{Chapter 17: Naomi Settles In} [Chapter 17: Part 1]
Is your uncle gone now, dear?; Daisy asked as Naomi came through the kitchen door. Yes, he pulled out a few minutes ago, Daisy; Naomi said as she picked up a drying towel.
How did sayin' good-bye to him go, Naomi?; Jess asked from where he was sitting at the kitchen table. It was'nt as easy as I'd expected it to be, Jess; Naomi said quietly. I'll miss
him of course, but I'm glad to be here with you all, Jess; Naomi said cheerfully. I'll be sure to write him, though; she said thoughtfully. He have any parting advice for you,
Naomi?; Jess asked with a curious expression. As a matter of fact, Jess, he did; Naomi said as she dried a dish and put it away in the cupboard. Anything else I can do to
help, Aunt Daisy?; Mike piped up suddenly. Oh no, Mike, Naomi and I can manage these now; Daisy said smiling. You go on and feed your pets now, alright, Mike? Sure, Aunt Daisy;
Mike said as he removed the dish towel tied around his waist. And Mike, after we're done we'll be going into town for supplies; Daisy added as she dried the last plate and put it away.
In that case, I'll be sure to hurry, Aunt Daisy; Mike said as he dashed out the door. See ya later, Tiger; Jess said as Mike went by him. See ya, Jess; Mike called out with a grin in Jess's direction.
Turning back to Naomi, Daisy asked; ''Naomi, would you like to go along into town with Mike and I and pick out the clothing you'll be needing''? I certainly would, Daisy; Naomi replied
as she dried the last of the flatware. Will you be alright here by yourself, Jess?; Naomi asked, looking at Jess directly. I'll be alright, Naomi; Jess said, smiling at her. If I need any help, I'll
ask Slim; he added. Maybe you ought to go and rest while we're gone, Jess; Naomi said wisely. I just might do that, Naomi, if you could help me get there; Jess said as she walked over to him.
I'd be glad to, Jess; Naomi said as she helped him up. Come on now; Naomi said as they walked toward his and Slim's shared bedroom. Down you go, Jess; Naomi said as she helped him onto his
bed. You try and get some rest now, Jess; Naomi said with a smile. I'll try, Naomi; Jess said, smiling at her. You be sure and pick out somethin' pretty to wear, alright; Jess said as he
continued to smile at Naomi. I will, Jess; Naomi said as she put a blanket over him. Thanks, Naomi; Jess said smiling. What colors would you recommend, Jess?; Naomi asked softly.
''Well,'' Jess began a little wistfully, ''I remember my Ma always wore blues, yellows, and pinks mainly''. She even dyed some of the cloth herself; he added. She must have been wonderful,
Jess; Naomi said with a comforting touch of Jess's hand. I wish you could've known her, Naomi; Jess said smiling. I know she would've loved you; he added. I know she would have, Jess; Naomi
said, playfully ruffling his hair and getting one of Jess's warm smiles as a response. Now you get some rest, okay? I've got to go get ready now, Jess; Naomi said, squeezing Jess's hand.
See you later, Naomi; Jess said as she stood to her feet. I'll be back later, Jess; Naomi said with a warm smile in Jess's direction. You get some rest now; she said as she walked through
the bedroom door.