The O'Neal Girls Chapter 20

Chapter 20 

The following morning Joe felt well enough to return home. His parents drove their wagon to the O’Neals’ cabin after breakfast. Joe was helped into the back of the wagon and made comfortable. 

“We’ll see ya, Joe,” Paul called, waving his hand. 

“Bye, Joe!” Cassandra said. 

Joe grinned and waved back. “Thanks for everything!” 

The wagon rumbled down the road and disappeared around the bend. The O’Neals walked back inside. Paul headed for his gun rack beside the fireplace. He lifted his rifle from the rack and began the process of loading it. 

Elsie walked past Paul and suddenly stopped. Her eyes lingered on the rifle. “Pa?” she said. 

Paul looked over at Elsie. “Yes?” 

“What’s that for?” 

“It’s time for the bacon,” Paul said quietly. He finished loading the rifle and he walked outside. 

He entered the barn and walked over to the stall that contained the pig. As he neared the stall he heard voices. 

“I don’t really like the color black,” a little voice said. “It makes me think of nighttime and the darkness. When darkness comes, bad things happen. It scares me.” 

Paul looked in and saw Nadia sitting in the straw beside Timmy the pig. Paul listened to the conversation with interest. 

“What colors do you like?” Nadia looked intently at Timmy. “I guess you like the color pink since you’re pink.” Nadia giggled, “What other colors do you like? What about blue? The sky is blue. The sky is so pretty and it stretches all over!” 

Paul cleared his throat and Nadia glanced up. She flashed him a bright smile. “I was just talking to Timmy, Pa,” she said. 

“I see that. I need you to go inside and help Ma clean up the kitchen.” 

Nadia leaned over and patted Timmy’s head. “I’ll see you later.” She opened the stall door and walked out.  

Paul watched Nadia walk inside. He suddenly felt like a criminal. What would Nadia say when she came back to an empty stall? He sighed and called Nadia back. 

“Yes, Pa?” 

Paul knelt down and pulled Nadia close to him. “Nadia, you know that Lillian and I do everything we can to make sure you and your sisters have a good life, right?” 

“Right!” 

“And you trust me that I always make the right decisions for you, right?” 

“I trust you.” 

“Okay, well I need you to trust me now. I have to make a decision that might make you sad. But I promise you, I’m only doing it because I have to.” 

Nadia looked confused now. “What do you have to do?” 

“I have to…I…” Paul faltered. He took a deep breath. “I have to shoot Timmy.” 

Nadia gasped. “Shoot Timmy?! Why?” Her pure blue eyes looked at Paul in shock. 

“Timmy is a pig and from pigs we get our meat like bacon and pork. I have to kill Timmy for meat because we don’t have enough to last us any longer. I didn’t store enough food for us this winter.” 

Nadia shook her head, “But Timmy is my friend! Can’t you shoot something else?” 

“Animals can’t be our friends.”

“But Timmy and I were friends. I talked to him every day!” 

“Nadia—” 

Nadia pulled away from Paul.

Paul grabbed her arm.  “Nadia, please listen to me.” 

“No!” Nadia pounded her fists against Paul’s chest. She started crying and sobbing.  

Paul stood up and watched her. He didn’t know what to do. A few moments later Lillian came out of the house. 

“What’s going on?” she called. She noticed Nadia crying and she ran over to the barn. She reached the little girl and pulled her into an embrace. “Shhh, hush…it’s okay, sweetheart.” Lillian looked up at Paul. “What’s wrong?” 

“It’s time for me to shoot the pig,” he said.  

“I see.” Lillian gently swayed back and forth to calm Nadia. “Honey, please don’t cry. I don’t like to see you sad.” 

“But Pa is going to kill Timmy! Timmy was my friend,” Nadia sniffed. 

“Pigs don’t make very good friends. What if Pa gets you a new friend?” 

“Like what?” Nadia stopped crying and looked at Lillian. 

“The barn cat is going to have kittens soon, you can have one of the kitchens as a pet of your very own.” 

“My very own?” 

“Your very own,” Lillian repeated. She reached up and wiped away the tears from Nadia’s face. 

“Could the kitten sleep with me?” 

Lillian looked over at Paul, who shook his head firmly. 

“Well, no, the kitten can’t sleep with you. He would have to stay outside in the barn. He has to learn to catch the mice that run around out here.” 

“Oh,” Nadia said. “But I can visit him all the time?” 

“Whenever you want.” 

Nadia smiled, “I would like that.” 

“Alright. As soon as the kittens are born, you may pick out a kitten.” 

“You promise?” 

“I promise.” 

Nadia put her arms around Lillian’s neck and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Ma.” She smiled gleefully at Lillian. 

Lillian smiled back, “I love you too, dear. And so does Paul.” 

Nadia turned to look at Paul. “I love you, Pa…even if you have to shoot Timmy.” 

Paul took Nadia’s hand and kissed it. “Thank-you, Nadia.” 

Lillian set Nadia down and Nadia rushed inside to tell her sisters about her kitten. Paul slipped an arm around Lillian’s waist. 

“Thanks.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

“I sure felt awful there for a while.” 

Lillian leaned up for a kiss, “It’s hard being a daddy.” 

Paul kissed Lillian back, “It must be hard being a mommy too but you sure seem to be doing a better job.” 

Lillian shook her head, “I feel inadequate at times too. We’re both learning.” 

Paul reached down and picked up his rifle. “I better go take care of this,” he said motioning towards Timmy.  

Lillian nodded and headed inside. She took Nadia into the kitchen with her and together they cleaned up the kitchen. A few minutes later, the loud crack of a rifle discharging met the ears of the girls in the house. Nadia jumped in surprise then numbly went back to wiping the table.  

Lillian watched Nadia as she busily continued to clean. She went over to Nadia and kissed the top of her head. “You’re a very brave girl, Nadia,” she told her. 

Nadia looked up and smiled a tiny smile. “I’m trying to be brave.” 

Lillian grinned and took the cleaning rag from Nadia, “You run along and play now. Thanks for your help.” 

~~~ 

   In late March, Paul wanted to throw a party to celebrate nearly a full year with the girls and Oakley. The party was prepared, people invited, and food made. Everyone was excited. Lillian’s parents were coming, the Carters were coming, and a bunch of people from Fairburn were coming too. Paul and Danielle came up with dozens of games including a horse race, pie contest, horseshoes, marbles, and a few others. Lillian, Belle, and Cassandra spent the day before the party baking and setting up. The others spent their time decorating and cleaning. 

​ 

The Saturday dawned and people were arriving at eight o’clock sharp. Lillian’s parents— Oakley and Isabella Rosenthal—brought tables and a casserole, Laura Trenson and some friends of hers brought chicken sandwiches. Paul cooked up the rest of the pig.  Many women appeared with pies and side dishes as well.  

Lillian was inside in the kitchen when she heard a shout. 

​“Lillian! There are some people out here to see you!” Paul’s voice boomed. 

​“Coming!” she called back. She left Cassandra and Belle in the kitchen and hurried outside, wiping her hands on her apron. She exited the house and looked up. A woman, a few years older than Lillian, was climbing off a wagon.  It took only a split second for Lillian to recognize the woman. 

​“Lila!” Lillian cried, running over to the woman. 

​“Lillian!” the woman returned. 

​The two sisters embraced happily. 

​“It’s been so long!” Lila exclaimed looking over her sister. “It’s been nearly five years!” 

​“I know,” Lillian said wistfully. “We should meet more often.” 

​“Indeed,” a deep male voice said behind them. 

​“Oh, Robert!” Lillian smiled and turned to greet Lila’s husband. “It’s wonderful to see you and Lila again.” 

​Robert Pennington had slicked back  hair topped with a bowler hat. He had steel gray eyes and thin eyebrows. “Paul invited us and we decided we must come.” 

​“Paul! Why didn’t you tell me?” 

​“Don’t you like your surprise?” Paul asked, placing his arm around her. 

​Lillian smiled her answer and asked Paul to find the girls. Paul called the girls over and Lillian introduced them to Lila and Robert. The children lined up in order according to age with Elsie holding Oakley. 

​“Lila, Robert, these are my children,” Lillian began. “That’s Cassandra, Danielle, Elsie, Faith…” Lillian paused painfully when she remembered the empty space between Faith and Lynn. “And Lynn, Megan, Nadia, and Oakley. And that’s Belle,” Lillian pointed at the young blonde woman. Lillian was careful not to include Belle as one of her children. Belle made it clear that she loved Paul and Lillian but did not consider them her parents.

​“Lillian,” Lila said after greeting the girls. “Last time we spoke, you didn’t have any children…” 

​Lillian and Paul both laughed and explained how they came to adopt the girls. 

​“That makes more sense,” Robert chuckled. 

​“Can I help you with the food?” Lila asked. 

​“Of course, come on inside and we’ll see.” Lillian led Lila inside and Robert went with Paul to set up some things outside. 

~~~ 

​The party was underway. The food was great, the games were a success, and everyone had fun chatting with each other. 

​“Belle,” Paul called after the horse race had begun. “Can you go fetch some more pies from inside?” 

​“Sure, Pa.” Belle began towards the house. 

​“Need any help?” Joe asked walking over. 

​“Sure.” 

​The two started for the house at a brisk pace.

“Thanks for caring for me back when I had the knife wound,” Joe said to Belle. “I really appreciate it.”

Belle smiled gently, “I was glad to help. It was the least I could do to repay you for saving me.”

As they reached the outside of the log cabin, Joe paused and looked around. “What’s that sound?” he asked. 

​“What sound?” 

​“That one.” 

​Belle listened and heard a dull pounding sound. “It sounds like hoof beats…” 

​“Doesn’t the horse race come beside the cabin?” Joe’s question was answered as he saw a group of horses barreling straight towards them. Joe and Belle were in the direct path of the race.  

Joe acted quickly. His hands flew out and grabbed Belle by the waist and lifted her up and swung her out and away from the horses. Joe pushed Belle up against the side of the cabin and braced himself in front of her. The horses raced by in a swirl of brown and black. Looking up and making sure all the horses had passed, Joe backed away from Belle. 

​“Sorry,” he said while blushing.  

​“No apology needed.” Belle brushed the dust and dirt off her dress. “If you hadn’t reacted so quickly, I could’ve been trampled!” She laughed lightly, “Looks like you saved me again.”

​Joe grinned and shrugged off the thanks and said, “Let’s go get those pies.” 

​“Hold up!” 

​A firm, solid object crashed into Joe’s jaw and sent him reeling. Caught by surprise, Joe flew backwards and landed on his back. He jumped up to look at his attacker. A furious Caleb Carter stood ready with balled fists. His face was deep red and his jaw was tightly clenched. 

​“Caleb?” Joe said in surprise.  

​Caleb shoved Joe in the chest. 

​“Caleb!” Belle shouted as Joe tumbled again and Caleb raced after him. 

​“Get up and fight, Connolly,” Caleb bellowed. 

​“Fight?” Joe cried in confusion. 

​Caleb rushed again but this time Joe was ready. Caleb rushed in and Joe easily dodged. He stuck out his foot and tripped Caleb. Joe hoped that was the end of the fight but Caleb was still coming. 

​“Caleb! Joe!” Belle screamed. 

​Cassandra, Davy, and Danielle ran over. “What’s going on?” they all asked. 

​“I don’t know! Caleb just marched over and hit Joe.” Belle glanced back at the wrestling boys. 

​“I’ll stop ‘em!” Davy strode over and reached down to grab Caleb and drag him away. It didn’t work out as planned. Caleb’s leg flew out and caught Davy in the side of the head. Davy crumpled down in a heap. 

​“Davy!” Belle and Cassandra shouted at once. 

​“I’m going to get Pa!” Danielle exclaimed running away. 

​Belle and Cassandra drug Davy away from the brawling two and checked if he was alright. 

​“Ow,” Davy mumbled as Cassandra found a wet rag for him. He held the rag over his ear where Caleb kicked him. “Didn’t know my brother could kick like that.” 

Joe thrust his arm out and caught Caleb in the nose. Caleb responded with another swing at Joe. 

​Danielle came back with Paul and Robert. Before Paul could make a move, Robert removed his hat and barreled his way into the fight. With two swift punches to the ribs, Joe and Caleb stopped fighting. Robert and Paul pulled the two away from each other. Robert placed his bowler hat back on and calmly brushed his coat off. 

​“Now what’s the meaning of this?” Paul demanded. “This isn’t like either of you.” 

​“I don’t know, Mr. O’Neal. All I know is someone punched me and suddenly Caleb was rushing after me!” Joe wiped his hand across his lip. 

​“You know right well what happened!” Caleb said, clutching his bloody nose. “You too,” he yelled looking at Belle. 

​“Me?” 

​“Her?” 

​“What’s going on?” Paul asked again. 

​“I was minding my own business, walking by the house when I see Joe with his arms around Belle. Thanks a lot for telling me you switched beaus on me, Belle!” 

​“Belle…Joe?” Paul looked sternly at the two. 

​Joe flushed bright red and glanced down at his feet. 

​“Oh no! Caleb, you got it all wrong. I was walking right into the path of the horse racers. Joe pulled me away just in time! He may have just saved my life. I can’t believe you would think such a thing.” Belle’s light blue eyes clouded with sadness and anger. 

​“Oh…” Caleb was speechless. 

​“Belle and I are just friends. I’m Cassandra’s beau.” Joe reminded. 

​Jonathan Carter, Fergus Connolly, and Lillian were hurrying toward the group with worried faces. 

​“You were fighting?” Jonathan shot a disapproving look at Caleb. 

​“What has happened?” Fergus asked in a thick brogue. 

​“Caleb and Joe had a disagreement and I think it is settled,” Robert spoke up. 

​Belle walked angrily away from the group as the boys stared at the group shamefully. Cassandra, Davy and Danielle watched from the side. 

​“Cassandra,” Lillian suggested. “Why don’t you help the boys clean up a little? Danielle, you can help me bring out some more food.” 

​“Sure, Ma,” the girls answered. 

​Cassandra led the way and the four others followed. 

​Danielle helped Lillian bring out more pies and Cassandra led the boys to the washroom. Caleb and Joe borrowed shirts from Paul since theirs had gotten dirty during the fight. In a few minutes, they were ready to go back to the party. 

​“Better hurry up,” Danielle called as she returned empty dishes to the house. “The dancing is about to begin!” 

​“C’mon, Cassandra,” Joe said fixing his bowtie. “We gotta win this dance competition.” 

​Joe and Cassandra hurried out the door. 

​Davy strolled over to Danielle. “Do you have a partner yet?” 

​“No…” Danielle replied. “I’m not the best dancer.” 

​“Neither am I so let’s go!” Davy grinned and he and Danielle followed Joe and Cassandra. 

​Caleb was left. He slowly walked out of the house and closed the door behind him. I can’t believe I made that mistake about Belle and Joe. I should’ve known Belle would always stay loyal to me…I really do love her…I’ve been praying about it and thinking about it… Caleb stopped as he saw Belle walking his way. He stared away from Belle as she stopped beside him. 

​“Caleb?” Belle asked gently. 

​“Yeah?” 

​“Do you want to dance in the competition?” 

​Caleb looked at Belle in surprise. “After what I did to you? You want to dance—with me?” 

​“Who else would I dance with?” 

​“Uh…nobody I guess.” 

​“Let’s go. You know we dance well together.” 

​“We sure do…let’s do it!” Caleb reached for Belle’s arm and they trekked off towards the barn where the dancing was to be held.