Chapter Two

Strange Obsessions 

“You don’t like me much do you?” I looked up from the large pot to see Manning standing in the doorway peering at me.  There was a hint of amusement in his eyes.  I looked back down at the pot.  I was sure he had been standing there for a while and took my silence as a show of dislike.

“I don’t know what you mean.” I replied picking up a long spoon to stir the stew with. 

“Of course you do.” I glanced up at him again seeing that amusement again which made anger bubble in my stomach.  I looked back down at the stew.

“I do not dislike you.” He gave a sharp laugh then walked back outside.  I sighed picking up a spice to add to the stew.  I mixed in the spice then looked back to the doorway where he had been.  I felt the urge to find him and slap that arrogant look from his face but I stayed.

There was a small rush of wind, which I had grown accustomed to as knowing someone was coming.  The wind always carried the person’s energy.  A familiar wave pulsed over my skin.  I didn’t turn; instead I kept stirring my stew. 

“Good afternoon Joshua.” I said without turning.  There was a slight pause but knowing Joshua, he wasn’t surprised that I knew he was there.

“Good afternoon.  Ah, that smells good.”  He came up next to the large cauldron.  “You are an amazing cook.  May I try it?”

“No.” I teased smacking his hand away from my spoon.  He smiled and looked out of the window where we could see Manning working with the wood only a few feet away.

“You don’t like him very much do you?” Joshua asked me.  I gave an exasperated sigh.  Was this the question of the day?  I looked out the window at the working man.

“I do not dislike him.” I let a bit of weariness in my voice.  “Why does it matter?  Even if I did not like him I would tolerate him.” I flashed a smile to him to let him know that I was joking this time.  He smiled back, shook his head then headed out to Manning.  I turned to get a ladle, when I turned back and looked out the window Joshua was at his side and they were already in a deep conversation.  There were some small laughs then troubled words then Manning walked away a bit angry.  I threw another log on the fire then went out to Joshua.

“He is a headstrong boy.” Joshua said.  It was windy out.  It wisped through my hair and dress.  He gave a light sigh.

“Is all well?” I asked cautiously.

“Perhaps you can talk to him.” With that he turned and went back into the cabin.  I listened to the wind as it whispered to me.  I heard it whisper “destiny”, which made me pause. 

A sign, that’s what I need.

I waited a few minutes, peering at Manning and his horse which he had started to groom.  In those few minutes a Merlin flew from a line of trees and landed near me.  It looked at me with one eye then squawked something that sounded like “Go!”.

It bowed it’s head quickly then took flight again headed toward the sun.  I sighed then headed over to Manning.  He looked up at me, cocked his head to the side and kept his face blank.  I stopped about four feet away from him keeping my face blank as well.

“Do you need something?” He asked.  I shook my head.

“Are you well?” I asked.  He nodded and looked away.  I looked down trying to think of what to say.  “Do…do you want me to leave?” I asked.  He looked up at me almost shocked.

“No…why would you think that?” He went back to his blank face.

“I’ve been here for two weeks now and I feel…I’m just not sure if you like my being here.” I looked down thinking then back up.  “You don’t like me much do you?” I asked seriously, which to my surprise he took seriously as well.

“I never said that.  But to answer your question, yes I do like you.  I think you bring a little more life to this old cabin even to that old man inside.” I smiled softly in reply to a sweet smile he gave me. 

“He’s not that old.” I mused.  “I like you too Manning.  And I never wanted to take over your life…or Joshua’s.  I know it’s been harder around here with a woman to burden you two but I really appreciate it…” My speech was getting faster and nervous.  He broke in stopping me.

Copyright of  PN Luciérnaga 2000-01

Chapter three--Revelations

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