The Hansen Girls Chapter 2

Chapter 2

             Everyone pitched in to help clean up the house and the yard. Large sticks and branches needed to be cleared and fallen trees needed to be chopped up. Danielle and Cassandra helped the boys outside since they were the strongest. Elsie and Faith went to the barn to clean up there while Belle and the younger girls cleaned up the house. Danielle and Cassandra began dragging away the big braches. Albert swung the axe and began hacking away at the huge oak tree.    

            “Gideon, bring the mules over to pull this piece away!”

             Gideon obediently brought the mules and they hooked the oak log to the mules.

            “Take her away!”

            “Giddy up,” Gideon said.

            Kenny and Isaac stayed busy collecting sticks and stacking them beside the house.

            Two hours into the cleanup, they were half-way done. Elsie and Faith prepared lunch for everyone. The siblings crowded in at the table and ate their portion quickly and silently.

            “Don’t waste any time,” Albert warned.

            “Yes, sir,” Kenny answered with his mouth full of sandwich.

            “You girls be careful,” Belle warned. “You aren’t used to such heavy work and I don’t like it.”

            “Let’s get back to work!’ Albert called.

            Cassandra and Danielle silently took their plates to the sink and followed the boys out the door.

~~~

 

            Danielle grasped the log and tugged it up over her shoulder. Her face was soaked with sweat from working so hard but she refused to stop. She was yearning to show she could work as hard as Albert and Gideon.  Her whole body felt achy as she tossed the piece into the wheelbarrow. She walked back and grabbed another log but this time she crumpled forward. Danielle laid there stunned. She felt so exhausted she could hardly move. Suddenly, the trees above her began to spin. Danielle’s eyes slowly closed and she fainted.

~~~

            “Supper is almost ready,” Belle called to her siblings.

            Albert and the boys kicked the dirt off their boots and headed to the table.

            “Smells great!” Kenny said sliding on his seat.

            “I’m starving,” Isaac added.

            Everyone sat down and right before Albert prayed, Gideon spotted Danielle’s seat was empty.  “Hey, Danny’s not here!”

            “Danielle,” Belle murmured.

            “Where is she?” Jinger asked.

            “I’m not sure,” Elsie said. 

            “Last I saw she was out working,” Hannah spoke up.

            “Let’s spread out and look,” Albert proposed.

            Everyone went outside and spread out around the yard calling for Danielle. Belle saw a figure in the distance.

            “Danielle?” Belle got closer and saw she wasn’t moving. “Danielle!” Belle ran to her side and felt for a pulse. “Albert!” she cried.    

            Albert came running over. “What happened?”

            “I don’t know,” Belle said her voice was high and nervous. “Move her into the house.” Albert and Belle picked the young woman off the ground and moved her to the couch. Belle went to work dabbing Danielle’s forehead with a cool cloth and searching for any signs of what happened. She made everyone go eat supper so she could be alone with her. A few minutes of lying on the couch, Danielle’s eyes flickered open.

            “Where…am…I…?” she stammered.

            “You’re inside, Darling.” Belle touched Danielle’s hair.  “You were working too hard outside. I think you fainted. Just rest for now.”

            Danielle sat up, “I’m alright.”

            Belle put her hand on Danielle’s shoulder and pushed her back. “I don’t think so.”

            Danielle glared at Belle. “I’m fine; stop fussing over me!”

            “I want you to rest for the rest of the day…you over worked today and you need some extra rest.”

            Danielle frowned, “It’s not a big deal.”

            “I just want to be sure you stay healthy,” Belle said firmly. “We can’t afford a doctor bill if you get seriously ill so just go rest.”

            Danielle relented and closed her eyes.

            Albert walked in a few minutes later and asked after Danielle. He looked at his sleeping sister and then at the clock. “Did she wake up at all?”

            “Yes,” Belle replied, “but I told her to sleep and get plenty of rest. I don’t want to her to risk her health. She should be fine tomorrow.”

            “That’s good.” Albert walked out of the room to go help with the chores and Belle finished making the tea.

~~~

           

            The following day was spent finishing the cleanup. The house was back to normal and the yard around the cabin was cleaned up. Albert and the boys took no breaks since they wanted to begin clearing the fields. Belle took a few minutes to organize the indoors cleanup.           

            “The animals have been fed but the barn needs cleaned up and the horses need groomed,” Belle said.

            Cassandra and Danielle pulled on their shoes and headed outdoors.

            “Elsie and I will take care of the kitchen chores. I need three of you to clean up the boy’s bedroom,” Belle ordered.

            Faith, Hannah, and Jinger began pulling out the cleaning supplies.

            “The boy’s bedroom shouldn’t be too hard.” Belle said sending the girls upstairs. “When you’re finished, you can come back downstairs and help us.”

~~~

 

             Cassandra tossed a bale of hay to the horses in the barn and Danielle dumped another bale in the stall.

            “I need to groom the horses.” Cassandra said to Danielle.  “Where’s the curry comb?”

            Danielle scratched her head. “Last I saw it was in the closet.”

            “Okay, thanks.” Cassandra walked over to the closet and opened the door.

            Danielle went outback to fill the water bucket. A shout brought Danielle racing back into the barn. “Cassandra! What’s wrong?” Danielle watched a swarm of bugs fly by her. “Yuck, where did they come from?” 

            “From the corn bin!” Cassandra answered backing away from the closet.

            “I bet the boys forgot to put the lid on the bin,” Danielle said rolling her eyes.

             “I’m going to tell Belle,” Cassandra stalked off. Cassandra opened the cabin door and called for Belle.

            “In the kitchen,” Belle answered. The kitchen was being prepared for the noon meal. A pot of soup was on the stove; steam piling out. A plate of sandwiches was being assembled on the table.

            Cassandra ran her hands through her chocolate hair. She parked herself in front of the stove and planted her hands on her hips. “One of the boys forgot to place the lid back on the corn and there were thousands of bugs in the bucket!”

            Belle angrily slammed the lid on the pot of soup. “Those boys!” She was tired of having to deal with the consistent irresponsibility. 

            Danielle breathlessly ran in.  She ran in right beside Cassandra and gasped loudly. “The corn is completely infested with bugs! We have to burn every kernel!”

            Faith, Hannah, and Jinger came down the stairs in single file. They walked into the kitchen with curiosity burning inside them. 

            “What’s going on?” Faith asked worriedly. 

Cassandra explained the situation to her sisters. The entire time, Cassandra and Belle were growing angrier and angrier.

            “We lose every kernel?” Hannah asked in disbelief.

            “Every kernel,” Danielle nodded; her blue eyes somber. 

            Belle looked out the window and noticed Albert and Isaac walking home.

            “Here they come. I’ll go talk to them,” Belle left the stove and marched outside. She raised her voice to be heard. “Albert! Someone left the lid off the corn bucket in the barn.”

            Isaac stopped in his tracks. His face went ashen and he looked down at his feet. “Oops.”

            “Isaac, bugs got into the bucket.” Belle looked sadly at her brother. “Now we have to burn it!”

             Isaac played with the buttons on his soft gray shirt. He continued to button and unbutton the buttons and refused to look at Albert or Belle.

            Albert shook his head. “Well, get going and burn the corn, Isaac,” he gently shoved Isaac toward the barn. “If you need help, find one of the girls.”

            Isaac hurried off and disappeared into the barn.

            “Albert, you need to remind the boys to be more responsible,” Belle accused him.

            “Me? Why is it my fault?” Albert took a step closer. His eyes were suddenly dark.

            Belle was frightened by Albert’s sudden change in demeanor but her fright quickly melted into anger. “You promised Mama you would raise the boys to become gentlemen and civilized people.” Belle’s blue eyes angrily stared into Albert’s.

            Albert sighed. “They’re still young! Everyone makes mistakes. Look, I’m not happy Isaac ruined the corn but we can’t change that now.” Albert brushed the accusations away and began walking to the barn.

            Belle reached over and grasped his arm. “Just start being more careful. And make sure you clean up before you come into the house.”

            Albert sighed angrily. “You’re always making us change clothes and washing up every minute,” Albert folded him arms across his chest.

            “Do you want to be dirty all the time? You keep bringing dirt and dust into the house once I have it all cleaned up. I have rules around here that will help us!” Belle challenged.

             “You have so many rules, Belle! I’m doing everything I can to support this family. The least you can do is go easy on me and the boys.”

            Belle shot Albert an angry look. “And what do you think I’m doing? I cook meals for you every day, I clean the house, and I wash all the clothes. I work hard to support this family too.”

            “That’s just it!” Albert exploded. “Every one of us is working hard but we aren’t getting anywhere! We can’t do it anymore, Belle! I’m tired…I can’t go on like this. We are just barely staying alive…I don’t know what to do anymore.”

            Belle looked at Albert in shock. “Albert…?”

            Albert shook his head and walked away to go clean up. Belle stared after him with a worried gaze. What does Albert mean? Is he giving up? Belle shivered and went back into the cabin. 

   

~~~

            Cassandra and Belle busily made oatmeal for breakfast the following morning. Faith and Elsie busily cooked a ham on the stove.

             Belle called to her sisters, “Lynn and Megan, is the table set?”

            “Yes,” Lynn said placing the last fork on the table.

            “Faith and Elsie, come help me take the food out to the table,” Cassandra

            The twins hurried to aid their sister.

            “Hannah and Jinger, get out the milk and water.”

            Hannah and Jinger already had the tall pitchers in their hands.

            The boys ambled in the door. They hung their hats on the rack and went to wash up. They crowded around the sink; splashing water on each other.

            “How are the animals?” Nadia asked.

            “Real fine,” Gideon answered her.

            “The peeps are growing up fast,” Albert commented.

            “I love the peeps,” Nadia said smiling.

            “Breakfast is ready!” Cassandra called out.

            Everyone crowded to the table and found their seats

            “Let’s pray for the food.” Albert prayed and everyone began chatting and eating at once.

~~~

           

            The day passed quickly. The boys plowed the fields and the girls worked on the garden. Those chores occupied everyone for the day. No one relaxed until supper time. Belle and Cassandra whipped together supper for everyone and as soon as it was ready, everyone gratefully sat down at the table.

            “Megan, it’s your turn to pray,” Elsie said.

            Megan nodded and folded her hands. “Dear God, I pray that You will bless the food to our bodies…and that You will make the boys cleaner…Amen.”

            Danielle stifled a laugh and Elsie and Faith tried to hide smiles. Belle kept her eyes on her plate and waited.

            “What kind of prayer was that?” Kenny growled.

            “A good one,” Lynn defended.

            “It was a horrible prayer!” Gideon shot back.

            “No it wasn’t. You all are dirty…”

            “Smelly…” Megan continued.

            “Yucky pigs!” Nadia screeched.

            Belle mentally slapped her forehead. The table blew up as the girls shot comments at the boys and the boys shot comments at the girls. Suddenly, Danielle grabbed a spoonful of mashed potatoes. Belle clearly noticed the gleam in Danielle’s eyes. Belle cried out a warning up it was too late. Danielle hit Gideon right between the eyes. Gideon and the boys fired back and the girls reloaded. Albert stood and tried to get them to stop but in vain. Belle came apart and broke into tears and she rushed from the table to the bedroom.

            Albert grew angry and raised his voice. “Stop this instant!”

            Everyone froze; Albert never raised his voice.

            “Girls, go to the barn and wash up.” The girls stood and walked to the barn without a word. “Boys, you get to the creek and wash up.” The boys left without a word. Albert gazed at the mess and grabbed a rag.

            Belle didn’t speak to any of the girls when they came in for bed. The girls stared at their sister with puzzled looks.  

            “Goodnight, girls,” Cassandra said sending the girls to bed.

            Everyone crawled into bed and softly called goodnight to each other. Nadia lingered by Belle’s bed.

            “Are you going to kiss me goodnight?”

            Belle felt horrible. She wanted to kiss Nadia and tell her everything was fine but she couldn’t. Everything was wrong! Belle couldn’t even look at Nadia.

            “Please?” Nadia said in a tiny voice.

            Belle suddenly felt sick to her stomach. She leaped off her bed and fled from the scene. Nadia’s lip trembled and Cassandra came and tucked the youngest into bed.

            “Why is Belle angry?”

            Cassandra answered truthfully. “I’m not sure…I’m not sure.”

~~~

            Belle dropped to her knees outside the cabin after she had thrown up. She’d never felt so bad before, except the when Papa and Mama had died. She cupped her face in her hands and allowed herself a good cry. During the cry, she poured her heart out to God. She told God all of her worries and concerns and begged Him to help her family. After the lengthy prayer, Belle dried her eyes on her apron and went back indoors. Albert was scrubbing the floor when she entered.

            “How long have you been out there?” Albert asked his face lined with concern.

            “Ever since bedtime,” Belle replied softly.

            “Two hours?”

            “I suppose.”

            Albert pushed the brush across the wooden floor and glanced at Belle. Belle wrapped a shawl around her shoulders and went to make some tea.

            “Albert,” she called, hesitating before she left him.

            “Yes?”

            “After this tea is made, I want to talk with you.”

            Albert glanced up at Belle. “Sure…I want to talk to you too.”

            Belle departed to make the tea and Albert continued to wash the floor. The tea was finished in a few minutes.

            “Tea’s ready,” Belle notified Albert as she sat down at the table.

            Albert dumped the old water outside and returned as the clock struck ten.

             “Albert,” Belle began, “we need to start controlling the children better. Mama and Papa would be sorry to see us now.”

            “Now, Belle…everything is fine. We only had that one slip up tonight. Megan shouldn’t have prayed that way and you know it.”

            “I know…but you boys are getting careless.”

            “Careless!?” Albert said, his voice rising.

            “Shh,” Belle hushed him.

            “Belle, you’re always so strict. You’re driving us crazy!”

            Belle did not answer; instead she sipped her tea calmly. Albert couldn’t stand her silence and stood up and paced.

            “I’ll try to be nicer,” Belle said finally.

            “It doesn’t matter,” Albert replied stiffly. “The boys and I are leaving tomorrow.” 

            Belle’s tea cup clattered to the table.

            Albert continued, “You said we weren’t gentlemen or civilized. I aim to prove that we can last in town. I heard of a town north of here, Mapletown. It’s at the tip of the Dakota Territory. Sounds like a good place for the boys and I to start out.”

            “But…but Albert? Why?” Belle sputtered.

            “I just told you. I aim to prove you wrong! Plus it will make the work around here a little easier. You won’t have to feed as many people.”

            Belle’s heart began pounding. “Who will plow? I have the young ones to watch over and a house to keep clean!” Belle fired out many reasons why the boys should stay but Albert ignored her.

            “We can’t go on like this. We have to try something different. We don’t have a lot of seeds to plant so this fall we won’t bring a good crop. There’s no way we can survive the winter. We have to change things. The boys and I are going to Maple Town. I don’t care what you girls do.” Albert mounted the stairs and slid into his bedroom.

            Belle rested her head on the table. “What are we going to do?” she wondered. 

CHAPTER THREE