My Hands Hold My Story (Rough Draft)

Chapter Fourteen

It was the Sunday after my conversation with Simon that I realized something important, and once I saw it, I was amazed that I hadn't noticed it sooner. The day seemed hotter than usual, and no breeze blew to counteract the sun's rays. Once I was finished eating, I leaned back on the blanket my family had spread and watched everyone else. After all, what other entertainment did I have?

Watch the other people moving from blanket to blanket, and the children running and playing together was fun for me. It wasn't hard to see who were close friends, and who prefered to remain a little standoffish.

Before long, I noticed that Father had walked away to have a private conversation and my step-mother stood alone.

When I'd gone to my aunt's congregation in Springfield, there had been women who were expecting. Every Sunday, the women had flocked around those expectant mothers to chatter about the coming child and the preparations that had been done. With my stepmother's belly growing so big, I expected to see the same thing happen.

But I didn't.

Besides the reverend's wife, who had spoke to my family before the meal began, no one approached Cordelia. I saw many glance in her direction, but that was as far as it went. When I thought back to the few Sundays where I had attended church, I couldn't think of a single instance where someone had approached my step-mother. Yes, I had seen many speaking to Father and Cordelia had been by his side each time. I assumed she'd participated in the conversation, but after seeing her isolation, doubt crept in.

As I watched, Father gestured for his wife to join him and he addressed some statement to her. Her back was to me, so I couldn't see what she said. However, I could see the reaction of our neighbor. He gave a nod, acknowledging whatever it was Cordelia said, and then turned his gaze back to Father. A moment later, he moved on his way.

Why didn't anyone carry on a conversation with her?

I couldn't hide my curiosity, but I'm sure no one would realize what I was curious about. There wasn't a discreet way to ask Simon or anyone else, so I resolved to wait until later to find out what I could. Maybe her isolation was the reason for how she treated me. I knew all too well how awful it was to feel completely alone.

To distract myself, I turned my attention back to watching everyone else. I saw Anna with her friends near the pond. Someone say beside me, but I assumed it was Simon. When a hand touched my knee. Startled, I twisted around and found John Dover was the one who had taken a seat on the blanket next to me.

The grin on his face unsettled me. I grabbed his wrist and shoved his hand away. How could I make it clear that I had no desire for his attention?

"Go away," I said, pointing away.

He flinched, so I may have spoken a little louder than was necessary. Mr. Dover didn't make any move to leave though. Instead, he again reached his hand towards me. I slapped it away, glaring at him.

"Now Miss Steele," he said, his smile becoming strained.

Why was he so close to me? I shifted away, wishing one of my family would notice and come to my rescue. Did no one see? When I'd been observing them, everyone had been going about their business and conversation. What would it take for someone to come to my aid?

A shadow fell over me and I lifted my gaze. It was Remy, looking handsome cleaned up. He crouched down to be at my level. "Would you walk with me?" he asked, speaking in that considerately slow manner.

Relieved. I gave a nod and moved to scramble up. Remy straightened up and held his hand out to help me. I expected him to pull his hand away from me as soon as I was on my feet, but he didn't. He shifted his gaze to Mr. Dover, who had a scowl on his face. "Dover," I saw Remy say.