Journey into the Uncertain

Chapter I

I ran as fast as I could. The rain fell in heavy streams mixing with the tears that ran down my cheeks. The streets were slippery with mud and I almost fell a few times. My dress was soaked and clang to my skin. My hair sure was a mess. The few people that were out in this weather looked at me with disapproval written all over their faces but I didn't care. There was only one thing in this world left for me to care about.

When I reached the end of the village I took a small path that led away from the houses and towards the river. The path followed the river and was lined by trees. I knew my way well. After the many times I had come here secretly in the dark I would have found it blindly.

After only a few minutes I reached a hut that was standing on a little hill overlooking the river. All windows lay dark in the grey of the pouring rain. But there was light in the shed. I crashed through the door. As I had expected Henry was there, working. When he heard the door, he looked up in surprise. Seeing me stumbling inside all messed up, he immediately dropped his work. I could see worry and confusion in his beautiful brown eyes before I fell into his arms, burying my head against his chest.

"What is the matter, my dear?", he asked.

"It's because…", I tried to explain but before I was able to end my sentence I burst out into tears. He just drew me closer to him, letting me cry against his shoulder.

"Let's go inside. You need to dry your clothes or you will catch a cold.", he said after a while, his voice deep and calming. I gave a weak nod and he led me out of the shed into the hut.

Henry made me sit down in an armchair by the fireplace and got himself a wooden stool. He sat on it astride, folded his arms on the backrest and rested his chin on them. He patiently waited for me to calm down enough to be able to tell him what was going on. After a few minutes I felt steady enough to speak but I didn't dare to look him in the eyes.

"My father has chosen the man he wants me to marry. He is gentry with lots of money and a good name."

"Do you like him?"

"I don't even know him, Henry. He is the son of one of my father's business partners. I've seen him once or twice but that's been years ago. We never even talked a word."

Henry nodded but said nothing.

"I told my father that I wasn't going to marry a man I know nothing about except for that he is rich.", I said, daring to look at Henry for the first time. I thought to see a little smile play around his mouth but it vanished so quickly I wasn't sure it had really been there. Other than that his face showed no emotions.

"We had a huge argument.", I went on. "I told him about our betrothal. I'm sorry, but I wasn't able to stop myself from doing so."

I paused for a moment. Henry was still silent. He seemed deep in his thoughts.

"My father was totally outraged. He said that he would never let me marry you and that as his daughter I had to succumb to his decision. I always thought that one day he would get used to me being in love with you but now I know how wrong I was. Oh Henry, what are we going to now?"

Henry looked at me with sad eyes. "Come here.", he said, pulling me into his lap.

I closed my eyes and for a moment just enjoyed being close to him. I breathed his scent and felt the stubble of his cheek against mine. This was all I needed in life. When I was with Henry nothing else was important. I would never give him up, no matter the cost. And suddenly I knew what I had to do. I shifted in Henry's lab to be able to look him in the eyes.

"Would you go away with me?", I asked.

Henry repeated my gaze and I sank into his dark brown eyes. "The real question is: Would YOU go away with me?", he said. "For I don't have much to lose here. But you? Would you leave your family? Would you leave the house you've grown up in? Would you live penniless? The man your father has chosen for you can surely offer you a life that we could not even dream about. It is your decision, Edeva, but you should consider your options carefully."

"What are you talking about, Henry? Do you think you're just an option for me? Do you think I would consider a life without you for just the fraction of a second? I can't live without you. Let us leave tonight, before my father comes looking for me."

"No, we can't leave now. You need more than you have on your person right now. Go home tonight, pack your things and meet me here tomorrow by sunrise."

I was silent for a moment but I knew that he was right, so I finally nodded. I stood up and went for the door. Henry following behind me. I was in a fight with myself but before I reached for the door knob I had made another decision. I turned around and looked Henry in the eyes again.

"There's more." I couldn't get out more than a soft whisper.

I was afraid how he would react but he had to know. Especially after the plans we had for tomorrow. Henry must have sensed my struggles because he took both my hands into his and gave them an assuring press.

"Whatever it is, my heart, you know you can tell me."

Encouraged by his words I straightened my back. "I am expecting your child."

For a second or two he just stared at me. But then a smile appeared on his features. It widened and widened until it reached his eyes, making them shine like stars. He lifted me from the ground and spun me around while dancing through the room like a mad man.

"I can't believe I'm going to be a father. You couldn't make me any happier."

His joy was so heartwarming that I didn't dare to ask more questions about our insecure future and the new problems a child would add to the ones we already had. But very soon I was infected by his happiness and forgot about everything else for a moment.

More chapters to come. I really hope you like it.

I hope my English doesn't suck too much but writing is a good practice for me.

Any kind of critique is much appreciated!