{ Chapter 21: Job Hunting} [Part 1: Breakfast]
Time to wake up now, Naomi; Daisy said as she poked her head in the bedroom door. I've got breakfast about ready now; she added. Thank you, Daisy, I'll be there in a moment; Naomi replied.
Is Jess up yet, Daisy?; Naomi asked as she got her dress for the day out of the closet. Yes, he and Slim and Mike are already at the table; Daisy said as Naomi pulled the dress over her head.
I'll be there as soon as I'm done, Daisy; Naomi said, buttoning her dress. Alright, dear; Daisy said as she went back to the kitchen. Is Naomi coming, Daisy?; Jess asked from his seat at the table.
Yes, she'll be out here in a moment, Jess; Daisy replied from her place at the stove. Mornin', Naomi; Mike said when he spotted her. Good morning, Mike; Naomi said warmly. Did you feed your
animals yet, Mike?; she asked. Not yet, but I will, Naomi; Mike replied. Morning, Naomi; Jess said smiling at her. And drawing a mischievious grin from Slim. Good morning, Jess; Naomi said
smiling at him. Did you sleep alright, Jess?; she asked. I did, thanks; Jess replied. What are you planning on doing today, Naomi?; Jess asked. Oh, I'm going to go into town and see if I
can find a job, Jess; she replied. If you're taking the buckboard, can I come along with you, Naomi?; Jess asked. Yes, Jess, I'd like that; Naomi replied. In fact, I'd love some company; she added
smiling. I'll have the team hitched up for you two after breakfast; Slim said with a playful grin in Jess and Naomi's direction. Thank you, Slim, that will be very helpful; Naomi said with mock
seriousness. Breakfast is ready, everyone; Daisy said as she laid the table with their breakfast. That looks good, Daisy; Jess remarked. You really outdid yourself on this one, Daisy; Slim said.
Thank you; Daisy said as Slim pulled out her chair and she sat down across from Jess and Naomi. Well dig in, everyone, before it gets cold; Daisy said as she put sausages and pancakes on Mike's plate.
Thanks, Aunt Daisy; Mike said as she handed his plate back. You're welcome, Mike; Daisy replied. Would you like my help with that, Jess?; Naomi asked as she finished filling her plate. Yes, thanks,
Naomi; Jess replied. I'm happy to help, Jess; Naomi said as she filled Jess's plate. Here you go, Jess; she said as she handed his plate back.
You took the plate from me with your injured hand, Jess!; Naomi exclaimed with a happy smile. I did!?; Jess exclaimed in surprise. That's so good, Jess; Naomi said, smiling at him. That's wonderful,
in fact, Jess; Daisy joined in. It sure is wonderful, pard; Slim said, grinning at his best friend. Thanks, pard; Jess said, returning his friend's grin. And now we'd better dig in, before it does get
cold; Slim added. I know I've got a lot to do today; he added additionally. Can I help out, Slim?; Mike asked. Sure you can, Mike; Slim replied. You can feed the chickens, gather the eggs,
and collect the firewood and kindling, Mike; Slim added. Okay, Slim; Mike said between a bite of sausage and pancake.