Green Pastures (Edited)

Chapter 6

I slept pretty well for someone in a new house. Other than waking up when Jessi needed me, I didn't sleep as fitfully as I had been for the past week. I pushed my covers down sat up and stretched. A yawn tore from my throat and I quickly slapped my hand over my mouth not wanting to wake Jessi. I heard no noise from her crib so I walked over to it. It was empty. "Grandpa probably got her," I thought.

I walked out of my room and into the bathroom. After a shower, brushing my hair and teeth, and emptying my bladder, I threw on some clothes and went into the living room.

"Good morning, miss Isa'Bella," Sameal said, from the couch, Jessi in his arms asleep.

"Good morning."

"I hope you slept well."

"I did. Thank you. When did Jessamine wake up?"

"About an hour ago. Shaw said you needed the rest so I went in and got her."

My cheeks flamed at the thought of him being in my room. Then I felt like an idiot. Why hadn't I woken up for her? She's my responsibility. "I should have woken up. I'm sorry you've had to look after her."

"Oh don't be. She's an angel. Besides, she wasn't crying. I heard her cooing when I passed your room."

"Oh," I said lamely. "Well, thank you for getting her. And for letting me sleep."

"You're welcome. Breakfast is on the table if you are hungry."

"I'm starving. Thank you! Has Jessi had a bottle?"

He stood and laid Jessi in her playpen. "Yes, ma'am. She ate as soon as she woke up this morning and then again about ten minutes ago. The little gal has an appetite."

I laughed. Sarcasm was one of my best qualities, so I said, "I hadn't noticed."

We laughed and he followed me to the kitchen. "Where is grandpa?"

He ate with us the day before, at dinner, so I was surprised he wasn't in here this morning. Maybe he was tending the animals already.

"He is still asleep," Sameal answered.

I was silent as I put food on my plate. Odd, I thought but brushed it off. I put a piece of bacon in my mouth and chewed. It was so delicious. I don't remember bacon ever being this good. I looked up to ask Sameal about it and caught him staring at me. He quickly looked away and my cheeks heated. I forked some eggs and ate them. I wanted to make conversation, but I felt awkward. The silence grew until I couldn't take it anymore. Finally, I asked, "What are we doing today?"

"That will be up to your Paw-paw. The animals need to be fed and the cows and horses need to be moved, but I'm not sure if he has plans for you."

I nodded my head and swallowed the rest of my breakfast. "Breakfast was great. Thank you, Sameal," I said. Getting up, I took my plate to the sink and washed it. Sameal stood beside me and held his hand out. I handed it to him and our fingers brushed against each other. I stilled as butterflies erupted in my stomach. He quickly took the plate and dried it.

Again, an awkward silence took center stage in the room. He laid the cloth down on the counter and exited the kitchen. I picked it up, dried my hands, and set it back down. I went to the living room to check on Jessi, but she was still sleeping. I turned and headed to Grandpa's room. Sameal met me halfway there and said, "He's awake. He'll be happy to see you."

The room had plain walls, wood flooring like the rest of the house, a dresser, and a queen-size bed. A few pictures hung on the walls. I walked in and looked at them. One frame held a photo of my mom, on her graduation day. Another showed my grandparents on their wedding day. On the dresser sat a tri-frame that held pictures of my siblings and me. "When did you get these?"