Freedom Train

April 12, 1963 Pt. 3

*** April 12, 1963 Pt. 3

"Is everyone alright? Is Annabeth okay?" Ronny asked quickly once Bobby and Sandy told them of the accident.

The four of them stood behind the house after their initial greetings, talking in hushed tones as to not draw attention from Mr. Pritchard.

"Everyone else is fine, but Annabeth hit her head. We need a ride into town, so she can see a doctor. But first, we need to get her out of the woods and into a car."

"What is she doing in the woods?" Liz asked, confused.

"There's a cabin hidden there. It was the only place we could think to bring her."

"And Terry and Henry are with her?" Liz asked again, not knowing the boys personally but hearing stories from Sandy and A.B.

"Yes." Bobby confirmed.

"We can bring Annabeth into Audumnly, but there's no way we can bring those boys through town to sit in Dr. Marcus' waiting room."

"That's why you'll bring them here," Papa Pritchard interjected, coming from the side of the house, wiping his grease stained hands on a ragged, red towel.

All eyes turned his way.

"I couldn't help but overhear your situation."

"Daddy, you were eavesdropping," Liz lightly scolded.

"Maybe so," the big man smiled. "Sandy, go back for your friends. All of them."

"Sir," Ronny interjected. "I mean no disrespect when I ask, but- You're aware that Terry and Henry are black men?"

"Son, I don't care if they're grass green. They're human beings and it sounds like ya'll are in need of some help."

Sandy and Liz smiled up adoringly at the amazing man in front of them. Liz walked up to her father's side, wrapping an affectionate arm around his burly waist.

"Thanks, Daddy," she said.

Papa Pritchard squeezed his daughter's shoulders quickly before turning his attention back toward the group.

"As I was saying, Sandy. Get your friends. Bobby, Ronny. You boys and I are going to go out to the road and see about towing those cars back here to get em' back in working order. Lizzie, darlin', you see about setting up the guest room for our visitors. I reckon they'll be staying the night."

***

"...And then Jamal said, 'I wouldn't have to have to hold the dog by his legs if he kept his teeth to himself!" Terry laughed, finishing the punch-line of an anecdote about his baby brother.

Annabeth laughed lightly, trying to keep her tired eyes open. She knew that it was important to stay awake after a head injury, but she couldn't help the heaviness that she felt behind her eyes. Her head was throbbing, although the ache had dulled some over time, and her body felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

Somehow, Terry had found himself underneath her, pillowing her head as they talked to one another. Rather, Terry talked and Annabeth did her best to listen and stay awake. Terry had begun to run low on stories as his worry for the girl he loved grew with each passing minute. Surely, Bobby and Sandy would be returning soon with help. Right?

Terry ran his hand up and down Annabeth's arm comfortingly as a lull in conversation passed over them. Annabeth's breathing started to even out and Terry knew that she was beginning to fall asleep. Lightly, he shook her shoulder.

"Hey, now," he said. "Keep those beautiful eyes open."

"I'm awake," she whispered.

"Good. Good," he sighed. "Since I got you here there's something I wanted to say to you."