The New World

Chapter Thirty-One

"After what they did to you, you want to go back?" Harold asked disbelieved. 

"Not all of them are like that," I answered quietly. I had this feeling that if they knew about Tecumseh, they would kill him so I wouldn't go back. And what scared me the most was that I wouldn't.

Mother scoffed, "Azaria, please! Stop this nonsense. You're brainwashed."

"I am not," I scowled at them. I just wanted to go home. That's all I wanted. I wanted to be with him. I didn't want to have to worry about Harold and Mother anymore.

"Azaria, we knew that you were going to have some trouble when we finally got you home, so we made arrangements for you. You'll feel better in no time," Harold smiled at me.

Bile rose to my throat, God, I could only imagine what it could be.

"Now go dress in something nice. We'll have a maid fix your face and hair," Mother chimed in.

I nodded and went to my room. Shuffling up the stairs and rummaging through my dresser with little effort. I finally picked something that wasn't too uncomfortable, but would satisfy Mother. By then the maid came in, a different one than this morning, and helped me get ready for the day.

To much of my protest, she bathed me and washed my hair. She did her best of decorating it with so little length. She curled it and pinned it up with fluff and a bow. She dressed me and put on my face. Once I looked like a doll, she smiled and set me off down to the living room.

Mother was waiting patiently and a small glimmer in her eye showed that she approved. "Come, we will wait on the patio," Mother led her way through the kitchen and out the door to the patio outside. The patio had the same tiles, surrounded by the same garden. Everything was left the same besides the crops' growth.

Mother made her way to a small metal table with matching chairs, decorated with polished tile chips. We both sat and waited in silence. The day was warm, the wind rustling our dresses. I ached for the wind to run its fingers through my hair again, to caress my bare legs. I felt so constricted in these costumes. The strong winds brushed the dark clouds across the sky.

Today reminded me on the day Harold almost shot the natives that came upon our land. It felt like years has past since that day. But it wasn't too long ago.

Mother continuously glanced at the door with her grey orbs. I sighed, "How long must we wait?" I asked, impatient. I did not mind being outside. I minded being outside with her.

She looked to the door, "Patience. He will be here soon."

I gave her a questioning look, "He?"

Her thin lips pressed into a smile, focusing on the door. I turned to look, no one was there. I turned back to her, "What?" I questioned.

She shook her head, giggling, "Do not look until I say, alright? I want to make sure everything is perfect."

I muttered under my breath, agreeing. What felt like too many ages had passed, Mother squealed quietly, "Okay, he's here. Stand up, but don't look yet."

I did what I was told and stood. Mother hurried behind me. I heard the door open and then click close. I moaned, Watch it be a puppy.

With hushed voices behind my back, Mother finally spoke up, "OK, Azaria. Turn around."

I looked to see my present. He was tall, several years my senior, blond, smoldering eyes, handsome. I felt my eyes widen and my stomach drop. My knees became weak at the familiar sight. There he stood, in all his glory, was Will.