H E R ~ A R T H U R M O R G A N

thirty-two; im sorry

         "Love recognizes no barriers
          it jumps hurdles, leaps fences
          penetrates walls to arrive at its
          destination full of hope."
           ~ maya angelou

__________

 

     The next morning as the birds chirped and the animals chattered Gwen laid awake in Arthur's arms as he slept soundly behind her, a gentle but firm grip around her waist. Her hand rubbed small circles on her stomach as she thought about the baby—what would he or she be like? Would they be like Arthur? Sweet,loving and fearless. Or would they be like Gwen? Soft,delicate and adventurous.

  Eventually, Gwen rolled out of Arthur's grip and sat on the edge of the cot. She took a glance at Arthur, noticing a faint smile on his face. He looked peaceful when he slept...but he was still sick. She got dressed for the day in a dress she had borrowed from Abigail and the more the thoughts of Arthur being sick flooded her mind she could feel the nausea building in her stomach; quickly pulling on her boots she rushed outside the tent, emptying her stomach just a few feet away from the entrance. Gwen heard someone walk up behind her before feeling her hair being pulled back and small circles being rubbed on her back.

"I've been there."Abigail spoke with a small  understanding smile and Gwen didn't have the nerve to tell her it wasn't because of the baby but because Arthur was sick and she wasn't sure if he would survive. And that thought alone scared the crap out of her. She didn't want to think of a world without Arthur Morgan in it. He just needed to get out of the gang right? And go somewhere nice and warm. Micah was nothing but a serpent hissing in Dutch's ear. He was different from when she first joined the gang, he looked at her different. The glares from across the camp, Arthur never noticed but Gwen did.

   Dutch always made sure to make the snide comments out of ear shot from Arthur. Nobody knew she was pregnant, just the Marston's and Arthur. What would Dutch do if he found out she was carrying Arthur's child? "—Gwen?"Abigails voice was soft and gentle as she pulled Gwen from her thoughts. "Hmm? I'm sorry."the younger girl apologized but Abigail waved her off. "It's okay...if you're alright I'm gonna head back and check on Jack."

  Gwen assured her she was fine and watched Abigail disappear inside her tent. She stood to her feet and headed back to hers and Arthur's tent. He was still sleeping when she stepped back inside, his back was facing her as soft snores fell from his parted lips. Gwen sat on the edge of the cot and pulled out the crumpled piece of paper from her satchel she had shoved mindlessly inside. She unfolded it and stared down at the crinkled paper with black ink wrote neatly across the white background.

Dear Gwendolyn,

I was very surprised to have gotten a letter from a Mr. Bell, Micah Bell was it? He assured me that I could get you back in one piece....but that your outlaw would have a big problem with that. Said Mr.Van der Linde or Hoagey McIntosh was it?  Well he was all for you coming back home. So in order to not watch your outlaw hanged for kidnapping I want you to pack all of your belongings and come back home Gwendolyn. Your mother and I are staying just outside of Saint Denis; You will not be punished for what you've done, but if you do not agree your precious outlaw and the rest of that filth will be hanged by morning. Choose wisely Gwendolyn Rose.

Love, your dear loving father

Gwen's heart dropped as her eyes scanned the words written down on the paper. Micah and Dutch both sold her out...she knew they didn't like her. Gwen crumpled the letter up and shoved it back inside her satchel, she had received the letter a couple days ago. She hid it from Arthur because she didn't know how'd he react. She had to leave...to protect Arthur. She needed to, surely they wouldn't hurt her with her bearing a child would they? Maybe she didn't know her father so well after all.

__________

It was later that night when everyone in the camp was fast asleep besides Gwen who had her a small bag packed with very few clothes, she knew she wouldn't need much. But deep down she knew she would be punished for how she left, how she got out of that horrible family. But now she was being forced back, by the man who Arthur considered a father. All for what? Was her father paying Dutch? Even after all the stuff with Cornwall and the Braithwaites and the Grays. Christopher Washington was a horrible horrible man and Gwen was ashamed to call him her father. She was ashamed to carry the Washington name.

Thoughts of her brother flooded her mind as she sat down to write a goodbye letter to Arthur...to the Marstons...to everyone whom she's grown close to. What would Jacob think? Mary was due to have the baby any day now and he didn't need this stress. She didn't want to do this but it was the only way to keep her father from turning Arthur in. Maybe Charles could take Arthur up to the Wapiti Indian Reservation.

Dear Arthur,

Oh my sweet sweet Arthur...I love you deeply Arthur Morgan. You've changed my life for the better...my whole life I've dreamt of what it would be like to live a life of danger, to feel what adrenaline was like. And I have because of you my love....Im sorry I'm writing this I know it's not what you want to hear. Dutch and Micah have done something bad Arthur; you need to talk to them both and find out why I had to go...I love you. Our baby will be safe I promise...and you'll always be my outlaw Arthur Morgan. This isn't goodbye it's just see you later...things are gonna change soon I promise.

Love, Gwen your sweet delicate flower

P.S I'm sorry.

Gwen folded up the letter to Arthur and left it on her side of the cot for him to find in the morning. He was sleeping soundly next to her with one arm tucked behind his head and the other draped across his stomach. She eventually gathered up the courage to pickup her bag and leave....leave the man she loves behind to return to her power hungry father who wished death upon the gang she'd grown so close to. Would this be the last time she'd see them? Her heart ached at the thought of never seeing the girls again, of never watching little Jack grow up. I'm sorry Arthur.

   And with one last look towards Arthur, who stirred lightly before stilling and began snoring once again; Gwen left camp while the tears streamed down her face with thoughts of Arthur Morgan and their unborn child on her mind and how she was doing this to protect them.

Authors Note:
Booooo ;P sorry it suckeddddd

But pregnant Gwen is now off on the road alone, heading back to her dreadful horrible parents ;(

Thank you lovelies🥰!  criticism is accepted!