Against the Stars

Chapter 21

Ginny woke to a scream. Not an "I'm being attacked, my life is in danger" scream, but more of a "how could this happen" scream. Ginny knew who the scream belonged to.

Glancing over at Nelly and Bess, Ginny noted they had the same shocked expression. Then, in almost perfect synchronization, the three girls leapt out of their beds and tore downstairs.

"Mother what is it?" Ginny asked.

"What happened?" Bees cried.

"Who died?" Nelly asked, earning several odd glances.

The threesome ran into the kitchen to find their mother shaking, clutching a note in her hands. 

"She's gone! Gone!" Mother cried dropping the note. Ginny swooped down and caught it before it fell.

Her own hands began to tremble add she read.

Dear Family,

I do not wish for this note to cause you distress, yet it probably will. I wish these events had not unfolded as they did, but I cannot change the past.

I left to go to Philadelphia. Don't worry, I won't be going alone, Josiah Roser will be accompanying me. Upon arriving in Philadelphia we plan to be married. I shall write you’re when we arrive.

I love you all, and am so sorry that I had to leave you. Please don't forget me, or try to pretend I never existed as I know you will. I love you; I love you all, and will miss you all dearly. 

Love,

Blithe Almyria Miller

Ginny’s mind turned to something Josiah Roser had said the day before. 'Has Blithe told you yet?' He had said. He was talking about leaving. Blithe’s big smile, the fact she said I love you so many times. She wanted that to be the last thing she said.

"Let me see the note! I want to see who died!" Nelly called, ripping the note out of Ginny’s hand. She quickly read through it, and then cried out.

"What! What!" Bess cried, begging to know what was going on.

"Blithe’s gone. She left," Nelly said her voice soft and gentle. Her brown eyes were wide open in shock. No one could have seen this coming.

Ginny wondered how Celia was doing. She would to awaken to find a similar note. Ginny knew a scandal would quickly arise; it would be the talk of the town for months! Ginny and Celia were going to have to stick together if they were to make it through this. 

Ginny decided to go over to Celia’s house and see how she was doing. She dashed upstairs to her room, only to stop in Blithe’s room first. 

Carefully, Ginny opened up the door and crept inside. The room seemed empty, not just of material things, but of all life as well. Not one dress was in the trunk, the dresser was bare. There was no evidence that during her ever lived here. Ginny turned to leave, tears forming on her check, but a glint of white caught her eye.

Resting on Blithe’s pillow was a sheet of white paper. Curiosity getting the better of her, Ginny picked up note. To her surprise it was addressed to her.

Ginny,

I knew you find this note. Leaving you was the hardest since you really are my closest sibling. I know it will be hard for you more that I am give. The oldest girl as well as the only patriot in a family of loyalist. My heart aches for you! But you're strong Ginny, stronger than you may ever know. I love you Ginny, and will miss you with all my heart. Stay strong.

Your sister,

Blithe

Tears leaked out of Ginny’s eyes before she had even finished reading the letter. Blithe was gone, truly gone, and she was not coming back. Ginny dashed into her room and collapsed on her bed. Her heart wouldn't allow her to believe what her mind knew to be true. Ginny knew far too well that pretend Blithe was here would only hurt her tender heart more.