Chapter 5

DANIEL

"Clara what do you think can we do this?"

I had gotten back from my meeting an hour ago and I filled Clara in on the plan. My sister spoke with conviction.

"Yes of course."

"Alright because I'm gonna need your help we have a few adjustments to make to the house we need to fit as many people as possible."

RANI

Lydia came back and had me put the kettle on for some tea using the fire place in he and grab some cookies so we could sit in her room and talk. She plops on the bed exasperated and I sit at the foot of the bed chuckling a little. She turns over and throws a pillow at me making me laugh harder.

"I am so glad my pain is funny to you." She says then laughs herself and sits up. Then stops looks at where I'm sitting and frowns. "Why are you on the floor?"

"Oh I just assumed that-" She cuts me off and pats the space next to her.

"Rani come sit." I sat next to her and she runs her fingers through her hair and sighs sadly.

"What's wrong?"

"Well Benjamin is a nice guy but I don't feel anything towards him but mama and papa are convinced he's a good match."

"Well they shouldn't force you to do court him if you want to."

"Unfortunately, that's not how it works." She gets up and walks to her balcony and walk to the edge and watches the sun set. I get up and follow her.

"Isn't he handsome?"

"Who?"

I follow her gaze towards a man with playing the fiddle he was playing for the children and they danced around trying to make the best out of a terrible situation. Rare smiles grace the faces of my fellow slaves and I could not help but smile a little. This man was a dark brown skin man, his muscles taut from working in the fields. I knew him this was Isaac he worked hard in the fields and we used to sing songs together. Master Davis bought him a few years back. He looks up and his eyes connect with Lydia's and I could sense the romantic tension their eyes lock and the world seem to stop for them. But the moment between those two ended. He shook his head slightly and averted his eyes. Lydia had held her breathe while their eyes locked but let out a soft exhale. She leans on the rail of her balcony and looks up at the moon. She and I stood side by side looking. The moon's light shines down on us both and I close my eyes and breathe in the one time I felt free with the wind blowing through my hair.

"Hey Rani..."

I open my eyes and look at her "Hmm?"

"Thanks for being my friend." She wraps me in a hug and I smile and say your welcome.