HUNTER'S TALE

9.

Of course they argued, of course they had fights over small things. Mary pissed and John mumbling on his chair. But they laid to the same bed each night and under covers pressed their bodies together and forgave and forgot. Christmas came and Russel with Jane invited John and Mary to the feast with Jack and Ruth. They all noticed small change in John's behaviour. He was still same old broody man, more grunting than talking, but he metled around Mary. It was heartwarming to be around them. To see young woman bringing man to life. Alas, the week, when John had to leave to North came soon. Painfully soon and Mary seemed to be sad. Constantly lost in her mind. John understood that. He felt the same, but it was his job to leave. His duty to lead his team. The morning of his departure came. Mary was packing last pieces of his clothes and she barely spoke, only swallowed heavy tears. A knock on the door later that day caught their attention and she knew, he had to go. John opened the door and saw Frank. His friend since childhood. "Fitz!" He grinned and frowned. "What happened to you for fuck's sake? You look different!"

"What ya mean? I'm the same." He frowned, looking down in case Mary screw something  funny on clothes without him seeing it. "Come in," he sighed. "Ya ready?" He asked Frank as he went to get his axe and daggers. The riffle was already hanging from his shoulder and he looked up at the stairs. Mary still didn't come downstairs. He sighed. He hated to leave her alone for so long, but he couldn't do otherwise. "Wait a minute," he said to Frank and went upstairs slowly pacing to their room. He found Mary with heavy eyes preparing his bags. "Luv, Frank's here," he said quietly and caressed her cheek, when she avoided to look at him in the eyes.

She didn't want to behave like a child, but she couldn't help herself and tears started to roll down the moment his thumb rested on her. Unable to hold herself anymore she turned and vanished in his chest. "Forgive me," she spoke against his shirt, holding his jacket convulsively in her fists. "I know, you have to go.. I know..." she sobbed.

"It's alright,luv." He tried to soothe her, caressing her back and kissing her forehead. "Ya don't have to be worried about anythin', yeh? Any goddamn thing ya need, ya go to Russell or old Jack. These old muds will be glad to help," he chuckled throatily. "I won't be away for long, alright?"  He cupped her face and brushed away her tears, before he kissed her lips softly.

With a nod, she answered, but her tears couldn't stop strolling. John took a bag and he didn't even persuade her to walk with him downstairs. Frank was waiting there, Mary would probably feel awkward in front of stranger. So he said his goodbye for now and left the room. Mary listened to his heavy steps and she sat on bed. Molding her hands, nervously biting her lips. God knew, she  was scared to death. But not from the past. It was tomorrow and the day after, that scared her. "I have to..." she whispered for herself and calling John's name, she ran through the house. He was just about to close the door behind him and Frank curiously turned  hearing woman's voice. John halted his feet and felt more than awkward, when Mary with red eyes stormed into a hallway. "I'm with child," she told him as her tears ran down like waterfall. "I'll be heavy and fat, when you come back," she cupped her face and bursted in cry.
Frank only patted with wide grin John's back and left to wait in the porch.

The riffle and his bag fell down from his numb hand on the ground. He stood there, watching her unable to say anything or move or even breathe. "Fuckin' hell,woman!" He groaned obviously upset. "And ya fuckin' tellin' me this now?!" It felt, like someone pulled the rag under his feet and he slammed his face on the floor.

"I was confused!" She cried her words out. "I went to Jane yesterday and she checked on me and told me, that I am. They told me with Russel to not tell you. To let you leave and be calm... but I can't! I'm scared," she sobbed without an end.

"Fuck!" He sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily. Of course he was happy for her being pregnant. Perhaps he wanted that more than anything, but now he was more than terrified to leave her here alone. He closed the door and pulled her into his embrace again. "Mary stop cryin',luv, please." He kissed her forehead and rose her face to look at him. "Ya go stay with Russell and Jane. Their daughter was married last year they have an extra room for ya. Don't worry, just go there and let Jane take care of ya, alright?"