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Chapter 5
Unsure
Pocahontas walked through the forest on her way back to Jamestown. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of both John and Thomas, but the familiar paths soon brought brighter memories from not very long ago that put a smile on the woman's young face.
Days after the contest between Thomas and his challenger, Pocahontas found herself in the constant company of the redheaded Englishman. She marveled at the change in his demeanor and enjoyed the long days spent walking along through the forest.
Their time together was filled with countless conversations about recent or upcoming events in both their lives. Thomas would share any news from England with her, which would anger his fellow colonists if they only knew he gave any information to such an influential native. Pocahontas would relate her stories of the many festivities of her village and even a few bits of gossip here and there.
As she walked along, her mind drifted back to one memorable day only two months after their reunion.
It was late in the afternoon when Thomas appeared once again at the Powhatan village and Pocahontas hurried to greet him.
"Wingapo Thomas." She said as they embraced.
"Good afternoon Pocahontas" he replied. He offered he his arm. "Shall we be off?"
Pocahontas smiled at him and took his arm. "Where would you like to walk today?"
"You're the expert in these parts. Where would you like to take me?" Thomas asked. He truly enjoyed the long walks and engaging conversations they always held. The tours of the forests surrounding them were not only interesting but also helpful for him. Knowing the best places for hunting game or fishing was a great aid to the colony.
Pocahontas could only think of one place she had not taken him; her favorite place in the world. "Come this way. I want to show you someplace special."
She led him to the edge of the water and jumped into one of the many canoes available. Thomas looked a little confused. "I thought we were going for a walk. You want me to get in there?"
She laughed. "Of course silly." Pocahontas motioned for him to push the canoe off and then join her. "Would you?"
"Oh," he said, realizing what he need to do. "yes."
Thomas braced himself against the end of the small boat and shoved the canoe with as much force as he could find. Then, with wet boots and all, he jumped into the canoe. Grabbing a paddle, Thomas joined Pocahontas in guiding the canoe through the twists and turns of the river.
Arriving at a peaceful, hidden spot away from the strong current, they drifted into a mass of long, flowing leaves. Pocahontas was the first to pass through and pulled the leaves apart for her companion.
Thomas looked around at the large tree beside him as the canoe landed on shore. "It's beautiful here isn't it?" Pocahontas asked. She climbed out from where she was sitting.
Thomas followed her, almost falling into the water as the canoe rocked back and forth from his movements. "Very beautiful. I can see why you love it here" he said. "It's so quiet and secluded."
"It's not always so quiet" She said. He looked at her curiously, wondering what she meant. "Come up here" Pocahontas instructed. She had already scaled the tree and sat looking at him from her perch.
"I take it this is your spot" he said as he took a seat beside Pocahontas.
"It is."
"This tree looks as if it's been here for hundreds of years." Thomas observed. "She's a beauty, really."
Not a second after those words left his mouth something on the Willow tree caught his eye. "Pocahontas? Did you see something?"
"Where?" Pocahontas asked, but she really knew the answer as a small smile became visible on her face.
"Nevermind" Thomas told her, shaking the strange thoughts out of his mind. "It was nothing."
The smile broadened on her face, and Thomas turned to look at her before she could wipe it away. "What are you smiling like that for?"
"It's nothing…" She said, recovering quickly. "Thomas, what news do you have from Jamestown?"
"Nothing much. It's been pretty quiet lately. The meeting we had just today dealt with whether or not we should plant certain crops if that tells you anything." He sighed. "It's been surprisingly uneventful. The only event worth mentioning would be the arrival of a new shipment of people and supplies, right on the heels of Captain Newport's load."
Pocahontas raised an eyebrow in question. "I thought the next ship wasn't due for months."
Thomas should have known why she was wondering about the shipments. She never had before today. "That's what we were told, but the king is pushing the colony to grow, and fast. We were caught off guard by the new arrivals, but thankfully managed to accommodate them all. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear from my family though. The mail is one thing, besides food, I look forward to seeing on board a ship."
At the mention of mail, of information, Pocahontas' face lit up causing Thomas to smile. She was never more beautiful to him than at these moments when something cheerful sprang into her mind. "Was there any news of John Smith?"
As quickly as it had shown, Thomas' smile faded away when he heard the name of the captain. Why should it bother him so to talk of his old friend? He should be thankful John was alive and coming back. "No, there was no word from Smith."
Her face fell, and Thomas was quick to pick up the pieces. He could not stand the sight of her gloomy mood. "But, you know John. He was never one for writing. He'll be here when scheduled if it means coming back to you. I wouldn't be surprised to see him arrive early."
"Thank you" Pocahontas said, putting a soft hand on his shoulder. "I really appreciate your encouragement. I know he'll be here soon, and we'll be married
She looked at him. Thomas had taken his hat from top of his head and proceeded to twirl it around in his hands absentmindedly. His mood had changed. He looked lost. Had she said something to upset him? Surely he was not unhappy that John Smith was returning, was he? Pocahontas did not know. "Is something wrong?" she asked.
He stopped twirling his hat and looked to her. "No, nothing's wrong, but…" Thomas paused as he looked into her eyes.Pocahontas saw something in the young man's eyes. She could not tell exactly what it was, but she also could not help but be drawn in by his enchanting gaze.
Losing himself for a brief moment,Thomas began to lean in close to her and, shockingly, she did the same. Right before their lips met, however, he realized what was about to happen and immediately pulled away.
"It's getting late" he quickly told her. Pocahontas watched him uncertainly as he stood up. "I really should be getting back to town before they send a search party for me." He laughed uncomfortably and placed his hat upon his head once again. "Shall we go?"
"Yes" Pocahontas said. The actual reality of what had almost happened moments early hit her then and she could not believe it. Could it be possible that she was falling for Thomas? It was impossible. Pocahontas loved John Smith, the man who could be on his way from London at this very moment to be with her. Pocahontas tried to lose the thoughts, but found that she couldn't.
Joining Thomas in the canoe as before, all was quiet; nothing was said between the two. Just before she cleared the leaves, Pocahontas looked back to the trunk of the tree where a friendly and all to familiar face appeared and gave a playful wink and nod.
With the memory of that day still fresh on her mind, Pocahontas strolled through the gates of Jamestown and turned herself towards the direction of her home. 'Grandmother Willow knew all along that Thomas and I would end up together' she thought.
She saw a glow coming from the window of the small house where she lived and knew instantly her husband was home. She opened the door and was greeted by the loving smile of Thomas who hurried to welcome her back.
"You're home late," he said, kissing her warmly. "What have you been doing all day?"
"I've been to see Grandmother Willow. I didn't realize how late it was getting." Pocahontas replied. She took a seat in one of their little chairs near the fireplace and the smell of the stew cooking over the fire drifted over to her. "How was your meeting?"
"Very productive. We should begin construction on more homes within the next few days." Thomas said, pulling a chair up beside her so he would be able to eat with her after he served their meal. "I took the liberty of beginning supper. I didn't know when you would be home."
He dipped out two bowls of stew from the boiling pot and carefully handed one to her.
"Thank you" she said. He smiled knowing that she was pleased by his small gesture.
They sat together. Thomas was eagerly consuming the hearty stew, but Pocahontas only ate halfheartedly. Although happy to be home, Pocahontas had an overwhelming feeling of dread wash over her when she looked at her husband and wondered. 'should I tell him of my unsure feelings?'
A/N- Now, go review for me! Please?
