Child of War; Revolutionary OC

Chapter 3. Burning World

As I grew older, the more I understood. When I hadn't been doing chores, I'd read. I've learned many things from reading. I learned about the affairs of the New World and what the colonies were doing. Recently, they've been acting near rebellious, yet the king hadn't marked it as rebellion. As of March this year, the Boston Massacre had occurred.

I read the papers as they arrived here in England. A group of soldiers, placed in Boston by the king, had been attacked. Colonists- poor things- tossed rocks and ice at the men, and eventually, the soldiers fired back. Described as a 'Bloody Massacre,' it's no wonder the people riled. Five colonials got exterminated, and various more were injured. A waste of ammunition for the battalion, though that's what the older folks tell me.

On the weekdays, I stay in the marketplace, listening to gossip. On occasion, I'd steal a paper to read.

I feel guilty for stealing, but I must read somehow. I barely have enough money to pay for food.

On the weekends, I stay home with my brother and his friend, finishing the chores I held off. I've begun to see her more as a sister, and she's considered family. Though, it has been a lot of work for me. Ten, going on eleven.

My birthday is in the coming August. The weather has been relatively kind this year. Hopefully, it stays mild over the winter. 

But, as the days grow, I've learned how to read my surroundings. And I know soon, something significant is to come.

-

I glanced up, hearing footsteps padding down the hall. Soon, my siblings appeared in my doorway. 

"Jonny!"

"Yes, James?"

"Willow and I want to go outside and play!" 

I smiled, pushing myself away from the chair. I hopped onto the floor, chuckling. "Well, we can go outside for a while. It's only around midday. I could take you two to the market and let you have a look around."

The two cheered, running over and hugging my legs. I laughed a bit, grabbing my chair to keep my balance. My brother had just recently turned seven. He had been doing well in school, and I couldn't be more proud. And Willow- bless her- she was doing phenomenal. I noticed relatively early that things weren't fair for women. It's a miracle they allowed her into school anyway. Though, I believe they are capable. Some of the best rulers had been women.

I broke away from the two, leading them down the hall. "Now, you'll need to stay close. We don't need to get caught in front of anyone's carriages." I explained, moving downstairs. The two followed close, their footsteps much louder. 

We reached the bottom of the stairs, and I grabbed my boots, slipping them on. Behind me, I heard heavier movements- they were my father's. Spinning, I looked up at the man, glaring. "I hadn't realized you were home."

"You don't pick up on a lot, do you?" The older man snarled. 

"I'm sorry, Issac," I scoffed, flattening my shirt.

"You don't have the authority to use my name. You're my child, you runt."

I glared. "Doesn't mean that I claim you," I hissed, grabbing my brother and Willow and moving towards the door. "I pity that you still think you can control me."

I heard him storm over, and he grabbed my hair, dragging me back. I grabbed his wrist, shouting in pain. I curled my toes, trying to apply pressure to my boots to gain traction. "Let me go!" I shouted. The two young ones stared, horrified. I attempted to offer them a smile, but my father made it hard with how he tossed me.