Chapter 4
After the brief meeting Pocahontas decided that she is not strong enough to go out yet. No, she would never hide from John on purpose. But she couldn't be with him. She had a husband and two kids. And how would Will react if he knew that she was seeing another man? So for everyone's sake she decided to stay away from John for a while.
Pocahontas got the answer to her question a few days later when Will came storming into the house. He went straight to the bedroom to confront his wife. "What haven't you been telling me," he asked in a voice full of rage. "I don't know what you're talking about," said Pocahontas, "I have always been honest with you." Will walked slowly to the bed. Pocahontas had never seen her husband this mad before. She didn't know what to expect from him. "So you think that not telling me that you've been seeing other men is being honest," Will asked in a cold voice. Now Pocahontas realized what Will was talking about. "I am sorry I didn't tell you that John Smith was back in town," said Pocahontas, "And I haven't been 'seeing him' as you put it. I only saw him once out on the street when I was with Nakoma and Thomas."
Will breathed a sight of relief. "Alright," he said, "I'm sorry. But don't let me hear that you're even talking to him ever again." Pocahontas jumped out of bed. "This is a free country, Will," she said in an angry voice, "I can see and talk to who ever I want. You can't tell me who I can or can't be friends with!" Her husband's face turned red with rage once again. "I can tell you who to see and who not to see! You are my wife, and you shall do as I say," he roared. Pocahontas didn't back down. "I dare you to tell me that I can't be friends with John," she said. "I already have," said Will then he slapped his wife across the face, "You won't dare to defy me again!" Pocahontas was breathless. He husband had just slapped her. She couldn't be controlled like this. It just wasn't in her nature to obey anyone or anything. She knew that she was still free like the wind, and always would be.
Meanwhile John, worried by Pocahontas's reaction and saddened by the fact that they could not be together, decided to try to move on. He started seeing other women. But the thought of his true love was always in the back of his mind. He just couldn't forget her, no matter how hard he tried. But then how could he, and in this place, where every rock and tree reminded him of her? But as hard as it was, John was determined never to leave this place again. He was weary of traveling, and he just wanted a calm and peaceful life.
A few days after the incident Pocahontas decided to assert her will and went to see John Smith. She wasn't dumb or anything. The slap sent a clear message; she did not want to be Will's wife any more. She did not want to be controlled. She couldn't live that life any more. But as she walked to John's house she began to doubt her decision. She didn't doubt herself, but she doubted that John hadn't found another woman. What if he was married? What if he just didn't want her back? She thought about all of the possible outcomes as she walked and suddenly she was at John's front door. It was too late to turn back now. So she knocked and waited. A few minutes passed, but it seemed like years. Pocahontas heard footsteps and then she was looking up into john Smith's blue eyes.
John thought he was dreaming. He rubbed his eyes. No he wasn't dreaming. It was Pocahontas, his dear Pocahontas! He reached out to hug her, but as he did she stepped away. "What is it," asked John, surprised, "What's wrong?" Pocahontas didn't answer. She knew she shouldn't be there. She still loved Will, and after all, it was wrong of her not to tell him that John was back. Will is her husband and he was worried about her.
John stepped toward her and she backed away again. "Why did you come?" he asked in confusion. This wasn't like her, he thought. Something must be wrong. Was it something he did? Pocahontas took a deep breath. "I shouldn't be here. I'm sorry," she said. Before John could answer she turned around and walked briskly to the main street. After all, she had some shopping to do. "Pocahontas!" John called after her, but she didn't took back.
Even though she knew this was the right thing to do, she felt strange. She justified her actions by telling herself that, in fact, she had defied Will. He had told her never to see or speak to John again, and she had done both. But this didn't mean that she had to throw away her life for someone she had known so long ago. The world was different now, and so was she. After all, john had left her twice before. What if he does it again? She didn't want to get hurt a third time by the same man. That would be stupid, she told herself. Better to get hurt by someone else.
