Free The One Who Waits for Me by Lori Copeland

of eastward-facing windows. A birdcage contained two lively parakeets that were splashing in their water dish during their morning ritual. The room looked safe; a peaceful haven.
    â€œWhen we finish, I’ll bring you a fresh pot of tea.” The sister stifled another giggle and left in a soft rustling of black.
    Hesitantly stepping to the birdcage, Beth studied the little feathered creatures. “Isn’t this the strangest thing you’ve ever seen?”
    â€œBirds in a cage.” Joanie nodded, her eyes roaming the friendly room. “I didn’t know there were this many books in the whole world.”
    Beth’s heart broke. She’d begged to learn how to read and write, but Walt had forbidden it. Ma had secretly taught Joanie when she was sick at home, but Beth was always in the cotton fields.
    â€œ You don’t need to know nothing but how to pick cotton ,” he’d said. “ Don’t need no fancy learning to put fanciful ideas in your head .”
    Fancy learning wasn’t her intent. She just wanted to pick up a book and know what the letters said.
    Joanie sank to a sofa, coughing.
    The long night had been exhausting, and though grateful for the escape and refuge, the strange surroundings added to the feeling of nearly being overwhelmed. Beth eased over and dropped onto the seat beside her. She was bone tired. If she could just close her eyes a few moments, she was sure her powers of reasoning would return. Joanie scooted closer, resting her head on Beth’s shoulder. The plan had worked. They were free. All she had to do now was get Joanie medical help—and keep out of Walt’s clutches.
    â€œWhat’s next?” Joanie asked.
    â€œWe do what we planned. We’ll sleep in barns during the night and travel during the day. If we keep to ourselves, we’ll not be noticed.”
    â€œBut we have very little money. And Trella? What will she do?” Joanie reached down to pull her Bible out of her knapsack. The years had left the book worn and ragged.
    â€œShe’ll follow the plan. I’m sure the soldiers will keep their word and see her safely to the next town. Once she’s there she will have to find work and make a life for herself and her baby. We have to take things one day at a time and stick with the plan, Joanie. We can’t be fainthearted now.”
    Beth refused to spend the remainder of her life ruled by a spiteful uncle. Though last night Joanie had considered admitting defeat and going back with them, in the light of day with a full stomach Beth felt confident that in the end she was smarter than him. She could escape his tyranny, and that was all that mattered. Eventually he would give up the search, assuming they were helpless females who would be the cause of their own deaths.
    He’d be wrong.
    Joanie’s drowsy voice broke into her thoughts. “I wish we could have stayed with the soldiers. Pierce and Gray Eagle are kind—”
    â€œThey are men. There’s no such thing as kind men. How many times do I have to remind you?”
    â€œI know, but actually, those men are good. If we could have stayed with them, I’m sure we would have been safe.”
    â€œMaybe. Or perhaps they were deceiving us.” Yes. Deceiving them. That was the more likely case. All three soldiers had been courteous, much as Beth hated to acknowledge it, but they could have planned on taking the women on up the road and then turning on them—as men did—doing unspeakable acts. She and Joanie were better off now. They were on their own.
    â€œJoanie, you need to pray.”
    A part of Beth knew they needed Joanie’s faith right about now. Especially in light of her own doubts that lingered on the edges of her bravado. It couldn’t hurt to put in a word for Trella too.
    â€œYou always say it’s a waste—”
    â€œIt’s not for me. It’s for you and Trella. I can take care of