Untamed

Chapter 22

(ELAINE)

I loaded my few belongings into a little bag then I strung it across my back. I was only taking a few things with me because I planned on returning soon. Just the essentials for the short time I would be away. As I adjusted the sack on my back then took a second to look around.

Even though I had every intention of coming back I couldn't help but wonder if this could be it. The last time in our room. I glanced around looking at everything of Ben's. It was just four walls with a fireplace. Nothing really to be all that upset over.

But I was upset.

Hot tears were brimming on my eyes. After everything that had happened I was finally in a place that I felt safe and now I would be leaving. I sniffed and tried to get my tears under control. I had already promised myself that I wouldn't cry. I wiped my tears away with the back of my hand and tried to get myself under control.

Standing in the middle of the room like that looking at everything had me distracted. I didn't even notice that Ben came into the room.

"You look beautiful." His words made me jump. He was referring to my new cloak. It was a thick dark green with white thread around the hem. It was simple but I loved it. Ben had it made just for the trip to keep me warm seeing as he wouldn't be there. He stepped towards me and wiped a tear away with his thumb. I felt my cheeks heat with embarrassment. It was just a house. Just timbers and rocks but it was my home. I didn't want to leave. I didn't want Ben to leave me. I didn't want to give birth on my own without my husband by my side.

"Thank you." I managed to get out. "I need to tell you something." I said looking at the floor.

"I know you don't want to go." He said wrapping his arms around me. "I don't want you to go either."

"Then I will stay." I slipped my bag off of my shoulder. But he caught it by the strap and slid it back into place on my shoulder.

"I will see you soon." He said. "It will just be a couple of weeks maybe a few months at the most."

Months? A lot could happen in just a few months. I would be the size of a house in just a few months.

"Ben."

He pressed his lips to my forehead. Taking the opportunity I wrapped my arms around his pulling me up and pulling him down. I kissed him for all that I was worth.

"You're doing a really good job at convincing me to let you stay." He chuckled. "Ellie. I'm serious. You can't be here it will be safer for you in Elondra with your family."

"You are my family." I finished lamely.

"I need to keep my family safe." He took my hand and pulled me out of the room. "It's time to go."

Reluctantly I followed him out dragging my feet as I went. It was now or never.

"Ben."

He leaned down and kissed me. Then he led me outside. He really wasn't going to let me say what I needed to say. Going to the river he helped me one more time over the fallen log. His hands resting on my waist much longer than necessary. His eyes searched my face.

"Ben. There's something I really need to tell you." I said planting my feet and looking him in the eye. "I love you." It wasn't a lie. It was true and it had been true for a while.

A smile lit up his face.

"I love you too."

I clung to him for a minute. I had to tell him before I left. He had to know.

"Won't you come with me? Come with me to Elondra." I pitifully begged like a child.

"I can't. The people need me."

"I need you." I whispered. How the tables had turned. I used to detest this man and now I was clinging to him like I would never see him again.

"I'll be fine. I promise you. We will be together again."

For a moment I stood there and committed this moment to memory. This perfect moment when we were together. I sighed contentedly then started walking with my hand in his. The river was just ahead of us. Barely visible through the trees but I could hear it.

On the water there were two large canoes. On one canoe was Ben's mother and a few of his sisters. The other had a few crates as well as the rest of Ben's siblings. Peter stood at the back of the boat with a paddle in his hand. At the front was a man that I didn't recognize who also had a paddle. They were all wrapped up in warm clothes sitting in the boat patiently waiting for me. Without warning Ben scooped me up in his arms then waded out into the freezing water that came up about a foot on his legs. He lifted me over the side of the boat then settled me in the back. Peter was next to me with a paddle in his hand.

"Good morning Ellie." He said welcoming me into the boat he reached down to ruffle my hair.

"Hello Peter." I said reaching back to slap his hand away.

Ben gave Peter a look that said everything. Mostly it said protect my family. Peter nodded. They understood each other. Then Ben turned to me staring at me. Probably memorizing me in the same way that I was memorizing him.

This could be it. This could be the last time that we saw each other. I wished that we had been able to spend more time together. I wished that I hadn't been so stubborn when we had first met. I wished that Roderick was just a story instead of a person who was threatening my entire world. I tried to remember everything about this moment so I could tell it to my child if Ben didn't make it.

Then Ben gave Peter a small nod and Peter shoved off from the bank. Ben and I maintained eye contact as the little boat caught a current.

"Wait." I whispered. Then slightly louder. "Stop the boat." I plead then I stood up bracing myself on Peter's shoulder. "Ben!" I screamed over the water. "I love you!" I shouted.

"I love you too!" he yelled back.

The tears overflowed as I looked at him standing on the shore. I opened my mouth and closed it again unsure of how to say what I needed to say. Peter nodded at the other oarsman and they gave the canoe a push with his paddle and we started easing out into the stronger currents.

It was now or never.

"I'm pregnant!" I hollered and Peter stopped the boat as he looked down at me with wide eyes. A giant smile spread over his lips as he watched my face turn bright red.

"What?" Ben yelled but it was obvious from his face that he had heard me. With great strength Peter and the oarsman turned the boat around inching us to the shore. Ben returned to the water and waded out further. The water rose up to his waist as he grabbed the side of the boat and pulled us closer.

"Ben you'll catch your death out here." I fussed.

"Tell me again." He pled.

"I'm pregnant." I said placing my hands on top of his.

"How long have you known." He asked searching my eyes.

"Awhile." I finally admitted my cheeks turning red from the amount of eyes watching our exchange. I looked at Ben's mother and she had a wide smile on her lips. His younger sisters were also smiling at me.

He reached out and cupped my cheek then kissed me gently on the lips. I knew what he was thinking. About me and the possibility of giving birth without him. Being alone. Our child. The possibility of our child never knowing its father.

More tears fell from my eyes. I noticed that he was crying as well.

"I hope she is as beautiful as you." He finally said.

"I hope he is as brave as his father." I countered.

"Take care of my family." Ben said to Peter then with one last look at me he pushed the boat away and returned to the shore. I looked back over my shoulder for as long as possible. All too soon we rounded a corner and Ben was gone from view. I settled back and got comfortable next to Peter. I felt the tears well up in my eyes and I attempted to blink them away but it was no use. My life in Chedix was gone. I couldn't help but feel like it was gone forever.