(The following is from live play between Catriona and Jacob Martin.)
She wrapped her arms about her as she looked around. The tears were flowing and the pain still a bit fresh.
Jacob had been keeping to the house since that day, and it showed when he happened to come into view. A rather scruffy looking beard on his features, as he just seemed to be as distant as Cat was. He was leaning on the railing where he kept his horse, watching the stud trotting around.
She came up short as she saw him. Not knowing what to say. Her boots crunched a bit on the ground and she didn't even try to hide the sound.
At first he thought it was the horse, till that stud trotted further down the fence. That head sticking over the fence towards Cat even if she wasn't within reach. Slowly he turned to watch, before spotting her standing there.
She took a few steps forward unsure of the reception. The horse and her got along well enough. She swallowed a bit, trying to clear the lump in her throat.
He watched her for a long silent moment, before he turned to face her fully. Not sure what to say to her either.
She moved closer to the horse at this point, gentle fingers reaching out to touch its muzzle. "(vq) Jacob." Her voice was thick with the tears and she looked at him.
The horse would turn its head into the touch, as Jacob remained quiet for a moment longer. "Hello Catriona." His voice held a tired ragged edge to it.
She looked at him a moment. "(vq) You look beat." She wanted to reach out to him, but she was afraid of getting slapped down.
A faint smile to that. "So do you." Hand coming up to scratch that scruffy beard.
She looked down. She had to ask...."Why?" ....wealth of emotion in that one word.
He seemed to be waiting for that question. "I guess that I just got scared....Letting someone get close, and I am sorry that I hurt you, Cat."
The tears flowed freely. "So....what now?"
He started to reach towards her but stopped himself short, before he sighed softly. "I don't know." Softly.
She was hugging herself then, "I...don't know either. I....won't stay where I'm not wanted."
"You are always welcomed here." Softly.
She shook her head, "What am I to believe, Jacob' I....have nothing left."
"Nor do I, Cat." Looking off to the side.
"(vq) I don't know what to think, where to go..." She shook her head, "I feel like I did something wrong....To be evicted with no word....nothing."
He looked down on that. "I know I have hurt you and wronged you, Cat. I am not asking you to forgive me for that, nor do I expect you to do so." Still speaking rather softly.
She tilted her head to look at him. She took a tentative step forward.
"I don't know what to tell you." Not noticing that she took a step forward. "I'll understand fully if you don't want to see me again, or talk to me again."
"(vq) I had thought that you didn't want to see me again." Her voice was low and tear-choked. "I just wanted to wake up from the nightmare and see that it was just a dream." She had moved closer as she spoke.
Now noticing she had moved closer, but didn't make a move to step back. "We all make mistakes" and I made one." He admitted.
"I...want to come back....home." She swallowed nervously.
Slowly his hand raised to pluck a handkerchief he kept in his shirt pocket, then held it out to her. She tentatively took the handkerchief he offer and cover her face with that and her hands; too much pain and tears. Once she took it, he slowly stepped forward and slowly wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
She leaned against him and cried softly. "(vq) Forgiven....please, don't want to lose you."
He nodded softly. " Welcome home" " Murmured after a moment of silence.
She nestled in. "(vq) Home." She echoed softly.
"Come on...Let's get you inside." He murmured as he turned to head back inside with her.
She looked up and nodded, "Alright." She moved quietly with him.
He smiled lightly down at her, as he held the door open for her. She moved inside the familiar house and looked up at him.
He led her up to the master bedroom. "Go take a shower....I'll get your things." Softly.
