Bab 13: Day Dream - Remembering

The first thing she remembered was seeing the moon. How bright and big it seemed to her. Full of hope and wonder, during the day she loved basking in the bright sun but the moon was her favorite. She remembered sneaking out of her room and going to see him. They would meet under the oak tree by the lake where no one saw them but the moon. They sit and read poems and talk in their secret place sharing their dreams. Yes, the moon knew their secrets and dreams and kept them safe.

But now she glared angrily at the moon wanting nothing more than to see it destroyed. "You liar, charlatan, evil fiend!" she yelled. Her voice grew higher and higher with each word that came out of her mouth. Tears stained her face as her body was raging with anger. He lied to her the Man in the Moon. When she became a spirit the Man in the Moon promised that she would find him again. She did what she was told accepting her destiny and waited to be reunited with him.

Years or was it centuries she no longer remember all she remembered was the lies. "You lied to me!" she screamed. "I did everything you asked. Went everywhere I was supposed to go and you kept saying I would find him. So, where is he? I am tired of waiting! What more do you want from me?" she asked glaring at the moon. He remained silent as her pain grew. "Answer me!" she screamed. Shocked by her tone, she paused, a lady never spoke that way. But then again she was no longer a lady or was she?

No she wasn't even alive anymore and sadly she wasn't a ghost. She was Daydream and she sank to her knees as the coldness swept around her. She didn't feel the cold she never did. She wore a short dress of sliver blue that covered her to her knees. Her feet were bare. The only protection she had against the cold was her cloak it was long and dark blue.

Tears continued to fall as her memories of who she used to be took her away. She was no longer Daydream but Katherine Elizabeth Johnson. Katherine was alive and a young girl living on her Father's plantation. Everything flooded back to her but her fondest memory was when she met him, Daniel.

Many Years Ago

On a big plantation that was pure white with green grass and apple orchards. A young girl about six sat under one of the apple trees in her little sun dress. Her hair was a light brown but her eyes a silver blue. The girl's skin was a light peach and she stood up as her eyes grew big. A young colored woman in her late 20's wearing a plain white cotton dress came up to her. "Miss Katherine, Mr. Johnson wishes to see you," said the woman without directly looking at her.

"Yes, Abbey I am coming," Katherine said. She got up and followed the woman back to the house. It was another beautiful sunny day and Katherine saw the new delivery arriving.

"Ah Katherine my girl, come to your dear old papa," said a man at least in his late 20's with the same skin tone as her. He was a huge man with a muscular build and a strict face. But he had a small mustache wearing a white shirt and jacket with pants and boots. He held up a black cane with a golden handle.

"Yes Daddy," she said politely leaving Abby's side and going up to him.

"I have a surprise for you go on up with Abby to the barn okay darling" her father said.

"Yes sir," she said and followed Abby to the barn.

"Mr. Johnson says you're present in that there barn," Abby said trying to sound better when speaking.

"Thank you Abby," Katherine said and headed to the barn. She turned too sharply and bumped into someone. "Oh I am ever so sorry," she said. Her eyes met those of a boy with hazel eyes. His skin was black like coal and hair that was short and looked like a mop. He looked like a wiry scarecrow his clothes were a dirty pair of cotton pants and a shirt. His feet were bare but he had the kindest face.

Only now that face looked pure scared as he spoke, "Please missus I's didn't mean ta bump into ya. Don't tells Mr. Johnson please". Katherine understood his fear for this boy was a slave. If her father found out this boy bumped into her whether it was her fault or not she knew the penalty. She smiled at him and reassured him she would keep the incident a secret.

"It is okay don't be scared. I won't tell I promise," she said sweetly. The boy's face lit up like a Christmas tree as he seemed happy to hear her response. As she looked at him she noticed he looked about either her age or maybe a little older.

"Thanks missus," he said sheepishly.

"You are welcome. What is your name?" Katherine asked.

"Daniel missus," he said.

"Nice to meet you I am Katherine Elizabeth," she said holding out her hand. The boy looked confused unsure what to do. "You are supposed to shake it silly it would be rude not to," she explained. Daniel looked around making sure no one saw and shook her hand. His hand felt rough as her hand felt gentle. They looked into each other's eyes and for that brief second they knew they had a connection with each other forever.