The Suffragettes Daughter

Chapter 3

(A/N hey people! Up there ⤴️ or to the side ↔️ is the trailer to the movie that inspired this story kinda. I had the idea for this story but I didn't know what to do with it, and this helped put my idea into words. PLEASE READ A/N AT THE BOTTOM!!)

On Sunday, I put my plan into action. As soon as church was over, I walked over to Mr. Wright, the man who owns the Laundry. "Mr Wright! I'm inquiring to see if I can get a job at the laundry. I can wash and iron from working at home in place of my mother, and I'm strong, so I can carry heavy pots of water and baskets of cloth." I said, hoping that he would give me a job. He looks me up and down, and I begin to feel uncomfortable. Maybe this isn't such a good idea. I've heard rumours of him manipulating women, saying that he won't pay them if they don't do the things he wants us to do, which makes my skin crawl. "Mr. Wright?" I say. He snaps his head up. "Yes, yes, you'll do very well. Can you start tomorrow?" he asks. I nod, happy that I can finally help my friend financially.

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The next day, I told Hattie to take care of her younger siblings. I put on the uniform and start the long walk to the laundry.

By the time I get there, I'm a few minutes late. I run inside, praying Mr. Wright won't notice. Thankfully, he doesn't. When I ask or if the ladies who work there as well she said "he's with Melissa" then she shared a pained look with one of the other women and cringed, which made me feel a little sick.

I immediately started working, trying to scrub away the feeling of disgust for Mr. Wright. I scrubbed cloth after cloth, sheet after sheet. I had probably done 20 by the time the work bell rang, signalling the end of the day. I ran off, sprinting home so I would be home before my father or Jacob, so I could take care of Jacob Jr.

     When I got home, I saw Ms. Johnson was there, and was playing with Jacob Jr. Mrs Johnson was really sweet, and u was grateful for her entertaining my brother, but I can't possibly think of a reason for her to be here- I gasped as realization dawned on me. There must be a suffragette meeting soon, I just prayed she didn't say anything to my sisters. I walked in.
    " Raven! There is something we need to talk about. It's about the general store, and we need help. Would you like to volunteer? We have a shortage on staff, and we'd love it if you could help." She said. I- like all the suffragettes- knew that that was code for needing help at one of the marches. I smiled. " Gladly, Mrs. Johnson!" I said. She looked extremely relieved. "Come to the general store next Monday- I know you get one day off a season, and I feel terrible for asking this, but would you be willing to make that your day off?" She said worriedly. I nodded. "It's a deal then?" She asked. I nodded again. I don't speak much, in case you haven't noticed.

Wow I thought. I'm really doing something this time, and this time u wanted those men to feel it. I wanted the vote, and I would do whatever it takes to make it happen.

(A/N hey guys sorry for the short chapter. My life has been so crappy now, and I realize I can't commit to updating weekly. I will update as much as I can tho!!)