Hey guys, last weekend has been so bad and sad because my grandfather passed away on Sept 25 so I have been busy grieving and trying to be strong for my mom and my grandmother. I would like to dedicate this chapter to my loving grandfather, "Babbo" (1920-2009). Thank you for leaving the reviews... it encourages me to keep writing... even I don't feel like it. Thank you for supporting me. I really appreciate it. Thanks again. I hope you do like this chapter... even it's very different from all the Patriot stories you've read. Please leave a review or your respects... it does not matter. Again, thank you.

When I opened my eyes, my vision was blurry so I blinked couple of times. Once my vision was clear, I looked around the room. The room looks unfamilar. The celing is made of logs... so is the walls. I looked to my left and there was a fireplace, already lit. There were the fur blankets on the top of me.

I realized that I was wearing nothing but the nightgown. I rubbed my face and I felt the bandage on my forehead. My body was so sore all over.

How did I get hurt? I was confused.

Suddenly, I had flashbacks of the accident. I remember that I heard the driver scream and the carriage flipped over.

I must have got throw out of the carriage and hit my head on something. Perhaps the rock or something.

I felt overwhelmed by the flashbacks and I tried to sit up.. but I was too weak.

So I just lie there for while. I was trying to figure out what day is it?... is it daytime or nighttime? I looked for the clock but I didn't see it.

I finally gathered my last strength and strained to get up into a sitting position.

After I did that, I was breathing heavily. I looked to my right, and I see the dress I borrowed from Virginia on the chair. It was dirty and there were some some blood on my upper bodice.

I moved the blankets off me and pushed myself up to get off the bed. I held on to the dresser so I wouldn't fall down. I walked to the chair, barely making it and sat on my knees. I took the dress and looked at it. It was badly torn.

Oh god, how am I going to repair this? I put it back, and look around some more for any signs of clue to know where am I.

I grabbed the edge of the dresser and pulled myself up. I know I don't have any strength left inside of me but I want to walk to the door and see what is outside.

So I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then I let go of the dresser and begin to walk slowly. It seems like forever but I finally got to the door.

I was about to open the door when someone behind the door turned the handle. I begin to move backwards.

The door opens and a old man comes in. He's dressed in some strange outfit. His outfit is made up of some kind of material.. with fridges and colorful beads.

I realized he's a Native American.

He looked at me with his brown eyes and begin to speak to me in some foreign language. I didn't understand him.

I brought you some temporary clothes. They are men's clothes, I know. (Translated)

He must have realized that I could not understand him, so he began to make gesture at the clothes that he had in his arms.

Oh, he brought me clothes. I nodded and thanked him. He put down the clothes on the bed, and left.

I looked at the clothes and it's a man outfit.

That gives me an excuse not to wear the corset.

I took off the nightgown and put on the brown pants with the white, loose shirt. I tied my hair back with a ribbon.

I came out of the room and the old man was making the food. I looked out of the window and it was morning.

The man put down the food on the table and made a gesture at me... to tell me it's my breakfast.

I sat down and begin to eat. I was so hungry that I had to slow down. When I finished, he took the plate and nodded at me.

I nod and he begin to clean the plate. I stood up and walked around the room to look at the details of the place.

I hear the front door opens and closed behind. I hear his footsteps but it stopped.

I turned around slowly to see who it was.

"Hello." He says.

I remembered him because I saw his green eyes in my dream.

"Hello." I cleared my throat.

He puts down his gun and walks to me.

He lift one of his hands out to me. I take his hand and he slowly shakes my hand.

"My name is Nathaniel Poe. The man in the kitchen, his name is Chingachgook. What is your name, miss?"

"My name is Emily Martin. How did I get here?"

"Please sit down, Miss Martin." I sat down.

"There were an accident about a week ago. You got hurt really bad. I was concerned that you wouldn't come out of the coma. But I'm glad to see that you're up."

"You mean I was in coma for a week?" I sighed heavily. "What about the driver? Is he alright?"

"No... when I checked on him, his neck was broken in the fall."

I was shocked. "Well, why did the accident happen?"

"I think that the driver was going too fast... which is bad idea when there's a storm. He was stupid to do that... risking your life.. Miss Martin."

"Thank you.... I think I need to go back to the bedroom. Excuse me, Mr. Poe."

I move quickly past Mr. Poe and closed the door behind me in my room.

I was feeling overwhelmed by everything. Oh god, the children and Aunt Charlotte. I hope Virginia is still writing to them, pretending to be me.

I slowly slide down against the door to the floor. I could still see Tavington's eyes in my mind, the icy blue eyes. Oh god, I hate him so much!

I begin to cry. I put my head down on my knees, my arms around my legs. I could feel my hot tears staining the fabric on my knees.

I stopped crying in few minutes and stood up, walking to my bed. I sit down and take off my boots, then, I lay down on my side.

Soon, I went to sleep.

The knocks I heard startled me from my sleep. I got up and went to the door. I opened it and Mr. Poe was standing there, his hands stuffed into his pockets.

"Supper is ready, Miss Martin. Do you want me to fix the plate for you so you could eat in your room?"

"No, Mr. Poe. I will join you and Chingachgook in few minutes. Please excuse me." He nodded and I closed the door.

I grabbed my boots and put them on. I went to the mirror and fix my hair. I decided to take the bandage off my wound and looked at it.

It's healing really well and no scarring at all. Mr. Poe did a good job on it.. considering he's not a doctor.

I came out of the room, and Mr. Poe and Chingachgook stood up. I walked to the table and sat down.

They sit down and we begin to eat in the silence.

Eventually, I looked up and they were talking in their language quietly.

"Mr. Poe?"

They stopped talking and looked at me.

"Yes, Miss Martin?"

"I was wondering if you could go to the town and get some clothing for me? Is that alright?"

He nodded. "In fact, I was going to the town tomorrow with Chingachgook and pick up some supplies. I will get you some clothes."

I cleared my throat. "Thank you, Mr. Poe. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome." He smiled. It's the first time I seen him smile since we met. He has nice smile.

I smiled back and looked away because I was shy.

I was done with my dinner, so I stood up and they stood up. I nod to them and they nod back.

I went into my room and got ready for the bed.

Before I got into my bed, there was a knock. I sighed in annoyance and went to the door. I opened the door, just enough to see his face.

"I just wanted to let you know that I will be gone with Chingachgook in the morning and won't be back until late afternoon. Will you be alright by yourself, Miss Martin?"

"Yes, I will be alright. Thank you for letting me know. By the way, please call me Emily. Miss Martin is too formal."

He nodded and replied back. "Please call me Nathaniel. Good night, Emily."

"Good night, Mr. P-- I mean, Nathaniel."

I closed the door and smiled. I think I'm beginning to have a crush on him. Oh dear.

I ran and jumped into the bed, giggling. I blew out the candle and went to sleep.

While they were gone for errands in town, I explored around their place, looking at their books. I even read one and became very bored. I looked out of the window. Since I am getting so bored and restless, I decided to go out and explore in the forest.

I was walking on this little trail when I heard the rushing of the water. I decided to get off the trail and follow the sound of the water.

Soon, I walked into the opening of the forest and discovered that there is a waterfall. It took my breath away.

"Oh" I whispered. I walked to the edge of the little pond and took off one of my boots and dipped my toe in it.

The water is so clear and warm.. very unusual since it's November. I take a look around and decided that it's very private. No one can see me.

I made a decision to go into the water naked, just for a dip.

I took off my other boot and begin to undress. I put my clothes on the nearest rock and climbed up on the rock.

I dived in and the water was so nice and not too cold. Just perfect temperature. I swam around and floated for few minutes.

I swim to the waterfall and stood underneath it. It felt so good, the water pounding hard on my head. I moved from the waterfall and swam some more.

I looked at the sunlight and realized that it was almost late afternoon.

I swam to the edge and got out of the water, grabbing my clothes. I got dressed quickly and put on my boots. I put my wet hair up into the bun.

I looked back to the waterfall and smiled. I know I will be back for more.

I ran back to the place and got into the house. I lit the fireplace and sat down near it, drying my hair.

They came back an hour later and gave my new clothes. I thanked them and changed into my new dress.

At the supper, Nathaniel asked what I did today and I told him everything but the waterfall part. I prefer to keep that as my secret.

We talked, Nathaniel translating for me and Chingachgook and we had jolly time.

I hope you guys like it. Please leave a review. I don't wanna go on strike again if you don't. Thanks!