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Pride Before a Fall
Chapter Twenty-Two - The End
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When I returned home that day, my heart was heavy with despair. I had started with two amazing men who had captured my heart, but I had gone and lost both of them. I lay in the hayloft and slept, a deep, dreamless slumber.
My father woke me up an hour later, after much pushing and poking. I felt as if I had lost the will to be awake. He handed me an envelope, stroked my hair, and walked out. I lazily pulled open the envelope and took out the letter within.
As I read its content, my eyes lit up, and I jumped up from the hay I was laying in. This was my chance! It was exactly what I wanted, what I needed! It was a note from Jesse, giving me my last chance to be with him, the wild one I loved with my whole heart.
I ran downstairs to my bedroom and began to get ready. We would meet just before sunrise the next morning.
As I lay in bed next to Gabe that night, I took in my surroundings wholly for the first time. I imprinted it all in my memory, etching it a place in my mind forever. I took in the way the moonlight passed through the shades onto the dressed, the deep wood of the doorframe. I memorized the sounds of Gabe breathing and my father snoring.
I got up about an hour before Jesse and I were to meet. My bags were packed and ready to go. I watched Gabe sleeping for a few moments before dressing and heading out the door. On my way down the hall I looked into Mami and Papa's room. They were both sleeping so soundly, in peace. I hoped that their slumber blocked the reality of their daughter's shame. I kissed each family member's cheek.
I went down to the kitchen and had a quick apple and slice of bread. Would I be able to cook for us in my new home? Mami had done it all these years. Then a flood of doubts came pouring in. But I strongly pushed them back and thought only of the bright future that Jesse and I would have. I had to write them a note.
Dear Family,
I had to follow my heart. Do not worry after me, for I am in good care. Consider this as me taking my pride into my own hands. I love you all dearly.
~Susanna
I went outside, saddled Pirate, and rode off towards the train station, tears in my eyes.
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When I saw Jesse there at the gate, holding his suitcase, it made everything all right. He was smiling. When I saw that face, I didn't even try to explain what had happened. He knew. He knew I loved him enormously, and that was good enough.
We got on the train and dropped our bags. This was a beginning, a beautiful new start to a life of love and togetherness. The hint of tears in my eyes was gone, and I smiled radiantly.
The whistle blew, and the train was off, speeding us in the direction of our new beginning.
Then we did the same thing we had done all those days ago. Jesse nestled me in his arms in front of him, keeping me safe, and we hung outside the train. And as the wind tousled our hair, the exuberant joy in our faces was reflected by the rays of the rising sun.
The End