7 Now the fun begins

*knock*

I heard a faint noise in the distance but I was tired thus I rolled over and tried to ignore it. TRIED to at least.

*knock knock*

"Mmmmmh"

I rolled back over slowly opening up my eyes to stare at the door.

*Knock*

"Miss MacDonald, it's time to move your belonging." Cicero called from the other side of the door.

"Give me a minutes please."

After calling to him I realized how late in the morning it was. I don't normally sleep this late in especially since i started living in this time. I don't have anything to keep me up and I'm always working so I'm tired once I get home. I got up out of bed and looked out the window. The sun was almost fully up as I shined on the water surface in the backyard. There was a carriage I could just barely see around the corner of the house and I could see the major and judge Woodhull talking by the carriage looking at the house.

'They must be discussing who to sell it too. As much as I like the major in the show I hated that they do this to poor Anna.'

I saw movement to the left catching my gaze. I turned my head fully to see Simcoe talking to Anna by the big tree.

'There is where he informs her he will be staying here and asks about Abe.'

I watched the scene unfold with Anna trying to leave before Simcoe stops her. He says something to her in passing before he continues his walk to the house. I watch him walk before I stops just below my window looking up. He locked eyes with me holding it for a moments before smiling and walking out of view into the house.

I fought the shiver running up my spine as I went over to my dresser and changed into a simple outfit. I guess you could call it simple in this time as I still wish I had my jeans and t-shirt or even a sweatshirt. After being here for a month I still haven't found a way to get back home. I still don't even know what brought me here in the first place. I just know I'm starting to miss everyone and everything from my time.

"Huh, guess I really did take what I had for granted. Never know what you have until you actually lose it."

I put on a simple brown dress with a hint of green mixed in. Going to the mirror I made sure everything was in place before fixing my hair into some tight curls going down below my shoulders. This is another problem with my hair growing so much it's getting harder to keep it nice and neat.

'I wonder where I can go get a haircut I guess? Do they have those in this time?'

I grabbed the small bag under the bed and put the five dresses I had into the bag along with the brush Anna gave me for my hair. I didn't have anything else so I was all ready.

I opened my door making my way around the corner and down the stairs. I made it to the bottom seeing Abby wait for me with a cloth in her hands.

"Here hun, I made this for you to keep you warm during the winter."

"Oh, Abigail you didn't have to do that, but thank you so much."

I hugged her taking the cloth after she let me go. She smiled at me as I unraveled it letting it roll out to see it fully. It was a deep green scarf that wrapped around the neck and could cover my shoulders to my elbows.

"Wow! This is beautiful! Are you sure you want me to have this?"

She nodded her heading pulling me into another hug.

"I have never met a more kind or caring person in my life who treats me and my son as equals. This may be the last time we see each other as there is news going around of freedom."

That's right the slaves will be free, but the men have to serve in the army for three years and poor Abigail will be given to major Andre for help around his new house. I felt horrible knowing that I couldn't stop it or do anything, or else I might ruin her outcome of definite freedom later on in her life with her son and future husband. I only smiled back at her once she released me again nodding my head.

"I am positive we will see each other before anything happens. I will be sure to come visit often as I can."

Cicero came around the corner running into my arms.

"You keep working on your reading and writing ok." I whispered.

"Yes ma'am! I won't let you down."

He smiled up at me as I gave him another quick hug. I was gonna miss seeing both of them every day. With Abigail and I doing laundry as Cicero helped gather wood. Those were the days I always loved with it being peaceful and relaxing. I could almost forget where I was and what year it was. I gave them both another smile and wave before walking out the front door.

"Good Morning Miss MacDonald, how did you fair last night?"

I looked at judge Woodhull and smiled brightly at him.

"I slept peacefully sadly also making me wake up late this early morning."

"Well, it was a well needed rest I hope as I hear you work hard for your keep. Though I do hope the Major didn't fully lie to you as I don't intend to make you work at my house."

I was confused by that news as I thought the whole reason I was moving in was to do house work. I looked to the major who looked around real quick trying to avoid both out eyes.

"Alright. So I might have stretched the truth a bit. Simcoe said she was here looking for a suitor and since the Strong house will be sold along with the bar she needed somewhere to go . So I informed Mr. Woodhull of the situation thus he said if you agreed to it. So I had to convince you to agree. I do deeply apologize for lying as the lord does not condone it but it was needed to ensure you had a safe place."

"Well, I don't condone lying but as long as Miss MacDonald doesn't mind we can continue."

Richard turned to me waiting for an answer. Sadly as much as I wanted to stay I had to go or else I would be stuck in the same building as Simcoe.

"I'm still fine with moving in as long as I won't be doing nothing the whole time."

I need to keep busy I hate standing around and not doing anything.

"Well if you wish to help with getting supplies for the house I do think we can arrange for you to do such task. Though sometimes I will have to leave for New York for specific items."

"I will gladly take up the task sir as long as I have an escort to accompany me."

"Then it is done. Let's get you home and settled."

Richard smiled at me before grabbing my bad putting it on top of the carriage. I climbed in sitting down the opposite of the major and Richard.

The ride there was very nice and peaceful. Richard kept talking about trades in New York for supplies for the army. The major would say here and there what places could be used to quarters and such. I simply blocked them out the whole way until we arrived at the house and I was climbing out.

The building was very fancy in my opinion just like in the show. Made of mostly bricks and wood panels. A maid came out greeting us as she and some other man grabbed my bag and held the door for us. I followed Richard inside taking in the chandelier that was hanging from the ceiling with a long staircase to the direct right of me. There was a study directly to my left as Richards money and record room, the living room was right in front across the hall with the eating area next to the study room.

"Maria will take you to your room while me and the major go and discuss some issues that have arisen."

He motioned towards the maid Maria before heading back out the door.

"Follow me madam."

She led me up the stairs to the second floor. At the top was what looked like a master bedroom with two massive desks and a huge bed.

'This is the majors room for sure.'

We kept walking down the hall, upon continuing there was another room almost the same size as the master bed. It had a big wooden desks by the door and another huge bed between two windows.

'This is Richards room since he is the man of the house and owner.'

Maria led me to the left leading to two more rooms of the house. One had another big bed between two windows almond with a dresser at the foot of it. The last bedroom was a simple single bed against the left wall with a window across the way. A small desk sat under the window with a small chest sitting at the foot of the bed.

She lead me into the smaller room putting my bag down in the process. She turned looking at me with a smile before looking around the room herself and back to me.

"If you wish for assistance unpacking please let me know ma'am. If you wish for a cleaning before settling in I can do such task now."

I simply shook my head and smiled back at her.

"No everything is perfect you don't have to assist me. You also don't have to call me ma'am. Just Stephanie is fine as addressing me."

She nodded her head and smiled again before heading out the door and down the stairs. Once I made sure she was gone I started unpacking and put my stuff in the chest. Since I am at Abe's old house I'm gonna go snoop at his clothes and see if anything will fit me. Last night all I could think about was the what if's. So I formulated a plan to help me Incase I need to leave here without anyone stopping me or knowing it's me.

'I have been told I look like a guy with my hair short so hopefully I can pull this off.'

I walk over to the dresser on the opposite side of the room opening it to see it's contents. Inside was a bunch of shirts and pants. Looking out the hall real quick listening for anything I realize I'm in the clear so I begin. I pull out each shirt seeing which on fits me the best as he is skinny and I am not skinny. After about five shirts I find one that surprisingly fits perfectly.

'Perfect! Now time for the pants.'

Switching to the pants I look through all three and find that a light brown pair just barely fits me.

'I'm gonna have to do something about that. Since I have nothing else to do now I can work on getting fit. I'm gonna need a way to protect myself and no one will give me a gun.'

Taking the pants and shirt folding them together, I put them in a neat pile under the bed for a later date. Now the next problem I face is that time of the month. Yes I mean THAT time cause when I got here it was just ending on that day. Sometime this week I will begin again and I have no idea how they handle that during this time.

'Fuck! Why didn't I pay attention more in history class for American history!'

Thinking now I will have to find someone to help with that when I mean someone I'm gonna go talk to Anna. Walking out of the room I make my way towards the stairs but stop at the master bedroom. Inside that drawer right there is a letter for his higher ups about attacking a shack outside of town a ways. If I'm correct then Abe will be back right now and he will be here tonight. I have time to go see Anna real quick and ask about my problem. Making up my mind I go down the stairs, grab my scarf and made my way towards town.

_______________________________

Arriving into town I was greeted by a bunch of people gossiping here and there. Some were even looking at me with pity for some reason. Confused by this I kept walking towards the pub hoping it was open and she was inside. Thankfully enough once I got to the window I saw people inside drinking. Pushing open the door I'm almost wanting to rush back out with what I'm greeted with.

"Stephanie!!!!! Just the lady we are looking for!! Come drink with us!!!"

"Yes! Come!!"

"We are celebrating and mourning for recent events!"

Half the pub is filled with red coats and for some reason they all locked into me yelling at me to come join them. Now they must be shit faced drunk since they have never asked me to drink before and definitely never paid attention really to me other than I was nice and respectful.

"I apologize sirs, but I am here to speak with Miss Strong."

"Well when your done come talk with us!"

"Yes! We wish to speak with the captains future wife!"

That's stops me in my tracks just before I make it to the back.

"Now she knows! It was supposed to be a surprise you bellon!"

"Oh right I forgot. Disregard that Miss Stephanie!"

I quickly walk into the back feeling my heart rate increase. Feel my anxiety start to pick up making me breathe heavy.

'No no no no! Fuck, that means Simcoe has become infatuated with me! Fuck! I'm messing with the story already and I haven't even done that much!'

A hand grabs my shoulder making me jump and squeak.

"Calm down Stephanie it is just me."

"Oh, Anna you can't scare me like that."

I'm holding my chest trying to calm down but she is starring at me like she knows something is wrong.

"Are you ok? Did any of them out there do something to you?"

I can't tell her about what they said if she doesn't know. Should I tell her actually and maybe she can help me get rid of him? I can't do this right now just smile.

"No you just really scared me is all."

She looks at me as if saying she doesn't believe me but drops the subject.

"I actually came to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Uuuummm, I'm about to start my monthly thing and i don't know what to do for it."

She looked at me shocked for a moment before leaving me in the kitchen walking out towards the front section. I wait there for about five minutes twiddling my thumbs until she returns with a thick red cloth in her hands. She hands it to me while I look at her like she just handed me a baby.

"What do I do with this?"

"Did your mother never help you with your months?"

"No she did but we didn't use this."

"Well this is what we use. You take the cloth and put it in your undergarments so it will soak up anything and everything."

I looked at her shocked, looked at the cloth again and look back at her with worry in my eyes.

"This has not been used so you can have this one. Every night make sure to take it out, soak it in the hot water over the fire, squeeze the liquid out and let it dry before putting back in."

I nod in understanding before smiling at her.

"Thank you Anna, I appreciate it."

She smiles back nodding her head before picking up some drinks on the table and heading out.

"Well I should get back to work before they cause more problems, but please stay safe Stephanie. I have noticed a certain person taking interest in you and it scares me."

She walks away towards the noise of the pub. That leaves me with my cloth and thoughts before heading towards the front door and leaving.

'Trust me Anna I know and I'm not happy either.'

Walking in town I'm about to head straight towards Richards house before i hear a commotion to the left. Simcoe and Abe are in each others face talking loud but in hush tones before Abe finally turns walking away. Simcoe watches him for a moment before his eyes lock onto me. He simply stares before stalking off in the opposite direction. I watch him leave around the corner of a building before I turn to continue on-

"Stephanie? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at Selah's house?"

Abe walks up to me with a questionable look on his face. Though I'm pretty sure mine was one of shock and huge ass eyes. Looking at his cut in person then on TV is COMPLETELY different.

"What the hell happened to you?! Where have you been?! Everyone was looking for you!"

He quickly put his hand over my moth before guiding me over to a corner between two buildings.

"I was trying to get money for Selah so he could buy his freedom. The only problem is I got caught up with some other stuff, got stuck with the wrong crowd and now I'm back and apparently someone was killed?"

God I could just tell him right now that I literally know everything that will happen. Whatever brought me here probably doesn't even want me to interfere so I don't want to get zapped to death.

"I don't know what happened with the captain only that Simcoe is captain now. Selah is still in custody, Anna is stressed out, and apparently I'm gonna be Simcoe'a wife!"

'Wait!'

"What did you jus say?!"

He looks at me angry for a moment before fear takes over his face. He comes over grabbing my for arms inspecting my body all over that he can see.

"Has he touched you? What did he do? Who approved of this marriage?!"

"No Abraham we aren't married! I just walked into the pub and a bunch of his men said that I was his future wife and something about a surprise. The only thing he has done to me is watch me from a distance or following me where I go."

"He has done nothing else to you?"

He has a tight grip on my arms and won't let go. I nod my head and he stares at me for a long hard minute before sighing and letting go.

"I don't want the attention trust me I don't like him he gives me really bad energy."

"We will get home away from you. Let me go home and see Mary, I have to talk to my father and the major and then I'll come to Selahs house later tonight."

"See about that, I'm living with your father now."

I look at the ground when he quickly turns again to look at me with shock on his face.

"When did this happen? Who moved you to his house?"

"The major thought it would be good since he is the judge of the town and I'm "looking" for a sutor. Plus they also have other news that your father needs to tell you not me."

"Ok I will go see Mary and then I shall go speak with my father and the major. I will see you tonight Stephanie, just go back to the house and stay there away from Simcoe ok?"

He placed his had on my wrist gently grabbing it to get my attention off the floor. He was looking at me to make sure I would agree and understood what he asked. I nodded my head before he sighed and smiled.

"I shall see you in a few hours then."

He turned towards the other direction and headed towards Selahs house. Guess he is going to try and give the money to Anna. I turned back to the house and made my way there. Upon entering the house I noticed it was starting to get dark.

'Time goes by fast when your not paying attention and busy all day.'

I smell food being made so I went towards the kitchen. Walking in I notice a plucked chicken on the table with some potatoes. I noticed Maria by the pot stirring a liquid inside. I walked over to the table putting another apron on to help make supper.

"Where do you wish for me to help Maria?"

She turned startled looking wide eyed at me. Whoops didn't mean to scare her guess I should have announced myself.

"Oh sorry Miss, I didn't hear you walk in. You don't need to assist me with supper tonight. I can handle it, so you can go and relax in the dining room with Richard and the major."

I went to protest before she came pushing me out the kitchen away from the area. I gave up, giving her the apron before heading towards the hall. I looked into the dining room seeing Richard and the major discussing something. Deciding against interrupting them I went to the next room which was the living room with a giant piano. Looking at the giant fireplace to the big windows and the beautiful piano I picked a seat and relaxed.

After a couple minutes I started to him a tune in my head of a song that I knew. I looked out the window relaxing further into my seat looking at the few stars that I could make out and the big moon in the sky. After a second I went from humming to straight singing the song.

"~ You would not believe your eyes

If ten million fireflies

Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they fill the open air

And leave teardrops everywhere

You'd think me rude but I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs

From ten thousand lightning bugs

As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head

A sock hop beneath my bed

A disco ball is just hanging by a thread (thread, thread)"

I sang each part nice a slow as I didn't do upbeat songs so I always sang song slow taking my time.

"~I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)

Leave my door open just a crack

Please take me away from here

'Cause I feel like such an insomniac

Please take me away from here

Why do I tire of counting sheep

Please take me away from here

When I'm far too tired to fall asleep"

I closed my eyes pretending I was back home looking at the night sky. Relaxing on my porch listening to the song from my phone and singing along.

~"To ten million fireflies

I'm weird cause I hate goodbyes

I got misty eyes as they said farewell (said farewell)

But I'll know where several are

If my dreams get real bizarre

'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar (jar, jar)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems (when I fall asleep)"

I finished up the last verse of the song ready to keep relaxing until I heard clapping behind me. Quickly looking behind me I see not only Abe smily sweetly at me, but Richard and Hewlett there as well smiling and clapping.

"How long have you gentlemen been there?"

"Richard and I heard you in the dining room, we came to listen."

"They walk around the corner finding me already here as I just walked through the door when I heard you begin."

I looked down at the ground feeling my face get hot. I never sang in front of others it always freaked me out and I always believed I had a horrible voice.

"Sorry you had to listen to me as I bet I sounded horrid."

"Oh no dear, you have an angelic voice! Speaking of such I believe we may have found a singer for the Christmas party that you are hosting Richard."

"Yes! You should sing at my party in a couple months!"

"Well shouldn't she have a say if she wants to or not. She clearly doesn't like singing in front of others."

I looked at Abe smiling at him silently thanking him for that. He smiled back before t bring to his father again.

"Let's give her time to decide, but as of now let's sit down and discuss the information you need."

"Ah! Yes, I need the names of the men who held you hostage and beat you up. Let's eat and get that accomplished."

The major and Richard went back to the dining hall. Abe held his arms out extended to allow me to pass I nodded at him and made my way to the table. The food was placed down with the chicken as the center piece. Richard sat at one end of the table, Hewlett at the other with Abe and I sitting across from each other on the shorter ends.

I sat there and just listened to everyone around me talk about the troops, to trade, to the party in a couple months and finally was the last topic.

"Ok, so Abraham. Did you get a look at who attacked you?"

"It was hard, but yes I could make out three of the men. One-"

I zoned out again finishing the wine that was in front of me. I picked it up swiveling it in my hand. I got lost in thought Not paying attention until I felt a light nudge under the table. Looking up I saw Abe starring at me and moving his eyes towards the stairs.

"Thank you for dinner Mr. Woodhull, but I shall retire for the night as I am exhausted from today."

"Yes well, if you need anything just call for one of the troops or Maria if she is still here. Other that that I wish you a good rest and will see you in the morning."

"Yes Miss MacDonald if you need anything just called one of my troops and they will assist you. Good night."

I nodded my head towards both of the men before heading towards the stairs. Before I could even get to the top I heard Abe downstairs.

"Well if you don't need anything else from me I shall retire for the night as well."

"Yes, well if you remember anything else or have anymore names for me don't hesitate to inform me."

"Yes major. Good night Major, father. I will see you another day."

I continued up the stairs turning the corner heading towards my room. Making it to my door I went inside shutting it behind me. I started getting ready for bed lighting a candle next to my night stand by the window. I turn towards my door and went to make sure it was shut when I heard rummaging in the other room.

'Why are they so loud.'

I opened my door slowly before walking down the hall quietly. Looking into the majors room I noticed Abe hunched per the desk intently reading the letter about the shack. Clearing my throat I made the poor man jump.

"Jesus, Stephanie, you should not do that. I thought you were someone else."

"I'm sorry but what are you doing in here?"

We both kept our voices down as I watched him just look at me. He sighed and went back to looking at the paper.

"I'm reading a letter to the major that has a secret message in it. Since you said from your time there is a show on me then I'm guessing you know what I am doing?"

"Well yes but I still am shocked you went through with it? What made you do it?"

"Something in my heart said it was the right thing."

He finished reading before grabbing paper and writing down everything on it. After a couple minutes he folded the papers and returned the letter to its original spot.

"Will you be ok here? I can see if Mary and I can make room for you."

"I'll be fine Abe just do your own thing and I'll make it here. If I need anything you'll be the first to know ok."

I turned walking towards my room again hearing Abe close behind. I turned back around looking at him ready to tell him good night.

"Just promise me you will stay safe? If he comes near you that you will let me know."

"Yes, I will inform you if Simcoe is bothering me. Now I need to get some sleep because today has been exhausting."

I went to close the door but Abe stopped me just before it did. He looked into my eyes for a couple seconds like he was contemplating something. As I went to ask what was wrong I felt his lips on mine. It was a quick kiss even though it felt like a while then he pulled away. I stood there speechless not knowing what to say or do before Abe made the choice for me.

"Get some rest Stephanie. A lot will happen in the next couple days."

He quickly turned and left me standing there with my mouth still open. I heard the downstairs door open and close before I shook my head and closed my door. I went over to my bed sitting down and thinking for a second.

'He just kissed me. What the hell brought this on and why did he kiss me? He is supposed to kiss Anna! Now everything is fucked up! The thing that brought me here won't even tell me why I am here! I just want to go home!'

I laid on the bed after stripping my clothes off and closed my eyes. Letting my body relax I thought about what I need to do.

'If everything is gonna change since I'm here then I guess I should just play along. I do however need to not get people attached incase I do leave. So operation clean sweep is under go starting tomorrow.'

Feeling myself start to slip under i revised in my head exactly what I need to prepare for the next events to come. I will help if that is what I am here for, I will play my cards right and my way.