American Gateways

The Escape

April 8th, 1774

The young girl shifted under the blankets with a groan. It was early in the morning, and her hair was a mess. There was a dresser that had been pushed in front of a door and a painting of the King that seemed to be covering a hole in the wall. A chubby grey haired cat leaped onto the mattress and gave a lazy meow. “I don't want to get up,” the girl replied. It meowed again, but much louder—and in her ear. “Alright, Ciel! I'm awake!” she hissed.

Corentine was planning on waking up early. She just hadn't expected her drunken father to come into her room last night to give her a black eye. The Brit sat up, combing her fingers through her hair and letting out a yawn. Turning her head over to the mirror that sat by her table, she gasped at the sight before her. Her hair was a rat's nest and her left eye was bruised a dark purple. She sighed and crawled out of bed, groaning as she moved the dresser out of the door's way. Opening a drawer, Coren pulled out a red dress with black lace across the chest. She would be wearing this outfit for the next month or so. Voyages to America were very long trips, and she knew there would be little food for her and Ciel. They would have to take food from the ship that was meant for the soldiers on board.

She tossed the dress on and brushed her hair out, using it to cover her bruised eye. Grabbing her cat, Coren went to her bedroom door and opened it with caution, as not to wake her sleeping father. After his snoring confirmed his sleeping, she raced for the front door, closing it swiftly behind her.

She breathed in the fresh air and looked down the block towards the pier. Redcoats were already boarding. If she wanted to make it onto the ship, she'd have to hurry. Coren dashed towards the pier with Ciel curled up in her arms.

This was it ; freedom was just feet away!