I do NOT own "Little House on the Prairie" nor any of the original characters. All I can lay claim to is the "guest start" per say and the storyline.
In Search of Peace
Chapter Eight
Scene Fourteen
Elizabeth was sitting on a rock gazing at the stream when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Albert approaching. She sighed. One look into eyes told her he knew. "Hello."
After the talk with the only man he'd ever considered his pa the boy had decided to go on a walk. He'd never expected to see the woman he now knew was his aunt. Good thing Nellie hadn't known about the stepmother bit or he'd have really have heard about it. "Hello."
For a moment neither one of them said a word. Finally it was Albert that broke the silence, "You know all Mr. Quinn ever wanted to know was if I was strong. That's what he kept asking pa. Is he strong?" The hurt he felt could be heard in his voice.
Elizabeth felt her heart going out to the young lad. She knew how rough Jeremy could come off as and, like she'd told the reverend, in the man's eyes education was a luxury-hard work a necessity. Quietly she explained it to Albert, "Obliviously I don't agree with that line of thinking just understand he wasn't the only one to think that way. Unfortunely, I have met others through the year with the same attitude."
"Are you going to try and get me to come with you when you leave Walnut Grove?" He looked at her.
"I thought about it. After all, I resented the circumstances that kept Jeremy away for many months, his brother for forcing me into a position where I felt I had no choice but to leave you in the hand of others and the fact I'd been robbed of watching you grow up," she sighed, "Doctor Baker gave me a lot to think about though. I am your aunt, Albert. Nothing can change that," her shoulders slumped slightly, "however, as much as I was willing to be your mother, life didn't turn out that way. I can't take you away from the Ingalls." 'As much as I may have wanted to I cannot.' She thought to herself.
Albert started beaming and hugged his aunt, "Thank you! I was so afraid you would. We all were; especially after all the things Nellie and Mrs. Olsen have been saying."
A slow smile came across her face. She may be too old but Albert wasn't!
EPILOUGE
"AAHHH!" Mrs. Olsen let out a scream as she stepped out of the front door. The bucket hanging above the mercantile door had just spilled its content on to the woman. She looked around but saw no one. "NELS!" She screamed as she stormed back into the store.
From the street Albert, Laura and Andrew were hidden and were watching. They busted up laughing softly. "Where did you get that paint anyway?" Andrew and Laura looked at Albert.
He grinned and chuckled, "Let's say a new friend gave it to me." He chuckled as he thought about his Aunt Elizabeth-who, while stepping aside as teacher the day Miss Beadle had returned-had found work with an elderly couple near the town of Walnut Grove. It was going to be great getting to really know her. After all; she might have a few more tricks up her sleeve…if he kept his mouth shut.