A/N: Hello readers! Sorry for the delay! Some unexpected things came up, but now everything's in control. Anywaaay, I admit that this chapter isn't my favorite, but it had to be written. Things will hopefully pick up in the next chapter. Please let me know if something doesn't make sense so I can write it better. It would be awesome if you could leave a review, but it's totally not obligatory!
Last, but not least, a big thank you to those who reviewed! Thank you also for the faves and follows too! Without a further ado, here is part 2:
Chapter 2, Part2: The Party
Evelia found Dobby next to the well, talking with a woman that Evelia assumed was a denizen of the Homestead. The brunette woman was leaning on a large hunting rifle as she spoke with Dobby. Instead of greeting the two women, Evelia decided to linger next to the closest tree and wait for their conversation to end. She didn't want to deal with intruding on them, nor did she want another person to know about her. She preferred to stay incognito before she would go back to Boston. To her dismay, the brown-haired woman noticed her and waved. Dobby turned too and motioned for her to come over and join them.
As she approached the two women, she felt at ease seeing the stranger's smiling countenance. It was a different feeling from being introduced to different people in Boston, since not everyone had genuinely friendly demeanor. Evelia immediately smiled politely, a habit from her work.
"Myriam, this is my friend Evelia," Dobby said. Myriam reached out for a handshake and Evelia returned her gesture.
"It's nice to meet you, Evelia," Myriam said. Her voice was warm and clear. "I was telling Dobby about the anniversary party for tonight. My husband and I decided to throw it at the last second. We're inviting everyone in the Homestead, so it'd be great if you could make it too."
She certainly didn't expect this. Although she was flattered by the well-intended invitation, she did not want to attend it. Partying was the last thing that wanted to do, and she wished that she could just return to Boston now to think everything over. Besides, she wasn't familiar with the people of the Homestead. They might ask her questions about herself, and she didn't feel comfortable about answering anything.
"There won't be any need for formal clothes, since we'll just be eating and drinking," Myriam said. Her attempt didn't go unconsidered by Evelia who still felt ambivalent. The younger girl glanced at Dobby, who gave an encouraging nod.
"I will," Evelia said, pushing back the nagging feeling that was telling her to not go there. "Thank you."
"Wonderful," Myriam said. "Well, ladies, sorry to be abrupt, but I have to go invite the others and get back to hunting. Spread the word, eh? Tell Connor to cancel any plans he has tonight! No excuses for him since he didn't go to our Christmas party!"
"Don't worry- I'll make sure he brings his arse this time." Debbie retorted, earning a chuckle from Myriam. After Myriam left, Evelia shook her head.
"I shouldn't go," she said. "I think it's better if I just stay here."
Dobby placed her hand on Evelia's shoulder. "How no? You're our friend, and everyone's mostly family people. I'll stick by you, if that's what you're worried about. And maybe it'll brighten your spirits, if we're lucky."
Probably not, Evelia thought. And she wasn't exactly a friend, was she? They just found her yesterday…hardly a way that friends meet. Nevertheless, it was rude to not accept an invitation, and refusing a kind person's insistence a slight tug in her chest. "All right, I'll go with you." Evelia answered, giving what she hoped was an optimistic smile.
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What was I thinking, Evelia thought as she stood awkwardly between the tables with assortments of food placed on it and the fireplace of the tavern. Although most of the night had literally consisted of eating and casual conversations, it picked up its pace after residents began to drink. The air was saturated with a pleasant smell of variants of warm food and congeniality. The atmosphere along with the soft tempo of the fiddle and flute had lulled most of the Homesteaders on the makeshift dance floor. Watching them, she had refused Dobby's offer of the alcoholic beverage in large wooden keg on the table. Evelia herself had neither touched ale nor rum since she'd seen how people would behave under their influences. Life had taught her that she couldn't lose her senses. Not even for a second. Although she was being hypocritical in a sense since she tended to daydream and think too much.
She focused on trying to name the residents that she met beforehand, since they each introduced themselves to a new face. The two large men who were laughing heartily were Terry and Godfrey as they danced with their wives. She remembered the blonde woman as Diane, but she could not place a name on the other wife. The raven haired woman in a pretty green dress was Ellen, who seemed to in a conversation with a man whose name she forgot. The other couple who were dancing at a slower pace was Warren and Prudence.
And last, but not least, she saw Connor return with Myriam and her husband, Norris, from the back. He had appeared much later in the party, and although Dobby commented on his tardiness, she didn't give him a hard time about it. Shortly after, Norris and Myriam had called him in the back. Evelia could see that they were engrossed in a conversation whilst carrying more trays of dessert, which they put on a different table. Surprisingly, Conner was smiling as he continued to talk to them. She couldn't tell what they were saying, but it must've been some type of good news. Norris wrapped his arm around Maryiam and she looked contentedly back at him. Then, Maryiam extended her hand to Connor, who accepted it. Evelia's line of vision was suddenly blocked by Dobby who returned by Evelia's side with a mug of ale.
"What do you think so far? Still wish that you were reading your book in a dark corner?" Dobby asked.
"Yes," Evelia said without skipping a beat.
"Oh, come on! Everyone's having fun." Dobby said, taking a swig of her ale.
"It doesn't look like fun," the younger girl muttered. Along with a sense of fashion, Evelia had dismissed any prospect of dancing. She didn't like it because she didn't like strangers touching her. She'd read about court room dances such as the quadrille, but the rules were too strict for her liking. The parties that she'd attended were full of middle class people, so fancy ballroom dancing wasn't prominent in that setting. She, however, she didn't even want to try it occasionally. Whenever someone asked her, she always refused politely, thank them and tell them that she didn't feel well. No one had pushed, and she was quite content with that.
"That's because you're just watching. I mean, look, even Connor's trying." Dobby motioned towards Connor who was dancing with Maryiam. Evelia's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Connor didn't seem to be the type who openly danced in front of people, but who was she to judge? She didn't really know him. He was probably comfortable doing these were the people in this community, so perhaps he wasn't as formal with them.
"He dances," she said.
"Of course he does! Now you should go up there too." Dobby said, putting down the drink on the table and grabbing Evelia's arm.
"I don't know how to dance." She said her. Dobby, however, insisted on pulling her arm and leading her to the dance floor.
"Practice with me, then," She said. "We'll just make up our own dance. If you want, you can pretend that I'm a tall, handsome man."
"How about no," Evelia replied, although she couldn't tell if her answer was about dancing or having a tall handsome man as a motivation. Probably a 'no' to both, she insisted in her mind. Despite herself, she felt color rising to her cheeks. She was happy that they were close to the fireplace so Dobby wouldn't be able to tell. Perhaps because the atmosphere of drunk people was intoxicating her senses too.
Dobby just continued with her lesson. "Here, this is where your hands are supposed to go," She said as she placed Evelia's left hand on her right shoulder, while grasping Evelia's other hand and placing her free hand on the younger girl's waist. Evelia felt silly since her mind blanked, even though she'd seen so many people stand like this. She knew that she'd just trip both of them.
"Perfect! Now follow my lead," Dobby said, taking a few steps back and Evelia nearly teetered with them. Nevertheless, Dobby's resolve hadn't been quelled by Evelia's unsteady steps. She kept up the attempted sequence. "One. Two. Left. Right. There you go! Here, I'll add a spin."
On the other side of the tavern, the three people were engrossed their own conversation.
"My friend, it was a good idea to throw this party. I'm considering it for the next year as well. Everyone's enjoying this." Norris said.
"I agree. It is nice to have a celebration like this once a year. And now, you also have another reason to celebrate." Connor said to the couple, placing his hands on their shoulders. They smiled back at him, and Maryiam noticed the two figures skittering around the dance floor.
"Connor, look how happy your friend looks," Maryiam said. To Connor's surprise, Evelia was laughing against Dobby's shoulder as she seemed to fall on it clumsily as Dobby attempted to spin them. He smiled from seeing Evelia happy, without the hollow look in her usually distant eyes. She was indeed a different person from the one he found in the morning.
"Yes, and I am glad," He said, thanking Dobby secretly. Despite her seemingly rough behavior, she always knew how to cheer someone up. Tonight was one of those moments in which he was proud to have her as his friends than just a fellow assassin.
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When Connor, Dobby and Evelia walked back to the manor, the crisp air felt like a definite contrast to the warm tavern. Autumn was indeed approaching. He just listened to their conversations, maintaining silent guard. Evelia seemed to have an easier time opening to Dobby, and Dobby herself seemed to be around at ease with her. He was also relieved to see that Dobby was livelier than he had seen her in a while.
"And next time, Connor should try out the Scottish reel. Isn't that right, Connor?" Dobby looked back at him with a grin.
"Of course I am willing to participate. As long as you are willing to be in the center of the circle," he said, passing her a smug look for a second, earning a 'friendly' punch from the raven haired woman. Connor was also grateful that they were still friends. Although they had spent some months in each other's company, it did not work out. The relationship ended in a mutual dignified and respected way. However, both of them left some things unsaid. Dobby never allowed him to see how hurt she was until after the July fourth celebration. He had his qualms about watching fireworks for a holiday meant for certain people to celebrate, but nevertheless he was glad at the moment to be spending time with his fellow assassins. They were in their usual tavern, celebrating the Independence by being drunk beyond recognition. Dobby was drinking too, and he tried to avert her attention by dancing with her. However, when it was apparent that she was drunk, he'd decided to walk her back to her home before he would get back to the inn.
It was a nice night, even though the stars were blanketed by the smoke of the fireworks. He would've not been surprised if he was inhaling gun powder from the air. They walked in silence until Dobby spoke up. He knew that she could hardly keep herself up, but she wouldn't let him just carry her.
"You know, Connor, you dance very nicely. I had ...so much fun." Connor stepped toward her, holding her form from falling.
"But I dance really nicely too, no?" She said, prying his fingers off her arm.
"Yes, you do," Connor replied softly as she walked a few paces ahead.
"You know, I've been thinking a lot about something after separating," she said, closing her eyes, trying to grasp her thoughts in order to express them. She continued, "Whoever that lucky person who'll catch your fancy…they'll be able to keep you happy."
Connor walked towards her, holding on to her shoulder to keep her from falling. "Probably more than I could." He wanted to tell her that it wasn't true. She was his best friend, and he wouldn't find anyone better. She couldn't be replaced.
Dobby tore her arm from him, walking a little farther, away from Connor's form. She turned around, facing him with glazed blue eyes. "You know, after today, I'll be a happy woman!"
Connor didn't take his eyes off her, his heart seeming to pull in opposite directions.
"But you know what?" She stated more than asked.
"What?" He managed to say, barely audible to both of them.
"It's nothing," Dobby replied walking closer. "But I'll visit you," Dobby said, leaning her head against his chest. "We'll still be friends, right?"
"Of course," Connor said, placing an arm around her shoulder. "Always."
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The Aquila was indeed ready to go the next morning.
Evelia was staying mostly in the stern of the ship, watching large ripples break through the cerulean waves. She was tired of staying below deck because she didn't like the feeling of not seeing where she was going. Also, the cold dewy smell of the wooden interior as well as the constant sway of the ship made her feel uneasy. Dobby stayed below deck. She was writing something with a lot of thought, since she constantly crossed out her previous work with her ink. Evelia hadn't stayed next to her in fear of disrupting her work. Dobby had already helped her more than it was necessary.
The environment wasn't significantly better outside, but the warm sunlight and the temperate winds balanced out. The songs of the sailors also kept the troubles at bay. The sailors were definitely more adept to the sea, and it was intriguing for her to see how they managed the sails, wipe the decks and pull on the ropes as if they were collectively one being that was the Aquila.
Her gaze finally landed on the captain of the ship. Connor was holding the wheel, occasionally turning it whenever he deemed necessary. She was awed by how a wheel could control the entire ship in something untamable as the ocean. She looked back at Connor, noting how his silver- grey coat with an ashen colored tricorne hat complemented his role as the captain of the ship. His first-mate Mr. Faulkner, the man from yesterday, stood next to him. They both had this air of dignity and experience of the ocean, especially Mr. Faulkner who stood next to Connor. Both of their eyes were focused on the waters ahead of them, occasionally talking about something that she could not decipher from the distance. It probably had to do with their true destination. Evelia had noticed from the day before that the crew was stacking up on limes, which meant that they were going to be at sea for a long period of time. Perhaps a month. She shuddered at the thought of being stuck in a wooden contraption bobbing on top of waters that could tear it apart.
She wondered what exactly Connor's profession was-Dobby seemed to know, but she never mentioned it either. This wasn't a merchant vessel, since it contained artillery. He didn't strike her as a smuggler. He also couldn't have been a pirate of some sort, since he was apparently going to be docking in a civilian area most likely monitored. It was unlikely that Connor was in the navy, since there wasn't an established navy yet, due to the debt that the country was in from the war. It seemed silly to go up and berate Connor with those questions, especially since she hadn't talked to him much. She hadn't even properly acknowledged his apologies from the day before.
She was struck by the fact that she would be returning soon and that she might not be able to see him again. He had been nothing but kind in saving her life, even though she didn't want to be saved. Nevertheless, the gesture was kind, since most people would just turn away from a predicament such as hers. However, he had opened his home for her. Dobby had shared her companionship with her and calling Evelia her friend. Even though it might have been out of trying to make Evelia feel better, the gesture was endearing. When the wind blew past her, she suddenly had the urge to tell Connor how she felt. Perhaps it was the sunlight that was clearing her mind, or manipulating it that made her walk towards him without a second thought.
Luckily, Faulkner was walking deck to assist a new sailor with the ropes around the mast, which allowed Evelia a space next to Connor. She tried to walk across the sip without giving the impression that she had never been on one. Connor already noticed her approaching from his peripheral vision.
"Hello, Evelia," He greeted, turning a bit to acknowledge her presence but not taking his eyes off the waters ahead.
"Hi Connor." Evelia noticed that it was the first time that she addressed Connor directly.
"Are you well?" he asked. "Dobby informed me that you have never fared the sea before."
"I'm fine. It's actually not so bad once you get used to it," she answered, looking at the seemingly endless waves.
"Will you be all right?" It was interesting, the way he spoke. He always seemed to mean everything he said. Maybe it felt that way because English was Connor's second language too. And he seemed to consider his words before he spoke. When he asked, he seemed to ask genuinely, not as conversation filler. It didn't feel demeaning to her, as when older women asked her if she was okay while glazing their true feelings of disinterest with words like 'deary' and 'honey.'
"I think so. I'll get back to my work, my flat and then figure out what to do from there." She paused. Maybe I'll even go back to France. She hardly thought about her next words.
"Do you think that I'll be fine?" She felt silly at her last words, since she honestly wanted to know. She had convinced herself that she didn't care about other people's opinions. However, she knew that she valued Dobby's and Connor's opinions now. However, she specifically wanted to know what Connor thought. Dobby had already offered her encouraging words, but Evelia wanted to hear them from someone who had seen her breakdown. He would be more realistic about it. Most people who'd seen that would've suggested the 'madhouse,' which only served the purpose of removing people like her from the rest of functioning society.
Connor turned the wheel in a neutral position before focusing his full attention to her. "I believe that you will be fine," he said. "I am sure of it."
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"Port of Boston," Faulkner announced, and Evelia's mind began to race. She had returned to her town. She felt overwhelmed from seeing it again, since she never intended to as she left it previously. She had wanted to return to it when she was at the Homestead, and now she felt paralyzed. Although the town view didn't feel familiar to her from the docks, she could see the alleys from here. She knew that after getting off the ship, she would be walking into a familiar routine of traversing the streets of the city. The air, the noise of vendors and the feel of her shoes against the sett pavement would make her question if she ever left the place at all.
But she knew that it was going to be different. She told herself that she had new memories and perhaps new friends. She would still remember the kindness of strangers who helped her without wanting anything in return. They themselves were a mysterious bunch in their own ways, but they were already living their lives before she flung herself in it. It was strange how open she felt when she was with them, and she was going to miss them. Dobby had come out from below deck just to say bye. She told her to take care, moving a stray strand of copper-blonde hair behind the younger girl's ear. Evelia's chest tightened at the possibility of not seeing her again. She hugged Dobby tightly in return and thanked her for everything. She finally turned to Connor.
"Thank you, Connor," She said. I haven't been very appreciating. And I haven't been the easiest person to get along with. I'm still not happy, but I think it's time that I just go ahead and keep on trying.
"I was happy to help. I hope that we all can see each other again soon."
She gave a tight-lipped smile to both of them and nodded before walking away. He watched Evelia walk with definite, steady steps across the deck. Suddenly, she stopped as if she remembered something, and she turned around, looking straight at him. She gave a glance at the side of her dress before walking back towards him, reaching inside one of her pockets and fishing something out. As she approached him, he could see that it was his blue and white armband that she'd accidentally torn off in her panic attack the previous day. Evelia stopped at a pace from him, gazing at the band briefly in thought before closing her hand around it. When she looked back up to him, she extended her hand towards him to hand him back what was his. He opened his hand and she placed the blue and white beads in them, now noticing how apparently larger his hands were in comparison to her own. She smiled in that melancholy way when Dobby had been talking to her earlier.
"Farewell," She said, looking at him with her full attention, noticing for the first time how tired he looked and the auric color of his eyes that his hat failed to shade from the sunlight.
"Fare well, Ra-doon-ha-gay-dun."
She turned around and left without another glance. She knew that she would have more conflicting thoughts, and she did not want those again. Without turning to look back at the ship, Evelia hoped with as much detachment as she could, that they would see each other again.