"Hey, it's just you and me, Lina." Cassius smiled at
Evangelina.
"I love to see the sun both rises and sets, while I was in
Louisiana," said Cassius to her.
"I kinda hate being so imperfect when I was in Baton Rouge. My
accuracy should be perfect and I'll never miss their target. But
what could I say, practice makes perfect." Cassius chuckled.
Evangelina put her slim hand in his, letting him help her stand.
She turned to Leona and gave the mare a kiss on her head and a hug.
Then she turned to Cassius, smiling. "I'm all set. Mama will
be-"
Just then, the dinner bell rang. "DINNER," Mrs. Lovelace was
calling.
Evangelina laughed, shaking her head. "That is what she would have
been doing soon."
Evangelina sat down between Serafina and Cassius. Almost everyone
there was curious about him. Most of those at the table were former
slaves. Evangelina knew not everyone would accept Cassius, but she
also knew that the truth now was much better then a lie and the
truth coming out later. When asked where she had met him, replied
with the truth.
Most of the former slave were okay with the idea of Cassius being
from the south. They didn't trust him, not yet anyway. They needed
to get to know him first.
Evangelina put her hand in Cassius's and squeezed his hand lightly.
"It's because you are out of your element," Evangelina whispered
back. "You are used to one way of doing things and now you are
learning an entirely new way. It's normal to feel that way. I would
be slightly alarmed if you didn't feel that way."
"Well, we just have to say grace once everyone is here," I told
him. "And it looks like we are all here now."
Evangelina's mother stood to say grace and everyone bowed their
head.
"....and thank you for returning Evangelina home safety. We hope
her friend, Cassuis will enjoy his stay here with us and be
blessed. Amen." She finished and sat back down.
"Thank you, Cassius, but I had lots of help. Serafina and Georgia
helped me cook it," Sally said, gesturing to another former slave.
She smiled at Cassius and gave him a small wave.
Evangelina smiled at Georgia. She was grateful to the girl for
welcoming Cassius.