#debukefarmhold

It is not often that the DeBuke farm gets daughters of eve unrelated to them, and unromanced by them to visit. So when the desperate mother and her fourteen year old daughter pull up, there are long stares from the tall folks working here. They get out of their beaten up honda civic and look around.

Murray recognizes them. The Aldens. Not bad folk. Poor as church mice as the phrase goes.

"Begging your pardon," Mrs. Alden says, "is Clementine in? " Oh if only Agnes weren't passed.

The fourteen year old girl, looks shaken, no, terrified, and it has nothing to do with tall folks she only knows by reputation for their strange ways.

"Afraid not... " Murray says "Trouble?"

"Nothing a man could help with" Mrs. Alden says as her daughter flushes scarlet. "Women's matters."

Murray arches a brow, then calls back "Kourtney, we got company." Company, not guests, a good clue that these aren't changelings nor kinain

Kourtney comes out. Mrs. Alden's face falls. Oh Kourtney's a sweet girl, but she's not even yet 18 herself.

"Mrs. Alden. Bobbi Sue? Please, you two come in" She motions , not sure what this is about but knowing fear when she sees it "Coffee or tea?"

Bobbi sue looks torn then says "Water please?"

Mrs. Alden nods... and the two go in. Kourtney gives a signal and folks depart so privacy might be maintained.

Kourtney is no pooka, but she knows part of being a Hearth is making folks feel warm, welcome.

And soon enough, with no other alternative, Mrs. Alden looks to Bobbi Sue, questioning. Bobbi Sue nods, then says "I... I got myself knocked up."

"I think the fella had something to do with that," Mrs. Alden says "And fore you ask, Kourtney, the father's not one of your cousins or anything. It's just... did you see the news?"

Kourtney is a wilder, and reaches for her phone "No... something big?"

"Six weeks" The girl laments "THey signed it. I wasn't sure what to do now I got no time to make up my mind at all!"

"And our car won't go more than ten miles for it dies . Only because we live nearby we could make it so out of state..." Mrs. Alden does not mention the costs.

Kourtney by now has scrolled through the news, and sees the article, and scowls, then says "Bobbi Sue. I am so sorry. Look, there's whats on the books and on paper, and there's what folks do to help each other. And the latter is older by far and we will help you. "

"We'll try to pay you if it comes to it" Mrs. Alden does not ask 'are you sure' she wants the choice for her daughter and does not want that choice rescinded by the DeBukes as well

"Clem's got a steady hand and we got ways" Kourtney says, then looks to Bobbi Sue "And you? You got time. Payment ain't no nevermind right now. If you want to honor the old ways, next moon right before fullness, you put an ear of corn or an apple, preferably plucked by your own hand , onto a bowl in the North West corner of your porch along with a shiny stone or a bright coin. Doesn't matter what sort. Leave it there till morning. "

"I don't understand" Bobbi Sue says.

"The DeBukes have ways, so my auntie said to me," MRs. Alden comforts her daughter "Old old ways."

"So we do, Granny Agnes is gone, but she taught me," Kourtney says "You do that... it'll help cover your tracks" And I'll have the Mountain veil you from those who would oppress "No rush, but If you need us, if you decide ... we are here." Kourtney touches Bobbi SUe's hand and for a moment, just a moment, Bobbi sue imagines a towering giant of hearth and heart and secrets of field and farm.. but ... then it's gone again.

The sense of certain safety? The feeling she is protected? Does not. Bobbi Sue nods "I decide.. You're here."

"Just so..." Kourtney says, and the fire unseen by the daughters of eve, flares approvingly. Hearth Agnes would have approved.

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