A Friendships Love - Settler series book 1 (Wattpad version, first draft)

Torn Away

Torn away

The next morning, Ash came down to the kitchen to find me. And that’s when she announced she was coming down to the village also. Mama helped us pack a few things into a basket. We would carry a smaller one, and then the boys, Nash and Charlie, would bring down a larger one with some fresh water, and milk, in jugs for us to drink.

We were both so excited; we hadn’t been down to the village for over a month. I had a book tucked into my apron pocket. I would see if I could borrow two this time from the exchange shop. Old Mr Peter liked my Pa so well; he only charged him a small fee for our family, which was actually just me, to be able to use the book exchange he offered. It was such a luxury that we even had anything like it in our village. Ash didn’t like to read as much as myself, but she had her small sketch paper with her. The view of the river from further down at the village would be a welcome change for her, to catch on the clean, white pages.

We turned to the sound of horses. Ash and I were still on the road between the manor, and our cottage. It was Nash and Charlie. They slowed right down and stopped in front of us.

“Come on little imps we'll give you a ride.” Nash said while reaching a hand out for Ash. I didn’t expect him to be that kind to me, so naturally Ash was his choice as riding companion.

“We are not imps thank you Nash. Haven’t you noticed how much we’ve grown up over the last year?” Ashley stuck out her chin, folded her hands in front of her, and waited for Nash to answer.

“Yes I have noticed, now would you like a ride or not?” Then, as an afterthought he added. “Lady Ashley”

Ash tapped her finger to her chin for a moment, and then, her face lightened up as it came to a decision. “Well only because you called me a lady Nash” Ashley giggle with delight, all the way into the saddle in front of Nash.

“Sorry Payt you’re with me. You have to sit in front too; I have the basket secured on the back.” I reached up and took hold of Charlie’s hand. He pulled me into the saddle as if I weighed nothing. And actually I did, I was quite “petite”.

“That’s ok Charlie, as long as, I don’t have to ride with Nash. I don’t know why he is so unkind sometimes.” I wiggled a little to get myself settled, and then I felt Charlies arm wrap around my middle. It was then that I got the strangest feeling. It was, as though, little butterflies had been let loose in my stomach, and they were trying to get out through my chest. And then I felt my cheeks burn. I was sure they were rosy. I’m glad he couldn’t see my face.

“I don’t think it’s because he doesn’t want to take you Payt, I mean, I think he would prefer to hold onto someone that wasn’t his sister, if he has the choice, which he did.”

“Oh.” It was all I could manage. I had no idea what was going on with my insides, but they weren’t working anymore. And then to make it worse, I felt Charlie smooth a piece of my fly- away hair behind my ear. My stomach flipped.

“Sorry Payt, but your hair may be the colour of cinnamon, but it sure doesn’t taste like it.” And then, we started moving off toward the village.

After a few moments of silence, Charlie asked.  “Where do you want to be dropped off Payt? Nash and I need to pick up some horse shoes from the smithy for these two." I assumed he was talking about the two horses Nash, and he came riding on." After that, we were told to meet you by the river behind the church.”

“Um” the words wouldn’t come to me for a moment, and I had to, really focus to answer. “Just to the exchange, I want to stock up a bit. I think we both have read this one, a few times.” I patted the place in my pocket where the book was.”