Chapter 4
"Laura? What's wrong? You know you can tell me anything." Said Almanzo
Laura reluctantly replied, "Well, I wanted to wait to tell you but I guess I'll tell you right now." Laura took a deep breath and started to mutter out the following, "Almanzo, I'm….." when there was a knock on the door. Almanzo walked up and answered the door. It was Dr. Baker.
"Hello there Almanzo."
"Hello Dr. Baker." Almanzo lead Dr. Baker to where Laura was laying on the coach.
"Well Laura, what seems to be the problem?" asked Dr. Baker
"I fainted that's all." Said Laura
"Oh. Almanzo can I use one of your bedrooms upstairs to examine Laura in?"
"Sure Dr. Baker. Just go up the stairs and turn to your left. I'll be out in the barn if you need me."
Laura followed Dr. Baker up the stairs slowly. They reached the Almanzo's room. Dr. Baker closed the door and was about to examine Laura.
"Dr. Baker, you don't need to examine me. I already know what's wrong." said Laura.
"I see. Your pregnant aren't you?"
"How did you know Dr. Baker?"
"Laura I had a hunch you might be. You should just tell Almanzo he's going to be a father."
"Dr. Baker, Almanzo's not the father. Please keep this a secret until I can tell him and my ma and pa."
"Okay, Laura I will"
"Thanks."
Dr. Baker closed the door and left. Almanzo was out working in the barn when he saw him leave. He ran into the house immediately. He wanted to know what Laura was going to tell him.
"Beth! Beth!" called Almanzo.
Laura came out of Almanzo's room and she started crying. She ran straight into manly's arms. He held her and comforted her. He led her to the coach and they both sat down.
Laura looked into his eyes and told him, chocking on her tears as she did. "Almanzo, I'm pregnant. A few months ago I was being harassed by a group of men in Winoka every time I went to the general store since it was near the saloon. Well, this one man named Jeb, grabbed me and took me up to his room. I was kicking and screaming and punching him. He rapped me there and then left me. I sat and cried. I had bruises all over me. I went to the doctor's when I started feeling sick a month ago and they told me I was pregnant."
Almanzo was shocked at this. "I should've been there to protect you. That's so awful what happened to you."
Laura started crying really hard. Almanzo wiped the tears off of her face and lovingly kissed her forehead. He stroked her hair.
"Shh, Shh. It'll be alright Beth. You'll get through this."
Laura looked down and Almanzo grabbed her chin and gently lifted it up and brought it towards him. He kissed her gently.
"Beth, you know I love you and if you need any help, I'll be there for you."
At that moment, the door opened. It was Brenda Sue.
"Why hello there, Laura. Almanzo. How are you Laura dear?"
"Hello Brenda Sue. I'm pretty well. I'm just catching up with Almanzo."
"Oh I see. Laura, did Almanzo tell you that were getting married!"
"No he didn't. Well, CONGRATULATIONS. I'll be on my way. Thank you very much!" Laura got up from the coach and bumped into Brenda Sue on her way out. She slammed the door behind her.
Almanzo ran out after her and grabbed her arm.
"Beth, don't do this. I wanted to tell you myself. Look, I'm sorry."
"Well, Manly so am I. Goodbye Mr. Wilder."
Almanzo stopped and watched Laura walk off into the distance.
