By the River

Chapter 6

Author's Note:

Sorry if this seems rushed, I started it and didn't finish until a few days later, so let me know if there are any continuity problems. I'll be posting the next chapter, which will pick up just after this one leaves off, in the next few days. Vote and comment if you enjoy!

Rosalie! Get yourself out of bed immediately! You're going to be late for Gideon," Cook said sternly as she pulled open the thick red curtains, allowing the midday light to stream into my room. Rolling over, I grumbled, "I'm still sick, let me sleep." I buried my head in my blankets and put on my best weak and sickly face. I felt Cook's strong footsteps move across the floor and she ripped the covers off my head and plonked her callused hand on my forehead. "You don't have a fever, girl, and I don't hear or see any other evidence that you are still sick. In fact, I'm sure some fresh air would do you good." She pulled the covers the rest of the way down my bed, leaving me open to the chilly morning air. "You have ten minutes, get going!" she called over her shoulder as she exited my bedroom.

I'd managed to be 'sick' on the Wednesday and Monday following that awful encounter with Gideon. Cook had barely bought my act then, but she had let it slide. Today she was obviously having none of that. I dragged myself out of bed, noting again how icy the floor was without slippers. I quickly readied myself, for fear of Cook's wrath if I took too long, and pulled on my old boots as I slipped into the hallway. I hoped I wouldn't have another encounter with the brambles, tearing another pair of stockings would not be pleasant. As I entered the kitchen, Cook shoved the dreaded basket into my hands and bustled me out the door. "You be good now, and don't come back with that basket full like last time, I ended up giving it to Miles to get rid of it," she said sternly before she turned and hurried back inside.

I sighed. I did not anticipate this being a very pleasant day for me. No doubt Gideon would be in a mood again and I would have to deal with the backlash. I strode quickly across the lawns towards the fence where I had met him the other day and found that I could not see him anywhere. "I swear, if that boy has gone back on this arrangement I'll..." I was cut off by a grumble of, "I'm here, I'm here. Don't get excited." He was sitting on the grass leaning against a fence post on the other side of the road, and seemed rather slow in getting to his feet. He put all his weight on his right arm and turned slightly to get a grip on the fence and pull himself up. When he finally stood, he leant his weight on his right leg and was obviously not trying to show his discomfort as he crossed the road and climbed over the fence. He looked at the basket in my hands and then up at me from under his furrowed brows, and his eyes were tired – duller than before. They were more grey than blue now and the speckles that dotted his face stood out against the sheer whiteness of his skin. "Are you feeling alright?" I asked, trying to sound gentle – though it was difficult to be anything but harsh when speaking to him. He broke eye contact, "I'm fine, let's get going."

We began the walk back to the tree line and it was less of struggle to keep up with his long loping stride. Today he trudged across the lawns, wincing every now and then. When we reached the trees, he turned as he had before to head towards my section of woods. As we walked through the dense trees he asked in a strained voice, "How was your week?" I glanced at him to my left, raising an eyebrow. Was he really trying to be amiable? "I've been sick, actually," I replied tersely. He was silent for a few moments, obviously not knowing how to respond. "Well I hope you're better now," he finally mumbled, looking over at me. The surprise must have shown on my face, because he looked away abruptly and began walking more hurriedly between the trees. "Where are we going anyway, Gideon? I don't want to be walking into the depths of these woods for no reason."

He huffed and I thought I saw him roll his eyes before he looked over at me and stopped walking. "This does have a purpose, do not fear. We're almost there." After a few more minutes of walking we broke into a clearing that was rather familiar. The fronds of the willow tree brushed the surface of the water that was much higher now, as it had rained recently. I held back as I remembered the figure I had encountered the last time I was here. Gideon turned around, looking questioningly at me. I hurried towards him and we walked slightly downstream until we encountered a fallen tree. He simply walked into the water, not minding the damage it was probably doing to his leather boots, and turned around when I did not follow. "Come on, the tree is sturdy enough. I assume you don't want to dirty your shoes," he said amiably, but the underlying meaning had a sharp edge.