Early America

Isa

I follow him, letting him hold my hand.

Will

I open the door and lead her in, closing it behind us.

Isa

I glance around when we get there before taking off my stupid hat and letting my hair down from the bun. I unbutton my over layer before just letting it be, leaning against the wall, "I hate this dress. They literally tighten the torso traps until I can't breathe..."

Will

I sit on one of the tables and loosen the stringed-tie on my collar, "Why do women go through those things anyway?"

Isa

I shrug, "I don't know," I look at him, "I just went with the flow."

Will

I nod and study her before looking at the floor, "I don't like dressing specially either. My mother obsesses over it."

Isa

I nod and study him, "Mine too."

Will

I remember that Father wanted to talk to me after the ball, and I wonder what it is about. Sighing, I glance up at her and flash a smile.

Isa

I smile back at him and sigh.

Will

I bite the inside of my lip again and think, "Do you know how to write?"

Isa

I shake my head, "Father never taught me. Told me that writing wasn't important and that I just needed to focus on...independence," I tell him, "You?"

Will

I flash a smile and shake my head, "No. My mother wanted me to learn, but my father needed me to help him with the livestock and the farm. So I never got around to it."

Isa

I nod, still leaning against the wall, "Oh."

Will

I nod, "What about reading?"

Isa

I nod, "A little bit. I can read...just...slowly."