Things Aren't Always What They Seem

Written by Wendy

Disclaimer: This story is in no may meant to infringe on the rights of the creator of the series The Young Riders, Ed Spielman and Ogiens/Kane. All other characters belong to the author. Copyright 2000

Lucinda and Mary Louise moved into the spare bedroom at the Cine's. It was a blessing to the girls to learn that they wouldn't be separated or wouldn't have to quit school to support themselves. Tom went into town and talked with the banker. The banker had heard of the tragedy that had befallen the McCloud sisters and had already placed the money their folks had saved and divided it into two separate accounts. The McCloud farm was put up for sell. Until it sold, Tom and his sons would divide their time between their own land and Jeremiah's. Tom was determined that Jeremiah's crops bring in a sizable profit for his girls.

Mary Louise and Lucinda's birthday passed with only a cake to celebrate it. Maude did her best to draw the girls out of the shell they had put up around them. She assigned each of them chores around the cabin. They did their chores without complaint, but Maude found herself wishing that they would. Any sign of life out of the two girls would be better than solemn silence they maintained. At night, Maude found comfort in her husband's arms as she relayed each day's events to him. Prayers were in abundance at the Cine farm as they sought guidance in caring for Jeremiah and Theresa's daughters.

Soon it was time to harvest the crops. Maude and Tom decide that it would be good for Mary Louise and Lucinda to be involved with harvesting the garden that they had helped plant. Returning to the farm was hard on both the girls. Soon though they began to share stories about the family members they had lost. After harvesting the fruits and vegetables came the tremendous task of canning. Maude asked the girls to share with her some of the recipes that Theresa had used to make her preserves, jams and jellies. The majority of what the McCloud garden produced was sold in town and the money added to their bank accounts.

As time passed the overwhelming pain that the young women experienced began to lessen. School started and soon Mary Louise and Lucinda were emerged in homework as well as attending school and church activities. When the young women began to receive callers, the Cines counseled them to make the right choices. Mary Louise and Lucinda welcomed the advice that the older couple gave them, knowing that without their support and guidance they would be lost in how to deal with so many things.

Chapter 15

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