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Esther
And
Amelia
The Tragedy
12\18\12
CHAPTER ONE
The bird’s sweet melodies drifted into Amelia’s ears like a sweet chorus. The humming of nature all around her nearly made her burst with awe and wonder. Why did God put such lovely things on earth? She wondered silently. Amelia already knew the answer, but delighted in pondering about it. It is because God loves us. A cool breeze ruffled Amelia’s dark curly locks that stood out against her pale cheeks. With every passing moment she grew more and more content. A blue butterfly flitted across the clear blue sky; it reminded her of being a young girl that would eventually grow into something beautiful. Amelia smoothed her black lacey dress and seated herself on a familiar log. She had spent hours each day sitting on that long that last summer. Observing nature was something Amelia excelled at. The smooth bark showed a faint sign of moss growth.
The sun dappled the earth that surrounded her as it leaked through the canopy of trees above her, providing shade and engulfing her in warmth. Amelia stooped down and plucked a large white daisy from the small patch that grew beside the log. A soft voice interrupted Amelia’s former, solitary paradise. “Amelia?” She looked up and her deep green eyes met dark blue ones. A petite young girl clad in a tight, ugly, torn raggedy old dress stood a few yards away from her. “That’s me.” She said, raising an eyebrow.
The sunshine danced on the grass as the small girl tentatively took a few steps closer to Amelia.
“I am you’re new neighbor. You’re momma sent me out here. She said you were my age.” She softly said, almost in a whisper. Amelia nodded and smiled.
The small girl offered a weak smile in reply. “I am Esther Hammond.” She took the liberty to sit beside Amelia on the log. Esther looked as if she could fall down with hunger. Remembering the apple and cheese-bun mother had given her as a snack she reached into her skirt pocket and pulled it out. “I am Amelia Stone. Would you like to share my snack?” inquired Amelia. Esther’s faced glowed with anticipation but held back. Handing her both the apple and the cheese-bun Amelia, laughed. “I am not hungry.” Bending down she picked a gold daisy from the bunch that stood rooted in the soft earth. “Here…it will bring out you’re eyes.” she murmured softly. The daisy set off sparks in Esther’s eyes, making them shine like blue stars in a golden sky. Amelia fought back the urge to go back into solitary paradise and let her mind wander, but stayed put beside the half-starved little girl. A robin whistled loudly in the back round and soon another one joined it with a sweet harmonious sound. “Esther? How old are you?” she asked as she leaned back and stretched her arms, looking heavenward. Esther held up nine sticky fingers, smothered in apple juice and took in all the wondrous sights and sounds of the Stone’s garden as she bit into the soft shell of the roll. “Beautiful with capital letters!” she gasped between bites. “Lucky!”
Amelia studied her new-friend; Straight but slightly matted blonde hair just below her shoulders and deep blue eyes lined with long dark lashes. Pretty, really!
Although Esther had a good figure and a pretty face her clothes were a mess. The hem was all jagged and hole-y; the skirt was washed yet stained and ill-fitting. Amelia flipped a short curl behind her shoulder and sighed, pitying Esther. “I am ten. When is you’re birthday?” Esther had just swallowed her roll and took a breath. “It is in September…the 27th. You?”
Amelia sighed once more and smiled. “December 23rd.” She replied solemnly. Esther jumped up. “Oh my! That must be wonderful! My sister would DIE to have a winter birthday!” She cried, clasping her hands, enthusiastically. Amelia was startled by Esther’s reaction and sat up, with a confused expression on her face. “Why?” she pondered. Esther continued with less enthusiasm. “Oh, cause in the winter you can go sledding on you’re birthday and make snowmen!” She sat back down on the log. “It is not all that!” retorted Amelia forlornly. “You have to shovel and….get frost-bitten and………. Cold and hungry. Wait a sec!” She stood up as if a light bulb had just lit up in her head. “You’re birthday is in…ten days!” Esther nodded at the fact. A gray squirrel flitted across the lawn in front of them. Already collecting food to store away for the cold brisk days that lay ahead in the winter. Esther broke the awkward silence and threw out a question. “Do you have any siblings?” Amelia glanced downward and her cheeks grew red. “No. Mother lost my sister Grace by a sledding accident. When she was pregnant with me. She’d be twelve in November.” She whispered as a warm salty tear trickled down the side of her crimson cheek. “I am so sorry. Do forgive me.” Apologized Esther. Confused once again by Esther’s drama, Amelia flicked away the tear and looked up. “It is not you’re fault!” she told Esther firmly. “Oh but it is! I brought up the subject!” Esther replied just as firm and she gave a curt nod to confirm her sternness.
Sniffling, Amelia giggled and took a shaky breath. “You are so entertaining Esther!” Esther smiled.
“Now let’s...observe nature and be quiet for a change.” Suggested Amelia, eager to return to the quiet and peace of observation. Esther nodded as enthusiastically as ever; she was a talkative yet shy type of girl with lots of hidden potential just waiting to be put to good use. Minutes later Esther smiled and pointed out a monarch butterfly that had landed on a day-lily a few inches away from the log. “Cool!” mouthed Amelia, who was an expert at communicating with out words. A noise came from the wood surrounding the three sides of the large jungle of a garden. Esther locked her eyes on Amelia. Her Clear Icy blue eyes sparkled with fear. She stood up, her body shaking. Amelia once again confused by her antics stood up and asked what was wrong. With out replying verbally Esther tore out towards the house. Amelia looked around her to see what could have caused her to run… just a few yards behind the fence stood a man, carrying a full bottle in one hand, with a scruffy beard and dark that pierced your body as sharp jack knives would if thrown at you’re heart. Fear froze Amelia to the ground. The middle-aged man made his way towards the white picket fence that could hold up with the even the lightest of winds. Re-gaining her senses Amelia raced to the house. When she looked back when she had arrived, breathless at the door of the house, he was gone. Gone.
CHAPTER TWO
Esther had gone home to her mother across the street. Amelia glanced out the window as she passed by to see the man entering the home of The Hammonds. Questions and worries bubbled up inside of her. She brought the matter to her mother. “Mother?” She asked as she wandered into the kitchen where Mother prepared dinner. Mrs. Stone nodded acknowledging her daughter as she sat on a wooden stool on the other side of the counter. “Who is the man over there?” She pointed out the window to the man who took a swig out of the beer bottle and collapsed on the front steps. Her mother’s face contorted into a twisted frown. “ Oh, that is Mr. Hammond.” She vaguely explained to the ten year old girl at the counter. Utterly confused and distressed she climbed the stairs to her bedroom.
The pink curtains hung crookedly and her bed unmade Amelia sighed and began to fix them. Her room was pretty and practical, with white walls and a pink bedspread, one window and a wardrobe, desk and lamp filled it with a lively, clean look. Sitting at her desk, Amelia wrote a entry in her diary.
Dear Diary,
I am concerned for my new friends Esther’s sake.
I sort of met her father today, she was dead afraid of him. I am going to try to find the answer to Esther’s problems concerning family.
Amelia Stone.
Staring out the window watching the drunken man drink from the bottle made Amelia feel sick to the stomach. The sky grew pink from the sun that began to set behind the mountain. The rays of sunlight drifted in through the curtain and filled the small room with a shimmer of golden light, brightening everything that it touched. Except Amelia Stone. She stood in the middle of it all and did not wonder about all the beauty that the afternoon sun brought, but worried and thought about every single possible thing that lead Esther to be so afraid of her Father. Twenty minutes later the drunk man madly banged at the door. Amelia’s eyes bulged. A small scream escaped her mouth and she flew open the window. “MOTHER!!” She shouted running from the window. Her mind raced, as she dove into the kitchen. “Mother! Mr. Hammond is drunk, and is banging on his door. I think he is going to hurt them!” She cried helplessly. Mr. Stone who had been sitting by the fire in the parlor reading the newspaper, stood up and grabbed his coat of the hook. “Daddy! Are you going to be OK?” She gasped. Her father did not answer, but he trotted across the street. Seeing Mr. Stone , Mr. Hammond threw the bottle down and began walking towards him. “Sir. Were you going to hurt you’re family?” He bluntly asked taking a step back. Mr. Hammond’s cold brown eyes narrowed. “That is my business. What does it matter to you?” He yelled loudly. Amelia’s father frowned. “I am sorry for intruding but you can’t hurt you’re family!”
“I can if I decide to!” He screamed running at Mr. Stone furiously. Seeing the blow coming, Mr. Stone ducked and swerved to the right; just missing the blow. Mr. Hammond sneered and shoved Amelia’s father against the wall of the Esther’s house.
Stuck helplessly, Mr. Stone stared into Mr. Hammond’s eyes hoping he’d leave him alone.
However, being drunk, he did not grant Mr. Stone’s wish. Taking up an axe that was nearby he swung it aimlessly at Mr. Stones leg. The beer made his vision blurry and his knee’s wobbly. Expecting the axe to come down on his leg Mr. Stone turned his head to the side and clenched his fists, his eyes tightly shut. Instead of pain, a quick scream of agony escaped Mr. Hammonds mouth. He fell backwards. Dead.
CHAPTER THREE
Esther who had been standing behind her mother, watching from the window burst through the door, three little sisters behind her and a older brother too. Her mother stood , hands limp at her side and face pale staring at her husbands dead body.
Amelia also had been watching through the parlor window, with her mother at her side. “Oh My Lord! Thank Heavens!” She cried as she opened the door.
Rushing out to embrace her Husband, Pete she could not hold back prayers of thanks to the Lord God in heaven. Esther knelt over her Father’s dead body avoiding the wound on his side, that has caused his death. Something held her back from crying, and mourning. She just stood there, staring into his open eyes. Her face white with sadness or fear he’d come back, Esther reached out to his face and shut his eyes. Backing away from the body she escaped into the garden behind the Stones house. Mrs. Hammond slowly made her way to her husbands body. Tear’s shone in her crystal blue eyes as she bent down to caress his face one last time. Mrs. Hammond wiped away a salty tear and sniffled once or twice before standing back up. Mr. Stone who was standing across the body offered some words of comfort. “I am so sorry---” He was cut off by Mrs. Hammond in a soft whimpering cry; “How will we feed ourselves!” She stated before bursting into tears of worry. The other three little girls trailed after her. The young boy, around thirteen looked solemnly at Mr. and Mrs. Stone for a while before entering the house behind his family. Realizing that Esther was not with her family Amelia looked fervently around the area. A light bulb sparked in her mind. “Of Course!” She thought and tore across the street. The trail to the garden was long and twisty and she slipped a few times on the sharp corners. When Amelia neared the garden clearing she slowed down. Her cheeks flushed and breath laborious, Amelia began to search for Esther. There on the log sat a small hunched over figure who’s body shook and trembled as she sobbed violently.
“Esther?” Whispered Amelia as she jogged over to the log. Slowly a red, soaked face appeared out of the bundle of skin and bones with a few rags on her back. Her large blue eyes were bloodshot and teary. “Are you OK?” Asked Amelia, who was unsure of exactly what to say. Amelia lowered herself down on the grass, back against the log, as Esther was and put her arm around Esther trying to comfort her. “Don’t worry. You will be alright.” Amelia soothed. Esther sniffled and shook her head. “NO. I will miss him to much.” She denied mournfully.
After a while of sitting and soothing Esther decided she ought to tell Amelia the whole story.
“He was not always *sniff* like that.” She stated after wiping her runny nose on her dirty sleeve. Amelia looked at her new friend, puzzled.
“ My daddy. We used to go, into the fields and walk, every evening.” Esther wiped away a silent tear that trickled down her cheek. “ An-and on Saturdays we used to have picnics or go kite flying.” She looked heavenward and shot her eyes tight to block out more tears from flowing.
“ The-then Dad lost his job and took to drinking last year.”
Amelia wiped her eyes to keep from crying full throttle. “So, has he been drunk ever since?” She inquired. Esther shook her head, “ No, not all the time. But when he was…..he used to hit us.”
Back at the Hammond’s house , Mrs. Stone made arrangements for the Hammonds to stay in their house instead of the shabby old shack that they had moved in to . “We don’t want to intrude…..but…that’d be mighty fine of you! Thank you Mrs. Stone!” She hesitantly replied as she heaved to pick up one of the three triplet little girls that hung on to her raggedy skirt.
“Well then it is settled! C’mon in and we can put you in the room.” Mrs. Stone led the Hammonds into the well furnished house that they lived in, and Mr. Stone heaved the dead body out of the road and into the wagon. He drove it down to the mortuary in the center of town. Amelia and Esther, hand- in -hand, made their way back to the white house where all the commotion was made.
“Esther Hun, you go sleep in Amelia’s room with the younger girls. Tomorrow we are going to move all our things in here….and as soon as we can we’ll have you’re Papa dead and buried all right and professional.” Mrs. Hammond explained to the two girls as they came into the kitchen. Esther let a tear slip at the last comment and watched it make a tiny splash as it hit the floor.
When the girls carried the three younger girls up the steep steps and finally placed them in the small, neat and tidy bedroom, Esther sat down on Amelia’s bed. All her tears had been shed and now she had to except the fact that her ‘Papa’ was not coming home.
CHAPTER FOUR
Amelia and Esther busied themselves by creatively making make-shift beds for themselves. The sky outside was going gray and the orange sun peaked over the mountain as if to say goodnight to the girls. Amelia , noticing that there was a awkward silence, struck up a conversation. “What are their names?” She wondered as she threw a pillow to Esther. “The one by the window with freckles on her nose is Emma…well al of them have freckles…but you can tell them apart by their eyes. …… over by her is Chloe….she is the tallest by a few inches….and that one is Katrina….I call her Katie a lot though.” At the sound of their names they all looked around. “Katie has dark blue eyes , Chloe has hazel, and Emma has light blue.” She continued. Emma smiled and giggled, plopping down on a pillow. “I don’t like to pester, but how old are they?” She threw out another question at Esther….along with another pillow and A blanket. “OK.” Amelia huffed and jumped down off the wicker chair, feet clanging on the floor. Handing a pillow to Amelia, Esther nodded and began again. “Almost two. None of them can really talk much…except Katrina. She can say a few things like….doll….cow…milk….Esther…momma…
The usual…” The two other babies hobbled over and tried to jump on the other pillows that knocked of the bed. Amelia laughed heartily. Esther smiled, although her eyes still were bloodshot and nose still a little red, she looked pretty okay from what she went through today. The two families crowded around the small table and waited patiently for something to fill their stomach. The wait was hard on Esther, her brother and sisters too…they were skin, bones and rags. The meat was still sizzling as Mother brought it to the table, steam from the stew swirled and spun in silly circles and waves. Chloe poked it with a small extended finger and smiled. The door slammed and Mr. Stone shook of his boots and hung up his hat. “You would never think of how cold it gets at night….Wish I brought my jacket with me!” He gave a warm smile and squeezed in next to his wife.
“Dear Heavenly Father. Bless this food before us and please help the Hammonds to get through this hard time. In your name. Amen.” He quickly said grace and charged into his meal. The clanging of spoons, and sipping of cups could be heard all the way upstairs, Esther and Franklin, her brother wolfed down some bread and meat s quick as a flash. Frank’s brown eyes were not as piercing as his father’s but the face-structure and grave look on his face matched his. His soft curly reddish hair looked exactly like his father. Emma, Esther and Katie all inherited their mother’s blonde color…Chloe and Franklin had red hair just like their father. Amelia slowly ate, hoping that every one would have their full share.
That night; Amelia slipped out of bed with a candle, past the sleeping girls and over to her desk. The flickering candle provided light enough to write a quick entry in her sacred diary. She slowly lowered herself down into the chair, trying hard not to squeak the wicker chair.
Dear Diary,
I am grieving over the loss of Esther’s father, although I never knew him. Esther did and is quite sad that he left them. He used to not drink….and he’d take them on picnic’s and walks. But Mr. Hammond lost his job and began the life of an alcoholic. I am very sorry he became that, although it was nothing to do with me. The good news is that Esther is staying with us! Like maybe even forever! Yay!
Love, Amelia Stone
The next morning, Esther smiled to herself as she sat up and found all the younger girls crowded around her. Sleeping soundly. Confusion struck her a instant after she awoke. Remembering she calmed down, but the calmness deserted her when she remember, why she was in this pile of pillows…in a house with no rats or draft…with a full stomach for once in a year. Her father’s death! This was all some sort of a pity -party. The Stones did this only ‘cause her drunk Father had died.
Anger and resentment towards the Stone family flooded into her like a tidal wave.
CHAPTER FIVE
This is it. PHEW I FOUND IT!
And
Amelia
The Tragedy
12\18\12
CHAPTER ONE
The bird’s sweet melodies drifted into Amelia’s ears like a sweet chorus. The humming of nature all around her nearly made her burst with awe and wonder. Why did God put such lovely things on earth? She wondered silently. Amelia already knew the answer, but delighted in pondering about it. It is because God loves us. A cool breeze ruffled Amelia’s dark curly locks that stood out against her pale cheeks. With every passing moment she grew more and more content. A blue butterfly flitted across the clear blue sky; it reminded her of being a young girl that would eventually grow into something beautiful. Amelia smoothed her black lacey dress and seated herself on a familiar log. She had spent hours each day sitting on that long that last summer. Observing nature was something Amelia excelled at. The smooth bark showed a faint sign of moss growth.
The sun dappled the earth that surrounded her as it leaked through the canopy of trees above her, providing shade and engulfing her in warmth. Amelia stooped down and plucked a large white daisy from the small patch that grew beside the log. A soft voice interrupted Amelia’s former, solitary paradise. “Amelia?” She looked up and her deep green eyes met dark blue ones. A petite young girl clad in a tight, ugly, torn raggedy old dress stood a few yards away from her. “That’s me.” She said, raising an eyebrow.
The sunshine danced on the grass as the small girl tentatively took a few steps closer to Amelia.
“I am you’re new neighbor. You’re momma sent me out here. She said you were my age.” She softly said, almost in a whisper. Amelia nodded and smiled.
The small girl offered a weak smile in reply. “I am Esther Hammond.” She took the liberty to sit beside Amelia on the log. Esther looked as if she could fall down with hunger. Remembering the apple and cheese-bun mother had given her as a snack she reached into her skirt pocket and pulled it out. “I am Amelia Stone. Would you like to share my snack?” inquired Amelia. Esther’s faced glowed with anticipation but held back. Handing her both the apple and the cheese-bun Amelia, laughed. “I am not hungry.” Bending down she picked a gold daisy from the bunch that stood rooted in the soft earth. “Here…it will bring out you’re eyes.” she murmured softly. The daisy set off sparks in Esther’s eyes, making them shine like blue stars in a golden sky. Amelia fought back the urge to go back into solitary paradise and let her mind wander, but stayed put beside the half-starved little girl. A robin whistled loudly in the back round and soon another one joined it with a sweet harmonious sound. “Esther? How old are you?” she asked as she leaned back and stretched her arms, looking heavenward. Esther held up nine sticky fingers, smothered in apple juice and took in all the wondrous sights and sounds of the Stone’s garden as she bit into the soft shell of the roll. “Beautiful with capital letters!” she gasped between bites. “Lucky!”
Amelia studied her new-friend; Straight but slightly matted blonde hair just below her shoulders and deep blue eyes lined with long dark lashes. Pretty, really!
Although Esther had a good figure and a pretty face her clothes were a mess. The hem was all jagged and hole-y; the skirt was washed yet stained and ill-fitting. Amelia flipped a short curl behind her shoulder and sighed, pitying Esther. “I am ten. When is you’re birthday?” Esther had just swallowed her roll and took a breath. “It is in September…the 27th. You?”
Amelia sighed once more and smiled. “December 23rd.” She replied solemnly. Esther jumped up. “Oh my! That must be wonderful! My sister would DIE to have a winter birthday!” She cried, clasping her hands, enthusiastically. Amelia was startled by Esther’s reaction and sat up, with a confused expression on her face. “Why?” she pondered. Esther continued with less enthusiasm. “Oh, cause in the winter you can go sledding on you’re birthday and make snowmen!” She sat back down on the log. “It is not all that!” retorted Amelia forlornly. “You have to shovel and….get frost-bitten and………. Cold and hungry. Wait a sec!” She stood up as if a light bulb had just lit up in her head. “You’re birthday is in…ten days!” Esther nodded at the fact. A gray squirrel flitted across the lawn in front of them. Already collecting food to store away for the cold brisk days that lay ahead in the winter. Esther broke the awkward silence and threw out a question. “Do you have any siblings?” Amelia glanced downward and her cheeks grew red. “No. Mother lost my sister Grace by a sledding accident. When she was pregnant with me. She’d be twelve in November.” She whispered as a warm salty tear trickled down the side of her crimson cheek. “I am so sorry. Do forgive me.” Apologized Esther. Confused once again by Esther’s drama, Amelia flicked away the tear and looked up. “It is not you’re fault!” she told Esther firmly. “Oh but it is! I brought up the subject!” Esther replied just as firm and she gave a curt nod to confirm her sternness.
Sniffling, Amelia giggled and took a shaky breath. “You are so entertaining Esther!” Esther smiled.
“Now let’s...observe nature and be quiet for a change.” Suggested Amelia, eager to return to the quiet and peace of observation. Esther nodded as enthusiastically as ever; she was a talkative yet shy type of girl with lots of hidden potential just waiting to be put to good use. Minutes later Esther smiled and pointed out a monarch butterfly that had landed on a day-lily a few inches away from the log. “Cool!” mouthed Amelia, who was an expert at communicating with out words. A noise came from the wood surrounding the three sides of the large jungle of a garden. Esther locked her eyes on Amelia. Her Clear Icy blue eyes sparkled with fear. She stood up, her body shaking. Amelia once again confused by her antics stood up and asked what was wrong. With out replying verbally Esther tore out towards the house. Amelia looked around her to see what could have caused her to run… just a few yards behind the fence stood a man, carrying a full bottle in one hand, with a scruffy beard and dark that pierced your body as sharp jack knives would if thrown at you’re heart. Fear froze Amelia to the ground. The middle-aged man made his way towards the white picket fence that could hold up with the even the lightest of winds. Re-gaining her senses Amelia raced to the house. When she looked back when she had arrived, breathless at the door of the house, he was gone. Gone.
CHAPTER TWO
Esther had gone home to her mother across the street. Amelia glanced out the window as she passed by to see the man entering the home of The Hammonds. Questions and worries bubbled up inside of her. She brought the matter to her mother. “Mother?” She asked as she wandered into the kitchen where Mother prepared dinner. Mrs. Stone nodded acknowledging her daughter as she sat on a wooden stool on the other side of the counter. “Who is the man over there?” She pointed out the window to the man who took a swig out of the beer bottle and collapsed on the front steps. Her mother’s face contorted into a twisted frown. “ Oh, that is Mr. Hammond.” She vaguely explained to the ten year old girl at the counter. Utterly confused and distressed she climbed the stairs to her bedroom.
The pink curtains hung crookedly and her bed unmade Amelia sighed and began to fix them. Her room was pretty and practical, with white walls and a pink bedspread, one window and a wardrobe, desk and lamp filled it with a lively, clean look. Sitting at her desk, Amelia wrote a entry in her diary.
Dear Diary,
I am concerned for my new friends Esther’s sake.
I sort of met her father today, she was dead afraid of him. I am going to try to find the answer to Esther’s problems concerning family.
Amelia Stone.
Staring out the window watching the drunken man drink from the bottle made Amelia feel sick to the stomach. The sky grew pink from the sun that began to set behind the mountain. The rays of sunlight drifted in through the curtain and filled the small room with a shimmer of golden light, brightening everything that it touched. Except Amelia Stone. She stood in the middle of it all and did not wonder about all the beauty that the afternoon sun brought, but worried and thought about every single possible thing that lead Esther to be so afraid of her Father. Twenty minutes later the drunk man madly banged at the door. Amelia’s eyes bulged. A small scream escaped her mouth and she flew open the window. “MOTHER!!” She shouted running from the window. Her mind raced, as she dove into the kitchen. “Mother! Mr. Hammond is drunk, and is banging on his door. I think he is going to hurt them!” She cried helplessly. Mr. Stone who had been sitting by the fire in the parlor reading the newspaper, stood up and grabbed his coat of the hook. “Daddy! Are you going to be OK?” She gasped. Her father did not answer, but he trotted across the street. Seeing Mr. Stone , Mr. Hammond threw the bottle down and began walking towards him. “Sir. Were you going to hurt you’re family?” He bluntly asked taking a step back. Mr. Hammond’s cold brown eyes narrowed. “That is my business. What does it matter to you?” He yelled loudly. Amelia’s father frowned. “I am sorry for intruding but you can’t hurt you’re family!”
“I can if I decide to!” He screamed running at Mr. Stone furiously. Seeing the blow coming, Mr. Stone ducked and swerved to the right; just missing the blow. Mr. Hammond sneered and shoved Amelia’s father against the wall of the Esther’s house.
Stuck helplessly, Mr. Stone stared into Mr. Hammond’s eyes hoping he’d leave him alone.
However, being drunk, he did not grant Mr. Stone’s wish. Taking up an axe that was nearby he swung it aimlessly at Mr. Stones leg. The beer made his vision blurry and his knee’s wobbly. Expecting the axe to come down on his leg Mr. Stone turned his head to the side and clenched his fists, his eyes tightly shut. Instead of pain, a quick scream of agony escaped Mr. Hammonds mouth. He fell backwards. Dead.
CHAPTER THREE
Esther who had been standing behind her mother, watching from the window burst through the door, three little sisters behind her and a older brother too. Her mother stood , hands limp at her side and face pale staring at her husbands dead body.
Amelia also had been watching through the parlor window, with her mother at her side. “Oh My Lord! Thank Heavens!” She cried as she opened the door.
Rushing out to embrace her Husband, Pete she could not hold back prayers of thanks to the Lord God in heaven. Esther knelt over her Father’s dead body avoiding the wound on his side, that has caused his death. Something held her back from crying, and mourning. She just stood there, staring into his open eyes. Her face white with sadness or fear he’d come back, Esther reached out to his face and shut his eyes. Backing away from the body she escaped into the garden behind the Stones house. Mrs. Hammond slowly made her way to her husbands body. Tear’s shone in her crystal blue eyes as she bent down to caress his face one last time. Mrs. Hammond wiped away a salty tear and sniffled once or twice before standing back up. Mr. Stone who was standing across the body offered some words of comfort. “I am so sorry---” He was cut off by Mrs. Hammond in a soft whimpering cry; “How will we feed ourselves!” She stated before bursting into tears of worry. The other three little girls trailed after her. The young boy, around thirteen looked solemnly at Mr. and Mrs. Stone for a while before entering the house behind his family. Realizing that Esther was not with her family Amelia looked fervently around the area. A light bulb sparked in her mind. “Of Course!” She thought and tore across the street. The trail to the garden was long and twisty and she slipped a few times on the sharp corners. When Amelia neared the garden clearing she slowed down. Her cheeks flushed and breath laborious, Amelia began to search for Esther. There on the log sat a small hunched over figure who’s body shook and trembled as she sobbed violently.
“Esther?” Whispered Amelia as she jogged over to the log. Slowly a red, soaked face appeared out of the bundle of skin and bones with a few rags on her back. Her large blue eyes were bloodshot and teary. “Are you OK?” Asked Amelia, who was unsure of exactly what to say. Amelia lowered herself down on the grass, back against the log, as Esther was and put her arm around Esther trying to comfort her. “Don’t worry. You will be alright.” Amelia soothed. Esther sniffled and shook her head. “NO. I will miss him to much.” She denied mournfully.
After a while of sitting and soothing Esther decided she ought to tell Amelia the whole story.
“He was not always *sniff* like that.” She stated after wiping her runny nose on her dirty sleeve. Amelia looked at her new friend, puzzled.
“ My daddy. We used to go, into the fields and walk, every evening.” Esther wiped away a silent tear that trickled down her cheek. “ An-and on Saturdays we used to have picnics or go kite flying.” She looked heavenward and shot her eyes tight to block out more tears from flowing.
“ The-then Dad lost his job and took to drinking last year.”
Amelia wiped her eyes to keep from crying full throttle. “So, has he been drunk ever since?” She inquired. Esther shook her head, “ No, not all the time. But when he was…..he used to hit us.”
Back at the Hammond’s house , Mrs. Stone made arrangements for the Hammonds to stay in their house instead of the shabby old shack that they had moved in to . “We don’t want to intrude…..but…that’d be mighty fine of you! Thank you Mrs. Stone!” She hesitantly replied as she heaved to pick up one of the three triplet little girls that hung on to her raggedy skirt.
“Well then it is settled! C’mon in and we can put you in the room.” Mrs. Stone led the Hammonds into the well furnished house that they lived in, and Mr. Stone heaved the dead body out of the road and into the wagon. He drove it down to the mortuary in the center of town. Amelia and Esther, hand- in -hand, made their way back to the white house where all the commotion was made.
“Esther Hun, you go sleep in Amelia’s room with the younger girls. Tomorrow we are going to move all our things in here….and as soon as we can we’ll have you’re Papa dead and buried all right and professional.” Mrs. Hammond explained to the two girls as they came into the kitchen. Esther let a tear slip at the last comment and watched it make a tiny splash as it hit the floor.
When the girls carried the three younger girls up the steep steps and finally placed them in the small, neat and tidy bedroom, Esther sat down on Amelia’s bed. All her tears had been shed and now she had to except the fact that her ‘Papa’ was not coming home.
CHAPTER FOUR
Amelia and Esther busied themselves by creatively making make-shift beds for themselves. The sky outside was going gray and the orange sun peaked over the mountain as if to say goodnight to the girls. Amelia , noticing that there was a awkward silence, struck up a conversation. “What are their names?” She wondered as she threw a pillow to Esther. “The one by the window with freckles on her nose is Emma…well al of them have freckles…but you can tell them apart by their eyes. …… over by her is Chloe….she is the tallest by a few inches….and that one is Katrina….I call her Katie a lot though.” At the sound of their names they all looked around. “Katie has dark blue eyes , Chloe has hazel, and Emma has light blue.” She continued. Emma smiled and giggled, plopping down on a pillow. “I don’t like to pester, but how old are they?” She threw out another question at Esther….along with another pillow and A blanket. “OK.” Amelia huffed and jumped down off the wicker chair, feet clanging on the floor. Handing a pillow to Amelia, Esther nodded and began again. “Almost two. None of them can really talk much…except Katrina. She can say a few things like….doll….cow…milk….Esther…momma…
The usual…” The two other babies hobbled over and tried to jump on the other pillows that knocked of the bed. Amelia laughed heartily. Esther smiled, although her eyes still were bloodshot and nose still a little red, she looked pretty okay from what she went through today. The two families crowded around the small table and waited patiently for something to fill their stomach. The wait was hard on Esther, her brother and sisters too…they were skin, bones and rags. The meat was still sizzling as Mother brought it to the table, steam from the stew swirled and spun in silly circles and waves. Chloe poked it with a small extended finger and smiled. The door slammed and Mr. Stone shook of his boots and hung up his hat. “You would never think of how cold it gets at night….Wish I brought my jacket with me!” He gave a warm smile and squeezed in next to his wife.
“Dear Heavenly Father. Bless this food before us and please help the Hammonds to get through this hard time. In your name. Amen.” He quickly said grace and charged into his meal. The clanging of spoons, and sipping of cups could be heard all the way upstairs, Esther and Franklin, her brother wolfed down some bread and meat s quick as a flash. Frank’s brown eyes were not as piercing as his father’s but the face-structure and grave look on his face matched his. His soft curly reddish hair looked exactly like his father. Emma, Esther and Katie all inherited their mother’s blonde color…Chloe and Franklin had red hair just like their father. Amelia slowly ate, hoping that every one would have their full share.
That night; Amelia slipped out of bed with a candle, past the sleeping girls and over to her desk. The flickering candle provided light enough to write a quick entry in her sacred diary. She slowly lowered herself down into the chair, trying hard not to squeak the wicker chair.
Dear Diary,
I am grieving over the loss of Esther’s father, although I never knew him. Esther did and is quite sad that he left them. He used to not drink….and he’d take them on picnic’s and walks. But Mr. Hammond lost his job and began the life of an alcoholic. I am very sorry he became that, although it was nothing to do with me. The good news is that Esther is staying with us! Like maybe even forever! Yay!
Love, Amelia Stone
The next morning, Esther smiled to herself as she sat up and found all the younger girls crowded around her. Sleeping soundly. Confusion struck her a instant after she awoke. Remembering she calmed down, but the calmness deserted her when she remember, why she was in this pile of pillows…in a house with no rats or draft…with a full stomach for once in a year. Her father’s death! This was all some sort of a pity -party. The Stones did this only ‘cause her drunk Father had died.
Anger and resentment towards the Stone family flooded into her like a tidal wave.
CHAPTER FIVE
This is it. PHEW I FOUND IT!
