This one takes place after Sybil Ludington, but not by much. And I know you're all thinking, wow, one that wasn't set during American in Paris. I am too, lol, but yeah.

I stood, waiting for Sybil to get up. She sighs and gets up. I look questioningly at her.

"You okay?" I ask my friend quietly.

She shrugs.

"I guess so. Nothing worse than I've already handled. Anyways, you've got to get back to Philadelphia today, so we've got to get going," Sybil remarks, climbing unto Star.

I get on my boss' horse. We ride home in relative silence and I slide off the horse and tie Cesar to a conveniently placed post. I turn to Sybil and wave awkwardly.

"Uh, bye, Miss Ludington," I mumble.

Sybil grins at me and jumps off her horse. I wonder what she's up to. She hugs me.

"Mister Hiller, will you do me a favor?" Sybil asks as I break the hug.

There is a mischievous look in her blue eyes. I smile, slightly nervous.

"Sure," I reply calmly.

She looks at me seriously.

"Don't forget to write," Sybil whispers.

Then she kisses me. And wow. I really shouldn't sound surprised, because I've kissed her before, but I am.

I guess it's just because I'm not used to a girl having romantic feelings towards me. It hasn't ever really happened.

Sybil smiles at me and jumps up on her horse, riding away. I touch my lips, shake my head, sigh, and walk inside.

Henri is stirring stew by the fire. He looked up at me, dropped the spoon and hugged me so hard I can't breathe. Moses walked in with firewood, noticed me and set it down.

"So, James, how was your journey?" Moses asked politely.

I smiled and am about to answer when Sarah comes downstairs. Henri breaks the hug.

"Henri, do you need me to finish the stew?" Sarah asked, not noticing me.

Henri rolled his eyes.

"Nah, I'll just make James do it," Henri answered, grinning.

Sarah scowled.

"Henri, you know perfectly well that James is not here," Sarah scolded.

I coughed. Sarah turned to face me. I waved, grinning.

"Oh, hello James," Sarah said, cheeks flushed.

I cocked my head.

"Are you all right, Sarah? You look hot," I asked, concerned.

Did her cheeks turn even redder? Something weird happened with her, didn't it? She smiles awkwardly.

"Oh, yes, that. While I was in Boston, I got a smallpox inoculation. I am afraid that some of the effects have not quite gone away yet," Sarah replied, sounding nervous.

Suddenly, Sarah fell to the ground. We're all over there in a moment. I helped her up.

"You sure you're okay?" I asked, nervous.

She nodded her head quickly and wrenched her arm from my grasp as if she had been burned.

"So, James, what's your article on?" Henri asked curiously.

I grinned mischievously.

"It's about a hero," I replied vaguely.

Henri's eyes lit up.

"Is it about a grand general like Sarah's on Benedict Arnold?" Henri exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes. I swear, that Benedict Arnold loves flirting with Sarah. Even if he is married. I mean, something's awfully odd when an American Major General invites a fifteen-year-old girl Tory to stay with him at his cousin's in New Haven. I'm not saying that anything happened, which might explain Sarah's odd behavior, but one has to wonder what really went on.

I know I do. It's eating me alive, this whole not knowing thing.

"No," I beamed, "It's about an unsung hero. And I am proud to finally call her my friend."

I probably look strange, because I've got a daydreaming head-in-the-clouds look about me. I'm thinking about Sybil. Okay, enough with that.

Sarah gave me a quizzical look.

"What is "her" name?" Sarah asked curiously.

I grinned in a way that could be called evil.

"Sybil, Sybil Ludington," I stated steadily.

That must be the weirdest thing I've ever said. And to Sarah, nonetheless.

Hehe. That's weird. Both of their names start with S and are five letters long. And their fathers are both soldiers.

Henri grinned maniacally.

"James is in LOOOVE!" Henri shrieked, before running outside to tell Jack.

Moses shrugged and stirs the soup. Sarah gave me a long, hard, thoughtful look before running off upstairs. I sighed and shook my head, flouncing down unto the soft couch.

Henri's right.

- Loren ;*

And I really like the reviews, they're great.