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Chapter Five

   August 16, 1829, 9:23 P.M

We decided to set up camp for the night and rest near a river. I lay awake, staring at the sky while Adrean snored away. I try not to think about all the terrible things that have happened during my life. Mabe this will be a new beginning for me. I'll have someone who loves and provides for me. That would be the best thing ever.

"Rise and shine sleepy head..." I woke up Adrean shaking my shoulder repeatedly.

"Just five more minutes..." I mumbled as I rolled back over. I didn't want to leave my peaceful spot next to the river. I was cozy. Then, I clicked I had a family to get to! "Oh!" I gasped. I leaped up. "We should get going."

"Hold on..." Adrean says. He grabbed two glass containers and scooped up some water. "We don't know how long it will be until we get to the next spring."

"I need to bathe too." I added. I was filthy.

"Okay, you go do that while I pack up and grab some more things. I won't be long!" He called.

I dipped a foot into the nice cool stream and submerged myself. I lay in the water pretending that I was in my bathtub and not in some filthy stream. I was going to be fine, I reminded myself. My bottom lip is trembling. I would give anything to have a normal life and not be on the run. Crying isn't an option here. I needed to toughen up. I sigh and reach for my towel that was on a branch and wrapped it around myself. I trudged my way up the river and dressed myself. What was the point of cleaning yourself up when you must put the same clothes back on? "Finished." I sigh as I plop down on the towel. Adrean still must be getting ready for the trip still. "Looks like I have some time to myself." A maroon-colored book with a leather cover lay on the ground. I trace my fingers around the golden letters engraved on the cover. Notebook. It read. But it felt like something more than an old dusty notebook. There must be something important inside! I look around to make sure nobody's looking, then flip to the first page.

Today I traveled away from home to practice my training for the S.A.L. We must kidnap people or something like that. I didn't want to. It's just downright mean. My father is head of the village and is serious about everything like, "Son, you must do this." and "Son, you must do that," Take a chill pill dad. I met this girl in the forest. She was left to fend for herself! She's sharp, edgy and really cute. I promised to take her to the village with me. I just hope father is okay with it. I don't see why he wouldn't. Mabe she could be in the S.A.L like me!

What on earth is the S.A.L? He likes me? My head swam with questions as I flipped through the rest of the book. It was empty. "Gemma!" I slammed the book shut and put the book behind me. I pretended to pick wildflowers. He hasn't noticed yet. I was always told I was a great actor.

"There you are! I've been calling you." He huffed

"Sorry." I muttered. I wanted to clobber that boy with questions. I didn't dare ask one. Instead, I asked "You when looking for firewood?"

"It's important to stay ready for anything." He winked. He didn't ever meet my glance. I knew exactly what he was looking at. The last thing I needed was a pervert. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," I say slowly. I stood up and shook the weeds off my dress. "Let's go."