For the Wrong Reasons - A Historical Romance Novel by Aly Kreiss

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For the Wrong Reasons

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2 TableofContents ● Chapter1:LifeinDerry -----------------------------------------3 ● Chapter2:Offtobattle ------------------------------------------7 ● Chapter3:Peakedinterest ---------------------------------------9 ● Chapter4:Timesarehard ---------------------------------------11 ● Chapter5:Maritaldistresscontinues --------------------------14 ● Chapter6:Thedreadedreturn ----------------------------------16

Chapter One,

It is a considerably warmer day, in my hometown of Derry, New Hampshire. I could hear the bees buzzing and the birds chirping; it was quite tranquil. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Everyone in town is starting up planting in their gardens if they haven’t already started, and cows are starting to give birth to calves. Derry is a farming town, known for its high-quality dairy products. Farmers were busy trying to get the barns ready for the cows, and horses were being hitched to wagons for hauling the products to the farmers' market. My name is Eliza, but more commonly referred to as just General John Sullivan’s wife. Truth be told, I would rather be known as Eliza, a hardworking woman who lives in Derry. However, I had a feeling that respect was not going to be given. It’s just part of being a woman, unfortunately. Derry has very traditional views; the men provide the money for their families, and the women cook and clean the house. I don’t

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try to explain my feelings to my husband, because he is friends with Washington, and so he agrees with what he thinks is right, regardless of how I, or any other woman for that matter, feel. It is the middle of the day now, and I was preparing lunch for John, our son George, and myself. John was out for a meeting, he said it was something about the British being hostile again. I didn’t inquire further, I just accepted that, and off he went. John walked up our stone pathway, leading to our large farmhouse with white wood siding. He knocked on the door, and since I knew it was him and not some stranger, I let him in.

“Hi, Eliza, is lunch ready”?

He only talks to me if he wants something in return, and honestly, it hurts even though I don’t show it. He doesn’t care, and he sees me showing how I feel as just a sign of weakness. I just responded how I typically do “Yes, it is on the table”.

Our conversation would usually end after a few mere sentences and we wouldn’t speak much at all. I want true love, not this. This is more of a business exchange, a marriage of convenience. I want better for myself and my son. It’s not like George asked to be brought into a world with two very flawed parents who don’t know how to communicate properly. I didn’t get to choose who I married. My father is friends with John’s father, and John was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The Sullivans owned a thousand acres

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of farmland south of Derry, where they harvested potatoes, wheat, and barley. They are Derry’s wealthiest family, the town gentry who jealously guarded their social position. I grew up in Kittery, Maine. I was born Eliza Worster My family, unfortunately, suffered a loss when my father died due to the stress of his failing dairy farm. His cows sadly passed away after the farm had been infested with hydrophoby. We lost one hundred heads of our cattle, and the cows who were lucky enough to survive were bulls. My mother, now a widow, sold the farm they had for some extra money, and with the money we had given her, bought a small acreage right outside of Derry. My father truly had a heart of gold. He often donated his money to an almshouse, even though he didn’t have much himself. He just wanted me to be happy, and I just assumed I’d be marrying a kind, gentle man, as well as marrying a rich man. If I’ve learned anything in the twenty-five years I have lived so far, it's that those two are rarely a combination, it's just too good to be true. While his heart was in the right place, I just am not happy in this marriage. At the end of the day, money is nothing in comparison to actual love. I have told only one person about how I feel, who is my friend from childhood, Amanda. Amanda is a tall brunette woman, the same age as me. She always wore her hair down and looked her best at all times. She is a kind and genuine person, hence why we have been friends for years and years now. I have to admit, I am very grateful to have her. Her husband passed away a year ago, as he was murdered by a Jealous coworker. She has expressed she doesn’t think she can love anyone again after him, and I understand that, even though I don’t truly love my husband.

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As horrible as it sounds, I just didn’t marry him for the right reasons. However, couples rarely married because they were genuinely in love. Amanda was a rare case of that. Seeing Amanda and her husband together made me even sadder, while of course, I was so happy for her You could see the genuine love they had for each other while looking into each other's eyes. While rare, true love is a very beauteous thing. My feelings are not a secret to John either. John is a smart man, who picks up on things more easily than others might. While I have never verbally expressed my concerns, he just knows. He understands I am acting closed off because I just don’t love him like that. He shows me with his body language, how angry his eyes look as he looks at me. He has never looked at me with a genuine loving look. He knows he has power over me, though, because I told my now-deceased father I would make him proud by marrying well. He uses that to his advantage.

John looks worried now that he is done with his meeting with the General. He can’t tell me what they talk about in their meetings, because they don’t afford their plans to get out to the papers, and in turn, back to the British soldiers. I decided it would just be best to keep quiet as we ate lunch at the table together, our table was made out of wood from the Oak trees, the best wood around and more importantly, the most durable kind. John is not the type to let his feelings show; he always insists everything is just fine, and nothing is amiss. Men typically think about showing emotions, be it grief, worry, or sadness in general. Women, like myself, are known to be the ones that show more emotions; therefore, we are often called “weak” by our male counterparts. John then finished up his lunch and got up from his chair He looked over at me, with a blank

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expression. Without a word more, he walked away into the other room, grabbing a large piece of paper and a feathered pen. He stayed there for hours, around four in the afternoon to be exact. His eyes never left the paper Before I knew it, it was dinner time.

“John, what would you like for dinner?”

“Nothing, I’m not hungry.”

He then walked into our bedroom, while saying “I want to get an early night, big day tomorrow.”

Since he hadn’t told me anything, I was left to my own devices to try and figure out what he meant by that. The animals needed to be fed, so I went into the barn behind our house, to feed them. I gave the horses their hay and did the same with our Holstein cows. When the animals were settled, of course, our son had to be put into his bassinet, and then I could finally sleep as well.

Chapter 2

It was seven in the morning, and once again, it was sunny I looked beside me, to where John would usually be sleeping. However, it was empty. I got up, and put my pair of white slippers on. I was expecting him to be in the kitchen, reading the paper or writing, like he normally does. The house was empty, and still in the pristine condition I had left it in the night before. I walked closer to our dining table and noticed that John had left me a note. Naturally, I read it.

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To Eliza, From John

Good Morning. I have left early as you have probably noticed. Unfortunately, General Washington needed my assistance, to say the least, as we have officially declared war on the British. I will be gone for a while. Washington told me I will likely be able to see you on occasion in between fights. As you are probably aware, my life will be in great danger. I am in charge of leading my group of soldiers. I, of course, have brought my firearm and a hunting knife for protection. Please feel free to worry about when I will return, because we do not know precisely when, but I gave you my prediction.

Sincerely, John

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I was utterly shocked, and you could tell by the expression on my face. I was standing over the note, analyzing it word for word to make sure I didn’t misunderstand it.

I realize now that this is what he was going to do since yesterday’s meeting, but I was in disbelief that he wouldn't think his wife would need to know important information like this. So now I am left with a newborn son, and I am practically a single mother, not that he was much help anyways. George was up, clearly, as he sat there in his bassinet, crying his little heart out for me to feed him. I rushed into the nursery, to feed him. The nursery is one of my favorite rooms, with sunlight beaming through the windows. George is only two months old. He obviously won’t be able to understand that his father has left to fight with the Continental Army He looked at me, with his bright blue eyes, cooing and smiling with his pure innocent smile. I am not one to wallow in self-pity, but I just can’t begin to understand how I could go through with marrying a man who

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abandons his wife and only child. Even if he is fighting for the greater good of the American people.

John wasn’t gone forever, of course. It was to be short lived, but a part of me can’t help wondering if I should just get up and leave with George. This world we live in is just not meant for a woman to be alone. Most people don’t even know my situation with John, as I have enough problems in my life without being judged.. I often contemplate If It's worth all of this hassle, and leaving my loveless marriage. I will lose all property rights to John. Divorce is so uncommon because no one is willing to risk losing these rights. We can’t sign legal documents, and jobs are also limited. The problematic belief that Men go to work and earn a salary and women do the house chores is just infuriating, quite honestly I am tired of being a slave to men. I have been ever since I could walk, pretty much. Gender roles are something I and other women want to change, or at least normalize women having jobs that may have been seen as masculine before.

I asked other women in Derry how they felt about this issue. All agreed that women needed more rights, except for men who were afraid of losing their power to women. I usually mind my own business and just make use of our limited rights, despite how much I think they’re unjust. I am in charge of running the whole household while John is out. I don’t mind it; it gets me out of the house, which when I can, I take advantage of. So I guess having a husband who is a soldier does have its benefits. I would be lying if I said that being a woman in a world that favors men does take a toll on me. It's getting old, seeing men being constantly with an advantage, and women just used for pleasure and bearing children. Men also don’t understand the risks we have to

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take to bear a child. They don't understand the complications that could interfere not only with the mother but with the child as well. After saying all this, one might think I hate men, which is simply not true. Women just need men to grasp the fact that it's not all about them all the time. We should get credit for what we have to go through. Life isn’t easy for either sex, but this is what everyone needs to realize. No one is telling men, except other men, that giving women more rights is a negative thing for the benefit of our country, which is still new.

Chapter 3

A few days later, it was yet another sunny day in Derry, and I needed to pick up some things at the market. It wasn’t far, as we lived just outside the town center, so I decided to walk there. I figured there was no need in tacking up a horse for what would only be a two-minute ride anyways. On my way, I saw other pedestrians, and horses pulling carts full of items that had just been purchased. Mothers were out with their children, and fathers were on their way to work. The sun was rising and it was purplish orange in color. The view was impeccable and reminded me of one of the reasons I love living in Derry. This is because the natural beauty of this small New Hampshire town is something to admire. People were lining up outside of the town hall with requests for town improvements, like more stores, or things to do in general.

Then I arrived at the town’s main market. There were stands with everything from oranges to apples, and everything was perfectly organized and on display. The smell of fresh air and nature surrounded me. Families from all over the state have come here,

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since the produce we have here is some of the best around. They had my favorite Fuji apples, with no shortage of macintosh or Granny smith, all sectioned off in their own cart within the market. I saw some familiar faces, some neighbors and their families, who had just finished shopping and were now heading home. It was a busy day, and I could hear lots of talking, and horses neighing attached to their wagons. Of course, I was on foot, so I had no horses with me. Derry is a quaint town, where everybody knows each other Everyone in town is either a Scottish or Irish immigrant.

However, there was a man at the market who assisted customers with their groceries. He was head and shoulders above other men standing beside him. He was roughly six feet tall, with reddish brown hair and pale green eyes. He had a smile that could brighten any room. He had freckles, but not many of them; they were pretty scarce. I was quite sure a man like him would have a wife. I was hesitant to ask him, and I knew it was frowned upon for a married woman to even talk to a man other than her spouse. Regardless, I put my marriage in the back of my mind, just for a short while. When he was free, I walked up to him and smiled. I am pretty shy when it comes to new people sometimes, and this was one of those times. “Hello.” That was all I said, trying not to make a fool of myself. He responded positively, and he was pleasant and charismatic. Humor wasn’t a foreign concept to him, and we talked for about forty minutes after that, as time got away from us. I asked for his name, and he of course told me it was Henry We discussed so many different things, getting to know each other I just meant to say hi and make small talk, but we both decided to continue talking. I informed him of my predicament with John, and, surprisingly, he was understanding. It is not like me at all to go and talk to other men, knowing what would happen if John found out. For the first time since my marriage, I have felt safe with someone. John never made me feel this way.

It’s no secret that life is full of lessons waiting to be learned. The most significant lesson

I needed to learn that regardless of what the rest of the population was doing, I needed to do what I believed was right. In this scenario, even though John wasn't a

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good husband, he didn’t deserve to be lied to in this manner. Morals aside, divorce is not easy. Emotionally and literally. It brings shame to the family if you get divorced. I spent nights dreaming of what it would be like to feel happy and at peace with myself. I can’t help but feel guilty, but it is what it is. John wasn’t oblivious to the fact that we didn’t marry for love, but that doesn't mean it's right, it’s just normal. So, I had to think of a course of action I could take. We were done talking, as if he stayed and talked any longer he would be laid off for slacking. I couldn’t help but smile happily the rest of the day. Of course, anxiety was sure to follow. I had a lot of questions and insecurities about the situation. Does he mean that he understands or is he just being polite? Does he feel the same immediate connection? What will our next encounter be like? My mind and heart were both racing, and I hadn’t felt this excited in years, before even meeting my now husband.

Chapter 4

The days that followed were tranquil. The animals were happy and healthy, and George was a happy baby, just like he usually is. The grass was greener than ever, and the sky was just as blue. Sunlight radiates throughout the property. John hasn’t sent me another letter since, and it has been about a month since he left for Washington. The newspaper had brief statements about those lost, many of whom died in battle alongside John. The casualties caused were leading to an uproar from the community of Derry out of fear for our safety, and what measures the British would take to regain ownership of our country. I kept track of John’s status, and he was fine to my knowledge. He was becoming a famous man at least in Derry, which is a small town anyways, so there isn’t much to boast about. Being a general leading a group of soldiers into battle had its positives. I can’t discount the fact that he is a smart and practical man, and wasn’t a stranger to his gun, as he has been trained for this, they don’t send out just anyone to lead a group of soldiers.

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I am getting tired of hearing his name in the papers at this point. Repeating the same facts. My neighbors have been constantly asking how I’m doing since he left. I just smile and say “it’s been hard”, but he never treated me well when he was here. I got asked countless questions, some about how it is to be a soldier's wife, and if I was worried. No one can relate to me. I am alone in this situation. I don’t know how to answer most of these questions. How am I supposed to feel? Regarding my workload, I do all of it myself anyway I have been parenting George by myself his whole life, while he’s only three months old now. We didn't have the most advanced medical care as little was known about the human body. For me, diseases are a huge risk and a worry. George needs me to be healthy, as he can’t live without the love of his mother. George has an advantage since he’s a boy. Girls and women face challenges every day that men just don’t understand.

The most difficult part (besides this mess), is that I can’t teach George how to do what his dad does, fight, hunt, and so on. How to be the “man of the house”. Since John's never here, I'm pretty much on my own. I would gladly teach him how to hunt and stuff of that nature, but unfortunately, I was never taught how because it is not a “feminine” hobby I figured I should send John a letter, updating him on George and the farm, and just life in general. Despite us not being on the most favorable of terms, communication is still vital.

Dear John, I hope all is well. I have been worried about you since you left. George misses his father dearly The animals are being well taken care of, and the crops are as well

It hasn’t been too difficult here alone, which is positive. The newspaper articles made me concerned about your well-being, but I know you know how to hold your own on the battlefield There is no reason for concern about me We just want you to be safe You're

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not helpless, so I trust you to be careful out there, for our son ' s sake at least I know things between us have been tense lately, but I think things will be alright. Since last we spoke in person, I have become willing to move past it, for our son. Sadly, I am no longer happy and satisfied with our relationship dynamic. So, I was wondering what your thoughts would be on filing for divorce. That may seem like an unusual and taboo topic, but it could make us happier Visitation rights for you to see George will be granted in such a situation. See you home soon, so we can talk this out. Hopefully.

Love, Eliza

After a few days, we had run out of food and general supplies. I realized that I would have to get more soon as if I didn’t George and I would both starve. So of course, off to the general store I ventured. The streets were crowded as always, with horses trotting on the road making the clip-clop sound we have all grown to love here in Derry People were smiling and chatting like they usually do. The small-town feel is a very big part of Derry, and one of the many reasons I love calling it home. This man I had met was also working his morning shift. He was already looking tired, presumably because the warm sun was beating down on him while he was working. That would make anyone tired. Butterflies appeared yet again, and I just stood pondering what I should do next. I’m not used to conversing with men other than John, as he always had something negative to say about it. John would always accuse me of being promiscuous when in reality, I have been nothing but faithful to him. In my honest opinion, I have the belief that if he cared about me as much as he says he does, he would make an effort to show that he cares. He doesn’t, that much is evident. John had never experienced real romance, and I have wondered since I was a girl what it would be like to be in a relationship based on true feelings, rather than just for reputation-boosting and selfish reasons.

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So, after thinking about it for a while, I approached the man. His eyes perked up once I was in his line of sight, meaning he remembered me. His smile was warm and inviting, as it had always been. He put his tools down, and we started talking. I wanted to vent, and I never could vent to John. It was all about him, all the time. To him, I was nothing more than a maid who could bear his children. “He’s horrible to me. Regardless of what people say about him, outside of our marriage, he is not a kind, selfless man. He's not even fighting to protect our nation; he's fighting for recognition nationwide. I give him credit for his brave actions, but he expects more than he deserves in my opinion. Being a soldier is a title deserving of respect. However, not when that soldier is a horrible and quite frankly, abusive human being.” I looked up, awaiting Henry’s response, anxious as to what he would say next. This seems to be quite a predicament. I am sorry you are having to go through this.” He was showing me the values I want most in a man, caring, empathy, and understanding. He wasn’t biased and was a thoughtful listener. After he said that, I got a positive gut feeling, for the first time in about five years. Since John and I met, anyway. I then decided this needed to change. I am not happy about my marriage and want to be free. I'm left to my own devices, making my own decisions. I expressed this to Henry, and I asked if he would be willing to be here to assist me. This is so just in case John didn’t take this well and started acting in a threatening manner I don’t believe I need a man for protection, but it is always comforting to have someone to rely on. Who can help me get out? Of course, he agreed.

Chapter 5

After thinking about what I could do, I realized the letter in response to my letter to John had arrived and was waiting right outside our front door I picked up the sheet of paper, which was wrinkled from being in the mail carrier's satchel for a while. I flattened it until it was readable, and started analyzing every word on the page.

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Eliza, Ihave to be as honestasIcan, so I'lljustsay it. Thatletter whereyou mentionedusgetting a divorce upsets me. Notbecause Icare aboutyou. Iam always outfor work, so that's understandable Iwas very surprisedyou wouldconsidergetting a divorcefrom me. You live withouta man byyour side, let'sface it. You’re bringing serious shame toyourfamily, likeyour sisters andbrother. Whatdoyou thinkthey will say aboutthis outlandishrequest, especially when Iam outfightingfor the safety of Americans, includingyou andour son?Yourparents aren'there anymore, butthink aboutwhatthey wouldsay ifthey were Doyou really believe a man woulddate a divorcedwoman witha childwho isn’this?Hardly, let's be honest They don’twanta woman who isn’tpure. They don'twantto associate withyou because ofyour reputation. Your intelligence willalso be inquestion ifyou decide to leave me. You willbe alone, with nowhere to stay, since ofcourse, you aren’tgetting thefarmproperty. Be smartabout this.

- John

That letter brought up some past feelings that I’ve been disguising for years now

It is nearly impossible to tell who you can trust in this town, as people talk about business that isn’t theirs to be worrying about to begin with. I can’t afford information being made public to everyone. Knowing the people of Derry, if people find out I wish to divorce John, we will be on the front page of newspapers from here to Hartford, Connecticut. Telegrams would come for me from people who are friendly with John, from all over the state.

I have been saving every last shilling I made while selling cucumbers and squash from my garden. That is one skill that is known to be more feminine, men rarely take part in that. Everyone in town attends the church, whose bells ring loudly every morning

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sometimes even before the roosters call. Catholicism is the only religion in these parts. Everyone here has a love for god, and prays to him every night before bed. The Catholic religion isn’t too fond of divorce, but who is, to tell you the truth. The issue is, John is a “son of god”, as he puts it. Which is of course no problem, but their perception of Divorce is not something I agree with. You shouldn’t have to worry about being trapped in your marriage, or even your life entirely Slavery is the main way we run the country

Up here in the North, some plantations have slaves since a lot of people are able to afford the “luxury” of the free labor the slaves are doing for them. They of course don’t pay them, as I mentioned. However, when the harvest season is slow, sometimes plantation owners need to spare some money for their slaves. It is truly disheartening to know how these innocent people are humans, but aren’t treated as such. More like savages if you ask me. It is barbaric, and needs to change along with women's rights. The south has the worst problems with slavery Many slaves end up escaping up here. Ships would come through the ports everyday to be transported to their new plantations.

Women all over the country have started to spread ideas on how to overcome our mistreatment. I know it will be a long while before any significant changes are made, but at this point, any progress no matter how small, is still progress. We are pretty much viewed as sheeps amongst the wolves, us of course being the prey and men being the predators. Some men have more modern views of women and that we deserve equality, but the majority sadly don’t feel the same.

Chapter 6

I went to bed, like I always did after the beautiful orange sunset behind the group of oak trees behind my farmhouse. When I woke up, I tended to George. Time went by faster than I could have thought, which I discovered when I had a loud knock on the door. I hesitated for a moment, and opened the door. Without being able to get in a

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single “Hello”, demands were being made left and right. He gave me his bag, of course wanting me to take care of the unpacking. I complied with the instructions he gave me, as to “not embarrass” him in front of General Washington, since he had escorted John back home, presumably to talk business. The general had his men who were behind him, both on large white horses, bring John’s horse back to the pasture which was behind the house with our stable beside it, with an entry point to the stable being through the pasture, for easier access.

John had a look on his face, which said all he needed to say. It was a look of disgust and judgment. He of course has no idea about Henry, just that I want a divorce. Sadly, it’s easier said than done, like most things, honestly. So, I needed to express my thoughts again, but this time, to his face. When I approached him, his face was expressing a confused emotion, almost as if he thought I wouldn’t be brave enough to tell him the love is gone to his face, as you can easily say anything with a feather pen on a piece of paper He started to open his mouth, but he was too slow to talk first.

“John, you got my letter, and now you’re home. I still want a divorce, and will take steps to pursue it.” He was baffled that I felt I could say it to him. “My true feelings have been closetted this whole time we’ve been married. I think it would be mutually beneficial for us to go our separate ways.” Then, he was able to compile a comprehensible sentence and say it. “Well, you know the consequences of your actions anyways. You’d be as good as dead without me.” Enough was said. I know how he felt and so I need to get out as soon as time allows.

Someone then started knocking on my door, with not a destructive amount of strength to where disrespect is shown, but enough to know he is serious. So, I opened the door, not knowing who I would be seeing. To my surprise, it was Henry. He remembered what I said when we last corresponded. He smiled, while still emitting an energy to where he knew what he was doing, meaning how to actually treat a woman. We embraced, and he walked past me respectfully, towards the kitchen table. John, of course, doesn’t know who Henry is. He gave a look of confusion, exchanging glances from me, to Henry, and back to me again. “Who are you, and what are you doing on my

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property uninvited?” Henry was quick to answer. “I am your wife’s friend. She has mentioned a problem in her marriage. I am here for support. She deserves to be treated well, and she isn’t getting that treatment here. Hopefully I can fix that.” I couldn’t believe he had the courage to say what he just did, and his eyes started getting wide when John stood up and got up close only an inch away from his face. Henry was quick to recover his level of composure, and stood his ground and stuck by my side. For that, I was very grateful.

John was enraged, so much so his face was turning bright red in color. I was still silent, watching to see what would happen next. I would intervene if I had more control, but at this point, I didn’t want to risk my own safety to protect Henry, because who knows what would happen, as John’s anger has proven time and time again to be unmanageable at times. John raised his fist up, and without a second thought, he swung, hitting Henry in the face, leaving his nose bloody and bruised severely, and John was about to go in for a second swing, but Henry reacted quicker this time. My mouth was dropping practically to the ground from shock, even though part of me knows this isn’t something new to John since he’s a soldier. Henry swung back, but hard enough to knock him to the ground. John’s face is swollen, bloody and bruised. I can’t help but continue watching. Henry threatens John by positioning his arm in an attack position. Things then escalated to the point of possible tragedy John grabbed a butcher knife from the table, and Henry grabbed his holstered revolver He gave a warning to John if he was to actually use the knife on someone. He didn’t put it down, so he was shot, right in the heart. Blood was everywhere, and it was clear he was gone. It doesn’t matter, it was better this way anyways, now he can’t hurt anyone else. Henry and I exchange glances, with blank expressions.

Homicide detectives would be sent to investigate the property. They found the firearm, and it was collected as evidence. Along with John’s blood pooled along side his deceased body They were discussing their findings amongst themselves, while I watched after Henry was escorted to the local jail for questioning. John had been shot in the chest, piercing his heart and caused an instant death. They needed to talk to me as I witnessed all of this first hand. I sat on my couch with the detectives, answering all of their questions to the best of my ability.

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“Who was John to you?”

I responded quickly, saying “He was my husband, and our marriage was pretty hard and not happy. We have been married for a few years now, and we have a son together, who is two, named George.”

“Okay..” He said, as he was writing my answers down on his notepad with his fancy feather pen. “What can you tell me about your relationship with the murderer What is his name? Henry, oh right.”

“Well, Henry and I have been close friends since John was sent off to fight alongside Washington.”

“Alright, now tell me, did you have any romantic relations with him while John was away behind his back?”

“Well, not exactly Henry was someone I would rather be married to than John, but I am already married, and don’t have the heart to commit infidelity.”

“So, you had feelings for him, but those thoughts were just that; thoughts?”

Yes, detective, that is correct.”

“I see.”

“Can you tell me exactly what happened here?”

“Gladly, detective. You see, John had a knife on him, and was threatening me with it, and I believe he would have hurt me if Henry hadn’t intervened.”

“What makes you believe that? Everyone other than you both say he is a great man, and a brave soldier.”

“I guess people only see what they want to see. He was good to everyone but me. It seems he thought I belonged to him, like I was his property.”

“Has he ever threatened you before this?”

“Not with a weapon, but verbally, yes.”

“He threatened to end my life if I tried to divorce him before.”

“Alright.”

“What happened after he threatens you?”

“Well, Henry grabbed John’s rifle, which was on the table next to him. Then, as John started walking towards me, I heard a gunshot, and I closed my eyes because I couldn’t watch. Then, the next thing I knew, John was dead, with Henry standing above

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his body, making sure he was really dead.” He was so scared as he isn’t a violent guy, and hadn’t even gotten in to a street fight.”

“That sounds like it was a hard situation.”

“Yes, detective, it was.”

Alright, thank you for your cooperation, Eliza. Those are all of my questions for right now Me and my fellow detectives are going to finish searching your residence, and we will let you know when we are finished here.”

“Thank you for your time.”

I watched the detectives search high and low for any evidence. They found a journal in John’s bag he took with him off to battle. They opened it, and found interesting evidence. It was something of a diary, with all of his thoughts and feelings. A lot of these were incriminating, as well. Officer Hardley, who was interviewing me, made a disgusted face when he looked through John’s diary He showed it to detective Lucas, and they both stared at it together What they found was something even I didn’t know It was pages upon pages of John describing how he wanted me dead and the methods he was choosing between to kill me. It read:

“That woman gets on my last nerve! She needs to go!” No one will care when she is dead. Hell, they will even be happy and celebrate. She is just another whore, she is nothing to anyone, and has no value.”

“I will shoot her as soon as I lay my eyes on her once more!”

Without much talking, we got someone to come and bring John’s body to the local morgue to be prepped and buried as soon as possible.

Chapter 7:

A funeral service would be held now since John has passed. The funeral is being held at the local church, with John’s friends and remaining family members, and colleagues from the war present. He was a soldier, and while not a good man, deserved at least some respect for his service. His coffin was very elegant, and dressed in decorations that were used for people who did a great service for our country The church was a paneled white building, and Catholic, since we are both Irish Catholic. Henry was sadly taken into custody, for questioning. It was no secret Henry was the one

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who killed John, but the circumstances were still unknown to the authorities at this point, and in their eyes, John could do no wrong. I did decide to attend John’s funeral, because he still was my husband, at least formally. Everyone there was teary-eyed. Including me, mainly due to the fact that George’s dad was now gone, and he would either have only a mother from now on, or have to accept the concept of a new father in his life. I won’t miss him, I know that. I have to go to the prison to be questioned as a witness, first by law enforcement and then in front of a judge. It was self defense, so I am hoping Henry will soon be released as it wasn’t a homicide with no reason.

As soon as I was at the prison, I was nervous. Being a woman and now surrounded by actual guilty prisoners here to serve their time, for a litany of crimes. Henry was in a holding cell, to await his trial. As soon as I got there, a guard stopped me and asked my reason for coming. I briefly explained my situation, and he led me to the interview room, where a Detective named Detective Rodriguez. He is a tall, and serious man, who knew his job and knew it well. I sat down, in a rather uncomfortable chair, so I hoped I wouldn’t be here too long. Officer Rodriguez started by asking me how John and I’s relationship was. I answered with the honest truth. I said our relationship was destined for failure since the start. He asked me to tell him the exact events leading up to John’s death. I did as I was told, and said it was self defense, because he had already tried to hurt me. I told them Henry was who killed him, but that it was only after John had made his intentions to hurt me clear After what felt like years of inqiry, I was ruled out of the case, but of course, was a witness. Contact with Henry was very limited, and he was awaiting his possible guilty verdict.

As the court date started approaching, everyone became tense. Most people believed my side of the story, excluding General Washington and his men, of course, but that is to be expected. In court the evidence and testimonies were presented, and the jury declared this case to be a true act of self defense, and so the Judge ordered his release after the Not guilty verdict. Henry and I met with a long embrace, at the doors of the courthouse. I apologized for getting him involved in this mess, and he said he would do it again if he had to. I thanked him profusely, to express my gratitude for his strength

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to end John’s reign of terror and abuse once and for all, and to have to pay for it up until now when the trial ended. Henry was declared a town hero, with articles posted in every newspaper you could purchase. John still had people defending his actions, and made that clear.

We fell in love. True love this time, as well. My expectations of true love were far exceeded, and I was at peace, and happy Henry and I decided we wanted to be married, and so a wedding date was set, for August 6, 1879, in an old church house on the corner between Main street and Fischer street, with a botanical garden out back. Everyone was elated. Henry was dressed in his most dapper suit, and I was dressed in a brand new wedding dress, purchased from the bridal shop down the street as a wedding gift, since the owner and I are friends. The wedding was a good size, not small but not too big either Everyone was seated, and the wedding bells rang. The pianist was playing the wedding song, and I met Henry at the altar where our vows were then exchanged. It was a nice moment, and at the end everyone cheered us on after the priest said “You may now kiss the bride”. Champagne was toasted, one toast to me, as the bride, and the other to Henry, as the groom. Everyone around town knew about our marriage, and congratulated us. We had to receive our wedding bonds and allegations at the Derry town hall, and we were happy to finally have it finalized and be legally married.

A FEW YEARS LATER:

The path to the rest of our lives was now set, and we were both excited to start our lives together, as practically new people, and better versions of ourselves. The next thirty years we would be waking up looking at the other person, and that made us more than happy Finally, I got the happy ending I so longed for Henry and my son, George, got along great. Henry didn’t have children, but we plan to have some to give George some siblings and since I am still in my childbearing years. Henry treated George as his own, despite not being blood related. Truthfully, not everyone was accepting of the idea of families made by marriage.We ran into a few hecklers, unsurprisingly. They thought even unhappy couples should stay together for their children. While still a sensitive

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topic, Henry and I are beyond happy with this, and that is all that matters now. George calls him his father, and Henry is a natural at fatherhood. He has started teaching George, who is now seven, how to hunt. They would spend their days together, doing the activities George never got to do with John, even if he hadn’t had died, he wouldn’t be willing to spend the effort with his son. I am happy I don’t have to play the part for both mother and father, and I can just focus on my chores, while Henry focuses on his. Life is now great, the best as it can be. I am excited to see where my life goes from here, in love and happy, here in Derry, New Hampshire.

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About the Author

I am a high school student, and am said to graduate in the year of 2025, but I am hoping to take college classes to get extra credit in hopes to get a head start in the career world and college prep. I am an aspiring psychology major, and in the future am planning on working with kids on the Autism spectrum, as a behavior technician. In my free time, when I am not writing, I enjoy riding horses. I used to compete in the hunter/jumper discipline, and I loved it, and used to win ribbons from all of the shows I have attended. I also love kids and sometimes during the summer I get to volunteer to help some. I also enjoy writing music in my free time, and usually utilize the country pop genre for my style. Most of the time, I can be found hanging out with my group of friends and laughing with them. I like to also write non-fiction papers/books, fiction pieces, and biographies, but I do a little bit of everything. I am looking into the possibility of starting up a side hustle where I help people with editing their papers, or writing something for them, in return for payment. I love animals, especially horses and dogs, and over the years, I have formed

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unbreakable bonds with them. I have a golden doodle, named Abby, who is currently seven years old, who my parents bought for me to be my pet when I was struggling in school with being bullied, to cheer me up. I had a Thoroughbred gelding, who I used to lease, named Randy. He was 18 when we got him, In 2019. He has also helped me through a lot, and he continues to make me smile, and I am hoping to buy him back eventually. For now, the pictures and memories I have of him are keeping me sane.

This is my favorite picture of a training session I had with Randy a while back.

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