Early America

Will

I smile and wrap an arm around her again.

Isa

He wraps an arm around me and I chuckle.

Will

I glance at her before closing my eyes again, smiling.

Isa

I smile, "I wanna meet your parents more. Can we go say hi to them?"

Will

I open my eyes and nod, "Sure. They should be in town by now."

Isa

I nod and stand.

Will

I stand and brush myself off before taking her hand and leading her into town.

Isa

I follow him, new stands all over the place.

Will

Everyone seems in a buzz, the whole place louder. I spot Father with the militia leader, confused. They nod towards me and motion us over, smiling.

Isa

I follow him, my hand in his.

Will

I nod politely at the militia leader before turning to Father, "What's going on around here?"

Isa

I keep holding his hand and stand beside him.

Will

"The British attacked Charleston a few days back," Father says. "General Washington himself has asked the militia to join the Continental Army."

"Oh," I say, studying him. "So..."

"So Mister Smith here is looking for volunteers," Father smiles. "Your name is on the list."

Isa

My face goes pale, for two reasons. One, he's going to be fighting against my home, and that he's just going to leave me like he said he wouldn't. I let go of his hands and cross my arms, swallowing before looking down.

Will

My face drains of color. I swallow and glance at Isabel when she lets go of my hand before turning back to Father, "Pa, I've got--"

"It's been settled, William," he interrupts. "I put your name down. You join the legion in the morning, march out at dawn."