The rest of the day passed with an easy pace. After breakfast, John left once again to check on the affairs of the governor, leaving the children with the news that they would see their Uncle Thomas, Aunt Linda and Fiona tonight and leaving me with a wink, his smile and an extremely warm kiss. "Until tonight" he had whispered in my ear just before he left the house. I returned his smile. "I can't wait." He kissed me once more and then was gone, leaving me with the children and the breakfast dishes to clean.

I had some shopping to do, a few essentials that we needed at the house that my village could not supply. With Cria and Josh in tow, I left the house and we made our way to the general store nearby. This was something the children always looked forward to, usually because they knew they would be able to con me into buying them at least something small to take home. Most of the time, it was usually a small candy or treat, but sometimes they managed to talk me into something larger. Cria's latest acquisition had been a doll that she had been eyeing for some time.

When we arrived, the store owner, Mr. Jones came forward to greet us. "Well, hello there, folks" he said, smiling at me Cria and me and ruffling Josh's hair. "What can I do for you today?" Still clinging tightly to my hand, Cria watched him with inquisitive eyes. "Do you have any new candy?" she asked, receiving a squeeze of her hand my myself and a chuckle from Mr. Jones. "Cria, you know better than that." I scolded softly. "Now what do you say to Mr. Jones." Lower lips protruding and eyes watering, my daughter looked at the storekeeper. "Sorry." she whispered.

Jones's only laughed once more and patted her head. "It's perfectly fine, young lady. Let's see what we have here." He reached into his pocket and pulled out two peppermints, Cria's favorite. "Will these do?" Both children's eyes widened and they shyly took their treat. "Thank you!" they chorused, popping their candy into their mouths as they took off toward the toy section. We watched them go, then I turned back to Mr. Jones. "That really wasn't necessary" I told him. He scoffed. "It's really no problem ma'am. With all you husband has done for not only this colony, but for my family. I mean, we never would have gotten that new barn built if it wasn't for his help. Now what can I get you today?"

I pulled the list that I had made earlier that morning out of the small satchel that I carried. "Not much. Just a few things for the house. Let's see. I am in need of some thread. Cria had the bright idea to try to climb the tree in our front yard and ended up tearing her dress. And some soap. Josh always seems to be dirty these days." I smiled. 'Children will be children I suppose." Jones smiled as he retrieved each of the items. "That they will, ma'am. that they will. Anything else?" I glanced once more down at the paper I held in my hand. "Perhaps some flour, sugar and butter. That's all of it thought. Thank you."

Jones finished getting my purchases together while I rounded up Cria and Josh. After paying for my items, we said good-bye to Mr. Jones and were once again on our way. "Are we going home, Mama?" Cria asked me. I shook my head. "Not yet dearest. We' are going to see your grandfather and Aunt Nakoma.Would you like that?" There cheering drowned out the sounds of the colony around us as we entered the forest to find the path hat would lead to my village. All the way there, Cria was bouncing up and down, still holding my hand. My arms felt as though it were made of rubber and I feared if she did not stop, she might pull it off all together. "Cria, please stop jumping." I scolded her. "I understand you are excited , but you must calm down. Otherwise, there will be no visit with Fiona for you tonight."

That statement did the trick. She stopped and walked calmly by my side the rest for the way. When we reached the village, I immediately spotted my friend. Nakoma stood with her back to us, conversing with no one other than my father. We were still a little ways off when Josh let go of my hand and took off toward his grandfather. "Hemêšemo!" he called out, calling my father by the Algonquin word for grandfather. My father turned and a smile broke across his features at the sight of his grandson running toward him. This also got Nakoma's attention and she turned as well, waving as she saw Cria and myself approaching.

Josh was the first to reach them and the chief swung him up into his arms, holding him closely to his chest. Cria saw this and was not happy about the attention her grandfather was lavishing on her brother. That would be something that John and I would have to set her straight about. There is no need to be jealous of anyone, mostly your brother. John understands that the problem was mostly his doing. Ever since her birth, Cria had been our shining star, receiving attention at the smallest cry of uncontentment. We need to instill in her a sense of gratefulness, not expecting John or myself to come running at her every beck and call. I grimaced inwardly. That would not be a conversation, especially with a 6 year old, that I would look forward to.

Impatiently eager to be part of the reunion, she began tightning her grasp on my hand, Cria began to pull me along behind her. "Come on, Mama! Joshy's already there! Why are you so slow?" I had to suppressed laugh at the expression of sheer determination that was on her little face. I managed to pull her back to me and add a scolding tone to my face. "Cria, what have your father and I told you about speaking to me in that way?" She was unfazed. "Come on, Mama! Hurry up! I want to see grandpa!"

I sighed and finally relinquished my grip on her hand "Go ahead." I told her. "I'll be along. "She beamed up at me for a split second before taking off to where Nakoma stood, waiting with open arms. Cria launched herself toward her favorite 'aunt' and hung on for dear life. My heart lifted at this sight. Nakoma had yet to find a husband, therefore having no children of her own. This made her love mine even more. There had been several times when she had requested to have them come and spend a weekend with her at the village.

I had been just about to flat out refuse her when I had seen the longing in her eyes. That made me hesitate, for I hated to see my best friend in such sorrow. I had discussed the matter with John and we had reached the conclusion that while they were still too young to be away from us for an entire weekend at a time, a single night here and there never hurt anyone. Nakoma had a wonderful time spoiling the children and Cria and Josh always came home with plenty of stories to share form their time with their Aunt Nakoma.

I finally reached the gathering where Nakoma stood with Cria in her arms, Josh in my fathers'. They both shifted the child they had in tow long enough to give me a hug. "Wingapo Father, Nakoma." I greeted each of them. "It's wonderful to see you again." Cria was tugging on her grandfather's tunic. "Come on, Hemêšemo! You promised I could try on your hat today!." Josh was immediately on his feet. "Nah Uh, Cria. You wore it last time! Tell her, grandpa! It's my turn!."

The argument between the children continued and my father turned to give me a bemused expression. I simply shrugged. Another thing Johns and I had agreed on was that the child should be accustomed with both of our native tongues. We had taught them most of the words they would need to know for both languages, including names of family members. One would never know in what language they would speak next.

Powhaton finally stood, taking each grandchild's hand in his larger ones. "Come you two. You can both try on my 'hat' We will take turns like good children. Will that do?" Two jet black heads bobbed up and down at his question. He turned to me next. "When should you like them back, my dear." I turned my face to the sky. "Perhaps in an hour or so. I need to get them to Thomas and Linda's before too late. John and I have some plans of our own tonight." My father colored. 'yes, well. We shouldn't be too long. Come along, you two."

Nakoma and I only needed to glance one anothers way before the laughter consumed us. My father still wasn't used to the fact that I was a grown woman, married with two children of my own. I don't suppose he will ever be used to it. The rest of the afternoon passed with ease. Nakoma and I sat on the riverbank, talking as if we had been apart for several years. This was nice. As much as I loved being married to John, I still enjoyed simple times with my family and old friends.

Before too long, my father returned with my offspring and it was time to go. We said good-bye to my father and Nakoma and headed for home. "Mama, are we going straight to Aunt Linda's" Cria asked. I shook my head. "No, we have to stop home and get a few things first." I told her. She said nothing, only nodded. As we drew closer to the house, I noticed a piece of paper hanging on the front door. Confused, I picked it up and noticed it was written in my husband's hurried script. My heart sank as I read what he had written.

My Love,

I am sorry to say that our evening can not be as planned. The governor came up with some last minute things that needed to be attended to. As much as I would have loved to tell the man he could take his job and shove it, I fear that would not be the best thing for our family. I have already informed Thomas and Linda, so there is no need to drop the children off. I am so sorry, my love. I know how much you were looking forward to our time together as was I. I love you, Pocahontas. I promise to make it up to you. I shall be home later tonight, always thinking off you. Tell Cria and Josh I love them and give them a hug and a kiss for me.

J