Revolutionary Love {The Patriot Fanfiction} Part 1

Chapter 5 ~ The Assembly

As usual I do not own the movie The Patriot. Most of the dialog used is from the movie. I don't own anything except how I enter my character Hope into the story. Enjoy!

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"Benjamin!" I hurried down the hall after him while he walked with Aunt Charlotte and Gabriel towards the door. Thomas was already in the carriage. 

Today they were on their way into town where Benjamin was to discuss matters of whether South Carolina goes to war or not and I wanted to attend but Benjamin had thought it better I stay with Abigail and the children. 

I refused to let this chance slip from my grasp.

Besides, James was supposed to be there and I was looking forward to maybe seeing him. Who knew of the possibilities?

"Yes, Hope?" Benjamin finally turned to me as Gabriel and Charlotte went out to the carriage.

"May I please attend the meeting?" I pleaded.

"I don't know. It really isn't a place where a young lady of your age should go. It would be best for you to stay here." He sighed a bit and straightened his waistcoat.

"I understand," I agreed honestly. "but how many times will I ever be able to attend one of these conventions again? This is history. Please allow me this chance, Benjamin?" I smiled a little and knew he was defeated.

"Alright, come along Hope. We don't want to be late."

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Benjamin and Aunt Charlotte led the way to what I assumed was the Assembly Hall inside Charleston's City Hall. It had many elevated benches above a lower area where a man in a Continental Army uniform sat in a chair by the corner - visibly the rank of Colonel.

His eyes scanned the people whom entered and as Benjamin made his way down to the few chairs at the speaking platform, I saw James in a seat looking almost amused that he was even here. I excused myself from Aunt Charlotte and hurried down to the first row with my dress in hand. Aunt Charlotte seemed to giggle as she watched me lean slightly over the railing above James.

"James Wilkins is it?" I asked softly.

He spoke before turning, "It is." He was very collected but as he turned his eyes widened, smiling now at the sight of me. Instantly he folded the paper in his hands and placed it on the floor as he stood, taking my hands in his."Oh, Hope. How are you? I did not think I would find you here."

I smiled kindly in return. "I am well, I just came to listen." He smiled and nodded, letting go of my hands.

"Who are you here with? Pray tell." He straightened his coat - his brown eyes sparkling.

"Oh well I'm here with Benjamin Martin. We're staying with his late wife's sister."

"Ah, Charlotte. Yes she is a very kind hearted woman. I do hope you all are having a great stay thus far here in Charleston?" James' hands went behind his back as he spoke, standing proud. I simply nodded before something began thumping.

"Order!" A man in a white powdered wig shouted over the crowd who was growing louder.

"I must go. We'll speak soon?" James quickly asked before I hurried off.

"Of course!" I shouted back, only loud enough for him to hear as I hurried back up the steps and found my seat with Charlotte, Gabriel, and Thomas, second from the aisle. Gabriel sat at the seat next to the aisle, and then it was myself, Aunt Charlotte, and then Thomas.

The room was filled with many towns people and at the floor were assemblymen, Benjamin and James amongst them. I watched as Benjamin took his seat. The crowd of about two dozen angry, yelling, men of property were obnoxious; throwing out their thoughts on whether South Carolina was to join the rebellion against the British or not.