Chapter Three- The Confrontation


The Logan Home


As Clay and Lexy rode up to the house, they saw Vivian's carriage pulling into the yard. "What's she doing here?" Lexy said as Clay let her down.

"I don't know, Lex, but why don't you go into the house, alright?"

"Alright," Lexy said. She didn't want to watch Clay flirt anyway.

Clay rode over to the carriage. "Good afternoon, Vivian. What brings you here to..." Clay started cordially, then he saw Vivian's face. "What is it?"

Vivian opened her mouth knowing that the first words she would say were not what Clay would want to hear, "Where's Sean?"

Clay tried not to get angry. Maybe there was a logical reason why Vivian wanted Sean whenever she was upset. Clay couldn't think of one, all he could think was that she wanted Sean instead of him. "He'll be back soon," Clay flatly replied as he dismounted.

Vivian stepped out of the carriage with the aide of a footman. "Clay, I need to speak with him it's important. I heard..." Vivian stopped herself.

Clay turned from the man who was taking his horse. "You heard what?" Clay interrogated.

"I heard my mother and William and Dennis Elwood..." she began again. "Where's Sean?"

Clay was concerned now. Could they have sent the message to Sean? "Vivian, how 'bout you come in the house and wait for Sean." Clay decided this would be better than to have her outside if Sean and Marita came back together. Clay and Vivian walked into the house.



The Walk Home


Sean and Marita began to make their way back to the house. Their minds were both occupied with what laid before them. Their hands clung together like entangling vines as they gave each other support, while their thoughts ran like waterfalls.

Marita: "Alright, everyone knows except Alice. She's going to be so hurt to find out this way. I should have told her."

Sean: "If I have to take Marita out of here, I will. I'll give up politics, I'll even give up farming in Kentucky, but I know I can't go on without her. When I thought there was even a slight chance before, it nearly drove me crazy. I can't risk losing her."

Marita: "Sean doesn't realize it's not so easy. It is hard to just pick up and move. We'll have to fight hatred wherever we go. If we can just tough it out, maybe..."

"Marita," Sean interrupted their thoughts and walking. He took hold of Marita's other hand and gently held both hands as he looked into her eyes.

"Yes, Sean," Marita answered and looked back at the clear blue eyes that seemed to match the sky.

"If we truly love each other, we can make it through this."

"I know," Marita's eyes smiled a reassurance that permeated Sean. "It will be alright. We just need to hold on to our love and friendship."

Sean pulled Marita close and held her. They wanted to stay like this forever, but they had world to face. Marita pulled away and looked at Sean with a sparkle in her eyes. "And what do you mean by 'if'?"

Sean laughed, kissed her nose, and picked Marita up. He swung her over his shoulder and started to walk as he laughed.

"Sean Logan! Put me down! We need to get back to the house!" Marita yelled between her laughter.

Sean took a few more steps before placing Marita back on the ground. He watched her as she straightened her dress and laughed with him. She was so precious to him. She had a way of making any tough situation look hopeful. It was her optimism and peace that he found solace in when his mother died. Marita just had something about her that amazed him. Like the way she had dealt with Lexy when Clay wanted to take her home. They both calmed down and took hands as they began to walk again.

"Thank you for what you did with Lexy earlier," Sean was the first to break the silence again.

"Sean..." Marita said. She really didn't want to get serious again, but she liked his comment.

"No, I mean it, Marita. You have been like a mother to her. Actually, you reminded me of Ma just then."

Marita blushed at the compliment. She hadn't told Sean that part of her conversation with Lexy. She had stuck to the topic that was most relevant after reading the note and planned to tell him later. So Sean only knew that Lexy knew about them and about Marita's mother. He had put the latter together when he saw Marita hand Lexy the picture.

"The day before your Ma passed, we had a long talk. It was probably the longest talk we had. It was as if she knew she was going to go and had to prepare me." As they walked, Marita watched the sky as if she could see Libby in the clouds. "She said that Alice was too young and someone had to let Alice and Lexy know all the things she would have liked to tell them herself. All the things she had told me. I knew it was my job; I was the only one she was able to prepare. I wish that someday I can be the type of mother that your Ma was."

Sean smiled; he knew a hint when he saw one. "You will be..." he looked at her, "you'll need to be with our 10 kids."

"10!"

"What," Sean faked shock, "that's not enough? Okay, 12, but I think you're asking for a lot. I'm only a farmer, you know," Sean teased.




The Connection


They walked a little further together and talked about some of the other things Libby had told Marita before she died. She had wanted Marita to keep an eye on Ned and make sure that he was taken care of. Marita was also supposed to watch over Sean and Clay. Libby knew that her death would be a big blow to the family, and she needed someone to stay strong. The person she chose was Marita.

Sean marveled at how much his mother had entrusted Marita with. He knew they had a special bond, but he never realized how close they were. It must have been really hard on Marita to lose Libby. She lost her second mother that day, and I was more consumed with what I was going through. She stayed strong for all of us when it was probably one of the toughest situations for her. Sean gave Marita's hand a gentle squeeze as he watched and listened while she continued talking.

As they got within sight of the house, they decided to split. Marita went to get Isaac and bring him to the Logan's house. Sean headed home.

"It's nice to see you, Vivian," Ned said as he came down the stairs and welcomed Vivian into the study. "To what do we owe this honor?"

"I came to see Sean about something," Vivian started as she took a seat.

"She heard her ma talking with William and Dennis Elwood," Clay cut in as he crossed to stand close to Vivian's chair.

Ned leaned against his desk, and his face grew grim as he took in the news. He knew that combination could cause a lot of trouble. "Well, what did you hear, Vivian?"

"If you don't mind, I'd like to wait for..."

"Sean!" Clay called as Sean came through the front door and started to pass the study.

Sean stopped and entered the room. "Yes, Clay? Hello, Vivian, Pa."

"Vivian has something to tell you, Son. It seems Georgina, William, and Dennis Elwood are up to something again," Ned replied before Clay had a chance. "Vivian, would you like for Clay and I to leave."

Clay was about to object, but Vivian held up her hand in protest, "No, I would like you all to stay."

Sean took a few steps further into the room. "So, Vivian, what's going on?" Sean crossed his arms.

Vivian tried to control all the feelings she was going through. Three strong, handsome, yet intimidating Logan men were staring at her: waiting, waiting, oh, yes they're waiting. Vivian shook herself and looked at Sean. It was hard for her to look him in the eyes, so she shifted her gaze from Logan man to Logan man as she spoke, "Sean, I...I came...I was going into the study."

All of the Logan men realized Vivian was having a little difficulty. They tried to make their positions less threatening. Sean uncrossed his arms and sat in a seat near Vivian. Clay placed a reassuring hand on Vivian's shoulder. "Go ahead, Vivian."

Ned noticed Clay's gesture and voice, but now wasn't the time to deal with Clay's feelings for Vivian. "Yes, Vivian, you have our attention. It's alright."

Vivian started again, "Thank you." Clay removed his hand from her shoulder. "I was going to talk to my mother and I stopped before I entered the room. I stopped because of what I heard my mother say. She told William and Dennis that you," Vivian looked at Sean, "and your family will regret the day you ever crossed the Winters."

"Not again," thought Ned. "What could have caused it this time?"

"Vivian, did you hear anything else," Sean pressed for more information.

"No, that was all I heard," Vivian answered as she began to fiddle with her glove. Sean was too close for her to not get nervous. He still had an effect on her.

Sean backed away and stood up. He took a few steps away and turned back as Ned said, "Thank you, Vivian. We'll keep this in mind." Ned stood fully as Vivian stood.

"I just wanted to let you know. I mean, I do love my family and I'm not sure why I needed to tell you. I just felt...I mean, you have helped me many times and I know that my mother can be a little...well..."

"It's alright, Vivian. We know what you mean," Ned said. He began to lead Vivian to the front door. Clay and Sean glanced at each other; they both were thinking the same thing.

As Ned approached the door to open it for Vivian, the front door opened from a person on the other side. Marita and Vivian stood face to face.

"Hello, Vivian," Marita tried to sound polite as she felt knots grow in her stomach. She still had the urge to want to slap Vivian back for slapping Sean, but Marita was trying to get over it.

"Hello...Marita, isn't it?" Vivian feigned smiling. She looked back to see Sean's expression. Ever since she saw them together at the food table during the gathering that Ned had, she had been wondering what was going on with them. Now she knew. She didn't want to admit it, but Vivian could tell that there was something between Sean and Marita that she would never have with him. "If there is anything else I could do for you, Sean, please let me know."

Marita took a step out to let Vivian pass. Clay followed Vivian out of the house, and Marita came in. She walked over to Sean, "What was that all about?"

"It looks like we might have a name to our message," Sean whispered. "Where's Isaac?"

"Pa will be here in a few minutes."

"We need to get everyone together."

Ned walked over to the two of them. "Well, that was interesting," Ned said with a slight smile.

"Pa, actually that has a lot to do with something we need to talk to you and the family about."

Sean took care to emphasis "we", and Marita noticed. It was the first time Sean and Marita had ever come as a couple to anyone. She began to get nervous. Marita stepped halfway behind Sean as if to hide herself but held onto his arm. Sean and Ned noticed the position she took.

"Let's move into the study," Ned said.

Sean took Marita's hand as they walked into the office.

Clay walked Vivian to her carriage. "It was nice of you to come here and do this. Thank you."

Vivian turned and looked up into Clay's dark eyes. She found comfort in them at this moment. "You're welcome, Clay." She put her hand out so Clay could help her into the carriage. "My feelings for your brother might not be the same, but I don't want to see anyone get hurt because of my mother." Vivian put up her parasol.

"I understand; we're glad for your concern," Clay responded. "If you need anything or if things get to bad, let us know. I...we'll be glad to help."

Vivian picked up on Clay's slip of the tongue. "Thank you, Clay," she said as she placed her hand on top of his hand that was on the carriage. He really was sweet...bullheaded and arrogant at times, but nevertheless sweet.

"Have a good day, Vivian."

"You, too, Clay." Vivian's carriage pulled off.

Clay walked in the front door as Ned called him. "Clay, go get Alice, Jeremy, and Lexy."

"Okay, Pa." Just as Clay turned Isaac walked in the door. "They're all in the study, Isaac."

"Thank you, Clay."




A Friend Hears the Truth


Alice walked into the room last. By the expression on Pa's face, she knew something was wrong. She scanned the room and her eyes came to her friend. Why is Marita holding Sean's hand? I know they're close, but this is a family meeting. "Pa, you wanted me," Alice said aloud.

"Yes, Alice, please take a seat."

Jeremy looked over to Alice. He had an idea what might be announced at this meeting by the way Sean and Marita were standing and holding hands with their fingers interlaced.

Lexy took a comfortable position leaning against Marita's leg and reaching up to hold Marita's free hand. Her other hand clung to a paper frame she had quickly made for the picture of Marita's mother.

"Alright, everyone's here. Son, they're all yours," Ned leaned against his desk and gave the power over to Sean.

Sean felt the weight of it all. Marita gave his hand a gentle squeeze. They both needed to be strong for each other even if they were nervous. Sean straightened up to address everyone; he let go of Marita's hand before speaking, "There are a few reasons why we called everyone together. As most of you know, I have a complicated situation to deal with and I need your advice and support." Sean looked back at Marita who smiled and gave a slight nod to help him along.

Alice watched. So that's why they were holding hands, Sean is going through a difficult situation and Marita's just helping him through it like she always does. She is such a great friend. "What's wrong, Sean?" Alice asked aloud.

"Well," Sean ran his fingers through the back part of his hair as he got nervous again about all he was about to say. "The first thing is not what I would consider wrong." Sean got a new burst of strength as his realized he was finally going to be fully open about his love for Marita. "I love Marita," he said as he turned and gazed lovingly into her eyes.

Marita found strength and comfort in her friend's baby blue eyes. "And I love Sean," she said as their gaze remained unwavering.

There was a moment of silence that Alice couldn't handle. She searched the faces in the room. Lexy was grinning from ear to ear. Everyone else seemed a little uncomfortable but otherwise alright. "Why isn't anyone saying anything about this?" Alice finally questioned.

Clay answered, "Probably because we all know."

"What!"

"I'm sorry, Alice. I didn't mean for you to find out this way, but..." Marita began.

"We tried to keep it a secret once we realized how we felt, but a situation has come up that we made us decide to get this all out in the open with all of you," Sean tried to appease the situation. The last thing he wanted was an argument; they needed to stick together right now.

Alice choked back tears, "Marita, I thought...How could you?" Alice ran out of the room.

Ned started to follow her, but Marita stopped him. "It's my responsibility, Mr. Logan. Sean finish telling them what's going on." Marita ran out the room to find Alice.

Lexy went over to Ned and grabbed his hand. Ned walked over to a chair and sat down as he pulled Lexy onto his lap. Sean took his father's place and leaned against the desk. He began to fill everyone in on what Clay and he had realized concerning the message and what Vivian had told them.

Marita found Alice in Alice's room. She was staring out the window as she tried to control her tears. Marita walked into the room and closed the door. "Alice..."

"I don't want to talk to you, Marita. How could you be my 'best' friend and not tell me about this? Friends don't do that. Please leave," Alice said without turning to look at Marita.

Marita was determined that she was not going to give up that easily. "Alice, how long have you known me?"

Alice wiped her eyes, "What?"

"How long have you known me?" Marita repeated.

"My whole life," Alice whispered as she went to sit on her bed, "which is why..."

"Have I ever intentionally hurt you?" Marita interrupted.

"No," Alice muttered as she began to realize her childishness.

Marita came and sat next to her. "I didn't know how to tell you how I felt about Sean. We might be best girlfriends, but he is your eldest brother. Plus, I have loved him for a long time and just recently found out he felt the same way. We were scared about what could happen if people ever found out."

"But I would have kept it a secret," Alice sniffed. Marita grabbed a handkerchief from the nightstand and gave it to Alice. "How did everyone else find out?"

"Mostly by accident. Your pa and my pa already had an idea. Jeremy saw Sean kiss me. Clay and Lexy found us."

"What do you mean 'found us'?" Alice's voice was shaking as she thought about the possibility of her brother and her best friend doing more than kissing.

Marita took Alice's hand knowing what Alice must be thinking. She looked into Alice's eyes. "Alice, your brother and I were just napping. I hadn't slept in two nights, and he had finally calmed me down enough to sleep. Clay and Lexy found us asleep. Clay didn't put it together until he read the note and Sean explained it. Lexy already knew because..."

"Wait a minute, what note?" Alice interrupted.

"That's what the meeting downstairs is all about. Sean and I have been threatened. We can only get through this if we have the family's support." Marita tried to get Alice to smile by starting a smile herself.

Alice saw the smile creeping onto Marita's face. She couldn't stay angry. She dabbed her eyes with the handkerchief and wiped her nose. "So how did he sweep you off your feet? I know my brother can be charming, but I've got to know how he got a woman like you to be interested in him," Alice smiled.

Marita laughed and grabbed Alice's arm as they stood up. "I have been waiting to tell somebody for the longest. We'll have to have a full day for me to fill you in." They giggled as they left the room.



A Child's Innocence


"Well, Son, I don't know what else we can do but wait," Ned said as he slid Lexy off of his lap so he could stand.

"I still don't understand why people would want to hurt you or Marita," Lexy stated as she crawled back into the seat and carefully held the picture.

Sean knelt down to Lexy. "Some people think that because our skin color is different we shouldn't love each other."

"But why? Marita's mom was white, and she and Isaac were able to be together and have Marita. So why can't you and Marita be together without anyone bothering you?" Lexy asked with complete innocence and sincerity.

Everyone was shocked by Lexy's comment. No one else in the room but Sean had known that Lexy knew anything about Marita's mother. They hadn't seen what she was carrying until she asked that questions and then starred down at the cherished photograph.

"That's true, my mother was white, Lexy," Marita interjected as she and Alice came into the room. Marita let go of Alice's arm and walked toward Sean and Lexy. All eyes were on her and she felt it. She quickly stole a glance at her father and then continued, "But people didn't like her with my pa. Those people thought that is was wrong, and they are the reason why my ma's not here." Marita knelt next to Sean.

Lexy still couldn't understand the cause of the hatred, but she understood the results of it. "They what can we do so you can stay here?" Lexy asked as her eyes began to tear up. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Marita or Sean.

"Well, first it has to be clear that we are all sticking together," Ned said as he smiled at the trio that had formed around the chair. "Do we have everyone's support for Sean and Marita?"

Ned glanced at Isaac, Clay, and Jeremy; each gave a slight nod of agreement. Then Ned looked at Alice who was standing in the doorway. She had been reshocked by the knowledge of Marita's mother's color. The long pause of everyone waiting and watching her broke through to her. "Yes, Pa," she finally agreed aloud.

"Okay, the next step is to find out what is going on. This message could be an empty threat but with Georgina hardly anything is empty," Ned continued.

"We need to all keep our ears open," Isaac chimed in.

"But remember someone might be watching us," Jeremy added.

"That's true, they might be looking to see how we handle this," Isaac pondered aloud.

"Well, Jeremy and I were going to pick up a few things in town and probably grab something to eat so we'll keep our ears open and as low a profile as possible about this subject," Ned said as he nodded in Jeremy's direction.

Clay had been silent up unto the point. His mind was racing as he thought of all the information he had found out in a matter of hours. He hated talking about things; he wanted to do something. He might have his own problems with Sean and Marita individually, but they were family and it's one thing for you to have a problem with a family member and another thing if someone outside the family steps in and causes difficulty for that family member. Clay's Irish blood was torrid. He couldn't stand still or stay quiet any longer. "What do we do about Mrs. Winters, William, and Dennis Elwood?" Clay spit out as he took a few steps in place.

Sean noticed Clay's anger and was happy to see his brother take his side. "We'll make that decision when we are sure what they are up to," Sean said trying to appease his brother.

Ned felt that it was time to call this meeting to an end, "Alright, everyone, you can go now. Remember keep this in the family, and try to act normal. When we find out anything we'll let everyone know."

Everyone nodded or mumbled their agreement as they began to leave the room. Marita was about to stand when Lexy stopped her. She gave Marita a hug around the neck and then held out the newly paper-framed photograph of Katherine to Marita. "This belongs to you," Lexy said as Marita' eyes started to well up.

Marita was so touched by the care that Lexy had taken in prepare the frame. Lining the picture were cut out hearts that Lexy had made for Valentines' Day. She had told Marita that she was saving them for something special because they had taken her so long to make. Carefully written on the along the bottom part of the frame was the word "Mother". Marita wanted to take the picture and put it by her bed in her room, but she knew that if anything would ever happen and that picture was found in their house, she and Isaac could end up in a lot of trouble. "Thank you, Lexy, but how 'bout you keep it by your bed for me," Marita said as a tear fell down her cheek.

"Okay, but only if you promise to tuck me in and sing me to sleep once a week like you used to when I was younger."

"Sure, Lex," Marita smiled.



Back in Georgia..


Kathy opened her eyes as she heard a person approaching. By the time her vision cleared there was a man standing at the foot of her bed. It took her awhile but she was able to recognize him. It had been so long since she had seen him. The memory of his younger face flashed before her eyes. That was the last time she saw him. The day when…what happened that day. Katherine could remember, but she knew that face and had to try to talk.

"J...J...J..." she tried.

"John, Katie, yes, it's me, John."

Katherine's eyes opened wide. She wanted to take in as much as possible.

"I know I haven't come to see you in a while. I've been busy trying to get some money together. You're looking good," he lied.

Katherine slowly turned her head as much as she could to follow John Turner as he walked around the room. John walked to the window beside her bed and pushed the curtain out of the way.

"Well, at least everything is still beautiful, sad, but beautiful," John said and turned to walk away from the window.

"Wh...Why...Why..." Katherine tried to speak again, but the lack of people talking to her and the lack of a speech instructor had taken a toll on her speech.

"Why am I here?"

Katherine tried to nod her head, but realized it wasn't going to move in that direction.

"Well, I guess, that's what you want to know," John continued. "I needed to know something." John walked back to the foot of the bed and stroked his chin as he thought about what he was about to unleash. He placed his hands behind his back, holding them together, and looked directly into Katherine's eyes. "Do you remember a Marita?"

Katherine's eyes lit up right away. The name was so familiar. She tried to think. She had to remember. This could be the only chance her family would giver her for her to regain her memory. Then it clicked, "My...dau...dau..."

"That's all I needed to know."

John turned to leave. Katherine wished her body would move. She struggled but it felt like her body was tied. She wanted to leap out of the bed and stop John to find out where her daughter was. She wanted to fight him and get him to tell her about her child. How did John know where she was? Does he see her often? Has he hurt her? Why was she thinking about that? John wouldn't hurt any... the memories began to flow into Katherine's mind. She saw flashes of Isaac and him being beaten by her brothers. She saw her hand grab John's shoulder and his arm fly back to hit her.

"St...Stop!"

Her word stopped John before he could leave the room. He began to walk back over to the bed.

"She does have a daughter," Anna whispered as she came into the room.

John spun around and was surprised to see his niece standing in front of him.

"Why haven't any of you done anything about her daughter? She has grown up without a mother? What kind of men are you that you would do that to a child and a mother?" Anna cried as she ran out of the room.

John stood at the Katherine's bedside for awhile. He certainly didn't want to deal with his niece's emotion at this time. John looked down at Katherine to see tears streaming down her face. He took out his handkerchief and sat on the bed and began to wipe Katherine's face. He didn't know what to say to her, so he stayed silent and so did she as she turned her eyes from him.



The Nightmare


Sean waited for Marita outside of the study. He needed to spend some time with her. Holding hands, Marita and Lexy came out of the room last. They Sean, and Lexy took the hint. "I'm going to put this upstairs," Lexy said as she lifted the picture for Sean and Marita to see the picture. She let go of Marita's hand and ran up the stairs.

"Sean, can we go outside," Marita said as she went to the door.

Sean opened if for her, and watched her walk out. He loved watching her walk.

"I know what you're doing, Sean," Marita said without turning around. "It doesn't take that long to close the door after you."

Sean could hear Marita's smile in her voice as she spoke. He rushed to catch up to her. "What, I was just enjoying the view," Sean tried to sound innocent.

"Uh-huh," Marita smiled even bigger and stifled her laughter.

They headed to the garden. "Besides, I can't help it. I think that is why men hold the door for women."

"Oh, really, then how many woman have you held the door for," Marita smiled as she put her hands on her hips.

Knowing that he could get in trouble for the wrong answer, Sean said, "I would only hold it for you, but Alice would get made and call me 'improper' if she ever saw me close the door in a woman's face."

Marita laughed, "Sean, you are..."

"I'm what," he cut in and grabbed her waist.

"You're..." Marita began to say as Sean leaned over and began kissing her neck.

"I'm what," he said again between kisses.

"You're..." Marita was losing it. "Sean, people might see us."

Sean stood straight again. "So what, the family already knows about us." He started to make his way back to where he left off.

Marita gently pushed him off and lowered her voice, "But what if someone is watching us like Jeremy said."

That was enough to sober Sean up for awhile. He took Marita's hand and led her to the bench in the garden. "Alright, then. There is something I want to ask you about."

"Yes, what is it Sean?" Marita could hear the change in his tone. He was moving onto a serious topic.

They sat down on the bench as Sean asked, "What happened in there?"

"What do you mean?"

"Before we went into the study, I have never seen you like that before. Why did you hide behind me like that?"

Marita remembered the moment. It was as if a chill had went through her. She didn't know why had a problem all she knew was that it had to do with her dreams. "Sean, remember how I told you that I have been having nightmares?"

"Yes, was Pa a part of it?"

"I can't remember. It was as if I had lived that moment before in my dreams and that I know something bad is going to happen." Marita moved in closer to Sean. She needed to feel his strength now and she didn't care if anyone saw.

Sean put his arm around her. This had happened to Marita and his mother before. They seemed to know things before they would happen. Like the time that Sean had broken his arm, Marita had told him not to ride his horse in the field that day. She said she had a dream about it. He thought it was a bunch of nonsense back then, after all he was 15, she was only 13, and he never falls off his horse. But when his horse came upon a rattlesnake in the field, Sean was thrown and fell on his arm. He was lucky that his arm was the only thing he broke and that even that was not too bad. "What do you remember from your dream?" Sean said in a quiet and low voice.

"Only bits and pieces. I remember when or right before something happens. Like when I saw Vivian and then your Pa came over to us. I wish I could remember. All I know is that you can't leave the house tonight."

Sean wanted to ask why but knew better. She wouldn't know how to answer him anyway.

"Please, Sean, whatever happens, don't leave your house tonight."

Sean looked into her dark eyes. He gently placed a kiss on her forehead. "Alright, I'll stay in the house."






Some Letters



Dear Marita,

I just took my math exam. I wish you could have been here to help me study. If you were I probably wouldn't be struggling with the class.
Anyway, how are you doing? Do you miss me? I know I've only been gone a month, but I wish you were here. I have no one to talk to. I mean, I'm making friends, but I miss our talks.
Guess who wrote me? Vivian Winters. I gave her my address up here and decided to mail her a letter about tow weeks ago. Well, she wrote me back. So what do you think? Do you think I have a chance? I hope so, she's really pretty and Pa seems to like her. Besides she...


Marita skimmed the rest of the letter. It was four pages long. Sean used to write her a least once a week during his first year of college. The letters dwindled when he and Vivian started getting serious. Marita remembered how Sean would come home and spend most of his time with Vivian, then he would come back and ask her what Vivian meant by this or that or why she got angry so easily. Marita had hated it, but now she was happy that she stuck through it.

"Marita," her father's voice softly called as he knocked on her bedroom door.

"Yes, Pa," Marita said as she put all her letters back into her box.

"Baby, what's troublin' you? You hardly touched your supper and I've never see you clean up the kitchen that fast," Isaac said as he entered the room. He walked over and sat on the bed with Marita. There was a large carpetbag behind her. "Sweetheart, why are you packin'?"

Marita put the box of letters into the bag. "Pa, I just have this feeling. It's like something's gonna happen tonight, but I don't know what. I just felt the need to pack up the things that mean the most to me. It's kinda like I know I won't see this place again."

Isaac tenderly held Marita's hand as it laid on her lap. "Marita, baby, this house ain't goin' nowhere, and you don't have to either..."

"Pa, you don't understand. Just please, if I never ask another thing of you again, pack up all the things that mean the most to you and put it in a bag that's easy to carry."

Isaac looked at his daughter. She was the only thing that meant that much to him. "Baby girl, you're too big to fit in a bag," Isaac replied with a smile.

Marita hugged her father and laughed. She knew how much she meant to her father, especially after knowing what happened to her mother. The thought of her mother made Marita stop laughing. "Pa, I still don't understand something." Isaac looked at his daughter wondering what else could be on her mind. "How did you and Ma end up together? I mean, you knew the consequences back then."

Isaac let go of his little girl and looked into the eyes that reminded him so much of Katherine. "Yes, we knew the consequences, just like you and Sean know them."

"But, Pa, we're different," Marita said shaking her head as she sat up fully.

"How?" Isaac kept an intense gaze into Marita's eyes.

Marita didn't falter under the stare, "Pa, we were raised together. Sean and I grew up knowing our skin color was the only difference in how we were treated outside of this property. We didn't like it or understand when we were young, but we saw pass that because we saw our parents look pass it. But you were on Ma's plantation; her daddy owned you."

"Yes, he did. He owned my body, my labor but not my heart or mind. I wouldn't let him take that from me. My mama used to tell me, 'Son, don't you never let no white man take away who you are. Remember who you are and one day one of those white folks might turn good and change thangs round here.'" Marita smiled at the old woman's voice that her father always faked when he would repeat something his mother told him. "She never lived to see Lincoln try to do his best to free the slaves," Isaac continued in his own voice and now looked out the window behind Marita's head. "She never lived to see Katherine, your mama, try to do the best by me and you." Isaac returned his gaze to Marita's eyes. "Your ma loved us both even up until she died."

This time, Marita took hold of her father's hand. He was the one who needed her now. "Pa, were you married?" Marita had to know. Maybe this could give her an idea for her and Sean.

"No, at least not legally, but then again most colored folk weren't even legally married back then. We made our own vows to each other the day she saw me about to enlist. We even got out an old broom and did that part of the ceremony. I couldn't believe that she would want to jump over the broom with an ex-slave. That's not how white folks do things," Isaac smiled and quietly laughed at the memory. "It wasn't legal, but she sure liked it when me, Libby or Ned would call her Mrs. Peters. One time I even caught her in the mirror saying it to herself. Anyway, I couldn't afford a ring, but once I got here Ned and Libby saw to it that I was able to get her something. She wore it on a chain around her neck and under her clothing, but we knew we had a vow that couldn't be broken..." Isaac paused as his eyes began to sting. He fought the tears; he couldn't let Marita see him like this, but he had to finish, "not even with beatings," Isaac quietly finished.

Marita rubbed her father's back as she held him again. She didn't know what to say. Her father wasn't crying, but it was obvious that he was hurting, and again she understood his and her concern for her and Sean. They were making a decision that could cause them both pain, even death.

"Well," Isaac said as he straightened up from the hug, "Pretty angel, I guess I should pack up a few things if you are having feelings."

"Yes, Pa," Marita said as Isaac began to stand. Marita stood also and walked with him to the door. "Pa..."

"Don't worry, sweetheart, your pa will be fine," Isaac said. He leaned over and kissed her forehead before leaving the room.

Marita said a little prayer for her father as she walked over to the closet. As she pulled out her two favorite dresses, she remembered Libby. Libby had taught her how to sew when she was younger, but Marita could never teach Alice. Alice loved to have things made for her. But Lexy was interested in learning.

As Marita bent down to pick up her shoes she saw a black widow spider. It crawled pass her hand and headed for a hole in the ground. Normally she would let it go, but she knew this one was poisonous and it would be better to get rid or it before it bit someone. She killed it with one quick smack of her shoe and was about to continue with her packing when she saw the form of the hole to which the spider was crawling. It was shaped like a craved out "M". Marita traced the letter with her finger and wondered why she never noticed it before. Probably because she never had a lot of shoes in her closet to cause her to search it. The letter intrigued her. She realized that hole was along the edge of the floorboard, so it was no coincidence. Marita pinched the center of the "M" and found the floorboard easy to lift. Underneath were several old papers, yellowish brown with age. The first one was a letter, surprisingly to Marita:

Well, my darling little one, if you found this the something must have happened to me. I would have hid it in a better place if I was still alive. I want you to know how much I love you, and though worldly possession are not the way to happiness I want you to know that everything I have is yours. In this compartment is a copy of a will that Libby helped me draw up. She even got her lawyer to certify it. He had lots of questions, but he knew that if he wanted to keep the Logan business he'd keep his mouth shut. He died about a year later, so hardly anyone knows about his. Libby promised me that if something should happen to me that she wouldn't tell you until you were 18. The reason being that money can ruin a young heart.
My precious Marita, I hope that your life has been happy. Enjoy it and enjoy love. It is what will give you the strength to stand up to anything. I love you, darling. Always remember that. Love, Momma


Marita carefully folded the note and placed it next to her on the floor. She looked through the other papers there. On one piece were Katherine's wedding vows, another was the will and the third was a letter addressed to Sean Logan. Marita was tempted to open it but decided she'd wait. It would be better if they read it together.

A chill ran up Marita's back and made her shiver. Sudden fear gripped her and all she wanted to do was run. Then as quickly as it came, it left. Marita shook herself and stood up. She placed her new-found treasures in the box that she had placed in her bag. She picked up her only other pair of shoes, the ones she killed the spider with, wiped them off with a rag and put them in the bag. Then she placed her dresses, undergarments, and shawl on top. The last thing she placed in the bag was a stuffed bear. It had one black button eye and one blue because Marita had sewn on a different button when she was younger. Most of the stuffing had fallen out but a fresh stitching showed were a hole was patched up. Marita smiled at the toy as she held it in her hand. Sean had given it to her after she went back to live with her Pa. She loved her Pa, but not having her Ma there to sing or read to her until she fell asleep scared Marita. She wanted to stay with Sean. So Sean gave her the bear. He had picked it out himself and used all of his allowance to get if for her. "Marita, he'll protect you when I can't," Sean had said. Marita laughed to herself at the idea that a stuffed animal could protect her now, but back then she clung to that bear like she was still sleeping with Sean. And she knew that every once and awhile, when Sean was out of town or she heard about a lynching down South, she would pull out that old bear and hold it tightly until she fell asleep.

Marita gently placed the bear on top of everything else in the bag. She glanced around the room to make sure she didn't miss anything important. Most of it could be replaced, but she wished she could take her books with her. She knew she couldn't taker them all, so she grabbed her Bible and the copy of Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice." Ned had given her the latter saying that she was very much like Portia. They were both strong willed, extremely intelligent, able to outwit any man, and yet maintain the art of being a lady.

Marita put one book in her bag and closed the latch. She picked up the bag and walked out the room. Isaac saw her pass by his door. "Marita, where are you going?"

"Nowhere, Pa, I just wanted to put this by the door," Marita said as she placed the bag by the front door. She turned to go back to her room. "Are you almost done, Pa?"

"Yes, ma'am," Isaac mockingly answered like a child talking to a parent.

"Alright, Pa, I get the hint. I won't nag you."

Isaac laughed as Marita went back to her room. She laid on the bed and opened the book. She figured she might as well read while she waited this feeling out.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It doth not envy, it doth not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfish, it is not easily provoked, it keepeth no record or wrongs. Love doth not rejoice in evil but rejoiceth in the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres."

Marita closed the Bible and prayed, "God, help me and Sean to not only love each other and our family like this but help us to love those who might and will do us wrong in our lives. Help us to show love." Marita opened her Bible and continued to read.



What's Uncle Johnny hiding?


Anna found what she was looking in her daughter's voice. Sarah had came running into the bedroom that her mother was tearing apart. "Mama, why are you in Uncle Johnny's room?" she innocently asked.

"I'm looking for something. I need to find out where Uncle Johnny just cam from?"

"Oh, that's easy. He came from Kentucky."

"How do you know that, sweetie?" Anna asked her daughter and sat on the bed.

"He told me and gave me this earlier today when he was unpacking," Sarah held up a ticket. There, hand-written in black ink, were the words: Lexington, Kentucky.

"Thank you, sweetheart. That's just what your Momma wanted to know," Anna stood up and gave the ticket back to Sarah.

"Why didn't you just ask Uncle Johnny?"

"Well, dear, because he's out with you daddy and grandpa right now. Besides I want to surprise him with something, so you have to keep it a secret, okay?" Anna lowered her voice to a whisper to emphasize her point.

"Okay, Momma," Sarah whispered back. "But what's the surprise?"

"I can't tell you yet, but it might help Auntie Kate, too."

"Really!" Sara was delighted.

"Don't get too excited, young lady. I have to see if we can get the surprise." Anna pinched her daughter's nose between her two knuckles and pulled it away gently but quickly as Sarah laughed. "Besides, aren't you suppose to be getting ready for bed."

Sarah giggled and ran off.

"I'll be there in a minute to tuck you in!" Anna called after her daughter. The one thing she liked about not having anyone else in the house was that she could be herself. Anna straightened up John's room before leaving to tuck Sarah in. Anna had a lot on her mind that night, and she knew she had to act quickly and quietly the next few days so she could accomplish what was burning inside of her to do.




The Night that Hell Began


Colonel Harry Griffith arrived at the Jockey Club a little late. His wife had been nagging him about having meetings after dinner. He shouldn't be traveling in and out of town so late she told him. Harry was glad to have an excuse to get away. Besides his wife's nagging, his mother-in-law had come for an unexpected visit. His house was too much for him tonight.

As he opened the door, he was alarmed at what he saw and heard. He hadn't fully entered the main room, but he could hear people talking, actually it was one person whose voice was muffled by the white cloth that covered his face.

"This is wrong. How can we have a political official who wants to be with a colored woman?"

Judging from that one sentence, Harry knew that somehow the letter he brought to Ned had gotten into the wrong hands. Harry kept listening. He tried to get a better look. The audience's back was to him, but the speaker was wearing an all white robe along with his head covering. Thought Harry had never seen one, he knew what a klansman was suppose to look like, and he hated the fact that even after the war people could live in peace with one another.

"We must teach him a lesson, and the best way to do that is by putting his 'woman' in her place."

The crowd rumbled in agreement. Harry could feel the hatred rise in the room like the heat in a kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.

"She shouldn't write letters like that. What makes her think she's better than a white woman?" someone said from the crowd.

Harry turned to leave but stopped as he heard, "Tonight, we'll set them straight!"

"Yeah!!" yelled the crowd.

Harry left unnoticed because of all the ruckus inside. He was so disturbed that he didn't see where he was going or whom he was about to bump into as he left the club.

"Harry, you alright?" Ned said as he caught his friend.

"You know, I'm not sure, Ned. When I see and hear the things I saw and heard tonight..."

"What are you talking about, Harry?" Ned put an arm around Harry's shoulder and walked him away from the club.

"Ned, get home quickly. Keep Sean and Marita in your house. Guard them with your life." Harry began to drift, saying his own thoughts aloud; "I can't stay in a town anymore. That's why I fought in the war."

"Harry, what are you talking about?" Ned shook Harry. He needed to get information now.

"People are coming for them tonight. Go," Harry said as he began to push Ned back. "Some of the men from the club, we got a letter from Elwood telling us to come here for a meeting."

Ned's blood began to rush. He wanted to barge into that meeting and put an end to it all, but an angry mob against one angry man would do no one any good. "Thank you, Harry. You get home yourself, alright?"

"Sure, be careful, Ned," Harry turned and ran to his carriage.

Ned saw Jeremy waiting a few buildings away from the club. He ran over and hoped onto his horse.

"What's wrong, Pa?" Jeremy said as he jumped into the buggy.

"You get to the house as fast as you can. Tell Sean that I've gone to get Isaac and Marita. We have a problem that's going to blow up tonight," Ned said as he tried to control the horse that could feel his anxiousness and wanted to go as much as he did.

"Alright, Pa," Jeremy said as he watched Ned ride off down the road. Jeremy went as fast as he could without causing the buggy to turn.

He got to the house just as he saw Clay coming from the stables. "Where's Sean?" Jeremy yelled.

"In the house," Clay yelled back. As he saw Jeremy begin to run to the house, he ran after him. "Where's Pa?"

"Sean!!" Jeremy shouted as he burst through the door. "Sean!!"

"What is it, Jeremy?" Sean said as he rushed down the stairs.

Jeremy was out of breath and struggled to get out the message. "Pa...Pa...went to get Isaac and Marita...problem...He says we have a big problem."

Sean wanted to run out the door and get Marita himself. That was his job not Pa's, but he remembered the promise he made to Marita. Sean looked up and saw Clay behind Jeremy. Clay could see the struggle in Sean's eyes, though he didn't know what was causing it.

"Clay, go get her for me. Tell her I'm waiting like I promised her. Go!"

Clay ran out of the house and got on Gauntlet bareback. He wasn't use to it and neither was Gauntlet, but they could both sense the urgency.

Back at the Peters' House

Isaac opened the door to see his friend gasping for air. "Ned, what's the matter with..."

"Isaac, we've got to go now. Where's Marita?"

"She's in her bedroom."

"No, I'm not, Pa," Marita stood strong in the doorway of the main room. "They're coming, aren't they?"

Ned nodded as he looked quizzically at her. He didn't know how she could know that, but he didn't have the time to ponder it now.

Marita continued, "Pa, grab your bag. We must leave now." Marita's voice was firm but still soft. She picked up her bag and left the house.

Isaac ran to his room and grabbed his bag. When they were all outside, they realized that there were three of them and only Ned's horse. "Take my little girl, Ned. I'll walk to the house. Make sure she's safe," Isaac said as he helped Marita onto the horse with Ned.

"Pa..." Marita couldn't bear the idea of leaving her father behind.

"No, sweetheart. You go ahead. I'll be fine."

Marita buried her head into Ned's back and tried not to cry. She knew that tonight she needed to stay strong for everyone else, no matter how she felt about her nightmare coming true.

"Ya!" Ned called and started his horse quickly toward the Logan home. Clay passed Marita and Ned on the way. "Get Isaac!" Ned yelled.

Clay found Isaac walking to the Logan house. He helped Isaac onto the horse. As they were about to ride off they looked up and saw a bright light in the distance. It looked like fire coming out of the woods. They could hear other horses and people. Clay froze; his mind went blank yet was filled with fear simultaneously.

Isaac gave Clay a gentle nudge. "Let's go, son. You don't want to see what they've got planned."

Clay kicked Gauntlet to make him run. Even with the extra weight Gauntlet seemed to fly. It was as if he saw and sensed the danger around them, too.