Little House on the Prairie Prequel Story. "Mary."

Chapter Two

The next morning, Caroline awakens to find Charles missing next to her. She sits up to see him sitting down at the table. She slowly gets up out of bed, puts on her robe and walks over to him. "You're up early." She says, yawning. He chuckles a bit as he responds. "Caroline, it was early hours ago." "Oh, why didn't you wake me?" She asks. "Well, you just looked so pretty there sleeping like a little baby, I just didn't have the heart to wake ya." He replies. She then asks. "Did you have your breakfast yet?" "Yeah, I had a little toast earlier." He replies. "Well, I'll get you some more coffee." She says and starts to head towards the stove when she stops suddenly and puts her hand up to her head. "Oh." Charles gets up quickly and puts his hands on her shoulders and asks in alarm. "What's wrong?" She sighs and says.  "Oh, nothing. It's just another dizzy spell again." "Here, sit down over here." He helps her into the chair in front of her as she moans. He then says. "I'll get you some water."

He grabs a cup and then heads outside to fetch her some water. He then comes back in, holding the cup filled with water and hands it to her. "Here." She takes it and then takes a sip. "Better?" He asks. She nods. He then takes a seat next to her and asks. "How long do you figure these last?" "The doctor said it's normal for the first couple of months, then they'll pass." She explains. He then asks her. "Do you think you could eat something?" She moans. "Mmm." She then shakes her head and says. "I don't even think I could keep it down." "I'm sorry." He says as he rubs her back. He then suggests. "How about I make you some tea?" "That might help. Thank you." She says and he gets up and goes to the stove to prepare the tea.

Caroline looks over and sees the paper and pencil and asks in curiosity. "What were you working on?" He turns around and sees the paper and says.  "Oh, I was just outlining some ideas about adding on another room." "What for?" She asks. "Well." He sets the cup of tea down in front of her and takes a seat across from her as he explains. "I just thought with the baby coming and all, it's gonna become a little crowded for the three of us. So, it might help to expand the place some." "Charles, we can manage." She tells him. "Besides, adding another room would just be too costly for us."  He responds with. "It would cost us, that's for sure, but, I just think it's something we should consider before the baby arrives. Now, the money I get for this job will get us by for a little while, but after that I'm just not sure." She then tells him. "I wouldn't worry about that, Charles. You'll find something. If only there were a school nearby, I could take up teaching again, that would help. I must admit, I do miss it at times." "Hey." He puts his hand over hers and then says to her. "I didn't want you to have to give it up, you know that. If there was any other way.." She interrupts and says to him. "Oh, I know that, Charles. It just didn't work out and I understand that. I do. But, I guess there will always be a part of me that'll miss it." He then says. "Well. You're right, there's no use worrying about it now. The Lord will provide in some way. After all, He did bless us with that little one in there, didn't He?" She smiles as she responds.  "Yes." He then tells her. "Well, I better get going. Pa's waiting for me." He gets up from the table and then asks her. "Are you sure you'll be alright?" "Yes, I'll be fine." She replies. "Ma and Pa will be close by if I need them. I probably should freshen up a bit though. I must look a sight." "Mm-hm." He then remarks. "And still beautiful." He kisses her. She blushes as she responds. "Oh, Charles." "I'll see you later." He says. "Love you." "Love you." She says to him and he grabs his lunch and heads out the door.

Later that day, Charles finds a spot to sit down for his lunch break. Lansford comes up to him and asks. "Mind if I join you?" "Sure, why not, seeing as how I don't have much choice." Charles says, chuckling a bit. Lansford sits down next to him and remarks. "Hey, I may be your Pa, but it still don't mean we can't have a friendly conversation while we're working." "Yeah, I suppose so." Charles replies and takes a bite of his sandwich. Lansford then asks him. "So, how's Caroline doing?" "Not too well. She had some pretty bad morning sickness this morning." Charles tells him. Lansford then tells him. "Ah, I remember your Ma was the same way. Now, don't get me wrong, boy, I love your Ma, but she could be quite difficult at times." They chuckle. Charles then says. "I understand what you mean, Pa." Lansford then says. "It will pass though. Just wait until that little one is born. He or she won't let you sleep a wink." Charles chuckles as he responds. "You're probably right."

They sit in silence for a few minutes as they're eating their lunch and then Charles speaks up and says. "Pa, there's something I've been thinking about." "And what's that?" He asks. Charles then explains. "Well, I was thinking about maybe adding onto the place, like an extra room for the baby." Lansford responds with. "Well, I think that's not a bad idea. What does Caroline think about that?" "Well, she's worried about what it's gonna cost us, and I am too, but.." Charles trails off and Lansford then tells him. "Well, you know your Ma and I will help in any way we can, Charles." Charles smiles as he says. "Thanks, Pa. I just wish the land was good enough to make a crop. Being a farmer isn't exactly working out like I thought it would." Lansford then explains to him. "Well, being a farmer is not an easy job, son. We have our good days and bad, but you can't give up. You just have to have faith." "I know." Charles says. "Well, we probably should get back to work." "You're right." Lansford says. "There's always work to be done." They each get up and head back to work.