Henry made it home just in enough time before it got dark and he saw Summer sitting out again. The air was chilly and had to be below freezing, Henry wondered what she was doing out?
Welcome back; She said and hugged him
I keep my promises; He said
Thank you for saving me and the kids life. In favor, we payed you back with making you supper since we have not a penny. My kids are playing with the dolls if you don't mind; She said
No, of course not. Those dolls haven't been used since I was a boy; He said as they walked in
I was wondering if you have a horse to spare so we can travel onwards; Summer asked as she poured Henry some soup and gave it to him
Do you have any place to go; He asked
No, but I was going to head out west; Summer said and sat down glancing over at the children who had been asleep
Why don't you and the little ones come with me then? I'm heading that way too; Henry said while eating
Oh but we wouldn't want to trouble you. Children can be a handful and I don't want to-; She said but he interrupted
Nonsense. You can come with me. There's clothes that the kids can use and I know how to sew and you can use my mothers clothing but in return you must make me more of your soups; Henry said with a smile
Thank you; She said and seated herself on the rocking chair in front of the fire
Don't thank me; Henry said
Since Madisons parents have been a loss, I figure to take her in. I also wanted to ask you why your heading out west; Summer said
My exwife spewed fibs and fables about me murdering a boy named Martin. I was a collier down at the mines. I may not like children but I would never harm one. Sherriff went after me and I had to run; Henry said looking at Summer
Reminds me of some of the whores. Spewing fibs and lies; Summer said getting up and laying on the floor
What are you doing; Henry asked
Sleeping. I need full rest; Summer said
Take the other bed, I have slept on that floor more than you; Henry said
I don't want to, oh nevermind. Must you men always be stubborn; Summer said and got up laying on the bed
Henry laughed at her remark as she crawled into the bed. His mothers nightgown went slightly up and he saw a scar on her lower back
May I ask, what is that; Henry asked
It's from a horse accident; Summer said
No, I know horses. Who did that to you; Henry asked concerned. His parents had taught him to respect women as they were gifts from God. Summer sat up and her feet lay on the wooden floors
Truth is, me and Elisa were talking about how nothing good ever comes from that town. We were saddened by grief but also proud of it. Elisa went through many pains as I. My sister died from blood loss at child birth at 16 while I was 14, a few days prior to that I was caring for Mason and 9 men from the whorehouse had grabbed me. They raped me and the one he had a knife. Told me if I had moved, I was going to get killed. Madisons mother was the one who saved me. She saw what the men had done and stabbed the man ontop of me which lead to another one calling me his little bitch and stabbing me from my thigh up to my back. Madisons mother, Amber, got shot but she managed to crawl out of the barn and get help. When the Mayor got news of this he was angered and hanged the men. I never got to grieve the loss of my virginity or get over what had been done because I was 14 and having to raise a child. Madisons mother and the priests wife helped a lot though. Now Im 18, Maddy's 6 and Masons 4; Summer said
Maybe it was a good thing that town got destroyed. Everything has a way of working out; Henry said
Yes it does; Summer said getting back into bed
What happened to Madison's mother; Henry asked
She drowned herself in the river after the incident and then Madison's father went into this state were he never cared about himself, her or the quality of the town. Madison was only 2 at the time and is a shy child but she really comes around when she gets to play with Mason; Summer said turning over and looking at the sleeping kids
Are you alright; Henry asked
Yes, why are you kind; Summer asked
Thats how I am; Henry said and pulled the covers over
Goodnight; Summer said
It been a long while since he heard someone tell him Goodnight but it sounded nicely. He wondered what it was going to be like traveling with her.
YOU ARE READING
Prairies of Heart
Historical FictionLiving in a ghost town set back in the 1800s is not easy for Summer Daniels. She works nights as a tweenie, cleaning for the local whorehouse, and spends her days in shelter at the barn. Summer never knew what life was like outside the town of Dimle...
