Maria did not like or hate the simple minded Cotton top. she just didn't know how to handle him. the blunt words he spoke to her in the past cut shreds in her soul. The truth always seemed to be hurtful. When she first started coming over to help around the Hatfield house he offended maria greatly.
"' I've always thoughts you were a boy , Maria.'" or when he pointed out how wide her hips were or the thickness of her black hair. Cotton top just made maria wary, she did her best to avoid him
It was two days after the tail when Ellison and his mush head son arrived. they both looked frazzled and a lot on their mind. the Ellison cast a sad look at maria and she knew something happened.
Minutes later " Maria darling... my brother and his boy found you poppy on the road." Maria was slightly confused, her poppy got drunk and passed out odd places all the time. Why did he make it a point to tell her.
"I'm sorry my poppy can over drink and embarrassed his connections sir." she said feeling the need to speak for her fathers connections. A look of dread came on Anse's face
" no sweetheart he was murdered"
the wind seemed to pass through her body, all alone in this world.. no one to care for her.. all alone.
Silent tears started streaming down her pale face. where will she go..what will happen to her. NO NO NO. This can't be happening.
"really? are you sure..." it was all too much to process. She slowly backed away and ran off.
MSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMS
Maria ran into the woods after Anse Hatfield walked away. she went down to the creek and sat on the dock crying. It wasn't fair, but then again nothing in her life has been fair. It was dusk when she knew it was time to head back.
But the pain in her chest was never going to leave. she was walking off the dock when she spotted someone walking up her way. The figure was of no other but Cap. He just walked right up to her not saying anything and took her into his arms. "Everything is going to be okay. We got the Bastard McCoy that did that to your poppy" rasped in her ear.
It took her hours to stop crying earlier and Cap came in and started that all over again. "come now lets go Home." her sobs grew deeper.
" i ain't got a home. I'm all alone in this world." A scowl came on his face,Cap pulled her back slightly
"us Hatfield will always be there for you. Your place is here." the pair moved back to the residents. Lavicy was waiting for her with open arms. "Come on darling let's put some food in that tummy and get you in bed."
The days after she found out her poppy died were equally as devastating. Wall Hatfield dismissed the murderous McCoys, letting them go free. It was unjust and she couldn't help resenting the Hatfield for what he let happen. Before Maria couldn't understand the hatred Hatfied's and Mccoy kin shared for one each other but now she did.
Lavicy and Anse welcomed the orphan into their home, giving her a small room by the kitchen. It was later in the evening one on a very rainy day. Maria finished putting the kids to bed and all the Hatfield adults and teens were resting by the fire. "mama come come rub my shoulder please," whined Cap.
" I'm busy minding all the clothes you boys mess up lumbering those tree. Maria honey could you rub poor Cap's shoulders for me?"
The girl turned red immediately but nodded her head and went behind cap who was sitting on a low stool. She places her small hands on his broad strong shoulder " darling you gotta put a little more pressure into it" he laughed at the oblivious nervous girl.
Johnse being his dumb self thought it was a good time to put his two cents in. "Looks like Cap is enjoying Maria's hands more than yours mama" the whole room erupted in laughs. Cap chucked along but couldn't help but agree in his head.