Special thanks to all of you who submit reviews for my story. I really
wouldn't write if there weren't great readers like you all.
Authors Note: If the language is difficult to understand, I apologize, but it makes the story more credible. Just read is like it sounds. I'm having to backtrack to the train, so that I can tell Mabel's story. Then, the story will progress back to the meeting with Ned, Isaac, and Sean.
Mabel's story
After Mabel and Marita got settled again after the break, Mabel began her story.
"I was born a slave. My massa was the most terrible massa. My ma was the most prettiest slave on the plantation, but in dem days, beauty was a curse. She bore 'leven chillin' and six was black and five was white. The five white was for de massa. As you kin see, I's for my pa, I's the fourth from the youngest. My ma was only 19 when she bare me. Massa never mess with no other slaves but my mama. Massa was real good to my ma. He take care of her and see dat she have nice things, but he turn round and sold all my ma chillin' when dey turn 13 year old. That grieve my mama soul. She begged and pleaded with massa, but he say dat he cain't keep that many chillin runnin round. Massa have his white wife too, and he have eight chillin' wit her too. So, mama tried real hard not to look good to massa. She tried real hard to get fat but she just couldn't keep no fat on her bones. She tried to get real dark by working in the sun all day, but Massa made her work in his house. Massa even mess with her up till the time she give birth. I was only five year old but I remember wid dat last chile, she was so sick. My papa got real mad too. He begged Massa not to mess with mama, but massa had him hanged. Mama and dat baby die that same day too. Massa was real sad too. He carried her body, and he cried over her for three days and then the body start to stink. Nobody ever saw massa like dat before. Even Massa wife say dat he should die too cause he a disgrace to they whole family. After a few weeks Massa was back to normal. When I was 13, he sole me on the block. I was sold to Mr. Frank. He was a good massa. He did mess with some of the older women, but he never took a girl chile's virtue, and since I didn't lay wit no man, he never mess wit me. Mr. Frank was real rich and he take good care of all his slaves, he said dat it made them do better work for him. I worked there wit Mr. Frank for a long time. He never sold a slave, and he only bought new ones when a slave died. When I was bout 25, Mr. Frank died and freed all us slaves. All of 'em left, except me. Mr. Frank wife, Miss May was pregnant wit her 9th chile. She and I became good friends. She let me move into the big house and help her raise all dem chillin. When Miss May baby come, it look like all de rest of 'em. White wit no hair but dis one had brown eyes. As dat chile grew, the skin turn a lil' darker than all de rest of them chllin, and her hair was real curly like. Miss May never allowed that chile to go into town, but I never questioned her, and I kept my mouf shut. One day that chile got real sick, and the doc came and said that the chile either has dat sick cell anemia or that small pox. He say dat if it was dat anemia, den it would have been pass down from one of the parents, and he say dat some of the other chillin should have it too. Then he say dat if it was the pox, it catches like wildfire and everyone else would be sick too. Miss May still didn't say nuthin' but the doc figured it out, and so did I. He treated the chile for that anemia. After the doc lef, Miss May just came right and tole me dat lil' Lily wadn't Mr. Frank chile, but she was for Clarence."
Marita spoke, "Did she treat the chile any different than the others?"
"Yes, she did. She loved dat chile more than all de others. Miss May say that Clarence was her true love, and she say dat the chile make faces just like him, and she say that she could see Clarence in lil' Lily's eyes."
"Did Clarence know about Lily?" Marita asked
"Clarence lef when Mr. Frank died. But about seven years later, me, Miss May, and Lily was sitting in the house quilting, when we heard a hard knock on the door. I went and answered the door. I said, 'Clarence is dat you.' Well, it didn't take no time for Miss May to make it to the door. 'Clarence!" she yelled and leaped at him. I saw dat dey needed some privacy so I took lil' Lily wit me upstairs. A while later, Miss May called for Lily. Clarence and Miss May just cried wit dat chile all evenin' long. Clarence stayed in the old slave quarter that was closet to the big house. When Mr. Frank died he left a lot of savings bonds and Clarence helped Miss May figure out how to cash them. She got a whole lot of money, and she paid me more than enough for all the years that I stayed wit her. Then she hired Clarence. He really was man of the house, but he still stay in that old quarter because he didn't want lil' Lily to think that livin' together was right."
"But, they had a chile together, what's the difference?" Marita asked.
"That's what we tried to tell stubborn Clarence, and he and Miss May had two more chillin' before the doc say that she cain't have no more."
"How did they manage to keep people from bothering them?"
"Well, Miss May always carried her babies real small, and when she got too big, she didn't go into town. When the doc came to deliver the babe, he just never said a word. See, ole' doc had some colored chillin' too. Since, Clarence was bright-skinned the chillin' looked white. When people asked Miss May whose chillin they was, she said that they was her dead cousin's chillin. Thirty years later , all Miss May's chillin are grown up. They alls married with their own chillin. I still stay with Miss May in that big ole' house.
"So you never got married or had any children?" Marita asked.
"Honey, I've seen many women live and die by men, including my own mama. I've never seen a truly happy couple, until Clarence came back to Miss May. I can say that they are the only couple that is really happy with each other, and the world we live in won't accept it. Ne'ertheless, I've got more money than I'll ever spend, and I'm a free woman bound my no man but God; so, I just try to see the world. Today, I'm going to Boston because I hear that colored folks do real well there."
By the that Miss Mabel finished her story, Marita realized that it had been over three hours. Time really did fly when you told good stories.
"We'll be arriving in Boston within the hour," the train attendant yelled. Marita felt a knot growing in her stomach that she gently patted.
"You getting' nervous ain't ya?' Mabel asked.
"Yeah, a little, how'd you know?" Marita asked.
"Because I could sense it," Mabel responded simply.
"So do you know where you will be staying tonight?" Marita asked.
"Oh yeah, don't you worry yo pretty lil' head 'bout Miss Mabel. I learned to take real good care of myself."
Before they knew it the train had stopped. The first and second classes unloaded first. Then Marita helped Miss Mabel, and they loaded their things. After they had gotten their bags and were ready to go their separate ways Miss Mabel spoke, "Now, you listen to me and listen good. This college here may get hard for you, but you gone make it. There will be something that will try to hinder you, but if you be patient and be true to yourself, you will always make the right choice. The easy way ain't always the best way. Sometimes you have to take the story way because when the storm is over the sun shines on you so beautiful, and it will be worth it when you're truly happy. Marita honey, make sure that you keep the good Lord close to you. He'll give you guidance and wisdom, and He'll lead you to the light. The good book says, 'Cast all of your cares on Him for he cares for you,' and always have faith in the impossible because, faith is believin' in what your lil' eyes cain't see."
"Thank you so much Miss Mabel. I really do hope that I see you again," Marita hugged Mabel.
"The pleasure was all mine beautiful Marita, and if the good Lord bid, I'll see you again. Take care," Mabel turned around and went on her way.
There was still a lot of people at the train station. Marita sat down to find her directions. She needed to get to Miss Liza's Hotel, which was supposed to be only about a block away. Marita picked up her three suitcases and began walking. As soon as she turned the corner, she saw the young black man that tipped his hat to her in Lexington. She tried to act like she didn't see him, but it was too late. He saw her.
"Cuse me," he yelled and Marita didn't acknowledge him, "Cuse me," he yelled again and Marita stopped.
"I saw you back at the station in Lexington. My name's Josiah Lewis, and I just had to tell you that you're the most beautiful lady, I ever did see."
Location: Lexington, Kentucky- Meeting between Sean, Ned, and Isaac
Setting: Ned Logan's office, Ned has called a meeting between Sean, Isaac, and himself.
Ned began, "As you well know, our children have developed a relationship, and I think that they should have our support."
Isaac spoke up, " Well, before Marita left, I had a talk with them. I'm sorry that I didn't include you Ned, but I felt that I needed to go ahead and talk to them. I talked to Sean, and he assured me that he only had the most honorable intentions for Marita. So, I gave him my permission to try to find a way for them to be together, honorably."
Ned speaks again, "Well that's a good start, but there are a several points that I want to make. Firstly, Isaac you and I both know what it's like to truly love a woman; Secondly, we both were in situations where marriage was possible; Thirdly, we both know that what is best for Sean and Marita, is Sean and Marita; Finally, we only have three months. Now, with that in mind are there any questions? Ideas?"
Sean speaks next, "Well, I've made a list of people that I feel that may have some information that could help us."
"That's good, and if you want to give me your list, I can add to it," Ned said.
"It's right here," Sean pulled the list out of his satchel. "I could only think of four people."
"Well, I know of at least three people that I could contact," Isaac added.
"Good, let's make a list, and we can get started as soon as possible," Ned said.
"Pa, Isaac, I really do appreciate your helping me and Marita, I mean Marita and I," Sean said.
"I see Marita's got you correcting you grammar," Isaac chuckled
"Yeah, I'm trying," Sean said.
The three men took almost an hour to make their list of possible contacts.
"Pa, dinner's ready," Lexy yelled.
Ned spoke, "Alright, now I'm gonna have to talk to the rest of the family after dinner, but I think that with this list, we should get some good information. Oh, and Isaac, I told you many times over the years that you're just like my brother, and that you and Marita were always welcomed at my table, but now that Marita is gone, I'm insisting that you have your meals here."
Isaac smiled, "Ned, you don't think that I'm capable of cooking for myself?"
"Yes, actually I know that you can cook and that is exactly why I want you to eat here. We want you to live until Marita comes home," Ned said
"And you think that Alice's cooking will keep me alive?" Isaac retorted
"Good point," Ned said as the three men laughed, "but I'd still feel better if you joined us. Besides, Alice is learning to make more than chicken," Ned said as the three men walked out of the office smiling.
"So, what's for dinner?" Jeremy asked.
"Stewed chicken," Alice replied causing Sean, Isaac, and Ned to burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Alice asked.
"Nothing honey, just man stuff," Ned replied trying to contain his laughter.
"Alice, I thought that you were gonna try some of your new beef recipes," Clay said while he was serving himself some of the chicken.
The family and Isaac ate and conversed casually. For some strange reason, Sean felt good having Isaac there. It felt like he had a part of Marita there. Then when dinner was over, they all joined into the den for their family meeting.
"So, what's going on?" Jeremy asked impatiently
Ned begins the meeting, "Well, I just had a talk with Sean and Isaac, and as I'm sure that you've all figured out, Sean and Marita care a great deal about each other, and they want to be together."
"Gosh Sean, it's about time, you do something about it," Clay interjected as he gave Sean a big, manly handshake
"Yeah, I was tired of catching them together trying to act like nothing was going on," Jeremy interjected.
"Yeah me too, they told me that they were kissing because that was the way that you say "Hello" in Ireland," Lexy said innocently causing everyone to laugh, especially Sean. Lexy was encouraged by everyone's laughter so she decided to keep going, "…Then he stuck his tongue in her mouth, yuck, and then he put his hands on…."
"Lexy, that's enough," Sean interrupted.
Everyone paused for a minute and stared at Sean, then they all burst out laughing again except Ned and Isaac. They both stood looking at Sean with their arms crossed, but Isaac had an angry scowl on his face. "That is exactly why we are going to try to help Sean and Marita. They both deserve to be happy. Now, we've made a list of people that we are going to contact to see if they can help, so you know how things are around here. Lexington is a small town, and they love gossip. We're gonna keep it as confidential as possible, but if people find out they will start talking. Everyone in this family will remain informed of the progress, but no one is to discuss this with anyone else unless you have my approval. If this gets out too soon, everything and I mean everything could be ruined. If you are approached regarding this matter, just act like you know nothing. If people can't get any solid information, the rumor will die. I'd like to get this taken care of by the time Marita returns. Does anyone have anything that they'd like to add?"
"Well, if there's anything that I can do to help let me know," Alice adds
"Yeah me too," Clay adds
"Me too," Jeremy adds
"Well, I'd say, me too, but I know
Setting: Logan home
"Good Morning Vivian, how are you?" Alice asked as she moved to allow Vivian into the house.
"I'm magnificent, how are you?" Vivian responded.
"I'm fine. How can I help you?" Alice asked curious as to why Vivian was there.
"Well, actually I needed to talk to your father. Is he here?"
"Yes, he's in his office, you can go right in," Alice said as she went back to continue her work.
Authors Note: If the language is difficult to understand, I apologize, but it makes the story more credible. Just read is like it sounds. I'm having to backtrack to the train, so that I can tell Mabel's story. Then, the story will progress back to the meeting with Ned, Isaac, and Sean.
Mabel's story
After Mabel and Marita got settled again after the break, Mabel began her story.
"I was born a slave. My massa was the most terrible massa. My ma was the most prettiest slave on the plantation, but in dem days, beauty was a curse. She bore 'leven chillin' and six was black and five was white. The five white was for de massa. As you kin see, I's for my pa, I's the fourth from the youngest. My ma was only 19 when she bare me. Massa never mess with no other slaves but my mama. Massa was real good to my ma. He take care of her and see dat she have nice things, but he turn round and sold all my ma chillin' when dey turn 13 year old. That grieve my mama soul. She begged and pleaded with massa, but he say dat he cain't keep that many chillin runnin round. Massa have his white wife too, and he have eight chillin' wit her too. So, mama tried real hard not to look good to massa. She tried real hard to get fat but she just couldn't keep no fat on her bones. She tried to get real dark by working in the sun all day, but Massa made her work in his house. Massa even mess with her up till the time she give birth. I was only five year old but I remember wid dat last chile, she was so sick. My papa got real mad too. He begged Massa not to mess with mama, but massa had him hanged. Mama and dat baby die that same day too. Massa was real sad too. He carried her body, and he cried over her for three days and then the body start to stink. Nobody ever saw massa like dat before. Even Massa wife say dat he should die too cause he a disgrace to they whole family. After a few weeks Massa was back to normal. When I was 13, he sole me on the block. I was sold to Mr. Frank. He was a good massa. He did mess with some of the older women, but he never took a girl chile's virtue, and since I didn't lay wit no man, he never mess wit me. Mr. Frank was real rich and he take good care of all his slaves, he said dat it made them do better work for him. I worked there wit Mr. Frank for a long time. He never sold a slave, and he only bought new ones when a slave died. When I was bout 25, Mr. Frank died and freed all us slaves. All of 'em left, except me. Mr. Frank wife, Miss May was pregnant wit her 9th chile. She and I became good friends. She let me move into the big house and help her raise all dem chillin. When Miss May baby come, it look like all de rest of 'em. White wit no hair but dis one had brown eyes. As dat chile grew, the skin turn a lil' darker than all de rest of them chllin, and her hair was real curly like. Miss May never allowed that chile to go into town, but I never questioned her, and I kept my mouf shut. One day that chile got real sick, and the doc came and said that the chile either has dat sick cell anemia or that small pox. He say dat if it was dat anemia, den it would have been pass down from one of the parents, and he say dat some of the other chillin should have it too. Then he say dat if it was the pox, it catches like wildfire and everyone else would be sick too. Miss May still didn't say nuthin' but the doc figured it out, and so did I. He treated the chile for that anemia. After the doc lef, Miss May just came right and tole me dat lil' Lily wadn't Mr. Frank chile, but she was for Clarence."
Marita spoke, "Did she treat the chile any different than the others?"
"Yes, she did. She loved dat chile more than all de others. Miss May say that Clarence was her true love, and she say dat the chile make faces just like him, and she say that she could see Clarence in lil' Lily's eyes."
"Did Clarence know about Lily?" Marita asked
"Clarence lef when Mr. Frank died. But about seven years later, me, Miss May, and Lily was sitting in the house quilting, when we heard a hard knock on the door. I went and answered the door. I said, 'Clarence is dat you.' Well, it didn't take no time for Miss May to make it to the door. 'Clarence!" she yelled and leaped at him. I saw dat dey needed some privacy so I took lil' Lily wit me upstairs. A while later, Miss May called for Lily. Clarence and Miss May just cried wit dat chile all evenin' long. Clarence stayed in the old slave quarter that was closet to the big house. When Mr. Frank died he left a lot of savings bonds and Clarence helped Miss May figure out how to cash them. She got a whole lot of money, and she paid me more than enough for all the years that I stayed wit her. Then she hired Clarence. He really was man of the house, but he still stay in that old quarter because he didn't want lil' Lily to think that livin' together was right."
"But, they had a chile together, what's the difference?" Marita asked.
"That's what we tried to tell stubborn Clarence, and he and Miss May had two more chillin' before the doc say that she cain't have no more."
"How did they manage to keep people from bothering them?"
"Well, Miss May always carried her babies real small, and when she got too big, she didn't go into town. When the doc came to deliver the babe, he just never said a word. See, ole' doc had some colored chillin' too. Since, Clarence was bright-skinned the chillin' looked white. When people asked Miss May whose chillin they was, she said that they was her dead cousin's chillin. Thirty years later , all Miss May's chillin are grown up. They alls married with their own chillin. I still stay with Miss May in that big ole' house.
"So you never got married or had any children?" Marita asked.
"Honey, I've seen many women live and die by men, including my own mama. I've never seen a truly happy couple, until Clarence came back to Miss May. I can say that they are the only couple that is really happy with each other, and the world we live in won't accept it. Ne'ertheless, I've got more money than I'll ever spend, and I'm a free woman bound my no man but God; so, I just try to see the world. Today, I'm going to Boston because I hear that colored folks do real well there."
By the that Miss Mabel finished her story, Marita realized that it had been over three hours. Time really did fly when you told good stories.
"We'll be arriving in Boston within the hour," the train attendant yelled. Marita felt a knot growing in her stomach that she gently patted.
"You getting' nervous ain't ya?' Mabel asked.
"Yeah, a little, how'd you know?" Marita asked.
"Because I could sense it," Mabel responded simply.
"So do you know where you will be staying tonight?" Marita asked.
"Oh yeah, don't you worry yo pretty lil' head 'bout Miss Mabel. I learned to take real good care of myself."
Before they knew it the train had stopped. The first and second classes unloaded first. Then Marita helped Miss Mabel, and they loaded their things. After they had gotten their bags and were ready to go their separate ways Miss Mabel spoke, "Now, you listen to me and listen good. This college here may get hard for you, but you gone make it. There will be something that will try to hinder you, but if you be patient and be true to yourself, you will always make the right choice. The easy way ain't always the best way. Sometimes you have to take the story way because when the storm is over the sun shines on you so beautiful, and it will be worth it when you're truly happy. Marita honey, make sure that you keep the good Lord close to you. He'll give you guidance and wisdom, and He'll lead you to the light. The good book says, 'Cast all of your cares on Him for he cares for you,' and always have faith in the impossible because, faith is believin' in what your lil' eyes cain't see."
"Thank you so much Miss Mabel. I really do hope that I see you again," Marita hugged Mabel.
"The pleasure was all mine beautiful Marita, and if the good Lord bid, I'll see you again. Take care," Mabel turned around and went on her way.
There was still a lot of people at the train station. Marita sat down to find her directions. She needed to get to Miss Liza's Hotel, which was supposed to be only about a block away. Marita picked up her three suitcases and began walking. As soon as she turned the corner, she saw the young black man that tipped his hat to her in Lexington. She tried to act like she didn't see him, but it was too late. He saw her.
"Cuse me," he yelled and Marita didn't acknowledge him, "Cuse me," he yelled again and Marita stopped.
"I saw you back at the station in Lexington. My name's Josiah Lewis, and I just had to tell you that you're the most beautiful lady, I ever did see."
Location: Lexington, Kentucky- Meeting between Sean, Ned, and Isaac
Setting: Ned Logan's office, Ned has called a meeting between Sean, Isaac, and himself.
Ned began, "As you well know, our children have developed a relationship, and I think that they should have our support."
Isaac spoke up, " Well, before Marita left, I had a talk with them. I'm sorry that I didn't include you Ned, but I felt that I needed to go ahead and talk to them. I talked to Sean, and he assured me that he only had the most honorable intentions for Marita. So, I gave him my permission to try to find a way for them to be together, honorably."
Ned speaks again, "Well that's a good start, but there are a several points that I want to make. Firstly, Isaac you and I both know what it's like to truly love a woman; Secondly, we both were in situations where marriage was possible; Thirdly, we both know that what is best for Sean and Marita, is Sean and Marita; Finally, we only have three months. Now, with that in mind are there any questions? Ideas?"
Sean speaks next, "Well, I've made a list of people that I feel that may have some information that could help us."
"That's good, and if you want to give me your list, I can add to it," Ned said.
"It's right here," Sean pulled the list out of his satchel. "I could only think of four people."
"Well, I know of at least three people that I could contact," Isaac added.
"Good, let's make a list, and we can get started as soon as possible," Ned said.
"Pa, Isaac, I really do appreciate your helping me and Marita, I mean Marita and I," Sean said.
"I see Marita's got you correcting you grammar," Isaac chuckled
"Yeah, I'm trying," Sean said.
The three men took almost an hour to make their list of possible contacts.
"Pa, dinner's ready," Lexy yelled.
Ned spoke, "Alright, now I'm gonna have to talk to the rest of the family after dinner, but I think that with this list, we should get some good information. Oh, and Isaac, I told you many times over the years that you're just like my brother, and that you and Marita were always welcomed at my table, but now that Marita is gone, I'm insisting that you have your meals here."
Isaac smiled, "Ned, you don't think that I'm capable of cooking for myself?"
"Yes, actually I know that you can cook and that is exactly why I want you to eat here. We want you to live until Marita comes home," Ned said
"And you think that Alice's cooking will keep me alive?" Isaac retorted
"Good point," Ned said as the three men laughed, "but I'd still feel better if you joined us. Besides, Alice is learning to make more than chicken," Ned said as the three men walked out of the office smiling.
"So, what's for dinner?" Jeremy asked.
"Stewed chicken," Alice replied causing Sean, Isaac, and Ned to burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Alice asked.
"Nothing honey, just man stuff," Ned replied trying to contain his laughter.
"Alice, I thought that you were gonna try some of your new beef recipes," Clay said while he was serving himself some of the chicken.
The family and Isaac ate and conversed casually. For some strange reason, Sean felt good having Isaac there. It felt like he had a part of Marita there. Then when dinner was over, they all joined into the den for their family meeting.
"So, what's going on?" Jeremy asked impatiently
Ned begins the meeting, "Well, I just had a talk with Sean and Isaac, and as I'm sure that you've all figured out, Sean and Marita care a great deal about each other, and they want to be together."
"Gosh Sean, it's about time, you do something about it," Clay interjected as he gave Sean a big, manly handshake
"Yeah, I was tired of catching them together trying to act like nothing was going on," Jeremy interjected.
"Yeah me too, they told me that they were kissing because that was the way that you say "Hello" in Ireland," Lexy said innocently causing everyone to laugh, especially Sean. Lexy was encouraged by everyone's laughter so she decided to keep going, "…Then he stuck his tongue in her mouth, yuck, and then he put his hands on…."
"Lexy, that's enough," Sean interrupted.
Everyone paused for a minute and stared at Sean, then they all burst out laughing again except Ned and Isaac. They both stood looking at Sean with their arms crossed, but Isaac had an angry scowl on his face. "That is exactly why we are going to try to help Sean and Marita. They both deserve to be happy. Now, we've made a list of people that we are going to contact to see if they can help, so you know how things are around here. Lexington is a small town, and they love gossip. We're gonna keep it as confidential as possible, but if people find out they will start talking. Everyone in this family will remain informed of the progress, but no one is to discuss this with anyone else unless you have my approval. If this gets out too soon, everything and I mean everything could be ruined. If you are approached regarding this matter, just act like you know nothing. If people can't get any solid information, the rumor will die. I'd like to get this taken care of by the time Marita returns. Does anyone have anything that they'd like to add?"
"Well, if there's anything that I can do to help let me know," Alice adds
"Yeah me too," Clay adds
"Me too," Jeremy adds
"Well, I'd say, me too, but I know
Setting: Logan home
"Good Morning Vivian, how are you?" Alice asked as she moved to allow Vivian into the house.
"I'm magnificent, how are you?" Vivian responded.
"I'm fine. How can I help you?" Alice asked curious as to why Vivian was there.
"Well, actually I needed to talk to your father. Is he here?"
"Yes, he's in his office, you can go right in," Alice said as she went back to continue her work.
