Chapter 11- If I could
They walked back to the farm in silence. Overhead the gulls continued to cry and in the distance a lone dog howled. Eomer couldn't believe what Doc had told him about Maggie. Now, it would be even harder for him to try and hide his feelings for her. He wanted to do nothing more than take her in his arms and hold her until she knew that everything in the world would work out for them. When they reached the farm, Doc went back to his room and Eomer went out to work with the horse which they decided to call Antony since he was so proud.
As he walked up to the paddock, Antony raised his head and neighed a greeting. Eomer was surprised to see Maggie standing next to Antony, giving him a good brushing. Every now and again she would old her hand palm up to the horse and give him a sugar cube.
"Hi Eomer!" she said. "Did you and Doc have a nice walk?"
"Yes, we did. What are you doing out here with Antony?" Eomer asked.
"Oh….. I haven't seen him in a while and I just thought he would like some company.." She turned away from him, but not before Eomer saw the tears coursing down her cheek.
"Maggie, what's wrong?" Eomer asked. She shook her head and began walking out of the paddock. Eomer grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him.
"Maggie," he said. "I know what happened to you. Doc told me everything about Dale and ….. And the baby. I am so sorry Maggie, if I could change any of it I would." Maggie looked up at him.
"You have nothing to be sorry for Eomer. What happened is done and there's no changing it." She gently pulled free from him and ran out of the paddock. Eomer looked after her and was not surprised when he felt tears running down his own cheeks. As if sensing his distress, Antony came up from behind and nuzzled his shoulder. Eomer turned and put his fingers in the horses mane, gently leading him over to the mounting block. He vaulted on the horse's bare back after opening the gate and galloped out of the paddock.
Back in the house, Maggie was fuming. Doc had no right to tell Eomer anything! Hadn't she already been humiliated enough by the whole situation? She went to the back guestroom and knocked on the door. When it opened, she stormed in.
"You had no right!" she yelled at Doc.
"Maggie, what are you talking about?" asked Doc.
"Why did you tell Eomer about Dale and the baby?" by now the tears were coming so fast that Maggie could barely talk.
"Oh," said Doc and lowered his head. "Believe me Maggie, I had a good reason."
"Really? I would love to hear it!"
"Eomer told me that he loves you Maggie. I thought he had a right to know…."
"To know that I was damaged goods…" Maggie said quietly. Doc drew himself up and glared at her.
"Never say that again Maggie. If he truly loves you, then he would want to help you through this, not judge you!" Maggie was taken aback at this. Love her? How could Eomer love her? Her mind went back to the time they had spent together that month. She had really enjoyed that month, having someone around to talk and laugh with. Some nights she would make a fire and they, with all the animals, would lay in front of it with a good book. The way Eomer acted in the paddock suddenly made more sense now. He was trying to help her and she had pushed him away.
"Maggie?" Doc's voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Oh Doc, I've been so stupid! I need to go find Eomer!" Before he could stop her, she ran out of the door and towards the paddock. It was empty and the gate was open. Eomer was gone.
It's a cliffy I know! Don't kill me… Please! I am very happy to be back writing now and hope to update more regularly. Thank you to all those who have stuck it out with me and who review. I like reviews! (=^.^=)
