At the beginning of each outtake chapter I will post what chapter it corresponds to as well as the date, as usual.
Smeyer owns Twilight, I own the rest.
Scene from Chapter 6: After You've Gone
October 20th 1918
Mary had finally grasped the last cookie in the cookie jar when heard the soft sobs coming from the foyer. She looked between the cookie and the door, wedged the entire cookie in her mouth, and exited the kitchen. Marianne was in the doorway with Sis and Carolynne; all three of them were dabbing their eyes with their handkerchiefs.
"Momma?" Crumbs fell out of Mary's mouth and she quickly swallowed, licked her lips, and tried again. "Momma, what's wrong?"
All three women whipped their heads toward her. Marianne rapidly blinked the tears away and forced a wide smile that was so fake, it looked painful. "Darling, why don't you go outside?"
"But what's wrong?"
"Mary Alice, this isn't any of your business. Go to the backyard and play." Her mother had stressed her name and narrowed her eyes, a sure she was losing her patience.
"Yes, momma." Mary pouted but turned around and made her way out to the backyard. There's something bad happening, Mary thought. They're trying to hide it from me but I know…
She sat daintily on the edge of the patio, legs tucked under her skirt, and began braiding her hair. She had just tossed the thick braid over her shoulder when something caught her eye. It was a slithering piece of rope next to her right knee.
"Oh!"
The visual was gone in an instant but Mary found it hard to catch her breath. She pressed at the cold that crept up into her throat and brought her knees to her chest. No one had to tell her; she knew, just as she had those months ago at the train station.
"Oh, Eugene." Mary finally choked out. "I'm sorry."