THIRTEEN FOR DINNER

Twenty-two

TWENTY-TWO

            It’s been a little over a week since I began working for the Underground Railroad. I’ve met cargo in the carriage house three times now. It’s quite fulfilling even though I don’t do much. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to creep through hidden tunnels and escort people to their rooms. Still, it’s rewarding to see the look on their faces when they enter a room that could rival a presidential suite.

            It’s also been a little over a week since Quillan kissed me. The two of us have grown close, despite our best efforts not to. I can still remember the sensation of his lips on mine. No matter how much time passes I don’t think I will ever forget that feeling. Unfortunately that is my curse. According to Quillan, my memory of this little adventure will stay with me as I travel back to the future without him.  Again, I try and push the thought from my mind.  

            We have eighteen days left before the fateful hanging of Lunar Wilson. The countdown of both events causes my stomach to churn. Things have been going pretty smoothly so to keep up our story Quillan has secured a piece of land in town making it appear that he is opening up the savings and loan he promised. He had a brilliant idea of enlisting the help of Lunar and the Wilson boys for the construction of the building. James Faulkner was more than eager to lend Lunar and his brothers out, hoping he would get special privileges once the savings and loan opened. However, we only get their help for a short period of time since the harvest of the rice crop begins next week. Having Lunar and his brothers in such close proximity to us, is beneficial allowing us to have our secret meetings for the Underground Railroad without sneaking off to the run down shack.

            It’s a beautiful day. The heat has taken a drop and the humidity isn’t as high. I am bringing food to Quillan and the boys. It’s nearing lunch time. Emily insisted on helping but I know she is coming along just to be near Lunar. She hasn’t confessed her love for him to me yet and I am surprised since she and I are growing closer every day. I’m sure going to miss her, my heart suffers at the thought so again I push it away. I’m getting good at this.

            Quillan is up on the roof with Lunar when we pull up in the carriage. Both are so into their work they do not notice our arrival. I sit and watch a moment before exiting the carriage. Both guys are shirtless, sweating profusely, and have their hair pulled back in a ponytail, Lunar with all his dreads in tow. I know Quillan must feel a sense of wonderment working side by side with his father and I’m wondering if Lunar feels the connection. I glance over at Emily who is taking in the view as well. A faint smile displays itself in her eyes trying hard to push through the haunting pain diluting her joy. She must feel my gaze because she removes her stare from the boys and cast her eyes on me. For the first time ever she doesn’t put on her happy mask and act as if everything is hunky dory. Instead we just sit there and stare at each other, two heart sick women who have love stories we are not permitted to share.

            “Lunch is here!” I yell up to the roof. The hammering stops when Quillan sees me. I notice the light sparkle in his eyes when he does. I can’t help but smile as I lift the picnic basket into the air. I dole out the sandwiches; forgetting that whites don’t serve colored people. The Wilson boys look a bit reluctant at first until I assure them I’ve washed my hands. Jeb is the first to laugh and take the offered food. Besides no one is paying much attention to what is going on over here anyway.  I catch Emily and Lunar stealing glances at each other but try not to let on like I notice. It’s a funny thing, this life. Time will separate me and Quillan forever and as tragic as it is, it separates Emily and Lunar too. Their love is too progressive for the time period in which they were born. Someone somewhere made a rule that they couldn’t be together, their skin color doesn’t match, even though their spirits are the same.