Chapter 13: Alone Time
"Who does he think he is?" Rolf approaches Pocahontas. "He just waltzes in here and people automatically adore him."
Pocahontas looks off in a distance at John Smith, who is currently playing with Chiqala.
"You do know why he's here, don't you?" Rolf asks.
"He's here to see an old friend." Pocahontas responds.
"He's here to see you!"
"Yes. I am an old friend."
"Don't you see Pocahontas? He wants you back."
"Look at me." Pocahontas takes Rolf's hands in hers. "You have nothing to worry about. John Smith and I are friends. Yes, we used to be something more" She looks down remembering her last kiss with Smith, remembering how letting him go was the hardest thing she ever had to do. Then she looks back up at Rolf. "But that all changed once I met you."
"What if he thinks differently?"
"He knows our paths are going in different directions."
"Well tonight at the feast I'm going to make sure he understands." Rolf removes his hands from Pocahontas's and clinches his fists.
"What do you mean?"
"We're going to make the announcement."
"Are you sure tonight is the best time?"
"The timing couldn't be better." He begins to walk towards his hut.
"Wait. Where are you going?" Pocahontas stops him from going any further.
"All the commotion Smith caused interrupted me from my reading. So now if you don't mind, I intend to continue from where I left off."
"John, how about we spend some time together? Just you and me."
"Just the two of us?" Rolf smiles at this.
"Yes. We haven't really had much alone time since we arrived here."
"What do you have in mind?"
Pocahontas excitedly takes his hand and leads him through the forest. They come to a ledge. At the bottom of the ledge is a river. Pocahontas fondly remembers coming here frequently to dive into the water.
"Why did you bring me here?" Rolf asks.
"This is where I always come. Jumping in the river frees my mind. It gives me a thrill, excitement, all while helping me to relax. It could do the same for you."
"Pocahontas, have you gone mad?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know how dangerous this is?"
"Yes. That is what makes it enjoyable."
"Pocahontas-"
Pocahontas puts a finger to Rolf's mouth, silencing him. "Follow my lead." She walks back to give herself enough running distance. She then rushes towards the end of the ledge and dives into the river. The water feels cold, refreshing, and exhilarating on her skin. She begins to laugh. "Now it's your turn!" She calls up to Rolf. Rolf stands on the ledge, speechless. He simply looks down at Pocahontas and thinks about how, in contrast to his self, she carries such a strong and free spirit.
"I'm sorry. But I can't." He walks away towards the forest, leaving Pocahontas alone in the water.