'Choo choo!'
The train chugged into the Franklin station, where Joe stood, with Mandie beside him. Mandie had come to see him off.
"Well, I'll have to go now, Amanda." remarked Joe, feeling like he must stop his formalness, and ask her again, if she really meant 'no'.
'No. She doesn't love me. She never could.' He told himself bitterly.
Mandie shivered, and grasped Joe's sleeve.
"Please, Joe, I have to confess something to you," Mandie pleaded, her voice quivering.
Joe hesitated, his luggage in hand.
'Did this mean something? Or was she only going to say good-bye?'
"I-i don't mean-" Mandie was cut off by the engineer's cry of 'All aboard!'
"Excuse me, Amanda, I have to put my luggage in," Joe said crisply, and quickly walked over to the train, and handed it to a worker. He walked briskly back, looking at her face for the first time.
"Joe, please don't leave, I want you here," Mandie begged, grasping his sleeve again.
"Mr. Kirk is expecting me," Joe insisted, looking up, where the conductor was ringing a little bell.
"Joe, I-i need you here," Mandie persisted, looking into his face for a sign of relent.
Joe's eyes flickered, and showed hesitation.
"All aboard! You there, get on if you're going!" shouted the conductor, pointing at Joe.
Mandie's eyes now rapidly filled with tears.
"Joe, I-" began Mandie again, and was cut off as Joe quickly grabbed her in a tight embrace, and kissed her cheek.
"I'll write to you, Mandie." said Joe, his cheeks scarlet, running to get on the train.
Tears streamed down Mandie's cheeks, and she hoped it meant something when he called her "Mandie".
He was soon at the caboose, and waved to Mandie.
Mandie waved back, as the train soon pulled out of the station.
The train went around the bend.
"I love you, Joe!" sobbed Mandie as she saw the last of the train disappear rapidly.
She stood there for a while, and then Abraham gently grasped her shoulder.
"Should we be gittin' home, Missy?" he asked quietly.
Mandie nodded, and they walked back to the rig, and went home.
(~~~~)
Mandie gloomily stared out the window, as rain poured down outside. It was March, and all the weddings had gone by. She had been a bridesmaid, or maid of honor in those weddings, even flower girl for 's wedding, but at each one she had come down the aisle with Joe. Joe had avoided her at the weddings, and sat by himself, reading a lawyer book. Celia, Sallie, and Mrs. Taft regretted making Mandie walk down the aisle with Joe, but they could not change their plans. Celia was back in Richmond, where she and Robert had settled near her mother and aunt. Sallie was back in deep creek, where she and Dimar had settled with their Cherokee kinspeople. Tommy and Polly had settled somewhere near Charleston, in a charming white house with two stories. Mrs. Taft, or now Mrs. Morton, was back in her house in asheville, because she said she would not sell her house. Mandie held a letter in her hand. It was Joe's second letter to her.
'Dear Mandie,
I am currently at home, and searching for an office nearby that will take me as a lawyer, or at least an apprentice. I am thinking about buying a house soon. Mother says I've been as blue as the sky lately, but I can't say much for it. I have nothing much to do, so lately I just go out and ride in the woods on Colt, the gelding my Father gave me. Colt is a handsome brown horse, with white socks. Samantha goes along too, but when the trail is too rough or long, she'll go back home. She is old. Mandie, I know your answer to my question now, but I won't ever forget you, and will always love you. I hope that one day you might change your answer.
Love,
Joe Woodard.'
There were signs of hasty folding.
Mandie sighed. If only Joe knew. She could never express herself on paper. She would just have to wait for an important event, such as a birthday, to get him to come. Whenever she had invited him, he quickly replied, saying he had plans, whether it be a lawyer class, business trip, or going to attend a hearing. Even then, he might just avoid her. Now, life seemed so dreary. Full of sitting at home, regretting her decisions. She thought she might get a job, but then, it still wouldn't take away the stinging pain. Mandie had had a dream, where she only saw Joe's pained face, over and over again, haunting her.
Someone knocked on the door, bursting through her thoughts.
Mandie quickly folded up her letter, and stuffed it under her pillow.
"Come in!" she called.
Liza entered the room.
"Missy 'manda, time to eat-oh." Liza quickly cut herself off, as she saw the empty envelope, with Joe's hasty writing on it, addressed to Mandie.
Mandie sighed again.
"It's alright, Liza, I figure everyone knows now," Mandie said wearily.
"Missy 'manda, if you don't mind me sayin', I thinks dat you need to write him one o' dem yello' tel'grams, and say dat you's awful sick, and need 'im to come and say his goodbyes, and dat will git him comin' right quick. Den you tell 'im you change yo' answer, and den 'appily ever after." Liza said, sitting herself on the bed with an empathetic thump.
Mandie smiled wryly at Liza's idea.
"If I did that, I think he'd be awful mad that I lied," Mandie said.
"Or he could be awful glad dat you ain't dyin'," Liza persisted.
Mandie chuckled, and stood up.
"Let's eat, Liza," said Mandie, putting an arm over Liza in friendship.
Mandie and Liza walked down the stairs, and Mandie sat down in front of her Mother and Uncle John.
Mandie's thoughts again fell to how long it would be before her birthday, when she might see Joe again.
Elizabeth put a gentle hand on her daughter's hand.
"Try and eat, Amanda," she said softly.
Mandie looked up, and smiled weakly.
"I'll try," Mandie said, and put a forkful of baked beans in her mouth.
Elizabeth smiled approvingly, and they continued eating.
Mandie thought for a while, and munched occasionally on her food. She thought of what she would do with her life for now. It was boring to just stay in the house all day.
"Uncle John, would it be okay for me to look in the stores near here to see if help is wanted? I get bored here, and I would like to do something." Mandie said thoughtfully.
Elizabeth looked startled.
"We certainly don't need the money, Amanda," said Elizabeth.
"I know, but I would still like to do something, even for no pay. Please? Mother? Uncle John?" Mandie persisted.
Uncle John looked at her thoughtfully for a moment.
"Elizabeth, work never did anyone harm," said John.
Elizabeth relented.
"Well, Alright, I suppose it would be okay. But absolutely no man's work, or lifting heavy things. That is my limit." Elizabeth said cautiously.
Mandie brightened.
"Can I look tomorrow?" Mandie asked.
"Sure, the horses need some exercising anyway." John said, smiling.
(~~~~)
"Ma'am, do you need any help around here? I'm looking for something to do," Mandie asked, standing at the counter of one of the local dress shops.
"Hmm. Well, my old hands can't do what they used to. I'm afraid the pay isn't very much though," said the old lady behind the counter, whose name was Mrs. Reynolds.
"Oh, I'm not worried about the pay, I'm just looking for something to do," said Mandie.
The old lady's face crinkled into a smile, and she took her hand, taking her into the stockroom.
"Well, it's really very simple, you just have to stand at the counter, help the customers, make transactions, occasionally look for a particular dress. The pay is 50 cents a week, and we are closed on Saturday and Sunday. And my name is Mrs. Mabel Reynolds. You can call me May," said Mrs. Reynolds, rattling this off without pausing for breath.
Mandie couldn't help but smile at the old lady's enthusiasm, and accepted the job.
Mandie started her work the next day, and soon two weeks had flown by, and she already had made good friends with Mrs. Reynolds, or 'May' as Mandie called her. Mandie was sitting on the stool, behind the counter. May was taking a little break, so she watched the store. She saw, out of the corner of her eye, a strange man and woman. The man was wearing a dark, worn hat, and a coat, and was walking quickly, eyes down. The woman walked beside him, and had no hat. She had dark hair that wasn't well brushed, and a worn, dirty dress. She also walked quickly, eyes down. She happened to peer into the shop, and met Mandie's glance. Chills ran down Mandie's spine. The woman's eyes were cold, and harsh. She recognized those eyes. They were Etta's same eyes. The woman quickly looked down, whispered something to the man, and they walked even faster.
Mandie had not the slightest idea what she would be doing in town. The man must be Zach Huges. Mandie asked May about it, and May responded.
"Strange, I don't recall the name of Etta Huges, or Etta at all, not at all. But perhaps me old mind has let it slip!" she said gaily, continuing to sew a button on a dress.
Mandie then decided she should start to walk to and from the shop. It would give her exercise, and keep her from becoming lazy.
One day, an unexpected shower start
"Oh, dear, Amanda, I believe there is a rain storm coming. Are you sure you won't want a ride home?" asked May.
"No, thank you, May. I'll just walk fast, and beat the rain home," said Mandie, with a smile, as she buttoned her coat.
"Well, alright. You young'uns always get your way anyhow," said May, with a chuckle.
Thunder rumbled over head, and the clouds began to block out the light.
"Well, Miss May, I have to get going. I'll see you tomorrow. Good-Bye!" said Mandie gaily, as to not worry the lady.
"Good-bye to you too, Amanda!" called May, smiling as Mandie walked out of the store.
Mandie's smile soon faded away, as she tramped home. She thought about Joe, as she always did, and no matter how hard she tried, regret always filled her. She soon was out of the city, and on the lonely road home.
Mandie then heard a horse's snort. Mandie gasped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She whirled to see Zach Huges gripping her shoulders tightly, a wicked scowl on his face. Etta stood behind him, a rope in her hand.
Mandie screamed, and kicked, but Zach put a hand on her mouth.
Mandie bit him, and spat, but then she felt Etta jerk her hair, and she fell down, hitting her head on the side of the cart. The last thing she felt was her arms being pulled, and tied.
(~~~~)
Joe entered his room, and put down his books on his bed. He noticed, and picked up a yellow sheet of paper on his desk.
It read:
"MANDIE GONE STOP SHERIFF SAYS SHE WAS KIDNAPPED STOP COME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE STOP SEARCH PARTY BEING ARRANGED STOP LOVE JOHN AND ELIZABETH STOP"
Joe gasped, and clutched the chair tightly, his knuckles turning white.
"Dear God, Please keep Mandie safe," he muttered, quickly writing a response.
(~~~~)
"Elizabeth, they have scoured the town for her. Mrs. Reynolds says she last saw her on the way home. Mandie hardly talks to anyone in this town. The sheriff is certain she has been kidnapped." said John, hugging Elizabeth tightly, as she sobbed.
"Oh, John! We must-tell everyone-Uncle Ned- Joe- they'll find her-" sobbed Elizabeth, as she slowly sat down, clutching her handkerchief.
"I've already sent telegrams to Mandie's friends. Jason has gone to fetch Uncle Ned. Joe has already responded, saying he'll be here by morning." said Uncle John, sighing as he sat down.
Elizabeth grasped John's hand tightly.
"Dear heavenly Father, keep my baby safe! Please." Elizabeth prayed.
(~~~~)
Mandie moaned. She touched the side of her head gingerly, and felt a little bit of dried blood. She blinked for a moment, and then looked around the room. She was in a well kept cabin, and she saw Etta sitting at a table, a dark bottle of liquor on the table.
Mandie's hands were bound in front of her, loosely. Mandie was puzzled. Why weren't they tighter? She heard muttering, and saw Etta grasping the bottle, and swaying drunkenly.
Mandie trembled. Drunken people were dangerous.
"Amanda Shaw, huh?" Etta said, fixing her unsteady gaze on Mandie.
Mandie watched in frightened silence.
Etta cackled drunkenly.
"You think you're better'n me, now that you got all those fancy dresses, and live with your dirty-rich uncle, huh?" Etta continued, taking a few gulps of the liquor.
"Well, answer me!" demanded Etta.
"N-no," Mandie squeaked.
"Good,'cause you're no better'n your old 'n dead dad! Good thing he died, he warn't good for nothin' but work," spat out Etta.
Mandie became angry. She untied her hands, strode quickly towards Etta, and slapped her.
"Don't-talk about my daddy that way! You didn't deserve one second of him! He was always nice to you, but if I were him, I would have left you as soon as I saw you! You aren't good for nothing but hurting people, and being nasty!" she yelled, trembling with rage, fear, and sorrow. Tears of anger and sorrow blinded her.
Etta looked up at her, cold hate in her eyes.
"Git back in your corner!" she hissed, punching her face.
Mandie staggered back into her corner, and sat down. Her nose bled, and felt like a sledgehammer had landed on it.
She buried her face in her hands.
"Dear God, please help me. What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee." She prayed silently.
Etta kept yelling about things, speaking nonsense, and often yelling at Mandie, but Mandie only sat there mutely. She then heard pouring rain outside, and thunder.
Etta stood up, and opened the door, went outside, closed it behind her, and locked it.
Mandie stood, and inspected the door knob. It was tightly locked, and she could not unlock it. She sat by the fire, and shivered. She went to where the kitchen would be, and found some biscuits and ham, and bread. She carefully rationed the food, and hid some in her dress pocket, just in case. She pumped some water from the kitchen sink, and then sank down into a chair, by the fire. She then gave a little gasp. This was Jake and Ludie's cabin! The only bad thing was that Jake and Ludie had gone to Europe, and said they would be staying there for about three months. They had gone to see long lost relatives, and go sightseeing. Mandie sighed. Her thoughts soon reverted to Joe, and how he had acted. Other people would take it as coldness, but Mandie knew it would take a whole lot of hurt to make Joe act that way. Mandie swallowed. Her throat seemed to suddenly come alive, feeling as if she had swallowed thorns. She grasped her throat, squeezed her eyes shut as she waited for it to go away. She then could barely open them. She felt chills run through her, even though she was quite close to the fire. She stumbled to a door, opened it, and found a bedroom. She closed the door, and sank onto the bed thankfully, and fell into a feverish, restless sleep.
(~~~~)
Joe rushed towards the Shaw mansion, and let himself in. He hung his hat and coat, and put down a small suitcase.
"Mr. Shaw! Mrs. Shaw! Where are y'all?" he called out, rushing towards the parlor.
"Over here, Joe!" called John.
Joe entered the parlor, and found John and Elizabeth sitting together, red-eyed.
John stood, and walked towards Joe, and held out his hand.
They shook hands, and exchanged anxious glances.
"Any news?" asked Joe, sitting down on a chair in front of them, an anxious expression on his face.
"No. The sheriff is busy getting a search party together, and we will set out around 11o'clock." said John.
"Joe, has Mandie written to you recently, anything about where she might have went?" asked Elizabeth, searching Joe's face.
"No." Joe said, looking at the ground.
A silence fell upon the room as they thought about Mandie.
"I'll ask Aunt Lou to cook something, Joe must be hungry," said John quietly, standing up and walking out.
"Please excuse me," Joe muttered, and quickly followed John out, and stopped him.
"Mr. Shaw, I-i just wanted to say that even though Mandie-doesn't love me-I don't hold grudges against y'all. I still love Mandie just the same, and I'll do whatever I can to help find her." Joe said, his voice breaking off, as he looked down to hide tears.
John blinked back tears, and hugged Joe, as he would a son, and patted his head as if he were a wee child.
Joe made choking noises, as he choked back the sobs, and gratefully embraced him, as he would his father.
"There now, son, we need to be strong for the women-folk. Mandie may be lost, but it's all part of God's plan. The past months, she's just been miserable, and I'm sure she would like to give you a different answer. If, and when we find her, you might want to try again," said John, putting his hands on Joe's shoulders.
Joe looked up, hopefully.
"Really, Mr. Shaw?" Joe asked, as he brushed off his tears.
John gave him a weak smile.
"Yes, Joe." John replied, and he walked towards the kitchen.
Joe beamed, with a new hope. He rushed to the bathroom, and washed his face.
"It wasn't a foolish dream after all. Thank you, God." he whispered to himself, glancing upwards, and walked back to the parlor.
So, what'd y'all think? Don't forget to drop a review! I'll be posting the next chapter as soon as I can. Thank y'all!
~EquestrianIntrovert