Fornicator

Proctor of Salem

John Proctor, throughout his life, has always been the first pick for everything. For games with other children, for marriage he married the wealthiest woman in town. No matter what, Proctor always came up on top. Of course, this did not come without much annoyance from neighbors, warring with Thomas Putnam over land, arguing with Reverend Parris over how their community should be ruled. He had a small following in Salem, of most Godly people following their word of God, not the word of God through the eyes of Parris. It was no real secret that Proctor hated Parris, as it was no real secret that his affection for his wife had dwindled in the past year.

Seven months earlier than when Betty Parris and Ruth Putnam became bewitched, Parris's niece, young Abigail Williams worked for the Proctor family. She was discharged from her service because of an intimate relationship with John Proctor. The affair had made Proctor's marriage to Elizabeth strained on their best day. It left their two sons to witness the constant bickering and cold stares. Proctor hated putting Abigail on the high road, both because of his thoughts toward her and because he knew she couldn't take no for an answer.

Although Proctor's mind told him that Abigail was wrong, and their affair was sinful, his heart was tender yet for the young girl. He felt no love, nor much remorse when she was sent on the high road, yet he still felt her presence in his heart. He knew that he had never loved her, although, if you asked Abigail, she'd tell you quite the opposite. That was the thing with John Proctor, he put his family first. In another world, perhaps him and Abigail were in love, truly, yet again he felt nothing more than sorrow and softness toward the girl so young. Perhaps he was lying to himself, yet it seemed that the feelings he knew to be true were the truth. The one person in the world that he should love, that he should share intimacy with, his wife, he was colder and colder to daily. Again, the main sufferers of this horrible affair were the children. They were never informed of the affair, and were innocent witness to Abigail's departure.

The children adored Abigail, and she them. She, in more ways that the boys could know, was almost a second mother to them. She cooked for them, cleaned, dressed them, helped bathe them, and even played with them (although it should be noted that often, her temper took control and she lashed out at the boys). The boys had grown distant from their mother, whom, while sick, never paid attention to them. The youngest boy knew nothing but coldness from both parents, and he was the closest to Abigail. Since day one, she was truly the woman that they could go to, as opposed to their mother. Along with the affair, this enraged Elizabeth, making her children have less and less love for her. This toxic environment took a toll on everyone, and most of all John.

Unlike Hale, Proctor had never truly known feelings so unnatural. Of course, when he was a child he had his fair share of sin, but it would always be some young girl in town that he had wooed. His sin was rooted in lust, yes, but the Proctors of Salem were never the most Godly folks in the town. His reputation for a good working man did not proceed him, especially in the past year or two.

Despite all of this, Proctor was a highly regarded man in the town. People listened to him, and people loved him. If he said something was one way, it was that way. He knew in his heart however, that it was all a lie, and the guilt couldn't be shaken.

Had he loved her? Was any of it real? And what of his wife, poor, sick Elizabeth Proctor, the woman who cared too much for her sinful husband. Elizabeth did not do any wrong, at least in Proctor's eyes. She was subservient, she knew her prayers, and she had bore him two healthy sons. Yet, he still betrayed her, and when she found out, she did not expose him or tell a single soul.

The seven months since the ending of the affair had been Hell for Proctor at home. His only solace was speaking with his most loyal friend and neighbor, Giles Corey. Corey was a long time friend of the Proctor family, having been neighbors for so many years. Corey supported Proctor in every endeavor that he underwent, including supporting his hatred for Parris. Sometimes they'd go to town, to Church not so often, but to court a lot. Proctor lived for speaking to the town. His charisma proceeded him, and he was often able to sway a judge with his words in court. He felt exhilarated and high when he spoke to a crowd, and people would often tell him to run for an elected position, however Proctor was not fond of the idea of working with Parris.

One specific day, there was talk in the town of witchcraft. According to Cheever, two girls, the Putnam girl and little Betty Parris where supposedly bewitched by the slave Tituba. Proctor was interested in finding out what all of the fuss was about, and went into town. There he saw him.

A small and rather authoritative man, with hair to his shoulders, dirty blond. His eyes were blue-green, and his smile warm. Proctor immediately came to his aid with his books, making note of their weight. The reverend from Beverly smiled and glared into Proctors eyes.

"They're weighted with authority," and off he went.