Chapter 1
Elizabeth ran into Nathan with an urgent force. Wrapping her arms tightly around him, she nestled her head against his chest.
Despite her shock, she could feel Nathan's body tense up, from their impact, before sinking into her embrace. It was then that Nathan's gloved hands came to rest on her upper back, as his chin rested lightly on top of her head.
In that frightful moment, time had stood still. Breathing heavily, Elizabeth tried to gain her composure. She was in total shock and disarray. The only sound she could hear were Carson's horrific words, spinning around in her head, "He's gone."
It wasn't until she had turned around, and saw a flash of red, that Elizabeth's mind was able to focus. As soon as she saw Nathan approaching, her instincts kicked into high gear.
Not having time to think, Elizabeth's legs propelled her towards him.
In a distraught state, Nathan walked slowly into town, leading his horse, Newton, behind him. It was as if his whole world had just come to a standstill. The events of the failed prisoner transport had weighted heavily on him all morning, as he rode back into town.
In his heart, Nathan knew that the Mountie wouldn't make it. Fear and regret robbed him of all of his senses, as images of blood soaking through the young mountie's surge played in his head.
It wasn't until he got to the edge of town, and dismounted Newton, that Nathan's mind cleared, just enough, in order to make out the scene before him. There, surrounded by a whole crowd of people, stood Elizabeth, dressed in her purple coat, with her back towards him.
Suddenly, as if she had sensed his presence, Elizabeth turned around. Once she faced him, their eyes met in a locked position. Then after a moment, before he could even process what was happening, Elizabeth ran into his arms. This action caused his upper body to repel backwards, on impact, as his legs came to an abrupt stop.
As Elizabeth's body came to rest against his, he could feel the weight of her arms wrap around him in a tight embrace.
Not being able to speak, Elizabeth and Nathan stayed in each other's arms for a little while.
Each in their own worlds, yet finding some solace in each other's arms, they stared distantly into space.
Then, just as soon as tears threatened to fall from Elizabeth's eyelids, Bill was there, tapping his hand lightly on her shoulder.
"Elizabeth, are you ok?"
At that question, Elizabeth's arms dropped to her side and she quickly took a step back, putting space between her and Nathan. Not having realized, until then, just how close their proximity had been. Feeling slightly embarrassed and still shaken, Elizabeth shook her head in reply.
Understanding that she would need time to process what had just taken place, Bill looked at her sympathetically.
"I understand. Please know that I'm here for you if you need to talk about anything."
Then turning to Nathan, he said "I'm sorry to do this to you now, but I need you to come to the jail. We have a lot of paperwork and things to sort out. How about I take Newton for you, and then we can meet at the jail in about 5 minuets?"
Still in a shocked state, Nathan looked up at Bill briefly and nodded in agreement. Then, not being able to look at Elizabeth, he looked down again and started walking away, towards the jail.
Bill grabbed Newton's reigns, and looked at Elizabeth. She was frozen in place, staring dreadfully at the prisoner wagon.
Bill squeezed her shoulder, "Do you want me to find someone to take over teaching for you today?"
Before Elizabeth could reply, however, Fiona came over and offered to do it.
"I can ask Rosemary to take over, if you'd like?"
Giving Fiona a small smile, Elizabeth nodded her head and said "Thank you, Fiona. That would be very helpful. They're on an early recess right now."
After that, Elizabeth started to walk away.
"Elizabeth, wait!" Fiona stopped her and gave her a quick hug. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Not at the moment… thank you. I need to go now", Elizabeth said, as she turned to walk away from the town.
