Rose trekked on until her legs felt as though they would give out. She shook out the last remaining drops of water that clung to her locks. As she smoothed out the white smock she wore, she sat down on a rock that occupied the side of the road. It had been two days since her ordeal and she felt a new spirit. After waking in the bushes, she cleaned her self the best she could before she went out in search of new clothing. Her dress was stained in blood and there was no way she could go into any town looking like this. After what felt like hours, she found a small farm where the laundry hung out to dry. She took one of the gowns praying it would fit as she slipped some cash into the clip not wanting to steal the dress.

Now Rose was clean and revived after escaping Cal. She estimated that she had gone on at least thirty miles if not more from where she left the automobile. No food since then left her tired and weak. Rose got up determined to make it to the next town which lay just out of her reach. As she moved on she thought about how she would relay a message to Molly to let her know that she was okay, knowing that Molly would worry regardless of that letter Cal had made her send.

The sun filtered glittering rays across her sullen face warming her. Taking a great victorious breath she smiled as the countryside littered with homes came into view. Almost dragging her feet along, she walked down the dirt road staring at all the homes were she knew there were families inside; husbands and wives who were cooking and cleaning for their children. Tears stung at her eyes as she remembered that Jack would never have any of this. Completely lost in her own mournful thoughts, she barely heard the man's voice that called to her.

"Excuse Miss?" She whipped around frightfully. A man dressed in a simple pair of blue trousers and a green linen shirt smiled crookedly at her. He was riding atop a shabby carriage. She attempted to smile back. The tears glistened in her eyes catching the sunlight.

"Are you alright, Miss?" Haphazardly wiping the tears away with the back of her hand, she nodded nervously. The man eyed her cautiously.

"I'm sorry. I must look dreadful. I'm fine, thank you." She mumbled the words out in a jumbled murmur.

"Heading into town are you?" His face was worn but had a warm feel.

She nodded.

"Come aboard, miss. It'll be no trouble, I'm heading there anyway." He outstretched his hand.

She eyed him warily before she took his hand as he hoisted her into the seat next to him. She smoothed out her gown as she stared intently at a piece of thread coming loose. He saw her nervousness and smiled.

"I'm John Calvert."

"Rose. Rose Dawson."

"Well Miss Dawson, what's a young lady like you doing out here on the roads?"

"I..uh…I…" Rose mumbled out trying to think of some reason.

Sensing her uneasiness, he spoke, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. That was very rude of me."

"No, it's okay. I just… it's just…I've lost my husband." Rose blurted out needing to get some things off her chest.

"I'm so sorry Miss Dawson, I don't know even know what to say." He apologized.

"Thank you. I've lost everything. I don't even know where I'm going." Tears slipped down across her pale cheeks.

"Do you have family?"

Rose shook her head, "I'm all alone."

"Well I can't send a young widow such as your self out into the city with nothing." John retorted.

"Oh no, I've got some money for board and…"

"Nonsense! My sister and I have a small farm just outside the city and we have plenty of room. You need somewhere to stay and we need an extra hand with the farm. An honest exchange I think, what do you say?"

"I just couldn't, I don't want…." Rose replied.

"I won't take no for an answer, Miss Dawson." John stated jubilee.

Rose looked over at him and smiled softly. He reminded her of Jack. She nodded quickly as he nodded in unison.

"Right, now if you'd like to accompany me into the city, we can come back after and get you settled in."

Rose nodded again. She eased into her seat just a bit as she felt relieved to know she wasn't going to have to sleep in the bushes again.

Rose followed John into the feed store. He strolled up to the counter and called out, "Laura!"

Moments later, a petite brunette emerged from the back. She was dressed in a simple taupe gown and a white apron. Wisps of hay stuck to her braids. Wiping the ash from her face she came forward and smiled.

"Hello Mr. Calvert! How are you this afternoon?'

"Just lovely and you Laura?" He asked her as he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

"I'm fine and Papa's doing much better. He should be back to work in no time." She answered with a revered look in her eyes.

"That's good to hear but I'm sure I'll miss your smile when your Papa comes back." John revealed his charming smile to her.

Laura blushed slightly, "Oh I'll still be here since Papa shouldn't be working hard anymore." She looked down for a moment before she looked up again and saw Rose for the first time

"Is this your sister?" She asked

"Oh no, this is Rose Dawson, she's new in town and we're boarding her up for a while."

Laura nodding and took Rose's hand, "Hello Rose, I'd be happy to show you around town sometime if you'd like."

Rose nodded softly. Laura nodded back and then turned to John, "Let me get your supplies then."

John nodded as he turned back to Rose and smiled. For the first time in days, she smiled back feeling almost normal.

TBC…..

Author's Note: I owe the biggest apology for not writing this in sooooooo long! I feel so bad! I can't believe it has been over a year. I will finish this story soon. No more procrastinating. I owe it to all of you that have been reading this story. Thanks so much for supporting me and posting comments. They really help me when I feel down about my writing skills.