Here's the Chapter 15! Enjoy and please review when you're finished.
*The next day*
As I was packing my trunk for the trip, Margaret came into the room.
"Emily, I have a question."
"Yes, what is it?" I said, not really paying attention to her as I look for my shirt.
"Why am I bleeding?"
I stopped packing and turned around to look at her. She looked scared.
"Um, what do you mean?"
"I woke up this morning and I discovered blood on the bed sheet and my nightgown."
"Oh, I see. Sit down, Margaret."
She sits down my bed. I put down my shirt and sat down next to her.
"How are you feeling today, Margaret?"
"Alright.... but I have pain cramps in my stomach."
"That's normal. Well, the reason that you're bleeding is because.... um.... well, have you ever heard of the curse? You know, the curse that women gets once a month?"
She nodded.
"Well, it's really not a curse. You see, it's called period or the menstrual cycle and you get them once a month. It's a good sign because you'll be able to have a baby someday. Is it your first time?"
"Yes... I thought I was dying. I was so scared but now I'm glad I asked you."
"I'm really glad you asked me. I don't want you go around thinking that you're dying but you're not, I can assure you that." I laughed.
She smiled.
"Now, from now on, when you get them every month, you use rags to absorb the bleeding so it won't ruin your dresses. In fact, I have some of the rags you can use today." I stood up and walked to my dresser, and took the rags out. I walked back, and sat down, giving the rags to her.
"Make sure you wash them and you can reuse them over and over again. Do you have any questions?"
"Yes, how long do they last?"
"Well, it depends on your cycle. Sometimes it lasts five to seven days."
"Oh." Margaret stood up and gives me an hug. "Thank you, Emily. I'm glad you're here. I will miss you when you're gone."
"You're welcome. You know you can write me a letter, right?"
She nodded.
She leaves the room with the rags in her hands. I smiled and shook my head
I got up and went back to packing.
*Later in the day*
My carriage is all packed up and the children are lined up with Aunt Charlotte to say goodbye. I hate saying goodbyes but I know I will be back in few days.
I said goodbye to each and gave them kisses and hugs. When I reached Little Susan, I bend down to look at her. She's very quiet.
"Goodbye, Susan."
She looked down. I put my finger underneath her chin and pushed her chin up to make her look at me.
"You know that it's only few days. I love you very much and if you miss me, Margaret can help you to write a letter and I will get the letter. I would love to hear from you. It would make me happy."
She nodded. It makes me sad because she's still not speaking and I would love to hear her talk, even one word.
"Come here." I said and we both hugged tightly. We imparted and I caress her cheek.
I stood up and moved on to Aunt Charlotte.
"Thank you for letting me go for few days, Aunt Charlotte."
We hugged.
"Please keep in touch with me. It's the only way to resolve my worries."
"I will. I will see you in few days."
She nodded.
I got into the carriage and we started to move. I looked out of the window and waved until I could no longer see them.
*Two Days Later*
We finally arrived at Virginia's home and it's a huge place. I see someone running out and I realized that it was Virginia. She has changed so much over the years.
I got out of the carriage hurriedly and ran to her. We ran into each others arms and hugged tightly. We were giggling and squealing.
When we were done, we looked at each other. She has golden brown eyes and her hair used to be dark brown but it had turned into golden brown.. but it's still curly.
"Oh my god, Emily! You have changed so much!" Virginia says, grabbing my hands and held them.
"You have changed so much too! Now, I want to greet your parents. I haven't see them in years!" I said, taking her hand around my arm. We walked together to the house.
Mrs. Stowe saw me and walked quickly to me, and hugged me tightly.
"Dear.. oh, you're beautiful! Just like your mother! Let me go get Mr. Stowe!" She walked quickly into his office and practically dragged him out.
He was fussy with her, but once she explained to him that I have arrived, he looked at me and smiled. He walked to me and gave me an hug.
"My dear, it has been years since I saw you. Why, the last time I saw you, you must have been eight years old."
I smiled. " Mr. Stowe, you are correct about that. It is so good to see you and Mrs. Stowe too."
Virginia was so excited and impatient so she grabbed my hand and told her parents that she has to take me to my guest bedroom.
So we both ran up the stairs, giggling all the way.
We entered into the bedroom and it took my breath away. The fireplace has gold flowers on the mantel and it has a huge dresser with gold trims. The bed had canopy over it. I mean there were so many details all over the place that I could not explain.
I was speechless. Poor Virginia, she thought that I didn't like it.
"You don't like it?" She says nervously.
"No, I love my room. It's beautiful! It took my breath away." I turned to her. "Thank you for inviting me. I can tell that we're going to have a good time. And I really appreciate the bedroom."
She smiled and hugged me. "You're welcome. I am so excited to spend the days with you!" We both giggled.
*Few days later*
November 4, 1779
Dear Aunt Charlotte,
I am having a good time with Virginia. She has been wonderful to me and her parents has been wonderful too. Their home is beautiful, and so huge that I got lost around the house. Right now, I am sitting outside in their beautiful garden, and the weather is beautiful today.
Seeing her family made me think of you and the children, and Father. I miss you so much. I can't wait to return home and give hugs and kisses to the children. How is the children? I hope they are behaving well.
How is Susan? I hope she is well. The last time I saw her, she was sad and her face has been haunting me ever since. I wish she would speak. Just one word out of her and it would make me happy.
Well, I have to go help Virginia to pick out her gown for the farewell party they're throwing for me in two days.
Write me soon.
Love,
Emily
I finished writing the letter and put it into the envelope. I gave the letter to the gardener and the gardener gave it to the post rider.
I closed my eyes, and listen to the birds singing. I can feel the warmth of the sun on my face.
I opened my eyes and looked at the flowers. There is bushes of roses, sunflowers, pink roses, and honeysuckles.
I stood up and walked to honeysuckles. I smell them and took one honeysuckle off the twig. I took the stems out of honeysuckle, and tasted the water. It tastes like honey.
I hear Virginia calling me and I turned around. She was very excited when she came to me.
"My parents got the invitation to the ball and it is tomorrow. We are going!" She was jumping up and down, giggling.
"But I don't have the gown to go to the ball. Who is throwing the ball?"
"Oh, it's Lord General Cornwallis. He wanted to throw the ball for his militia. In fact, we are going to visit his place today."
"But I am not prepared for the ball."
She rolled her eyes.
"Don't worry, silly! I am going to let you borrow one of my fancy dresses. Gosh, I have so many dresses that I haven't wore half of them yet!"
"Thank you."
"Now, let's go to visit." She takes my hand and led me to the carriage.
*Lord General Cornwallis' home*
We went into the ballroom and we were introduced to Mrs. Simms, who is in charge planning the ball.
We sat down and had cup of tea.
A young man came to Mrs. Simms' side and gave her the letter.
She opens it and read it. She got angry and worried.
"Oh dear, where am I going to find another opera singer for tomorrow? The opera singer says she is ill and could not perform for tomorrow. I guess, I am going to have to cancel the music part."
Virginia panicked and says "No, you are overreacting. In fact, I know someone who can sing very well."
I smiled. "Who?"
She looked at me, then she looked at Mrs. Simms.
"Emily." My smile dropped.
"Oh, really? Emily, I didn't know you can sing."
I became flustered. "No.. I.. Yes.. I can sing but not like an opera singer. Virginia, shame on you."
"I want to hear you sing. Here is the piano in the corner."
"Oh no, you don't need to hear me sing. I'm very flattered but you don't have to---"
Virginia interrupted me and said "I can play the piano for her and she can sing for you, Mrs. Simms!"
We stood up and walked to the piano. I whispered into Virginia's ear and told her that I am going to kill her when we get home. She laughed it off.
She sits down the bench and asked me what I want to sing. I tell her and she begins to play.
Mrs. Simms turned around and watched me.
I took a deep breath and begin to sing.
You were once my one companion
You were all that mattered
You were once a friend and father
then my world was shattered...
Wishing you were somehow here again...
Wishing you were somehow near...
Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed,
somehow you would be here..
Wishing I could hear your voice again
knowing that I never would...
Dreaming of you won't help me to do
all that you dreamed I could...
Passing bells and sculpted angels,
cold and monumental,
Seem, for you-
the wrong companions.. you were warm and gentle....
the music continue and Mrs. Simms had tears in her eyes.
The next lyrics comes on and I sang out my heart.
Too many years
Fighting back tears...
Why can't the past just die?!
Wishing you were somehow here again...
knowing we must say goodbye...
Try to forgive
Teach me to live
Give me the strength to try!...
No more memories,
no more silent tears...
no more gazing across the wasted years.....
Help me say goodbye..
Help me say good..bye....
Virgina smiled at me and looked at Mrs. Simms.
Mrs. Simms had tears running down her cheeks and stood up to clap.
"Bravo, Bravado! You have the voice like the opera singer but different. Who wrote the lyrics?"
"I wrote it, Mrs. Simms. It was based on the experiences I had over the years. Someone I loved died. I hope you like it." I said.
"You are going to sing for the crowd tomorrow! Oh, the crowd will love you!"
I nodded.
After all of that, Virginia and I went home. She was so giddy and excited that she told her parents about me and they were very excited for me.
I was excited but I was so nervous that I couldn't eat my dinner. I have a feeling that something special or bad is going to happen tomorrow....
Yay!! another chapter posted up!!! I will try to work on the next chapter over the weekend! The song that Emily sang was from the Phantom of the Opera and Its called wishing you were somehow here again. I like it and i thought it would be perfect for her to sing it about Thomas. Also, this is my 1st anniversary since I first started this story, so another reason to put it up! Also, I would like to dedicate it to Patrick Swayze, who passed away tonight. He will be sorely missed! Please, Please review!!! I am so excited!!! ThankS!!!