Chapter 3
For the next few days Pocahontas stayed in bed and recovered from having the baby. During this time Mary and Nakoma kept her company. Sokatoa, even though she was born early, was a strong and healthy baby and everyone was sure that she would be just fine. Ean spent a lot of time watching his new baby sister. Will was very happy about having a daughter and he told many of his friends, including Thomas.
Meanwhile, John was settling in. He started building himself a house on the edge of the settlement. He got a job at the local carpentry shop, and all seemed well. But the whole time the thought of finding his beloved was in the back of his mind. He would wonder through town just looking for her. How much had she changed, he wondered. Would he even recognize her? John knew that this was a foolish thought. He could recognize Pocahontas anywhere, in any crowed, at any time.
During one of those days John saw Thomas running down the street towards him. "Hey Thomas," said John and waved to his friend, "I haven't seen you in a while. You've changed quite a bit." "Yes," said Thomas, "I am glad to see you back. By the way, I have some news for you." John braced himself for the worst, but at the same time his heart hoped for the best. "Is it about her," he asked. Thomas knew well who john was talking about. "Yes, it's about Pocahontas," said Thomas. There was so much John wanted to ask. "Is she alright? Where is she? Can I see her…,"then Thomas cut him off. "Slow down, John," said Thomas placing a hand on his friend's shoulder, "She's fine. She lives here in the settlement with her two kids and her husband…" "Her husband," John asked, not sure if he was hearing what he thought he was hearing. "Yes," said Thomas, "She got marring about a year after you left." John couldn't believe it. Pocahontas got married, and not to him! But he couldn't blame her for it. He had left her twice. How could she hold on for so long? But he didn't leave her on purpose. He didn't want to leave her either time. But the first time he had to go because he got shot, and the second time he was given orders by the king to start another expedition. But he still hoped that she felt at least something for him. He didn't hope for love, but even hate would do.
Later that week Pocahontas was finally strong enough to go into town. She went with Nakoma to do some shopping not because she had to but just because she wanted something to do. Being inside for a whole week started to bug her. Pocahontas was used to being outside where it was nice and sunny. She loved the breeze and the sound of the waves. And even though she was a wife, and a mother, she still loved the land, and nature as a whole. She had lived most of her life surrounded by spirits of nature, and by the wilderness. Pocahontas didn't see any reason to give that up just because she lived in the settlement.
While walking through town the two of them ran into Thomas. "Wingapo, Pocahontas," he said with a smile. "Wingapo, Thomas," she replied, "How are you today?" "I'm fine, thank you. I see you're feeling better," he said. "Yes, much better," said Pocahontas. Just then Nakoma nudged Pocahontas and pointed toward one of the shops. As Pocahontas looked in that direction she saw john Smith. But she did not faint, and she did not run, she just stood there and looked at him. Just then he turned around and saw her.
John couldn't believe it. After five years Pocahontas hadn't changed much at all. She just grew more and more beautiful to him each time he saw her. But he couldn't move. He was speechless. He hadn't seen her for so long, and now he didn't know what to do since she was married to another man. But he gathered his strength and went outside in hopes of talking to the woman he loved for the first time in five years.
As he walked closer to her his mind began to race. What would he say? What will she say? What would she think? And then, he was standing just a few feet away. "Wingapo, john Smith," said Nakoma. Pocahontas was speechless. She hadn't seen the man for five years and now he was standing only a few feet away. She felt like something had just awoken inside her. She couldn't speak, but she made the hello gesture with her hand. Then Pocahontas turned around and began to cry. This was just too much for her.
