I am so sorry about the lack of update here! Work was insane, especially since I am moving this summer. But I have a nice long vacation going right now so I hopefully will be able to write more. Here is the newest chapter!

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Chapter 29: A Disaster

It was a disaster. How did she ever think that she could do this?

Michaela looked around the room at the squabbling townspeople. She had told Rev. Johnson she would organize an auction to fund repairs to the old school, they were hoping to make it last a year or two more, until they could get the funding to build a new building. But she could not seem to get anyone to agree about anything, from what should be auctioned off to what should be served, who would work it to how it should be organized. A headache pounded in her skull and she leaned forward, closing her eyes and rubbing her temples with her fingers.

Charlotte noticed her young friend's obvious distress; she nudged Olive next to her pulling the rancher from an argument with one of the known moonshiners about auctioning off alcohol. When she saw the doctor's stressed, worn out form she began calling out to everyone else to try and get them to quiet down, without any success. She shared an annoyed look with Charlotte before doing something she only did during cattle drives, she whistled – loudly. The whole room went silent and all heads turned toward her including Dr. Mike whose expression became grateful upon realizing exactly what Olive had done.

"Now, we ain't getting' nothin' done, so maybe we should ask Dr. Mike what she thinks we should do."

All heads turned to the woman at the head of the table.

Michaela took a deep breath, pushing her headache to the side more easily now that the noise level had dropped. "Thank you, Olive," her eyes showing the full extent of her gratitude; she then turned to the table as a whole. "Now, we don't have much time left today but may I suggest for some basic ideas and rules for the auction that we do not have any liquor at all involved since this is a church-run auction and it is for the school.," there were a few scowls from some men but a general agreement. "Second let's post a sign-up sheet in front of the Mercantile – with Loren and Maud's permission – " they couple nodded, though Loren was scowling, "for people to volunteer for what positions they would like and re-arrange people if there is a need. As far as food, perhaps people can sign up to volunteer to bring certain items as well."

There were mumbles among the group, considering the suggestions; then nearly unanimous agreement.

Dorothy raised her pencil to get Michaela's attention and spoke when the doctor nodded. "I was thinkin' that to help decide on all the things bein' auctioned that maybe we should vote on them to decide if they're appropriate."

Michaela smiled. "Good idea, Dorothy," she turned to everyone else. "Is that acceptable?"

Everyone nodded.

She took a deep breath, "Wonderful. Then I think we will adjourn for the day."

Everyone began standing up and heading toward the door.

Michaela dropped her head into her hands.

"Ya ok, Dr. Mike?" Charlotte asked in concern.

She looked up and nodded, though she still rubbed on temple with her fingers. "Hanna has just had a cold the last few days and been up most of the nights crying. And Myra is busy with the kids so I don't want to bother her too much."

"Well," Olive began decisively, "then one of us can take her for a night or two; that way you can get some sleep."

Michaela turned to her, "No, I could not ask that, you all have work and families to care for."

"Nonsense," Dorothy stated. "We cannot allow you to run yourself ragged and possibly get sick yourself!"

"I'm sure," Charlotte added, "that between the three of us and Maud we can give ya at least a couple of nights, good sleep. Then Hanna can go home with you refreshed and rested."

Michaela was torn, not wanting to take advantage of her friends but they were right, she did need a night or two of uninterrupted sleep or she would probably get sick.

She bit her lip. "Are you sure?"

"Positive," Olive said firmly. "You're not Hanna's only family, Dr. Mike."

Michaela had to fight back the tears burning behind her eyes at the admission of her being Hanna's family. "Thank you," she managed, her voice a touch raspy from the restrained tears.

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I know. It's short, but it was really more of a filler chapter if you will, and I think that the next chapter will more than make up for this! :) Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think!