Come Home to Us, Randy: Chapter 12: { Supper Time}
'' I wonder what's keeping Randy in the barn''; Betsy said to herself as she chopped vegetables for her stew.
''This stew is just about ready''; Betsy said to herself as she added the vegetables and gave the stew a stir.
''I think I hear Randy now''; Betsy said to herself as she laid the table.
Hi, Randy; Betsy said when he came through the kitchen door. Evenin', Betsy; Randy said, smiling at her. Good evening to you, too; Betsy said smiling.
There's some water for you to wash up with in that basin there, Randy; Betsy said, giving her stew another stir.
Thanks, Betsy; Randy said as he rolled up his sleeves. The water's still warm, Betsy; Randy remarked, smiling at her.
I just put it in there a few minutes ago; Betsy added. I knew you'd be along, Randy; Betsy said, smiling at him as he finished washing up.
There's a towel over there, Randy; Betsy said as she stirred the stew. That stew sure smells good, Betsy; Randy said as he dried his hands and face with the towel.
It's just about ready, too; Betsy added. The Virginian got a wire from Daddy today, Randy; Betsy said as she got out a dish for the stew.
What'd' he say, Betsy?; Randy asked. He said he'll be home the day after tomorrow, Randy; Betsy replied.
That's good news, Betsy; Randy said. Supper's ready now, Randy; Betsy said as she ladled the stew into the dish.
That sure looks good, Betsy; Randy said as she sat down. Thanks, Randy; Betsy said smiling.
''Dear Lord''; Betsy began, thank you for the fine day you gave us and the safe ride home, and also the blessing of those we love being near us, Amen; Betsy finished.
Here you are, Randy; Betsy said as she ladled stew into his bowl and then into her own. Thanks, Betsy; Randy said. You're welcome, Randy; Betsy replied.
Dig in now, before it gets cold; Betsy said. I hope that it's good; Betsy said as they ate. It sure is, Betsy; Randy replied. As good as my mama's was, in fact; Randy added.
Thank you, Randy; Betsy replied smiling. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about my cooking; Betsy added smiling.
What was your daddy like, Randy, if you don't mind my asking?; Betsy asked. Oh, no, I don't mind at'all, Betsy; Randy said. He was a fine man in a lotta' ways, Betsy; Randy
replied. He loved Mama an'd me , an'd he was good neighbor to have around; Randy continued.
When I was little he used to call me Cotton; Randy said smiling. I think that's sweet, Randy; Betsy said, smiling back at him.
Did he look like you, Randy?; Betsy asked next. Well, Mama always said I was the spittin' image of my daddy; Randy replied.
I'm sure she was right about that, Randy; Betsy said, smiling warmly at him.
Do ya' think I take after both of em', Betsy?; Randy asked. From what you've told me about her, Randy, I see a lot of your mama in you, Randy; Betsy said lovingly.
You do?; Randy asked. Yes, Randy, I do; Betsy replied gently. And I don't just mean looks, Randy; Betsy continued.
From the first day you were here with us, I noticed how you acted and how you treated others, Randy; Betsy said.
And I noticed the things that make you the friend you are to me and to all of us, Randy; Betsy said.
And's that's why we all love you; Betsy said simply as she finished her stew.
I don't know what I would've done without that love, Betsy; Randy said as he finished his as well.
An'd I'm glad I have a family again; Randy said, yawning sleepily. Excuse me, Betsy; Randy said.
It's perfectly alright, Randy; Betsy replied as she got up. Why don't you go and get some sleep, Randy?; Betsy said, putting their dishes in the sink.
Okay, Betsy; Randy replied sleepily. You go on up now, and I'll be up in a little while, alright?; Betsy said as she put water from the kettle into the sink.
Goodnight, Randy; Betsy said as he got up to leave. Night, Betsy; Randy said softly. Sweet dreams, now Randy; Betsy said as he left and went upstairs.
As she washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, Betsy hoped and prayed that all would continue to be well.
And that Randy's heart would continue to heal from the terrible tragedy he'd suffered for simply telling the
truth all those years ago.