Days had passed since that blackest of Emily's nights. Hate is strong and its power and rage intensifies when the hate is towards one's own self.

Now we find Emily on her knees in the dirt, as she and a handful of other women work on preparing a garden. Sweat formed over her brow and her arms trembled from digging long. With dirt caked fingernails, she angrily wiped away a stray hair that had fallen out from under her bonnet.

Nearby, a few other women talked whilst they worked.

"The days are growing colder." Said on.

"Winter will be here before we are ready. Already the leaves have changed and begun to fall." Replied a second woman as she glanced up.

"I wish the leaves were the only things that fall so quickly." Spoke the first woman.

"What is it you mean?" Asked a third who had been silent hence.

"John Sage has passed on this morn. His wife is beside herself with two wee babes. And her's is not the worst story. Poor Emi-"

The voice stopped and Emily knew all eyes were looking at her. She felt both the women's pity and embarrassment bore through her. Bitting her lip, she ignored the stares and worked harder and faster. Better to put anger into work rather than words. Or so she had been told many a time by her elders.

After a while the three women continued their work and all was silent.

"Emily dear!" A sweet voice called.

Emily let out a breath. Too many times she had heard her name called and thought for a moment it was her mother. She stood and turned to see Mary Smith coming foward, ends of her red hair flying untamed from where it had come out beneath her cap.

It had been decided that Emily Johnston could not live alone, and not being of age, a family was to take her in. She had fought this with determination but was firmly outnumbered. Mrs. Smith had insisted upon taking Emily in. The Smith family had readily agreed and Emily was given a new family without any say.

Now, as Emily watched Mrs. Smith come near she tried, hard as she might, to find a reason to hate this woman. Cheerful, bright, honest, righteous and motherly. Not a fault to be found and it bewildered our lonely girl.

"Emily, you've been at this work since breakfast. Follow me, I have something to show you."

Emily's curiosity was peaked but she refused to show it. Instead she gave a shrug and wiped a bead of sweat that lay on her face.

Emily followed Mrs. Smith as she led her off the main path and in between the trees. Picking up her skirts as she walked, twigs creaked and snapped under foot as they walked on in the cool afternoon.

Finally they came to a clearing.

"Just a bit further, over that hill." Mrs. Smith said as she pointed in the direction.

In little time they had come to the peak of the hill and Emily let out an involuntary gasp. Below her, laid the sea. Large and deep, the waves rocked and rolled.

"I found this just today, and look! Just over yonder there to the side is the Mayflower." Explained Mary.

"It's beautiful." Whispered Emily. And truly she thought this.

Mary gave a shining smile. "I had hoped it would lift your spirits. You've been sad for far too long."

Emily looked up at the woman but said nothing.

"This vast ocean seemed heartless and cruel once upon a time but now here we stand, soaking in the view. Emily, given time, things have a way of turning out all right."

Without any notice, Mrs. Smith wrapped her arms around the girl and engulfed her in a gentle hug. Emily crumpled under the weight of love, and broke down in tears.

"Cry my dear. Have a good cry and all will be well." Said the women as she rubbed the child's back.

Emily suddenly pushed away and looked into Mary's eyes.

"Nothing will ever be well again. My family is gone!" These words hurt as they escaped her lips.

"It's true my child, and no words can bring them back but-"

"I am not your child, and you are not my mother!" Emily's anger had subsided for a moment but it was not to be put to rest just yet.

Quickly, Emily Johnston turned and fled away from the sea. Away from Mrs. Mary Smith. Away from happiness.

A/N
Hello faithful readers! I aplogize for the lack of updates. There is really no excuse, just laziness. ;) I really hope everyone enjoyed this. I know I was more than ready to get off that ship. Feel free to vote and comment!