Chapter 2

Kit was running through town, ignoring the shocked looks on the faces of the Wethersfield inhabitants who had not yet grown used to her impulsive nature.

She was going to be late. She had gone to town on an errand for Aunt Rachel, but then Kit had dawdled by the docks, hoping to see Nat aboard the Dolphin. The last time she had seen him was when he had been locked up in the stocks. The memory still hurt her. The Dolphin was there – but no Nat. She had suddenly become aware of the time when, by chance, the man next to her asked his neighbor for it. Kit had been surprised to hear the answer. It was nearly time for school to begin.

With one last glance at the Dolphin, Kit began to run back home. She was racing past the Meadows, barely even registering that Hannah had the fire going, when a voice nearby hissed, "Kit!"

She stopped, startled. Glancing around, she saw no one. Just the willow tree, Hannah's tiny, but comfortable home, and the soothing meadows. Then, behind her, through the willow tree's leaves, Nat emerged. He motioned for her to join him. She quickly glanced up and down the road, making sure no one was around, before going to him.

"Nat," Kit said quietly, but in a voice full of urgency, "what are you doing here? If they catch you you'll be flogged!"

Nat's bright blue eyes were quick enough to catch the fear that popped into Kit's eyes as she thought of the idea. "They won't catch me," he reassured her. "But I had to see Hannah. Father bought some cloth especially for her."

"You risked punishment just to bring Hannah a piece of fabric?" Kit asked incredulously.

Nat flashed her a smile, a grin with more nerves in it than Kit had ever seen on the cheerful man before. "Well, no – not just to bring her a piece of fabric. I had another motive. I need to talk to you, Kit. Do you have a minute?"

Kit glanced guiltily towards her home, where she knew her students were all lined up, waiting for her. "Oh, I wish I did, Nat, but I'm supposed to be teaching at the dame school right this minute. You must have noticed I was running when you stopped me."

Nat grinned. "Indeed I did. But I thought you were doing it just for fun. You always were a strange one. I won't keep you any longer then. But can you meet me here tonight, around midnight, when everyone else has gone to sleep?"

"I'll-I'll try, Nat, but it won't be easy. I really must go now."

And with that, Kit flew away home, already planning her escape for the coming night.

A/N: Hi, everybody! I realize this was a pretty short chapter, but I'm almost done with the next chapter, so it should be up in about a week. Also, thanks to everybody who reviewed my stories. I'm sorry to all who thought I didn't stop in a good place last chapter – maybe you'll be happier with this ending. So what do you think of my story so far? Please review and tell me!

Author's Note: Hello, people! I'm back again. I tried to fix this chapter up a little, but it feels a little weird. Thank you to my 5 reviewers. I love you all. Seriously.Anyway, I'm still looking for my computer cord. I want to thank you, Steph, for your excellent advice (and say welcome back...I missed you!). Thanks also to my other reviewers, Nicnak, Ashley, ffgirlmoonie, and FanFicFanatick. I really appreciate all your support. Thanks as well to my original reviewers. (That's a lot of thanks. Well, I am a very grateful person.) You are all awesome. Please review, even if you just want to tell me something about your life. Thanks in advance and I'll see y'all ina couple o' weeks.