Unconventional Love

Chapter 6

"Lily Flower I want you to come back to my long house." I looked at Galasko and nodded, a smile breaking across my face. "I have to go on a hunt tomorrow, we will be gone for two moons. I want to come home to you." I nodded, I figured I would clean the longhouse and take some of my stuff over. Just my backpack for now. The rest of the day I mended some of Galasko's clothes after I had washed them. He stayed close to me making arrows for those who still used them, and sharpening his weapons. Susquehanna and Leah came down to the river to wash clothes, Galasko went over making that little part of my mind wonder if he was going to actually choose me over her. They walked closer, "Galasko I really just wanted to thank you for the beautiful necklace you made for me." I looked at what she was touching, and I realized that I had seen it before, I watched Galasko make it before I had moved to my own longhouse. He started it before he gave her the blanket made from the hide of a buffalo he killed. I frowned and went back to my mending. The two girls sat down near me, and Galasko kept an eye on Susquehanna, never looking at me. "Lily, who's clothes are you mending?" I didn't look up, "I am mending Galasko's clothes." The two girls nodded and talked quietly.

As I finished the mending, Galasko came over and sat behind me spreading his legs so I was between them and I leaned into him a little and then sat but up to keep mending his clothes. He nuzzled my neck, "I love you Lily Flower." "I love you Galasko." There was a shadow over us, "Lily Flower my father wants to talk with you." I looked up at Hannawoa and nodded. "I'll be right back Galasko. Susquehanna can you check his drying clothes for me?" She nodded as I stood up. I followed Hannawoa as he walked to his father's long house. "Hello Lily Flower, a French post rider brought two letters for you." I nodded and took them. I opened the first smd recognized father's hand.

My Dearest Lily,
Your mother and I miss you very much. Despite our sorrows we are beyond happy with joy that you've gone to marry the man you love. Your mother is dying to know if you and Hannawoa have given her the most precious gift of the title of Grandmother. I write this to you my sweet daughter that you will be gaining an inheritance from me after I pass into God's arms. I have noticed my heart has begun to tick funny in my chest. I know my time on this Earth is drawing at a close. Please do not cry for me. My Lily I am so proud of you for following your heart. Please tell your husband, his father, and Galasko hello from us as well. I hope we meet again.
Love always,
Mother and Father

I smiled. I did miss them much. I had read the letter aloud and the chief looked amused at my father's words. A mischievous glint was in Hannawoa's eyes. I opened the second letter quickly. It was from the governor.

Dear Ms. Jones,
It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that both your parents have been casualties of war. Brigadier Wallace and his men were investigating possible French soldiers at the harbor. A fight broke out and our brave British soldiers fired into the crowd. I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely
Your Governor

As I read it aloud I felt strong arms encircle me as I felt myself crashing to the Earth. I couldn't breathe but I know I let out a loud sob as soon I couldn't see through the tears coming from my eyes. The strong arms pulled me closer as I wept. I heard my name as I burried my face into what I realized was Hannawoa's. "Lily Flower's parents are dead. Shot by British Wallace and his men." I couldn't move. After hours of sobbing into Hannawoa my sobs turned to sniffles. My head hurt as I looked at him, "my mother wanted to know if we were having a baby." He chuckled, "if you want a baby Hannawoa will give you a baby. Many babies." I let out a small laugh. "They died thinking we were married already." He let out a sigh, "I did so much wrong. I hurt you and all I wanted was to be your husband." I nodded and put my head back on his chest, "Lily Flower do you still love me?" "Part of me does." He nodded. "When all of Lily Flower loves me again I will make her my own and we will have many babies." I smiled. I took a breath, and saw Galasko standing behind Hannawoa his face full of anger. He stormed off into the village. I sighed, now another thing I need to deal with.

I stood up and walked in the direction that Galasko went. I heard him telling his father he was planning on marrying Susquehanna when she was older. "Then why did you tell me you loved me and asked me to move into your longhouse?" He didn't have time to answer when I ran to his longhouse and took the few things I had brought and went to my home. I put them away and started cooking some food I had in there. I shut my longhouse door lacing the sides and bottom so no one could enter. I ignored everyone who came. My heart hurt for so many reasons. Someone spoke outside, it was Hannawoa to Susquehanna. "Lily Flower does not wish to talk to Susquehanna. Stay away from Lily Flower." His voice full of anger. Then he said to my door, "sleep in peace my Lily Flower." He slept outside my longhouse all night.