The Travellers

Chapter 2 - Fresh Start

When I woke the next morning it was to the slow fall of rain hammering against my tent. I struggled to maneuver my way into my only fresh clothing I had with me, a plain, brown dress that had been given to me by my Mother over five years ago. Luckily I haven't grown too much; I was tall but had my growth spurt when I was younger.

I didn't know what time it was but the sun had come up and was slowly lighting the sky. I waited until Em came to wake me up. She came from the main part of the camp, smiling when she saw I was already awake.

"You get up early like Sam; no one from our family ever gets up before Sam does. Are you hungry? Yes you must be, come on I'll get you breakfast." She was a smart six year old.

She walked off without waiting for a reply. I followed her, nervous now. I hadn't met anyone else from their family and was sure that most would oppose to me joining them.

At first I noticed Sam who seemed to be cooking breakfast of sausages and eggs. Marie and two other women were next to him and a group of men sat a few feet away from them eating. Marie noticed me and Em walking over and came to greet me with a hug.

"Now, everyone this is...umm what was your name? Sorry" she looked slightly guilty at not havig asked my name the night before.

"Rosa. My names Rosa"

"Rosa, what a lovely name. Well, Rosa this is everyone. We have Sam here," She pointed at Sam who seemed to be completely ignoring me.

"There's Jennie and Ivy and over there we have Robert, Matt and Henry." Everyone one smiled at me and after the introductions were over Ivy patted the seat beside her, offering it to me.

"Hi Rosa, I'm glad your joining us. Marie told us this morning, I could hardly believe it. Almost no one ever joins us. Sam never lets them. He must like you." She said with a suggestive smile.

"Oh no, I'm only staying with you until we come to the next town." Her excitement faded.

"I didn't mean to scare you off! I'm sorry-"

"Don't worry, you didn't. But no, I'm not staying for long."

"Well we're leaving now, come and help me and Jennie pack up?" They both stood up.

"Of course." We started taking down the tents and loaded them into the horse drawn carriage that had been partly hidden in the trees. There were five horses that Sam and Henry were preparing t travel as well. My first impressions of the Travellers were good, they seemed friendly enough. Apart from Sam, the only other person who seemed to have a problem with me was Jennie.

"Don't mind her. She's only jealous because she thinks Sam 'likes' you." Ivy said, noticing me looking at Jennie.

"Really?" This surprised me. She was very beautiful, with her long blond hair and curvy figure compared to my thin frame and plain brown hair she had nothing to worry about.

"She's like it with anyone who gets too close to him."

"Everyone ready?" Marie was stood a little down the road with Sam. Seeing that everyone was ready to leave they climbed onto the horse drawn cart and we set on our way.