Also I do not own now, in the past or future, anything from the Twilight series.
'Also in POV scenes when there is a direct thought from the character their direct thoughts will look like this'.
(Quotations and Italics)
Previously
Sighing I nodded, "Write to me whenever you can. Make sure you eat and sleep."
He smiled kissing me, "I will take care of myself, and I expect you to do the same."
Nodding, "I will."
Taking my hand he led me out front to where Zanto was waiting patiently. Marie brought Thomas over handing him to Jasper one last time and I thought I was going to break down then and there. I finally understood Mrs. Whitlock's reaction the first time Mr. Whitlock and Jasper left. Not only was he her husband, but the father of her children."
Trying to hold myself together as he held Thomas while wrapping his other arm around me.
Closing my eyes hearing his voice, "I love you Isabella."
Wrapping my arms around his waist, "I love you too Jasper. Come back to us and be safe in Tennessee."
Chapter 29
Bella POV – September 1862
Rocking slowly in Thomas' room as I knitted him another sweater, I smiled looking down at him on his blanket. He had grown so much over the past 3 months, nearly 5 months old now.
I had propped Thomas up using a rolled blanket around his back, he could sit up by himself for the most part although he wobbled quite a bit.
I closed my eyes listening to him babble randomly as he played with one of his wooden horses.
Opening my eyes feeling him tugging on my skirt I smiled down at him, "Are you having fun Thomas?"
He cooed and babbled at me some more as I lifted him off the floor after placing my knitting to the side. He stuck his legs straight as I held him up so he could stand, and I laughed hearing him shriek with joy.
Marie stuck her head inside the door, "Mrs. Whitlock, Miss Harriett, and Mr. Elijah are here."
Nodding my head standing with Thomas, "Thank you."
She went to take Thomas from me but I just shook my head while adjusting Thomas on my hip, "No it is alright I've got him." I stopped briefly looking back to her, "Has a postal rider come today?"
She shook her head, "Not since last week Mrs. Whitlock."
I nodded before heading downstairs while Thomas played with my hair. Getting to the bottom of the stairs smiling as Harriett came over and took Thomas from my arms.
Mrs. Whitlock smiled and wrapped her arms around me, "Hello Isabella."
She leaned over kissing Thomas on the head as Harriett bounced him playfully in her arms.
She walked over to the couch sitting down and patting the seat next to her. I walked over sitting next to her, she was acting a bit strange for her normal demeanor. "Is everything alight?"
She nodded her head taking my hand in hers. "Dinah wrote to me, her son William seems to have gotten sick."
My eyes widened immediately remembering Clara, I tried to speak however nothing would come out.
Mrs. Whitlock must have seen my state and took my face in hers and shook her head, "It isn't bad Isabella. He is just a little congested and doesn't like to sleep. Dinah is exhausted and asked me to come help her in Tennessee for a while."
I took a breath feeling relieved, it just sounded like a simple cold. Was there a simple cold in this time too? Finally it dawned on me that Mrs. Whitlock was leaving. "How long will you be gone?"
She smiled knowing I had caught up with the conversation, "A few weeks at most. However, Jasper warned us about traveling between here and Tennessee. I need to go, but Harriett and Elijah do not. I would feel much better knowing they are safe here. Would you mind if they stayed here with you while I am away?"
Looking over at my husband's two siblings I shook my head, "No of course not. They can stay here." Smiling at her, "It will be nice seeing them a bit more. I am sure Thomas will adore the attention as well."
She smiled before leaning in and kissing my cheek, "Thank you so much dear for opening your home."
I looked up at her not understanding how she would even question it, "You opened your home and your lives to me. I owe you so much more than simply caring for your family."
She just smiled patting my leg, "I can have Harriett and Elijah's things brought over this evening, I am hoping to leave in the morning. It will take me about 6 days to get there."
Nodding my head, "Please be safe."
She smiled and nodded her head, "I will be my dear." She stood letting Harriett and Elijah know that they would be staying with me for a few weeks.
I pointed up the stairs, "Both rooms have a bed and wardrobe, so you will be fine. Your mother will have your other items sent over this evening."
They both nodded and headed outside as I walked Mrs. Whitlock to her carriage, "I will see you when you return."
Mrs. Whitlock kissed Harriett and Elijah on the cheeks before climbing into her carriage and heading home. I stood there uneasy as I messed with the ribbon on my skirt. It felt strange to be saying goodbye to her as if it would be the last time.
Taking Thomas back into my arms as we made our way back inside for lunch.
-HOTF-
I shot straight up in bed 7 days later started by what sounded like fireworks.
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I looked out the window, there was nothing there but I could still hear the faint sounds booming over the hills.
Splashing some water on my face before getting dressed as quickly as I could.
Peeking in on Thomas who was still sound asleep before making my way downstairs. Seeing Marie, John, and Elijah all standing on the porch looking in the same direction as I had heard the noises.
Stilling I realized you could still hear the faint booming. Looking over at the others, "What is that?"
Elijah looked at me with a grim face, "Cannon fire."
My heart just about stopped in my chest hearing the constant booming as I looked in the direction. "Is it close?"
Elijah shook his head, "That is the direction of Galveston, It is probably the harbor. That is about 60 miles from here."
Taking a sharp intake of air, "How did they get to Galveston and not through Houston?"
He worried his lower lip but did not answer me.
John however spoke up, "Ships Mrs. Whitlock. They could have sailed in."
We sat out on the porch for another hour until the boom of what I now knew was cannon fire ceased. "What now?"
Elijah shook his head, "There is no way of knowing who won. I guess if we don't see Union troops in the next few days we will know we won."
I turned to him scared to know the answer, yet needing to know. "And what if we do see Union troops?"
Elijah looked at me before turning and walking into the house. I followed him quickly as he walked into the kitchen.
Making sure he had my attention before continuing, "Then you get Thomas, my sister and everyone else you can and open this door."
I stood there looking at him standing in the middle of the kitchen with no door around him. I was about to ask him what he meant when he grabbed a knife and bent down popping up a board in the floor.
As I walked closer I looked down to see a small room under the house. He climbed down into the space before me, as I followed him down into the dark room I saw different points that I could slide through.
He walked over to the edge, "Just push a plank out after the soldiers leave and run to the barn. Take a horse and leave." He walked back, "Jasper wanted this built for an escape if you ever needed it."
I nodded scared out of my mind. I didn't realize Elijah had led me back up into the kitchen until Harriett handed Thomas to me. Looking back at the hidden door that had disappeared I didn't know what to think as I ascended the steps into Thomas' room shutting the door behind me.
After I finished feeding him I grabbed a few pairs of his clothing and 5 clean diapers placing them in a bag along with his thick blanket. Walking to my room grabbing a night gown and extra dress I packed them into the back as well.
Walking down to the kitchen I looked at everyone placing my bag on the counter. "Everyone needs to pack a warm spare pair of clothing and a canteen of water. We need to be somewhat ready if we have to escape."
Everyone nodded as they went their own ways. I grabbed a loaf of bread wrapping it in a clean cloth before shoving it into my back as well just in case we needed to leave tonight.
After everyone was down stairs Elijah walked out, "I am going to head over to mothers and get some of father's things. I am going to try to let as many neighbors know as well."
I nodded hugging him before he climbed onto his horse, "If I am not back this evening I will return in the mornin' If I get caught anywhere it is best not to ride at night."
Nodding, "Just please be careful Elijah."
He nodded his head before riding off, he was growing into a strong man. I could hardly believe he was 17 now. Only a year away from joining Jasper in the fight if that was his wish.
It is getting close! Please review.
