Ben and the boys ran out of the courthouse to see Martha and Amelia riding away. They immediately mounted their horses and chased after them.
We were far ahead and each time that turned around all I could see was the pile of dust blocking the view of the road behind us. I turn around and look at my Aunt.
"AUNT MARTHA YOU BETTER SLOW DOWN! WE'RE GONNA CRASH!" I exclaimed. But it was too late Martha lost control and we rolled over on the side of the road.
I woke up to see that I was lying on the ground. I slowly got up to my feet and checked my arms and legs. I saw some scratches on my arms and dirt.
I touch my forehead and cheeks I was relieve to feel that I had no scratches but some bruises. I looked around to see where I was and then I saw Martha lying unconscious on the ground a few inches away from where I was standing.
I hurried over to her side. I grabbed her hand in mine. I saw a big bloody gashed on her head and blood drooping down to the side of her right eye.
She had worst scratches on her arms than I did. She looks up at me with death in her eyes. "I'mm...soorrry...I...only wanted...too bee close too you" she said her voice shaky.
I swallowed the lump that was in my throat as I watch her take her final breaths. "I understand"
Martha reaches her hand up and touches my cheek and strokes it with her thumb tenderly. "You look soo... much like your mother...soo much. Please forgive me...for what I did... I just wanted what... Catherine never had...I love you"
"I love you too" I said as I sobbed. Martha's eyes close and her body stiffens; she's dead.
As I cried I heard horses riding behind me. I didn't need to turn my head because I knew it was Pa and the boys. Pa walks up behind her and knelt beside me and puts his arm around me.
I turn to him and I hugged. I look over at my brothers who were watching and I could tell that they were feeling sad for me.
Late that night after we buried Martha next to Mamma, I was sitting out of the veranda when I heard someone walking up to me. I knew it was my father and didn't turn to look at him.
"Martha didn't mean to do the things she did. She felt as though she was losing Mamma all over again and she snapped" I told him.
"I know" he says. I look at him with tears in my eyes. "I don't have any family on Mamma's side" I told him.
"I know but you still have your family. You still have me and your brothers and we'll always be here for you" he tells me. I nod my head.
"And I couldn't be happier. Like Hopsing says you need a girl in the house to keep the boys out of trouble" I told him. "And keep my hair from turning even more grey" Pa jokes.
We laugh as we walk in the house together the way it always has and always be.
The End
Author's Note: Sorry it took me so long to finish this story but I'm glad I finally did and I hope all of you enjoy it.