Go in Peace

It was her wedding day, but Sheena was far from happy. She was being forced to marry a man she didn't love. The real truth was she didn't even like him. He was cruel and unseemly in so many ways.

As she stood looking at her hair and makeup in the mirror, it occurred to her that she could still run. She glanced quickly out the nearby window. She could make it but she would have to hurry.

Suddenly a knock at the door startled her. She wondered why she had not bothered to lock it.

"Who is it, please?" She knew the question was a stupid one. Whoever it was would walk in without her inviation, which is, of course that is exactly what happened.

"Sheena, it's Momma," the heavyset hark haired woman replied. "Why aren't you dressed yet?"

"I have plenty of time, Momma," she stuttered. "I don't want to get my dress dirty."

She hated her mother at that moment and wanted to order her from the room. Instead, she turned her back to look out the window.

"Did you need something? I really do have to get dressed in a moment."

Her mother picked up on the sadness in her daughter's voice and moved to offer comfort. "Sheena, you know this is the way of our people. Parents always choose who their children marry. Why do you think you should be any different? I didn't get to pick the man I married either. I bet you never thought of that."

"Daddy isn't filthy and disgusting. He isn't cruel and callous. He doesn't hate children. It's not the same, Momma, and you know it!"

A slap from her mother made Sheena see red. "Get out of here. You may have the right to sell me off like common cattle, but I don't have to cater to your false words of concern." With that she pushed the older woman out the door and locked it.

"Sheena, you don't want to do anything stupid. Disobeying your parents is punishable by death. Sheena, Sheena are you listening?"

"I hear you, Momma. Now go away. I'll be down when it is time."

However, Sheena knew she was lying. Her mother's words had not brought her comfort. They had sealed her decision instead. She suddenly knew she would rather die than marry Roger. He had already lost one wife under suspicious conditions. Sheena didn't intend on being the next.

She waited until there was no sign of life below the window. Then she opened it and jumped, tucking and rolling at just the right moment. Then she dove into nearby bushes to make absolutely certain the coast was clear. Finally, she made a run for it, knowing she had about 10 minutes before her absence was discovered.

Luckily, Sheena knew the area like the back of her hand. She headed for the caves where she had played as a child. Only her best friend and one true love Martin knew where they were. He would never tell another living soul. With luck, he would know to look for her there.

Sheena was glad she was a runner by hobby. She needed every step she could get between herself and the destiny who parents had planned. She was thankful not to hear sirens wailing in pursuit.

Once in the cave, she finally took the time to think about what she had done. Her mother was right. This kind of disobedience warranted the death penalty, but Sheena didn't care. Anything was better than the alternative.

It was almost nightfall before she started breathing normally again. They hadn't found her yet. That was something. Tomorrow Martin would come. She was sure of it. He just had to get free from others who might follow in pursuit.

Hungry, Sheena wished she had planned her escape rather than acting on the spur of the moment. She decided to venture out of the cave to pick a few edible wildflowers she'd seen near the entrance. They would sustain her for now.

Finally unafraid, she started a small fire the way she'd learned how from the Campfire Girls. The warmth made it easy for her to fall asleep.

"Sheena, wake up." Uncertain whether the voice was in her dream or for real, Sheena pushed herself awake to find out. She threw her arms around her childhood sweetheart.

"I knew you would come," she whispered before planting a kiss on his cheek. "Did you bring provisions?"

"Of course. I knew where to find you." He handed her a thermos and a sandwich as he sat nearby. "Sheena, we have to get you out of here. Roger says he'll have you beheaded if he finds you and your father is in agreement. He says it is a matter of honor."

Sheena shook her head. "I knew it was a possibility, but I could not marry that man. He is not human. I could never love him. I love you!"

Martin shook his head in agreement. "Well we can't risk running yet. They have the police out in full force. We'll have to wait until everything dies down a bit. But I have everything you need in the car and I will stand behind you always."

"That puts your life in danger too. I can't ask you do that."

"You don't have to ask, Sheena. I love you." With that the two lovers finally embraced. "I'm glad you chose to run. I might have stopped the wedding myself had you chosen to go through with it. That man is not human and he is totally unworthy of you."

It was several more days before Martin could safely return to the cave. He stayed away as long as he could in case he was being followed. Finally, he could take it no longer and decided to risk returning to his ladylove.

After several changes of directions to make sure he was truly alone, he headed for his destiny. When he entered the cave; however, he was shocked. Sheena was no where to be found. There was no evidence she had ever been there.

Worried that Roger had found her, he used his cell to call her parents to inquire about the search. "There is still no trace of her anywhere" her mother announced. "I fear she is gone forever."

After hanging up from the call he searched the cave thoroughly. There was no evidence of a struggle or that an animal might have entered. He was just about to give up when he noted a small fork in the back of the structure. Taking one side, he found nothing of interest. In the other; however, he found these words scratched into the wall.

"I love you too much to endanger your life. Don't look for me. By the time you find this I will be gone. Live your life for both of us my love. Be happy and go in peace."