Captured [The Patriot Fanfic] ON HOLD

Chapter 18: Indebted

  "Blythe." Gabriel called as he entered the tent with a small plate in hand, closing the flap behind him.  Blythe slowly and painfully arose in lieu that since Benjamin designated her within a seldomly-used tent, she had found herself much deprived of rest. She adjusted her cape  over her chest as she sat up, realizing it had now grown dark.

  "Come eat something." He came closer with the small metal plate. 

  "How long have I been asleep?" She questioned as she glanced up at him in his long-sleeved collared shirt and light rider trousers.

  "About a good portion of the day." 

  "Oh God, are you serious?"

  "Yes Blythe. But you must have needed rest after such an elopement." He handed her the scratched metal plate and a discolored utensil. Blythe stared down at the small ration of meat and the two small square loaves of bread beside it.

   "Thank you. Have you eaten Gabriel?"

    "Blythe do not worry about me, I'd rather see that you are alright first." He slightly smiled. "May I?" He eyed the space beside her.

    "You may." She nodded as he seated himself a few inches apart from her left side as she took a small bite of the toughened meat that somehow sent a queasy feeling to her stomach.

  "You were brave to have escaped." He spoke after a lingering silence. "You have earned my admiration, you know."

Blythe peeped up as she took another measly bite before proceeding to speak. "Gabriel,"

His hazel eyes widened, giving her his attention; waiting for her response. 

 She  swallowed a tad bit more nauseated.  "I never got a chance to thank you."

  "What for Blythe?"

  "That day, when I was imprisoned. You had given me assurance to endure my arrest, I hadn't thought of it till now."

  "Blythe-"

  "No Gabriel, had it not been for you or your father that day, I would be dead."

  "Blythe, do no say such."

   " But it is true, I think about it now and I-I could have taken my own life... But I didn't. Both of you gave me... hope. For that I am indebted to you and your father." Blythe solemnly took a bite of the hardtacked dough and as she peered up to view the empathetic soldier whose warming hazel eyes grew misty. 

  "That day, I could not help but see the pain in your eyes. I just never thought that day would impact my life so heavily. I had barely known you and they treated you so cruel, they took Thomas' life as if he were nothing in their eyes."

  Blythe stared down as she heavily gulped down the rising, nauseous lump within her throat; unable to eat much more. She placed a hand atop his shoulder, her lips trembled. "He was courageous to try and save you, and I'm sorry I just wish it had been me that day. He didn't deserve it."

  Gabriel suddenly pulled her into a protective envelopment until Blythe could hear herself sniveling; not wanting to even think of the cruel Butcher side of William. 

   "I am just grateful knowing that you are safe now."  He broke the chivalrous embrace, blotting a tear away with his sleeve. He slowly arose brushing off a few twigs that clung to his trousers. 

   "Will you be alright in here for the night?" 

   "Yes Gabriel, thank you." She peeked up as he made his way to exit, his sandy blonde hair appeared dark in the dim ambery light as he peered back at her before turning to depart, leaving her alone in the dimming light with her rarely eaten food nearby that almost made her squeamish. She set it next to the cot as she adjusted the cape over her her body, curling into a fetal position and pulling out her phone from the pocket of her crossbody purse, her ears plugged, awaiting to hear what would ring in her ears, but just as she was about to press play, the tears clouded her vision.

   " What have I done?" She cried silently as her stomach lurched in pain she felt for leaving the one she knew lacked love.