Charlottetown (Probably on hold forever. Or whenever I decide to update.)

Chapter Five: Lisette and the Fire

Chapter Five: Lisette and the Fire

            Lisette walked through the Square Park, with Genevieve and Adeline accompanying her. It was muggy and hot, humidity thick in the air. Lisette was fanning herself, while Adeline and Genevieve hid under a sun umbrella.

            “My, how warm it is! I cannot believe this weather. Three days of straight rain, then two weeks of stifling warmth is too much to handle!” Adeline said, fanning herself with her hand. The other ladies nodded in agreement and sat down on a bench underneath the shade of a tree.

            “Have you noticed anything… different about my children?” Adeline asked, uncertain. “They are always tired during the day and I can hear them clattering around up there in the middle of the night sometimes. Do you know what it is?” Adeline said, looking for answers.

            Adeline Prescott was constantly worrying about her children, especially Charlotte. Adeline had Charlotte when she was only 12 years old, and had barely lived through the experience of birthing her. Needless to say, that made her very protective of her children.

            “You know, it is about time Charlotte was married to that merchant you were talking about. You already had two children when you were her age! You must marry her off or she will continue to be unruly. Also, that Clark should start courting young ladies. Not my daughter, of course, but ladies his age in the city. You know, bring some more people to this tiny town.” Genevieve said.

            Lisette stayed silent. She did not agree with the other lady’s opinion; a lady should marry for love, and not have someone chose for her. When she had a child, which was bound to happen sometime, she would allow them to marry whoever they wanted. Bruce would throw a fit, but then again, he may be dead by the time Lisette has a full-grown child. Nothing is worse than being stuck with a man you didn’t love.

            “I guess you are right, Genevieve. I’ll talk with Leo tonight and see when we can arrange an official meeting between the two. I’ll also arrange a trip to the city to find some suitable young ladies to come to the town. Would you like to come, Genevieve?” Adeline asked.

            “Why, I’d be glad to! I have been meaning to find a proper playmate for Lucinda. Those farmer kids just won’t do. Lisette, would you like to join us?” Genevieve said, directing her attention to Lisette.

            She knew it was an invitation out of courtesy. Bruce never let her go to the city; for fear that she would run away with some other man. His precautions were well placed, though. Lisette would run away with any man who promised a better future.

            “I’m sorry, ladies, but Bruce would never allow it.” She said sadly. They nodded, knowing the answer before she had even given her response.

            “Well, I see Leo up there. I need to talk to him about Charlotte. Good day, ladies!” Adeline said, bidding her friends goodbye.

            Genevieve then got up. “I must be going to the shop. James is probably wondering what happened to my ‘five minute break’. Goodbye, Lisette!” Genevieve called over her shoulder. Lisette sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. How she wished she could go to the city! But something’s changed, now. Griffin.

            Their causal friendship was growing, and Lisette wasn’t sure what to do about it. Griffin had already admitted his feelings for her; but Lisette wasn’t ready. She wasn’t sure what this was anymore and she had always had trouble with giving her heart to men. It wasn’t something Lisette liked to do.

            A cold wind blew through the town, and women wrapped their shawls tighter around themselves and men buttoned their jackets. A storm was coming.

            Women called in the children, and people bolted up their doors for the storm that was evident. Dark clouds rolled over the town, casting an ominous shadow over Charlottetown.

            Lisette walked into her home and closed the windows and doors, lit the fire and waited for Bruce to arrive home from his day of drinking, poker games, and bouncing around the town on a horse pretending to be important. It was only 6:00, but it was already getting dark out. A storm was coming.

            Lisette paced back and forth, fighting worry and hope as dusk turned into night. There was a soft knock at the door, and Lisette raced over and opened it, finding Griffin at her doorstep.

            “I saw Bruce at the tavern. Apparently he’s staying there in case a storm breaks out and he gets caught in it. He’s also drunk, but I figured you already knew that.” He said, stepping inside. Lisette sighed, indeed already knowing that her husband was drunk. It’s not like it hadn’t happened every other night for the past six months.

            “What about Myrtle? You should go home to your wife and baby, Griffin.” Lisette said disapprovingly. Griffin frowned and said, “I didn’t want you to be alone, either, Lisette. I’m more concerned about your safety than hers.” Griffin leaned in and tried to kiss her, but she turned away. Lisette wasn’t ready for that yet.

            “Griffin… I appreciate your concern, but you have more important things to worry about than me. I’ll be fine.” She said.

            Griffin’s frowned deepened as he dissected what she had just said. “Lisette, you are the most important thing to me now.” He cupped her face, and whispered, “Please, Lisette, just let me in.” She pulled away as the first flash of lightning lit up the sky. Thunder came almost immediately.

            “Griffin, go home. Your wife needs you.” Lisette said, pushing him away. Lighting flashed again, and the thunderclap was so huge that it shook the house. Lightning and thunder continued in a constant, eerie symphony. The next thunderclap came simultaneously with the flash, and a tree next to the house caught fire. It only made sense that the next thing it would strike was the tall house with the tin roof right next to it.

            By the time anyone knew what was happening, the roof was bowing in and smoke filled the room. Other villagers saw this and ran to the Woodson’s aide, but it was too late.

            By the time Bruce Woodson returned to his house the following morning, there was nothing left but ashes.  

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Sorry this took a little while to upload. I have a busy life, but I promise more soon.

What did you think of this scence? Does anyone like the whole Lisette/Griffin thing?

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--Eliz♥♥