Chapter 3
Adora felt like her heart was going to burst. Bow had just told her that he loved her. She knew that no matter what Lighthope said she was going to tell Bow about her both parts of her. Adora fell into a happy sleep next to Bow. Her dreams were only once disturbed by the thought that he might not make it. That she would stand beside his grave and cry.
Adora awoke in the morning from a peaceful slumber. With her eyes partially closed she kissed Bow on the nose. She lifted her head to see Glimmer's face directly above hers. Glimmer had not meant to intrude on something so private but she wanted to see how Bow was recovering. Adora always seemed so placid and having something to bug her about was too good to pass up. Glimmer shot out of the tent. She began to shout "Adora lo-" Adora tackled Glimmer "Shhh! You can't tell anyone!" Adora had clasped her hand over Glimmers mouth. Glimmer removed Adora's hand "I won't tell but is it true? That you love Bow?" Adora didn't need to answer they way she looked at Bow's sleeping form was answer enough. Glimmer was a bit of a gossip so Adora hoped she could keep her word.
Broom was the first of many rebels to visit Bow over the next few days. Adora visited when she could but she was pulling double duty, triple if you counted She-Ra. Adora had her own personal battle to see to. To let Bow in on her secret. It would go against what Lighthope wanted but Adora felt it was her choice. She was the one doing the work she should be the one to decide who knew. As for the mater of love Adora wished she could visit her mother, she would understand her plight of love but she had no knowledge of She-Ra. There was also no guarantee that her mother had married for love either. How could you get advice from someone on the subject of love if hadn't experienced it themselves. At least the heart stopping love she felt for Bow.
Midge never really did tell Adora she had figured it out. Truthfully Midge didn't know how either she suspected that being from Earth must have helped, maybe allowing her to see though disguises easier? Midge didn't know, but she knew Adora needed help badly. She decided to corner her on one of her daily walks.
Adora couldn't help but feel that someone was following her. She was tempted to change into She-Ra but if they were watching her they would know her secret. Adora spotted the newest rebel untangling her self from a bush. She had to laugh she was paranoid about nothing. The new rebel had proven to be beyond loyal. There was no way that Midge would hurt her. Midge finally freeing herself walked towards Adora and said. "Lets have a talk." Unsure of what Midge wanted Adora agreed." They both took a seat at the edge of a clear stream that supplied water for the rebels. One more advantage for Whispering Woods. Adora stared down at the quite water, unsure of what to say. Midge began. "I know your secret." Adora looked up at her. "I know your both She-Ra and Adora. I really don't know how I figured it out but it just clicked. And I know your having difficulties is there anything you want to talk about? I mean I don't know you well but I understand being two people. Or having two faces. See my mom wants me to be some big shot success. Me I'd rather work in the military and help the world even if it is dangerous. I know it must be hard to relate to your friends when they don't have the full range of emotions you do. Everyone here is great but they really only know half of you. I feel like that at home too." Midge gave a small smile at Adora. It was the part about having two faces that really connected with Adora though.
It was nice to have a talk with someone who understood, that got her. Adora and Midge talked for another hour before they both had duties to attend to.
Adora took a break from her chores to look fondly at Bows tent. She smiled and dropped her fire food. She had worked hard enough over the last few day that spending some time with Bow was well deserved. She entered his tent to see Glimmer bent over him with a cool rag to his face. Bow was sweating heavily. "What's wrong?" Adora asked. "His wound didn't heal properly and it got infected." Glimmer replied. She was dunking the rag into more cool water. Adora could read between the lines though. They had a few rebels die last year from infections. This meant that Bow was fighting for his life. A tear slipped out of Adora's eye. She knew what she had to do. "Glimmer would you give us a moment alone?" Her voice sounded more like that of She-Ra. "Sure. Remember keep putting that rag on his head. Unfortunately it's the only thing we can do for him." It's not the only thing that She-Ra can do though. Adora thought to herself. Knowing that Bow was too ill to notice Adora transformed into She-Ra in front of him. She-Ra put her hand to Bow's side trying to figure out where the infection went to. She healed multiple spots but the infection was stubborn. There was only so much she could heal at a time and the infection was above that. Bow's will to live would be critical in his recovery. Adora sighed Bow's fever had gone down. She used up too much energy as She-Ra that she had been forced to transform back. She laid down beside Bow and didn't protest as his arm wrapped around her. She hadn't intended to stay but being wrapped up in Bows arms made her feel safe. Safe enough to whisper three little words. "I love you."