Spring, Virginia
Pocahontas awoke with the early morning sun warming her face. She lay for a few moments and did her best to fool Nakoma that she was still asleep.
"Pocahontas, I know you are awake. Now come out and help me," Nakoma said, peeking her head into her friend's longhouse.
"I'm coming," Pocahontas replied as she stood and walked out into the sunlight. Walking down to the river with Nakoma had become Pocahontas's favorite part of the day. Ever since her father had told her about the marrige arangement, Pocahontas had tried to come up with any excuse to leave the surroundings of her village.
"Pocahontas?" Nakoma questioned her friend as she nearly slipped on a rock, "Be careful, the last thing you want is to twist your ankle before your wedding."
"Would it get me out of it?" Pocahontas retorted.
Nakoma, taken a back by her friend's words, sighed. "Pocahontas, Cokoum will make a fine husband, he is loyal and--"
"Strong and will build you a fine house with sturdy walls--" she added, mocking the so many people that had promised her those things from the very beginning.
"Nakoma, I don't want to marry him!" Pocahontas's almost whining voice was like a plea to her friend to get her out of her current predicament.
"If you do not wish to," Both women jumped at the male's voice from behind.
Pocahontas slowly turned her dark eyes on Cokoum, "Cokoum, I, please let me explain-"
He stepped out of the trees and closer toward the women, "Nakoma, please," He stopped, jestering his hand towards the village. Nakoma heisitated, not knowing which way to follow.
Pocahontas finding her friend in distress said, "It's alright, go on."
"Go on Nakoma, now," The last word the Indian man spoke made the young woman jump, hurrying her away.
"I hear you do not wish to marry me," Cokoum said, his tone cold.
"I just don't feel like you are the right path for me to follow our whole lives through," Pocahontas replied, making sure her voice stayed calm.
He folded his arms across his chest, "I do not love you," He stated matter-of-factly, "I, I, am interested in you."
"I did not think you even felt that," She spat at him before turning and walking away. She felt his hands grab her shoulders and whirl her around.
"Let me go," She hissed, her heart pounding. No man other than her father had dared to touch her.
"I'll marry you, for our people," He said, "You see, I know my place Pocahontas; it is time you learned yours." He let go of her then and left her standing in the forest his harsh words ringing in her ears.