Against the Stars

Chapter 53

Ginny spent the next few days hovering in disbelief. She and Celia were leaving. She didn't know when, she didn't know how, all she knew is they were. It didn't seem real. Ginny couldn't believe that after all Mother's work to keep her in Virginia, she was leaving.

Ginny knew they needed to plan. You couldn't just run away with any plan. That would be suicide and Ginny loved life to much for that. They would be well prepared out they wouldn't go.

As soon as she could, Ginny headed down to Celia's house. They had decided to meet there for a place to plan. Ginny was nearly jumping up and down from excitement as she knocked on the door.

Ginny heard someone call, "I've got it, I've got it, don't get it!" And run for the door. Ginny chuckled silently.

Celia opened the door, a wide smile on her face. "Hello Ginny. I'm so glad you could make it," Celia said, closing the door. "Where should we had off to?"

Ginny thought for a moment. "The midnight maple tree."

"What is that?"

"Follow me, I'll show you."

Ginny led Celia out into the town. A July heart burned down them, and soon Ginny was swearing in her many layers of skirts. She wished she could run free in breeches one again.

The town seemed quiet. There was probably another reason the quiet, but to Ginny it was because Ben was gone. He took most of the laughter and joy of her life. He had left her stranded on a isle of fear, worry, and pain.

The two girls approached the midnight maple tree. Ginny motioned for cells to sit down at the base of the tree. Ginny closed her eyes and remembered all the times she and Ben had spent sitting here. She thought of all the memories that lay deep inside the tree. They were a part of the tree, and the tree, a part of them.

"Why is it called the midnight maple tree?"

"No reason," Ginny said, not ready to explain. It was to close to her soul to be removed just yet.

"Do you have any ideas on how we'll get there?"

"Sorry to tell you, but we'll have to ride."

"I assumed the least."

"Celia," Ginny said, suddenly panicked, "what are going to do about these?" She asked, gesturing to her skirts. "Two girls on there own  will be suspicious."

Celia paused for a moment. "We'll chop off our hair and wear breeches!"

"Excuse me?" Ginny cried, shocked.

"It's fool proof. Nobody will notice. If you don't want to do it, that's all right. I'll do it and say your my sister!" Celia paused. "I can do a good man's voice," she said, drastically lowering her voice.

"You can't do that! Your hair..."

"...Will grow back. It's all right. My name can be Cecil. No one will know."

"Oh Ginny! It'll be all right. I promise. We'll meet back here another time and plan some more. See ya around," Celia said, leaving Ginny alone.

Ginny closed get eyes and laid back against the . This was happening, this is real, see repeated over and over in her head. It didn't seem true. She was running, leading everything behind. For what? Almost no gain.

Was it worth it to leave her family? They had already lost so much, could Ginny really make them suffer more? It didn't seem fair.

Ginny opened her eyes and looked around the place she had called home for nearly a year. The bustling little town, full of life and love.

Williamsburg blossomed in the summer, despite the horrible heat. Flowers bloomed, trees showed bright green leaves to the world, and the sky seemed to be a great ending blue. Did Ginny really want to leave all this behind? Could she leave it all behind?

Yes.

Ginny could and she would. It was time to loosen the grasp around her neck. It was the time to fight for what is right. It was time for Ginny to stand up to all that held her down. She was not an itty bitty weakling and she would prove it. She was strong, and she knew it. Now it was time to show everyone else.

Ginny pulled herself up and began early home, knowing this could be one of the last times. She starred at every little thing, memorizing this place. She refused to let herself forget. This town part of her and always would be no matter what happened.

She could not forget it.