/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Three

The afternoon passed away slowly. Sitting outside where it was warmer, Jack told us story after story about what he had been doing over the passed ten years. He even told a few stories before then, keeping my son staring up at him with wide eyes. I would have been happy if only Will came home. He said he wasn't going to be long, but it wasn't until nightfall until Will stumbled into the house, too tired to know what he was doing.

Rushing over to him, I steadied him, keeping my arms wrapped tightly around him so he wouldn't fall. Helping him to the chair by the fire, Will sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Father, you're home!" Jack exclaimed, jumping up as soon as the older Jack finished his later story.

I frowned discouragingly at my son. "I think it's about time for your bed, young man. I let you stay up a whole hour later."

Jack pouted, his arms crossing across his chest. "But you said I could stay up a little bit when Father got home. You promised."

"Well, that was before when I thought your father was coming home earlier," I said, staring pointedly at Will. "Now, go on, do as I say, or you won't be doing anything tomorrow."

Jack sighed and nodded. Saying good night to everyone, he headed up the stairs, disappearing onto the landing. Making sure that Jack had gotten safely to bed, I turned back to Will.

"Where have you been all afternoon?" I asked angrily. "Your son has been asking after you all afternoon and your friend has been waiting all day just for you to come back. Knowing that he had a long day, you've kept him waiting all day."

"Oh, don't bring me into this, please," Jack begged. "I understand he wasn't expecting me and couldn't expect him to come straight home after he already went into work. I'll just go up to bed, and I'll see you in the morning, savvy?"

Rushing to the door, Jack stopped and turned back to us. "And please, don't do anything completely and utterly stupid."

Watching Jack leave, I turned back to Will, fury in my eyes. I knew from looking at him he was sorry for what he had done, but he couldn't do anything about it. But I was still upset that Will didn't make the effort to try and come home at least a little bit earlier today.

Will stood and walked over to where I was standing, his arms wrapping around my waist, but I didn't hug him back. I was still upset with him.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth," Will said softly. "Please forgive me."

I deliberately turned away from him and walked to the window. The light was fading slowly, the last rays of sunshine causing the sky to burn in many different colors. The sunset reminded me of the many others that I had watched with Will. But this one held no emotion for me.

I felt Will place a hand on my shoulder, but I didn't react to it. I was still angry, and I wanted him to know that I was still hurting.

"Elizabeth, please don't be this way," Will begged, his hand tightening on my shoulder. "You know how hard it is for me to get away from the blacksmith. Brown doesn't let me go that easily."

I spun around to look up at Will. "Then make the effort to tell him you want to go home every now and then. Brown's not that blockheaded, he'd let you have a day off every now and then. Is that so hard?"

Will threw up his hands exasperatedly. "I don't know what to tell you, Elizabeth. I work hard because I want my son to live a better life than the one I had known. I want him to grow up to be whatever he wants to be, not what society dictates. I want to support you, help you live a life of normalcy despite what you grew up with."

"Oh, Will." I leaned foreword, hugging him tightly and resting my head on his chest. "I would rather starve to death and have you here with me than have all the riches in the world. I would rather see you playing out in the front yard with your son than breaking your back in a dank blacksmith shop."

Will smiled softly and lowered his head towards mine, kissing me gently. Feeling the love for him rising within him, I pulled him closer, kissing him back just as passionately. I felt his tongue part my lips and entering my mouth. Gasping, I pulled away from Will, looking at him apprehensively.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth," Will repeated.

Stepping back, I shook my head, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. "I have to go see to Jack."

Pushing past Will, I rushed out of the room and upstairs, sobbing. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I loved Will so much that I would die without him, but I was being so selfish. Will was trying so hard for our son, and for me as well, but when he was here, I yelled at him as if he wasn't good enough.

Calming down, I opened the door slowly, I checked in to be sure that Jack was alright. Satisfied that he wasn't dying, I went to my own room and closed the door behind me. Sliding out of my clothes, I put my nightgown on and climbed into bed. I couldn't sleep for hours, and finally, just before dawn, I managed to cry myself into a dreamless sleep.

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Author's Note: Chapter Three for everyone. I know, I wrote too little for updating a couple days later. I'm sorry, but despite being on break, I still have somewhat of a busy life. I promise I'll make the story more interesting and the chapters a little bit longer, but the story's a little slow for me at the moment, so bear with me.

For those who reviewed last chapter, I thank you. I really appreciate the reviews, it's reminded me that there are still people out there waiting for me to update. And thanks to those who have been telling me that I've got a nice writing style, I never thought I had a good one despite writing since I was three, but I'm glad my work is appreciated.

Anyways, I'll update as soon as I can, don't worry. And in the meantime, don't forget to review.