Chapter one
The sun was beginning to set. So I had to hurry if I wanted to get there on time without being questioned. My pace quickened to a jog. Night was started to creep faster, along with steps. At last I made it, to my beloved Wendla. She was waiting for me at our usual meeting place. A special spot close to the river but still hidden to the untrained eye by the trees of the forest. We had been coming here for weeks now. Sneaking out after dinner, while our parents thought that we were in our rooms preparing for sleep. But after Wendla began to show, her parents had disowned her. Kicked her out and told her she had bought it on herself. Ever since then Isle and myself have been the only ones to see her. I was bringing her everything that she may need, or requested – which wasn't mch, she was always too selfless to worry about herself – but most of what I brought was at a guess by me.
"Wendla, are you feeling okay tonight." My worries for her were growing by the day. I didn't like her sleeping out here but we had rigged a pretty decent shelter up for her. We had tried the hay-loft but my father had nearly caught us and if he had saw Wendla, our secret would be up.
"Yes thank you Melchior. I was beginning to think that maybe yo were caught by someone." She was frowning slightly. The little worry lines between her eyes highlighted.
"Nope. Never. I'm as sly a fox." This made her giggle. Oh that Giggle. It was the most amazing sound in the world.
Her face slightly hardened. "will yo stay with me tonight. It was a tad chilly last night." Darn. I should have bought some more blankets.
"why didn't you say anything this morning. I would have gotten you some more."
"it doesn't matter, you don't have to stay if you don't want to. I'm sure I'll be fine tonight."
"Wendla, of course I will stay with you. But remember, yo have to start taking care of yourself better, of both of youse better." I put my hand on her bloated stomach. It wasn't very big but it was clearly there.
"Yes, Yes, I know. Hey Melchi can we go back? I'm feeling a little sleepy." She was looking slightly pale in the light the moon was providing.