Pearl 27 They both stood there like that for several moments. Looking the other over neither one sure how to approach the other.
"There is no Danny to hide behind anymore Iz," Rafe said breaking the silence.
"I don't have any cookies either." Looking at what was spread around his feet she continued, "I see you found the letter." Slowly she walked closer to Rafe stopping a few inches in front of him waiting for his next move.
Tears came to Rafe's eyes as he saw the guarded look in her eyes. Slowly he reached up and took a hold of her hand. Then he waited knowing that she was not that little girl anymore. He gave her the upper hand keeping his grip loose and staying on the ground.
She looked at there entwined hands for a moment still not sure if she wanted to stay or run away back to the house. She looked around at the clearing and the changes that had happened here. Making a decision she sank on the ground next to Rafe yet pulled her hand away unsure of what to expect. She kept her head down and missed the pained look that passed over Rafe's face.
"I know this doesn't mean much Iz, but I am so sorry that I hurt you the way I did. Not just with my words."
"Danny used to apologize all the time for our Father. He was trying to make it better for me. I loved him for it and hated him for it at the same time." Looking up at Rafe she continued. "Want to know why I finally sent you the telegram? I'll tell you. I did what Danny did. I apologized for my father. Jimmy saw him hitting me and got upset I lied to him I told him that Grandpa didn't mean to and he was sorry. I lied Rafe."
Rafe looked at Iz as her shoulders shook from the unshed tears. Deciding to forget about giving her space he went over to her and pulled her into his arms. "It is ok Iz, cry on me for once." Stroking her hair he held her as she let the tears out.
A while later she pushed away from Rafe wiping her eyes with the back of her hands. This doesn't mean you are off the hook McCawley…"
"I know," he said cutting her off. "I was a real beast back at the house and I am very sorry for that. I was angry; I said things I didn't mean about you and David. I hurt you with my words and when I pushed you. I don't want you to leave Iz. Danny would have handled this better."
"Oh no you don't Rafe, don't think you are not good enough cause you are not Danny. I loved you both and neither of you would have reacted well to the news. As for leaving I am not going to leave. I love it here and I don't want to go anywhere else unless I have to. As for us," Iz cupped his face in her hands forcing him to look at her. "Yes you did hurt me, but that does not mean I don't love you." Slowly she leaned over and kissed the top of his head like she did when they were kids. "Come on Rafe, we have to get back to the house before Evelyn calls for a search party. She linked her hand with Rafe's letting him know without any more words that things would be alright.