The Sky Never Ends

Finders Keepers

Early in the morning the next day, Selah was visited by Mae. Before she even made it out of bed she heard Mae's slightly shrill, concerned voice from downstairs. Selah quickly threw on her night gown over her chemise and treaded downstairs.

"Mae? What are you doing here so early in the morning?" she called out, her voice still raspy from sleep. She pulled the ribbon holding up her tight bun from her hair and let her curls fall. It helped to cover her somewhat inappropriate attire.

"Selah!" Mae called, jumping out of her chair. "I've been so worried about you... I've heard about some of what happened, and I would've come earlier, but the rain stopped me.

Are you okay? What happened? Did you really slap him?" she asked, the words came from her mouth rapidly, only a breath in between each question. Mae walked around where Noah was standing and met Selah at the bottom of the stairs, disregarding Selah's sleep wear.

"I'm fine, Mae... It was... a misunderstanding... well sort of. But yes... I lost control and I hit Stephen... It was an idiotic and very childish thing to do."

Mae let out a small giggle. "I'll bet... Let us discuss this further in your room. I have so many questions." she walked past Selah and up the stairs.

As always, nothing ever seemed to be an obstacle for Mae, she did as she pleased. Years of being coddled and spoiled by her father had stuck with her.

Selah wished her life could only be so simple. Mae stepped into Selah's room, briefly looking down at the small pile of clothes in the corner and the mattress on the floor.

She had a vague look of distaste on her face momentarily, but quickly recovered to her usual jovial look. She fell onto the mattress and tapped the space beside her signaling for Selah to join her.

"How great did it feel? I've always wanted to slap someone." she said staring at Selah like she were some sort of warrior. "Little Charlotte assured me he deserved it though... I believe her."

"She's a child Mae. She shouldn't be saying such things to you, she'll get herself in trouble and so will you if you keep up. I'm ashamed of myself, you know."

"I know, I know..." she shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just saying, he deserved that slap a long time ago, from Clara. I was hoping she'd beat you to it. I'm sure she wishes that as well." Mae nodded. Her tone was chipper as always, even though the sun had just risen. "Goodness... I was worried for you. The last I heard you were to be 'punished'. Mother made it sound dreadful.

Dealing with all of these men is punishment enough, if you ask me."

"Mae, you're batty... and Noah can hear everything you're saying." Selah warned jokingly in a hushed voice.

"Is that so?" she stomped her foot loudly on the floor, startling Selah, "Piss of Noah, we're trying to chat like proper ladies." she yelled.

"Mae!" Selah cried in shock, instinctively she she wanted to cover her defiant mouth with her own hand, but stopped herself.

"Oh calm down, he knows I'm only kidding.

But, really... I realize you aren't going to be able to tell me anything bawdy with my brother listening." she sighed and stood from the bed, "Well I'm glad you're alright.... You're a tenacious thing, that's how I knew we'd be great friends.

I've got to go cook breakfast for Mother and Father, but I couldn't wait any longer to check on you. We can talk more privately tomorrow as were slaving underneath Dorothy's udders."

When they got to her bedroom door Mae hugged Selah, pulling her in close and whispering in her ear. "Meet me by the tree tonight after supper, if you can, If not, then I'll see you tomorrow. Also, Ikal is looking for you, he seemed... concerned as well."