She thought about it.
“I saw her going to the next town over, Little Creek. Said she was visiting relatives.”
I figured it out. She’d been hiding there to have the baby. All I had to do was find the midwife and clear my name.
I went to Little Creek, gave the midwife my money and ration coupons, and begged her to tell the truth. It turned out she’d been friends with my dad.
When Maude, the midwife, heard my story, she was outraged and wouldn’t take my money.
“That girl looked so sweet, but she’s got a cold heart. Using you like that.”
く
“Your dad saved Shane’s life. And this is how
he repays him?”
“I knew something was up. Shane was always
hovering around her, like a husband. Don’t you worry, Claire, I’ll help you.”
With Maude on my side, I went back home.
The door was open, and I heard laughter.
Inside, my stuff was everywhere. My clothes were thrown on the floor, and the food
containers were empty.
They’d even gotten into the smoked meat I was
saving for the new year.
Good thing I’d taken the ration coupons and
money with me.
Shane’s mom was jiggling a rattle for the baby.
<
Shelly was standing there, beaming, like they
were a happy family.
No, they were a family.
Shane’s mom glared at me.
“So, you want to marry into the family, huh? But you’re never around! Not taking care of your
mother–in–law, not taking care of the baby. What makes you think you can marry into our family?”
“Go do the dishes. Do something useful.”
Birds of a feather. She was just as thick- skinned as Shane.
Acting like they were made of gold and everyone was dying to marry into the family.
arakt
<
I grabbed a broom and charged.
“Get out! Is this your house? Get out! And pay
for the food you ate!”
Shane grabbed my arm, shouting.
“Are you crazy, Claire? You hit my mom? Do
you want to get married or not? No one wants
a shrew like you. You’re not acting right, I could never like a woman like you.”
I twisted my wrist, got my arm free, and slapped him.
Shane held his face in disbelief.
