Free Chasing Freedom by Gloria Ann Wesley

grinning. Her mind stirred like a hornet’s nest, scattering her thoughts in all directions. He was ready, but that was not the thing. She needed time—time to know him better, to know the kind of man he truly was. She didn’t know much, but she knew some men could be kind one minute and brutal the next. “Reece Johnson,” she said, “Such thoughts.”
    â€œIt’s lonely here without any relatives to count on. I grew up feeling like an orphan. It is hard to explain how a man yearns to connect to his blood. The need and the wondering never go away.”
    â€œI was lucky to have a family, but even mine is broken. I know how that can hurt.”
    â€œA family is your foundation. I used to see free Negro men in Charles Town when Steppin’ John took me along to buy supplies. They would walk through the streets with their wives and children, heads held high. The children always looked happy. I want that happiness, too. A slave named Rose cared for me until I was five. Then Mr. MacLeod put me to work with Steppin’ John to learn a trade. He was good to me, but he didn’t treat me like family.”
    â€œI don’t know if you can ever find your true roots when you come from slaves. That part is sometimes a mystery. No telling who or even where you came from most of the time.”
    â€œSo true, Miss Sarah. Right now I am thinking of putting down roots with you.”
    â€œAre you?” Sarah gave a wide smile. “That makes me happy, Reece.”
    â€œI can’t make any real plans just yet, because a call may come any day to go whaling. Colonel Black has gotten assurances of jobs for several of us. The ship may leave any day, but I want you to know that I care a lot about you. Will you wait for my return?”
    Sarah nodded and slipped her hand in his. He raised it to his cheek and kissed it gently. When they reached the crossroads, she said, “No need to worry. I am not going anywhere.”
    â€œCan I see you again, maybe here tomorrow evening? The Birchtowners come here to gamble, to wager away their few belongings and their hard-earned money. The folks in Roseway are so upset by the Negroes gambling they have banned it and sentenced those they catch to the House of Corrections, but out here in the clearing, folks feel safe. I have heard they have dice games like craps, cards and even cock-fighting. I don’t play, but we can watch. Will you come?”
    Sarah laughed. “I am sure I will see you again before you leave.”
    THOUGH IT WAS ANOTHER COLD AND FROSTY MORNING, Fibby held the door open. “I was expecting you,” she said. “Lydia told me to keep a look-out.” She did not display her usual indifference. Instead, she was bubbly and welcoming. Sarah hoped for good news.
    Beulah sat upright on the cot. She turned slowly to face Sarah. Her “good morning” was a long, drawn-out affair. Sarah noticed the change in Beulah’s belly and knew the ordeal was over, but where was the baby? Her eyes darted about the room from corner to corner in search of a small bundle. Suddenly, she filled with a familiar pain. The pain that came from losing her mama, from seeing chopped-off limbs, from having loved ones die. It all came in one big ball. It stuck in her throat and she could not speak. She walked to the window and stood, holding back the tears, preparing for the bad news yet hoping she was wrong.
    At first, the cry was soft. Then it grew until tiny wails filled the room. Beulah pulled back the grey and blue quilt to reveal not one, but two beautiful, bronze faces. Identical faces, each crowned with thick black curls.
    In her excitement Sarah screamed loud enough for all of Birchtown to hear. “Twins! Oh my Lord, twins!”
    Beulah said, “A boy and a girl, Sarah.”
    â€œHave you named them yet?”
    â€œI surely have. My girl is Destiny and my boy is Prince the Second. His name means ‘first place’