Cotton & Lace

Runaway

Isla looked at me sorrowfully. She patted my shoulder and helped me get dressed without bothering to say a word.

I stepped out of the room fully prepared for Andrew's wrath but I was surprised to find that he had left. I looked through the house, noticing that only the staff and myself remained. This meant no one knew of the news besides Isla. I ran back to the bedroom and searched for a few items that I thought were sentimental, mostly just a locket with my parents photos and a little book I had been gifted. I knew I couldn't take the time to pack or carry anything else. I took a final look at the room, and then ran down the stairs and out the side door. I didn't stop running until I reached the decaying place Reed had been staying. I flung open the door, nearly collapsing from weakened legs and breathlessness.

Reed stood with a look of surprise. I knew he never expected me to show up this soon while Andrew's family was still in town. I looked up at him, relief washing over me, and I burst into tears, crumpling onto the floor and letting out the most sorrowful sobs, everything that had happened finally catching up to me.

Reed walked over and stooped beside me.

"Sadie...what ever is the matter?" He asked.

"I...I..ran..away...I.. can't..go..back...Andrew..Andrew hurt me.. and..and....I'm....with child." I said between sobs.

Reed put his hand on my back and I recoiled in pain letting out a sharp "ehhh!" He withdrew his hand and pulled my head against his chest.

"You're safe now...I promise nothing will happen to you when you're with me. But we can't stay here." He whispered softly.

I nodded and took in a deep breath.

"Please, can we leave now. I can't go back." I begged, tears still spilling over my cheeks.

Reed stood, helping me to my feet. He gathered his nap sack and gun, put out the fire, and then grabbed my hand.

"Let's go, we will need the daylight to see." He said while leading me out of the house and into the woods. We walked for a couple of hours following the creek. It was late afternoon by this point. Reed started looking around the creek and trees for a place to set up camp. In a place where the creek bed dipped, Reed climbed down and moved some branches and debris. He motioned for me to follow him and so I did. Behind the branches and over several large boulders was a small hole, just large enough for us to crawl into. As we crawled over the boulders, we came into a cave.

I let out a sight of relief. Somehow this cave felt like the safest place to be. Reed set up an oil lamp to illuminate the large room and then rolled out a couple of blankets.

"Well, get comfortable, this will be our home away from home for the night." Reed said. I sat on the blanket, allowing my entire body to relax. I knew Andrew wouldn't look for me here, no one would.

"Reed, can you please help me out of this dress. I just want to lay down and rest." I said softly.

I stood and turned my back to him allowing him room to undo my dress. His fingers fumbled through the laces finally releasing them. He pushed the cloth off my shoulders, allowing the dress to fall at my waist. He then released the tie on my hoop skirt. It fell to the ground and I pushed my dress down with it. I stepped out of both and sat on the blanket.

"Thank you.." I said.

I proceeded to remove my shoes and stockings and set them with my other clothes. I then laid on my side, curling into myself and closing my eyes. I felt safe finally and I wanted to sleep peacefully now.

I heard Reed pull in a sharp breath.

"Sadie...what is on your back?" He said slowly, and almost calculating.

I heard him pick up the lamp and felt the heat of it on my skin. He carefully pulled up the fabric of my chemise exposing my lower back. I closed my eyes tightly, fear overcoming me again. I half expected him to inflict pain upon me even though he never gave me any reason to believe he would.

"Did he do this to you!?" Reed said in a voice that was trying to hide anger.

I was silent for a moment, afraid to answer.

"Yes...." I said quietly.

Reed let out a deep sigh.

"I am so sorry Sadie...I am so sorry I wasn't there to protect you, to save you. You should never have to go through that....did..did he hurt you anywhere else?" He said.

I knew my answer would hurt him but I also knew he needed to know.

"Yes......he....forced himself on me." I whispered.

Reed took a blanket and covered me with it. He tucked a stray curl behind my ear and then stroked my cheek with the back of his hand.

"I still love you, no matter what. I can't take away what he did, but I can promise it won't ever happen again. You are safe now. Get some sleep my little dove." He said.

I let out my breath and closed my eyes allowing myself to drift into a peaceful sleep. I knew I could finally rest and be at ease under Reed's watch.

I woke later as Reed carefully slid in beside me under the blanket. He pulled me close to him, my back barely touching his chest. I knew he was being mindful of my wounds. He slipped his arm over me and rested his hand on my stomach. I felt a flutter in my heart at this. I knew now more than ever that I wanted the rest of my life with him. I smiled slightly and then slowly drifted back to sleep.