Read Moments In Time: A Collection of Short Fiction for Free Online Page A

head. “Actually, the French are trying to stay out of it, which is why we’re able to fly through their airspace. Though, you’re right, they will probably try to turn us over, but we don’t have any other options. We are half-clothed and berries aren’t going to get us far. If we can at least find some supplies, we may be able to buy some time. Remember, I am but a humble Irishman,” he said with a smile and a bow.
    I giggled and handed some berries and a mixture of small nuts to him. “Yes, you are quite the humble little lamb,” I said with an arched eyebrow and he laughed. For the first time, we simply talked like normal people. He was quite funny, which helped calm my nerves. He probably never knew how much fear was running through me.
    Sleep came quickly and my dreams set in even faster. Brennan’s hard body pressed against mine as he took me passionately. I closed my eyes and arched my head back in the throes of passion. When looking back to my lover, Thomas stared back, pressing his lips against mine, never stopping the rhythmic thrusts inside me.
    I woke from my dream in a cold sweat. My stomach sickened at the thought of the scandalous dream that I just had. It was a betrayal of my marriage, my vows, and my very soul, and yet, it felt right. The dream made the pain subside, if only for a minute. Though Brennan wasn’t a proper gentleman, and treated me like a pack mule while we were on the Queen Victoria , I couldn’t help but think he only did it to save me. Even before he knew who I was, he had tried to help me. Wasn’t that what love was all about?
    I looked over at Brennan and he stared back, concern etched on his features, then he looked away.
    “It’s almost time to go,” he said. “You should wash up before we leave.”
    The air was cool and the stream cooler. I washed away the sweat and dirt from the night’s rest. Goose pimples rose up on me with every touch of cold water. My thoughts were on my dreams and my betrayal. It was imperative to regain my composure before going back to Brennan after what had just run through my thoughts. The minutes passed and I focused on the cold, which helped contain my thoughts and allowed me to head back to camp.
    Brennan had packed what little gear we had and handed me a small rodent he had cooked on the fire.
    “Have you had anything to eat?” I asked.
    “I will be fine.”
    “Nonsense.” The rodent broke easily in half. “You are my best chance of survival. If you are too hungry to think straight, we are both as good as dead.” He stared at me for a moment, knowing he had been defeated, then took his share from my outstretched hand.
    “By the way,” he said. “This came running after you when you passed out in the ship.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled something out before tossing it to me.
    The watch landed in my hands and popped open. The picture of Thomas looked up at me and reminded me of the dream, forcing me to look away and close it. A tear ran down my cheek as I slid the watch into my pocket.
    “Thank you.” I looked up to Brennan with a fake smile and brushed away the tear.
    He shrugged. “If I had known something like that would make you so happy, I’d have given you an airtronicfisticon.”
    Even though I had no clue what he was talking about, I laughed at the joke and we headed toward where he thought Lyon was.
    The journey was a quiet and boring one. Brennan used a small screwdriver and a stick to spear us more food, and we collected nuts and berries as we came across them. We cooked quickly and the burned food was horrible to eat, but kept me satisfied. For two days we walked and camped, then walked some more. After the first day, he wasn’t as concerned with soldiers and we talked more, making the journey pass more swiftly.
    As the light of the third day began to fade, we came across an old house, its roof caved in on one side. Brennan made me stay back and he went to look for anyone who might be inside. He