Cecily *A Civil War Story*

[Blonde]

Chapter Four


Cecily and Vivian walked into the bustling streets again. Crash! Cecily was knocked to the ground. She gasped as she hit the ground. “Are you alright- Cecily looked up slowly. Her big round eyes met those of Vincent Brown. Her mouth fell open and she was glad Vivian had stopped in a store to buy something. “Why Miss I think this is the second time today that we have met on let’s say, unusual curcumstanses?”
“Oh-well, um- of course.” Cecily stammered. Vincent’s mouth curved in a slight smile,
“Allow me to help you up,” He reached out his hand but before Cecily could take it a voice from behind her yelled,
“Stop right there! You, you… Rufian! Don’t you dare touch her! Or I’ll, I’ll, Hit you with my fan!” Cecily turned around to see Vivian standing poised to strike with an open fan in her hand.
“It’s alright Vivian, I ran into him and he’s helping me up.” With this she took Vincent’s outstretched hand and stood. Vivian’s face turned a true mulberry color as she realized her mistake and looked around at the few people who were starring at her.
“Come Cecily we best be going.” She said hastily. Cecily smiled and thanked Vincent.
“Your very welcome Miss-uh, Miss-
“Cecily.”
“Miss Cecily… And try to watch were you’re goin’.” He turned on his heels and walked away. Cecily waited there a moment watching his head of brown hair in the crowd, he’s just a barrel maker, she reminded herself, just a barrel maker…

Cecily and Vivian walked the tree lined path through the forest to Vivian’s house. Such beautifull colors, Cecily thought, all the burnt oranges and flame red leaves! Oh I love Fall! Cecily felt a light tap on her shoulder, she turned and looked were Vivian was pointing. In a clearing a few feet away stood a doe silently munching on the soft grass. Cecily sighed at the scene so perfect it could be a painting. “Come on,” she motioned to Vivian as they left the peaceful silence of the forest and started running across a field of corn. Cecily streched her right out and with her left picked up her skirt so she wouldn’t trip. Yellow, green and orange flew past, she felt as if she could join the birds that flew overhead. Swooping, flying… Free. She stopped and waited for Vivian to catch up. “What are you doing?” Vivian panted as she skidded to a halt besides her day dreaming friend, “Cecily?”
“Hu?”
“What are you dong?” Vivian repeated the question.
“Oh, nothing. Come on, let’s go,” They both skipped to the huge white and yellow house that belonged to Vivian. Skipping up the marble walkway they silently slipped inside…

 

[Blonde]

Chapter Five


Once inside Vivian’s house the two girls rushed up stairs to Vivian’s room. They stopped running when they got to the hallway (they didn’t want Vivian’s mother to get angry). Cecily always loved looking at all of the paintings on the wall of Vivian’s family. It started with Vivian’s great, great, great, great grandfather on her father’s side and on down to Vivian’s younger brother, Nathan. “Vivian, where is Nathan?” Cecily asked suspiciously as thy passed the many closed doors.

“That is a very good question my dear and I’m sure I don’t know the answer.” Just then the door a feet in front of them burst open and out flew what looked like an Indian. The girls both screamed and Cecily pushed Vivian forward and hid behind her. When Cecily cautiously peeked out from behind Vivian she realized that the “fierce Indian” was really Nathan. “Oh Nathan how could you!” Vivian yelled. She marched over and grabbed Nathan by the ear. She ruffly shoved him back into his room and slammed the heavy oak door shut. Then mischeviously she grabbed a key out of a desk drawer and locked the door. Cecily giggled slightly as Nathan having realized he was locked in started banging on the door. “Mother or Father will find him soon enough.” Vivian smirked.
“Oh Vivian darling,” Cecily said in most grown up voice, “You’re absolutely cruel.” They started into a fit of giggles and didn’t stop till they reached Vivian’s room.
“What shall we study?” Vivian asked as she seated herself in an overstuffed light green chair.
“Oh Vivian must you always think of studying.” Cecily whined. “Couldn’t we just talk?” she flopped herself down on the soft yellow bed. She let the pillow engulf her in a wave and added. “What are you going to wear to the ball tomorrow?” Vivian rolled her eyes at her ever daydreaming friend.
“I think I’ll wear my gold dress. You know the one with the black lace?” Cecily remembered only to well the gold dress. How at the last ball Vivian did nothing short of float off the ground as she twirled in the ball room. “What are you going to wear?”
“I’m not quite sure yet. Maybe my purple one. Or,” Here she smiled coyly, “I might wear my scarlet dress. Vivian gasped. She remembered the bright red, the flouncing ruffles. She, Vivian would not let her wear that dress. “Or I could always wear my pink one. Yes! I’ll wear my pink dress! The matters settled!” She bounced to her feet and started playing with her hair in the big gold rimmed mirror at the foot of the bed. “How should I do my hair?” She added.
“Well I thought it looked pretty when you curled it and wore it down.” Vivian stated.
“Hmmmm. Maybe a bun.” Cecily continued ignoring Vivian’s comment.
“Maybe you could french braid it?”
“Oh Vivian you have no imagination!” Cecily said her eyes full of concern and her mouth in a little frown. Vivian rolled her eyes. Cecily spent a few more moments looking in the mirror when suddenly she looked at the clock and gasped. “I have to go! We’re having guests and if I’m late mother will kill me!” She swiftly scooped up her books and before she left called out, “See you tomorrow!”

 

[Blonde]

Chapter Six



The next afternoon Cecily banged the large brass knocker on Vivian's house. She was very excited for they were going to get ready together for the ball this evening! A maid opened the door and let her in, a little puzzled at the bags and such she carried, for Cecily brought her things to get ready with Vivian in the bedroom together. 
She ran upstairs as quietly and quickly as she could because Vivian's mom frowned upon running teenagers in the house. "Vivian!" Cecily called, excitedly.
Vivian burst out of her room and motioned Cecily to come inside - quickly!
"What is it?" Cecily asked.
"Guess who's going to pick us up!?" Vivian squealed!
"Who?"
"John and Will Turner, along with Carl Hodges and Tom Woodbridge!!!!!" Vivian almost screamed hysterically.
"AHHHHHH! I must do my hair hurry HURRY VIVIAN!" Cecily's eyes dilated with excitement as adrenaline pumped through her body.
Vivian and Cecily were sent into a mad dash of stripping off their former dresses and slipping on their pretty ones. Cecily, despite Vivian's protesting brought her scarlet dress with black ribbon and lace. Cecily looked dashing in it and would be irresistible during the ball. 
Vivian, to spite Cecily, put on her dark blue dress with pearls and dark lace. It made her look very fashionable and prideful. They soon had their dresses on and next were doing their hair, they piled it on top of their heads with pins and bows, at last they stuck vibrant flowers in to accent their dresses.
They added make-up and eyelash blackener on their eyes and were very excited to do so.

They put on their pretty shoes and stood up tall, admiring eachother in the mirror.
Cecily looked dashing. Her chocolate eyes danced in the candlelight as she looked herself over. The rich scarlet dress went all the way down to the floor and was adorned with black lace and expensive brocade. Her olive skin was smooth and had a tinge of rosiness to it. Her dark brown - almost black hair was piled on her pretty head and was accented with small flowers. She drew a cape of her of dark brown mink. 
"Oh, Cecily how pretty you are!" Vivian exclaimed with admiration. 
"As are you," Cecily squeezed Vivian's hand in friendly affection as she looked her friend over, Vivian's hazel eyes looked a little timid as she gazed doubtfully at herself in the mirror. 


Her blonde and brown hair was pinned to the top of her head in an expensive and queenly way, small sprigs of lavender were set at the back, along with some pearls. Vivian's aquamarine dress shimmered in the dim room, it had dark ribbons down the dress trimmed with black and white lace, Vivian tied black velvet around her throat like a choker and Cecily tied some scarlet velvet in a pretty bow at her slim neck.
Vivian drew a white fur shawl around her and snatched up her purse while handing Cecily hers, and off they went, tripping merrily down the stairs.
Vivian's mother beamed at her daughter and friend and was glad that they had some young men to pick them up. 
"The young men are in the parlor, you girls put on your best manners and don't be bashful! For pity's sake, Vivian, SMILE. DOn't stand there like a scared rabbit.

And be polite and don't be wild, remember not to be shy to smack a man on the cheek if he tries lip-to-lip contact." Vivian's mother was stern, for she didn't want Cecily and Vivian to be kissed at their first ball - how shameful!
Vivian nodded and hugged her mother and Cecily thanked Mrs. Mentze kindly. 
Then they bravely went to the parlor, as they entered the dazzling room four young men had made themselves quite at home. 
John and Will Turner were dark-haired young men and very handsome, they were clearly brothers. Carl Hodges was sandy haired with a sharp nose and freckles, not as handsome as the others but good-humored.
Tom Woodbridge had orange hair and a fiery temper, but he was certainly a ladies-man. He had vast experience in wooing many.
All young men were dressed in expensive dark suits and they took off their hats as the young ladies entered. John stood up as did the others, 
"Hello, I'm John Turner, there's my brother Will."
"Good evening," Will smiled amiably.
"I"m Carl," Carl stared at Cecily in awe that such a creature so beautiful could live on the face of the earth.
"And I am Tom, very nice to meet you ladies." He winked at them, and Vivian winked right back, she wasn't quite sure what winking was supposed to be except just another form of greeting. Tom seemed caught off guard for a second but quickly regained himself.


"Well, ladies, let's get going." John took a step toward Cecily, but Carl quickly placed a firm hand on her arm and led her out to the carriage. Vivian was embarrassed that one must take her arm, she had never been that close to a boy before, but reluctantly she let John take hers.
They walked out to the carriage with Cecily and Vivian's faces burning a bright red at being walked tot he carriage by these young men holding their arms.
They all squeezed together in the black carriage drawn by four white horses. Cecily was first, then Carl sat next to her. Vivian was next to Carl and John after her, then Tom and Will went after them. Tom tried to gain Vivian's attention again but she was too busy asking about the horses pulling the carriage.
John didn't know anything about the horses pulling the carriage so he asked the driver, "Driver, what breed of the horses who are pulling the carriage?"
"Oh, Hanoverians, all of 'em. I like 'em a lot myself." The young man took a glance at Vivian and Vivian winked at him. He winked back and started whistling as he drove the horses.
Cecily, on the other hand was extremely uncomfortable trying to divert her eyes from Carl’s who was very annoying. 


"So, Cecily," Carl began, "Is this your first time going to a ball?"
"Y-yes, how about you?"
"Naw," His blue eyes smiled, "this is probably my fiftieth time."
Vivian listened intently and winked at Carl when he looked at her. Carl was taken aback by that gesture and turned back to Cecily.
Poor Cecily had a strained conversation with Carl and much wished that she was next to John Turner, who she thought very handsome.
Will was a little annoyed that the two ladies were being hogged by John and Carl so he tried to make conversation with Vivian.
"So, Miss....what is your name?"
"Mine?" Vivian asked.
"Yes, yours."
"My name is Vivian....Why?"
"Because I always need to call a lady by her name, just not 'Miss' all the time."
"So have you ever gone to a ball before?"
"Nope. I don't think I'll like it."
"You can't decide that," Will stated.
"Yes she can," Tom interrupted. 
"Why, she's never even been to a ball, she can't decide that so quickly." John put in his two cents.
Vivian was baffled, "This is a silly argument! I'm not going to talk, because I have nothing nice to say about you gentlemen."
Cecily and Vivian exchanged merry glances, because all the young men were troubled at having supposedly offended one of the young ladies. 
"Miss Vivian, please."
"Miss Cecily, why don't you talk?"
"Miss Vivian do you like chocolate? I have some in my pocket."
"Miss Cecily, won't you dance with me?"
That was the rest of the carriage ride. Cecily and Vivian had enough of 'young men' but they had a whole ball ahead of them!

 

[Blonde]

Sorry this chapters kinda long... do people even like this story??

 

[Blonde]

Well even if people don;t i will post chapter seven... Hey! the story almost over...



Chapter Seven


The whole wagon ride was sheer bliss for the girls and absolute agony for the men. Cecily loved pretending to me mad at Carl. Vivian didn’t quite enjoy it as much as Cecily for she kept winking at John and Will. But finally they arrived at the ball. Cecily gasped at the brilliance of the old barn with all the candles and many swooshing dresses all the colors of the rainbow. Vivian was more interested in the shinning white stallion prancing by the entrance. When the wagon stopped John and Will jumped out. John was about to take Vivian’s arm when Tom bumped him slightly aside and took Vivian’s arm just in time. Now Carl was going to take Cecily’s arm but she was too fast for him. Quick as lighting she jumped down and slipped her arm into John’s. Will and Carl walked slowly behind. Right when they entered the musicians started playing the Virginia Reel. Cecily grabbed John’s hand and pulled him into the center of all the merriment. Vivian, Tom, Will and Carl stood laughing at the sidelines clapping to the music. Suddenly Tom whirled Vivian into place and they were part of the dance also. Vivian felt like laughing with joy but decided no to. She was right next to Cecily and they stole shy smiles at each other. Then it was Vivian and Tom’s turn to be the Head Couple. Vivian smiled as they sashayed down the isle of men and woman lined up. While Vivian was twirling with the boys she noticed Clair had walked into the door. She didn’t have much time to look though for they had to finish the dance. “Well, Miss Vivian you surely can dance!” Tom panted smiling as they exited the dancing ring.
“Why thank you, you can also.” Vivian smiled. Even if I really don’t like him he’s still nice to be around… Tom led her to the refreshment table were Vivian spotted Cecily surrounded by a flock of young men all trying to get her something. Vivian smiled and Tom looked at her quizzically,
“What is it?”
“Oh my crazy friend, Cecily.” Vivian rolled her eyes.
“Ah, the girl in the red dress. How could anybody miss her,” Suddenly Vivian felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned around and faced Will Turner. He bowed and asked, “May I have the honor of this dance?” Vivian took his hand politely but inside she was in fire. She felt herself shaking with nervousness.
Back at the refreshment table Cecily was enjoying herself immensely! “Cecily would you like some punch?” a boy named Bill asked.
“Oh Bill I don’t think I can drink anything else. But, I’m absolutely famished! Please go get me some desert.”
“Sure thing!” She smiled and sighed. Then she heard a voice from behind,
“Cecily! Cecily is that you!” She turned around and saw Clair. She was wearing a light yellow dress with elegant white lace. Her blonde hair was in a low bun adorned with little white flowers. Cecily stood up and gave Clair a hug,
“How nice of you to come!” Cecily squealed with delight. Now we can have some real fun! Cecily thought.
“So how have you been?” Clair asked. “Have you danced a lot? And- She stopped and turned her head slightly to the left and smiled nervously, “Cecily who are they?” She looked at all the men who were looking at the two of them as if they had never seen woman before.
“Oh Clair they are my friends!”
“Looks like you have all of Georgia at you bidding!” Clair laughed.

Meanwhile Vivian had a wonderful time dancing with Will. When the waltz was finished they went outside for fresh air. “’Tis a lovely night.” Will said.
“Yes it ‘tis.” Vivian answered.
“Do you see the reflection of moon on the water.” He swept his arm out to the fountain.
‘Yes, beautiful but I think it looks even better on that horse.” She pointed to the milk white stallion.
“Sure… Do you like flowers?” he picked a blood red rose and handed it to her.
“Oh this would look splendid on that horses bridle!” she walked over and removed the thorns from the rose and stuck it into the horses bridle. She didn’t seem to notice Will’s downcast face. “Oh! They are starting the Soldier’s Joy! Let’s go dance!”
“Wait, Vivian.” He grabbed her hand before they could go in. “That is what I wanted to tell you.” He paused and looked down. “I’m enlisting.”
“Oh don’t be so sil- you’re what!” Here she fainted.

 

[Blonde]

Here's chapter eight... this one's super long!



Chapter Eight



Meanwhile, inside the rustic barn Clair and Cecily were having a wonderful time. Cecily danced three more dances with John, which made Carl green with envy. 
Tom was fanatically searching for Vivian, but he couldn't find her and when he noticed Will was gone too he turned white with rage. Little did he know that Will was having a devil of a time trying to wake Vivian up from fainting.
Cecily was magnificent in her dancing and heads turned to stare. As she was swooping across the dance floor she lifted her starry brown eyes into Johns, "Oh John, your such a wonderful dancer." 
He looked pleased, "You are also, Sweetie."


"Don't call me that!" Cecily burned with embarrassment! "Call me Cecily, please....just Cecily."
John chuckled, "Ok, Cecily. You are the prettiest creature I've ever seen, and I hope that we will see each other often?"
Cecily remembered Vincent and how considerate he was, John just wasn't the same! "Oh...I don't know," 
"You have some other man?" John was concerned.
"Well - no, b-but.." Cecily stammered, "I don't think my father would appreciate me having a beau."
 They both fell silent. After the dance was over Cecily walked over to Clair, who was talking with Gabriel. They seemed deep in conversation till Cecily appeared at Clair's shoulder and Clair gave a start! "Cecily!"
"Hi...Clair we need to talk." Cecily felt horrible.
"Why?" Clair's blue eyes were etched with concern.
"B-because...."

Cecily did not want to say anything in front of Gabriel. "Let's just go outside...please, Clair!"
"Very well," Clair followed Cecily outside, but upon reaching the courtyard they were surprised to see a sputtering Will and a coughing Vivian.
"Vivian!" Cecily almost screamed!
Will seemed relieved that someone else was there, "Help me! She fainted."
"It looks like she's awake now." Clair hid a smile underneath her handkerchief. 
Vivian gasped for air as she was helped to her feet by Will, "Oh, Will did I just faint?"
"Yes, you did."
Cecily stepped forward with an air of indignation, "What on earth did you do to her?"
"I told her I was enlisting in the army." Will was a little bashful.
"You are?" Clair inquired, "How come?"
"I enjoy guns," He smiled like an idiot. "If I can kill some men with my own rifle, I'll become a man."
"What?!" Vivian squawked with horror! "You like killing people? Were you going to kill me out here?"
"No!" Will bellowed, "I wanted a kiss good-bye, that's all!"
"A....kiss.....?" Clair giggled uncontrollably, Cecily and Vivian started laughing too!
Will burned a scarlet, "Stop laughing at me!" Just then, John, Tom, Carl, and Gabriel all stepped out there to see three ladies laughing at a enraged William!
"There you are!" John cried with relief at Cecily who blushed.
"You've been a naughty girl haven't you?" Tom grasped Vivian's arm.
"What do you mean?"

Vivian was still shaking with laughter.
"Clair, what are you doing out here? Come and dance." Gabriel said with a wink.
Clair took his arm, Carl took Cecily's arm before John could and Tom took Vivian's arm.
"So, Will...why are these girls laughing at you?" Tom asked casually.
"Nothing! Leave it be." Will sputtered as he glared at Vivian, who winked at him.
"You stupid girl!" Will raised his hand as if to hit Vivian who ducked. 
"What was that for?" Vivian raged, "Never, ever, ever hit a lady."
All the anger drained out of Will's face as the whole deck went silent. Hitting a lady was unpardonable. 
"I'm sorry, Miss Vivian." He took a step towards her.
Vivian stepped back loosening Tom's grasp on her arm. "I hate parties." She muttered as she stormed off the deck to get some punch.
Tom turned towards Will, "You better control that temper of yours, your as worse as me, for that lady ain't ever talking to you again."
He hung his head in shame. The deck emptied out as the couples went to dance, Clair gave Will a kind smile but was whisked away to dance quickly.
Cecily glared at Carl who smiled sheepishly at her, "I want John to dance with me."
"Too late," Carl led her to the dance floor and they whisked away. Cecily hardly said a word to him and averted her eyes to not look at his.
When the dance ended John quickly took her arm, "Would you like some punch?"
"Yes,"
"Here you go,"

He handed her a glass cup filled with pungent red juice. 
"Thanks, John." She smiled at him.
He seemed really pleased that he won a smile, "Let's go outside for a bit,"
"Ok, John." 
They passed Vivian who was still annoyed obviously, for she was going towards the stables to hide from Will and Tom.
"I wonder why she's going to the stables." John asked Cecily.
"Doubtless hiding from Tom and Will, but at the same time going to see the horses. But I think she'll run into the stable boy."
"Vivian is..."
"Not a lady," Cecily smiled. "She never has, and never will be."
"Oh," John fell silent. 
The stepped out on the private deck. The night was beautiful and the harvest moon was dark orange. Crisp wind blew against them and Cecily shivered. 
"Here, let me help you," John put his arm around her shoulders, Cecily froze. 
He has his arm around me! I'm in his arms...!!!
"I cannot allow your position to remain." She whispered.
"It will anyways,"
"No it won't!" She slapped his shoulder and he drew back like she was poison.
"You aren't much of a lady, either!" He chuckled, but this time just stood by her. He leaned his elbows on the wooden rail of the courtyard.
"So Cecily," He began, "Your a nice gal, and I know nice gals like romantic things."
"Like what?" She slid her eyes toward him, a little suspicious.
"Parfois, ces sentiments viennent à l'un, ces frémissements d'amour aboslute, parce que je pense que je suis tombe, tombe -"
"STOP!" He started and stared at her, she glared back. "I hate french. Never utter it before me.

It says a lot about your character that you speak french. French is stupid, hideously annoying, dumb and a complete waste of my life! So stop saying it and bugging me and wasting both of our time!"
John was taken aback, the french thing totally made other girls fall for him, why wouldn't Cecily fall for him?
"I'm sorry, I guess I'll speak it in english."
"Please."
"Sometimes those feelings come upon one, those stirrings of aboslute love, because I think I'm falling, falling, falling, for the most wonderful person in the world - you."
Cecily's eyes grew wide as saucers, "Your talking about...me?"
"Yes, who else?"
"I-I don't know, but those are strong words for someone you met today."
"Your....different."
"Wow. Well, what time is it?"
"8:12 pm."
"Oh, I might have to go. How late are these parties?"
"They go all night." He gave her a meaning look.
"Well I can't stay all night."
"Stay for longer, shall we dance?" He leaned closer and slid his arms about her waist.
"Don't be that close to me."

Cecily pushed him away, she didn't like his manner.
"Why, dearest one?" He stepped closer again.
"I-I have to go!" She turned around and turned towards the door, but he caught her arm, "You do not like me?"
"No, I love you - I mean I like you but I have to go check on Vivian, she get's into trouble."
"Ok, but come back." He gave her a warming smile and she left him standing alone in the moonlight. He sighed and walked back into the barn.

Vivian was seething with rage. She saw through Will, he was just a fake. Just a man wanting a good-bye kiss then hitting her for no good reason! What a jerk!!
She softly slid out of the barn, for there were horses tied up nearby. She walked up to a handsome bay gelding, he was arching his neck and stamping impatiently. 
"Hello, ol' boy." She patted his neck.
"Who's there?!" An aggravated voice reached her ears, she whipped around and was face-to-face with no one other than the stable boy.
"I'm here," She said in a scared voice.
"Oh, sorry Missus."
"Just call me Vivian please,"
"Ok...Vivian."
"Are you the stable boy?"
"Yes I am, do you belong to be dancing?"
"Yes, but all the boys there are prissier than Lila Dungfield! Horses are so much more nicer than young men."
"I'd agree with you, but I'm a young man myself." 
Vivian looked up at him and studied his face, he had reddish hair and laughing green eyes.


"I'd say that your nicer than the young men in there." Vivian hastily replied.
"Why, thank you. Do you know horses?"
"I'm not an expert, but I like them a lot..say, what's your name?"
"Andrew."
"Andrew....hm, not a bad name. My name means 'olives'."
Andrew laughed, "That's not as terrible as Olga."
"Why aren't you dancing, Andrew?"
"Me?" He chuckled, "I belong in the stable. Not the dance floor!"
"Oh,"
Just then Vivian heard a voice call her name, "Vivian!"
It was Cecily!
"Oh, Cecily! Come meet Andrew."
Cecily was thankful to get away from John. "Hello, I'm Cecily."
Andrew smiled, "I'm Andrew, and is this your friend Vivian?"
"Yes, she is my friend, in fact one of my closest ones."
"Cecily," Vivian noticed her friends dilated eyes, "What's wrong?"
"John is dangerous...he tried to kiss me!"
"What?!"
Andrew looked alarmed, "I can take you two home if you like, you don't belong with those disrespectful young men."
"I think I'd like to go home," Cecily gasped.
"I want to talk to Andrew though!"

Vivian snapped, "He's so much more interesting than those morons in the barn."
"Ok," Cecily meekly agreed. 
"Hello, you three."
Vivian and Cecily whipped around, it was Will! 
"Ah, hi Will." Cecily said.
Vivian didn't even greet him, "I'm busy Will, so go bug someone else."
There was a strange glimmer in his eyes, "I can take you girls home."
"No, you won't." Andrew met Wills eyes levelly. "Come on, girls, let's go." 
"Who says!?" Will thundered!
"I say," Vivian snapped, "Leave us alone!" 
"You'll be sorry." Will glowered, than left.
"Hurry, he's going to get his chums, let's go!" Andrew hitched up some horses to a light buggy and helped the girls in. Then getting into the drivers seat, he clucked to the dappled mares.
"Andrew, can I sit up there with you?"
"Sure," Andrew slyly looked at Vivian who clambered up beside him.
"What breeds are those mares?"
"Anglo Arabs, both of 'em. And fast as the wind, too."
"That's nice. Do you ride?"
"Yes," Andrew replied, "How about you?"
"I steal some breeches and ride, for my dress get's in the way of proper riding."
"Aye." Andrew agreed, "Is your friend ok back there?"
"I think it would be better if we left her alone. Sometimes she does this thing where she snaps at everyone alive."
"Oh, so were do you live?" “I live only a mile form here.”


It's long but it's probablly the funniest!

 

[Blonde]

Chapter Nine


The horses galloped over bridges and through small tree lined paths. Cecily hung on to the rough wooden seat as the wagon bounced and jiggled to Vivian’s house. Her dark brown curls jounced up and down and the ruffles on her red dress quivered as if they were alive. Finally, they were at Vivian’s front gait. Andrew stopped the horses (not an easy task) and helped the two girls down. “Thank you for the ride Andrew. It was quite thrilling!” Vivian smiled.
“Oh, I think I’m going to be sick.” Cecily groaned as she placed a hand covered in white lace over her mouth and ran inside.
“Well I never was much of a driver.” Andrew chuckled. Then his face turned slightly grim and he turned to Vivian. His bright green eyes clouded with worry, “do ya’ think she’ll be ‘right?”
“She’ll be fine. It was probably all that punch the men brought her!” Vivian giggled silently. Andrew smiled and got into the wagon.
“Good night Miss Vivian. See ya’ soon?”
“I’m counting on it.” And with that he rode away. Vivian stood there for a while till he disappeared around the bend. She would have stayed longer had it been for the Mentze’s housemaid, Prissy. She had leaned out the window and in her high pitched voice yelled:
‘Miss ‘Livia! You come in now ‘fore you catch your death o cold! You git in here now!” She had slammed the white shutters closed as Vivian flew across the lawn and into the house.


Back at the barn, Will had stalked out and ralied up his pals. John, Will, Tom and Carl marched to the barn ready for action. When they arrived though the barn was empty. “Were did they go?” Will asked stupidly. They searched around but found the barn utterly empty.
“Well seems Cecily not here eather ‘ey John.” Tom said.
“What do you mean ‘John’ Cecily not here.” Carl asked, “Cecily’s mine!”
“I beg to differ!” John exclaimed angrily. The two boys were about to start fighting when Tom stepped inbetween them.
“FOR PETE”S SAKE WHO GETS WHO!” He thundered to get everyone’s attention. They all stopped and looked at him.
“All right, I will say a name and you say if you want her. We will work anything out in the end.” He smiled abviously thinking his plan was brilliant. The others thought so also and it began. “Allright who’s for Cecily?” John and Carl both raised their hand and then glared at each other. “Vivian?” Will raised his hand and smiled triumphantly. Tom was about to say something when John interrupted.
“This won’t work. Which on of us gets Cecily!”
“Well that’s easy.” Tom said.
“How?” Carl asked.
“Well we simply let Cecily decide. Both boys groaned when suddenly Will asked Tom,
“Tom, who do you want?”
“Well she’s a quaint little girl. Blonde hair, sparkling green eyes.”
“She sounds wonderful.” John said dreamily, “Who is she?”
“Clair Rose.”
‘The daughter of the lady who gives Lady Lessons!” Will exclaimed. “She’ll make your life miserable!”
‘He’s right!” Carl added. Tom was taken aback by their reactions and didn’t say anything for a while. Then he stood up ditermenation in his eyes.
“My friends! That is the girl I am going to marry!”

 

[onlyme8]

Great job! I love history/fiction stories!

 

[Blonde]

Quote:
Thanks!

 

[Blonde]

Chapter Ten



Vivian followed Cecily inside, who was still weeping. She chased her up the stairs and into the bedroom.
"Cecily, what's wrong?"
"Oh...I-I...."
"C'mon, spit it out." Vivian squeezed her hand.
Cecily calmed down and kicked off her shoes as she snuggled on the soft, deep bed. "Oh Vivian, John really likes me. But, I don't really like him..."
"Do you like someone else?" Vivian saw Cecily's cheeks deepen a soft pink and then to a strawberry red.
"M-maybe.."
"Who?" 
"A barrel maker, named Vincent...he's - s-so kind."
"Well, it's better to go for someone that will be faithful than someone who will flutter away like pieces of paper on a windy day."
"Thanks, Vivian. I better get home." She sighed and got up off the bed.
"No, Cecily...couldn't you stay and sleepover?” sure, we can go to school together tomorrow morn."
"Ok! Tilda!" Vivian called her maid.
"Yes'm?"
"Take this note to Miss Cecily's parents." Commanded Vivian, scribbling on a piece of paper.
"Yes'm," She replied then scurried out of the room.
"Let's change into our pajamas."
"Ok..." Cecily started unbuttoning Vivian’s dress. "Vivian?"
"Yes?"
"How are we going to avoid them?"
"The guys at the barn?"
"Yeah..."
"I'll just have Andrew drive us to school." Vivian said, blushing.
"Ok."


When Cecily awoke the next morning she was very tired. She didn’t want to go to school and do dumb French and then go to Lady Lessons. Standing up she looked in the mirror and frowned. Her curly hair was matted on her head were she had forgotten to take out bobby pins. Vivian stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. Cecily decided not to disturb Vivian and silently slipped into the dark hallway. “That you Miss Cecily?” She heard a voice say. She whirled around and saw Tilda standing with a piece of paper in her hand.
‘What is it?” Cecily whispered hotly.
“Well see here Miss, real early this mornin’ a young man came by and gave me this here note to give to ya’.”
“Well hand it over!” She ripped the note from her hands and examined it.
“Good grief it’s from Vincent!” She whirled around and ran into Vivian’s room. “VIVIAN!” She almost screamed. Vivian nearly fell out of bed with surprise.
“What! What’s the matter!” She whispered.
“A letter… From Vincent!”
‘Read it!” Cecily tore the envelope open and paused before she opened the letter. “Read it out loud!” Vivian said in exasperation.
“It says:

Dear Cecily,


From the moment I first saw you I have wanted to say this to you: I love you. I love you more than anyone else in the world. Am I bold? Maybe, but I don’t care… I love you so much it gives me great pain to tell you that I am joining. The Yankees have crossed our borders and- Cecily stopped reading. “He’s joining the army!” She wailed as she threw herself down on the bed and wept.
“Oh Cecily! Look at you! Crying like a baby when your true love is bravely fighting for this state!” She grabbed Cecily by the shoulder and shook her. When Cecily would not stop crying Vivian slapped her across the face.
“You hit ME!” Cecily said, fire in her eyes.
“You deserved it!”
“Well it doesn’t matter. We have to go to school now.”
“What do you mean it doesn’t matter! It does matter and we’re going to do something about it!”