Surrender

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I saw Cassi return to life as she responded to the cries of David. When gets older, I will have to thank him for these moments. Cassi was back and she would be alright. She was a strong woman and that was one of the things that drew me to her.

That was when I noticed the paniced look in Ava's eyes. "Now what" I thought to myself. Not another hysterical woman on my hands. I hoped this town had a parson, we were all going to need him today.

We finished eating in silence and Cassi had quieted down David. He was now making his little cooing sounds. A sign that he would be alright.

"I"m going into town and get the milk for David. Will everone be alright untill I get back?", I inquiered. I stood, finished my coffee and went over to Cassi and again knelt down by her side.

"Cassi, Honey, You be alright while I'm gone. We need the milk for David and I promise to hurry right back. OK?" I squeezed her hand and gave her cheek a light kiss.

 

[landiek]

"I"m going into town and get the milk for David. Will everone be alright untill I get back?"

Cassi looked into Masser Alex's eyes and gave him a sincere smile

"Cassi, Honey, You be alright while I'm gone. We need the milk for David and I promise to hurry right back. OK?"

"I's will be good Masser Alex.. but it smells like David needs some clean clothes on his bottom." Sure enough she started to take him to the bed she slept in and change him. Afterwards she tucked him in the sling and started to gather his clothing to launder.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I know now Cassi will be just fine. Work was what she needed until later and I watched as she changed David and gathered together clothes for washing. I went over to the table where Ava and Luke were Drinking coffee. I going into town now, and will you clean up the eating area while Cassi does the wash. I walk out of the cabin and get the Dung read to go.

Luke ....

"Ok Alex, We'll stay here till you get back, see you shortly."

I turned to Ava and I saw a look in her eyes like something was bothering her.

"Ava, Talk with me, You know that you can!" I finished my coffee and stood and started to collect the empty cups and plates. I put a towel over the extra biscuts and set them in the middle of the table. I sat back down, slid my arm around her waist and drew her close so she could put her head on my shoulder.

"we'll just rinse the dishes at the wash stand, they are not very dirty. That will finish that job. OK Ava?"

 

[andygorn]

Clayton laughed. "I'll 'assist' you all that I can, Julia...As you can tell, I too have trouble controlling myself when you are around, Julia."

Clayton knew that Julia was correct: with a long journey ahead of them and new lives to build, they would need all of the rest that they could get.

Clayton returned the look of love which Julia gave him and said: "Well, no time like the present, let's get our things and get back to sleep...I think you've done enough shooting for one day, dear lady." he joked, as he swiftly dressed and brought her clothes over for her, tenderly helping her to dress.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia laughed with Clayton, she knew he was strong enough to assist her at anything. He agreed that they needed sleep for they would be leaving at day break. There would be many nights that they could be in each others arms as they rode first to the plantation and then west to a new home, new work, and a wonderful relationship of love and respect for each other. Julia was happy in her thoughts when Clayton brought her clothing over to her and helped her dress.

"You know Clayton, my shooting is good but we really have to work on your abilities because there will be times when we need to work together to keep ourselves alive"

They chatted as they walked back to camp for some supper and then a nice long sleep.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I quickley saddled the Dung and swung up into the saddle. I rode at a moderate cantor into to town. I had four stops to make and I wanted to get them done and back to camp as fast as possible.

There was a church just before entering town with a small cottage off to the side. I stopped by the cottage and found the Parson at home. I told him what happened and asked if he wouldn't ride out to our camp and talk with our people. Hes said he would be glad to.

Next Came the doctor and he was also in. I told him of the passing of Jenny and he said that he would go right out. He would see me there. O shook his hand and I continued into town.

The Undertakers was closed so I went around back. I found an old man and asked about a funeral. He said he could do that. A casket, two men to dig the grave and close it and a wagon to bring her to the cemetary. It would cost us fifteen dollars. I agreed and said to have the grave ready as soon as possible. I would pay him when the coffin was brought out to our camp. He agreed and shook hands on the deal.

I went next to the main store in town where I had ordered the milk. I went in and saw the same man as yesterday and he told me he had the milk. He went and brought me the two bottles I hade left with him yesterday. I also goth several more cans of the canned milk.

All my stops completed, I returned to camp just behind the doctor. I left the Dung saddled and went inside the cabin. The doctor had gone in and checked Jenny and then returned to the main room. He asked for a cup of coffee which I went to get for him.

Cassi was just returning from the river with the wash.

 

[landiek]

Cassi kept busy while Alex was gone and kept David with her so she wouldn't get depressed again. She had just finished washing things and carying a basket to the line lacing the side of the place to the trees. Cassi stopped and watched as the doctor walked into the house.

"Looks like we's gots companee.... reckon he can waits a little bit while we's gets these diapers on the line."

 

[macmillian]

Luke ....

I had seen the doctor ride up and I walked over and met him at the door. Greetings were exchanged and I showed him inside and he went into where Jenny was. I saw cheching her and I didn't wish to watch, so I went over to the tabe and sat.

Another horse rode up and a few moments later, Alex entered the cabin.

Alex .... "Hi. Luke"

Luke ...."Alex, the doc's here and he is with Jenny now."

Alex ...."Thanks, I'll just put this milk away for now. Cassi will know what to do with it." I went to sit with Luke when the Doctor came out and asked for a cup of coffee.

 

[landiek]

Cassi walked back in front of the cabin seeing the man that rode up. "Mornin Parson."

Her politeness made the man smile but at the same token he turned his gaze away from her since she was not the reason he came out to the house in the first place.

She heard him call to the house. "Hello?"

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

" Hello...come on in Parson. Sorry didn't even get your name this moring. This is Ava as she entered the cabin, Luke, Cassi with the Baby and Iam Alex.

Parson ...." I am Parson Morgan from the church in town. I understand that a young lady has passed away. What was her name?'"

Luke .... "Ms. Jenny"

Doctor .... "Before we start, I have to say something very important for evryone to hear. Miss Jenny was a very ill person and with all the stress of a new baby, losing her husband and treveling, She gave up, she didn't have the spark to want to live without her husband.I repeat, It was no ones fault here. You have all tried very hard to help her. Parson."

Parson .... "The doc here is a good, honest and trusted man. He has told you the truth and now Miss Jenny is with her husband in a better place and is looking down on us all. Ley's us pray.. The parson led us in a few prayers and a reading from his bible. When he finished he said. "This afternoon, we will place your Jenny near the apple tree at the back of the cemetary. I will see you all at four-o clock. Good morning. If there is anything else I can do, just ask."

The Parson and Doc prepared to leave.

 

[landiek]

Cassi listened silently but still felt a twinge of guilt that Jenny was gone. Even when the Parson lead them in prayers for Miz Jenny she felt that she should do more for David

It seemed that as time hadn't moved as long as it did that the Parson was fixing to leave.. Cassi felt that she needed to speak with him.

"Parson.... befores you leave, cans you say words for David?"

The man gave her the strangest loook until Cassi lifted the tyke from the wrap at her chest. David's blonde hair shimmered in the sunbeams giving him an etheral radience.

"Please.. twont take long.. please Pasron." Cassi begged as she handed the infant to him to bless.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I stepped forward next to Cassi and spoke

Alex .... "Parson, This here is David, Miss Jenny"s son and Cassi was Jenny's friend and David's nanny. She help with Jenny all she could do."

Parson ..."Why of course Cassi, God's children should always be blessed." and he proceeded to say a prayer and then he blessed the child. I held Cassi's hand and released it when he was done.

Alex .... "Thank You parson, the boy shall remember, all of us will. thank you again."

Parson ...."You are all most welcome," he said , handing the baby back to Cassi. "Cassi, Take good care of this Child of God. Good bye for now. See you all about four o'clock, bye." He left the cabin and left with the doctor and headed back to town.

The five of us stood outside the cabin, Ava, Cassi and the baby, Luke and I. Five different people banded together and refusing to "Surrender"

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava stared at the fire, waiting for the sounds of footsteps to die away.

She looked around at their faces, the one clear thing now on everyone's mind: How would they pay for the doctor and the funeral? It was obvious that none of them had any money.

But Ava had plenty of money.

She took a deep breath, lifting her head to stare into the fire.

"I'll pay for this." Her tone brokered no argument, there was no room for negotiation as she saw it. They had no idea about her finances, but they had seen no reason to ask about the doctor before, maybe her luck would continue.

But funerals weren't cheap...

 

[landiek]

Cassi never said anything when Miz Ava offered up to tend to expenses. Cassi could easily make some money if Masser Alex rented her out to do things in town.

There was so many things that was happening and Cassi fretted that it might bring a blot on them if they worried too much. She glanced at Masser Alex and asked. "You want me to wash her best dress? twont take too long iffin you do."

 

[andygorn]

Clayton, Julia and Amy

As they walked, Claton said:
"Yes, I agree about the shooting...I thought at first that I might freeze up, but then I realised that I'd only be doing it to protect you, or Amy, or myself and I think that I'd be able to keep cool, but do what has to be done in such situations. Thanks you for your help, my sweet lady..."

Supper was a simple meal, but all the better for the company of Julia and Amy (the latter of whom had previously been keeping herself occupied by chasing some of the local butterflies).
Sleep soon overtook them and they slept soundly in each other's arms until the early morning sun crept back over the horizon the next morning.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia's eyes opened slowly as she stetched she felt Clayton close to her. She opened her eyes wide and saw him smiling down at her.

"Good Morning Love"

Julia kissed him gently.

"Are you ready for a long ride now, my darling. We need to pack up the supply tent and of course this tent, there is so much to do"

Clayton put his hand over her mouth to calm her, she was a bit excited, when he removed his hand she smiled.

"Clayton, I am a bit excited like a child at Christmas"

 

[macmillian]

There was a noise in the front yard and Luke came in and announced that the coffin was here and where did we want them to set it up.

Alex ... "Luke have them do it right here in the main room." I went over to my saddle bags and came back with the fifteen dollars for the undertaker.
He thanked me and said he would be here at three for the trip into town. I thank him and he left.

Alex .... I walked over to Ava and Cassi and called Luke over. "OK, I have five dollars for the parson, the undertaker has been paid. I have enough money left to by the provisions and supplies we will need. I figure four ,five weeks worth. That will get us thru Arkansas to the Oklahoma territory."

Alex .... "We have to thank Ava for covering the doctor's fee. Thank you Ava from all of us. Next... Cassi, Ava, will you do what is necessary for Jenny and just let Luke and I know what you need. That's about all I have to say. Any one else like to say something?" .............................

.

 

[landiek]

Cassi laid David in his cradle and gathered all of Jenny's clothing to wash.. Cassi wondered if they were going to dispose of her other clothing as they seemed too small for Cassi or Ava.

Just the same she laundered the garments and hung them in the sunshine.. a few hours later she was folding them up and easing one dress over Miz Jenny's body to make her presentable for the Good Lord above.

 

[EvelynTreemont]

((Are you still looking for players??))

 

[macmillian]

((Are you still looking for players??))

I sent a pm.....check and send back answer.......

hope to hear from you soon.Macmillian .....................

 

[macmillian]

Alex & Luke ....

I put the big stew kettle on the five with several cups of water to get hot. Earlier I had found growing in the vegatble garden some red potatoes, onions, carrots and several greenbean plants. I cut up all the potatoes and put them into the pot along with the onions. The carrots and greenbeans were sliced a put aside. I took a handful of our jerked beef and cut them up into smaller pieces and added that to the steaming kettle. A little more water and I covered the kettle to cook for awhile. It would be a watery stew, with little meat, but it would be hot and filling and we also had the biscuts from this morning too.

Luke came in a held up his hand with the biggest bunch of wild onions I have ever seen.

Luke .... "OK, Alex, I go them and washed them, you cut'm and cook'm in you stew."

Alex .... "Well bring them on over boy and let me get to work!"

Coffee was cooking, the stew was ready and the tablewas set. Everything was ready and the ladies just told they were done.

"Cassi, Ava, Come on over, Diner is ready, You all didn't eat much this morning, so come and eat now. It's ready. Can't any od you smell it.?"

 

[CollegeRomantic]

There was a noise in the front yard and Luke came in and announced that the coffin was here and where did we want them to set it up.

Alex ... "Luke have them do it right here in the main room." I went over to my saddle bags and came back with the fifteen dollars for the undertaker.
He thanked me and said he would be here at three for the trip into town. I thank him and he left.

Alex .... I walked over to Ava and Cassi and called Luke over. "OK, I have five dollars for the parson, the undertaker has been paid. I have enough money left to by the provisions and supplies we will need. I figure four ,five weeks worth. That will get us thru Arkansas to the Oklahoma territory."

Alex .... "We have to thank Ava for covering the doctor's fee. Thank you Ava from all of us. Next... Cassi, Ava, will you do what is necessary for Jenny and just let Luke and I know what you need. That's about all I have to say. Any one else like to say something?" .............................

.

Ava spoke sharply when Alex offered to pay for the funeral and undertaker.

"You know all to well Mr. Franks that we don't have nearly enough money for that. I will pay for the funeral. We'll have plenty of money that way. It is much easier."

She paused, wiping her hands on her apron and squaring her shoulders for the job ahead.

"First, Luke, go into my tent and get my pack with my books and writing tools. We are going to start a family Bible. My father gave me one, and that will do just fine. Jenny will be the first death registered and David the first birth. We are a family now, we are going to get through this together, and be bound before God and all the rest, as a family."

Crossing her arms, she nodded.

"Now, I suppose it is time for us to eat. Thank you, Cassi for preparing this meal for us."

 

[landiek]

Cassi smiled and looked over at Miz Ava "Taint my doing Miz Ava.. Masser Alex did it."

Cassi moved back outdoors and scrubbed her hands proper but the fridgid water made her hands wrinkle and ache but she couldn't risk getting things spoiled by her hands

When she came back in she heard Miz Ava talking "First, Luke, go into my tent and get my pack with my books and writing tools. We are going to start a family Bible. My father gave me one, and that will do just fine. Jenny will be the first death registered and David the first birth. We are a family now, we are going to get through this together, and be bound before God and all the rest, as a family."

Family? Cassi looked down.. she hadn't thought about her children in years.. not since they were gone after nine months.. a wave of guilt filled her soul and she lowered her eyes, not wanting to reopen the hurt that she felt all those times .... nine children.. Lawdie help her .... Merciful Lord protect him....

 

[andygorn]

Clayton and Julia

When they went to bed, Clayton had tried really hard to watch over Julia and Amy whilst they slept, but eventually even he gave in to tiredness and had snuggled close to them both in the cosy tent.

Being a light sleeper, Clayton had woken first, followed by Amy, who promply went outside to explore the early morning. He was still smiling down at Julia when she awoke.

Julia's quick speech and dazzling eyes showed just how excited and happy she was that they would now be on their way, and he placed his hand over her mouth to calm her down, allowing her to take a few deeper breaths to steady herself.
When she had done so, Clayton moved his hand away.

"I know, my love." he replied.
"I too am eager to be going, although" he laughed "perhaps not quite as eager as you are, sweetheart."
He tenderly planted a feather-light kiss on the tip of her nose, then more along it's bridge before finally alighted upon her forehead.
He gazed down into her face, his inner energy and love for her shining brightly within his eyes.

"Let me get some food going so that we can have full stomachs for travelling. Amy is outside exploring, she should be back shortly."

Amy's small furry face appeared through the flap of the tent and yipped excitedly at them both.
Clayton laughed and added to Julia: "Perhaps there IS a rival to you in terms of how excited someone can get."

 

[rvplymates]

Julia laughed at Clayton's words and held her arms out to Amy who delighted her by jumping on her. Julia was laughing harder as Amy began to lick her face. It became like a game, Amy licking and Julia making believe she was pushing her away. Julia's laugh was infectious as Clayton walked away she could hear him laughing.

Finally the two girls stopped their play and Julia got dressed. She pulled on her pants, buttoned her blouse and put her gunbelt on. She tied the strings around her legs to secure the hoster. Then she put on her vest and boots and walked out of the tent. She smiled as Clayton waved her own, holding a food plate in his hand.

Julia walked over to Clayton and he handed her a plate full of food. She kissed his lips.

"Thank you"

She sat down on the log and began to eat her food, occasionly slipping some food to Amy.