by Lydia Rose
Annabelle followed Alison to the house. Hank was sitting on the porch. “Alison tells me you built a shower?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Never heard of it. Must be something from the city.” Hank scratched his beard.
“I saw one in Virginia.”
Alison came out of the house and handed Annabelle the bar of soap.
“Thank you. Good night.” Annabelle walked toward her shed. She went inside and grabbed a towel and a sleeping shirt and went to her shower. The water felt wonderful coming down her body and she had just enough water to take a refreshing shower. When she opened the door, the dirty clothes she had dropped over the door were gone. Shaking her head, she mumbled. Stubborn woman. Annabelle hurried back inside before anyone saw her.
Alison carried Annabelle’s dirty clothes to the wash basin on the porch.
“He’s a good worker that Belle,” Hank said softly. “No troubles in getting drunk or chasing women.” He scratched his chin. “He’s a strange one, but willing to do what’s needed.”
“Are you going to ask him to stay on?” Alison asked as she washed the clothes.
Hank looked at Alison. “Would that be okay?”
“Sure. He saves you from doing everything and this way you’re able to help Chet when he needs it.”
Hank looked at his daughter and wondered if that was the only reason she wanted Belle to stay on. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow and see what he says.”
Hank didn’t see the big smile on Alison’s face because her back was to him.
CHAPTER THREE
After Annabelle delivered the milk and eggs to the house, she told Alison. “I’m going to check the traps.”
Alison handed her a tin of food scraps. “Take the basket with you in case you caught any.”
Annabelle took off her shoes and rolled up her pants and went into the river. Pulling up the trap, she smiled. It was full. She carried the trap to shore and dumped her catch into the basket. She refilled the bait and went to check the other trap. Not as many as the first, but still there were enough for Alison to make something for them to eat. Annabelle walked back to the house smiling.
“We have crawfish,” Annabelle said as she walked in the door.
“Let me see,” Alison said rushing over. “Oh, this is a nice catch. I’ve got some ideas what to make with these little buggers.” She put the catch in the sink and retrieved Annabelle’s plate from the oven. “Sit down and eat your breakfast. Dad said to take your time.”
Annabelle sat down and began eating as Alison poured her a hot cup of coffee.
Alison went outside to the well and filled a pot with water. She began to fill the pot when Annabelle appeared at her side. “I’ll carry that for you.”
“Your breakfast is going to get cold.” Alison insisted. “My dad promised me running water in the house soon.”
“I can help him with that if he gets the supplies we’ll need.” Annabelle put the pot on the stove as Alison added seasoning to the water. She went back to her plate of food and watched as Alison dumped the crawfish into the boiling water. “It smells good already, Alison.”
Alison turned around and smiled. “I hope you like what I ended up making.”
“I’m sure I will. You’re a good cook, Alison.”
“Thank you, Belle.”
Annabelle picked up her plate and carried it to the sink as she did every meal. “Can I do anything else for you?”
“I’m fine. Go help dad.”
“See you later,” Annabelle said as she went out the door. She met Hank in the corn field. “How close are they to picking?”
“Another couple of weeks and they should be ready.” Hank answered. “They have this new harvester I’ve seen in a magazine that can harvest our corn and with another attachment harvest our soybeans.”
“I’m sure it’s expensive,” Annabelle said softly.
“It is, but might be worth the money. If I can harvest my crops easier, I can plant more in the spring.” Hank looked at Annabelle. “What do you think?”
Annabelle looked surprised that he was asking her opinion. “It sounds like a good idea. Your daughter also told me you promised her running water in the house.”
Hank laughed. “Yes, she’s been asking for that for years now. I think after the crops are picked, you and I can start on that project.” He patted Annabelle’s back. “Next she’ll be asking for electricity.”
“It will here soon enough. The cities all have power.” Annabelle told Hank.
“I think if we set up a windmill, we’ll be able to run a pump to bring the water inside. I want the harvester first.” Hank insisted.
Annabelle wondered where Hank was getting the money for such luxuries. She hoped he wasn’t over extending himself.
“Let’s go back for lunch and see what Alison made for us with your catch,” Hank said rubbing his hands together.
The scent that came from the kitchen when they walked in the door was heavenly. They both oohed together as the aroma grew stronger as they walked into the kitchen.
Alison smiled and put a bowl down in front of her father and Belle. “I hope you like it,” she said making a bowl for herself and added a loaf of homemade bread to the center of the table.
Hank and Belle took the first spoonful of the crawfish stew and they both smiled.
“This is so good, Alison.” Annabelle dipped her bread into the broth.
“It’s wonderful, Aly.” Hank added still spooning the food into his mouth.
They all ate in silence and when the bowls were empty and their stomachs full, Annabelle sat back in her chair looking at Alison for the first time since she walked into the house.
“Gee, Alison. You look worn out,” Annabelle said seeing the sweaty woman.
“It got a little warm in here this morning with everything cooking.” Alison answered waiving a hand fan in front of her face.
“Why don’t you get yourself a fresh set of clothes and take a shower. Your dad and I will clean up the kitchen.”
Hank looked at Annabelle shocked that she offered his help.
“Are you sure?” Alison asked.
“Yes. Go ahead.” Annabelle pushed Alison out of the room and began cleaning up. She put the leftovers in a bowl and put them into the propane operated refrigerator. Hank brought the dishes to the sink and went out to the pump to get water.
Alison was standing in Annabelle’s shower letting the cool water fall onto her body. She liked the feel water flowing down her body and by the time she got back to the kitchen, she felt a hundred percent better. “Thank you, Belle. I feel so much better,” Alison said when she walked into the kitchen. “Where’s dad?”
“Back in the field. I don’t think he likes working in the kitchen.” Annabelle put the last plate away. “Thank you again for a wonderful lunch.”
“Thanks for cleaning up, Belle.”
Annabelle stopped in the doorway. “It was my pleasure.” She tipped her hat and left. Hank was weeding when she returned to the field. He looked up at her and moved closer.
“Belle are you happy here?” Hank asked.
“I’m very happy here, Hank. I can’t remember the last time I had any joy in my life.”
“So you’ll stay on permanent?”
Annabelle’s eyes opened wide. “You want me to stay?”
Hank patted her back. “Alison and I would be very happy for you to stay on.”
“Yes, sir. I won’t let you down. I’ll keep working hard for you and doing whatever I can.” Annabelle was in seventh heaven. She couldn’t believe that her life on the road may be over.
“I can pay you a small salary and of course you’ll get room and board,” Hank said smiling.
“Whatever you can pay, Hank. Don’t take money out of your family’s pocket for me. I’m just happy to have a place to live and work.”
Hank laughed. “I can afford to pay you, Belle. Don’t worry.”
“Thank you, Hank.” She held out her hand to him.
&
nbsp; Hank gave it a firm shake and said. “You’ve brought a lot of joy to this lonely household, Belle.” He let go of her hand. “I’m going out early tomorrow to order the harvester so we’ll have it in time to bring the crops in. Would you keep an eye on Alison when I’m gone? I worry about her all alone when I’m in the fields or over at Chet’s house.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll stay close by the house.”
“I’m also going to check about that windmill. Maybe we can get more than water to the house, but generate some electricity.”
“Sounds expensive.”
“Let me worry about the money,” Hank said with a laugh.
“Yes, sir.”
CHAPTER FOUR
The following morning, Annabelle found Alison alone in the kitchen. She no longer knocked before she entered the house. She handed Alison the milk and put the eggs in the refrigerator.
“Your dad left early?”
“Yes, he was gone before six.” Alison put a plate in front of Annabelle. “Sit and eat, Belle.”
Annabelle took her hat off and sat down.
“Your hair is getting long. I’ll cut it after breakfast.”
“It’s not necessary, Alison.”
“Don’t be silly, of course it’s necessary.”
Annabelle shook her head and finished the plate of food. Alison had already gotten out the scissors, a towel and comb.
“Come outside, Belle.”
Annabelle followed knowing she lost the battle. She sat in a chair and Alison laid the towel around her neck. Annabelle had to admit, she liked the feel of Alison’s fingers through her scalp. A short while later, Alison stood in front of Annabelle and ran her fingers through the front. Alison stood in between Annabelle’s legs and combed her hair.
“There, that looks much better.” Alison stood back and admired her work.
Annabelle began to remove the towel.
“Leave it. I don’t want you to get hair all over yourself.”
Alison shook the towel and began cleaning off Annabelle’s neck. She walked around to the front of Annabelle again and wiped any hairs that fell onto her face. Alison lifted Annabelle’s chin and looked into the green eyes. “So soft,” she whispered.
Annabelle jumped out of her seat. “Thanks for the haircut. I’ve got work to do.”
“Is that all you’re going to say?” Alison asked to a running Annabelle. That didn’t go as I planned.
Annabelle ran to the safety of the fields and sat down. There was no doubt, Alison thought she’d make a good husband. Husband. Annabelle laughed out loud. She knew she would have to stay away from Alison when she was alone.
So the next week, Annabelle had her meals at the house, but after that she disappeared.
“Are you okay?” Hank asked one morning.
“Sure. No complaints.”
“Where have you been running off to in the evenings?” Hank asked scratching his chin.
“Just for a walk, Hank.”
“You’re not going off and drinking are you?”
Annabelle laughed. “No, Hank.”
“You got a girl or something?”
Annabelle laughed again. “Yeah, a something.” Annabelle got serious. “No drinking or women, Hank. I’m just thinking.”
“You thinking about leaving?”
Annabelle didn’t know what to tell Hank. She was hiding from his daughter because Alison liked her. Yeah, that was a weird thought. But what was totally weird was that she liked Alison too. She knew Alison was a woman as she was, but Alison thought she was a man. “No, Hank. I’m not thinking about leaving.”
“Then come around to the house more often.”
Annabelle nodded.
The following evening, Annabelle went down to the river to try her hand at fishing. Annabelle never heard Alison walk up behind her.
“I want to know what’s wrong with me.” Alison asked standing there with her hands on her hips.
Annabelle turned around. “There’s nothing wrong with you,” she said softly.
“I thought we were getting along so well.”
“We do get along, Alison.” Annabelle insisted.
“Then why don’t you want to be around me anymore?” Alison asked turning her back. “I’m crazy about you, Belle. Don’t you like me?”
How could Annabelle explain this to Alison without hurting her feelings? “It’s me, Alison. You are the most caring woman I’ve ever met, but I’m not the one for you.” Annabelle couldn’t meet Alison’s gaze.
“You don’t think I’m pretty, Belle?”
Annabelle rubbed her face with her hand and looked at Alison. “You are beautiful, Alison, but I can barely take care of myself.” She sighed. “I can’t even think about taking a wife.” The words tasted sour in Annabelle’s mouth.
“I can take care of you, Belle. Shouldn’t I have a say who I want?”
“I wish it was that simple, but it’s not.” Annabelle brushed her hand under Alison’s chin. “Can’t we just be friends?”
Alison nodded, but she knew she wasn’t going to give up that easily. She went back to the house without saying another word.
Annabelle was cleaning out the storage unit in the barn when she came across a heavy trunk. She took the lock off and lifted the top. Inside were books. She picked them up and began to read the titles. It had been so long since she held a book in her hands. Annabelle searched the titles and loaded her arms with a stack of books. As she got to her shed door, she couldn’t reach the handle.
“I’ll get that for you,” Alison said appearing out of nowhere.
“Thanks.”
“Where did you find those books?” Alison asked.
“In the barn in a trunk.”
“They must have been my mother’s books.”
“Is it okay if I read them?” Annabelle asked anxiously.
“Of course.” Alison watched Annabelle stacked the books on the shelf and smiled. “You’re a strange one.”
“I told you,” Annabelle said with a laugh. She reached up to the top shelf stretching her body. As Annabelle moved back Alison was standing behind her. Their bodies touched and Annabelle jumped as Alison’s hands went to her waist.
“Easy there,” Alison said with her hands still on Annabelle’s waist. “I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
Annabelle stepped away. “I’m fine.”
“You made this shed look like a home, Belle.”
“Thanks. I like it.” Annabelle had to get away from Alison. She walked back outside and Alison had no choice but to follow. “Thanks for letting me borrow the books. I love to read.”
“As I said, you’re a strange one.” Alison looked at Annabelle. “My father invited Clara and Marshall on Sunday.”
“That’s nice,” Annabelle said.
“They have a twenty five year old son.” Alison looked off into the fields. “They think Arthur and I will be a good match,” she said wrinkling her nose.
“Alison, your father wants to see his daughter happy.”
“If that was true, Belle, he wouldn’t be forcing Arthur on me.”
“Don’t you like him?”
Alison shook her head firmly.
“Maybe once you get to know him?” Annabelle asked.
“I went to school with him. I know him and I have no interest in any of the men from around here.” Alison looked at Annabelle. “Except one.”
“Alison, I can’t. If you only knew how impossible it is.” Annabelle was frustrated.
“Is there something wrong with you?”
Annabelle nodded. “Yes.”
“What?”
“I don’t want to talk about it, but because of it.” Annabelle let out a deep sigh. “You and I can never be.”
CHAPTER FIVE
While they had breakfast Sunday morning, Hank took Annabelle to the side. “Clara and Marshall are coming for dinner today. Would you mind not coming to house?”
“Sure, Hank.” Annabelle’s heart was breaking. �
��Alison told me that they’re bringing their son with them.”
“Alison needs to find someone who will take care of her when I’m gone,” Hank said softly.
“I understand, Hank.” Annabelle walked toward the barn. She took a book up to the loft and began reading. The book was good, but she couldn’t concentrate. All day long, Alison was on her mind. She knew it was wrong to feel this way about a woman, but she couldn’t help it. Annabelle had fallen in love with Alison easily and now her heart was going to break with the thought of Alison with someone else. Annabelle did something she hadn’t done since leaving Maryland, she cried. She didn’t cry when she was desperate to find work, desperate to find a meal. No, she was crying because she couldn’t have the person she wanted.
Annabelle awoke to voices near the barn. She stayed in the shadows as she looked across the yard. Arthur and Alison were walking around. He had his hand on her back and they were talking. She couldn’t hear what was being said, but she could tell Alison was uncomfortable. Arthur stopped walking and he kissed Alison. Annabelle watched as Alison pushed him away. Arthur mumbled something and walked back to the house. Annabelle stepped out of the shadows and Alison looked up. They looked at each other before Alison turned and went back to the house. Annabelle left the barn and walked to the river with her fishing pole.
The following morning, Annabelle couldn’t meet Alison gaze as they had breakfast. Even Hank was lost in thought and when they finished the meal, he left for the fields with Annabelle trailing behind.
“The harvester will be here today, Belle. We should be able to bring the crop in by the end of the week.”
“I can’t wait to see this machine, Hank.”
“Next year we’ll plant those other two acres,” Hank said pointing off in the distance. “I don’t think Alison liked Arthur,” he said softly, but Annabelle didn’t comment. “I don’t want her to spend the rest of her life alone.” He looked at Annabelle. “You’ve turned into a strong man, Belle.” Hank lowered his eyes. “You know my daughter likes you very much?”
Annabelle nodded.
“Do you like her?”
“Yes, sir, but she deserves someone better than me.”
