Freedom Train

April 12, 1963 Pt.4

April 12, 1963 Pt. 4

It took some convincing on Henry's part, but eventually the four of them made their way through the woods and toward Lizzie's house. Annabeth was awake now, but Terry insisted on carrying her through the trees. Sandy's ankle throbbed each time she put pressure on it but she refused to be carried. Instead, she allowed Henry to support her weight with an arm around her waist as they trotted through the forest and eventually out into the clearing that led to Lizzie's.

Liz rushed forward as soon as she saw them break through the trees, as did Ronny and Bobby who both hurried to Terry and Annabeth's side.

"Gee, fellas, don't worry about the hobbling gimp over here," Sandy muttered under her breath to the amusement of Henry who chuckled at her words as they continued forward.

"How are you feeling Annabeth?" Bobby was quick to ask as the boys followed stride beside them.

"Are you doing okay, sis?" Ronny sputtered out at the same time.

"A little lightheaded, but fine," Annabeth replied to them. "I would've walked on my own by Terry insisted."

Bobby rolled his eyes.

"I bet he did."

"Welcome," Mr. Pritchard greeted as they finally reached the dirt patch in front of the stairs of the old farm house.

"Thank you, Sir, for having us," Terry greeted.

Mr. Pritchard was a view to behold, to say the least. Henry's eyes bugged out from his head at the vision of the large white man. The poor boy looked ready to run at the drop of a dime, much to the amusement of Sandy- who felt his hand grip her waist a little bit tighter at the mere sight of him. Lizzie walked to Henry's side and took Sandy from his grip, helping her walk toward the steps to sit down.

Mr. Pritchard held his hand out to Henry.

"Samuel Pritchard," he greeted.

"Henry, Sir," Henry replied, giving his hand to the man who stood at least six inches taller than him.

Henry and Terry had never seen a man quite so tall and physically built. They were both considered larger men themselves, neither one of them under 6' or 180 pounds. But this man seemed a giant, even in comparison to them.

"I'd shake your hand, son, but you seem to have them full," he said to Terry with a friendly clap on his shoulder.

"Terry, Sir," he replied with a smile.

"Enough of this Sir nonsense, boys. You can call me Sam, as all my friend's do. Or hell, even Papa Pritchard like the ladies do," he replied with a husky chuckle. "May I?" he asked, referring to taking hold of Annabeth.

Terry was reluctant to let her go until he saw Annabeth's eyes light up at the sight of the behemoth man. Papa Pritchard reached forward and lifted Annabeth from Terry's arms as if she weighed no more than a sack of feathers.

"How are you feelin', darlin'?" he asked as he began to walk with Annabeth toward his waiting pick-up truck.

"Better now that I get to see your handsome mug," she replied with a teasing smile.

Papa Pritchard laughed and leaned forward, kissing the girl's forehead.

"We've sure missed you around here, Annabeth."

"I've missed you, too, old man," she replied.

"I see all the talk about why you left is true," he teased with a quick glance to Terry who followed close behind them.