Angela's Hope (Wildflowers) Read Online Free PDF

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    Henry moved the chair over to her and she gladly took a seat. Her legs were wobbly from her first attempt. All the soldiers ran over and did three cheers for their favorite fort pet.
    “I see you have made a few friends here at Fort Kearney” Edith said while chuckling.
    Angela was stunned. She was used to a lifestyle in the background. Being invisible was part of her job in her former life. People being nice to her and actually being concerned for her welfare was something that Corinne did but not many others. She had only started feeling welcome with some folks on the wagon train, the Grant family and Clive Quackenbush. Now she had all these other souls that were not only noticing her but actively helping her. She was profoundly moved.
    “Thanks everyone.” Angela said with a meek voice, sounding lame in her own ears.
    “Alright men, back to your grub. There are duties to be done.” Henry used his Captain voice and got the men to scoot back into the building. Angela loved hearing the two sides of Henry Sparks.
     
     

 
    Chapter 3

    Dear Angela,
    We are arriving at a fort tomorrow and I wanted to get word to you. My heart is still broken. I know yours must be too. When word came that we could send letter by post I knew I had to write. I thought I would have so much to say but I find myself stumbling for words. I miss you. But I missed you when you were traveling with me, Andrew’s cruelty eats at me and daily I have to work at forgiving him. I am so glad he is away most days.
    The days have been better; the Grants and Clive have been watching over me. I have such guilt about leaving you behind. I should have stayed. I wonder every few days if perhaps I shouldn’t turn around and go back for you. I do not know what the right thing to do is.
    My dearest friend, forgive me. I should have fought Andrew harder that night. I should have stayed in Independence, Missouri with you and never left with Andrew. We could have stayed behind and written to my father that Andrew was cruel and he would have found a way to come for me and we would be safe. I think of a thousand ways that this situation could be reversed and they hurt my heart daily.
    I pray that your body is healing. That God will ease your pain and help you forget that horrible night. I wish so much that it had never happened or happened to me instead.
    Chelsea and Brody both send their love and Brody told me to send a hug to you. We all will be waiting for you in Oregon.
    Sincerely,
     
    Corinne
     
    Angela read the letter and cried over her friend’s pain.  She had wondered how Corinne was fairing and said a quick prayer for her, for her to let the pain go and not carry any guilt about leaving her behind. She knew God could comfort her friend. The Grants and Clive would talk her through the separation. Angela could write but it would take so long for her word to reach Oregon territory. Most likely her letter would never reach Corinne. The West was still hard to reach and the post was not very consistent. She would just pray.
     
    * * * * *
     
    September 1st, 1848
     
    Angela was helping Edith in the garden. Her arms and legs covered in sweat but she felt good to be at work. She got tired some days but every day was a little better. It was her sixteenth birthday today! Edith had a treat planned for later and the soldiers were teasing her all week about her needing to be kissed at her birthday party. She would just laugh and blush.
    Angela saw the stores of potatoes and carrots they had hoed out of the garden that morning and felt good for her help in it. She felt useful and that was a excellent feeling.
    Edith braided Angela’s hair in a fancy twisted braid with bright white ribbons. It was the fanciest her hair had ever been and Angela smiled in the mirror. The evening was planned out for a dinner in the main hall. A few of the men played instruments and agreed to put together a small musical in honor of Angela’s day. Edith made three cakes to have