Hadassah/ Chp 4

To Read Chapter 1, Click Here 

C H A P T E R   4—R A C H E L

Hadassah woke up. The bright sun was peering through the window in rays. Hadassah yawned and went over to her dresser. When she went to grab a comb, she noticed something engraved in the wood on her dresser. She looked closer. It read, 

Made for you my love, wherever you are.

Hadassah squinted to see the words. When she finished reading them, she shrugged. It must be a special family thing. 

She finished combing her long hair and finished dressing. She headed downstairs to the smell of her favorite breakfast food: pancakes and bacon. She inhaled a deep breath of the sweet strawberries and blueberries toppled with powdered sugar, and the smell of sizzling bacon on the frying pan. 

She headed into the kitchen where Aunt Albie was flipping the pancakes. 

She noticed that the girl was awake, and smiled. “Good morning dear,” she said her voice sounding kind. 

Hadassah replied with a simple, “good morning” back. She looked around the kitchen area and asked, “where’s Uncle Henry?” 

Aunt Albie turned her head in the direction of which Hadassah was standing. It was hard to hear with the bacon sizzling.

“Oh, your Uncle’s in bed. He had a hard time sleeping yesterday. I guess he was just excited.” Hadassah smiled. She liked Uncle Henry, and how kind he was.

Aunt Albie turned Hadassah’s way and said, “Why don’t you go explore the farm before breakfast gets done? It's stopped raining.” 

Hadassah liked the idea and slid on some work boots Aunt Albie had given her.

She pulled on her coat and headed out the front door. She smelled the sweet aroma of the fresh spring air and the morning dew.

Hadassah decided she would go to the barn.

She walked along the many aisles of stalls, and counted all the animals. She found almost every farm animal she could imagine. A cow, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens—but no horse. Hadassah sighed and felt lonesome for home. Not for her house or her parents, but for the chestnut mare and for Harris’ family. Harris had no daughters but Hadassah didn’t mind. She grew up playing with his boys.

Hadassah was lost in thought when a knock came on the barn door. The barn had a sliding door with a little wooden latch as a lock. It looked homemade.

Hadassah heard the knock again. It must be Uncle Henry. “Yes?” She said walking to the door. She went to open it and a girl that looked a bit older than Hadassah was standing there. She had golden hair that was tied in a some up some down hairstyle. She looked very pretty and Hadassah only stared.

“Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m your cousin. I’m so glad you’re here!” She laughed and gave Hadassah a big hug. “I haven’t seen you since forever! I think you were only four or so.” 

Hadassah smiled. “How old were you?” Hadassah asked. 

Rachel smiled. “I was seven years old. Do you want to take a walk?” 

Hadassah nodded and Rachel put her arm around Hadassah.

The two walked almost every inch of the farm. When they reached the pond, they sat down together and relaxed. Suddenly Hadassah said, “I’m getting a bit hot.” Rachel walked closer to the pond and found a little cup lying on the ground. She picked it up, filled it with water and splashed Hadassah, soaking her clothes.

“Will that help?” She said laughing so hard, she fell down on the ground. Hadassah cupped her hands in the water and splashed Rachel.

“How about that?” She said laughing. Rachel screamed and ran away. Hadassah ran after her and jumped on her back, making both of them fall in the lake. They came up for air and couldn’t stop laughing. They laughed and laughed and laughed, while still splashing each other with water. They kept laughing until Aunt Albie rung the breakfast bell. 

“Race you there?” Rachel said, pushing away her long drenched hair. 

“Sure, 1, 2, 3, go!” 

The two ran all the way to the house so quick, their skirts no longer dripped. When they came through the front door, they were still laughing. 

Aunt Albie walked in from the kitchen. She looked confused. “What happened to you two?” She scanned them head to toe. “I see you’ve met Rachel,” she said chuckling. “My, you are soaked to the skin! Let me help dry you off.” 

Hadassah was now dry and dressed, and went downstairs. She saw Uncle Henry for the first time today, reading the newspaper and drinking coffee. He looked up at Hadassah and smiled. “You and Rachel enjoy your little pond affair?” He said in a teasing voice. A toothy grin lit Hadassah’s face. That had been the first time she’d smiled, showing her teeth. 

When Rachel was dressed, the four sat down to eat. Everything looked so good. Hot, moist pancakes toppled on a plate, buttery, sizzling bacon crackling on the pan. Fresh, sweet, strawberries in a glass bowl next to a jar of sugar. Hadassah’s mouth began to water. 

Hadassah was about to pick up her fork when Uncle Henry closed his eyes. Suddenly, everyone closed their eyes. Uncle Henry began to talk. “Dear Father, we thank you for this wonderful meal, and for our very special guest, Hadassah. Please bless her Lord.

Amen.”

Everyone opened their eyes and began passing around food. Hadassah sat there completely taken by surprise. She tried to hide it but it became difficult. Was he praying? Is he a………christian? Hadassah had never prayed before a meal. Neither had her parents. Some reason, everything suddenly became strange to her. Hadassah couldn’t understand why.

Everyone began to eat their food, but Hadassah stared at her plate. 

“What’s wrong dear, are you not hungry?” Uncle Henry’s voice sounded concerned. 

“Oh, um…….yeah, I guess I just lost my appetite,” she said looking to the floor. “May I be excused?” She asked politely. 

Uncle Henry patted her on the back. “Sure, you can. Maybe you’ll be hungry later.” His smile softened Hadassah’s heart. For so long, she had not trusted anyone or dared to make a friend. Maybe she was afraid she’d lose her friend, and be heartbroken. But now, only one day had passed since she arrived here and some reason, she felt she could trust Uncle Henry. Hadassah felt as if he was the father she never had. The one that would teach you how to build things, laugh and tell stories, tuck you in at night. 

But Hadassah pushed away the thought of having a father like that. No matter how hard she tried, Uncle Henry was just………Uncle Henry.

Ok, so I've decided to do it every Friday, only because I think it's a long time in between where no stories are coming out. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

The Great Adventures/ Chp. 1

 T H E   G R E A T   

A D V E N T U R E S

—O F   T H E   T W O   T H O M P S O N   K I D S

1899 London, England

C H A P T E R   O N E

Charlotte sat gloomily on the front porch. Her head rested on her hand and she sighed wearily. After a few moments, she finally lifted up her head and looked around. This would probably be the last time she ever looked around her yard. Beautiful rose bushes, flower beds lining the driveway. She only had about a half an acre or so. But it didn’t matter. Her garden was beautiful, no matter how small it was. 

But Charlotte would see more yard and forests in her life. Since she was to become a country girl. 

Yes. That horrible thought disturbed her extremely.

Yuck. Country stuff. Cows. Pigs. Mud, dirty barns! Charlotte wanted to scream. “It’s not fair.” She mumbled. 

Her aunt Maria suddenly bursted through the front door, her arms full of boxes and bags. That was Charlotte’s cargo.

Aunt Maria noticed the girl. Her thin black eyebrows lifted in a unsatisfied expression.

“Get up, child! We have loads to do before we leave.” She nearly tripped on her long brown skirt.

Charlotte frowned. “Like what, exactly?” Her voice was just as sour as her face.

“Don’t you question me, girl. Now get up, and stand straight. Slouching makes one look like a pathetic caterpillar!”

Charlotte stood up and took her suitcase to the vehicle. She came back and crossed her arms. 

“Aunt Maria?”

“Yes, what?”

“I won’t go!” She yelled.

Aunt Maria turned around to face her. “What did you just say?”

Charlotte stamped her feet. “I won’t go! I won’t leave my beautiful garden!” 

Aunt Maria rolled her eyes. “Well, you don’t have a choice, now do you? I agreed to take you in for a one year! And instead, I clothed you and fed you and gave you the best education I could! And not for two years, or three years, or even four years! But your entire life!” This time, Aunt Maria stamped her foot.

Charlotte sobbed. “But it’s not fair!” She dropped her head in her hands. 

Aunt Maria watched the girl sulk for a few moments, and then sighed and walked over to the crying child. “Look, Charlotte. I’m getting old. I can’t care for you, forever. And the Thompsons are a lovely family. And you know what? I heard they had a girl, just your age.”

Charlotte wiped her eyes. “Really?”

“Yes, really. And I’m sure you two will be jolly friends.”

Charlotte tried to smile. “I sure hope so.”

These are both photos I found online, and thought they looked just like Charlotte. But I'm still not completely sure which one. I'm thinking the top one. But as we get farther and farther into the story, I'm sure we'll see which one matches her personality.

Until next time!

-Elena

Hadassah/Chp. 3

    

C H A P T E R   3—U N C L E   H E N R Y

When the suspense was getting too much to bear, a lady opened the door. She was wearing a long stretchy dress with a red floral apron tied around her waist. She wore her long brown hair in a bun at the top of her head. From her chest down, she was covered in flour. Her eyes looked very kind. She smiled and finally said, “Oh Hadassah, it's been so long.” She extended her arm out and gave Hadassah a warm welcoming hug. “Come inside dear. I just put some lemon cake in the oven.”

She walked Hadassah into the house and Hadassah sighed with relief on how warm it was inside. She had been so cold in the taxi cab with the rain pouring down the windows. But for only a moment, Hadassah had this weird feeling all over. It felt like—home. But once again she ignored the thought.

The lady that was named Aunt Alberta, walked to the stairwell and hollered up the steps. “Henry! Come down here!” A moment later a friendly middle—aged man came up the steps. He held out his arms open wide for a hug, and walked over to Hadassah, picked her up off the ground and twirled her around in a big hug. 

“Oh, darlin’ its been so long! My, how you’ve grown! Last time I saw you, you were a wee little seedling, about three feet tall!” Henry’s eyes watered up and he paused for a moment looking into her eyes. “I’m just glad you’re here, that’s all.” 

Hadassah didn’t know what to say. But after a moment of quiet, Hadassah broke the silence by saying, “I’m glad I’m here too.” Her voice was soft and almost a whisper. 

An hour passed and Aunt Alberta (which was called Aunt Albie) showed Hadassah her room and helped her unpack. Her room also felt warm and cozy. Hadassah felt comfortable at once. When Aunt Albie left the room, Hadassah collapsed on her bed. It was a heated waterbed. Hadassah loved it. I could get used to this. She thought contently.

She woke up an hour later. The smell of lemon cake filled the house. It smelled so delicious, Hadassah could hardly wait to taste it. 

She sat up in bed and decided to look around. The house was very big. It was a huge white farmhouse on the outside, and a beautiful mansion on the inside. Out back, there was thirty four acres of rolling hills and a barn sat on the flat side of the yard. Along next to it, was a tall matching silo. Hadassah imagined herself on a pile of hay at the top of the silo, reading her favorite book. Hadassah thought about the good things of being here, and how Uncle Henry was so excited to see her. No one had ever been that nice to her. Not even Harris Heartwell. But then Hadassah reminded herself, If I get to attached to this place, it will be even harder when I leave. Hadassah sighed, just thinking about it. But she knew she had at least a week before she had to go.

She stood up and walked around the upstairs. It was a landing with a bathroom, a big bedroom, and three other rooms. Downstairs, was the grand dining room, the kitchen, the living area, and another bathroom. The dining room had a large dark brown table that was made from real walnut. Next to the table was a large shelf with a glass window. Behind the glass, was beautiful painted china. Hadassah stared in amazement. Each spoon, each plate and cup, had so many details. Hadassah almost dared to touch one, but she put her hand down and walked away. The kitchen had beautiful white cabinets, and a little round white table. Behind the little table, was a window seat with lovely little fluffy cushions. Hadassah loved it at once.

Hadassah heard her aunt calling for her to come eat. Hadassah wanted to race down the steps and gobble the delicious lemon cake. But she knew being fourteen, she couldn’t do that. Especially on her first day here.

She walked down the steps and took a seat at the table. Her eyes scanned the room. I wonder where my cousin is. She thought.

Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie sat down next to her and served the lemon cake. Each mouthful was yellow and moist. The perfect flavor exploded in her mouth as she took every bite slowly. She wanted to enjoy it as long as possible.

Uncle Henry spoke up. “So, Hadassah. Tell me about yourself. Are you homeschooled?” Hadassah nodded, trying to quickly swallow her food. “Yes.” She answered.

“Do you have a lot of friends?” Was the next question. Hadassah hesitated. “Yes.” She said in an almost whisper. “I have one friend.” 

“What’s her name?” Again Hadassah hesitated. “She’s a horse. A mare. She doesn’t have a name. I just call her Chestnut.” Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie exchanged glances and looked back at Hadassah. 

“We hope you make friends here,” was Uncle Henry’s response. After that, they just asked some simple questions and then as the evening passed, they all went to their beds.

Uncle Henry and Aunt Albie went down the hall to their room. Uncle Henry sat on the bed and Aunt Albie stood by the mirror and began to take her hair pins out one by one.

Uncle Henry looked upset. “Look at her, Alberta. She’s got one friend in all the world. And that’s a simple old horse that isn’t even hers. What a way to raise a child.” Aunt Albie came over and sat next to him. “I know Henry. But she’ll make friends. She’ll be happy and socialized. You just wait and see.” Uncle Henry sighed and scratched his head. “I just hope those parents of hers treated her right.”

A Happy Post

 H E R E 'S   A    Happy Post!

 I Love Writing!

 Aren't these flowers so pretty?

 I Love Peacocks!

 I Also Love Piano

 Puppies! (So cute!)

I hope you enjoyed!

Have a good day (:

Hi Everyone.................

 

 Hi everyone,

I don't mean to upset anyone, but I might hold off on Pirates of the North. 

I don't know how to write things like that, and I think I do better at writing historical fiction, than things about pirates and similar stuff. 

Maybe one day I'll write it, but for now I'm just gonna hold off.

Until next time!

--Elena

Hadassah/Chp. 2

C H A P T E R   2—O N   T H E   W A Y   D O W N

Hadassah sat on the lawn swing reading a book. But though she looked through the pages and read the lines, she was really thinking about what her parents had said, and how her mother ignored her words. Hadassah had wanted a cousin for so long. But now for some reason after all these years of wanting a close family relative—she suddenly just decided she didn’t want to meet them. 

It had been a whole day since her parents’ talk. Hadassah knew she would be leaving tomorrow. 

Her parents (Veronica and James) had paid a taxi to take her there. 

Like mother had said, ‘Their house is just a day away.’ Hadassah sighed frustratingly. She sat up and ran her fingers through her long brown hair. “I can’t believe this! I can’t believe they’re sending me away! I can’t believe they’ve never told me about these relatives they’re sending me to. I can’t believe any of this!” She burst out in tears and headed for the stable. She stayed until night and slept on a cozy pile of hay. Veronica and James took no thought about going out after her. They slipped into bed and went to sleep.

The next day, the sun shone brighter than the day before. The grass looked greener, the sky looked bluer—it was a beautiful March day. The grass was still damp from the dew that still lay on each blade. Usually on days like this, Hadassah would be happy and wear a smile on her face. She’d finish her chores and sit underneath a tall oak tree and read her favorite book. But now, even on a perfect day like this, Hadassah could not find a reason to be happy. 

Why should I? I’m being sent away to complete strangers. And then Hadassah thought. Today I’m leaving. Hadassah grew more nervous just thinking about it. She dreaded the minute when the taxi cab would pull up and she would be alone in the car. Hadassah shuddered. She didn’t want to go. She would be fine staying here. Besides, she didn’t want to leave her chestnut mare. The more Hadassah thought about it, the more it grew to be a possibility. 

What if…………they’re sending me away for a reason? But what reason is so important that I have to travel to a different state all by myself? Hadassah pushed the thought out of her mind. No. Like Mother said, my uncle Henry has willingly accepted to take me in. But Hadassah frowned. “Why should I be happy? I don’t want to meet him!” She said aloud. She kept running through her thoughts over and over again. Until she heard a sound. It was a car honking its horn.

Hadassah jumped up. Why is the taxi here already? She walked quickly to the car and  told the driver she would need a moment. She went inside and was about to run up the stairs, when she saw a note lying on the countertop. She picked it up and examined it. This is what it read:

“Dear Hadassah. I am sorry to say that we have already left and didn’t get to say goodbye. We hope you have a good time at your Uncle’s house. We love you!”

—Mom & Dad

Hadassah put down the note. “They didn’t even say goodbye?” Hadassah felt hurt. She heard the taxi beep its horns two more times. Hadassah left the note lying where she had found it, and headed out to the cab. 

Inside the car, she read her book, until it was finished. Then after beginning another one, she fell asleep.

She suddenly woke to a thud. The driver had stopped the car a moment too late. Hadassah rubbed her eyes.

“Sir?” She said tiredly. The rain splashed against the car doors and slid down the windows. The taxi driver hummed and sang under his breath. 

Hadassah, now more awake, cleared her throat and spoke a little louder. 

      “Sir?”

“Yes’um,”

“Are we almost there?” 

The driver answered. “Yes dear, we’d be pulling into the driveway any minute now. Just gotta make this last turn.” The driver’s voice sounded friendly and Hadassah felt comfortable. She knew they would arrive soon, so in her last few moments she laid her head down on the soft feather pillow placed upon the black leathery seats and closed her eyes. She thought about her parents. I wonder what they’re doing now. She thought. She wondered if they were thinking about her right now. They’re probably too busy to think about me. She opened her eyes and looked out the window. They were on a gravel path lined with beautiful blossoming apple trees. The pink and white flowers somehow comforted her. I always wanted trees like that at my home. But then she pushed the thought away. This isn’t my home. It never will be. 

The driver noticed she looked nervous. 

“We’re on our way down. In a minute I’m gonna have to drop ya off. You gonna be ok?” 

Hadassah hesitated. She said nothing but nodded her head. But how could she say anything? She didn’t fully know if she would be ok. What if her cousin didn’t like her? What if her aunt and uncle are mean and don’t love her? All her worst thoughts jumbled through her head a million times until the driver cleared his throat.

“This is it ma’am. I’m gonna have to leave you now.”

Hadassah once again nodded her head and slowly opened the car door. The rain had now stopped and a slight rainbow peeked above the mountainside. 

The driver opened his window and gave her a wave as he turned around the car. Then, after beeping his horn goodbye, he slowly drove down the gravel path leading to the road. All of a sudden Hadassah felt entirely alone. No parents. No chestnut mare. No taxi driver. Hadassah felt afraid. But she knew her parents sent her here for a reason. So Hadassah slowly walked up to the porch and shuffled up the wooden steps. She inched her way to the door and lifting up her hand, gave it a little, quiet knock. For some reason, the front door seemed so vast and tall. 

Hadassah’s heart nearly jumped when she heard footsteps coming from inside. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath. “Here I go.” She whispered. 

A Post About POTN

 Hey Guys!

Another blogger suggested that I should come up with a few adventure scenarios and ask you all what one you like better.

1. It could be an adventure where the main characters are searching for a particular place, person, or thing.

2. She finds out the two (dad and Author) have been trapped somewhere and have been trying to get back.

3. She also meets an extra character and they, later in the story, get married 

4. Author could be nice & gentle, selfish and prideful, tough and serious, playful and a sense of humor, or neither

Just a small post..........

Hi Friends!

I know this is gonna sound kinda weird, but I think I should tell you what POTN is supposed to be about, only because I was thinking, what if you help me write the story! (Do NOT feel pressured) 

What if every week or one of us writes a chapter? And yeah, it's kinda weird, but just in case anyone wants to, let me know!!

Also, since it's only gone up to chapter two, we could just start over, or we could just change the name, if you don't like pirates!

But anyway, it was just an idea. But if any of you feel up to writing a chapter, 

feel free to leave a comment!

P.S.

I was wondering, would you rather have me post a chapter of Hadassah every Friday, or every other Friday? It's completely up to you!

Pirates of the North

 Chapter Two

—Memory Gift—

The next day, Arcelia rose from bed early and was almost done chores when the rooster crowed to show the day had begun. The Whittimore’s hens had been killed by vultures just a few years back. That is why they had one rooster and no chickens.

Arcelia paused and looked at the clouds. There were so many different shades of blue and pink, orange and yellow. But it all looked so beautiful to Arcelia. Mama says Papa and Author are thousands of miles beyond the sunrise. 

She kept thinking for a brief moment and then heard her mother’s call. “Artie! Arcelia Rose, come here!” Arcelia ran inside and stopped at the doorway. Mother was again in her rocking chair. She had become quite sickly. This time though, she was holding a wrapped box. A very little box, big enough only to carry a little trinket or two. 

In the little town of Jamestown Virginia, 1752, food was scarce and there was many a time when families had no where to sleep. Children barely received any gift or toy at Christmas time, or any time of the year. Arcelia, being twelve years old, was very mature about it. She understood the reasons why some folks starved, and some lived in fancy white houses and had metallic black carriages and tall kingly stallions. 

Arcelia walked in and went over and sat by her mother’s side. Her mother handed the box to Arcelia. 

“This gift—” Mother began wondering if she should even say a word. “The cost of this is precious.”

 But before she could say any more, Arcelia cried, “Oh Mama, you shouldn’t have bought me anything! Look at our house, the food, the animals. Oh, Mama, I don’t deserve such a thing.” 

“Oh no, darling. This gift is free. It’s been tucked away in the attic all this time. Your Father wanted you to have it. We were waiting until you come of age.” She handed the box to give to Arcelia. Arcelia carefully unwrapped it trying not to rip the page. Paper was also important in those days. 

She finally finished unwrapping it and found a purple leather box with real gold lined around the outside. On the box was a keyhole. But Arcelia saw no key. “It’s beautiful. But where is the key?” She asked worriedly. 

Mother sat up and began looking around. “Oh, Artie. I guess later when I’m in town, you’ll have to search through the attic. But for now, keep that box safe, and finish your chores.”

Arcelia gave her mother a big hug, and dashed out the door to try to finish her chores as quickly as possible. 

Story Ideas Anyone??????????????

 

Hey Ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Howdy friends!! (She says talking in a deep southern accent)

I recently (as you know) finished my book Hadassah, and now I'm 

postin' a chapter from that every other Friday. But.........................I was 

wondering if any of you have any ideas for either an ongoing 

story, or just a short one. 

Right now, I'm just posting a tip bit of 'Pirates of the North' just 

temporarily. I'll most likely finish it, but as in temporarily, I mean, 

it's not like THE story I'm writing. It's just kinda like a hold-me-over 

type of thing. (If you know what I mean) So PLEASE! If you have 

any ideas, let me know!!!

(By the way, don't feel pressured. If you come up with an idea, you 

can use it, or tell me, but it's fine either way.)

-Elena

Pirates of the North/Chapter One

 

This is just a short story that I may never finish, but I found 

it on the computer (I wrote it awhile ago) and I thought 

maybe I should just post it 'cause after all, my blog is for

stories.

So, here you go!

PI  R  A  T  E  S   Of    T H E   

                                                     NO  R  T  H

    Chapter One

—Windy Night—

The icy rain poured down from the sky and sloshed along the roads and splashed when the carriages or wagons came by with their fancy black horses or just filthy work mules waiting to get into shelter. 

The cold wind smacked against Arcelia Wittimore’s face as she ran, while holding her cloak around part of her face hoping she wouldn’t catch a cold. She held her basket of newly bought eggs and freshly baked bread, now cold and soaked by the rain. 

Almost there, she kept reassuring herself. After about half a mile of running and falling a few times too, she finally reached home.

Home. Arcelia had a beautiful home. Though the house was small and the food was scarce, Arcelia felt her home was her favorite place in all the world. 

Arcelia though, had no siblings to greet her when she walked in. Only her cat Rusty who hardly took notice of her at all. 

When Arcelia walked in the narrow doorway, her mother was cooking stew above a fire in the kitchen. She looked up and smiled, and motioned her head toward the wash basin. Arcelia smiled back and first hung up her cloak and took off her dusty brown boots. 

Arcelia washed her face and hands and walked over to Elenor, her mother. 

“Mother,” she said leaning forward. “Do tell me more. About Papa and Author.” Her voice sounded anxious. 

Her mother sighed and stepped back from the steam coming from the pot, and sat down on the old rocking chair. She wiped her face with her apron and answered Arcelia, saying, “there’s not much left to tell you dear. Your father disappeared. Along with your brother when he was just a baby. Six months old, in fact.” 

“But Mama—” Arcelia began. “At least tell me when Papa first called me Artie. How old was I?” 

“You were just a few weeks old or so. He loved calling you that. I remember the names he called Author. And the names he’d call me. One day day, we decided to make a secret name for both of us. But then there was Author. Author was so wild, so free spirited as a baby, he—” Mother stopped and wiped away a tear that had streamed down her cheek as she talked. “Artie. Sometimes it’s good to forget. And move on. And that time is now. You never knew your brother. He is dead, along with your father, from a storm that hit while they were at sea.” 

Arcelia looked down disappointed. Arcelia always knew how her father and brother had died at sea, but for some reason, it had never grieved her the way it did now. 

After a few moments of silence, Arcelia asked, “Mama. How old was I when Papa left?” 

Mother hesitated. “Six months old.” There was another silence. 

“What? You mean Author—he was my twin?” 

“Yes dear. Your father left and to make it fair, we each took a child.”

Arcelia helped finish supper and then went to bed early, and soon drifted off to sleep.