon as we have had lunch,” he informed me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Due to my exhaustion the night before, I had never eaten the food
brought to me. My stomach felt as empty as my favorite creek in the heat of
summer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Helen and a couple other women were cooking something that smelled
delicious to my famished senses, and the minute the bowl of soup and loaf of
bread was handed to me, I sat on the ground cross-legged and began eating as
quickly as I could, ignoring the funny looks everyone was giving me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm pulled the bowl from my hands and shook his head despairingly.
“Meg, Meg, take your time! We’re not going to keep you from eating your fill.
There’s plenty to go around!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I realized for the first time what a spectacle I was making of myself
and meekly took the bowl back from Malcolm, my face apologetic. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brother sat down next to me and we caught up on what had happened to
him during the month he had been gone. It turned out that Malcolm had had far
less eventful days than I had. Most of it had been travel, although they had
overtaken and fought a few scouting parties of the Duke’s. Currently they were
in a sort of stalemate, waiting for the other person to make the next move and
begin the war for real. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once I had eaten, I walked over to where William had said Steven was
being kept and walked into the tent. Steven was laying on the cot, his leg
brace back on, and the leg slightly higher than the rest of his body by being
hung in a sort of sling that was attached to the top of the tent. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I walked over to the side of his bed, my eyes filling with voluntary
tears. I hated to see any one as helpless as Steven looked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“How are you?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steven turned his head to me and sighed. “You’re rescuing the princess
without me,” he said, his voice filled with disappointment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I glanced pointedly towards his broken leg. “We couldn’t very well take
you with us,” I said in our defense. “You’re leg will take over a month to heal
properly.” I frowned suddenly. “Besides, weren’t you so set on being sent back
to the castle the other day? Why are you set on coming with us now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steven sighed. “The mind is willing, but the body is weak,” he said,
then shot me a shaky grin. “I want to come with you, but I knew I couldn’t.”
The boy sighed heavily. “I so wish that I could.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William ducked into the tent. He noticed me and smiled. “I see you’ve
made it here to visit with the invalid.” He pulled another stool over and sat
next to me. “Did you fill him in on the new plan?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “It sounds like he already knew.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m not going,” Steven said, proving my point. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William grinned. “Yes, but did you hear that Malcolm is going in your
stead?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steven frowned thoughtfully. “No, I hadn’t heard that.” He glanced in
my direction. “I wager Meg is glad for that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I nodded. “I am indeed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“When are you leaving?” the boy asked. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Next,” William answered for me. “I was just coming to collect Meg.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I came to say farewell,” I explained to the prostrate boy. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Until we meet again then,” Steven said as cheerfully as he could
muster, putting out a hand to me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I took it in mine, squeezed it gently, and then allowed myself to be
led from his tent by William. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Glancing back once, I saw him gazing at us wistfully. I hated to have
to leave him behind. He had become almost a brother to me, as had William,
during the long journey we had taken together, but we had to leave him…it was
for his own good. I had a feeling, one that I tried to suppress, that I may
never see him again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm met us outside, holding onto Prince’s bridle with one hand and
Duke and another horse’s with the other. Duke and Prince greeted me with soft
whinnies, and even the other horse put his nose closer to me so he could be pet
as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm shook his head with a grin. “I always told you that you had a
way with horses, Meg,” he stated. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William nodded in agreement as the horses nudged my pockets in hopes
for treats. “Her skill with Duke saved us a great deal of trouble in that
scouting camp,” he said. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brother shot his friend a questioning look. “How?” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The story came out and I avoided Malcolm’s raised eyebrows when it was
finished. “So that’s how...no wonder! I was so puzzled back then when my horse
seemed to always be getting loose whenever I was late for something.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I cleared my throat. “Well, I was so mad that you wouldn’t have time to
play with me,” I said in my defense. “I thought that if I could keep your horse
away, perhaps you’d give up on all those meetings and spend more time with me.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm sighed. “You didn’t realize how important they were to my job.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“No,” I agreed, pushing the muzzles of the inquisitive horses away when
they grew too rough. “I do know now though, and I’d never dream of putting that
trick into action…unless, of course, it was absolutely necessary,” I added
impishly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Of course!” Malcolm repeated with a roll of his eyes. He swung up onto
Prince. The horse pranced in place, impatient to be off, and I noticed the lack
of metallic ringing on the ground. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Is Prince still barefoot?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yes, but I hope to get him shod again as soon as we find a worthy
blacksmith.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I nodded and mounted Duke. The stiffness had lessoned some due to food
and rest, but I still knew I would be glad to have this all over with. In my
younger days, I never thought I would tire of riding a horse…but when
circumstances are right, riding can be both exhausting and painful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The men cheered us quietly as we rode away, and soon the surrounding
forest hid the king’s camp from our eyes. Travel in the woods by day was far
easier than navigating it at night; but even so, I wished silently that Steven
had been spared that broken leg. Neither Malcolm nor William matched his
uncanny ability to know exactly which way was the fastest, easiest, and least
likely to be noticed route. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">We almost ran into a few more scouting groups, but Malcolm warned us of
them in time. He and the king’s soldiers had been keeping an eye on the various
groups and which places they patrolled, and when you knew where they went, it
was far easier to dodge them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Duke’s castle wasn’t hard to find. It sat high on a hill,
surrounded by farmlands and a bustling village. At first glance the fortress
was formidable indeed. Towering stone walls rose towards the sky as if they
were a giant stone fist, shaking defiance to everyone who dared go against
them. The turrets on each corner of the outer wall spiraled upwards to almost
touch the sky itself. It was dark, and to fit the mood of our dampened spirits
at the sight of such a challenging rescue, rain began to fall. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was already disguised in my simple brown dress and gray cloak that
covered Safeguard from unwanted attention, and somewhere along our trail,
Malcolm and William had shed their armor and replaced it with simple peasant
clothes. Dirt was rubbed into our horses’ coats, and their carefully brushed
manes were tangled and filled with burs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Slowly and wearily, to fit the story we would tell if asked, we rode into
the village that sprawled below the ominous shadow of the Duke’s castle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-42139783011783119902016-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:002016-09-24T09:00:02.326-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Six<span style="font-size: large;">Well, well, well...would you look at that? Right on time and still going strong! ;) Hopefully this lapse of organized mindedness will last for at least a little while. Let's see if I can make it through this month. :P</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, here's the next chapter of "Ocean Mist". If you missed a part, go to the "Stories in Progress" page and you can (hopefully) find the missing part you need. Otherwise, comment and I'll try to get it on there ASAP. *cough* Now, read on and enjoy the next part of this story! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: HogarthScrJoiD; font-size: 42pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Snell Roundhand";"><strong>Chapter Six:</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“How’d it go?” Dillon’s dad questioned
as soon as the family had left. “They seemed happy. Did you apologize?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon sighed in relief, running a hand
through his hair, then grimacing when he realized his hair was supposed to be
kept neat during the day. He quickly tried smoothing it down again, realizing
they still had dinner to get by before he could call it quits. “I did apologize
and they forgave me, so yes, it went well. I was invited to join their family
down on the beach tomorrow afternoon and help them fly their new kite they
bought today. I’m bringing Mark and Steven. You were invited too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good thing we’re closed tomorrow,” his
dad winked. “Otherwise you wouldn’t have been able to go.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon smacked his forehead. “Doggone
it! I keep forgetting I have a job.” He rolled his eyes helplessly. “This is
going to take some getting used to. But we <i>are </i>closed tomorrow?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s a holiday tomorrow. The fourth of
July. We’ll only be on call for delivery, not actually opening our doors. Dave
and Uncle Sam are handling business for us. Granted, before and after your trip
to the beach, I’ll expect your help here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can you come with us?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad scratched his chin
thoughtfully. “Maybe. I’ll have to see.” He paused for a moment, regarding his
son. “I made an appointment with the barber this evening. You need a haircut
young man or Mark will think you’re taking after his example.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon grinned. “I thought about that
this morning and I was going to tell you about it, but forgot. A haircut sounds
great. What time?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“After we close for the evening 7:30.
Will you be ok with that?” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I was going to go see a movie with
Mark and Steven, but that doesn’t start until 9:00 PM, so that’s fine. Surely
my hair won’t take two hours to cut.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I would hope not.” His dad grinned.
“Maybe we can talk Mark into cutting his hair and Steven into dying his
something, <i>anything</i>, other than that eye-killing color of red.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon snorted. “I seriously doubt it.
Worth a try though,” he added. “Heaven knows I want it to happen!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad slapped him on the shoulder,
and pointed towards his section of tables. “More customers,” he said, in a
moment all business. “Make sure to ask them about drinks before they order
their pizza this time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes sir,” Dillon answered his dad with
a wink and headed back to work, armed with a notepad and friendly smile. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next day was wonderfully sunny and
warm, for which Nicole was properly grateful. After all, if one had to sit in
the sand and fly a kite, it was far better for everyone involved if the weather
was nice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray buzzed around the house during the
quiet of the morning, overly full of energy and excitement. Shawn blamed it on
the amount of salt-water taffy he had consumed the day before, which very well
could have played a part in his state<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of
emotion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole finished her drawing of them in
front of their new rental house and was now drawing comical scenes of their
encounter the day before yesterday. She spared no small details and inspiration
flowed from her mind, through her fingertip’s direction and onto the blank page
of her sketchbook. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn disappeared out to the side porch
to read since he knew there would be no peaceful, quiet corner inside the house
while Ray was on the rampage. He had finished two of five books, and was almost
halfway done with his third one. If he could get all five done, and he had no
doubt that he would, he could get some more at a tempting bookstore he had seen
in the town and read those too.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lunch came and went. Ray’s impatience
began to rub off on his siblings and a few heated arguments ensued. Apologies
were reluctantly given, and then arguments quickly forgotten as they packed up
the kite, a picnic dinner which included s’more fixings for dessert, books (in
Shawn’s case), a sketchbook (in Nicole’s case), a shovel for possible clams (in
Ray’s case), a few blankets for the adults to sit on, several towels that
everyone knew Ray would need after “jumping” waves (a.k.a. trying to jump,
missing his footing, and ending up falling backwards and completely soaking
himself in ocean water) and fire supplies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Together they trouped down to the beach
and worked on finding a good campfire site. Once they had, the whole family
pitched into getting their camp set up. The boys helped their dad start the
fire, and Nicole assisted her mom in laying out the blankets and s’more
fixings. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon caught a whiff of the campfire
before he saw the family, and with a cheerful wave as he came into sight he
walked over to greet his new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole’s eyes widened when she caught
sight of the two people following close behind Dillon. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of his friends had shoulder length
hair that couldn’t possibly be a natural color of blonde. <i>Probably bleached,</i>
she realized. With an inward giggle, she found that his hairstyle reminded her
of an upside-down, old-fashioned mop. He had the same overly confident smile
that Dillon had given her, and looked like a typical basketball player: tall
and skinny, but with a visibly active body. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The other friend, an African American, was about a foot
shorter than the tall one, and had bright red hair that hurt her eyes. It made
them smart with unshed tears at a single glance. He was more stocky than the
other one too, and looked more fit to play football or soccer than basketball.
He seemed a little less comfortable around strangers then both Dillon and their
tall friend. How he could possibly be shy and choose a hair color like that was
beyond Nicole’s comprehension. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She hadn’t noticed until just then that
her brothers had both instinctively took a step closer to her when the three
boys showed up, and her heart warmed at their obvious protection. It made her
feel much more comfortable…it was nice being loved. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray, by far the most outgoing, stepped
forward to shake the newcomers’ hands. “Hey Dillon! Nice to see you again! Who
are your friends?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey Ray! Same here! This,” Dillon
jerked a thumb to the taller dude with long blonde hair, “is Mark Darrel, and
this,” another thumb jerk towards the shorter dude with red hair that hurt the
eyes, “is Steven Brown. We go a long way back the three of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark stepped forward and shook Ray’s
offered hand, and then Shawn and Nicole’s as they followed their brother’s
friendly example. “So,” he said grinning at Nicole, “you must be the girl
Dillon shocked the living daylights out of day before yesterday.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon’s face reddened and he moaned,
“Mark!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole surprised them both with a
laugh. “Yep, that would be me! It seems my reputation has proceeded me!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh don’t worry,” Mark assured her, a
grin still wide across his face, “your reputation is safe with us.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It is not,” Steven broke in, making
the rounds of handshakes. “Don’t believe a word he says. If he wasn’t so set in
his career as a future basketball star, he’d become a news-reporter and fill
everyone in on everybody else’s business but their own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All five teens enjoyed a laugh at
Mark’s expense, who didn’t seem to mind in the slightest. In fact, he looked
like he rather enjoyed the attention and was laughing right along with them.
Despite the crazy looks of Dillon’s two friends, they were fun to talk too, and
Steven surprised them all with invaluable help when setting up their somewhat
complicated kite since their dad was still busy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After the kite was set up, Dillon
launched it into the air with Shawn, Nicole holding firmly onto the other end.
A cheer erupted from eight mouths when it was safely flying in the steady wind
above them. Once a few minutes had passed, Nicole passed off the job of holding
the kite to Ray and settled down next to the fire to begin another sketch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A few minutes passed and a prickle on
her neck warned Nicole that she wasn’t alone with her sketchbook. “Yes?” she
asked whoever it was with a hint of annoyance in her voice. She hated to be
distracted when she was in middle of drawing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Busy?” a familiar voice replied. She
could hear a smile of amusement in Shawn’s voice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole squinted up at her twin. “Yeah,
but you can come down here and join me if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I think I will,” Shawn said, taking
her offer and plopping himself down on the blanket beside her. “Ray seems to be
doing a fine job<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>entertaining our new
friends by himself.” He gestured towards the laughing faces of their brother
and the three other teens. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole smiled herself, committing the
image to memory. She would draw that scene later, but for now she went back to
her current drawing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are you working on now?” Shawn
peeked over his sister’s shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She placed a precautionary finger on
her lips and nodded in the direction of her parents. “I’m drawing them,” she
whispered softly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mom and dad were sitting side by
side on a log, their arms wrapped around each other, backs to the blazing fire,
and content, happy smiles stretched across both faces as they watched the
antics of their youngest son and his new friends. Shawn, though far from an
artist, could appreciate the scene his sister was trying to capture and nodded
his head in agreement with her choice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She continued drawing in silence,
leaning against her brother without realizing it and a concentrated look
warning away intruders. The basic sketch was finished just as the four
kite-flying boys came up to the warmth of the fire out of breath and laughing.
Nicole closed her sketchbook carefully, knowing she could put finishing touches
in the picture later. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray took a seat next to his dad, and
Mark and Steven squeezed next to him, making the log full. Dillon shrugged and
took a spot on the blanket next to the other two pastor’s kids. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t know about you all,” Nicole
heard her mom say, “but I’m wanting to sink my teeth into a freshly toasted
marshmallow s’more. What do you say to us having some now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This suggestion was greeted
enthusiastically from all the kids, and even their dad nodded with a giant grin
on his face. Because the fire was on the small side and because they had only
brought five s’more roasting sticks, the group split into two roasting shifts.
Nicole wanted to begin her sketch of the boys flying the kite, so she was the
first to offer to wait for the second shift. Shawn, who had the smallest sweet
tooth in the family, quickly joined Nicole, and after noticing the longing
looks his friends were giving the delicious fixings, Dillon also said he could
wait. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The blanket was pulled a little farther
away from the fire so that those roasting their marshmallows had enough space
to work, and Nicole sat cross-legged on the middle, her eyes closed and her
head bent in concentration as she re-lived the scene she wanted to draw. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn pulled out a book and propped it
on his upright knees as he sat on one side of his sister. Dillon, on the other
side of Nicole, watched her preparation for drawing with curiosity. When she
looked up, he was regarding her with a puzzled air. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are you doing?” he asked. “Why
were you closing your eyes and frowning before drawing?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole began the basic sketch before
answering Dillon’s question. “I do that because each sketch I draw is from
memory. I have to take the time to re-imagine what it was like in my head so I
can make a more accurate depiction of what had been going on in the said
picture I’m currently trying to capture on paper.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon gave her a blank stare. “What?"</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole sighed, but then shrugged. She
took a minute to simplify her description of her process. “I draw from memory,
and so I have to take time to remember the scene I want to draw so I can make
it realistic.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, I see.” Dillon’s face cleared. “So
you have a photographic memory?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole nodded, glad he finally
understood. “Yep.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Wow, that’s cool.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole drew for a few minutes in
silence and soon it was their turn to make s’mores. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-17666498105518015772016-09-21T09:00:00.000-07:002016-09-21T09:00:23.364-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Eighteen<span style="font-size: large;">Annnnnnnnd, the next chapter of my story "The Princess & I". How are you enjoying it so far? Which character is your favorite? Any thoughts?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you missed a part, go to the "Stories in Progress" page and you should be able to find the missing link there. Otherwise, read on and enjoy! :) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">18: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Safety?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 28pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William had already gotten two men
down by the time I joined him, and they were quickly joined by three more when
I joined. I had never killed any person before, but I knew when I began
learning how to use Safeguard that there would be times when I would have to
kill in self defense, or for the lives of others, and this was one of those
times. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The moon came from behind a cloud
and illumined the somewhat chaotic scene. Blades flashed in the firelight, and
it was soon clear that William and I had the upper hand. We both new more sword
tricks then all eight of the scouts combined. I almost felt as if I was cheating
when yet another of the men had his sword flicked harmlessly to the ground and
was driven to his knees with my blade between his shoulders. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The remaining guards took to their
horses and escaped into the night. William and I didn’t bother following them,
and instead buried our enemies who had died. Two of the six men we had overcome
were only wounded, so we tied them up and put them on one of the remaining
horses that were still tied to the tree. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Into the night we rode. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, we didn’t have another
incident with enemy soldiers. The next time we were stopped in the woods was by
one of the king’s watchmen, and he only kept us long enough to ask our names
and business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Who are you?” William demanded
this time. He didn’t want to risk us being caught by the enemy again. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The man came up and gave him a long
look. “William?” he asked as if hardly believing his eyes. “William Price?”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Recognition dawned in my teacher’s
eyes and he leapt from his horse. “Martin! How’s the sword practicing?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The younger man slapped William on
the back with a wide grin. “Not as well as I should like. Malcolm’s been doing
his best to help me when he has time, but that’s not very often. I don’t
suppose you could spare some time for me?”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m afraid not,” my teacher answered,
his voice tinged with regret. “I’ve got urgent business with King Frederick.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The watchman frowned. “How urgent?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t give you all the
details…although I’m sure the king will when he sees fit, but tell him it has
to do with his daughter.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Princess Christine?” he asked, his
eyes widening. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yes, and we’re in a bit of a
hurry.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Follow me then.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We were led through the darkness
into the fire lit camp. Torches were tied securely to stakes located at the
front of various tents and to the biggest tent the watchman led us. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He ducked inside and we heard a
murmur of low voices, but couldn’t make out what was being said. Martin came
out and gave William a curt nod. “The king will see you now. Malcolm is with
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart leapt and the thought. I
would be seeing my brother in moments! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William nodded. “Did Steven make it
safely?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Your brother?” Martin’s face held
only confusion. “What would he be doing in our camp? Did he stow away with us
to quench a sudden urge for adventure?” he asked with a grin. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The joy of a moment before fled
when I realized what this meant. “He isn’t here?” I asked breathlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No,” Martin answered, still
confused. “Should he be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Briefly, William told the young
watchman what had taken place in our journey. Martin grew serious, his grin
disappearing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We’ll send out some men to search
for your brother,” he said once William had finished our tale. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll join them as soon as I speak
with the king,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I slipped off the horse. “William,”
I began tentatively, “why don’t you go search for him now? I can speak with the
king and tell him our plans. He’ll understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My teacher gave me a grateful look.
“Thank you Meg,” he answered. The two men turned their horses and left my sight
around the corner of a tent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I took a deep breath and entered
the king’s tent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The sudden light of several
different torches and lanterns made me stand in the doorway and blink for a
moment. My eyes had become so accustomed to the darkness that they had to have
a minute or so to readjust to light again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">King Frederick was sitting in on a
wooden stool behind a sturdy table that was also made of a solid oak. Beside
him, likewise on a stool, was a bearded stranger. Only when he ran towards me
and enveloped me in a great big bear hug and exclaimed, “Oh, Meg! I can’t begin
to say how happy I am to see you safe and sound!” did I realize that the man
was my brother Malcolm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tears of happiness trickled down my
cheeks and onto my brother’s shirt. “Same here Malcolm,” I whispered into his
comforting figure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My brother tore out of my hug and
pulled me over to a seat in front of the king who had been watching our
exchange with a mixed expression that contained amusement, joy, and sadness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Sit, sit!” he urged. “Tell us how
you came here, why, and what on earth the princess has to do with it all.
Martin was very vague.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I launched into our story. The
betrayal of Sir Alfred, the kidnapping of the princess, our journey through the
forest, Steven’s fall, the scouts we ran into, Steven’s flight to the king’s
camp, the fight, and our arrival to safety only to find that Steven wasn’t
here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While I spoke, I watched the king’s
face. Anger mixed with worry as he listened to our adventures. Once, he even
brought his fist down with a crash onto his table, but apologized and urged me
to continue when I faltered. Malcolm’s expressions were almost identical to the
king’s, and when I finally finished, his eyebrows were meshed together in a
ferocious glower that made me glad I hadn’t been the one who dared steal his
betrothed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“So the traitor Sir Alfred is
taking her to the Duke Of Devonshire?” the king asked in a dangerously quiet
voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded. “William, Steven and I
were planning on rescuing her before they reached the Duke’s castle, but his
injury put us too far behind to be able to pull off that feat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">King Frederick raised an eyebrow.
“And now?” he pressed. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I cleared my throat. “Well, we were
hoping to continue as before, only Steven would stay here and recover from his
broken leg. But now that he has disappeared…” I trailed off sadly. “Our plans
may be all for naught.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The king shook his head. “No, I
doubt things are as bleak as that. Surely Steven will be found by our men you
said were searching for him. I’ll speak with William when he returns and we’ll
plan our next step to rescue my daughter. Meanwhile, you look absolutely
exhausted Lady Megan. Take some rest and I’ll have food brought to you.
Tomorrow things will look brighter and more hopeful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded wearily, all the energy
that had mysteriously come to me during our fight had long since been drained
from my blood. I now felt the effects of too many nights with little sleep.
Malcolm put a supporting arm around my shoulders and led me to a small tent
behind the king’s tent. There he laid me on a cot and pulled a blanket over me.
Almost immediately, I fell asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>* *
* * *<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I awoke to my brother gently patting my shoulder. Groggily, I sat up,
swinging my legs over the side of the cot and yawning loudly. Malcolm chuckled.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Did you sleep well?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Better then I have all week,” I answered truthfully. “Or all month for
that matter…in fact, I slept better than I’ve slept since you left to war.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He smiled and held out a dress. “This is for you to replace the one
you’re wearing now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My mouth dropped open and I took the soft, but durable gown from him in
astonishment. “Where did you find it?” I asked, fingering the brown materiel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“One of our soldier’s wives that came to be our cook and help with
wounded men was about your size and offered a spare dress to be used by
you…since you are in sore need of a new dress.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I glanced down at my ragged apparel. It had a sleeve torn off, the
bottom of the skirt was ripped into shreds from all the branches in the forest,
and dirt and blood from the wolf decorated the front in gory splotches of brown
and rust red. I grimaced at the sight before glancing at my brother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Tell me who she is so I can thank her properly,” I said. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malcolm grinned and stood up. “I don’t think I’ll need too,” he said.
“She’s coming here to help you take a bath.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed ecstatically. “A bath?” When was the last time I had taken a
bath? I couldn’t remember. That was a bad sign.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">As if the woman was waiting for those words to leave my brother’s
mouth, the tent opened, and she walked in with a pitcher. Following her were
two soldiers who carried a large wooden tub. They plunked it down on the ground
and I saw that it was half-full of water. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quickly, the two soldiers left and were followed shortly by my brother
who stopped only to have a few words with the woman. In reply to something he
said, she smiled and gave him a gentle shove out the tent doorway. He shot me a
quick wink and disappeared. The woman fastened the tent flaps securely and
turned to me. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m Helen,” she informed me. Her eyes were twinkling. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m Megan,” I answered, “but everyone calls me Meg.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“So I’ve heard,” she said, her lips pressed together as she took my
appearance in with one sweeping glance that seemed to pierce right through me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I looked towards the dress and smiled. “I can’t thank you enough for
that dress,” I began.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Nonsense!” Helen exclaimed dismissively, motioning expressively to my
current apparel. “No decent woman would leave another in something like that
when she’s in a camp of soldiers. Especially not a young, attractive thing like
you,” she added knowingly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I felt my face grow red and I began peeling off my ragged gown in the
effort to hide my embarrassment. “Thank you for the bath,” I said to change the
subject. “I can’t remember the last time I had a bath…especially not a warm
one!” I exclaimed in delighted surprise as I sank into the water and felt all
the grime of the last week loosen from my skin. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Thank your brother for that,” Helen said. “He seems to think that you
deserve only the best. He ordered three soldiers to heat up all that water on
the fire and mix it with cold water until he declared it fit for you.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed, taking the soap from Helen and rubbing the remaining
dirt from where it still held onto me stubbornly. “I can’t believe he did that.
The poor soldiers,” I added pityingly. “All that work for me!” I shook my head
in disbelief. “They’ll probably all hate me now.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Helen raised an eyebrow and scrubbed my back vigorously with the bar of
soap. No dirt would dare escape her onslaught. I bit back a giggle at her
ferociousness and merely smiled at my reflection in the darkening water. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I highly doubt they’ll hate you,” she reassured me after my back felt
as though she had scrubbed off all skin on it along with the dirt she saw
there. “They might be in a bit of awe though. Be prepared to be a bit spoiled
by all of them. They’ll jump to do what ever you need done.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I stood, and quickly dried myself off with the cloth Helen handed me.
The cold air made me shiver, and I hastily pulled the gown over my head to
dodge the icy pins that prickled me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I brushed my wet hair with the comb Helen gave me and pulled it back
from my face with a ribbon that she supplied me. Ready at last, I opened the
tent door. New adventures awaited me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-76316074718350994552016-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:002016-09-17T09:00:07.355-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Five<span style="font-size: large;">There we go...back to normal again. *sighs* And I thought life would be LESS complicated after graduation and the wedding. Welp, I was WRONG. *sighs again* </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyways, onto chapter five of "Ocean Mist". Hope you're enjoying it as much as I did while writing it. ;) If you missed a part, there should be all the parts you missed in the "Stories in Progress" page. Otherwise, read on and enjoy! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: HogarthScrJoiD; font-size: 42pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Snell Roundhand";">Chapter Five:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ready to work yet?” A voice plowed
through Dillon’s dreams and he groaned, trying to drown out the noise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Come on, five more minutes?” he
pleaded into his pillow, halfway awake and not wanting to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A chuckle sounded not very far from his
ears and he felt breath stir his already messed up hair. “I thought you <i>wanted
</i>to learn the ropes of being a waiter in my restaurant…well, I could always
give your job to Steven—” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon shot out of bed, his memory
finally working full-time and nearly bulldozed his dad in his effort to stop
him from leaving the bedroom. “All right, I’m up, I’m up! You know me too
well,” he grumbled on the way to take a shower. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad watched him go with a smile
tugging at the corners of his mouth before walking down the hallway and into
their kitchen to work on a quick breakfast he and his son would eat before
opening their restaurant for the day. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the warm shower water washed away
all the dirt and sweat from the day before along with the soap bubbles,
Dillon’s mind wandered back yet again to his encounter yesterday. He felt
regret for not apologizing for startling her, but felt a little confusion why
she hadn’t taken the compliment well. <i>After all, most girls </i>like<i>
being told they’re pretty…but I guess not this one.</i> Rinsing the shampoo
from his hair, he shrugged, consoling himself that if he was to ever meet her
again, he <i>would</i> apologize and hopefully she wouldn’t hold it against him
anymore. Maybe he would even go so far as to apologize to her brothers, who, if
it were even possible, had looked <i>more </i>shocked and dismayed than the
girl had. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He turned off the water reluctantly,
dried himself off, and began getting himself ready for his first day of work.
Dillon was excited at finally getting a job, but also felt apprehension that he
wouldn’t make a good waiter. Well, his dad would help him out. He always had
been there when Dillon needed him. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Carefully, Dillon squeezed a dollop of
gel into his palm, and then rubbed his hands together before running them
through his hair. His dark blonde locks were getting a bit long…he would have
to remind his dad to make an appointment with the barber sometime in the next
couple weeks or he’d start looking a little too much like his friend Mark. Not
that he judged his friends’ hair styles…he just didn’t like doing anything
crazy with his own hair like growing it out or dying it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After his preparations for the day were
done, he looked over himself in the mirror with a satisfied air before
following the sounds of his dad making breakfast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You look nice!” his dad exclaimed,
regarding the black polo shirt with the “Pizza Pizzazz” logo and brand-new jeans
he had been given as his waiter uniform. It was amazing how much his son looked
like a younger version of himself. He shared his son’s straight,
a-little-on-the-long-side dark blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes that could
smile all by themselves as well as the easy, friendly way with people. With a
mental note to call the barber and schedule a hair-cut for his only child, he
motioned to one of the chairs that were situated on opposite sides of a round,
set table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon grinned. “Thanks. You don’t have
to sound so surprised. What’s for breakfast?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad sat down across from him and
raised an eyebrow. “I thought an omelet would be nice to share in celebration
of your first day before work.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon licked his lips, his stomach
growling in anticipation of his dad’s delectable cooking. “Sounds good to me!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After breakfast was finished and
cleaned up, Dillon’s dad gave him the run-down on his new job and told him
which tables he was assigned once he had finished introducing the other three
staff members. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stacey was a newly married waitress and
doubled as a cook if his dad was ever overwhelmed with being the owner, manager
<i>and </i>main cook. Dave was not only a waiter and part-time clean-up or
set-up person like him but also Stacey’s younger brother by two years and
Dillon’s assigned helper until he felt confident in doing his job by himself.
Then there was Uncle Sam. Well, his real name was Samuel Simmons, but everyone
at work called him Uncle Sam and Dillon could see why. The fiftyish-year-old
man with a booming voice and balding head was everybody’s best friend. He
worked as a waiter, a cook, part of the clean-up crew, and anything else that
happened to be needed at any given time. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon felt right at home with his
co-workers, and they accepted him almost immediately into their little family.
He and Dave had already met before since Dillon sometimes hung out at his dad’s
restaurant during work hours with his friends Mark and Steven but now he could feel
a brotherhood building between them already. He got to work right away and
found it fun to meet all the new faces that came in to eat his dad’s fabulous
pizza.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was during the middle of lunch rush.
Dave, Stacey and himself were being kept on their toes between tables, and
Dillon was just telling himself that he could get used to this. That was when
he got the shock of his life. The kids he had met just the day before came
walking through the restaurant’s door followed by two adults whom Dillon assumed
to be their parents. He watched as Stacey greeted them and led them to a table
in the back. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn’t until after Dave came up
behind him and jolted him out of his astonishment with a playful punch and
“Hey? Anybody home in there?” that he realized with a stab of…excitement? that
Stacey had brought them to one of <i>his </i>tables. His afternoon had just
gotten a lot more interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">******************************************</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their shopping completed, and their
bags safely back at the rented house, the family decided to vote on a
restaurant to eat lunch at. Pizza, being the favorite meal of everyone, was the
chosen food, and so they Googled pizza restaurants in their area and found one
that had good reviews. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That done, they piled into their car,
thankfully this time they didn’t have their baggage with them, and drove to
Pizza Pizzazz at almost one in the afternoon hoping to skip some of the first
lunch rush. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Upon walking in the door, their family
was greeted by a young lady in her mid-twenties. “Hi there!” she said brightly.
“Welcome to Pizza Pizzazz! How many?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just us five,” their dad answered
quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Great! Come on back! We have a great
view of the ocean if you want to sit by a window.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After receiving several ‘yes-please’s,
she ushered them back to a table on the far end of the small restaurant and
handed out menus. “Your waiter will be with you in just a moment to take your
orders. No rush.” With that, the woman walked off to greet another customer
with the same sunny smile. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So,” their dad questioned after she
had left. “What do you think we should get?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Pizza!” the three kids chorused as
one, and then burst out laughing. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I figured that,” their dad
replied with a grin. “But what kinds?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just as they had finally finished
haggling between themselves on which two pizzas to order, a young man dressed
in a neat black polo shirt and jeans came up to them with a notebook in hand. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hello and welcome to Pizza Pizzazz,” he
began. “What can I get you?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole jumped a little, then felt her
face getting red. She knew that voice. Pretending to be looking carefully at
her menu, she snuck a glance at the guy and confirmed her suspicions. Then she
met Shawn and Ray’s looks from across the table. A silent understanding passed
between them. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Um, we decided to get two family sized
pizzas, one Hawaiian and one Pepperoni with sausage added,” their dad was
ordering. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their waiter began scribbling it down
on his notepad and Nicole risked looking up at him, wondering if he recognized
them from yesterday. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Anything to drink?” he asked. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll have just water,” their dad
answered before looking questioningly around at his family. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Same here,” their mom said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just water for me,” the boys said
almost at the same time. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah, me too,” Nicole put in last
minute, still watching for signs of recognition. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ok. Anything else?” he asked once
everything had been written down. His gaze swept over the kids for the first
time, and Nicole thought she saw a spark in them, but he refused to make
eye-contact with anyone but their dad. Maybe she had just imagined it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nope, I think that’s all, thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Great. I’ll be back with some water
soon.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With that he left, and Nicole glanced
again at her brothers. Her brothers’ faces held the same shocked disbelief that
she was sure her own face mirrored. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their dad looked around at his kids
curiously. “You guys are suddenly quiet,” he observed. “What’s going on?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That guy,” Ray blurted out, “our
waiter, he’s the dude we met yesterday on the beach after the crab incident!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now it was their parent’s turn to be
surprised. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure?” their mom asked, her
forehead wrinkled in thought. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole nodded miserably. “I would
recognize him anywhere,” she declared. Her brothers could only nod their
agreement. After all, her claim to fame in their family was her remarkable ability
to remember faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, this just made our lunch here
more interesting,” her dad finally remarked with a raised eyebrow. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No one could have made a bigger
understatement. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">****************************************<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon forced himself to not panic. As
calmly as possible he tried to act as the perfect waiter, but was painfully
aware during the whole conversation how the girl had avoided eye contact and
her brothers, at least…what had been the tall dark one’s name? Shawn. Yeah,
Shawn had been watching him with a mixture of protectiveness and curiosity. The
other one simply gaped at him with completely understandable shock and
disbelief. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After they had finished ordering, he
made his escape to the kitchen. His mind was a tumble of confusion and racing
to figure out exactly how to act. While he waited for Dave to fill the water
pitcher and find him cups, the whole story came out into the listening ears of
his dad and co-workers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’d just act like nothing happened,”
Dave advised thoughtfully, handing him the tray with water, cups, and straws
balanced on it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Uncle Sam shook his head and frowned.
“No, no…face your fears boy,” he stated wisely. “Go up to them, apologize like
a man, and get your mistake behind you once and for all.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amazingly, his dad agreed with Uncle
Sam, and even Dave reluctantly admitted the older man was right. So Dillon
decided to act on their advice and face the music. Holding the tray with both
hands he made his way to the table and noticed that now both the parents were
also eyeing him suspiciously. So the parents knew now. That would actually make
his apology a little easier since everyone would know what he was apologizing
for. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He put down the pitcher, allowing
recognition to light up his face this time when he handed out the cups and
straws. “Oh, hey! I know you three, right? Didn’t we meet on the beach
yesterday?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah, we met on the beach,” the
dark-haired boy answered, pushing his glasses up his nose habitually. “I’m
Shawn, remember? This is my brother Ray and my sister Nicole, and these are our
parents.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nice to meet you guys,” Dillon said
easily, thanking his stars for giving him natural friendliness. “And nice to
see you three again.” He looked at Nicole until she met his eyes and added,
“Hey, I’m sorry if I offended you with anything I said…I have a bad habit of
speaking whatever first comes to my mind without thinking.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole felt her shoulders relax a
little. Not much, but a little. “That’s ok. I was just kind of shocked.” She shrugged,
and felt herself blush in embarrassment. “I’m sorry for sticking my tongue out
at you,” she continued softly, ashamed more than ever at her behavior the day
before. “That was very immature, and you didn’t deserve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon chuckled. “I accept your
apology.” He grinned suddenly before saying, “and I probably did deserve it. Me
<i>and </i>my big mouth.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just like that, the tension that had
been surrounding the table like a cloud, melted into oblivion and everyone was
smiling and chatting like old friends. Dillon was easy to talk to, and his
quick sense of humor and infectious laugh filled their conversation with fun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All too soon it was time for them to
go, and they bid Dillon goodbye with promises to let him help fly their new
kite the next day. He asked if he could bring some friends and his dad along
too. Their dad gave his permission, and they left with promises of seeing him
tomorrow. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the car, Nicole sighed happily. A
burden she had not realized she was carrying had been lifted after a simple
apology. It was amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He seemed like a nice kid,” their mom
broke the silence thoughtfully. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s incredible that he took the
responsibility of apologizing to Nicole and Shawn and Ray even though he
obviously didn’t understand what he said that made them upset. That took guts,”
their dad put in. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I like him,” Ray announced finally.
“He and I have a lot in common. I think we’re going to become good friends
while we’re here. I’d like to keep in touch with him after we leave too.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn was frowning. “I like him too,”
he admitted, “but he’s not a Christian.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, maybe you can change that,”
their dad replied. “Maybe this was God’s plan when he brought Dillon into your
lives, however shocking the first meeting turned out to be.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And we could reach out to his friends
as well!” Ray charged enthusiastically into the idea of evangelizing their new
friend. “His dad is coming with him to fly our kite tomorrow, maybe we could
save him too!” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole giggled, despite the effort she
put into keeping silent. Of all of them, of course it would be Ray who got
fired up at the idea of evangelizing. If any of them were natural evangelists,
it would be him or their dad. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn met her eyes and rolled his own. <i>Dream
on, </i>he mouthed, causing Nicole to giggle again. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s so funny?” their mom asked
suspiciously. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing,” Nicole answered. “I’m just
glad the awkwardness is over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-52506162838580886392016-09-14T10:22:00.001-07:002016-09-14T10:22:20.539-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Seventeen<span style="font-size: large;">Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! I thought I had scheduled more of these! :O I guess with all the excitement and preparations for the wedding, I totally forgot to give more. SORRY, SORRY, SORRY!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that Sarah is married to the love of her life, Jesse Divakar, *distant sobbing* I hope to be a little less scattered in my blogging. Hey, one can dream, right? ;) We'll see how long THAT lasts. :P</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, since you've probably skipped all the introduction anyways, onto to chapter seventeen of my book "The Princess & I". If you missed a part, be sure to read it in the "Stories in Progress" page. There you'll find links to all the parts published on this blog site. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">NOW onto the story. ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">17: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Camp<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the days stretched into a
week, we did steadily draw nearer to the place we knew the king and his men
camped. We stopped frequently to rest since Steven still didn’t have the
strength he was used to having. Any time we did stop, he would protest that he
was still fine and that we should keep going. Of course, William paid him no
mind. Though it wasn’t true, I let Steven declare that the stops were for me
and the horses, if only to keep him from wasting more of his waning strength on
arguing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">As evening fell, William
called another stop under the sparse cover of a few trees and as usual Steven
made his loud protests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m fine! We should keep
going!” he told his brother as he was pulled from the saddle, placed firmly
against a tree and given one of our water skins to quench his thirst. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William and I exchanged a
weary look, and I gave myself the liberty of one longsuffering sigh. Remember,
it was with me and on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my </i>horse that
he had been riding all this time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“We’re going to reach the
camp before we rest again,” William said. “I’m not going to kill you in order
to save the princess. What would our mother say?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“A little more riding
wouldn’t kill me,” Steven muttered.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sighed again and sat down
next to the suffering boy. “You don’t know your own strength,” I told him
firmly. “We trusted you to lead us up until you broke your leg…can’t you return
the favor and trust us the rest of the way to the king’s camp?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reluctantly, Steven nodded
his head. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The horses were allowed to
graze for a little while, and we ate our supper. Steven’s leg was still doing
well, and he hobbled with some help from me or with a hand in one of the
horses’ manes . William had taken off the brace for while we were riding, but
he told his younger brother to not put any weight on it at all. What he
threatened he would do to him if Steven did, I don’t know…but whatever it was,
the threat was effective. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">We mounted again, Steven
behind me on Duke, William in front with his horse, and we traveled yet again
towards the setting sun. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Darkness began to make our
traveling harder. The slower we went, the more pain I saw in Steven’s face.
William couldn’t have noticed it with the night falling so quickly, and I was
afraid to tell him because it would hurt Steven’s feelings. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, I was spared
that decision. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Out of the trees we were
passing under, six men jumped on our horses. Bedlam ensued. Steven’s arms
tightened around me, and I looked back to see his face white with pain. One of
the men was holding onto his wounded leg. Anger bubbled up and out of me. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Get your hands off of him!”
I shouted. “He’s got a broken leg! You’re hurting him!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Leave them alone!” William
added from where he was imprisoned by three of the men. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Who are you and what are
you doing here?” One of the men stepped forward, holding a lantern high and
squinting at us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’m Lady Megan, lady-in-waiting
to Her Majesty, Princess Christine,” I informed them haughtily, my eyes
flashing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William’s warning look came
too late. It suddenly dawned on me that we didn’t know if these were the king’s
men or not. After all, we were deep into the lands of the Duke now, and just as
the king was in danger, so were we. I bit my tongue, wishing the words back
into my mouth, but knowing it was too late for that. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Behind me, Steven groaned
audibly. The men around us burst into laughter. My face flamed in embarrassment
and fury. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Oh, you are, are you?” the
same man replied, doubling over with laughter. “Well, begging your pardon Miss
High and Mighty, but let me introduce myself. I’m Solomon the Wise at your
service.” He turned to his men. “Take their weapons. We’ll bring them to the
Duke.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I saw with dismay my beloved
Safeguard taken from me, though the guards mumbled in surprise that a lady
would carry such a weapon. Steven lost his dagger and crossbow; William his
sword. We were bound and dragged to the vicious men’s camp. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">They tied us securely to a
stout oak tree, paying little mind to Steven’s injury, and I watched helplessly
as he bit his lip in pain until blood came. I was sandwiched between Steven and
William, and could feel my face still burning in humiliation. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“We’ve got to escape,” I
hissed to William when our captors were satisfied that we wouldn’t be going
anywhere anytime soon and returned to the brace of rabbits they were cooking
over their fires. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I know,” William replied
grimly. “But how?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Something cold and sharp was
pressed to my hand where they were tied to the tree. I glanced over at Steven
in surprise and found his eyes alert and gleaming. “Look away,” he ordered.
“Otherwise they’ll suspect something.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Slowly, as if dejected, I
turned my eyes away from him and lowered them to the ground. I looked as if I
had no hope, but inwardly, my mind was racing. “How did you get your dagger
back?” I asked. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steven waited until our
guard passed before giving me a quick smile. “I didn’t,” he answered. “This is
an extra I always carry in the inside of my boot. Because I was hurt, they
didn’t bother to search me as thoroughly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William quietly whistled in
admiration. “You’ll never cease to astonish me!” he declared. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“When should we escape
then?” I asked. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Not until they have mostly
fallen asleep,” William answered thoughtfully. “Under the cover of complete
darkness we’ll cut the ropes and try to slip away.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brow creased in sudden
worry. “What if they happen to all wake up?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My teacher gave a slight nod
towards a tree about ten feet away that we had seen our captors put our
weapons. “Make towards that tree and grab a sword. I think the two of us could
fight our way out. There are only eight men that I counted.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He paused to let a few of
the men drift further away from where they might be able to hear our plans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“They must be only a
scouting group from the Duke Of Devonshire. We should warn the king about them
though. Where one scout group is, others will follow or they may already be in
the area.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">We fell silent as the man
who appeared to be the leader, the one who mockingly called himself “Solomon
the Wise”, came up to us suspiciously. “Here you!” he said<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>warningly. “Enough of your whispering. The
Duke’s a fair man, and you won’t come to any harm as long as you behave
yourselves and answer his questions truthfully.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">We said nothing in reply to
this, and soon he walked back away, mumbling something what terribly thirsty
business being a scout was. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Three prisoners as we were,
food was not a delicacy they thought we deserved. My stomach growled in longing
at the sight of the nicely browned rabbits, and I realized the food we had
eaten a few hours ago for our supper might have to last until we made it into
the king’s camp. I wondered if they would give us water ever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, the men around
us dropped off into drunken slumber. All but the two who were guarding us. I
saw our horses on the opposite side of the camp along with the enemy horses,
and I realized there was a wrinkle in our plans. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“William,” I began in a
barely audible whisper. “We need a horse to get Steven out of here and they’re
all tied on the far side of the camp.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My teacher perceived the
problem immediately. His brow furrowed. “Would you be able to loose the horses
while I retrieved our weapons?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I frowned. “Duke could get
loose,” I said. “I taught him and Prince to untie themselves when they were
mere colts so I could play practical jokes on Malcolm. I haven’t asked him to
perform since Malcolm began working for the king…so I don’t know if he’ll still
remember the signal.” I regarded the oblivious horse thoughtfully. “I suppose
it’s worth a try.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quietly, I whistled. Two
slow, high notes, one longer low note, and then three quicker, high notes.
Duke’s head came up from where he had been grazing by the tree. His ears
swiveled towards where I sat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please God,
have him remember, </i>I pleaded silently. Duke nickered softly, and then his
head dipped towards the rope that secured him to the tree. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I held my breath, hardly
daring to hope. One of the ropes to the tree snapped, and Duke was free. As I
had taught him, he stood as if he was still tied, but would bolt the minute
someone other than me dared to put a hand on his bridle. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I worked on my own
bonds. The two guards were playing a game of chess, casting glances at us every
once in awhile, but obviously thought we were a waste of time to bother
watching. Their confidence would be their undoing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My ropes snapped loose
almost silently, and I frantically worked on Steven’s, freezing my movements
and pretending to be asleep whenever the guards happened to look our way.
William was next, and soon we were rope free, though our hands were still
behind us in pretense. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Call your horse,” William
ordered. “But wait until I get my sword. The minute Steven is on Duke, set them
towards the king’s camp and come join me fighting. There’s no way we’ll be
getting out of here without a fight.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“At least we’ll have
surprise on our side,” I said. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“They won’t be expecting a
fight with two sword masters, that’s certain,” William answered with a wink
towards me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I turned my head before
rolling my eyes so he wouldn’t see my unladylike reaction to his comment. “I’m
not a sword master,” I replied. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William waited until the
guards glanced in our direction once more, and knowing he wouldn’t look again
for another minute or so, William bolted as silently as possible towards the
tree with our weapons. The minute William made it back to our tree with his
sword and mine, I called Duke. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The camp came to life even
as Duke trotted towards me. While William kept the guards occupied, I hoisted
Steven onto the horse, thanking God again that the boy was as light as he was
and still had the use of both hands and at least one leg. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Ride!” I commanded. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What about you and
William?” he asked. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“We’ll come later,” I
promised. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I won’t leave you!” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I slapped Duke soundly on
his rump and the poor horse bolted at the unexpected treatment from his
mistress. The boy and horse disappeared into the surrounding trees. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I turned and caught
Safeguard from William. A new energy flowed through my veins and I began
fighting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-88393789951863929692016-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:002016-09-02T09:00:18.489-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Four<span style="font-size: large;">EIGHT DAYS...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One more post until after the wedding... but I <em>will</em> be back after the wedding! ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you doing school yet? If so, how has it been going? *tries not to sound smug* I hope it's been going well. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the next part of the adventure down by the ocean, inspired by my own trip down there just this last May! Hope you're enjoying! If you missed a part, you can find it under the "Stories in Progress" page. Otherwise, read on and enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "hogarthscrjoid"; font-size: 42pt;">Chapter Four:</span></u></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The first thing Shawn was aware of in
the morning was his brother kicking him violently in the shin and exclaiming in
a groggy voice, “Quit snoring already! You’re being so <i>loud</i>!” It crossed
his mind that he couldn’t have possibly been being louder than Ray’s talking.
With a resigned sigh, he bore the kicks and tried in vain to go back to sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On his side, his eyes determinedly
shut, Shawn cleared his mind in order to drift off. Instead, his ears began
picking up sounds. Ray’s even breathing told him that his brother had
successfully made it back into dream-land, and the clock on the wall ticked
louder than he would have liked. Far away, from down the staircase, he could
hear his dad already up and it sounded like he was making coffee. <i>Good, </i>Shawn
thought tiredly, <i>I’ll need a cup of that to keep me awake today.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, giving up on going back to sleep, he
opened his eyes and squinted at the red numerals on the room’s alarm clock.
6:35 am, it read accurately. Shawn rolled from the queen-sized bed he shared
with his brother and opened the door as quietly as possible. He didn’t dare to
look in the mirror, knowing his dark hair was probably sticking in all
directions of a compass and not wanting to accept the reality yet. Already he
was painfully aware of his bed-rumpled appearance, but rested in the assurance
that he would be put together by breakfast since he had been forced awake
before 7:00. He padded down the stairs in his stocking-feet and arrived in the
living room. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad, caught in his morning
devotions, looked up from his Bible in surprise. “Shawn? What are you doing
up?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn gave a long-suffering sigh before
plopping down on the other side of the couch and curling into a ball.
“Apparently I was snoring.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A knowing look crossed his dad’s face,
and it was obvious he was trying very hard not to smile. “I’m sorry about
that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah, me too,” Shawn answered
truthfully. “When I couldn’t get back to sleep, I heard you working on coffee
down here and thought I would snag a cup while it was fresh and then take an
early shower to finish waking me up.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s dripping through right now,” his
dad answered. “It should be done in a couple minutes.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn ran a hand through his crazy hair
and smiled wanly. “Good, ‘cause I’m going to need some.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad let out a chuckle, which Shawn
couldn’t help but join. After a short silence, his dad finished the chapter he
was reading and put aside his Bible to face his oldest son. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Can you tell me what happened
yesterday?” he asked suddenly, catching Shawn off guard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His son gave him a startled look that
had some puzzlement in it. “Didn’t Nicole tell you about it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad shrugged. “Sort of. She talked
to your mom and I got the story from her. I’d like to hear it from an
eye-witness.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn frowned, his anger and confusion
of the previous day still somewhat affecting his attitude. “Well, as you know
we went to the beach to take a walk, but Nicole wanted to draw a picture of the
ocean so we took a break and sat on the sand. Ray went to ‘get his feet wet’ as
he put it, but I stayed with Nicole on the sand and started to read more of
that book I’m in middle of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Next thing I know, Ray comes running
back, shoves a huge crab in our faces and Nicole screams and drops her
sketchbook. The drawings go everywhere and we start picking them up after Ray
puts the crab back in the water. A dude comes by and picks up one of the
drawings to look at it, Nicole asked for it, and he gave it to her with a
cheesy smile.” Shawn’s frown darkened and he paused. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Go on,” his dad encouraged. “Then what
happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“He said he liked the picture and that
he thought she was accomplished. Nicole admitted that she wasn’t really, and he
disagreed, adding this time that not only was she accomplished…” Shawn gritted
his teeth, “…but pretty.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad raised his eyebrows. “And
then?” he pressed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn’s glower had become almost
thunderous. “Ray and I were stunned. We had no idea what we should say to him
that would be at all proper, and I was just about ready to punch his smug face.”
Shawn gave his dad an appealing look. “I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>couldn’t exactly do that, though, right? I mean, I’m a Christian for
crying out loud! I’m supposed to treat everyone in love and stuff. But he was
pushing it a bit. He left pretty quickly I can tell you that much.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Then?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nicole,” Shawn’s frown dissipated
somewhat and a glimmer of respect came into his eyes, “played a horrendous joke
on Ray and me to get back at us for the crab incident…though I played no part
in it whatsoever.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad chuckled. “I do remember that
part.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn grinned. “She got us good with
her ridiculous acting. She pretended to actually think the dude was cute or
something, which nearly caused me to explode. But she admitted her joke just in
time and we continued our walk after a good laugh at my and Ray’s expense.”
Shawn concluded his story with a shrug. “That’s about all.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The coffee beeped, and his dad got up
to make himself and his wife their cups. Shawn followed him into the kitchen
and made himself up a cup. When they finally got back to the living room, Shawn
had a troubled look on his face. His dad noticed and after they sat back on the
couch, asked him what was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I just want to know…what could I have
done to help Nicole out?” he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As
we grow up, there’s probably going to be times when guys approach Nicole when
you and Mom aren’t there, but we boys are. What should we do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad took a sip of the steaming
liquid before answering slowly. “First, try not to judge them right away.”
Shawn gave him a puzzled look, so he hurried to explain, “I think you tend to
jump to conclusions about people. Ray is better at not doing that, but he
probably will have the same problem when it comes to guys interested in his
sister. We’ve raised you both to feel protective about her, and for good
reasons. We want her to feel safe, and brothers are natural protectors.
Granted, some more than others, but I think you and Ray fall under the ‘some
more’ category.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn met his dad’s eyes and was
surprised by the warmth he found there. There was no doubt that his dad loved
him and his siblings. A lot. Had he ever doubted? Well, if he had, he shouldn’t
have. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Last afternoon was a surprise, and it
caught you and your brother off guard.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll say it did!” Shawn exclaimed
emphatically. “I mean, what could we say? ‘No, she’s <i>not </i>talented and
pretty’? That would have been a lie! Besides which, we would have called
Nicole’s wrath down upon us later…which would <i>not </i>have been a pretty
sight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His dad chuckled. “True. Let me get
back to what I was saying. You need to first not jump to any conclusions about
them. Very few people do relationships the way we do. So you can’t judge them
by our standards. Secondly, make sure the young man involved is a Christian,
and then send him my direction if he seems honestly interested in a serious
relationship. Otherwise, just treat him like you would any other friend. It’s
not a sin for him to compliment someone. God may want you and your siblings to
reach out to this young man, and this was His way of showing you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn crinkled his nose. “If God is, He
sure picked a strange way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“God sometimes picks strange ways,” his
dad replied wisely, “and you have to be ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will,” Shawn answered uncertainly,
“but—”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A pattering of footsteps came from
above them, and soon a pair of socked feet and pajama pants appeared to
announce the entrance of Nicole. She walked over to her dad, gave him a quick
hug and questioning look.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“The coffee is only about twenty
minutes old,” he assured her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A relieved expression replaced the
questioning one, and she walked into the kitchen to get herself a cup. “I was
afraid it might be stale,” she explained upon re-entry, her hands clasped
around the warmth of her mug. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nope,” Shawn said, glancing down at
his almost full cup. “I’ve barely started drinking mine. We were talking about
yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole’s face heated at the thought,
and she squirmed a little in her chair. “Yeah…well, let’s just hope it doesn’t
happen again.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her brother grinned. “Oh, don’t worry,
Dad was giving me tips on how to act if it did happen again.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Really?” Nicole raised an eyebrow.
“Well, as long as it doesn’t involve a giant crab being thrust into my face
when I’m not expecting it, I’m good.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What’s this about a giant crab?” Ray asked
as he sat Indian-style on the floor with his legs folded and his own mug of
steaming coffee balanced on a knee.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh hi!” Shawn smirked. “We were just
talking about you!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray cocked an eyebrow. “<i>I’m </i>a
giant crab?” he asked in disbelief. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn and Nicole burst out laughing,
were joined by their dad, and eventually even Ray joined, still not sure what
was so funny, but finding their merriment contagious. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No, we were discussing the things that
happened yesterday,” Shawn finally exclaimed after their laughter had died
down. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A frown wrinkled Ray’s forehead. “I’m
really bummed that had to happen,” he said finally. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole smiled. “Hey, I said I forgave
you, right?” Her brother nodded. “So, it’s fine. It’s not like my sketches got
ruined or anything.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their mom came out of her room and
asked Nicole to start helping her get breakfast together. It wasn’t long before
they had finished eating and cleaning up after it since the meal wasn’t super
fancy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What are we planning on doing today?”
Nicole asked finally, when the family was sitting down around the living room
in order to decide that very thing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her dad looked thoughtful. “Well, I was
thinking maybe we could do some tourist stuff and shopping this morning and eat
lunch out.” He looked over at his wife sitting next to him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She smiled. “That sounds great honey!
When do the shops usually get open?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn raised a hand. “I saw most of the
ones we passed on the way through town said 10:00 am or 11:00 am,” he informed
them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray’s mouth dropped open. “You were
paying attention?” he asked. “I thought you were reading your book!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn sat straighter. “I always pay
attention!” he declared indignantly. “Just because I’m reading doesn’t mean I
don’t see and hear the things going on around me!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Boys,” their mom warned gently, “the
important thing is that Shawn knows what times the shops open so we can plan
our day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole glanced at her wristwatch. “So,
we should head out in about half an hour?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their dad nodded. “We’ll head out
whenever we’re all showered and ready.” He gave a knowing look in Shawn’s
direction. “But we’ll try not to take too long, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn nodded obligingly. He’d do his
best to not keep the family waiting. “I’ll start getting ready next,” he promised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-42091252778960797302016-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:002016-08-30T09:00:20.686-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Sixteen<span style="font-size: large;">GUYS I'M EIGHTEEN TODAY. O.O </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And, it's eleven days until my sister gets married! :O </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And then life can slowly began to get back to normal...at least, as normal as life can be with the loss of an older sister. She and Jesse are moving down to Georgia. BUT THEY WILL RETURN. WE WILL MAKE THEM. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ahem. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, onto my next post. As I'm sure you're dying to hear what happens to William, Meg, and Steven! ;) So if you missed a part, the precious chapters should be links in the "Stories in Progress" page, if not, let me know in a comment and I'll put a link in there asap. :) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 36pt;">Chapter
Sixteen:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 36pt;">A
Time of Healing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After the storm of tears
passed, both William and I took turns looking after Steven. I cooked a small
meal from our diminishing supplies we had brought with us, and William filled
our water skins in one of the many mountain streams he had found nearby. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“If we can keep his fever
down throughout tonight, I think he’ll make it,” William said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It was evening now, and
supper had long been eaten. Steven had awoken briefly and taken some broth I
had made him along with some more swallows of wine. Then he again lapsed into a
restless sleep. It was a good thing indeed that William had made him a brace
when he had, for the boy would have dislodged the bone again by this time with
all his thrashing if he had not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I cast a sympathetic glance
towards his sleeping form. “Shall I stay up first?” I asked. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William shrugged. “Whichever
you would prefer. If you’re feeling tired right now, I’ll take the first
shift.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I’m not tired,” I answered,
stifling a yawn quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Very well,” William
answered, unconvinced. “Awaken me when you do become tired.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I will.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Good night Meg.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Good night William."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After William had finally
gotten comfortable on the rocky floor, silence fell. I softly crept to the
mouth of the cave after seeing that a cool cloth was laid over Steven’s brow
and slowly my eyes grew accustomed to the darkness. I could see the outlines of
our two remaining horses standing in their sleep over by the tree. My gaze was
drawn to the heavens where uncountable stars twinkled brilliantly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Soli Deo Gloria,” I said
softly, “To God alone be the glory.” From childhood, we had ended our last
prayer at the end of the church service with that Latin phrase, but now I
really meant it as I stared in awe at His handiwork. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Darkness surrounded me, yet
I was unafraid. With God above watching out for me, and William within calling
distance, I felt safe. I took a moment to go and check on Steven and found him
sleeping peacefully. I dipped the cloth in the cool water once more, and then
laid it on his head. Once again, I went to the entrance of the cave to look at
the beauty of God’s creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The next thing I knew a low
growl coming from somewhere nearby and the horses’ frantic whinnies woke me
from a sound sleep. I sat up stiffly from where I had slumped against the cave
entrance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Two iridescent eyes shone in
the light of the moon. They were fixed on me now, as a possibly easier meal
than two frantic horses. Instinctively, I felt for some sort of weapon and
found with relief that my sword was by my side. I slid the blade from the
scabbard, relishing the sound it made. Braver by every inch that came, I stood
up, my own eyes flashing in sudden fury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Pick on innocent, tied up
horses, will you?” I asked the creature through clenched teeth. “Come and
fight, coward!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The shadow slinked closer,
and I watched as it lowered itself onto the ground, readying itself for a
pounce. I held my breath, clutching Safeguard’s hilt with sweaty hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It sprang at me without
warning. I heard myself scream, an unearthly sound, as though I was somehow
detached from my body and watching myself react slower than life. Then
everything happened too quickly. The creature lunged at my throat, my sword
pierced its hide, and both of us fell to the ground in a heap. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William rushed from the cave
a moment later, rolled the dead body off of me and helped me scramble away. At
the sight of the dead creature’s blood all down the front of my dress, bile
rose to my throat and out of my mouth. I coughed and shuddered before rising to
my feet shakily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“W-what was it?” I asked
when I could trust myself to speak again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William inspected the
creature with his foot. “A wolf,” he said. “A sick one too by the looks of it.
That would explain why he wasn’t with a pack and took you on instead of running
as any sensible wolf would have done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Sick?” My face blanched.
Quickly, I checked myself for any sign of a bite from the dead wolf, and was
rewarded by finding nothing more than a few scratches. One of the sleeves of my
dress had been ripped off in the struggle, but that was hardly a concern,
considering what could have been. I had heard horror stories of people who had
been bitten by “mad dogs”, and I new what a diseased animal’s bite could
transfer into humans. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“You’re all right?” William
asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I nodded. “A little shaken
is all. The horses are safe though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I’ll take over watching
now, you go get some rest,” he ordered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was in no shape to argue.
I lay down on the rocky floor, and though it was hardly comfortable, I slept
until the gray of dawn had brightened into a brand new day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My eyes opened to a stream
of sunlight pouring through the mouth of the cave. Our fire was down to mere
ashes, but that would be easy enough to deal with. William was over by his
brother, dipping the cloth again into the cool water and laying it over his
head. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I crawled over to their end
of the cave. “How is he?” I asked softly. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Much better than I had
dared to hope last night,” William answered in relief. “His fever is all but
gone, and his leg has set nicely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Praise God,” I murmured,
looking down at the boy’s leg. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Indeed,” William agreed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Steven’s eyes opened. They
were clear, not clouded with fever, or wild with pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw us both sitting over him, and smiled.
“I think you can stop treating me like a wee babe now,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William grunted in good
humor. “If there was any doubt that Steven was still unwell,” he said to me,
“it’s far gone now.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I grinned down on Steven’s
face, noticing for the first time that his healthy pink complexion was finally
returning. “I couldn’t be more glad. You had us worried for a moment,” I added
to the prostrate boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Me?” Steven shot us both a
wink. “A little broken leg could never stop <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>!”
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">humph</i>ed. “Well, it did a fairly good job of it for a while there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A small frown darkened the
younger boy’s face. “I suppose this means we won’t get the princess from her
captors before they reach Duke Of Devonshire’s castle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I’m afraid not,” William
answered. “You need at least another day before we can even think about letting
you up on a horse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“You should go on without
me,” Steven said. “Rescue the princess, our kingdom needs her!” He bit his lip
bravely. “It doesn’t need me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“We’re not going to leave
you!” I protested. “If Christine were in the same predicament, even if her own
father was being kidnapped for ransom, she wouldn’t leave a suffering friend by
himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“She’s right,” William
agreed. “Right now, the princess is more safe than you. The Duke won’t allow
her to be harmed since she’s being held for ransom. Though it is true that we
won’t beat her captors to the castle, I think that even with your leg broken
we’ll still be able to rescue her before the Duke has time to get a ransom note
to our king.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I looked at my teacher in
ill concealed wonder. “How are we going to do that?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William gave me a cocky grin
that reminded me so much of Malcolm. “Very carefully.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now it was Steven’s turn to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">humph </i>doubtfully. He sounded so much
like his older brother that I had to smile. “Dream on, brother mine. I still
think you should put me on a horse and send it towards the castle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Both William and I shook our
heads at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“You’re coming with us,” I
said as firmly as I could. “We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">won’t</i>
leave you behind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Despite his protests, we
continued to treat Steven as a “wee babe” the following day. We hand fed him,
keeping the fever down with cool clothes, and making sure he didn’t move very
much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By the next day he was
begging us to let him care for himself. William and I took turns helping him
hobble around, and his older brother even managed to find him a makeshift
crutch from the same tree he had found the branches for his brace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On the third day in the cave,
Steven was proclaimed able to sit on a horse if he was careful, and so we set
out towards the Duke’s castle. By this time, we realized the princess’s captors
were too far ahead for us to catch up with, but William had a plan that would
save us some time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Her captor’s will have to
painstakingly work their way around King Frederick’s camp that’s about a day’s
journey after we get past the mountains,” William said when Steven asked what
his grand scheme was. “But we have the ability to go right through, without
having to worry about dodging lookouts and watches at night.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A spark of understanding lit
up Steven’s eyes. “You may have something,” he replied slowly as the idea sank
in.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Of course I do!” the older
brother exclaimed indignantly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Quiet, through all of this,
I finally spoke up. “It will help us to meet the king while we go through,” I
said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William nodded. “We’ll be
able to tell him everything that has happened just in case there are more
traitors where Alfred and his friend came from.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Then he’ll know to not
reply to the Duke’s ransom note so quickly,” Steven said. “He’ll stall until
she can be rescued.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“By us?” I shot William a
knowing look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My teacher grinned. “Of
course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“What are we waiting for?”
Steven asked sarcastically. “Let’s go put our lives in danger. It will be so
fun!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Well,” William said with a
snort, “he’s definitely better.” He helped Steven and me up onto Duke, the
bigger of the two horses, before mounting his own. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And then we were on our way
yet again. </span></div>
</span><br />4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-70983826427112382922016-08-26T09:00:00.000-07:002016-08-26T09:00:01.768-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Three<span style="font-size: large;">Guys, I'm turning eighteen in four days... *stunned silence*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And...my sister is getting married in fifteen days!!!! *screams* *faints* *revives* *screams again* </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In other words, I MAY BE A BIT SCARCE IN THE BLOGOSPHERE. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will try to publish and reply to your comments, but I may only get as far as publishing them. ;) And it might be a couple days after you originally wrote them. I'm apologizing now. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, here's the next chapter of "Ocean Mist". In which, you meet the rest of the gang. I hope you're enjoying this little story of mine. :) If you missed either of the two previous parts, you can go to the "Stories in Progress" page and find them there. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "hogarthscrjoid"; font-size: 42pt;"><strong>Chapter Three:</strong></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dillon walked away kicking himself. <i>Doggone
it, </i>he thought fiercely. <i>You went and shocked the living daylights out
of that girl. Nicely done, </i>he added sarcastically. <i>You’ve really done it
this time Dillon Blake, you’ve managed to not only make enemies of her two
brothers…but probably her too. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">He glanced backwards
and saw her tongue shoot out at him in disgust. Dillon felt his face reddening,
and he jerked his head back around. Grudgingly, he began admiring her more for
her nerve. After all, it wasn’t often that girls stuck their tongues out at
him. In fact, upon reflection, he didn’t remember it <i>ever </i>happening.
Until today, at any rate. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Up ahead, he saw his two friends
walking towards him with smirks on their faces. <i>Uh oh, </i>he thought
frantically. <i>If they saw me talking with those kids…I’m in for some teasing.
</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“Hey Dill,” the
taller one called out. “Didn’t you hear that kids are supposed to be with
adults on this beach, not wandering around by themselves?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey Mark, who let you loose on the
beach?” Dillon shot back with a grin. “Did Steven let you out of your straight
jacket?” Mark, as the oldest of the three teens at nineteen was constantly
teasing him since he was the youngest at barely eighteen. Dillon could usually
return equally damaging comebacks. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven, short and stocky with
shockingly red hair, obviously dyed as the chocolate skin of his African ancestors showed, spoke up in his own defense. “Naw, <i>I </i>didn’t
let him loose. Probably it was the seagulls,” he finished in a loud whisper. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark shook his head violently, his
shoulder-length, blonde hair slapping his face. “Dude, if any of us are insane,
it’s you.” A glimmer appeared in his eye, causing Dillon to instantly be on his
guard. “Speaking of which, whom were you talking with just now? New <i>friends</i>?”
He arched a knowing eyebrow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon shrugged. “Just some kids I came
across on the beach and stopped to talk with. Nothing special.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark snorted and rolled his eyes.
“Right.” He elbowed Steven and both boys burst out laughing. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon’s eyes narrowed. “What’s so
funny?” he asked suspiciously.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, come on Dillon, we’ve seen you
talk to enough girls…don’t try to hide anything from your old pals. Be honest
with us.” He folded his arms and then rubbed his chin absently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I <i>was </i>being honest with you,”
Dillon shot back indignantly. “I was just being polite.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven grinned and nudged Mark. “He’s
being defensive, that means it’s <i>serious. </i>He’s never defensive with ‘<i>just
friends</i>’.” The shorter boy air-quoted the two last words emphatically.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon gave an exasperated sigh and
pinched the bridge of his nose. “I am <i>not. </i>Enough teasing guys.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Seriously Dillon,” Mark pressed, “<i>Do
</i>you like her?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<em>No! </em>She was sketching
something, her brother startled her with a crab, she dropped her drawings, and they
went everywhere. One of them landed near me, and I gave it to her and said I
thought it was a nice drawing. That’s it.” Dillon glowered at his friends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Really?” Mark’s eyes were narrow. “I
think you’re leaving something out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I told her she was an accomplished
artist,” Dillon insisted. He paused before finishing. “And I told her that she
was pretty,” he mumbled finally, his face flaming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His friends hooted their approval. Mark
slapped him on the back, a twinkle appearing in his sea-blue eyes. “Imagine,”
he said in awe, “a girl falling for the likes of you!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon rolled his eyes. “Ok, so two
things: first, Nicole <i>didn’t </i>‘fall for me’ as you put it. In fact, she
looked more shocked and displeased than happy, <i>and </i>she stuck out her
tongue at me when I left. Secondly, it wouldn’t have been a shock if she had.
Girls usually like me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven’s mouth hung open in disbelief.
“<i>She stuck her tongue out at you</i>?” he asked. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon nodded before allowing himself a
chuckle. “You should have seen the looks on her brothers’ faces. If they could
look daggers, I’d be dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, it’s understandable her not
liking you,” Mark said suddenly. “If <i>I </i>had been the one to pick up her
drawing, she would have swooned right there I bet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven snorted. “What<i>ever,</i>” he
said. “Everyone knows <i>I’m </i>the handsomest of us three.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Both Mark and Dillon looked at Steven
with disbelief. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your hair alone is enough to give any
girl a heart-attack,” Mark declared. “<i>My </i>hair, on the other hand—”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Makes you look like a girl,” Dillon
finished with a grin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It does <i>not</i>,” Mark shot back
indignantly. “It’s gorgeous.” He twirled the end of it and fluttered his
eyelashes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Puh-leeese,” Steven groaned aloud. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s not fair,” Mark declared,
glaring. “Dillon has girls falling in his pathway left and right, all he does
is give them his Look and they swoon, yet he doesn’t ever take advantage of the
opportunities.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon gave his friend a puzzled frown.
“My look?” he asked.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah,” Mark shrugged. “I can’t do it,
but you do it to girls and they loose themselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t think I give girls any looks.
Not on purpose at any rate,” he added with a grin. “Personally, I don’t want to
bother about them quite yet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s like you raise an eyebrow and
give them a dashing I’ll-save-you-from-the-world smile,” Mark said
thoughtfully. “It’s a thing you do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon shrugged. “I mostly try to be
polite to girls. Maybe they like guys who are polite. I dunno. Hey, next time
you catch me doing whatever you say I do, let me know so I know when I’m doing
it.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark grinned. “Sure thing. Anyways,
dinner’s on you tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“<i>What</i>?!?!” Dillon exclaimed. “I
thought it was Steven’s turn!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, since Steven quit his job, and
since I don’t have cash on-hand, and since it’s <i>your </i>dad who owns the
pizza place…we voted for you to pay tonight.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dillon sighed. “Oh, fine. Dad will
probably give us a discount anyways.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Exactly,” Mark nodded decisively.
“Shall we go?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He rolled his eyes. “Sure, why not?” At
least they weren’t teasing him about that girl. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole slipped into the house after her
brothers and walked into the small kitchen. Good smells assaulted her nostrils,
and for a moment, the growling in her stomach almost made her forget why she
was in there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mom was standing over a pot,
stirring something in it. She looked up and caught sight of her oldest child
standing awkwardly in the doorway. “What is it, honey?” she asked softly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole chewed on her lip. This was
turning out a lot harder than she thought it would be. <i>Just tell her
everything! </i>her impulsiveness yelled. <i>What will she think? </i>the timid
side answered softly. <i>She’ll understand, she’s </i>MOM <i>for crying out
loud! </i>replied her sensible self.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“Can I have a
mother-daughter talk with you later this evening?” Nicole finally managed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A puzzled frown settled between her
mom’s eyebrows, but she nodded. “Of course sweetie. Now help me with dinner
please.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Relieved that it was over for now,
Nicole enthusiastically plunged into dinner prep. Later…she would tell her mom
everything later. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">***********************************************<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So, what’s the problem?” her mom
started, patting the bed beside her with a concerned look on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole plopped down and sighed. “It’s
not really a <i>problem </i>I guess, just…well, when we went on our walk this
afternoon, we met a guy on the beach.” Her face flamed red at the memory as the
whole story came out. Nicole’s mom quietly listened, raising an eyebrow at the
scare her daughter got from Ray’s crab and again at the shock and confusion her
daughter felt when the boy had called her accomplished and pretty. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally, when Nicole had finished her
tale with how she had duped her brothers, they shared a laugh at the boys’
expense. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mom’s eyes twinkled. “Well, honey,
I’m not sure that was exactly the most mature response.”</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole nodded unhappily. “I know.
That’s partially why I wanted to talk to you. What <i>would </i>be the right
response? I couldn’t just let him say things like that, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well,” her mom chose her words
carefully, “there are times when ignoring things like that is best. Most of the
time, boys who say things out of the blue are only looking for a reaction,
whether good <i>or </i>bad, and you’ll end up encouraging them with things like
sticking your tongue out at them.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She paused for a moment, smiling at her
only daughter. “However, if the boy really meant to compliment you, like he
complimented your art, the proper response is probably a simple ‘thank you’.
It’s always a little awkward at this age. I remember my mom bringing up two
verses in first Timothy when something similar happened to me when I was about
your age.” A far-away look crossed her face, and she reached over to the
nightstand where her Bible sat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After flipping through it to almost the
end, she skimmed down a page and then pointed to a few underlined verses
triumphantly. “Here it is: first Timothy, chapter five, verses one and two.
Paul was giving Timothy help as he was trying to pastor one of the brand-new
Christian churches. He gave him advice regarding who the leadership should be,
and how they should act. As you probably know, this is one of your dad’s
favorite books of the Bible.” Her mom smiled. “But let me read the verses to
you and explain how they apply to a teenaged girl instead of a young pastor:
‘Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as
brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all purity.’” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole met her mother’s eyes. “How does
this apply to me?” she asked with a puzzled frown. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mom shushed her. “Listen,” she
said, “while I switch the words a little.” She grinned before adding, “Don’t
try this at home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole giggled. “Fair enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is the young lady’s version: ‘Do not
rebuke an older woman, but exhort her as a mother, younger women as sisters,
older men as fathers, younger men as brothers with all purity.’” Her mom
clarified, “In a nut-shell, Paul told Timothy to treat the younger women like
sisters, but to keep himself pure. I changed it for you and am telling you to
treat the young men around you as brothers, but to keep yourself pure. Does
that make sense?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole chewed on her lip thoughtfully,
but then slowly nodded. “I think so,” she said. “So next time, if there is a
next time, I should treat him like I would if Shawn or Ray were talking to me.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Possibly a little nicer,” her mom
added, the blue eyes twinkling with a knowing light. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I will,” Nicole promised, leaning
across the bed and giving her mom a hug. “Thanks for talking to me and helping
with that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her mom smiled. “Anytime sweetie. I’ll
always be here to listen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole left with a lightened heart and
walked up to begin her nighttime preparations. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">**********************************************<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That was a dirty trick she played on
us,” Ray said to the air as he lay on his back, letting dinner settle in his
stomach. His mind had returned already to the excitement that had happened in
the afternoon, and a frown had settled on his face.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“She got us good,” Shawn admitted
reluctantly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Where <i>is </i>Nicole anyways?” Ray
asked suddenly, rolling over and propping himself up on his elbows. “We at
least deserve an apology!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn shrugged. “I saw her go into Mom
and Dad’s room. I think she said something about having a mother-daughter talk
tonight before bed while Dad was taking a shower.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I hope Mom gives her a good
talking-to,” Ray grumbled. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey,” Shawn reminded, “you did call it
on yourself after putting that crab in her face.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A grin spread across the youngest boy’s
face as he recalled the sight of his sister’s face when she saw his prize find.
“Well,” he said finally, “I guess it was worth it.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The upstairs bathroom door opened and
closed suddenly, stopping the boys’ conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I bet that’s her now,” Shawn said,
half to himself. “That talk didn’t take as long as I thought it might.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray slipped out of his side of the bed
and padded in stocking feet to the bathroom to knock on the door. “Nicole? Is
that you?” he said over the sound of running water. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole rolled her eyes at her
reflection in the mirror and spit out her mouthful of toothpaste before
scrubbing her teeth more. “Yeah, why?” she asked around the toothbrush in her
mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Just wanted to, you know, apologize
for putting that crab in your face earlier.” Her brother sounded actually
sorry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I forgive you,” she answered, her
heart softening at his tone of voice. “Besides,” she added with a grin. “I did
get you back pretty good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She heard the smile in her brother’s
voice. “That you did. Anyways, I didn’t want the sun to go down on my wrath,
you know, like Mom and Dad are always telling us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m not angry at you, Ray,” Nicole
assured him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good,” the relief was obvious in his
tone. “Well, goodnight then.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Goodnight,” she replied. “Sleep
tight,” she added, “busy days start tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll do my best."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh,” Nicole continued, “ and tell
Shawn goodnight too for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Will do,” Ray answered and walked back
to deliver his message and try to fall asleep quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole finished her preparations,
changed into pajamas and fell asleep only to dream of large crabs and losing
her beloved drawings to the ocean waves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-80466051491911708892016-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:002016-08-22T09:00:20.242-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Fifteen<span style="font-size: large;">How's it going guys? Have you been enjoying this story! Any comments? I love to hear from you! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, onto the next chapter! If you missed any of the parts, go to the "Stories in Progress" page and click on any of the chapters you missed! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 36pt;">Chapter
Fifteen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 36pt;">Slight
Complications<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I landed on solid ground a few
seconds after my fall, and for the first few minutes I lay there thanking God
that I was alive, and not wanting to ever touch a rope again. But I had too.
Steven needed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With a sigh, I heaved myself up off
the rock ledge and found Steven’s smiling face a foot from my own. “You did
well Milady,” he said. “Now let’s see if you can tie knots as well as you can
gracefully fall.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I rolled my eyes at his attempt at
teasing. “Unfortunately, my ability to fall gracefully and my ability to tie
knots well are about the same. I’m horrible at both.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steven grinned, but then winced
suddenly. My face paled when I glanced down and saw the unnatural angle his leg
was at. The leg twisted sideways and backwards and was obviously causing the
poor boy a great deal of pain. I sucked in a breath of air and looked up at
Steven’s grim face. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Now you can see why I was unable
to climb that rock over there and reach the bottom of the rope,” Steven said
ruefully, bravely trying to mask the anguish in his eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stood, and helped prop Steven
against me with the help of his good leg. One side of the ledge was flat, and
the other half slanted steeply upwards, but the floor was rough and was
obviously impossible for Steven, in his current condition, to climb.
Wordlessly, I tied us together with the rope that hung against the floor of the
highest part of the ledge. Apparently, William had been generous with the
rope’s length when he had tied me up before sending me down to Steven. No
wonder I had been six feet above the ledge when the rope ran out of slack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At my request, Duke began to pull
us up with some help from William. I wondered through the mist of pain if I
would have any skin on my hands at all by the time we found the princess. I
held onto Steven as well as I could with one hand, thankful that his foot had
been broken, not his arms, for at least now he could hold himself on once I
helped him tie the rope around us both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The climb up was almost more
nerve-wracking than the descent had been since I no longer had Steven beneath
me to calm my nerves. My hands hurt so much that I was afraid they would let go
of the rope and we would both fall to imminent death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Minutes later, though to those of
us hanging over the pit of blackness it seemed like hours, William grabbed my
hand and pulled me onto firm ground. I lay there panting, only vaguely aware of
my teacher also pulling up Steven and talking to him in a low voice. Water was
poured down my throat, and I swallowed it greedily, suddenly aware of an
overwhelming thirst. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Go easy on that Meg,” William
cautioned. “Save some for Steven.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ashamed, I stopped and sat up, my
head swimming. I was leaned against the mountainside, covered in the same
blanket I had found on myself the previous evening. I noticed with surprise
that the storm had stopped sometime after Steven and I had made it to the ledge
that provided us some momentary safety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steven lay next to me, also propped
up against the rock face, and his ragged breathing and pale countenance pulled
a shocked gasp from me. William met my eyes across his body and shook his head
grimly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We’ve got to find shelter and get
him warm or we’re going to lose him,” he said seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I gasped in dismay. “One of us will
have to stay with him while the other looks for the shelter,” I said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’re in almost as bad shape as
him,” William replied ruefully. “I’ll go scout out a place for us to rest. I
trust you can keep yourselves safe should the need arise.” He patted the sword
at my side meaningfully and gave me the arrows and bow he unstrapped from
Duke’s saddle so I could have them nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With one last look around us, his
face full of concern, he walked along the path and disappeared from our sight.
I sent a prayer for his safety upwards even as I tightened the hand on my
sword.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Milady?” Steven looked sideways at
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Call me Meg,” I told him, then
added worriedly, “Do you need anything?”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No,” he answered, with a slight
shake of his head which caused him to wince. “I just wanted to say thank
you…for going down there and risking your life for me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I smiled at the boy warmly. “It was
worth it in the end. God protected me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I thank Him for that,” Steven said
in relief. He looked down at his leg in disgust. “Now I’m going to slow you and
William down in your search for the princess. Maybe you should just<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">—</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I cut him off. “No! We would
never dream of leaving you on your own! Especially in this condition!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I was going to say,” he
finished quietly, “that you could put me on a horse and send me back to the
castle.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William’s voice came from
behind me, making me spin around. “She’s right Steven,” he said. “We would
never leave you. Or send you back alone. You may think you could make it, but
you wouldn’t. You lack the strength.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Did you find shelter?” I
asked, recovering from my surprise and willing my heart to cease beating so
quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William nodded. “Yes.
There’s a small cave less then a mile from here. It looked uninhabited, and
though it’ll be a bit cramped, I think we’ll survive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I glanced towards Steven.
“Do you think he can make it?” I whispered. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I think so.” William’s eyes
were filled with concern. “But we had better be quick about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Together, we tied Steven
securely onto Duke’s broad back and led our horses along the ledge. After a few
yards it widened into a safer path before rising sharply into the sky and
creating the mountainside pass again. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I led Duke around the
various boulders that lay scattered throughout the valley, and led him
carefully over a mountain stream that trickled over our path and fell through a
crack in the other side to create a beautiful waterfall. Steven’s breathing
sounded labored in my ears, and I sent my worries upwards to my heavenly Father
as we continued our trek towards the promise of a few hours of peace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soon enough, William called
back to me that he had re-discovered the cave, and I gratefully led my
exhausted horse through the narrow opening. William carried Steven off of Duke,
and laid him on the blanket he had spread on the damp floor of the cave. I
removed the saddles, bridles, and bags of equipment for our travel to a spare
corner before tying the horses outside the cave to a sturdy-looking tree. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I entered the cave again,
let my eyes adjust for a moment, and was able to see for the first time how
small it truly was. The cave that William had found was about ten feet wide and
maybe seven feet tall, with a sloping floor that was moderately clean,
considering it had probably been the home of a wild animal at some point. I
noticed William had cut his brother’s breeches above his knee and was regarding
the malformed leg sorrowfully. I came and stood behind him, hoping to offer my
assistance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William turned when he heard
my footfalls, and studied my face for a moment. “I’m going to have to
straighten his leg,” he stated matter-of-factly. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">With a short nod, I stood
straighter. “What can I do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Steven’s face was almost
gray now, and beads of sweat had formed on his brow. He was showing signs of a
fever and muttered something incoherent, tossing his head restlessly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’ve got to keep him
still,” William said. “Once the leg is set, it will need to be kept straight.
Before I do anything, I’ll cut a few branches to use as a brace. While I’m
gone, there’s some wine in the saddlebags. Make him drink some of that. It’ll
ease the pain a little.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I bit my lip and nodded
again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You also might want to
cover a smaller stick with cloth so he doesn’t bite his tongue off while in so
much agony.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I shuddered at the thought,
nodding once more before he disappeared from the cave to find branches that
would be sturdy enough and straight enough to act as a brace for Steven’s leg
once the bones had been lined up again. I hurried to do as William had
instructed me. The wine was easy enough to find, but it was another thing
altogether to try to get a feverish Steven to swallow enough to ease his pain.
Finally I managed to force half a cup down him by the spoonful. It would have to
suffice. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Outside, near the horses, I
was able to find a small chunk of wood that was thick enough for the other job.
With nothing else handy, I wrapped my own favorite lace handkerchief around the
stick that I always carried in my pocket. It would be ruined, but at that
moment, I really didn’t care about anything other than having Steven back on
his feet again. Even the princess fell from my mind and the war that my brother
and the king were possibly giving up their lives in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William came back within a few
minutes and stripped the branches of all leaves and smaller twigs, leaving only
the main branch. He nodded grimly at the stick I had chosen and covered with my
handkerchief. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“How much wine did he take?”
he asked while busily working on getting Steven as immobile as possible with
what rope we had. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Only about a half glass,” I
informed him. “It was hard enough getting that much down.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“It’ll be enough,” he said
shortly. “He may be sick after it’s all over, so its good he won’t have much in
his stomach.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">My own stomach turned at
this possibility, but I only nodded in reply. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">William shot me a concerned
look. “Can you handle it?” he asked. “You could wait outside</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">—</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “No. I can
handle it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William didn’t look entirely
convinced by my show of bravado, but he merely turned to Steven’s leg and
motioned for me to put the stick in his mouth. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gently, I pried the boy’s
mouth open and pushed the stick between his teeth. Steven’s eyes opened for a
moment, they looked so much like William’s…but roved around the cave wildly for
a moment. He fought against the bonds, and then suddenly went limp. I held his
shoulders to the floor as firmly as I could without hurting him and braced
myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Purposely I looked away as
William suddenly put pressure on the bent leg. A resounding snap sounded
throughout the small cave, and Steven let loose a scream that I would have been
hard put to beat in pitch and volume even as muffled by the handkerchief clad
stick it was. Perspiration dripped off the sides of his face, and he struggled
within the confines of the rope. His shoulders shook in my grasp, and my tears
fell to mix with his sweat. To see anybody in this much pain…it was almost too
much for me to bear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">William waited until
Steven’s struggles had faded before putting a hand on my shoulder gently. “It’s
over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I let out a shuddering sigh
and turned to look at William’s handiwork. The leg was straight now, and the
sticks tied around it firmly with the rope that had been keeping Steven’s hands
to his sides. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I looked at Steven’s face.
That was a mistake. Pain was etched in every line, in every shadow, and his
eyes were closed as if he was dead. His breathing was so shallow, I almost
thought he was dead, but his chest rose just enough for me to see that he was
indeed still with us. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">“All we can do now is pray,”
William said. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hearing the pain in his own
voice made me loose myself completely. The trickle of tears that had come
during the short operation became a torrent. I covered my face in my hands and
rocked back and forth in agony. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why? </i>I
asked. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why did this have to happen? Why
did Steven’s horse not warn him as mine did? Why did he have to fall? Why did
he have to break his leg? Why can’t we just find the princess and everything
end happily as they do in minstrel’s tales? </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was vaguely aware when
William drew me into a comforting hug, and I continued my waterfall of tears
into his understanding shoulder. Then, I felt his shoulder on which I was
leaning also shake, and I knew we were both crying. Together, for his brother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-54773496390534808212016-08-18T14:39:00.000-07:002016-08-18T14:39:43.355-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter Two<span style="font-size: large;">Well, how are you enjoying this story so far? Hasn't been very interesting? Don't worry...this next part changes EVERYTHING. Oh, if you could have seen the faces of my siblings as I test read it out loud to them! *chortles* It was priceless folks!! :D </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, without further ado, here's the next part for your enjoyment! If you missed part one, go to the "Stories in Progress" page and look under "Ocean Mist".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "hogarthscrjoid"; font-size: 42pt;"><strong>Chapter Two:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“I am <i>so</i> done with doing
nothing!” Ray exclaimed as he tossed the now empty backpack into the corner of
the floor and shut his temporary dresser’s drawer with a loud bang.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hey!” their mom’s voice drifted up the
stairs. “Careful up there! This house isn’t ours! Treat their things with
respect!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes Mom!” Ray answered guiltily,
quickly checking the dresser for signs of damage. Satisfied that it was fine,
he looked over at his brother who shared the room with him and watched as Shawn
carefully, almost painstakingly, folded each shirt and pair of jeans into his
portion of the dresser. His meticulous behavior caused Ray to silently roll his
eyes heavenward. <i>‘E’s ‘opeless, </i>he thought with a shake of his head, the
quote from Lord of the Rings coming to mind easily. <i>There’s a better chance
that Nicole’s done un-packing. Maybe after Shawn finishes finally we could take
a walk down and along the beach. </i>Something <i>other than just sitting here
doing nothing. </i>Ray acted on his thought almost before it was complete,
walking to the door across from his own room and knocking on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole had just finished getting her
things re-organized into the provided drawers and closet and was opening her
window to let in some ocean breeze when a knock sounded, loud and urgent, on
the door. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Come in, Ray. It’s not locked,” she
called, correctly guessing the person on the other side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray came in to find his sister trying
to wrestle a sticky window open. From the sounds she was making, it wasn’t easy
for her. He grinned. This was something he could do. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Need help?” he asked. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole shot him a glower. “No,” she
grunted, the muscles in her shoulders straining as she tried to get the window
to give up its fight and open. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sure about that?” he persisted, trying
in vain to hide the amused look on his face as he watched his sister’s comical
efforts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole swallowed her pride. With a roll
of her eyes, she backed away from the window and shrugged. “Oh, fine,” she
surrendered. “Go ahead and play the knight-in-shining-armor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray grinned and went over to the window
and gave it a shove. It didn’t budge. The siblings switched faces. Ray now held
a frustrated scowl, and Nicole had the amused expression. Ray flexed his
well-used muscles, and gave it another, longer shove. This time the window slid
open after a slight hitch and Ray shot his sister a triumphant smirk. Nicole
rolled her eyes, but thanked him anyways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What do you need?” she asked,
switching subjects tactfully. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray shrugged. “I was just wondering if
you were done unpacking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole raised an eyebrow and swept a
hand around the tidy room. “Obviously yes. Anything else?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I also wanted to know if you were
interested in taking a walk along the beach or something…you know, to stretch
our legs a little before dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you done unpacking?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With a wounded air, Ray nodded. “Of
course!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What about Shawn?” Nicole asked.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray groaned. “I’ll be surprised if he
gets done unpacking before the time comes to repack for the trip home!
Honestly, I don’t see how he can take so long on such a short task!” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole folded her arms. “He’ll have to
come with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray sighed. “Ok, but he’d better hurry
up his unpacking. If I sit for another ten minutes I’m going to explode.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thankfully, Shawn was folding and
placing his last outfit away when Ray came bursting through the door, followed
by a far more calm Nicole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“We’re going to take a walk on the
beach as soon as you’re done unpacking,” Ray burst out excitedly. “Please tell
me you’re almost done,” he begged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m done,” Shawn said unexpectedly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray blinked. “W-what?” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I said ‘I’m done’,” Shawn repeated.
“Quick question though before we take off to the beach… Do Mom and Dad know
about this? Did you ask them if we could?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A shamefaced Ray was enough of an answer
for both his siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll go double-check,” Nicole said
quickly. “I’m sure they’ll be fine with it, but they’ll want to know where we
are.” She disappeared and the two brothers regarded each other in silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Within a couple minutes she was galloping
back up the stairs, two at a time. A wide grin stretched across her face and
she gave a thumb’s up. “We just need to stick together and make sure we’re back
in time for dinner at five.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray glanced down at his watch. “Two
hours,” he said, “let’s go!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll beat you there,” Nicole called
out to her brothers as she took off on a run, knowing she wouldn’t, but wanting
them to race with her anyways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The three teens shot out of the house
and ran towards the beach, laughing and gasping for air. Ray didn’t take long
to appear in the front, closely followed by his taller and skinnier brother. As
she had expected, Nicole came in last, but she didn’t mind. In the safety of
the sand she threw herself down in a gasping, happy pile and did her best to collect
her air. Ray was already laying on his back, knees in the air, and enjoying the
feel of his racing heart. Shawn sat carefully on the sand between them, trying
his best to minimize the amount of grains that he knew would work their way
into his clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once they had caught their breath, the
siblings all stood up and Nicole, as the oldest, took the lead towards the
promising sound of waves just behind a huge sand dune. On the other side, they
all paused for a moment, taking in the beautiful sights and sounds in front of
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole shivered in delight. “Oh my
word,” she whispered. “It’s so gorgeous.” She pulled out her sketchbook, sat
down, and began drawing in it, totally oblivious to her brothers’ reactions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray began walking towards the waves when
he saw that his sister wouldn’t be walking anywhere anytime soon. “I’m going to
at least get my feet wet before going home,” he announced to anyone who was
listening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Our parents told us to stick
together,” Shawn warned. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I won’t go far,” Ray promised his
older brother. “Watch, I’m just going to stand in the waves in front of you.
I’ll be scarcely ten feet away from you.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn let out a long breath. “Fine,
just…don’t wander too far, ok?”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray gave him a crooked grin and a
thumb’s up. “Sure thing. I got this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Repressing the urge to roll his eyes,
Shawn sat down again on the sand and looked over his sister’s shoulder to see
how far she had gotten. There wasn’t much to see, so Shawn pulled out the book
he was in middle of and started reading where he had left off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A few peaceful minutes passed by. Ray
jogged back up to his siblings, his jeans rolled up to his knees and a giant
crab in his hands. “Hey, look what I found!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn regarded the creature in disgust.
“Go put that thing back where you found it or—” He was cut off by a shriek from
Nicole. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At the sound of Ray’s voice, she had
looked up absently from her drawing to find a huge crab three inches from her
face. The sketchbook flew from her hand and pages spilled from it in every direction.
Nicole half scrambled, half rolled backwards until she was safely away from the
offending critter. Then, a look of shock and despair came over her face when
she beheld the pages of her beloved sketchbook spread across the beach. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray was stricken with remorse and
quickly tossed his prize crab back into its watery home. “I’m so sorry,
Nicole.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn’s eyes snapped. “No time for
that, we need to get her pictures back before they reach the waves.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole jerked out of her horror and
began by picking up the sketchbook and the pages still inside it. Then she,
along with her brothers, spread across the sand and began picking up the
scattered drawings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unbeknownst to the three teens, another
set of eyes had been watching their little drama with amusement. The boy’s eyes
watched as one drawing scuttled his direction, stopping only when it caught on
his sandal. He bent automatically and picked it up. It was a picture of a car
traveling down a highway with a family of five squeezed into it. The dad driving,
the mom showing him something on the map, the girl drawing, the darker haired
boy reading a book with a disposable coffee cup in one hand, and the last boy
looking out the window with a look of obvious impatience on his face. He
grinned. The girl was talented. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As he looked over the picture, the girl
was coming closer, stooping every once in awhile to get one of her drawings.
Closely following her, the two boys were also gathering the strewn papers.
Finally, she noticed him standing there with one of her pictures in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole looked up and found herself a
yard away from a boy holding one of her sketches. “That’s mine,” she said. “Can
I have it please?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He gave it to her with a smile. “Sure.
It’s a good drawing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Thanks,” she answered guardedly. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Anytime,” he replied easily, with a
confidence that was unnerving. Nicole was suddenly glad that her brothers were
standing behind her now. “So, what’s your name?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m Nicole, and these,” she nodded
towards her brothers, “are my siblings. This is my twin Shawn, and this is our
younger brother Ray.” The boys shook hands cordially, but with hidden suspicion
of each other. “And you are…?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m Dillon. Nice to meet such an
accomplished artist.” Dillon’s eyes were twinkling. “There aren’t many who live
around here.”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh, well,” Nicole began, <i>we don’t
live here, </i>she was going to say, but Shawn warned her with a look to not
tell a perfect stranger all about themselves within the first five minutes.
“I’m not very accomplished,” she finished a little lamely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sure you are!” he replied with a
dashing grin. “Accomplished <i>and </i>pretty,” he added suddenly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole’s mouth dropped open in surprise
and she stuttered for the right words, a frown darkening her face. She felt the
tension thicken in the air around her and knew her brothers were stiffening
behind her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I have to be getting home. Good
luck with your artistic endeavors,” Dillon said quickly, showing Nicole that
she wasn’t the only one feeling the growing animosity in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Impulsively, she stuck out her tongue
at the boldly-spoken boy, but when he had gotten a safe distance away, a sudden
idea came to her and a twinkle of mischief appeared in her eyes. She gave a
long sigh. Taking on what she hoped was a far-away, dreamy look, she gave
another sigh for good measure before commenting in a thick voice, “Wow, he’s <i>so
</i>handsome.” She was rewarded by gagging sounds behind her as her brothers
now stuttered on words that refused to come out of their mouths. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ick!” Ray finally exclaimed
decisively. “You can’t be serious!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t tell me you <i>like </i>that
dude!” Shawn put in, horrified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole, no longer being able to act as
a love-stricken teenaged girl, let out a giggle. Her cover blown, she burst out
into laughter, tears appearing in her eyes and streaming down her face as she
doubled up. Gasping for air and holding her stomach, she couldn’t stop herself.
The comical looks of complete puzzlement that her brothers gave her didn’t
help. The explosive mirth soon died into hiccups and she wiped at the tears
still streaming down her face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You-<i>hic,</i>” she began, pointing a
shaking finger at her brothers, “you-<i>hic </i>thought I <i>liked </i>that
guy-<i>hic</i>?” she asked. “You’re both-<i>hic </i>crazier than me-<i>hic.</i>”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well you <i>said,</i>” Ray pointed
out.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You <i>acted </i>like a-a…” Shawn
struggled for the right wording. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Love-struck teen-<i>hic</i>?” Nicole
supplied, breathing deeply to try to stop the hiccups. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I <i>don’t,</i>” Nicole said
firmly to her brother’s relief. “Now shall we finish that walk we wanted to go
on?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-75813517643310726982016-08-13T12:04:00.000-07:002016-08-13T15:13:22.989-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Fourteen<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, I'm trying to make up for all those posts I missed on accident. :) Enjoy this next chapter as the plot thickens... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*cue scary music* :P</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, I should warn you...this one ends with a cliffhanger too. }:)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Quite literally. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 36pt;">Chapter
Fourteen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "old english text mt"; font-size: 36pt;">The
Journey Continues<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I awoke to Steven gently shaking my
shoulder. William was saddling the horses and I sat up, realizing that someone
had laid a blanket over me where I slept over by the log sometime during my
sleep. I pulled it around my shoulders, the chill of the fog that had enveloped
the forest during the hours we slept seeped through my dress and made me
shiver. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Come, we must go,” Steven urged
softly. “The princess is only getting further away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded, rising to my feet
stiffly. My hands were almost too cold to hold the reins, but after I breathed
on them for a few minutes, the feeling returned and with it the sharp pain of
reality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steven led us through the swirling
mists, finding a path only God knows how. I followed his lead confidently,
trusting him and God to leading us safely out of the forest. The prayers, which
had stopped only during my sleep, now continued as I dedicated almost every
thought to pleading with the Almighty for our safety and the safety of Princess
Christine. More prayers were added as I thought of my brother, and for the king
as he led our men in battle with someone who held his daughter as prisoner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Only God could help us all out of
the mess we were in. And so I prayed. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Two hours later, Steven pulled his
exhausted horse to a stop. Lather coated its sides which were heaving with
every breath the beast struggled to take. The boy jumped from his horse and
took off the saddle and blanket and began walking his beast around in circles
to cool it down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I followed his example, but slid
from Duke’s saddle instead of jumping. It was a good thing I did, for my legs
felt like jelly, and I would have crumpled into a heap on the ground if William
had not caught my arm and steadied me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Are you all right?” he asked
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I simply nodded. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We can slow down if we need too,”
he said.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “No, the
princess’s life is in danger right now. I’ll manage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Brave girl,” I heard him mutter to
himself as he led his unsaddled horse over to where Steven’s was tied. I had to
smile to myself. William didn’t give compliments to just anybody. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Quickly, I unsaddled Duke, speaking
to my horse in soft tones and rubbing his muzzle affectionately. With his
things mostly off, I led him to the tree the other horses were tied to and
added his reins to the knot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William came over to me and handed
me some bread. “I’m afraid that’s all we have for now,” he apologized. “Steven
and I can’t risk hunting right now and possibly alert those who hold the
princess captive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded, taking the bread gratefully.
“That’s fine. I understand.” I whispered a prayer over the sparse meal and ate
it, suddenly famished. Fresh meat would be wonderful, but I knew it was a wise
decision to wait until after we rescued the princess. Especially since we were
entering into enemy territory now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A light rain began to fall and
William sent the sky a worried look. We saddled our horses and began the next
leg of our journey that would take us through a mountain pass. Steven again
took the front and made his way up the path that was beginning to grow more and
more rocky and steep. I took my place in the middle and tried to focus on
finding safe ground for Duke to climb on and help him not trip on the loose
rocks that Steven’s horse occasionally sent down our way. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The wind had been steadily getting
stronger, and the rain began falling harder. I blinked the water from my eyes
and pushed my wet hair back from my face. Patting Duke’s broad shoulder, I
encouraged him to keep up his spirit. We would get through this together.
Lightening flashed somewhere nearby and thunder ricocheted off the
mountainsides. Even Duke who usually wouldn’t startle at anything was shocked
at the sudden noise and jerked his head backwards, nearly pulling the reins
from my hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt raw skin open and begin
bleeding. Wincing, I kept my hold on Duke’s reins and whispered fervently to
him. “Hush big boy, you’re all right. Noise never hurt anyone. It is only
thunder. You’re going to be all right. It’ll calm down soon. No need to worry.
Steven and William know what they’re doing. You’re going to be all right. We’re
all going to be all right. It will stop soon.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Only it didn’t. The rain and wind
seemed to work together against us in order to stop our efforts to rescue
Princess Christine. Lightening lit up the darkening skies around us, some of
the bolts landing too close for comfort. Thunder bellowed angrily at us as we
hunched over our horses in order to be closer to the ground. It was no good. I
knew we would have to stop eventually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">From the back, as if he had read my
thoughts, William hollered towards his younger brother that he would need to
find shelter, that we wouldn’t be able to keep going in this storm. Steven
hollered something back, but the wind tore the words from his mouth. A moment
later he disappeared from our sight, the rain effectively hiding his figure
from my water-filled eyes.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What did he say?” William yelled
at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I shook my head. “I don’t know. I
think he must have found somewhere for us to wait out this storm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Follow him!” he ordered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I obeyed. But suddenly, Duke
stopped. I nudged him with my heels, squinting through the thickly falling rain
in order to see what he was balking from. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“What’s the matter?” William asked
over the wind and thunder. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t know!” I answered in like
manner. “Wait a moment. I think I see something. I’ll have to dismount Duke and
lead him, he’s refusing to move.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Meg,” I heard the concern leaking
through William’s voice, “be careful. Horses sometimes have more sense than
humans when it comes to surviving out in the wild.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I will,” I promised, sliding from
Duke’s back and wincing at the pain that shot up my cramped legs. I carefully
walked in front of Duke, and pulled on his bridle. “Come on,” I whispered, “you
know you can trust me Duke.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The horse’s soft brown eyes pleaded
with me. He remained steadfast, his hooves seemingly anchored into the solid
rock beneath them. I sighed, frustrated by this turn of events. All I wanted
was a place I could dry out and sleep for a few hours, maybe even eat a little
more bread, and my horse was refusing to let me have even those simple
pleasures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked past my horse at William,
who sat outlined against the mountainside on his horse as another lightening
bolt struck the mountain and teeth-rattling thunder shook the ground beneath
our feet. I made a decision. “All right Duke, have it your own way. If you
don’t trust me to lead you, then you can lead me.” I gave my horse his head and
he appeared to understand what was wanted of him. He nickered softly and began
walking carefully sideways before walking forward again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All of a sudden, a wind took the
rain directly in front of me away for a moment and I saw, with a shriek of
horror, a huge chasm open up at my feet. Had I taken one step more, if Duke had
let me lead him a few more feet, we would have both fallen and died. I shouted
a warning to William, who followed my advice and now stood on the moderate
safety of a ledge that was about three feet in width but stretched beyond what
I could see, due to the falling rain, without ending. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well, that was cutting it close,”
William said. “Good thing you saw that pit.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I laughed nervously. “You have Duke
to thank for that,” I answered. “If he hadn’t been stubborn…” I trailed off
with an expressive shudder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well, like I said before…” William
stopped his words of wisdom mid-sentence and gave me a look of horror. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The same thought crossed my mind at
the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“STEVEN!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I knelt by the gash in the
mountainside and screamed the boy’s name. Nothing. William joined me as we
called out for the younger boy who had led us all safely thus far.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Help us
God, </i>I prayed earnestly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please have
Steven be all right. Please give him back to us alive. Please don’t have him…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Milady!” I heard the call, faint
but there all the same. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Where are you Steven?” I called
out again, this time in frantic hope. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m on a ledge about ten feet
beneath you,” he answered. “I-I think I broke my leg in the fall. My horse is
dead,” he added in a sorrowful voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As William tied a rope to Duke’s
saddle, I whispered my grateful thanks to the Almighty. Broken leg or not, he
was alive and I thanked Him for sparing Steven’s life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William tossed the rope down to
where Steven said he could reach it. A few seconds later, a scream of pain split
the air along with a crash of thunder. We froze, the rope swinging in the black
nothingness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steven’s voice drifted up to us,
but he sounded weaker. “I can’t stand up,” he said, competing with the wind to
be heard. “The rope can’t reach me where I’m laying down. One of you will have
to come down and carry me up.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I admired Steven’s ability to kill
his pride and make a request like that. William immediately began tying the
rope around himself, but I stopped him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’d better go down,” I said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You?” William’s eyes were full of
disbelief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I folded my arms stubbornly. “I’m
lighter,” I told him. “And Duke would have had a hard enough time pulling
Steven up without adding another man to the mix. He’s used to carrying me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Rain fell in rivers down my face,
neck, and into the soaked fabric of my dress. I was hard put to not shiver in
the cold wind and somehow portray weakness to William when I needed him to
believe me strong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My teacher finally sighed, untied
the rope from around himself and helped secure it around my own waist. “Bring
yourself and my brother back up here,” he ordered gently. “I’d never be able to
live with myself if anything happened to either of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I gave him a curt nod and lowered
myself down over the edge of the precipice. The absence of wind was immediately
apparent as I sank slowly deeper into the darkness. I could hear Steven panting
somewhere beneath me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Steven?” I asked the shadows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Milady?” Disbelief mixed with the
pain in Steven’s voice. “Why are you coming after me? I thought William would…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I interrupted him. “He was going
to,” I stated, my already raw hands being scraped in other places now as I was
lowered towards Steven’s place of safety. “I didn’t let him though. I knew Duke
would have been hard put to take both your weight. I’m lighter, so here I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William yelled down at us, “Lady
Meg, the rope has no more slack. How close are you to where Steven is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I strained my eyes in the dark, as
if by sheer willpower they would be able to pierce through the gloom that
separated me from Steven. “I can’t see,” I answered upward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’ve got about six more feet to
go,” Steven said morosely. “You’ll have to untie the rope and jump.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Terror seized me. Sweat dripped off
the end of my nose and onto my folded hands, the salt stinging the raw skin. I
would have to jump in the dark, without being able to see, to where I knew not.
With only Steven’s voice to guide me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t think I can do it,” I
whispered, my eyes squeezed shut in fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cloth dragged across stone and Steven
spoke again, his voice softer as if he could sense my terror and confusion.
“Can you trust me?” he asked. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Above me, William began praying for
me. Out loud. The wind stole the words away before they reached my ears, but
somehow, I felt comforted all the same. With astonishment, I realized I almost
felt safe hanging over a pit, a few feet from certain death, and the only thing
keeping me there was a thin rope. But God was in control. And I found peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yes, I can trust you,” I
whispered, somehow answering the quiet voice of God and Steven with the same
words. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Then untie yourself carefully,
keeping one hand on the rope at all times,” Steven instructed patiently.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The terror that had gripped me now
melted as I focused instead on doing as Steven told me. Pain tore through my
hands as I fumbled with the knot with one hand while holding onto the rope as
though it were the only thing that was between me and death…which, upon
reflection, it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The meticulous job was finally
completed, and I now held onto the rope with both hands. I felt extremely
exposed as I lay against the rock face, praying with all that was in me for
Steven and my safety.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Done?” Steven asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I nodded, then realizing he
couldn’t see the affirmative motion, said, “Yes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’re directly above the ledge,”
Steven informed me. “Slide to the bottom of the rope, and then come straight
down.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt the rope burn past my
fingers as I let it pass through them. The end came and went. In a moment of
breathless intensity, I was alone in the darkness, falling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-35741396060405894952016-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:002016-08-08T09:00:07.721-07:00Ocean Mist: Chapter One<span style="font-size: large;">As promised! Chapter One of Ocean Mist! For the next part I'll add it to the "Stories in Progress" page, but for now, this is all you get. ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you've been looking forward to this story! :) The first chapter is a bit bland, mostly introducing characters and setting...but it will get more interesting come chapter two. Ask any of my siblings. B-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now folks, without further ado:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center;">
<u style="text-underline: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: HogarthScrJoiD; font-size: 42pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Snell Roundhand";"><strong>Chapter One:</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">It wasn’t often that a pastor could take
time off and leave his flock, even if only for a week. It was even more rare to
be able to take his whole family somewhere. So when fifteen-year-old Ray heard
that one of those rare occasions was in a month, he could hardly contain his
excitement. Now that they were actually on their way to the ocean where they
had rented a house to stay in, he didn’t bother hiding it anymore. A wide grin
stretched across his face, and his eyes twinkled as trees and buildings flew
past the car’s windows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Could you ask Ray to stop bouncing his
knee up and down?” Shawn appealed to his parents with an irritated sigh,
carefully trying to keep his newly purchased coffee from dumping all over the
book he was trying to read while balancing them both on top of his backpack
that sat on his lap. “He’s not listening to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray scooted closer to the window,
realizing with a stab of guilt that he <i>hadn’t </i>been listening to his
brother. In fact, he didn’t even realize that his knee had been bouncing, a
habit that came to the surface whenever he was excited, irritated, or antsy.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sorry,” he mumbled apologetically. “I
didn’t hear you. I’ll stop now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’d better,” Shawn grunted, trying
in vain to smooth his travel-rumpled jeans and straighten his carefully groomed
hair.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Their dad, the pastor of a small
community church in Washington, glanced at his kids in the rear-view mirror
with a half-smile while shaking his head at their attitudes. “If someone heard
you guys complaining, they might think you were a couple of toddlers fighting
instead of the teens you really are.” Satisfied by the ashamed flush that
darkened both boys’ faces, he continued more gently, “I know it’s cramped back
there with all your stuff, but we should be there in a couple hours. Hang in
there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After waiting respectfully for their
dad to finish and then giving him the dutiful “yes dad”, Shawn returned to
finishing his coffee and book, while Ray went back to looking out the window.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Seventeen-year-old Nicole, Shawn’s twin
and the oldest PK by two hours, had remained silent throughout her brothers’
exchange. Huddled against the opposite window, her feet protectively perched
around her own backpack, she carefully finished the flower she was drawing with
a glorious swirl. A telltale pinch in her stomach warned her it was time to
take a break from her art endeavors and look out the window for a few minutes
or the old ice-cream pail would be put to use sooner than anyone wanted.
Thankfully, she appeared to be the only one in her family that struggled with
carsickness, and she knew how to pace herself, so the ice cream pail was rarely
needed. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stretching awkwardly while trying not
to elbow anyone in the face, Nicole glanced over at her two brothers. Shawn,
the finicky scholar with dark brown hair looked more like his dad than her, his
twin. He habitually squinted while reading and snored with his mouth open
whenever he had a cold. Currently Shawn sat in the middle hunched over a book
with his nerdy glasses already slipping down his nose yet again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then there was Ray, her younger brother
by two years and the only naturally athletic one in the family. He took after
their mom like Nicole herself did with wavy strawberry blonde hair that always
looked slightly wind-blown. Ray shared a love of music with his only sister,
and he seemed to make it his job to become everyone’s best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole fingered the end of her side
braid, marveling for the millionth time how different, yet in some ways
similar, each of them were from each other. She shared the outward appearance
of her younger brother and mom, but inwardly, she was closer to her dad and
twin. She was never outgoing, but she sometimes had to force herself to go up
and meet or greet visitors as a dutiful pastor’s kid. She shared Shawn’s
remarkable memory, but when he remembered facts and figures, she remembered
faces and places. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However, unlike both brothers, Nicole
was an artist. She used her memory to create things that had happened or
interesting people she saw or met. Then she put them into her ever-growing
sketchbook that had been her constant companion since she had first learned to
hold a pencil on her own. <i>Well, not </i>quite <i>that long, </i>she mused
with a roll of her eyes, <i>but close enough. </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She noticed Ray had started bouncing
his knee again, and for once, she could hardly blame his impatience. After
three hours of sitting in a car, even she could hardly wait to get out and
stretch her legs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A frown darkened Shawn’s face as he
felt the knee bouncing again, but instead of voicing more complaints, he gently
kicked his brother’s leg. As if suddenly realizing what had happened, Ray
stopped immediately and mouthed “sorry”. Shawn gave him a tight-lipped smile
and tried to ignore the growing hunger pains in his midsection. <i>Sheesh, it’s
only been three hours since we stopped for lunch, </i>he reminded his forgetful
stomach. A growl was its only reply. Quickly, he squeezed his folded arms
tighter around his middle, as if that would muffle the sound, but the amused
look his sister sent him told that the action was too late. He caught sight of
his mom sending him a sympathetic smile over her shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Need a snack?” she asked knowingly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes, please,” Shawn answered. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ca-<i>may </i>I have one too?” Ray
asked, correcting himself mid-question when he realized that proper manners
would up the chances of her letting him have one too. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She grinned. “You <i>may</i> all have a
granola bar. Only one though, or we won’t have enough for the trip home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How much longer until we get there?”
Ray asked his dad around the mouthful of oats and chocolate chips.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How many times have you asked that
question?” his dad returned, pulling the Jesus stunt: answering a question with
another question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray thought for a moment, and then
shrugged. “I forget,” he said honestly. “Maybe ten times?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This makes the thirty-sixth time,”
Shawn answered with a knowing smirk. “I knew Dad would ask that question
eventually, so I kept track.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray’s face darkened into a glower, and
their dad raised an eyebrow. “That sounds about right. Since you seemed to have
been paying attention, how about you give Ray an answer.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now in the spotlight, Shawn did a quick
math calculation. “Well, about twenty minutes ago you told us we had a couple
hours, so about an hour and forty minutes?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Close,” their dad answered. “I rounded
up the time when I gave that estimate. Now, according to our GPS, we should get
there in about an hour and a half.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray stifled an audible groan, and his
knee started bouncing again as he turned back to watching the scenery out the
window.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn sighed and went back to his book
realizing he would probably be able to finish it at this rate before they
arrived at the rented house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole searched her stomach for further
signs of carsickness, and when she didn’t find any, she began a new picture in
her sketchbook of a car traveling down the highway with her family inside squished
together like sardines in a can. At that moment, she decided to keep a journal
of moments during the vacation by sketching things she knew they would all want
to remember. The thought brought a smile to her lips. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rest of the time in the cramped car
was spent trying to be as comfortable as circumstances allowed and making a
valiant effort to <i>not </i>complain every five minutes. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When their dad gave the long awaited
“we’re here”, the three kids nearly tumbled from the car in their eagerness to
be free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ray filled his lungs with fresh,
slightly salty tasting air and let an excited smile once again widen across his
face. His green eyes sparkled in the sunshine as he glanced towards what would
be their home during their temporary stay. He heaved his backpack from the seat
to over his shoulder and made his way to the door.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shawn followed his younger brother from
the car, and likewise took in a deep breath of the clean air. A glance towards
his outfit caused his nose to wrinkle in disgust, and he gave his glasses a
shove up to their proper spot on his nose as if hoping that the habitual action
would somehow improve the state of his brand-new jeans and tee shirt. He ran a
quick hand through his hair, wishing his comb hadn’t been the first thing he packed
and therefore at the bottom of his backpack. It would have to suffice. At least
once they were unpacked he could freshen up a bit before appearing in public
again. He took his weekly ration of belongings and followed Ray to the
doorstep. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nicole stood still, taking in the scene
in front of her. The small house looked comfortable, and not fancy…which was
exactly how she liked it. As her dad joined her brothers and mom at the door,
Nicole committed the moment to memory, mentally adding herself as one of the
people at the door. This was a scene she would want to draw later. The house
seemed pretty much perfect, and she couldn't wait to see the inside. She
stretched fully, feeling her muscles unwind from the tense car ride. Exhaling
deeply, she sauntered after the rest of her family with her own backpack slung
across her back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
4rmeddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00261666077481922005noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752466878188950493.post-36144914949774637022016-08-01T16:01:00.001-07:002016-08-01T16:01:24.644-07:00The Princess & I: Chapter Thirteen<span style="font-size: large;">Guys, I am SO SORRY. I thought I had scheduled this post, as well as a couple others...but it turns out I hadn't!!! I feel properly mortified, don't worry. ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to give you the next part of "The Princess & I" because I felt so bad... :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And also, next week will be the first chapter of an all-new short story "Ocean Mist"! You may have seen pictures of Nicole and Dillon (you'll find out who they are soon!) in <a href="http://4rmeddy.blogspot.com/2016/07/a-novel-idea-character-pictures.html">THIS POST</a> I wrote recently on my main blog, and now you'll actually get to meet them through their story!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well...you'll meet Nicole at any rate. You'll have to wait until chapter two to meet Dillon. *puts hand over mouth* But enough spoilers there! ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now...although you probably already skipped to here...I give you the next part of "The Princess & I"!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chapter
Thirteen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
Traitor in Our Midst</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt the blood drain from my
face. Instinctively I glanced up at William, who looked exactly how I felt at
the moment. He was an unnatural shade of gray, and we both thought of the
princess’s predicament at the same time. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All three of us rushed away from
our forgotten supper and burst into the princess’s quarters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William reached the closed door
first. It was locked, but that did not stop him. He heaved himself against the
door until it crashed apart under his terrific onslaught. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was only a few feet behind him as
he stood stalk still with his sword drawn in the princess’s private chambers.
The fire was still blazing from the same log I had put in it less then an hour
ago, but the window was open, and a slight evening breeze chilled my still damp
gown. Steven was right behind me, and the three of us stood in the deafening
stillness that shrouded the room like a cloud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No,” I said softly. Disbelief and
horror finally made it past the numbing shock. “No, no, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no! </i>There has to be some mistake! Alfred is one of the king’s
soldiers! He’s a knight! He’s supposed to have undying loyalty to his
sovereign!” I began pacing around the room, trying to work out in my mind the
confusing turn of events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William sheathed his sword and a
dangerous look came into his eyes. “He may have had undying loyalty to his
sovereign, but I doubt his sovereign was King Frederick.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“No,” Steven agreed, coming up to
me. “He’s one of Duke Of Devonshire’s men.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned to the boy and sat him
down. “Tell me all you heard,” I ordered frantically. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steven sent a questioning look up
to his brother, and William replied with a curt nod. The younger boy had sudden
fire leap into his eyes and he began speaking in hushed whispers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I was bedding down a few of the
horses in the stable tonight, and one of the mares was near giving birth so I
was planning on staying the night in her stall just in case…I must have dropped
off to sleep, because the next thing I knew, two men were talking in the stall
next to mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I remembered that the horse in
there belonged to the soldier Alfred who had just arrived, and I was about
ready to get up and ask if I could do anything to help them when Alfred
mentioned the princess’s name. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘Christine shouldn’t give us any
trouble,’ Alfred was saying to the other man. ‘All I need to do is convince her
to come with me to see her father and she will come willingly. If not, I have
some sedative seeds I bought from Mother Donna that should do just as good a
job.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘When are you planning on this
kidnapping?’ the other man asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Alfred tsked and answered,
‘Kidnapping is an ugly word, and I prefer the term “borrowing for political
reasons” myself.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Here the other man snorted
something under his breath before saying out loud, ‘Does it really matter?
We’re doing the same thing either way.’”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘Hmm, yes,’ Alfred said. ‘But to
answer your earlier question, the princess requested my presence alone this
evening in hopes of learning more about her poor father’s condition as well as
the truth about the state of the soldiers…and, I’m sure, her beloved Malcolm.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘Her poor father’s condition?’ the
man asked in confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘Yes, I invented a story. No need
to look so shocked,’ he added sarcastically. ‘Her father had been struggling
last week with a slight fever. He’s fine now, but I’m using his supposed
failing to lure her into coming with me willingly to the Duke’s castle.’</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘And once there?’ the man asked
eagerly. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“‘That, my good man, is not for you
to know. We are only the princess’s escort to his home. I might add,’ Alfred
continued, ‘the princess is not to be harmed in any way, shape, or form. The
Duke would prefer the girl in good health. He does have some honor.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“At this point I had heard enough,”
Steven said. “I thought I would come to you before Alfred and the other man had
time to carry out his plan. Unfortunately,” the boy sighed in deep
disappointment, “Alfred and his friend heard me leaving and the last thing I
remember after trying to outrun them is sparks flying in my eyes and everything
going black.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“As soon as I regained
consciousness, I came to you as fast as I could, hoping desperately that I
wasn’t too late…but I was.” The boy looked downhearted, and I gave him a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You did your best,” I said in
hopes of cheering him up. “Better then I might have done in your place.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“They must not have hit you very
hard,” William put in. “We didn’t miss the abduction by much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Is there a chance we can catch
them before they reach the Duke’s castle?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“A small one.” William became
business at once. “Steven, saddle my horse, I’m going after Christine.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“And mine,” I added as Steven left
the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William looked at me in surprise,
with a small amount of displeasure. “I don’t think you should…” he began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My eyes pleaded with him silently.
“I need to see that she’s not hurt,” I said. “Let me come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A resigned expression came over
William’s face. “Very well, saddle Lady Megan’s horse as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Steven gave us both a quick nod and
bolted towards the stable. William followed him and told me to get ready; we
would be leaving as quickly as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t need too much, simply
changing into a riding dress and strapping on my now beloved sword, bow, and a
quiver of arrows. Who knew what opposition we would face in rescuing the
princess… I would hate to take chances with her life in danger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I met William and Steven in the
stable and was surprised to find not two, but three horses ready and saddled.
My face must have registered the confusion I was feeling because a determined
light sparked in Steven’s eyes. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m not being left here,” he
stated firmly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I glanced at William, who merely
shrugged and grinned. “I doubt Steven will slow us down, he’s a better horseman
than I am!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t doubt his abilities,” I
returned with a weak smile. “If you’re willing to have him along, I would feel
safer with both of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William swung up onto his horse
with a wounded air that was obviously put on for effect. “You humble me, Lady
Megan,” he declared sorrowfully, his twinkling eyes belying his words. “I will
never feel proud with you to remind me of my place.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Had I not known that he was
teasing, I would have immediately apologized, but with that safe knowledge I
merely mounted Duke and shrugged. “I suppose someone needs to keep your mind on
reality,” I said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William chuckled appreciatively,
but Steven urged us both onward. “We won’t help the princess by standing here
and passing the time of day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With that we rode from the castle
with the wind in our face and night falling about us. A dark cloak to veil the
deeds done by the night creatures that now made their noises around us as our
horses fled through the forest as if chased by a thousand rabid dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William had not lied about his
younger brother’s ability, Steven rode in the front and it seemed as if he
instinctively knew whenever a tree, rock, stump or any other manner of
roadblock came across our path. He warned us of each in low tones, leading his
own horse skillfully around them and slowing his frantic pace only twice when
crossing bodies of rushing waters that I could hear more than see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I rode in the middle, thanking God
for giving me a father and brother who had been willing to take the time to
teach me the fine art of horsemanship. This and prayers for our safety soon
became as regular as breathing while we journeyed through the dark trees. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the back, I heard William
offering up his own prayers for our safety, and more than once he asked me if I
was all right when we stopped our horses for a brief rest before galloping
onward towards the territory of Duke Of Devonshire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Only when the gray beginnings of
dawn touched the edges of the horizon did we stop and eat a meal, which William
had thoughtfully remembered to pack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Are you all right?” William asked
for at least the tenth time that night…or morning was it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I am as fine as I can be with the
princess in danger,” I answered the same as I had the previous times. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William’s eyes were filled with
concern. “Tell us if this pace is too fast,” he said. “We’ll slow down if it is
too much for you to take.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’re a wonderful brother,”
Steven noted sarcastically from where he sat building a fire. “I’m just fine.
Thank you for asking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A grin popped out from where it had
been hidden, and William’s eyes lit up. “Just build the fire,” he said. “I
would ask about you if I was worried, but I’m not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Thanks?” Steven looked up from his
handiwork after one last puff of air from his mouth. The fire’s growing flame
caught on to the bigger sticks and he stopped just long enough to feed it some
larger wood to work with. He leaned back on his feet as he crouched there and
squinted up at us where were sitting on a fallen log. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’re welcome,” William answered.
“Yes, it was meant as a compliment.” He leaned over to ruffle up his brother’s
hair, but Steven successfully dodged away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m a little old for that, don’t
you think?” Steven joked. “How would you like it if I did it to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">William held up his hands in
surrender. “Very well, you made your case. I’ll stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The fire’s comforting heat was
making me sleepy. I pinched my arm in the effort to keep awake, and when that
effect faded and my eyes drooped again, I shook my head violently to clear it
of all fog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My teacher noticed my exhaustion
and quickly ordered a few hours sleep for all three of us, he and Steven taking
turns at the watch. Anything further he said was lost to me, for the minute he
said I could sleep, I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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