Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 4

Topeka, Kansas

1963

“Granny B, what do you mean?” Sophie’s insistent voice brought her out of her reverie.

“Well, I’ll tell ya what I mean, but it’s going to take a while to explain everything to you. Let’s go. The market is only open until noon on Saturdays, and we’re going to need some things.” The pair walked towards the market as Belinda began explaining real prejudice to Sophie. “You think we have it hard, and sometimes, I agree, but Lottie and David struggled just to be able to get married.”

“You said Kansas allowed white and black folks to marry, though.” The question in her voice and eyes caused Belinda to take a deep breath.

“That’s true, and it was legal in Kansas. But, that doesn’t mean everyone agreed with it. In fact, folks from both races made Lottie and David’s journey rather difficult. You’ll see what I mean. Let’s get in here and get these groceries first.”

Sophie followed along reluctantly. She was anxious to hear their story; which, she suddenly realized, was also her own.

*****

Salina, Kansas

1882

Lottie shook the fog off as she began to awaken. Her last memory was a very concerned David staring at her, attempting to keep the tears from spilling. She vaguely recalled telling him not to worry; that she’d be alright soon. Hester Sue smiled at her from a chair next to her bed. 

“Hi, Lottie. How do you feel?”

“I feel jus’ like a train wreck. How you feel?” Lottie attempted not to laugh, knowing it would hurt, but she laughed anyway.

“I am healing. Good news for you, though; the doctors were able to operate without amputating. You still have your leg. It might be hard to walk at first. That’s why we’re in Salina.” Hester Sue gently patted Lottie’s hand in a comforting gesture.

“Where’s David?” Lottie asked, still sounding as if she were sedated.

“He is on Fort Hays, dear. We’re only a few hours train ride away. He will be here as they allow him time off to travel. I know you miss him.” Lottie nodded, failing at an attempt to keep the tears from falling.

A nurse, with a scowl for a smile, came in to tend to Lottie’s wounds and bring her food. “You her maid?” The nurse asked Lottie.

Lottie didn’t answer, but Hester Sue did. “What woman would sit at the bedside of her maid? She’s going to be my daughter-in-law.” She beamed with pride, holding Lottie’s hand all the while.

“She is going to be your..? That’s unheard of, and not legal.” The nurse spit out, scrubbing the wound on Lottie’s leg harder than necessary.

“It is legal in Kansas and about ten other States in the Union. I did not ask your opinion. You have a job; do it and let us worry about legalities.” Hester Sue replied in a voice that was so quiet and passive that Lottie was actually more afraid of her than the nurse.

“I can have you removed from the room, Ma’am. I am only saying folks don’t take kindly to races marrying. They can’t even go together in public. Why would you want a life like that? Marry a boy from your own race so you can have a normal life. What kind of life are your children going to have? They’ll be ostracized from both sides. That’s no way to bring up your children.” The nurse had Lottie on the brink of tears, and not just because she was cleaning her leg.