The Unknown
by Patricia Henry
Chapter Eighteen
Gwen entered the cabin. “Well our clothes are hanging up to dry.” She smiled at Ronnie.
Jess watched the young boy fight to stay awake. “Tiger, you think you want to go to bed?”
“Not yet,” he mumbled but soon, very soon his eyes closed.
Jess laughed softly. “Sure never thought he’d last this long.”
“He enjoys spending time with you. I think this was the best day he’s had in a long time. I’ll take him.”
“No, after fixing supper you got to be worn out too. I’ll put him to bed.” Jess gently picked the young boy up in his arms. He was gone only a few minutes. “Gwen-” he hesitated. “I’m going to leave in the morning.”
“You’ve decided?”
He nodded.
She moved close to him. Her hand touched his cheek.
He looked questioningly at her.
“Take me with you. Me and Ronnie. Please Jess. We won’t be no trouble.”
“Gwen, I don’t know-”
“Please! We can’t stay here another winter. We don’t have the supplies or even the money to
buy more food. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Not until you came along. And you like me; I can tell.”
He nodded. “I do. Who wouldn’t? You’re pretty and-”
Her eyes searched his face. “Please!”
“I might have a wife and a family. And you saw the poster. I’m a wanted man. What kind of life would that be? To be on the run, always watching over your shoulder?”
“A better life than this. I’ll take my chances. And if you do remember and there is someone else, well at least we’ll be away from here. I won’t make any demands on you, Jess. I give you my word.”
“And Ronnie? You think that kind of life will be good for him?”
“You think the life he’s got now is?” she argued.
“If I had some money, I’d give you what I had but-”
“Then give us something else. Take us along. I need your help to get out of here.”
“And your husband?” Jess searched her face, looking for an answer.
Her eyes avoided his. “I think I would know if he was alive. But I’ve had a feeling for a long time that he weren’t. He’d have come home by now if he was. And if he is alive, then that means he has abandoned us. Either way Ronnie and me are on our own.”
“But Gwen...”
“Please, Jess. Please! If not for me. For Ronnie. I know you like children. I can tell. You’re patient with him and always willing to listen and talk to him. Please don’t leave us here!”
Jess replied, “I don’t know...”
“If you take me, I’ll be good to you.” Her fingernail outlined his lips. “Real good.” She started to kiss him.
He turned his head away. “If I take you, you don’t have to do anything for me,” he said with anger. “I ain’t that kind of man.” At least he thought he wasn’t.
“It’s been a long time, Jess. You felt what I felt at the pond. So far we’ve only kissed. If it goes further then it’s ‘cause I want to. And I’m hoping you’re wanting what I’m feeling.”
His lips claimed hers. And she responded.
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