Okay I'm back after a long time! Sorry about that! I've been so busy lately but hey aren't we all! Anyways I took down the second chapter and decided to delete it and start over. I have decided that i will just stick with Lana's point of view so it doesn't get confusing. But anyways Here's the new chapter and I will try and post a new one in a little bit depending on the amount of homework I have. R&R!
September 22, 1776: 12 O'clock Midnight
I tried to control my breathing, when that thought hit me.
Breathe, Lana, breathe. I told myself. My family has to be around here somewhere, they probably escaped down a different path. I repeated that to myself several times and began walking towards the tavern. Good thing I fell asleep fully clothed at my desk and not in my shift, otherwise I would freeze on a night like tonight. A strong gust of wind blew past me, and made me shiver. I walked the dark streets silently, in search of the tavern. If anyone saw my family, it would May. As innkeeper, she was the eyes and ears of the whole town.
The tavern had the same familiar smell even after all these years. I remember when my father took me here as a young girl, and he ordered his ale and talked with the important men of the town, while I sat on the bar and talked to May.
"Well I'll be darned! Lana, my dear, it's been so long since I last saw you. What five years ago, when you were twelve?" she smiled warmly at me and then squeezed me tightly. I released myself from her grasp to get a good look at her. She had the same grey hair, pulled back into a loose bun, but she did look a bit more aged than before. "Yes, it has been a long time, but I must ask you have you seen my family at all? My mother? Father?" She shook her head and gave me a sad smile. "Afraid not, but why on earth are you out this late searching for them?" "Our house was burned down and I have no place to go." I said looking down. I felt embarrassed because my father was quite well known around New York City, and here I am, his only daughter wandering around the city at night. That was just asking for problems.
"Well, you can sleep here; I couldn't let you sleep in the street. After that fire many will be looking for a place to stay, but you are always welcome here, my dear." "Thank you May! I shall repay you, once I find my family." She smiled and gestured for me to follow her to the rooms upstairs.
"Now, I hope you don't mind, but you have to share a room with other people, since all my private rooms are full." "That's fine, anywhere is better than outside." I smiled and thanked her once more before collapsing onto one of the empty beds. I instantly fell asleep and decided tomorrow I would continue my search.
As much as I wanted to sleep in, the sun shining through one of the windows located in the room made it difficult, forcing me to get up. I slid on my shoes and made my way down the steps towards the bar. May had a plate of bread and a cup of ale placed on the bar waiting for me. I began eating the moment I sat down, although it was unladylike; I had not eaten since yesterday evening.
"Did you sleep well, Lana?" May asked while wiping down the bar with a worn out rag. "Yes, thank you for letting me stay for the night." I said in between bites of bread. "It was no problem at." May then left to serve other customers, and I was left alone to finish eating.
I finished my plate of food, and made my way to the door, not before waving goodbye to May. Now I must find my parents, best to start near my home, the fire should be out by now. I moved swiftly through the alleyways and behind houses to reach my street.
The wave of shocked hit me full force causing me to take a step back. Barely anything was left, just a partial charred shell of a once two story house. Inhaling I stepped towards it to look for anything salvageable. From the looks of it, all was just ash and brick, until a glint of something shining in the sunlight caught my eye. I bent down and picked up a silver oval locket. My heart sunk. This was my mother's locket and she never took it off. No. They cannot be dead; they would have all made it out with my older brother leading them and my little sister trailing close behind my parents. I must keep searching for them. Hooking the locket around my neck, I began making my way towards the marketplace. Someone has to have seen my family, right?
Okay so I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! You are all the best!