Author's Note: I am sorry for the long update. School is so bothersome and time consuming. However, this is the newest chapter so please enjoy. :)

Chapter 4

After strutting downtown with the man she loved who she has left at his business place, Melanie decided to visit her close friend Mrs. Violet Jean Ewell. The children that were able to walk were out in the yard running about playing with random items they found. Melanie was not noticed by the children as she came to the already opened door.

"M-Melanie!" Violet-Jean exclaimed happily while nursing her twins.

"Violet Jean," Melanie blushed seeing her friend nursing. Once Violet Jean realized why Melanie was blushing she too turned crimson with slight embarrassment. She turned and removed her full babies.

"H-how are y-y-you, Mrs. F-f-finch?" Violet Jean smiled making Melanie smile back.

"Just fine, Jean, and you?"

"F-fine b-b-but h-h-how h-h-has it b-b-been f-f-for y-y-you?" Violet Jean gave Melanie a suggestive but inquisitive look. Melanie giggled and turned away coyly.

"Well, if you must know," Melanie and Violet Jean laughed and turned to sit down where Melanie began giving details about all the activities the Finches had been up to lately. Giggles and gasps echoed in the Ewell house from the storyteller and the listener.

"This morning Atticus started to wake me with some kisses down my stomach before he-" Melanie stopped when young Mayella came into the house crying and covered in mud.

"Mama!" Mayella whined running into Violet Jean's dress spreading mud all over the mother. Violet Jean gave Melanie a desperate look to take the twins from her arms which Melanie did without a word. Melanie tried balancing the children in her arms as Violet Jean took Mayella away to clean her. Melanie stared down at the babies that gazed up at her when they sensed the change in holders. Their brown eyes were filled with curiosity since a stranger was holding them. Melanie felt her heart begin to pound with anxiety holding the now squirming infants. Her arms began to feel weak holding the young humans.

"Wah!" The babies shrieked sending Melanie into a panic.

What am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do? She mentally cried. She attempted to rock the babies but this only aggravated the fraternal twins more.

"Hush, babies," Melanie begged to no avail. Melanie wanted to call Violet Jean but knew she was busy with Mayella. Melanie began walking and trying bounce the babies but they were not appeased. Melanie was about to cry from the stress of trying to calm them. She was practically thrown into the role of a mother at that moment and she had no idea what to do.

Mayella ran by clean enough and no longer crying. Violet Jean followed her daughter to see the frantic Melanie holding her wailing babies. She laughed slightly and took the babes from her clueless friend. Melanie sighed in relief once her arms were free.

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word,

Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird won't sing,

Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass,

Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke,

Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat,

And if that billy goat don't pull,

Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,

Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won't bark,

Mama's gonna buy you a horse and cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down,

You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town," Violet Jean sang clearly with a strong, melodious voice that soothed her babes and Melanie. Once the babes were docile Violet Jean put them down for a nap before returning to Melanie.

"A-are y-you o-okay?" Violet Jena inquired of her friend.

"Yes, I'm sorry, Jean. That was the first time I've ever actually had to deal with crying babies. They made me a little nervous about becoming a mother," Melanie confessed and grasped her stomach.

"A-Are y-y-you p-p-pregnant?" Violet Jean was bubbling with excitement and surprise. Melanie went wide eyed then snorted.

"No! There is no possible way! That will not happen for a long, long time," Melanie laughed. Violet Jean gave a you-can't-plan-the-future-smile. Violet Jean then looked to the clock in the room.

"Ah! I b-b-better g-get c-cooking l-lunch. D-do y-y-you w-w-want t-to st-stay?" Violet Jean asked.

"Oh, I probably should eat with Atticus. So I'll be going. Good bye, Jean."

The two women hugged and separated. Melanie headed towards her husband's workplace as Violet Jean turned to cook a meal. Walking down the road towards Melanie unconsciously began humming the lullaby Violet Jean had sung earlier. Once she realized what she was humming Melanie stopped, smiled and continued down the road with a thought of maybe one day having children but of course hers would be much quieter. Or so she hoped.

Author's Note: I hoped you enjoyed this. Please review and continue reading. I hope to have another chapter soon. :)