Hope turned back to her work. "Wait a minute," Jedediah said, "I need someone to cook these rabbits up for me." He winked at her and she grinned back at him and then pretended to frown as she 'inspected' the rabbits. "Hmm," she said critically, "Rather bony," she said with a mock sigh, "But I suppose they'll have to do." Laughing, she snatched them away from him and took them into the kitchen. The kitchen was a small room with a dirt floor. There was a tiny pot bellied stove in one corner of the room, with a pan of water to wash dishes in. On the other side of the room was a wooden table with crude wooden benches on either side of it. Beside the kitchen and main room, there was only one other room, a bedroom where the Palmers slept. The orphans all slept curled up on the dirt floor of either the main room or the kitchen. They each had a blanket to sleep with. When arriving at the orphanage they were given a packet of one change of clothes, a blanket, and a slate and stub of chalk for the lessons which they did one day a week. The little orphanage itself was several miles away from any other cabins. It was half a day's trip to get to the town with the general store where the Palmers did their shopping once a month and attended church. Behind the cabin sat a shack with Mr. Palmer's tools and where anyone unfortunate enough to displease him, was taken for punishment. To the right of the cabin were mountains in the distance and woods. Hope loved-on rare occasion-to sit with her back to the trees and watch the sunrise. Back in the kitchen, Hope deftly skinned the rabbits. She brushed a lock of her long, dark hair out of her eyes as she added the rabbit to their usual thin broth. The addition of meat to their soup was somewhat rare and was considered a feast by the children. Hope went out the back door to her little vegetable and herb garden and plucked several small sprigs off of a plant. Back inside she chopped them into tiny pieces and added these also to the thin broth. They sent up a tantalizing scent and drew many children to the kitchen for a sniff, before being called back to their chores by Mrs. Palmer. That evening, when all the children were seated, Hope proudly ladled portions of her soup into their wooden bowls, giving Jedediah a considerable amount more. None of the children complained however, but were grateful for what they had. All of the sudden the door slammed open and Mr. Palmer stomped in, followed by Thomas. "Where's our supper?" Thomas growled. Hope rolled her eyes, but then smiled her brightest smile at Mr. Palmer and said, "Coming, just as soon as I can get it." Mrs. Palmer joined her husband and son in sitting on the tired-looking couch in the main room. Hope quickly ladled out their soup, adding a small piece of brown bread to each bowl. As she served it, she chattered on to them about how Jedediah had brought the rabbits back for her to add to it. "Hmph!" was all Thomas said. Mr. Palmer ignored her, and Mrs. Palmer attempted a weak smile though the results were unconvincing. Hope was not discouraged though, and watched as they each took their first bites. "Hardly enough meat for a grown man's meal," said Mr. Palmer. Hope frowned at this momentarily, but did not let it bother her for long. The three Palmers finished their meal in silence, and then Mr. Palmer stomped to the bedroom, closing and locking the door. Here, he had a bottle or two of whiskey stored away, for 'his own personal use'. Mrs. Palmer sighed and than went back to directing the children about their chores until dinner was cleaned up. Well, that's all I have time for now. Please let me know what you think. I'm sorry it's taken me this long to get the third 'chapter' out!
Comments
Mar. 9, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by alizona
Where is it?
Mar. 16, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lillian
Excellent story! Can't wait to hear more of it! But a few questions:
What time is the story set in?
How old are Hope and Jedediah (you might've said)?
Why is the entry not broken into paragraphs?
You did a great job describing the setting of the cabin and shed and such. :-)
~Lillian
Apr. 6, 2009 - :)
Posted by aliveagain13
LOVE IT!!!!! The details are amazing! I'm already intrigued ;)
By the way, I sent my second chapter... tell me whatcha think once you read it!
Luv
Katy <3
Apr. 7, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by godzwilla
I love it! You are a great writer! I'm a write myself, but not as good as you! I'm thinking of doing NaNoWriMo....what do you think?