You've been coming round often over the next year. I wanted to pull you aside and tell you to leave because it hurt me too much to not be able to tell you how much I love you. But I didn't. Then I wouldn't be able to see you anymore. I started my menstrual cycle that year. I'm guessing Jasmine hasn't. Aunt Lia made sure she always had her eyes on me once that happened. She explained how dangerous men looked for girls like me and would then take me away. Secretly, I wished someone found me. Then they would take me away from you because I know I would never be strong enough to do so.

You looked at me all day that day. I walked out into the barn to feed Hunter and you followed me. You took off her hat and ever so slightly bowed. I loved your ever so slightly bows. "Miss Marianne," you said shortly. I gave you a nod but didn't turn to look at you. "I have come here specially to invite you to my wedding." I inhaled sharply and looked at you. I gave you nod and began to groom Hunter.

"Very well." I watched as your eyes grow wide. I then remembered that I have never spoken to you. Even when we were young. But did you not hear me when I spoke on the day you introduced me to Jasmine?

"You...talk?"

I went back to nodding. I turned my head in embarrassment. Of course you wouldn't like me voice. I then left you there, staring at the place I once stood, and went back into the kitchen to help for dinner. You didn't stay for dinner like you did for the last week. I usually saw you at work but I didn't the next month. Jessica came to me as I sat in the field. You were behind her. I immediately stood up and walked away.

"Wait!" I heard you say. I turned round and saw you pleading with your eyes. I gave a small nod and stood waiting for you to speak. "Jessica wanted to ask you a question."

"Petey told me you were great at sewing and I wondered if you could sew my wedding dress for me?" she asked hopefully. I looked into her beautiful blue eyes and then realised why you loved her so dearly.

"I can't sew that fast." Jessica's beautiful eyes widened.

"It's okay. We fixed it three years to this day. I wish to be wedded when my mother and father have been married for twenty loving years."

"That should be okay."

She looked back at you. "Petey, you said you didn't like her because she was mute. You said you don't like ugly people like that. She can talk." Your eyes widened and you froze. My eyes grew wet as I searched for the truth in your eyes. When I saw the guilt in your eyes, I began to walk away. I then began to run. When I reached home, I remembered the slight smirk on Jessica's face as she said what she said. Surely she didn't do that on purpose. 

//

You came into the barn the next morning and took off your hat and stood still. You didn't do you ever so slightly bow this time.

"Miss Marianne," you started. I sat down on the stool and began to milk to first cow.

"You woke up early today. It's not even the crack of dawn yet."

"I knew you would be awake and I wished to speak with you before your aunty awoke."

"There is nothing to talk about, Peter." You stay quiet for a while. That's the first time I ever said your name. You kneel down beside me.

"I ask for your forgiveness for the cruelty of words I have used against you." I stopped milking the cow and moved to the next, covering the full bucket and reaching for an empty one.

"There is no need to forgive if one is not upset. Cruelty of words don't matter to me. My own mother has said worse than that."

"But Marianne, I do not see you upon those words I have used. You must believe me, surely."

"It's hard to believe once you hear the words and see the guilt in one's eyes. You must leave, it is almost dawn. Your father will need attending to."

"My father has my sister." It stayed quiet in the barn. I jumped up when I heard the roaring thunder. You stifle a chuckle and look my way. "I'm sorry." You stand up, stretching your tall back. "Jasmine is not the one I wish to marry."

"I do not wish to discuss this with you." I stood up and put my hand out in the rain and smiled when it washed the spilt milk away. I felt your body heat behind me and quickly moved away.

"Marianne, I think you are a beautiful woman. Any man would be happy to be married to you."

"I do not find this appropriate." I hear you sigh and then look out at the heavy rain. I picked up the end of my skirt, picked up a bucket and ran for the door. I felt the mud squelch beneath my boots and groaned. I hated wet mud. Thankfully, I left the door open and hurried in. I turned around to get the other bucket but you were standing there, soaking wet, and holding a bucket. You grinned at me before setting it down on the counter.

"Wish to stay for breakfast?" Aunt Lia asked from the doorway. I moved back and greeted her good morning.

"I wouldn't mind. Not like I can go far."

"Would you like some tea?" I asked you. Your smiling eyes looked into mine and you nodded. I watched as you leaned against the counter and smile to yourself. Were you thinking about Jessica? I thought about what you said about you not wishing to marry Jessica. Why would you turn down someone so beautiful? I looked up and saw you intently watching me. I saw the emotions in your eyes but couldn't place them.