Author’s Note: This story takes place in the 1800s, before the Civil War took its toll, where wars and laws were placed against the Indians, such as the Seminoles.  My historical knowledge is not so great, but I try to incorporate what I already know.  I haven’t taken history classes in quite some time, so forgive me if I tend to skip around. 

I’m the worst when it comes to making an interesting first chapter, so bear with me. 

Warnings: Language, Racial discrimination, homosexuality, mild violence

Providence

            Philadelphia’s population had risen drastically as the improvements of transportation had greatly enhanced through the past years.  The screeching of metal against metal sounded annoyingly into the loud, crowded train stations of Chestnut Hill, as the large locomotives came to slow halts in front of awaiting wives and children.  Women were clad in the most fashionable dresses, light in color, and with lacy hats to match.  Their faces were powder white, with a hint of pink on their cheeks.  Children ran about laughing and screaming all at once, as their siblings chased the other with huge childish grins on their pink faces.

            A pale young looking woman with long black tresses stood at the side, away from all the others who were waiting, grasping a petite umbrella over her head to keep the sun from touching her skin.  A mild tinge of pink on her cheeks, and bright red rouge on her lips, she was the best dressed of the crowd.  Behind her was a lavishly decorated wagon, with dark blue curtains and gold lining.  She twirled the umbrella, a whisper of a smile on her lips.  She looked dazedly towards the crowd, and then to the rails, waiting for the right train to appear. 

            “Mama, mama.” The lady looked down as she felt a light tug at her dress and saw her daughter, with black curls scattered about her small round face, a pout on her face.

            “Maria, be patient.  You should go back and wait in the carriage with your brother.  It’s sweltering out here.  Go back inside.” The young lady bent down and placed a sweet kiss on Maria’s forehead.  The child complied, skipping away from her mother and hopping back into the carriage. 

            “Maria, get off of me!” The voice came from inside of the wagon, the tone annoyed and impatient. 

            The mother turned and sternly went to the carriage, pulling the curtain open. “Nathaniel, what is the problem?  I can hear your bickering from out here.”

            Black hair as his mother and sister, Nathaniel glared lightly, his mouth in a harsh scowl.  He was dressed in a dark brown vest with an ashen smock beneath it, and brown knee-high trousers.  “Maria will not leave me alone.  She keeps singing and dancing, and she always happens to fall on me! Why is it she is not waiting out with you?”

            “Why is it you are whining like a child? Act like the man you are.  Maria is just a child, and you are not.” The mother frowned at her son.

            “That does not answer my question.”

            “There is no need for an answer.  She is to stay in here with you.” With that said, the woman turned, harshly closing the curtain, and went back to here original spot.  She heard a man announce the arrival of another train, causing the crowd to shriek in happiness.  A smile crept onto her face, now looking very anxious, and she stepped up onto her toes, hoping to get a better glance over the throng.  “Jacob!”  She saw the familiar head of her husband, his dark brown hair and piercing hazel eyes that she had longed for. “Jacob!” She waved him over, finally able to see his full figure.  She ran over to him, immediately pulling him into a warm embrace.  “Dear Jacob.”

            Jacob pulled away, and with a beautiful smile and joyful countenance, he kissed her lightly on the lips.  “Beautiful Annabelle.”

            “Papa! Papa!” Maria hopped out of the carriage, with her curls bouncing and an adoring smile on her pink face.  Jacob pulled her up into his arms, holding her tightly.  Maria wrapped her frail arms around her father, literally bouncing in his arms.

            Annabelle brushed her hand lightly on her husbands arm, directing him to the carriage.  “I see you are well.  Is everything all right in Florida?  I assume the papers were agreed upon.”

            Jacob bent down and placed Maria back on her feet.  He wore a dark button up jacket with a long tail and trousers.  He dusted himself off, and then looked up at his wife. “I am not so very sure.” He frowned.

            Annabelle nodded solemnly, and then caught a dark figure behind her husband. “Can I help you, child?”

            A brown-skinned boy around the age of sixteen stood sternly with his head down behind Jacob.  His dark brown hair was combed back, exposing his small ears.

            “Oh, yes.  Annabelle.  This is Majiru.  I found him while I was leaving Florida.  He was working at one of the steamboat docks.”

            “Found him?” Annabelle looked at the boy skeptically, and then back at her husband. “I don’t understand.”

            “Well, I actually bought him.  I really do hate to say that.” He frowned and turned to the boy.  “I’ve never seen so many Indians in once place.  Florida seems to be harboring them.”

            “An Indian.  A Seminole?”

            “Yes.  They were all working on the steamboats.  Very hard workers, really. This one caught my eye.  I have never seen someone work so hard.”

            “So you…brought him home.” Annabelle’s frown deepened.

            “Yes, I felt extremely horrible for the lad.  To work so bloody hard at such a young age.  The men were cruel.  It was horrifying.”

            “Jacob, dear.  I do not think we should-“

            “Annabelle.  If you had seen what went on down there, you would understand.”  Jacob spoke firmly, his eyes dark and meaningful.

            Annabelle nodded, turning away from her husband.  “Well, we better be off.”  With the help of her husband, she stepped into the carriage. 

            Jacob turned to the Indian boy with a nod, and directed him to sit up front with the horseman. The boy complied without a nod.  Jacob went into the carriage in a swift motion, barely suppressing a sigh.  As soon as he was in, he caught a glimpse of his older son, who was sitting near the window, his eyes dark, and a stubborn scowl on his face.

            “Nathaniel, it seems you are very glad to see me.  I can tell you, I feel the same.” Jacob smiled lightly at his wife, who was still frowning and looking down at her slim fingers.

            “It’s a joy, father.  If only you could do this every month.” Nathaniel’s voice drawled sarcastically, keeping his eyes directed outside. 

            Maria bounced beside her sober brother, smiling ecstatically. “Papa! I want to go ride the pony!”

            Annabelle looked up, “Not today, Maria.  Your father is exhausted.  It has been a long trip.”

            Jacob looked at his daughter with a frown.  “Tomorrow.”

            Maria whimpered, her bouncing slowly coming to a halt.  Nathaniel kept his eyes averted from his family, looking outside of the window, the curtain now and then slapping him on the face.  He fiddled with the buttons of his jacket, trying to block out the noise of his sisters humming.  Soon he would be home and in his room.

            Nathaniel was the first to jump out of the carriage, almost tripping because of his young sister who had latched onto his leg.  “Maria!”

            “Maria, get off of your brother.” Jacob stepped out elegantly, looking up at his mansion.  Their home stood tall, bushes lining the walk way and the house itself.  Annabelle stood beside her husband, a sigh escaping her lips. 

            “Jacob, it is wonderful to have you back.  It was getting quite lonely.” Annabelle smiled up at her husband.

            “All is well.” Jacob watched as his son kicked at the pebbles on the ground.  Nathaniel had his hands stuffed in his pockets, his face still expressing annoyance.  The young boys shoes were now dusted and scratched, causing Annabelle to glare.

            Nathaniel looked up as he heard a shuffling of feet. “What in God’s name is that?”  He pointed at the young Indian boy, his voice portraying disgust.

            “Nathaniel.” Jacob turned to his son, giving him a firm look.  “His name is Majiru.”

            “He’s a bloody wild boy.  And he’s got a yellow man’s name.  What is he doing here?”

            Jacob kept his façade calm, yet it was apparent in his eyes that he wanted lash out at his son.  “He will be living with us.  He will work for us.”

            “Work for us? We have enough blasted slaves as it is.  We certainly do not need a forest dweller in the house.”

            Majiru had his head cast down the entire time.  Jacob had noticed that it had been that way since their first meeting.  Majiru never looked another in the eye.  It seemed to be that way for all slaves.  Jacob shook his head lightly, hating the word ‘slave.’  He had spent hours on the steamboat, meeting new people, most of them wanting to get out of Florida.  He had become bored and decided to walk around the boat, taking in the latest invention with its adornment. He was in awe, praising John Fitch for such work.  Jacob soon found himself at the bottom of the boat, watching as men, young and old, worked rapidly to keep the engine going.  They were covered in soot, their cloths tattered, their bodies reeking of sweet and oil. 

            “Jacob, we should go inside now.” Annabelle tapped him lightly, noticing the older man’s scowl.  “You should rest.”

            Jacob nodded.  He looked at Majiru, extending his hand out for the boy.  Majiru grasped it tightly.  “Nathaniel.  You will show him to his room.”

            Nathaniel’s jaw dropped, suddenly speechless.  He stuttered, looking at his mother to help him.  “I-I-I am not the slave! I should not have to show him anything.”  As soon as he saw his father open his mouth, Nathaniel quickly whimpered, “I will!”

            “Majiru.  He will show you.”  Majiru nodded, his eyes still on the ground.  He followed the stubborn rich boy into the house.  Inside the mansion, Majiru looked up, seeing the elaborately decorated walls and furnishings.  They headed up the stairs into a long hallway filled with bright lamps.  Passing about five rooms, Nathaniel finally stopped. 

            “Here.” Nathaniel glared harshly at the boy.  “I do not understand why he could not just leave you in Florida with the rest of your people.”

            “I have no people.” Majiru’s voice was light and unyielding.  His hair was now falling across his eyes, no longer gracefully combed back.  He looked up into the other boy’s eyes. 

            “Yes, you do.  You are an Indian.  You have people.  Too many, that’s for sure.”

            “I am not an Indian.”

            Nathaniel scowled. “Yes, you are.”

            “No, I am not.”

            “If your parents were Indians, that makes you one as well.”

            “My parents were not Indians.  I have never been an Indian.”

            “What is the bloody matter with you?  You are an Indian.  A Seminole.  A wild man that belongs in hell!  You and your people!”

            “Nathan! I’m telling mama!” Maria stood behind Majiru with a pout on her face.

            “Maria, go away! How many times do I have to-“ Nathaniel jumped as the door beside him slammed shut.  “Hey! I am not done with you!” Nathaniel banged at the door; annoyed that Majiru had shut him out.

            “You are mean. I hate you!” Maria yelled at her older brother, tears threatening to fall. She turned, her dress twirling, and ran down the hall, disappearing quickly down the stairs.

            “And I hate you!” Nathaniel replied weakly. He sighed outwardly, shaking his head.

            Jacob sat at his candle-lit desk, shuffling through documents.  He began to sign numerous papers, quickly putting them aside, and starting on others.  He felt a presence behind him, and then long arms encircled him from behind.

            “You should be asleep.  Why are you still fiddling with these papers?” Annabelle spoke into his ear. 

            “I will be there in a moment.” Jacob sighed, feeling his wife pull away.  As soon as she left, he stood up and walked into the hallway.  Quietly walking to his daughter’s room, he opened the door and walked in.  Maria was sleeping soundly, her favorite porcelain doll hanging off the bed.  Jacob kissed her lightly on the forehead, whispering his love for her.  Next he walked to his son’s room.  He bent over Nathaniel and kissed him as well, almost sighing.  His son was very stubborn. “Very stubborn.”

            A/N: I’m aware this chapter was extremely mind-numbing.  BORING.  It will get better. This was an introduction to the main characters.  Just be patient.  Please?

Feedback is GREATLY appreciated.  Reviews are great.  Really, they are. 

Just thought I’d say that Majiru’s name means mixed/blended in Japanese.