Chapter One

Rain streaked the small window of Serena's little room, she could just make out the small grave where her father lay, two months had passed since her fathers death and Serena had adjusted to her new life although every day she asked herself what was to become of her?

"Serena! Serena get down here right now! Theres chores to be done!" Helga shouted up the stairs. Although Helga was willing to help the girl in her time of need, and gain a worker, she decided that Serena's life was not to become with hers, it also hadn't escaped her attention that her eldest son was taking a keen eye to her.

Serena had noticed that the elder woman had cooled towards her and when she arrived in the kitchen Helga said promptly,

"Serena, the pigs need feeding' and make sure theres enough firewood for tonight." Serena merely nodded her head towards the woman and went for the door, it opened before she reached it allowing a tall skinny lad to enter, raindrops falling from his carrot hair onto his freckled face.

"morning' Serena," He turned to his mother, "morning Ma, Where you off too sugar?" He asked Serena.

Serena could only smile, but it didn't reach her eyes, she was disgusted with the way this young man treated her, he was getting too close to comfort, always following her around and she was sure his mother was noticing too.

"Hello Ted, I was just going to feed the pigs and chop some firewood for your mother." She replied to him, taking a step back realizing he was getting too close again.

"Oh well Little lady I'll help you, you feed the pigs and I'll chop the wood for you." He said to her, Serena grimaced when he smiled.

"Oh no you won't! Serena can manage on her own, she has to earn her keep around here, you can go to the store and pick up some supply's for me." Helga said sternly looking at Serena as though it was her fault. Ted seemed more than a little disappointed but went on his way.

Serena carried on through the door, she felt the drops fall onto her hair, she turned towards the sky and saw the dark cloud.

"Oh great!" She mumbled to herself as she started walking quickly towards the pig pen, by the time she reached it rain was lashing against her, she picked up a bucket which was already full with leftover food, she wrinkled her nose against the unpleasant smell and used both her arms to lift it up. The pigs quickly gathered to the gate as Serena struggled to get in.

"Move or you won't get any food!" She firmly told the animals but it did no good.

Mud started attaching to the bottom of her dress, her hair was now thoroughly soaked, she wanted to get inside as quickly as possible. Serena was about to pour the food in a trough when a rather large pig banged into the back of her, the bucket went flying as she slipped on the mud landing with a squelch on her backside. She sat there as tears started falling from her eyes, tears that had been held back for far too long, she hated her exsistance at this point of time, she wished nothing more than to be at home once more, sat by a roaring fire with no problems. A sad sob came from her throat as she pulled her knees up to her chest and cried hard.

She had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't heard the horse coming up from the path behind her.

Hugh sat and watched the small bundle in the mud, he was pretty certain that this was his half niece, Serena, why else would a girl be crying alone in the mud, he got of his horse. She looked up at him, his heart pulled at the sight of her tear stained face he smiled at her, she must have guessed who he was because she came straight into his arms as he held them out to her.

Serena had heard the footsteps coming towards her and had looked up, he was a well dressed gentlemen, tall with only few grey hairs on his hair. He was handsome for a man his age but it wasn't until she saw his eyes did she realize who he was.

Her father had had eyes like that, they were a deep green with flecks of hazel, Which he had got from her grandmother. Hugh had the same build as her father and the same facial features as he smiled gently to her beckoning her with his arms, she could do no other but run into them. She held onto him tightly fearing that he was just a myth, that he wasn't really there.

"Its alright little one," His voice was soft and soothing, "I'm here to look after you from now on. My name is Hugh Shields" Hugh told her as he heard her small sobs of sadness. Hugh had received word on his journey down here that his half brother had died, accused of cheating at cards. It was his word against the other man, but the other man silenced his brother for good.

The brothers weren't close as the families had split up when they were children, Hugh went with his mother to San Felipe, Texas. Whilst his brother, William, the favored child went with his father. They had sent letters to one another but soon enough Hugh had married and had had children of his own, and the same had happened for William. Hugh had two sons, Darien and Antonio, Darien being the eldest at twenty four and Antonio a year younger.

As he looked down at the small form in his arms his heart filled with joy as he could finally say that he had a daughter to look after. He pulled her inside his coat covering from the rain as he walked them both inside the inn.

Helga looked up from her stove, saw the gentleman and Serena by his side. Helga had known about the letter that had been sent, she was the one who had posted it.

"You here for the little'en?" She asked wanting to make sure.

"Yes mam." Hugh told her. Helga instantly felt relieved, although she liked the girl there just wasn't any future here with her.

Serena had stopped her tears by now, she looked at the woman who had taken care of her,

"Go get your belongings Serena." Hugh had motioned her forward, but Serena didn't want to let go for fear he left without her. "Its alright i'm not leaving without you." He told her, obviously knowing what her thoughts were.

Serena walked to her room and looked around at her meager belongings, a small brush, a cloth and washstand and her other dress. She decided to get changed, the mudded dress would have to come with her as she only had the two with her.

When she went back down, she saw Helga give some food and water to Hugh, he took out a large purse and threw it towards her.

"I trust that will be sufficient for looking after the child." Hugh said to her. Helga quickly put the purse into her pocket and nodded. Hugh looked towards Serena,

"Shall we go home Serena." He smiled warmly to her. Her heart skipped, Home, she had a home to go to.