Hey Readers!
I FINALLY updated! I know, I think the last time I updated was in early 09? Or even late 08? Holy Shit, that's been a long long time! But here is another update! And hopefully there is much more to come! I've finally decided how I think this story is going to go. I was stuck on it for a little while, but I think I'm good now. As I said, there isn't many Crucible fanfictions out there at all, and even less John Hale fanfictions! Which is really really NOT COOL! lol, So, like I said, I plan on making the best Crucible fanficiton story EVER!
Hahahha, anyways, here is the long awaited seventh chapter! And there's lots of Hale fluff too! SOoooo, Don't Worry, Be Happy!
I do not own the Crucible in any way, shape, or form. It is all Arthur Miller's creative work.
Chapter Seven.
Sunday had arrived, and once again the residents of Salem Village had got on the Sunday gowns and bests to attend Church.
"Like every week," Natalia started, causing Buffy to roll her eyes, "We do the same exact thing every week, in every month, of every year. Too much structure! Where is the change!" she shouted, causing Buffy to giggle and quiet her. They weren't near anybody, walking a far distance from their home off near the country.
Buffy sighed, "Well, I know something that is different. Sarah Good is being trialed later today." she said, her tone reproachful, "That's something new."
Natalia scowled, "I meant something new and fun. Not depressing and practically medieval," she said, shaking her head, "Sometimes I just don't understand the people in this town. That's why once I'm eighteen, I'm leaving Salem."
Buffy laughed, "If that's possible."
Natalia blanched, "I'm getting out of this place as soon as possible." Buffy nodded in agreement.
They quieted as soon as the rest of the congregation came into the church and Reverend Parris stood to begin the morning's songs. Everybody picked up their books and started to sing. Natalia sang until she saw Abigail out of the corner of her eyes, talking in hushed voices to the other girls that were afflicted by witches. She narrowed her eyebrows in distrust, and nudged Buffy with her elbow.
"Ow." Buffy muttered quietly, glaring at her friend, "What did you do that for?"
"Look over there." she said, motioning her head towards the girls, "Don't you think with all that witchcraft that is burdened upon them that they would not be in healthy hearts to attend church?" she said skeptically.
The blonde girl shrugged, "Perhaps that is why there are at church. To get better."
"Hmmm." was all she responded. She was quickly brought out of her wondering, however, when Reverend John Hale from Beverly was called to say the day's sermon. She raised her eyebrows, wondering why Reverend Parris let him give the sermon.
Buffy looked at her friend's questioning gaze and shrugged, "Perhaps he just wanted to introduce himself formally to the town since he never really got a chance to due to the girls' illnesses."
She shrugged, listening to the young reverend preach about his works in other towns plagued with witchcraft, and how he hopes to help heal the afflicted girls in their small town of Salem. He talked about the innocence of the children, and how from such innocence the works of God are brought forth. She tried not to snort sarcastically; as if Abigail could be labeled as 'innocent'. Buffy looked at Natalia, hiding a small smile that dared to grace her lips when seeing the "I can't believe you actually believe this shit" look Natalia was giving towards John Hale.
After his sermon finished, the congregation sang one last psalm before getting up to leave the church. Apparently today was the first witch trial to be held in Salem for the possible arrest of Sarah Osbourne, who has continually denied to trafficking with the Devil. They heard that Sarah Good was going to be attending the trial as well, as a witness to the other woman's deals with the devil.
As the two girls headed towards their houses, a large horse drawn carriage pulled up beside them. They looked up to see the young face of Reverend John Hale smiling down at them. Natalia blushed while Buffy grinned from ear to ear.
"Good morning, Miss Barron. Miss Paddock." he said, tipping his hat a little out of respect, "I just on my way back home when I noticed that you two were walking home. And in this snow too!" he exclaimed, "So I thought I would offer you two a ride home since it is right on my way."
Natalia looked at Buffy, her mouth a little open by sheer shock of the situation. Buffy smirked, looking up at the reverend, "We would love to." she said. Natalia nodded dumbly, unable to say anything. The reverend smiled, delighted.
"Great." he said, reaching out his hand to pull the girls up. Once Buffy was seated and then Natalia seated right next to him, he grabbed the rein to start the horses.
"Wait." exclaimed Buffy, her blue eyes widening slightly. Natalia frowned, her dark eyebrows narrowing.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I just remembered I told Martha Corey I would go with her to her house to help her out with some chores." she said, rather quickly, Natalia noted with distrustful eyes, and the blonde looked at the reverend, "I have to go and find her. I'm afraid I won't need a ride from you anymore, Mr. Hale." then she climbed out the carriage, "But you can still drive Natalia home!" she said quickly, "Goodbye Mr. Hale! Natalia!"
Reverend Hale nodded, waving a quick goodbye and pulling on the reins. Natalia sat there in complete shock, looking back over her shoulder to see Buffy smirking mischievously at her and winking. Natalia gasped, this was a set up! 'Oooh, Buffy, you're in trouble now!' she thought, annoyed at her friend for leaving her all alone in this awkward situation with a guy that she likes but barely knows.
Reverend Hale looked over at the younger girl, his green eyes written with confusion at the annoyed expression on her face. 'Perhaps it was because she wasn't asked to help out with the chores, either?' he thought to himself, then shrugged, realizing he would never really understand the extremely difficult complexities of the feminine mind.
"Is something the matter, Miss Paddock?" he asked. She looked over at him, and he noticed a pale pink blush forming on her rather pale face. Whether it was from the cold morning weather or that she was unwilling to tell him whatever was on her mind, he couldn't tell.
"No, nothing is wrong." she said softly, looking away softly. He frowned, knowing something was obviously bothering her. Hale knew this because he noted some of the things she did whenever she was uncomfortable. Whether it was the wringing of her hands like she did when he had found her without her bonnet on, or the chewing of her hair like she was doing now. He frowned, resisting the urge to take that once strand of dark hair out of mouth and pull it back behind her ears.
He contemplated whether or not he should say anything else. He didn't know which was worse: staying in this awkward silence or saying something to try and end the silence but could possibly end up making it more awkward.
He decided to be bold and try and converse with her.
"So…Are you attending the trial this night, Miss Paddock." he asked, then winced when he saw her facial expression darken slightly. John felt like hitting himself. 'Stupid stupid, me! I should've just gone with something normal like "so what are your hobbies?"' he scolded himself.
Natalia shrugged, "Yes, I will most likely be there." she said, "And it's Natalia."
"Hmm?" he asked, not really listening to what she said after the "yes". He was more focusing on the fact that he would have another chance to see her again. Even if it isn't under the greatest circumstances. "What was that?"
"Natalia." she repeated, a little louder this time, "My name is Natalia."
Hale frowned, "Yes, I know that."
"Then call me that instead of Miss Paddock." she replied, her dark brown eyes staring into his own green. Hale smiled brightly, quite glad that she would want to be on first name basis with him. Then he frowned, thinking about how inappropriate that would be if anyone would find out.
"Yes, Natalia." he said, liking the way her name sounded on his tongue. Apparently she did too because she smiled, "But only in secret. For it would not be appropriate if I were to call you by your first name at all times." he reminded her. She nodded, once again bringing to mind that she was, in fact, still younger then him.
They were silent for quite some time, "And you may call me John." he told her, looking down at the small form sitting next to him. She smiled, looking up at him with her large eyes.
"Then so be it, John." she said. He smiled, and then noticed that they were close to nearing her house. He stopped right outside her house, looking at the small farm house with the great mass of land in wonder.
"Do you live there all by yourself, Natalia?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Natalia shook her head.
"No, no, of course not." she said, "I live here with my brother, Peter Paddock. Unfortunately at the moment he is with my aunt and uncle in Westford, helping them do some of the farm work that is greatly needed on their land."
"So you are all by alone in that large house?" he asked.
Natalia shrugged, "Well, I suppose so. But my neighbors have been taking turns watching out for me, making sure nothing happens. A couple nights a week they check in with me, making sure I have enough food or firewood for the time being." she said, "Buffy, I mean, Elizabeth, and her parents live right over there, and the Proctors and the Nurses live not too far away." she explained.
John nodded, "Well, good." he said, then looked at her one more time before grasping the reins, "Will you be needing a ride to the trial tonight?" he asked.
She shrugged, shaking her head, "No, it's okay. I'm sure I can get a ride with Rebecca Nurse and her husband. Besides, you should probably be there earlier just in case and I'll just be out of the way."
He smiled, "You wouldn't be out of the way, but that's fine. I will look forward to seeing you again, Natalia." he said, before tipping his hat again and muttering a small goodbye, pulling on the reins. As the carriage drove away, she let out a sigh of exhaustion, walking towards her house and then in her room. She found her bed and collapsed on it, grasping the blankets close to her body before sighing.
"Buffy, I swear to god." she muttered to herself, "You always have to make things even more awkward for me, don't you?"
And THAT was the seventh chapter! I know....not very long. Hopefully the next chapter will be longer. I think it will.... Remember to REVIEW! Us writers love reviews, it keeps us writing!
Love,
Soldier of Passion