Beauty and the Beast

1

Bella

***

Mary Elizabeth

April 19, 1775

Last night I woke up to someone yelling. In the dark of the night I listened closer. Where was it coming from? I quickly realized that it was coming from outside. Then came the thumping of someone pounding on our little front door. I could hear the sound of my father's heavy footsteps rushing to the door. I threw off my warm blankets, swung my feet out of the bed into the chilly night air. Careful as to not wake up my little sisters, I grabbed my wool shawl and tiptoed down the stairwell; my night gown dragging on the step behind me. Father was closing the door. The look on his face was grim as he walked right by me, not saying a word, or even looking at me. He came out of his room dressed in his work clothes and went for his hunting rifle. I asked if I should make him breakfast, he started to nod his head but quickly changed his mind, then said to me, "Go wake your ma. Tell her, and you help, to make enough food to feed an army. And go wake up your brothers, I'll show Adam how to make bullets and Ben will go with me.”All it took to wake up mama was the small squeak of the door. She sat up, her night cap unwrinkled, as if she hadn't moved at all. Her worn eyes filled with fear. She spread out her arms and motioned for me to come. I started to tell her what pa had told me, but she hushed me and said in a whispered tone, "Yes, my child, I know. But we mustn't let fear take control when we have the Lord to hold on too" . I just nodded and crept back upstairs to get dressed. When I was dressed, I walked to the boys room across the hall. I was just opening the bedroom door when I heard the shouting again, this time it was louder, bolder, like there was more people this time. Looking out the window, there is a parade of men and their sons. Then I feel an arm come around my shoulders. Ben. Turning quickly to face him, I wrap my arms around him in a hug and sob out, “Don't go! Can't you just stay here and help me and ma and the rest of us here at home? And pa too?” His arms wrap around me in a brotherly fatherly friendly way and then sits down next to me on the window seat. He looks me straight in the eye and says, “I will never leave you, little sister. I will always be right here,” he took my hand and placed in on my heart. “ no matter how far away my physical body is, my spirit will always be with you. Never forget that.” All I could do was nod my head. Suddenly a loud squealing noise came from outside. We both run downstairs to see what is going on, nothing was wrong from what could be seen. Ma was already busy in our little tiny kitchen, and pa was busy making bullets, the terrible grim expression still on his face. I walked over to the pantry where my apron hung and numbly tied the bow in the back and started helping ma.

Benjamin

April 19,1775

Squeak. Someone was walking around in my room. Four quick, light thumps, headed towards the window. Silence. Opening my eyes slowly I see Mary looking out the window. Her face was about the same shade of white as the walls in my room. She was already dressed, but her hands were trembling. Careful as not to wake up Adam or spook Mary, I quietly walked over to stand next to Mary and put my arm around her shoulders. I felt her tense, then start to relax. Then suddenly she's facing me and wraps her arms tight around my rib cage, but she's crying. She doesn't want me to go with Pa to fight off the Lobsterbacks. I sit her down next to me and reassure her that I will make it back home. She's really worried about me. She's caught me sneaking out before to meet with the Sons of Liberty to figure out how to warn the people that the redcoats were coming. I had helped Paul Revere watch for the signal; one light if by land, two if by sea. The moment I was the two burning lanterns in the church window I called for Revere. He took off towards the town of Lexington on his awaiting horse to warn everyone that the redcoats are coming. I ran behind and knocked on the doors of those who didn't hear the urgent message. I went to every house up to my own. That's when Mary caught me. Now I am heading to Concord with Pa and many other neighbors and friends from near and far to ambush the Lobsterbacks. Ma and Mary made a simple breakfast for anyone who wanted it. As I was leaving Mary runs to me for one last embrace. The flour sprinkled across her face and hands, making her look older than 18. I had overheard Ma trying to convince Pa to not let me go, but all he said was,"Mary Jane, he's 20, and we need all the help we can get. He’ll be fine, I won't let him out of my sight. And by God’s good grace, we will return to you”.

***

I sat lost in my own world rereading my history assignment for them millionth time to make sure it was perfect. Suddenly my paper disappeared from my sight. I turn around to see the culprit of my disappearing paper only to reveal the obnoxious faces of my brother and his best friend.  

"Ben, please give it back," I growled through clenched teeth. I tried to reach for it, but had no success. The boys looked down at me with smirks plastered on their smug little faces because they know I am on the verge of giving up.  Sitting back down in my chair with a defeated sigh,  I turn back to my desk and hope they will leave me alone.  I hear mom call us down for dinner and then the sound of people running out of the room.  I turn around only to be scared shitless by Liam. Sitting on my bed. Reading my paper. He hands me my paper when he finishes and looks at me and says, "You're a good writer. You should do more." Then he turns and walks out of my room leaving me in shock. I put my paper in my backpack and head down to the kitchen for dinner.

That was 4 years ago.