Prairies of Heart

Chapter 2

GO TO HELL, YOU ROTTEN BASTARD!; Summer screamed. She was beginning to remember what happened before the storm. Mason was shot and she didn't have enough to pay the doctor and without money, the doctor was going to let him die. She decided to ask for a raise. Working at the whorehouse for a measly 3 cents in gold or silver was not what she intended to do and working for a guy who couldn't give a rats ass about his workers for 10 years she put up with it. Summer began working at 14 after her parents left her to fend for herself. It was no good at that age. She had a sister to care for too that her parents left behind, Kennedy, she was 16 at the time. Both sisters worked hard at that whorehouse. Cleaning sweat off the linens and scrubbing the girls blouses to make sure they were neat and tidy. Kennedy though wanted more in life and at 16 she had found a guy who got her with child. It wasn't a shock when Summer found out. Her sister had always been the wild one but what was a shock is when her sisters husband, Clarence, died in a duel fight after he got drunk and scored plenty of whores. His mistake that lead to his death was screwing the whore that belonged to none other than the owner of the tavern, George. Summer spent days cradling her sister and even had to leave her work to help Kennedy. When her sister had fallen ill only 7 months into the pregnancy, the doctor had asked her if she wanted the baby more or her sister. Summer wanted to keep her sister but God had other plans once Kennedy told her that the baby was more important. The doctor did the Csection which was not the cleanest. A few hours later around noon, Kennedy, had died from blood loss and was buried in the town cemetary. Summer had not a clue what to do about a child but she raised him well and got advice from the priests wife at the church. After working tiredlessly, Summer finally had enough to build them a place in town but all money was lost when the storm happened and Mason was shot. At 4 years old the boy had started to call her "Mama" and she accepted it

Summer, can you help?; Henry said making her startle out of her thoughts. She turned her back and saw that Henry was carrying both a woman and child so Summer quickly sprang up and took the woman to go sit on the chair

Elisa; Summer said

I found another kid but there were no others living. That storm took everything. I found food, water, livestock and some coins; Henry said. He hated taking from the dead but there was not much

Madison; Summer said and jumped over to the child

This one yours?; Henry asked

No, this is the mayors daughter. She comes around now and then to play with Mason; Summer said sitting the girl on the bed

All are well. No harm done; Henry said

Elisa startled to mumble while drowsy and Henry rushed over to her propping her head on hay and putting a cool glass of water to her lips

Maddy, darling?; Summer asked talking to the sleeping girl

Sammy; Madison answered

Yes its me, love. Your alright; Summer said