1 Unwanted

September, 1862

The night was cool and outside the wind howled like a pack of hungry wolves. The small, wooden house did little to keep the cold draft from seeping into my room. I pulled my thick, white quilt up to my chin, bracing the cold night, though I know I will be getting little sleep tonight. However, the sounds of the storm raging outside were not what kept my mind stirring, rather it was the conversation unfolding on the other side of my door.

Earlier that night my father had informed me my uncle would be visiting us, but that they had pressing matters to attend to and I would need to go to sleep early. I had nodded to my father's statement, although curiosity flustered inside of me as to what sort of secretive matters they would need to discuss. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop but if I continued to let my curiosity grow, it would surely ravish my mind.

I slowly pulled the covers off, cringing as the cold air went straight through my thin nightgown. I cautiously placed my bare feet on the floor, silently praying to myself that the wooden planks would keep their creaks silent as I stepped. I gulped nervously knowing that if my father were to catch me I would surely be in a great deal of trouble. Still, my curious spirit was not tamed, even by the thought of my possible punishment.

Slowly I began to walk towards the small, wooden door that enclosed my room. One foot in front of the other as if I were walking a tightrope. Reaching the door, I let out a breath, one that I hadn't even realized I'd been holding. I pushed a strand of my golden brown hair behind my ear, pressing my ear to the door so I could make out the muffled voices of my father and uncle.

"Sophia will be eighteen in just one month, which means it could happen at any moment." said my father with a distressed tone.

"I understand that but she is your daughter, Alec an-" my uncle was unable to finish his statement before my father cut him off replying, "I know I know, but I don't... I just can't see her like that."

Just then a loud creak sounded through the house.

"Dammit" I muttered under my breath before bolting back to my bed, crawling under the covers just before my door was opened.

"Is she awake?" said my uncle nervously,

"No, must of just been the storm." my father replied.

My heart pounded in my chest like an out of control drum. What were they talking about? He doesn't want to see me like what? A thousand questions ran through my mind as I drifted to sleep that night and a fear of what was to come settled over me.

*********************

The sun shown through my bedroom window as I awoke the next morning. It didn't take long before the memories of last night's conversation rushed over me, filling me with the same fear and dread I had felt going to sleep.

I quickly dressed and got ready for the day, eager to know what my father had been talking about last night. However, as I stepped outside my bedroom door my father was nowhere to be seen. Every morning my father always sat in the large green chair that was positioned in the center of the main room. This morning though, my uncle was seated in his spot.

"Uncle Frank, have you seen father?" I questioned my uncle while scanning the room for any sign of my absent father.

"I'm afraid he's left..."

"Well where to? I must speak with him at once." I spoke with more urgency this time, trying to convey to my uncle my concern, without having to outright say it.

"No Sophia, you're not understanding my meaning," Said my uncle, standing up from the chair and meeting my eyes, "you're father has left, and he is not returning."

I froze.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my breath starting to speed up as my worry grew.

"You are leaving today too. I know you're confused but you're father has entrusted me to get you to your destination safely, and to only tell you that you will be safe there until you two can meet again."

Hot tears began to form in the corners of my eyes and an ache of betrayal tugged at my heart. This had to have something to do with what I had overheard last night. It had to.

"I know this is a lot to take in but we need to leave at once, the carriage is already waiting outside."

"I- uh I need to gather my things an-" I was cut off mid sentence by my uncle,

"I'm sorry but there is no time for that we must leave now." His tone was much harsher this time and he grabbed my arm, pulling me out the front door.

Outside there was a faded, black carriage that awaited us. It was pulled by a single grey horse and although it was far from being lavish, it was still nicer than anything I had ridden in before. The driver stepped down from his seat and opened the carriages small door as we approached. My uncle stepped to the side of the door and reached out his hand. I placed my hand into his and he helped me clamber into the small cabin.

I looked back awaiting my uncle to board as well, yet he just stared at me from outside, a painful look resting on his aged features. That's when I realized that he did not plan to come with me at all, and father did not plan to meet me later. No, none of this was true. They were sending me off, abandoning me.

I jolted towards the carriage door but the driver shut it briskly. Through the small, dusty window I could see tears beginning to pour from my uncles eyes. I shook my head at him, my own eyes also filling with hot liquid, but he simply motioned to the driver and I felt as the carriage jerk forward. Just like that I was leaving, without a possession and not a clue where I was going. The only thing I knew is that I was no longer wanted.