223shootersc
Veteran Member
thanks for the new pages, and how about b1tch slapping Betty soon please
Oh for Pete's Sake!
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#16
Evie walked slowly downstairs. It was cool, quiet and peaceful in the basement. Truth be told, she knew exactly where the crutches were; it was too great a temptation not to grab a few moments of solitude. Betty needed prayer. Hap and Pete needed prayer, heck, they all needed prayer. And that's what they got. A snatched moment by the gray haired old lady that was trying to keep body and soul together.
Pete hobbled to the bathroom; the crutches giving him the mobility. Betty stared at his retreating back.
"I notice you didn't bring up any food, like I told you to do," she snipped at Evie. "I'm not kidding I need food."
"No food down there," Evie replied tiredly. "Here, have a look in the cupboard. I understand you don't believe me when I say we're almost out of food; but then you know why, don't you?"
Betty had the grace to look ashamed for a second, but the look was fleeting, soon gone.
"You had more than you and the old man needed," Betty began excusing her behaviour. "What I took was rightfully Pete's anyway. We just got it before you died, that all." Betty hardened her expression.
"I would have given you the food," Evie stood looking at her daughter in law, sadness deeply etched in her face. "You didn't even have the decency to bring the jars back. And the money, the money," she shook her head. "Do you know we almost lost this place because you stole our property tax savings." Evie continued, "What was so important that you and Pete had to steal from us?"
Betty gave a tinkling little laugh. "Pete, what a chump, he never knew. I told him on the way home you had given it to us, and he believed me." Another amused laugh, and Betty leaned back in the chair. "See how good I am," she said with self satisfaction. "He wouldn't believe you today, if you told him I stole it. I have the power over him, and you may think you have the power; but you don't. I am going to give the orders now; and Pete will back me up. I still want something good to eat, go fix me something."
Pete stood in the bathroom door, listening to the exchange between Betty and his mother. Suddenly the light bulb of comprehension went on in his head. So that was why Betty refused to come back to visit, and more important, that was why his parents had not been cordial and loving. They thought he had stolen from them. Icy anger stirred in Pete's heart. He looked at the world through different eyes.
Stars spinning before his eyes, Pete limped into the living room and joined his father on the couch. Sinking gratefully into the cushions, he smiled at his father, as his dad's eyes came open.
Hap was a shocking shell of his former self. Why 6 years ago, the man had been a robust, vital force to be recconed with. Now, Pete hardly belived the frail bent over man was his dad.
To Pete, caught up in the business of everyday living, the six years had gone by in a blur. Evidently, the six years had been a a terrible toll on his dad. He was about to ask where Inga was, when there was a horrible shriek from the kitchen. Of course, it was more Betty drama. What else.
Feeling faint and hurting beyond belief, Pete hauled himself into the kitchen. His mother was standing at the counter, working with some small paper sacks. Betty was standing near the piles of their belongings dumped on the floor.
"Do you have any idea what SHE is doing," Betty was on the fast track to hysterical.
"That flour has BUGS in it, and SHE is sifting them out. SHE intends to make us eat that!" Betty was rummaging through the nearest pile, tossing clothes, shoes and bedding right and left. "I won't stand for it. I will not eat such crap." Finding what she was looking for, Betty dove into the brown leather boot and pulled out two cans of tuna. A self satisfied smirk was quickly turned to outrage as Pete twisted the cans from her grip.
Evie walked slowly downstairs. It was cool, quiet and peaceful in the basement. Truth be told, she knew exactly where the crutches were; it was too great a temptation not to grab a few moments of solitude. Betty needed prayer. Hap and Pete needed prayer, heck, they all needed prayer. And that's what they got. A snatched moment by the gray haired old lady that was trying to keep body and soul together.
Pete hobbled to the bathroom; the crutches giving him the mobility. Betty stared at his retreating back.
"I notice you didn't bring up any food, like I told you to do," she snipped at Evie. "I'm not kidding I need food."
"No food down there," Evie replied tiredly. "Here, have a look in the cupboard. I understand you don't believe me when I say we're almost out of food; but then you know why, don't you?"
Betty had the grace to look ashamed for a second, but the look was fleeting, soon gone.
"You had more than you and the old man needed," Betty began excusing her behaviour. "What I took was rightfully Pete's anyway. We just got it before you died, that all." Betty hardened her expression.
"I would have given you the food," Evie stood looking at her daughter in law, sadness deeply etched in her face. "You didn't even have the decency to bring the jars back. And the money, the money," she shook her head. "Do you know we almost lost this place because you stole our property tax savings." Evie continued, "What was so important that you and Pete had to steal from us?"
Betty gave a tinkling little laugh. "Pete, what a chump, he never knew. I told him on the way home you had given it to us, and he believed me." Another amused laugh, and Betty leaned back in the chair. "See how good I am," she said with self satisfaction. "He wouldn't believe you today, if you told him I stole it. I have the power over him, and you may think you have the power; but you don't. I am going to give the orders now; and Pete will back me up. I still want something good to eat, go fix me something."
Pete stood in the bathroom door, listening to the exchange between Betty and his mother. Suddenly the light bulb of comprehension went on in his head. So that was why Betty refused to come back to visit, and more important, that was why his parents had not been cordial and loving. They thought he had stolen from them. Icy anger stirred in Pete's heart. He looked at the world through different eyes.
Stars spinning before his eyes, Pete limped into the living room and joined his father on the couch. Sinking gratefully into the cushions, he smiled at his father, as his dad's eyes came open.
Hap was a shocking shell of his former self. Why 6 years ago, the man had been a robust, vital force to be recconed with. Now, Pete hardly belived the frail bent over man was his dad.
To Pete, caught up in the business of everyday living, the six years had gone by in a blur. Evidently, the six years had been a a terrible toll on his dad. He was about to ask where Inga was, when there was a horrible shriek from the kitchen. Of course, it was more Betty drama. What else.
Feeling faint and hurting beyond belief, Pete hauled himself into the kitchen. His mother was standing at the counter, working with some small paper sacks. Betty was standing near the piles of their belongings dumped on the floor.
"Do you have any idea what SHE is doing," Betty was on the fast track to hysterical.
"That flour has BUGS in it, and SHE is sifting them out. SHE intends to make us eat that!" Betty was rummaging through the nearest pile, tossing clothes, shoes and bedding right and left. "I won't stand for it. I will not eat such crap." Finding what she was looking for, Betty dove into the brown leather boot and pulled out two cans of tuna. A self satisfied smirk was quickly turned to outrage as Pete twisted the cans from her grip.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
good for Pete, still hope someone slaps Betty
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#17
"Give me that," Betty enunciated ragefully, as she made futile attempts to recover the tuna cans.
"Stop," Peter held his arm high, the cans just tantalizing out of Betty's reach. "If it's here, it's for us all." he said with finality.
Betty did the only thing she could think to do. Thwarted by Peter, she deliberately raised her foot and swiftly kicked her husband in his wounded leg. Peter collapsed. Arms, legs, crutches and bodies went tumbling on the kitchen floor.
Twice in one day, Evie reacted with out thinking. The cabbage stomper, that had been replaced by the sink, was in her grip and the force of it connected with Betty's hand full of tuna cans. The blood curdling scream was real this time. Evie knew from the sounds, she had broken Betty's hand, and maybe fingers.
Frightened children pushed open the door and stood scared and amazed at the sight in front of them.
"Give me that," Betty enunciated ragefully, as she made futile attempts to recover the tuna cans.
"Stop," Peter held his arm high, the cans just tantalizing out of Betty's reach. "If it's here, it's for us all." he said with finality.
Betty did the only thing she could think to do. Thwarted by Peter, she deliberately raised her foot and swiftly kicked her husband in his wounded leg. Peter collapsed. Arms, legs, crutches and bodies went tumbling on the kitchen floor.
Twice in one day, Evie reacted with out thinking. The cabbage stomper, that had been replaced by the sink, was in her grip and the force of it connected with Betty's hand full of tuna cans. The blood curdling scream was real this time. Evie knew from the sounds, she had broken Betty's hand, and maybe fingers.
Frightened children pushed open the door and stood scared and amazed at the sight in front of them.
Now we are getting somewhere. Evie simply cannot allow this ungrateful theiving bitch to continue the negative and abusive influence in her home. Common Evie, keep beating her ass with that cabbage stomper.
Now I'm not a violent person but abuse makes my blood boil, especially against the elderly. Sorry!
Now I'm not a violent person but abuse makes my blood boil, especially against the elderly. Sorry!
sabretech2001
Contributing Member
I sure hope that Evie didn't damage that cabbage stomper!
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Evie is a star, super nova and thanks to her and the writer
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#18
Evie sunk into the nearest chair. Never in her life had she done such a thing. Shaking with reaction; Evie had acted instinctively to the threat Betty had produced, when the enraged woman had tried to hit Peter on the head with the tuna can. Weak kneed and shaking so hard her teeth were chattering, Evie sat in disbelieving stupor. Never in her 65 years had she raised her hand in such anger to another human.
Betty was crying with the first honest emotion Evie has ever heard from her. Pete had landed with his woulded leg down, and the dark red stain was creeping across the stark white bandage. Evie tried to get up and tend to her son, but she couldn't make her legs work properly. As she struggled, Pete motioned with his hand for her to stay seated.
Six children stood huddled in the doorway, no one spoke a word. Facinated by the uproar, they bobbed their heads up and down as the adults moved.
Suddenly, the group was pushed inward like an explosion, as Patty thundered through the door, demanding to know what was happening.
Benny was the first to speak. "Your mom tripped your dad, and tried to hit him with a can. Mizz Evie hit your mom in the hand." Clora, Brett and Sandra nodded up and down in agreement.
"Is that true?" Patty demanded of Brett. Brett simply nodded. He had lost his voice, scared right out him by the rapid series of events.
Patty drew a deep breath, ready to join her mother in a wailing fest on the floor.
Peter looked up and said sternly, "Be quiet, or go outside." There was no mistaking the authority in his voice. Patty reacted like a normal child for the first time in a long while.
"It's dark out there" suddenly, Patty was a little girl; not the sass filled teenager she was trying to emulate.
"Evie,...Evie.." Hap called mournfully from the living room, "I need a drink of water, please." If anything could have overcome Evie's fright, it was tending to Hap. The everyday chores such a blessing.
Bringing the drink, Evie sat quietly with Hap as she explained what was happening. Hap shook his head. He had heard the fracus with Betty about the food and the money. He had spent a great deal of contemplation, considering the fact that their son was not involved in the rift that Betty had caused. The knowledge made him stronger. The very thought of Peter cheating them, had eaten at his soul for many a year. It was a great weight lifted from his shoulders.
Softly, like little ghosts, the Apperton kids eased into the room and cuddled with Hap and Evie on the sofa. There was a bit of jostling, as Brett wiggled himself into the warmth and acceptance of the couch family, but it was a treasure for Evie to hold in her heart.
Evie sunk into the nearest chair. Never in her life had she done such a thing. Shaking with reaction; Evie had acted instinctively to the threat Betty had produced, when the enraged woman had tried to hit Peter on the head with the tuna can. Weak kneed and shaking so hard her teeth were chattering, Evie sat in disbelieving stupor. Never in her 65 years had she raised her hand in such anger to another human.
Betty was crying with the first honest emotion Evie has ever heard from her. Pete had landed with his woulded leg down, and the dark red stain was creeping across the stark white bandage. Evie tried to get up and tend to her son, but she couldn't make her legs work properly. As she struggled, Pete motioned with his hand for her to stay seated.
Six children stood huddled in the doorway, no one spoke a word. Facinated by the uproar, they bobbed their heads up and down as the adults moved.
Suddenly, the group was pushed inward like an explosion, as Patty thundered through the door, demanding to know what was happening.
Benny was the first to speak. "Your mom tripped your dad, and tried to hit him with a can. Mizz Evie hit your mom in the hand." Clora, Brett and Sandra nodded up and down in agreement.
"Is that true?" Patty demanded of Brett. Brett simply nodded. He had lost his voice, scared right out him by the rapid series of events.
Patty drew a deep breath, ready to join her mother in a wailing fest on the floor.
Peter looked up and said sternly, "Be quiet, or go outside." There was no mistaking the authority in his voice. Patty reacted like a normal child for the first time in a long while.
"It's dark out there" suddenly, Patty was a little girl; not the sass filled teenager she was trying to emulate.
"Evie,...Evie.." Hap called mournfully from the living room, "I need a drink of water, please." If anything could have overcome Evie's fright, it was tending to Hap. The everyday chores such a blessing.
Bringing the drink, Evie sat quietly with Hap as she explained what was happening. Hap shook his head. He had heard the fracus with Betty about the food and the money. He had spent a great deal of contemplation, considering the fact that their son was not involved in the rift that Betty had caused. The knowledge made him stronger. The very thought of Peter cheating them, had eaten at his soul for many a year. It was a great weight lifted from his shoulders.
Softly, like little ghosts, the Apperton kids eased into the room and cuddled with Hap and Evie on the sofa. There was a bit of jostling, as Brett wiggled himself into the warmth and acceptance of the couch family, but it was a treasure for Evie to hold in her heart.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Wonderful chapters thank you.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
thanks for the new page and Pete finding his spine
Thanks for this story! I only wish she had thrown Betty out instead of breaking her hand. 
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#19
Evie could hear low voices talking in the kitchen. Stalling, she postponed disturbing the warm and snuggly group on the couch, but the Cool April night was gloaming fast. The house cooled rapidly, and then there was the matter of supper. The lentils would be barely cooked, unless she stoked the fire.
Easing herself off the couch, Evie tended to the fire. The lentils would need a bit more cooking. A bowl of soupy lentils was not much of a supper. She hadn't got the flour sieved yet. That would have to wait until tomorow when it was light enough to see. But tonight, well tonight would be a pretty dismal, but they would get through it.
Pete and Betty were huddled on chairs in the corner, backs to the kitchen;as they talked in low voices. Patty was sulking in the space behind the kitchen door, kicking her foot idly through the heap of their belongings. Evie thought the child was a waste of a potential human. There was so much Patty could do and be; if only someone beside her mother could guide her. Not exactly her problem,...yet. But she knew as well as she was standing there that it would be.
Evie hated the occasional flashes of premonition she was cursed with. They always tied her stomach in knots, and gave her information she didn't want to deal with. Besides, she felt so tired. Bone weary was more like her state of mind, and hopefully she wasn't responsible for any more decisions tonight. The whole episode with Betty was like the two ton elephant in the room, it was there, but not mentioned.
Adding more water and a few pinches of salt to the bubbling lentils, Evie stretched the two cups of dried pease into enough, she hoped, to feed the entire group. Calling to the children, she had them wash. The supper she put in the old chipped stoneware mugs, and handed out spoons. Brett took his mug, looked at Benny and then ducked his head and shoveled in the unflavored, but salted soup.
The Apperton kids ate without talking. Any food was better than none. They didn't like lentils, who would, but the soup made their stomachs stop hurting. Tomorrow would be the worst. Clora giggled softly, thinking how stinky Benny would be. Benny, knowing what she was thinking, made a show of inflating his cheeks with air and then forcing it out while leaning toward Clora.
Brett finished his mugfull, and looked up in time to see Benny's bulging cheeks. Before he could help it, he guffawed aloud. The laughter sudden and loud in the almost silent kitchen. Patty looked up, and turned away from the scene. It wasn't funny to her. This soup, as grandmother called it, was really awful. It tasted like dirt, looked like dirt and smelled worse. She had tasted a spoonful, she was really hungry since they had had that fuss at lunch and she wouldn't eat. It had seemed important at the time to support mother, and now Patty wasn't sure. Things wern't going the way mother had said they would. Dad was acting all weird, Brett liked those strange kids way too much; grandma was really mean, and grandpa was a zombie. Mom had got really snarky with dad, and now she was hurt. Patty felt like she didn't fit in anywhere. She hated the idea of being poor. It really sucked.
Neither Pete or Betty touched the mugs of soup Evie had placed next to their chairs. They continued talking, oblivious to the world around them.
"Can't we turn on the lights?" Patty wanted to know. "I can't see."
"Sorry," Evie replied. "We can't spend the electricity. Here let me open the insert door. That will give us enough light to get you kids settled into bed."
Patty was about to object that she was grown up, and didn't go to bed with the little kids; but then, if there was no light to see, she might as well be asleep. There sure wasn't anything else to do.
Evie guided Hap to the bedroom and settled him in bed. In the faint light, it was apparent that he was still suffering heart pain. She asked if he wanted another asprin, but Hap shook his head no. He was a smalled curled up lump, as she went to see
the kids to bed.
Blankets over kids lying on the floor. Evie helped Zander and Jane say evening prayers, and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
Peter was wrapping Betty's hand with cloth from his previous wound care. Evie started to offer clean and dry material, but Pete shook his head no, and Evie let it be.
The evening was so blessedly still, no one wanted to break the peaceful spell. The rain had lessened to a gentle sprinkle, the wind had died down and Evie put beans on to soak and warm during the night. Evie thought about speaking to Betty, was gathering her courage, when the woman pulled a coat from the pile on the floor and walked out the door. The closing sounding like a final chapter of goodbye.
Evie could hear low voices talking in the kitchen. Stalling, she postponed disturbing the warm and snuggly group on the couch, but the Cool April night was gloaming fast. The house cooled rapidly, and then there was the matter of supper. The lentils would be barely cooked, unless she stoked the fire.
Easing herself off the couch, Evie tended to the fire. The lentils would need a bit more cooking. A bowl of soupy lentils was not much of a supper. She hadn't got the flour sieved yet. That would have to wait until tomorow when it was light enough to see. But tonight, well tonight would be a pretty dismal, but they would get through it.
Pete and Betty were huddled on chairs in the corner, backs to the kitchen;as they talked in low voices. Patty was sulking in the space behind the kitchen door, kicking her foot idly through the heap of their belongings. Evie thought the child was a waste of a potential human. There was so much Patty could do and be; if only someone beside her mother could guide her. Not exactly her problem,...yet. But she knew as well as she was standing there that it would be.
Evie hated the occasional flashes of premonition she was cursed with. They always tied her stomach in knots, and gave her information she didn't want to deal with. Besides, she felt so tired. Bone weary was more like her state of mind, and hopefully she wasn't responsible for any more decisions tonight. The whole episode with Betty was like the two ton elephant in the room, it was there, but not mentioned.
Adding more water and a few pinches of salt to the bubbling lentils, Evie stretched the two cups of dried pease into enough, she hoped, to feed the entire group. Calling to the children, she had them wash. The supper she put in the old chipped stoneware mugs, and handed out spoons. Brett took his mug, looked at Benny and then ducked his head and shoveled in the unflavored, but salted soup.
The Apperton kids ate without talking. Any food was better than none. They didn't like lentils, who would, but the soup made their stomachs stop hurting. Tomorrow would be the worst. Clora giggled softly, thinking how stinky Benny would be. Benny, knowing what she was thinking, made a show of inflating his cheeks with air and then forcing it out while leaning toward Clora.
Brett finished his mugfull, and looked up in time to see Benny's bulging cheeks. Before he could help it, he guffawed aloud. The laughter sudden and loud in the almost silent kitchen. Patty looked up, and turned away from the scene. It wasn't funny to her. This soup, as grandmother called it, was really awful. It tasted like dirt, looked like dirt and smelled worse. She had tasted a spoonful, she was really hungry since they had had that fuss at lunch and she wouldn't eat. It had seemed important at the time to support mother, and now Patty wasn't sure. Things wern't going the way mother had said they would. Dad was acting all weird, Brett liked those strange kids way too much; grandma was really mean, and grandpa was a zombie. Mom had got really snarky with dad, and now she was hurt. Patty felt like she didn't fit in anywhere. She hated the idea of being poor. It really sucked.
Neither Pete or Betty touched the mugs of soup Evie had placed next to their chairs. They continued talking, oblivious to the world around them.
"Can't we turn on the lights?" Patty wanted to know. "I can't see."
"Sorry," Evie replied. "We can't spend the electricity. Here let me open the insert door. That will give us enough light to get you kids settled into bed."
Patty was about to object that she was grown up, and didn't go to bed with the little kids; but then, if there was no light to see, she might as well be asleep. There sure wasn't anything else to do.
Evie guided Hap to the bedroom and settled him in bed. In the faint light, it was apparent that he was still suffering heart pain. She asked if he wanted another asprin, but Hap shook his head no. He was a smalled curled up lump, as she went to see
the kids to bed.
Blankets over kids lying on the floor. Evie helped Zander and Jane say evening prayers, and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
Peter was wrapping Betty's hand with cloth from his previous wound care. Evie started to offer clean and dry material, but Pete shook his head no, and Evie let it be.
The evening was so blessedly still, no one wanted to break the peaceful spell. The rain had lessened to a gentle sprinkle, the wind had died down and Evie put beans on to soak and warm during the night. Evie thought about speaking to Betty, was gathering her courage, when the woman pulled a coat from the pile on the floor and walked out the door. The closing sounding like a final chapter of goodbye.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
Bye, Bye Betty good riddance and you are not welcome back. thanks for the new chapter
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#20
"Tomorrow," Pete forestalled any questions. "Tomorrow", he repeated like a defeated man. Evie could see at a glance the 'talk' had not gone in Pete's favor. Ashamed at her actions earlier in the afternoon, Evie putzed around the kitchen doing meaningless chores that needed to be done.
A pot of water was put on to heat, the used rags and bandages of Pete's wound cleaning needed boiling. The soaking beans were put the furthest from the heat. They were aged beans, and required much cooking. The food the kids had brought from next door was all infested with bugs. So Evie put rice on to cook along with the beans. The insert cooktop was crowded full. She used the last of the wood to fill the firebox and closed the damper to bank the fire for the night. She was so tired, it was difficult to make it into bed.
The singing birds woke Evie the next morning. It was a guilty, stolen pleasure to be awake, and not up working. Oh, it was going to be a good day. Evie could just tell in her bones. When Hap woke, he was rested and clear eyed. Today was going to be a really good day.
Evie dressed quickly, Hap was at himself, so he needed no help this morning. Evie reached up and kissed Hap on the cheek, the affection returned when he kissed the palm of her hand. Together they went to the kitchen to start the day.
Pete was sitting at the table. The fire had new wood and was rapidly warming the cool house, food had been stirred, and more water added to the beans. Pete looked like he hadn't slept a wink. Deep care lines etched his face, at least what Evie could see above the tangled mat of beard, and long strings of hair framing his face.
Evie twisted a bit to see what shape his wound was in. No new blood, but there was plenty of old, staining the bandage. She took the cabbage stomper and stirred the soaking bandages. Bringing them to a boil should take care of their sterilization. It appeared they could dry outside today, and she could redress Pete's wound this afternoon.
It looked like Pete had gathered all of the food left and grouped it on the counter. Perhaps there was two cups of rice and one of beans left from Evie's stores. That and the salt, was the sum total. The bags of food from the Apperton house had weevil, and needed to be sieved, and picked through before it was useable. Cooking the beans, lentils would kill the larvae, the flour and cornmeal could be cleaned up and then cooked.
"What is there here," Pete questioned his mother. "Enough for 4 or 5 more meals. That is all? What happened to the pantry and the prepping? I don't understand how you could be so low on food!"
"Tomorrow," Pete forestalled any questions. "Tomorrow", he repeated like a defeated man. Evie could see at a glance the 'talk' had not gone in Pete's favor. Ashamed at her actions earlier in the afternoon, Evie putzed around the kitchen doing meaningless chores that needed to be done.
A pot of water was put on to heat, the used rags and bandages of Pete's wound cleaning needed boiling. The soaking beans were put the furthest from the heat. They were aged beans, and required much cooking. The food the kids had brought from next door was all infested with bugs. So Evie put rice on to cook along with the beans. The insert cooktop was crowded full. She used the last of the wood to fill the firebox and closed the damper to bank the fire for the night. She was so tired, it was difficult to make it into bed.
The singing birds woke Evie the next morning. It was a guilty, stolen pleasure to be awake, and not up working. Oh, it was going to be a good day. Evie could just tell in her bones. When Hap woke, he was rested and clear eyed. Today was going to be a really good day.
Evie dressed quickly, Hap was at himself, so he needed no help this morning. Evie reached up and kissed Hap on the cheek, the affection returned when he kissed the palm of her hand. Together they went to the kitchen to start the day.
Pete was sitting at the table. The fire had new wood and was rapidly warming the cool house, food had been stirred, and more water added to the beans. Pete looked like he hadn't slept a wink. Deep care lines etched his face, at least what Evie could see above the tangled mat of beard, and long strings of hair framing his face.
Evie twisted a bit to see what shape his wound was in. No new blood, but there was plenty of old, staining the bandage. She took the cabbage stomper and stirred the soaking bandages. Bringing them to a boil should take care of their sterilization. It appeared they could dry outside today, and she could redress Pete's wound this afternoon.
It looked like Pete had gathered all of the food left and grouped it on the counter. Perhaps there was two cups of rice and one of beans left from Evie's stores. That and the salt, was the sum total. The bags of food from the Apperton house had weevil, and needed to be sieved, and picked through before it was useable. Cooking the beans, lentils would kill the larvae, the flour and cornmeal could be cleaned up and then cooked.
"What is there here," Pete questioned his mother. "Enough for 4 or 5 more meals. That is all? What happened to the pantry and the prepping? I don't understand how you could be so low on food!"
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#21
"Hap will fill you in later," Evie postponed the long, drawn out explanation of how they got in this particuliar fix. "I've got kids to feed and a ton of work to do. Say Pete, where is your rifle. Any chance you could do some hunting?"
Pete slapped his forehead. How stupid could he be. Apparently plenty, he thought. "It's stashed in the woods. I hid it from the creatures that owned the car. I'll get it in a bit, though the rain yesterday didn't do it any good. What happened to your rifles; especially dad's 25-06. That was a sweet little gun."
"Pawned," Evie saved Hap the interjection. "We had to have money for the property taxes."
Patty, Brett and the rest of the kids stumbled into the kitchen, yawning and stretching. Clora poked Benny, "Move over or get out of the way. Brothers!" Clora moved over to the fireplace. "We got a problem Mizz Evie. Jane wet the blanket last night."
Evie sighed to herself. Jane had been a challenge all right. There had been 4 regular diapers in the Apperton house; they used at night, but the rest of the time they all watched Jane and tried to potty train her. So far, they had been partially successful.
Clora washed at the sink and started dishing up bowls of rice with a scoop of beans on top. A small edition of Evie, she worked as hard as she could to lessen Mizz Evie's workload. "Benny," she hissed under her breath, "Help the kids wash, you numbskull."
Benny returned the insult with mumbled breath, but he helped. Brett and Patty stood looking at the pan of water, the small sliver of soap and the towel hung on a peg. Brett had watched Benny, but still, wash in the same water as everyone else? They had always used a sink with running water. Brett finished, but Patty just dipped her fingers, until she looked up to see Evie about to speak to her. In her hands plunged, skittering the bowl off the side of the dry sink and onto the floor. The water splashing across the floor. Benny threw her a towel. "You did the deed, you clean the mess," he helpfully offered.
Patty started to tear up; her stock in trade act to get out of doing about anything she didn't want to do. Brett just shot her a sizzling look of distaste. "Can it," he offered as sweetly as Benny had. "This isn't your world anymore, can't you figure that out?"
"I'm gonna tell mother, then you'll wish you had been nicer to me," Patty sputtered. "She'll change your mind in a hurry."
"Patty, Brett, come here. I want to talk to you, out in the garden." Peter was stern, almost rough in his attitude. Patty and Brett looked at each other, suddenly not wanting to find out what their dad had to say. Peter was most unhappy himself. He didn't want to be telling them what had to be said.
"Hap will fill you in later," Evie postponed the long, drawn out explanation of how they got in this particuliar fix. "I've got kids to feed and a ton of work to do. Say Pete, where is your rifle. Any chance you could do some hunting?"
Pete slapped his forehead. How stupid could he be. Apparently plenty, he thought. "It's stashed in the woods. I hid it from the creatures that owned the car. I'll get it in a bit, though the rain yesterday didn't do it any good. What happened to your rifles; especially dad's 25-06. That was a sweet little gun."
"Pawned," Evie saved Hap the interjection. "We had to have money for the property taxes."
Patty, Brett and the rest of the kids stumbled into the kitchen, yawning and stretching. Clora poked Benny, "Move over or get out of the way. Brothers!" Clora moved over to the fireplace. "We got a problem Mizz Evie. Jane wet the blanket last night."
Evie sighed to herself. Jane had been a challenge all right. There had been 4 regular diapers in the Apperton house; they used at night, but the rest of the time they all watched Jane and tried to potty train her. So far, they had been partially successful.
Clora washed at the sink and started dishing up bowls of rice with a scoop of beans on top. A small edition of Evie, she worked as hard as she could to lessen Mizz Evie's workload. "Benny," she hissed under her breath, "Help the kids wash, you numbskull."
Benny returned the insult with mumbled breath, but he helped. Brett and Patty stood looking at the pan of water, the small sliver of soap and the towel hung on a peg. Brett had watched Benny, but still, wash in the same water as everyone else? They had always used a sink with running water. Brett finished, but Patty just dipped her fingers, until she looked up to see Evie about to speak to her. In her hands plunged, skittering the bowl off the side of the dry sink and onto the floor. The water splashing across the floor. Benny threw her a towel. "You did the deed, you clean the mess," he helpfully offered.
Patty started to tear up; her stock in trade act to get out of doing about anything she didn't want to do. Brett just shot her a sizzling look of distaste. "Can it," he offered as sweetly as Benny had. "This isn't your world anymore, can't you figure that out?"
"I'm gonna tell mother, then you'll wish you had been nicer to me," Patty sputtered. "She'll change your mind in a hurry."
"Patty, Brett, come here. I want to talk to you, out in the garden." Peter was stern, almost rough in his attitude. Patty and Brett looked at each other, suddenly not wanting to find out what their dad had to say. Peter was most unhappy himself. He didn't want to be telling them what had to be said.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
good stuff as usual, hope Pete can hunt
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#22
While the 'outside' family had a session in the garden; Evie kept her 'inside' family on the run. The day was warming nicely for mid April; so all the doors and windows were opened to let the house air out. The fire went out and the fireplace cleaned. Then the fire was started anew and the kettles went on for washing. Each kid got a bucket bath and fresh clothes. Evie made note that Benny was growing. She and Hap had been so afraid the lack of nutrition had stunted him, but the shirt that had been too big, was almost too small for him now.
Evie hummed, happy that there was positive progress amid all the poverty. She was more determined than ever that there might be financial proverty, but none of the soul.
The men got haircuts, Evie's comb and sissors making them fairly presentable. She surely itched to get her hands on Peter's mop of hair and beard. Evie knew Pete to be so handsome; and now so disreputable looking. But, the outside family was still out in the garden and if the shouting and arm waving was any indication of how the 'talk' was going, nobody from inside wanted to be near.
Benny, Clora, Sandra and Zander went out to scrounge limb wood and what ever burnable wood they could find. Jane, worn out by the morning activity was asleep in Evie's room. They didn't dare let her sleep on the bed, but she was satisfied to sleep in a blanket.
Lunch was going to be a mix of lentils, rice and beans. There was no fat to make bread or gravy; but Evie mixed water and flour for a tortilla/chapatti type pancake. The buggy flour had been cleaned twice by Sandra, and Evie pressed it firmly on the griddle with a spatula so all parts of the dough came in contact with the heat. Soon there was a small stack of patties to go with lunch. Hungry kids, back from wood foraging, started crowding the kitchen. Evie served them early, seeing that they were positively starving.
Hap had said he would take the kids down to the creek and see if there were fish. And cattail roots, and miner's lettuce. The respite was to give Evie time to get her own bath, and 10 minutes of peace and quiet. The noise level was the hardest adjustment the seniors had to make. Happy, healthy children are noisy, as they live and breathe.
Bowls of lunch with a couple of small tortillas apiece were set on the table for Pete and his kids. The garden was ablaze with shouting, and stomping. Not going well, Evie supposed. Too bad. They all needed to work together.
Hap and kids left for the creek, Evie went in to wake Jane for lunch. Pushing open the bedroom door revealed the empty blanket and no Jane in sight. Evie hit the panic button, that little rascal had slipped out the front door. Why, she didn't even have her shoes on.
While the 'outside' family had a session in the garden; Evie kept her 'inside' family on the run. The day was warming nicely for mid April; so all the doors and windows were opened to let the house air out. The fire went out and the fireplace cleaned. Then the fire was started anew and the kettles went on for washing. Each kid got a bucket bath and fresh clothes. Evie made note that Benny was growing. She and Hap had been so afraid the lack of nutrition had stunted him, but the shirt that had been too big, was almost too small for him now.
Evie hummed, happy that there was positive progress amid all the poverty. She was more determined than ever that there might be financial proverty, but none of the soul.
The men got haircuts, Evie's comb and sissors making them fairly presentable. She surely itched to get her hands on Peter's mop of hair and beard. Evie knew Pete to be so handsome; and now so disreputable looking. But, the outside family was still out in the garden and if the shouting and arm waving was any indication of how the 'talk' was going, nobody from inside wanted to be near.
Benny, Clora, Sandra and Zander went out to scrounge limb wood and what ever burnable wood they could find. Jane, worn out by the morning activity was asleep in Evie's room. They didn't dare let her sleep on the bed, but she was satisfied to sleep in a blanket.
Lunch was going to be a mix of lentils, rice and beans. There was no fat to make bread or gravy; but Evie mixed water and flour for a tortilla/chapatti type pancake. The buggy flour had been cleaned twice by Sandra, and Evie pressed it firmly on the griddle with a spatula so all parts of the dough came in contact with the heat. Soon there was a small stack of patties to go with lunch. Hungry kids, back from wood foraging, started crowding the kitchen. Evie served them early, seeing that they were positively starving.
Hap had said he would take the kids down to the creek and see if there were fish. And cattail roots, and miner's lettuce. The respite was to give Evie time to get her own bath, and 10 minutes of peace and quiet. The noise level was the hardest adjustment the seniors had to make. Happy, healthy children are noisy, as they live and breathe.
Bowls of lunch with a couple of small tortillas apiece were set on the table for Pete and his kids. The garden was ablaze with shouting, and stomping. Not going well, Evie supposed. Too bad. They all needed to work together.
Hap and kids left for the creek, Evie went in to wake Jane for lunch. Pushing open the bedroom door revealed the empty blanket and no Jane in sight. Evie hit the panic button, that little rascal had slipped out the front door. Why, she didn't even have her shoes on.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
THanks for the new chapters and hope they find that baby quick.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
thanks for the new page
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#23.
As Evie burst out the front door, screaming for Jane; Pete was calmly hauling the mischevious toddler in the back door. It wasn't hard to see where Jane had been. Every piece of wash hangling on the line, that was low enough for the baby to reach, was on the ground.
"Ma, Ma! Easy will ya. Jane is right here. I caught her before she got out of the yard."
Sobbing with relief, Evie reached for the 2 year old. "No, no," Jane babbled, as she grabbed a handful of Peter' hair and held on for dear life. "No no."
"It's OK, I'll keep her for a bit," Pete said. "You might want to see to the wash."
"You really did a good job, pumpkin. Didn't you? Pete charmed Jane with a singsong. "You have to tell Mizz Evie, when you leave the house. Or you will be a little mouse, with a dirty little blouse."
Evie smiled to herself, listening, as she repinned the cleanest of the clothes. She was lucky, only a few items needed rewashing.
Headed for the back door, she was almost run over by Brett.
"Dad, Patty left." he gasped.
As Evie burst out the front door, screaming for Jane; Pete was calmly hauling the mischevious toddler in the back door. It wasn't hard to see where Jane had been. Every piece of wash hangling on the line, that was low enough for the baby to reach, was on the ground.
"Ma, Ma! Easy will ya. Jane is right here. I caught her before she got out of the yard."
Sobbing with relief, Evie reached for the 2 year old. "No, no," Jane babbled, as she grabbed a handful of Peter' hair and held on for dear life. "No no."
"It's OK, I'll keep her for a bit," Pete said. "You might want to see to the wash."
"You really did a good job, pumpkin. Didn't you? Pete charmed Jane with a singsong. "You have to tell Mizz Evie, when you leave the house. Or you will be a little mouse, with a dirty little blouse."
Evie smiled to herself, listening, as she repinned the cleanest of the clothes. She was lucky, only a few items needed rewashing.
Headed for the back door, she was almost run over by Brett.
"Dad, Patty left." he gasped.
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223shootersc
Veteran Member
it's always something, thanks for the new page
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#24
Pete acted unconcerned. "You both know where your ma is; Patty will have to learn on her own, what her mother feels about the situtation." Brett tried to interupt, as well as Evie.
"Peter,!" Evie was horrified to think of a twelve year old out running around in the world; "Have you lost your mind. Why she's just a little girl. We need to go get her, right now!"
"Ma, she's not gonna stay until she finds out that her mother's good life has come to an end. If not today, then the next time we have our backs turned, she'll light out. Patty is a totally brainwashed lump of clay. We have absolutely no influence with her. Short of tying her to the porch, we have no control.
"But, ...Dad," Brett was close to tears, "we can't let her go."
Pete drew a deep breath. "Brett, I don't want to let her go. If your mother intends to do what I think she is going to do, Patty will not be wanted there, Betty will soon send her packing for home." Peter looked at his mother. "Betty intends to get a job at the Brew and Shoe."
Evie had to sit down. The Brew and Shoe was a local dance hall that had the 'ladies' working out of the 'rooms' in the back; to put it politely. If that was what Betty had in mind, well heavens, there was no helping her. Patty would have to be smart enough to get herself back here.
"I'm gonna walk down there tomorrow," Pete assured his mother. "I don't want to leave Patty on her own past tonight."
"I'll go too," Brett offered hopefully. "I just know she'll listen to me."
"I want you to go partway with me," Pete planned aloud. "I want you to get the rifle and hurry back here with it. No following, waiting or trying to second guess me,.....GOT IT?" he stressed forcefully to the undecided Brett.
Brett wavered, it was plain he didn't like his father's plan. "But dad," he almost whined, "your gonna need my help."
"I DO need your help Brett, I need you to DO as your told." Pete said sternly. "You can't go in the dance hall; and I can't be worried about you hanging around outside, as I try to reason with your mother and Patty. I NEED you to be safe. Now no more, I hurt to much to think straight." Pete ended the discussion with finality. With Jane clinging to him like a little monkey, he limped heavily into the living room. Evie heard the creak of the sofa, and Pete telling Jane, "Now you stay put."
Evie patted Brett on the shoulder, and gave him a nod of encouragement. She went into the living room for the hungry Jane, who had already squirmed out of Pete's grasp and was looking for more devilment.
Evie had just tied Jane into a chair with a dishtowel to feed her lunch, when Sandra and Zander arrived out of breath. "Papa Hap is sick, he fell down," they were weeping with fright and worry. Hurry, hurry.
Pete acted unconcerned. "You both know where your ma is; Patty will have to learn on her own, what her mother feels about the situtation." Brett tried to interupt, as well as Evie.
"Peter,!" Evie was horrified to think of a twelve year old out running around in the world; "Have you lost your mind. Why she's just a little girl. We need to go get her, right now!"
"Ma, she's not gonna stay until she finds out that her mother's good life has come to an end. If not today, then the next time we have our backs turned, she'll light out. Patty is a totally brainwashed lump of clay. We have absolutely no influence with her. Short of tying her to the porch, we have no control.
"But, ...Dad," Brett was close to tears, "we can't let her go."
Pete drew a deep breath. "Brett, I don't want to let her go. If your mother intends to do what I think she is going to do, Patty will not be wanted there, Betty will soon send her packing for home." Peter looked at his mother. "Betty intends to get a job at the Brew and Shoe."
Evie had to sit down. The Brew and Shoe was a local dance hall that had the 'ladies' working out of the 'rooms' in the back; to put it politely. If that was what Betty had in mind, well heavens, there was no helping her. Patty would have to be smart enough to get herself back here.
"I'm gonna walk down there tomorrow," Pete assured his mother. "I don't want to leave Patty on her own past tonight."
"I'll go too," Brett offered hopefully. "I just know she'll listen to me."
"I want you to go partway with me," Pete planned aloud. "I want you to get the rifle and hurry back here with it. No following, waiting or trying to second guess me,.....GOT IT?" he stressed forcefully to the undecided Brett.
Brett wavered, it was plain he didn't like his father's plan. "But dad," he almost whined, "your gonna need my help."
"I DO need your help Brett, I need you to DO as your told." Pete said sternly. "You can't go in the dance hall; and I can't be worried about you hanging around outside, as I try to reason with your mother and Patty. I NEED you to be safe. Now no more, I hurt to much to think straight." Pete ended the discussion with finality. With Jane clinging to him like a little monkey, he limped heavily into the living room. Evie heard the creak of the sofa, and Pete telling Jane, "Now you stay put."
Evie patted Brett on the shoulder, and gave him a nod of encouragement. She went into the living room for the hungry Jane, who had already squirmed out of Pete's grasp and was looking for more devilment.
Evie had just tied Jane into a chair with a dishtowel to feed her lunch, when Sandra and Zander arrived out of breath. "Papa Hap is sick, he fell down," they were weeping with fright and worry. Hurry, hurry.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
out of the frying pan into the fire, thanks for the page
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Stupid kid thinks her mom will make things be easy street again I bet.
Farmwoman59
Contributing Member
Excellent story, just found it tonight and already can hardly wait for more! (and wishing Betty was gone for good)
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#25
Evie's hand flew to her heart, unconciously trying to hold the racing tremors under control. "Oh, Lord a' Mercy, children what did he do, how did it happen? Talk to me, I need to know what to do." Dithering, Evie wrung her hands while listening to what the kids had to say with one ear. Gathering her courage, she shook all but two asprin out of the small bottle and instructed the children what to do. "Run quick," she urged. "I'll be there as soon as I can get there. Peter!" she called loudly, "Please feed Jane."
Wishing she could run, Evie hurried down the narrow trail toward the creek. Hap was lying in the grass, his hand was clutching his heart and his eyes had that glassy pain stare. Rapid short puffs of breath racked his frame. Benny and Clora pointed to his face, indicating they had been the ones to put the asprin under papa Hap's tongue. Sandra was bent over just beyond the group, trying to regain her breath, and Zander was on the ground, his chest heaving with the effort of running. The thin children had given their all.
Evie sank to the ground and took Hap's free hand. Holding it tightly, she prayed out loud. One by one the children joined her, circling around their elective grandparents. Evie didn't stop when Pete came stumping through the brush, he was wild eyed, roaring in frustration. Brett was right behind him, Jane bouncing and swinging on his back. Tied on with the dish towel, she was shrieking with laughter and excitement. The horsey ride was what she wanted, "more, more," she cried; pushing on Brett's head with her hands.
Brett calmed the baby by walking slowly around the group. He was winded, and the walking helped them both wind down.
Pete adjusted Hap's head slightly, opening the airway. Without modern medicine, there was nothing they could do but wait for the largely ineffective asprin to do it's job.
"How long has this been going on," Pete growled at his mother. "Why doesn't he have a doctor, he should be in the hospital. What the hell can we do?"
"Pete," Evie laid her hand on her son's arm. "Son, we have no care out here. This is not the city. Doc Barnes passed away several years ago, and no one has come to take his place." sadly, she absently rubbed Hap's hand. The small act letting her husband know she was there, he was not alone. There was nothing else she could do.
It was dark and cold by the time they were able to walk Hap to the house; two small steps at a time and then rest, hundreds of them. Evie was so done in, she was trembling with the effort by the time Hap was laid in bed. Supporting Hap on one side, with Brett, Benny and Clora taking turns on the other, she felt weak herself when they were done. Pete barely made it back, his leg had swollen, was oozing blood and it took all of his reserves to concentrate on getting back to the house.
Sandra, Zander and Jane were quiet, walking behind the group supporting Hap.
The house was dark, cold and there was no food cooked. It was a day that threatened to overwhelm Evie, and she started to cry.
Evie's hand flew to her heart, unconciously trying to hold the racing tremors under control. "Oh, Lord a' Mercy, children what did he do, how did it happen? Talk to me, I need to know what to do." Dithering, Evie wrung her hands while listening to what the kids had to say with one ear. Gathering her courage, she shook all but two asprin out of the small bottle and instructed the children what to do. "Run quick," she urged. "I'll be there as soon as I can get there. Peter!" she called loudly, "Please feed Jane."
Wishing she could run, Evie hurried down the narrow trail toward the creek. Hap was lying in the grass, his hand was clutching his heart and his eyes had that glassy pain stare. Rapid short puffs of breath racked his frame. Benny and Clora pointed to his face, indicating they had been the ones to put the asprin under papa Hap's tongue. Sandra was bent over just beyond the group, trying to regain her breath, and Zander was on the ground, his chest heaving with the effort of running. The thin children had given their all.
Evie sank to the ground and took Hap's free hand. Holding it tightly, she prayed out loud. One by one the children joined her, circling around their elective grandparents. Evie didn't stop when Pete came stumping through the brush, he was wild eyed, roaring in frustration. Brett was right behind him, Jane bouncing and swinging on his back. Tied on with the dish towel, she was shrieking with laughter and excitement. The horsey ride was what she wanted, "more, more," she cried; pushing on Brett's head with her hands.
Brett calmed the baby by walking slowly around the group. He was winded, and the walking helped them both wind down.
Pete adjusted Hap's head slightly, opening the airway. Without modern medicine, there was nothing they could do but wait for the largely ineffective asprin to do it's job.
"How long has this been going on," Pete growled at his mother. "Why doesn't he have a doctor, he should be in the hospital. What the hell can we do?"
"Pete," Evie laid her hand on her son's arm. "Son, we have no care out here. This is not the city. Doc Barnes passed away several years ago, and no one has come to take his place." sadly, she absently rubbed Hap's hand. The small act letting her husband know she was there, he was not alone. There was nothing else she could do.
It was dark and cold by the time they were able to walk Hap to the house; two small steps at a time and then rest, hundreds of them. Evie was so done in, she was trembling with the effort by the time Hap was laid in bed. Supporting Hap on one side, with Brett, Benny and Clora taking turns on the other, she felt weak herself when they were done. Pete barely made it back, his leg had swollen, was oozing blood and it took all of his reserves to concentrate on getting back to the house.
Sandra, Zander and Jane were quiet, walking behind the group supporting Hap.
The house was dark, cold and there was no food cooked. It was a day that threatened to overwhelm Evie, and she started to cry.
223shootersc
Veteran Member
thanks for the page, very touching
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you for the chapter.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
I wish I had the time to write longer chapters. My husband has the beginnings of dementia, so "my plate" so to speak, has bigger heaps on some days vs. others. There are good days and not so good days. Ya take them as they come.
My step father has taken a turn for the worse, so I may not get many chapters between now and Sunday. Traveling to another state to offer support, and memories to a man that took on the wildest, meanest, devil may care child; that ever came with a second marriage.
I'll sure get more chapters as soon as possible.
My step father has taken a turn for the worse, so I may not get many chapters between now and Sunday. Traveling to another state to offer support, and memories to a man that took on the wildest, meanest, devil may care child; that ever came with a second marriage.
I'll sure get more chapters as soon as possible.