Flower of My Heart
1894
Lillian tried to do her best to not let her own fears and imagination get the better of her. For now, the only person she felt was going to get her out of this situation was she. She did not know if Caine even knew of her abduction. There had to be a way for her to escape. For now, she would have to wait and perhaps try to continue to persuade the Indian woman to help her.
"What is your name?" Lillian asked.
The Indian woman glared at Lillian suspiciously. No one had ever asked her name before.
"Why do you wish to know?"
"No reason," Lillian said. "It might help me to get to know you better."
"It serves no purpose. You will be gone in a week any way. I am only required to prepare you for your new duties."
"And what duties will those be?" Lillian asked, suspecting already of just what those duties might entail.
"Have you ever been with a man before?"
"I . . . no."
The Indian woman gave her a crooked smile. "Even a young maiden must learn to please a potential mate. Have you not watched two lovers?"
Lillian's eyes became wide with shock. "How could you suggest such a thing?"
"Typical white woman," the Indian woman scoffed. "You no nothing when it comes to knowing how to please a man. Come with me."
The Indian woman led Lillian to another part of the building. Sounds of moaning could be heard. The Indian woman sat Lillian down within a small room behind a panel. She then moved the panel aside and Lillian was required to look through a small opening that was shaped like a pair of eyes. Lillian moved forward then suddenly pulled back.
"That is obscene!" Lillian declared.
*Smack*
Lillian suddenly grabbed her right cheek. She could feel the sting from the slap slowly subside.
The Indian woman leaned in close and harshly whispered, "If you wish my help, you must at least appear to comply with Mr. Crabtree's orders."
Lillian almost missed the woman's comment in her amazed shock.
The Indian woman briefly looked around and in a continued lowered whisper exclaimed, "I have been thinking about what you have said. In my memories there was talk of a man named Caine. He is considered a legend among my people. Perhaps it is the same man. If he can help, then we must find a way to get word to him. But he always seems to arrive when there is need. This place is the only place where we can talk. If I try to help you escape, they may kill me. I must make it appear that I am teaching you. You must make it appear as if you are learning."
Lillian remained silent for a while, listening to the Indian woman with renewed hope. If there was a chance, then perhaps she just might be freed after all.
But, must I watch this depravity? Is there no other way?"
"Sometimes, one of Mr. Crabtree's men checks to see that the new ones are learning. Somehow they always know when things are not going well, then I am the one who suffers for it."
Lillian could hear the contempt in the woman's voice. She felt ashamed for what she had been thinking earlier. She realized this woman was just as bitter with the life she found herself in, as she herself would be if she found herself trapped in the same situation. In many ways, she had been forced to comply with Mr. Crabtree's wishes or face dire punishment. Her face had been scarred as a result of trying to revolve against her captor.
Lillian reached out a hand and placed it on the Indian woman's arm. "I did not lie to you. I will do anything in my power to help."
"But you must appear as if you are following my orders. It is the only way."
Lillian looked back toward the holes in the wall. To look upon others as they performed what to her were unhealthy acts of depravity, was something she could not do, even if it was to save her life. But to save the life of other young girls and women who were enslaved by Crabtree and bound for a country that she may not be able to escape from, she would do whatever was necessary and bide her time until escape was possible. Perhaps there was a way they could make plans, and maybe, just maybe, Caine would find her in time before it was too late.
"I am called Dances in Sunlight."
Lillian watched the Indian woman gracefully walk back up the hall toward their shared room. She had been given something special. Before when Lillian had followed her to this spot, her shoulders had been stooped. Now she carried herself with more pride and dignity. Perhaps Lillian had given her hope, and in turn, had helped herself become less fearful and more strong. It may take time, but she knew all they had was a week. Perhaps that would be enough. She knew if Caine was to be of any help, she would have to find the means to help herself.
End of Part 14
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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