The girl from across the meadow(nyo Fruk)

1

Running away from home was the smartest thing I could have done for myself. I went to a remote area in France and never looked back. It's been five years since leaving and every day I live my life to the fullest. I tend to my garden for food and I make my own clothes and have my own chickens and cows. I have everything that I could ever need here and I wouldn't think about leaving.

During mid weeks I like to walk down to the pond to see if there were any bug frogs I could catch to eat. Well it was mid week and I prepared my basket as usual and put my bonnet on. Men were never around so I stoped wearing corsets and "proper" clothing. Sometimes I'd leave without any shoes on.

I began on my usual trail and even stopped along the way to pick some berries. My mother would tell me about all types of berries and plants and I always remembered the lessons.

I stopped by one of the creeks that was a little past the meadow I lived in. I always went there for fish and water. During the winter I would have to break some of the ice. Thank goodness it was still spring... I know once summer comes I need to prepare my jams and food for the winter. It was just me so I didn't use much food.

I began to cross over the creek by jumping on some of the rocks that were sticking out. No one was around for miles and I think it's been a year or two since I last saw a person. I was turning twenty four this year and I think I want to go into town to trade some goods so I can buy myself a new lovely dress.

I lifted the end of my skirt up and moved some of my hair out of my face. It was getting long... I should probably cut it.

I looked up from where I stood and there was a woman sitting down painting. It startled me and I immediately found a tree to hide behind. There weren't many trees but luckily this one was big enough to hide me.

She dressed so proper. Her hair was pinned up and she wore shoes and a corset... just like a proper lady should. I peeked my head out and see how focused she looked paining. This was the first time I've seen someone... maybe I should say hello? Then again..... I wasn't really in proper clothing either. I looked around the area but I didn't see anyone else.... She must be alone.

The breeze began to blow and suddenly her hat flew away. She tried to catch it but it was too high up. Without a second thought ran out and quickly jumped to catch it.

When she looked at me I nearly melted. She was shocked to see someone here .... Let alone anyone to catch her hat that just flew away. "Sorry.... I didn't mean to spy on you.... I was just curious" I spoke softly.

"Oh dear! Thank you for catching my hat" she smiled. I felt my legs shake. This woman was beautiful and sweet. She walked closer to me and finally got a good look at me. "Oh.... Where are your shoes and the rest of your clothes? And my.... Your hair is down and everywhere" she spoke shocked. I was getting embarrassed and tried to look away from her.

"Here is your hat.... Ummm I live down that way..."
"Alone? Why there is no one for miles..."
"Yes... I'm alone, but I like it that way. What are you doing out here alone?" I asked confused. She placed a finger on her chin and began to think. "Well.... You see I snuck out.... As you know it isn't lady like to paint so much.... So I like to go out alone to do it. I rode my horse a little farther this time and found this lovely scenery" she explained.

"Riding a horse isn't lady like either" I giggled. "Well it isn't if no one knows" she smiled. "ummmm ......are you from the nearby town?" I asked. She smiled at me and nodded. It was forbidden to feel what I was feeling at the moment. However, I wanted to keep feeling it.

"How often have you been coming here?" I asked.
"Well today is my first but I plan on coming back tomorrow" she explained. She began to place her hat back on the top of her head and tie the strings under her chin. "Where did you say you lived again?" She asked.

I pointed to a direction and she looked closely and saw my house a half mile down. "Oh I see.... Looks very peaceful.... But I didn't quite catch your name..." she began. "Oh!! My name is Francine.... And yours?" I asked. "Alice...."she said softly.

Her voice was sweet, I think I could listen to her talk all day. "Well Alice... if you'd like to join me for tea tomorrow, I would love to have you" I smiled. "If I come does it mean I get one of those pretty dresses as well? And would that mean I get to take off this damned corset?" She asked giggling.

"Of course!! Anything you want.... There is no one for miles so we can do whatever you want" I smiled. She nodded at me and held her hand out to shake it. I held her delicate hands that were covered in lace gloves. "I'll be looking forward to it" I smiled. She nodded and began to walk back to her painting to gather her things. I turned around and just began to walk back home... completely forgetting about the frogs I planned to catch. I wanted to go home so I could clean up and make things look presentable for tomorrow. I know I'll be waiting anxiously for her.