Forbidden Love

Chapter 3

"The food was burned," Ms. Maine said after she finished her beef. "Indeed," her husband agreed. "Quite stupid creatures," he added.

As Mr. and Ms. Maine conversed William was silent. He seemed to be thinking some things. He only continued eating the food that had been provided. "My dear William," his mother called. "Why do you stay so speechless? What do you think of this meal?" She inquired. "It is good" he answered. "Is it not burned?" she continued. "It is not," is said truthfully, still looking down and eating. 

Lydia Maine said nothing. She only continued to complain of the food provided. I heard all these things in the other room after I consumed the piece of beef. "Why did William not complain also?" I wondered to myself. 

After the Maine family finished their lunch, they disbursed. An hour after these events I was in the dining room again cleaning after my masters. "Slave." I heard a voice come from behind me. I turned. It was my William. I came to him and looked down at his feet. "Yes my master," I addressed him humbly. 

He did not say anything for quite some time. I looked up at him, waiting to serve him. "Why do you look down so?" he asked. I did not answer. I looked still up at him confused. The question was unexpected. Why did he care? He smiled a little. 

"Sit down," he directed gently. I looked around confused, then sat slowly. The chair was soft and supported me. "May I ask a few questions of you?" he asked. "Yes," I answered confused still. "Do my questions strike you as confusing?" "Yes." Why?" I thought about what my answer would be for some time. "I am merely the background of your life. Merely a slave of your house. Why would you need to ask questions to me. Do you not only direct me?" I said these things gently and almost embarrassed.  

"Do you like it that way?" he asked. "What way?" I answered. "Do you like being a slave?" I was astonished at this. "I don't think of these things. I do not know." I answered. "You do not think of running away?" He asked. I then sat in the seat terrified. I leaped out of the seat and fell onto my knees. "Such thoughts have never crossed my mind, master," I said. I was terribly afraid that he had suspected these things in my thoughts. 

"Slave, I do not intend to punish you. I do not ask you these questions because of any suspicions of mine. I ask you this because of my own curiosity," he explained. I still was at his feet. "Rise," he directed. I obeyed, but only in fear. 

"Would you leave this plantation if given the opportunity?" he asked. "Again master, I do not think of these things," I answered. William then stud up. "Thank you for your time, you may continue your work," he finished before he exited the room.