I was hoping to get this posted this morning but we had a wheat weevil problem. In case you haven't read the rest of the story start here with Chap. 1 

Chapter 6

Copyright © Saved Girl. All rights reserved.

                The next day after breakfast Crystal picked up the phone and dialed the number of a woman that her father had asked to look after the girls while he was gone.

                "Hello, this is Miss Carter."

                "Hello, Miss Fanny. This is Crystal."

                "Oh, good morning Crystal. How are you and Mary?" came the sweet voice of Miss Fanny Carter.

                "We are fine. Listen, I was wondering if you had time to take us to the store today. We are running a little short on groceries and," she said lowering her voice, "I want to stop by the craft store to see what I can find to make Mary for her birthday."

                "Sure, I have plenty of time today. How about I pick you up at ten?"

                "That will be good. I will see you then. Thank you, goodbye."

                "Goodbye, dear."

                Crystal smiled as she hung up the phone. She loved the older woman. Miss Fanny Carter was single and about sixty. She had a beautiful infectious smile and a very sweet personality.

                "Mary," she called. "Miss Fanny is coming in thirty minutes to take us to the store."

                Mary came tumbling down the stairs. "Really? I love Miss Fanny."

                "Well then I expect you to look presentable. Go upstairs and brush your hair and change into your red jumper and put your white shirt under it."

                Crystal shook her head and smiled as Mary raced back up the stairs.

                When Miss Fanny pulled up in her car a little later, Crystal and Mary were ready to hop into the car.

                As Crystal slid into the front passenger seat she smiled at the older woman.

                "So where do you need to go today, Crystal?" Miss Fanny asked.

                Crystal ticked off the list of stores on her fingers.

                "My, I am glad I am not doing the shopping. If it is alright with you I would prefer to stay in the car with Mary," Miss Fanny said as she swept her long hair aside. She had beautiful, grey hair, and unlike most women her age kept it long and flowing.

                As they drove along Mary amused them with her constant prattling. After awhile she grew silent so Crystal and Miss Fanny conversed quietly together.

                Crystal looked up to Miss Fanny a great deal. She had been attending their church since Crystal had been born. She had helped Mrs. Penning around the house when Crystal was little.

                "How have you girls been doing?" Miss Fanny asked tenderly.

                "Alright. It's kinda hard, but we are getting by."

                "You just let me know if you want me to come over and spend the night sometime."

                "Thanks," Crystal said with a smile.

                "Crystal, what are you talking about?" Mary said inquisitively.

                "Miss Fanny just suggested that she come over sometime soon. She might even stay the night."

                "Oh Miss Fanny that would be so wonderful. Could you come tonight?"

                "Crystal?" Miss Fanny asked.

                "I would love to have you if you can come."

                "Alright. But you have to let me help you with dinner," was the smiling woman's reply.

                "You have to come next week for my birthday, too," Mary insisted.

                "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

                "Crystal is going to the craft store to find my present."

                "Mary! How do you always know?"

                "I can tell by the way you act."

                Miss Fanny pulled to a stop in front of the store. Crystal swung open her door and exited the car still chuckling at Mary.

                Suddenly she heard Miss Fanny scream, "Crystal, look out."

                Startled she looked up and saw a car barreling down on her, only fifteen feet away from her. She stood paralyzed, unable to run.