The Diary of Elizabeth St. James by Ciara Erenberger (black female authors txt) 📕

a few minutes I would have just enjoyed the weather before it disappeared and turned into rainy miserable weather. But I was, I was leaving the one place that had been a true home to me. I was leaving my best friend, the beautiful ocean, and now both of my mothers. And I wouldn't be back ever unless I made the trip on my own, years from now. I could stay I know I can. But my Papa had already lost both his wives, if I stayed it would break Papa's heart. Not to mention my little sisters, now that our mother and step-mother had died they will need me to be there. Looking around I notice that my younger brothers and Will were either finishing up packing up the wagon or hitching up the oxen. My two older brothers and my Pa were saddling the horses. I looked towards the side of the house and saw Mary, Lydia, and Mrs. Johnson who was holding my baby sister Annie. Walking over to Will's sisters I knelt down and gave each of them a huge, while telling them that I would be okay, not to worry, and that I would miss them. Standing up I saw tears falling slowly down Mrs. Johnson's face. Oh her beautiful soft kind face. When my mother had died she was there to comfort me and helped me get through it. She was just like a mother to me which made it all the more harder to leave her. I wiped the tears away from her face and took Annie in my arms. Cradling her I said good-bye to them one more time. Next I walked towards the covered wagon and climbed into it, then I set Annie in the makeshift crib that Nathan and Will made. I jumped out of the wagon and turned around only to encounter my three other sisters all had tear stained faces that were also red and puffy. Smiling reassuringly I hoisted all three of them into the wagon next to Annie. Only to be besieged by Lilly's kittens and Fang. After I hoisted them into the wagon I looked around to see how long it would be before we left. Everyone was in place except me and Pa, who was saying good-bye to Will and Mr. Johnson. Slowly walking over to where Will is standing staring at me I say my good-byes to Mr. Johnson. Then I turn my attention to Will, my best friend, someone who was always there for me, I don't want to say good-bye. But I have to so I give him a hug. I hold onto Will as tightly as possible, never wanting to let go, but knowing that I had to. So that I could be brave for my sisters. Giving him one more squeeze I whispered in his ear "Don't forget to write to me!" He just holds me tighter so that I can hardly breath, as if that's all the response I need. Which when I think about it is all the response I need, it's actually better than words right now. Slowly letting go I take a step backwards and try to blink the tears from my eyes. Turning around I see Snickers saddled and ready to leave. I know everyone is waiting for me. So I take a deep breath, put on my brave face and clamber into Snicker's saddle. Nodding towards Pa, who is seated on the wagon seat with the reins in his hand. He clips the reins and we start moving. I wait to be the last person. So our journey East has started. I don't look back. I want to but, I know that if I do, I won't have the strength to look forward again. I think back to this morning before I remembered what day it was. Waking up in the barn, the sun streaking through the cracks and the peaceful calm of the morning. I look forward again, but I don't see the sun anymore, it's as if grey clouds had engulfed me. My perfect beautiful day gone.
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Publication Date: 03-02-2011

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