Title: Pearl
Rating: G
Summary: A quick glimpse into Pearl's life as an adult living in England after the end of the novel.
A/N: I wrote this for a creative response assignment in English class and figured I'd post it. Like most of my stuff, it's a short, one-shot sort of thing. Also, thanks to my muse and my beta for helping me!

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Pearl lay in the soft bed, looking around the bedchamber of the home she had purchased with the inheritance from Chillingworth. At the thought of him, her mind journeyed back to New England and the strange happenings of her childhood. That faraway land, once home, now seemed merely a vague memory of a beautiful wilderness tinged with the bitterness of the stern inhabitants.

Finally, after many years with only her mother for a companion, she had learned to trust other humans and acquired many friends. Though few here in England knew of her scandalous heritage, when she had worked up enough courage to tell her two closest friends, they had not scorned and abandoned her. How different from the Puritans' treatment of her mother and her back in the American colony!

The bright afternoon drew her gaze to her garden, visible through a large bay window. She longed to return to her work, weeding and pruning the many flowers, trees, and shrubs. She knew the wilderness had been striving to reclaim the flower beds and earthen paths during her long illness. She sighed, for the long time spent shut up indoors had taken a toll upon her free spirit.

A knock upon her bedchamber door caused her to turn her gaze inward once more. Come in! she called, knowing well who stood on the other side.

A blond-haired girl, a few years younger than Pearl, entered the room, followed by another woman, who bore a tray.

Hullo, Amber! Hullo Christine! Pearl greeted the two women in turn as Christine set the tray down on the beside table.

I'm glad you're on the mend, Christine said as she handed her friend a steaming bowl of chicken and noodle soup, indicating she should eat. Soon you will be well enough that you shall get out of bed.

That's good! I'm going mad sitting here all day. I need to get outside and tend to my garden.

Amber laughed, busying herself with small chores here and there. Pearl had no servants, preferring to do most everything herself. Her independence was a result of her unusual upbringing on the outskirts of the town of Boston, coupled with her almost supernatural, elf-like vigor. Amber could not imagine living on the fringes as a child, without other children for friends, as Pearl had, though she oft envied her strength and energy. Have you written your mum lately? she asked.

Nay, though I suppose I should, Pearl answered, as she knows not even of my illness. I didn't want to cause her worry. Christine brought her a quill and some paper, and Pearl thanked her.

Maybe you should also send her a gift, in case her work as a seamstress leaves her wanting, her older friend suggested.

A faraway look appeared in Pearl's eyes. Aye, I will do that. Yes, I will.