Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
They rode to Bellamy Farms in silence.
Ouida Mae went over and over in her mind the previous twenty minutes. She felt overwhelmed but knew Sophie was even more so.
Ouida Mae had to stay strong for Sophie. She wanted more than anything to confide in Valentin but didn’t feel it was her right to tell Sophie’s secret.
Though Ouida Mae had been fairly certain about her prognosis, she’d wanted some proof for herself and for Sophie before she looked for the right path forward.
The only person she’d confided in was Shelby Taylor. Besides being a sheriff’s deputy, Shelby’s connection to Broussard’s country store had come in handy, considering the store was closed on Sunday. Shelby was able to get inside for the one thing they needed most to prove Ouida Mae’s prediction.
Shelby had come through with an early pregnancy detection test.
Ouida Mae had helped Sophie read through the instructions before the girl had entered the bathroom, closed the door and peed on the little stick. Moments later, she’d come out, and they stood together in the hallway, watching the little stick as the results materialized.
The fifteen-year-old was pregnant.
Sophie had burst into tears.
Ouida Mae held her for a long time, telling her everything would be all right. She wasn’t alone.
Though it might’ve been too soon for Sophie to want to leave the house, Ouida Mae knew sitting around worrying wasn’t going to help. The girl needed to keep moving.
And frankly, so did Ouida Mae.
Thankfully, Valentin was willing to take them on a picnic at Bellamy Farm. At least there, they would be outdoors with a few people around them, and they’d be doing something productive.
Ouida Mae hoped it would give her time to think through the next steps they needed to take. One, Sophie needed to be under a doctor's care whether she chose to keep the baby or not; she needed somebody looking out for her own health.
Ouida Mae doubted that Sophie’s mother would be of any help. The woman might be more of a hindrance than anything. She probably didn’t have any health insurance since she couldn’t hold down a job for any length of time. Sophie’s mother needed as much help as Sophie, if not more, to get clean of drugs.
Ouida Mae wanted to ensure that Sophie didn’t think this would be the end of the world for her. She had a life ahead of her and needed to stay in school. For herself and for the baby.
Ouida Mae had been to Bellamy Farms a number of times. She and Bernadette had been friends since the other woman had moved to Bayou Mambaloa after marrying her first husband, Ray Bellamy. She came to ladies’ poker night when she had time. But the farm she’d inherited from her late husband took up most of her time.
Ouida Mae had gone out to help harvest vegetables when Bernie had needed help and had stayed to help can preserves and tomato sauces. She loved Bernie’s old house and the smells that came from canning delicious, fresh foods. She’d expanded her business from local stores to some distributors in New Orleans.
When she and Gerard had gotten together, he’d helped on the farm when he wasn’t on assignment with the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors.
Ouida Mae smiled at the memory of Gerard’s first days at the Bellamy Farms. Talk about fish out of water. The man had never worked on a farm before. But he was game and had learned quickly.
Now, the two were crazy in love, when Bernie had thought she could never love another after her husband Ray had passed. It warmed Ouida Mae’s heart to know her friend had been given a second chance at love. She was happy for them.
As Valentin parked in front of the farmhouse, Gerard and Bernie emerged onto the porch. Gerard had his arm around Bernie’s waist. She leaned into him, her face glowing with her happiness.
Ouida Mae sighed. She’d always wanted to find someone she could love as much as her parents loved each other, and now, as much as Bernie and Gerard, Shelby and Remy, Gisele and Rafael and Lucas and Felina obviously cared about each other. It seemed all her friends were falling in love and deliriously happy.
She was happy for them and a little envious. Mostly of Shelby, who was pregnant. Soon, she’d have a baby to love.
Ouida Mae’s heart pinched hard in her chest. She’d wanted someone to love and to have half a dozen babies. Growing up as an only child of loving parents, she’d dreamed of being a mother surrounded by children.
She’d been thirteen when she’d been diagnosed with endometriosis. Though she’d been treated, the doctor had told her it could impact her ability to get pregnant. She’d taken his words to heart, focused on her career and surrounded herself with children as a teacher. So far, that had been enough.
But now...
Ouida Mae sighed as she dropped down from the pickup and watched as Gerard and Bernie, so in love, greeted Valentin and Sophie. Gerard and Bernie would make great parents—and what a fabulous place to raise children. They’d have plenty of room to run and play, and they’d learn so much about nature, growing things and raising animals.
“Thank you so much for coming out to Bellamy Farms to help us with some of our harvest.” Bernie hugged Ouida Mae. “It’s been too long since I’ve had time to visit my friends.”
“It has been too long,” Ouida Mae said. “I should’ve come sooner. Though I’d like to say it was my idea to come today, it was all Valentin’s doing. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday than in the sunshine and fresh air. We thought Sophie might enjoy coming along as well. Sophie, this is my friend Bernie Bellamy and her fiancé, Gerard Guidry.”
Sophie held out her hand to Bernie. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Bernie smiled at Sophie and took her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, too. I hope you enjoy a little hard work with your sunshine.”
“A little hard work never hurt anyone,” Sophie murmured.
“I like the way this young lady thinks,” Gerard said.
Sophie turned to him with her hand outstretched. “Thank you. I hope I don’t disappoint.”
“I’m sure you won’t.” Gerard shook her hand with a grave expression on his face. “Nice to meet you, Sophie.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Guidry,” Sophie said.
Bernie smiled at the three of them. “Well, if you’re ready, we can get started. It’s best to work in the morning before it gets really hot.”
“We’re ready,” Ouida Mae said.
The three of them followed Bernie and Gerard around the house, past the barn and into a field with row after row of different kinds of vegetables.
Bernie handed each of them a woven basket and started them down a row of zucchini and squash, showing them which ones were ripe and ready to pick, and which were overripe and should be picked and laid to the side. “I’ll collect the bad ones and add them to our compost heap.”
“Just this row?” Sophie asked.
Bernie chuckled. “No, there are four rows. You can each take a row of your own. When you fill the basket, bring it back to the end of the row and empty it into these cardboard boxes.” She pointed to a neat stack of cardboard boxes with Bellamy acres printed on the sides.
“When we’re done with the zucchini, we’ll move onto the yellow squash and then the bell peppers, banana peppers and onions.” Bernie raised an eyebrow in challenge. “With your help, I think we can get it done before noon. Are you up for it?”
Sophie nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Brittany smiled at Sophie. “And you don’t have to call me ma’am. My name is Bernie.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Sophie blushed. “I mean, Bernie.”
“You can call me Gerard,” Bernie’s fiancé said.
Sophie frowned up at the big man. “No, thank you, sir. If you don’t mind, I’ll call you Mr. Guidry.”
Rather than being offended, Gerard laughed. “I don’t mind at all,” he said with a grin. “Let’s get started.”
They moved slowly at first, working their way down the rows of zucchini, picking up speed as they became more confident in their abilities to choose the ripe squash. Besides picking their own rows, Bernie and Gerard answered questions, gathered the overripe and rotten squash and threw them into a wheelbarrow to be added to the compost pile at one end of the garden.
After they finished harvesting the zucchini, they moved on to the yellow squash. They stopped halfway through the morning for water and a snack of peaches straight from the tree.
Well, before noon, they finished picking the squash, peppers and onions and loaded the boxes into the back of the Bellamy Farms truck. Valentin, Ouida Mae and Sophie sat on the tailgate as Bernie drove the pickup slowly back to the house. Gerard followed on foot, pushing the wheelbarrow and stopping to dump the contents into the compost pile.
Bernie insisted on sending a box of fresh vegetables home with them. Valentin transferred the box to the back seat of the truck.
“You are staying for lunch, aren’t you?” Bernie asked as they brushed the dust off their jeans.
“If you don’t mind, we’d love to,” Ouida Mae said. “But we brought a picnic lunch. All we need is a little shade.”
“I have just the spot,” Bernie said. “We have a picnic table under the old oak tree. You can set up there. I’ll make some sandwiches for me and Gerard, and we’ll join you. Then, when we’re done, I have something I want to show you.”
Ouida Mae enjoyed spending time with Gerard, Bernie, Valentin and Sophie. The guys told stories about pranks they’d played on their buddies or that had been played on them as well as describing places they’d been all over the world. Bernie talked about her plans for the farm and the products she would produce. She and Gerard were passionate about the place and its potential. Gerard and Valentin reminisced about their time in the military and the comradery they’d shared with their battle buddies.
By the time they’d finished lunch and packed away the ice chest and trash, Ouida Mae noticed that Sophie wasn’t nearly as stressed or sad. Her cheeks had color, her eyes were brighter, and she’d even smiled at some of Valentin’s stories.
“If you have time,” Bernie said, “I promised I’d show you a surprise.”
“Lead the way,” Ouida Mae said.
As they followed Bernie, Valentin reached for Ouida Mae’s hand. She slipped her fingers into his palm, warmth spreading across her body that had nothing to do with the air temperature. She liked holding his hand.
Ouida Mae held out her other hand to Sophie.
The teen stared down at it for a second and then gripped Ouida Mae’s hand. A small smile tipped the corners of her lips. They walked this way back across the field to a pen at the far corner.
As they neared the pen, they could hear sounds of snorting.
Ouida Mae knew this to be the pig pen.
One portion of the pen was fenced off from the rest and had a low shelter at one end. Bernie opened the gate to this fenced-off area and waved a hand. “Take a look.”
Sophie was first to bend and peer inside. “Oh, my goodness,” she exclaimed.
Ouida Mae and Valentin bent over her shoulders to look as well.
Inside the enclosure was a huge sow lying on her side, with babies nursing on every one of her teats.
“How many are there?” Sophie asked.
Bernie grinned. “When I first counted after she had given birth, there were twelve.” She pointed toward the end of the line of piglets nursing greedily. “When I came out a few hours later, there were thirteen. The little runt on the end was a surprise.”
“Can I hold one?” Sophie asked.
“Sure,” Bernie said. “But let me get it. I don’t know how temperamental the mama will be.”
Gerard caught Bernie’s arm. “I’ll do it,” he said. “I’d rather you didn’t enter the pig pen when I’m not around. And when I am around, I can do it for you.”
“Seriously, I know what I’m doing,” she protested.
“I know you do.” Gerard kissed his fiancée briefly. “I’m just looking out for the both of you.”
Ouida Mae shot a curious glance toward her friend. What did Gerard mean by the both of you ?
Gerard bent his tall frame and entered the enclosure, reaching for the tiniest piglet. The baby squealed and wiggled in his hand. He backed out slowly.
The mama raised her head for a moment and laid back down, unconcerned that a human was stealing one of her babies.
Gerard straightened and handed the squirming piglet to Sophie.
The teen held the piglet in her arms, her wide eyes filling with tears. “It’s so little,” she said, her voice breaking. “Is it a boy or girl?” she asked as a single tear slid down her face.
Bernie leaned over and checked the piglet. “It’s a girl.”
More tears spilled down Sophie’s cheek. “How does the mama take care of so many babies?”
Bernie chuckled. “She manages. They only nurse for around twenty-one days. Sounds a lot easier than human babies, right?” She laid a hand across her flat belly, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink.
Ouida Mae’s gay met Bernie’s. “Are you…?” She didn’t want to say it out loud.
Bernie nodded, a smile spreading across her cheeks. “We’re moving our wedding date up. What are you doing two weeks from today?”
“Going to a wedding!” Ouida Mae cried, hugged her friend and then leaned back. “How long have you known?”
“A few weeks,” Bernie said as Gerard slipped an arm around her waist, grinning from ear to ear.
“When are you due?” Ouida Mae asked.
“Seven months.” Bernie laughed. “Not nearly as far along as Shelby.”
“You’re going to have a baby,” Sophie whispered.
In her happiness for her friend, Ouida Mae had forgotten how Sophie might feel about the announcement. She spun to discover the teen’s face had blanched white.
Sophie shoved the piglet toward Gerard. “Take her,” she said. “Please. Take her.”
Gerard gathered the squealing piglet, his brow denting in concern. “What’s wrong?”
Bernie reached for Sophie. “Did it hurt you?”
“No. I just—” The girl brushed past Bernie, dodged Ouida Mae and ran all the way back to the house.
Ouida Mae touched Bernie’s arm. “I’m sorry, but we need to go.” She smiled tightly at Bernie and Gerard. “I’m so happy for you both. Thank you for letting us spend the day with you.”
When Ouida Mae started for the house, Bernie called after her. “Let me pay you for your time and effort.”
Ouida Mae looked back over her shoulder. “That’s not necessary. I loved helping.”
Bernie hurried over to hand her a few twenties. “I figured you would say that but at least give this to Sophie and tell her thank you. I’m sorry if I said or did anything to upset her.”
Ouida Mae hugged her friend again. “You didn’t. She’s going through a hard time right now.”
“She’s a sweet girl,” Bernie said. “I hope everything works out for her.”
“If you or she need help, call us,” Gerard said, coming to stand beside Bernie.
“Day or night,” Bernie added.
Tears welled in Ouida Mae’s eyes. “Thank you.”
Valentin shook Gerard’s hand and hugged Bernie. “Congratulations.” He reached for Ouida Mae’s hand and ran across the field with her.
“What’s wrong with Sophie?” he asked.
“It’s not my story to tell,” Ouida Mae said, breathing hard as she ate the distance in her short strides.
“She’s pregnant, isn’t she?” he said.
Ouida Mae stumbled.
Valentin let go of her hand and gripped her arm, steadying her.
“She didn’t want anyone to know.” Ouida Mae stared up into Valentin’s face. “I promised not to tell.”
“I won’t let her know that I know,” he assured her, moving again beside her at a slower pace. “Besides, you didn’t tell me. I figured it out on my own.” He winked at Ouida Mae. “She’s a good kid. We’ll help her figure this out.”
Ouida Mae’s heart warmed at his words, including himself in finding a solution. But first, they had to catch up to the teen.
“I hope she didn’t run away,” Ouida Mae said.
“If she did,” Valentin said, “we’ll find her.”
Ouida Mae heaved a winded sigh when they found Sophie in the back seat of the truck, her face buried in her hands.
Ouida Mae slid into the back seat with the traumatized girl and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Honey, you’re going to be all right.”
Sophie buried her face in Ouida Mae’s neck. “How can I be? I’ve messed up everything.”
“No, you haven’t, sweetie. I’ll help you.” Ouida Mae hugged her tighter.
“We’ll both help you with whatever you need,” Valentin promised as he closed the door behind them. He climbed into the driver’s seat and headed back to Ouida Mae’s house.
They were driving through town when Ouida Mae’s cell phone pinged with an incoming text. She couldn’t reach it where she’d left it in the front console and didn’t care. Sophie needed her comfort more than Ouida Mae needed to respond to a text.
At the same time, Valentin’s phone chirped. He pulled to the side of the road and read the message, cursing quietly beneath his breath.
“What?” Ouida Mae asked, dread building in her gut.
“It’s from Principal Ashcraft. The school board has called an emergency meeting. It’s taking place now at the school. She wants both of us there ASAP.”
Ouida Mae’s arms tightened around the pregnant teen. “They can wait until we get Sophie back to the house.”
Sophie leaned back and scrubbed her hands over her face. “No, Miz Mo. You have to be there. I heard about what the protestors did while you were trying to fix up your classroom. You need to be there to defend yourself. Don’t let them push you around.”
Ouida Mae grinned at Sophie. “Listen to you being all protective. That’s the independent young woman in you. But I’d feel better if I got you safely to my house first.”
“But they might make decisions without your input,” Sophie took her hand. “I couldn’t live with myself if you weren’t there, and they did anything to hurt you or your job as a teacher. You’re the best teacher in that school.”
Valentin slowed at the turn that would take them straight to the school. “What’s it to be, Miz Mo?”
Sophie answered for her. “The school.” She met and held Ouida Mae’s gaze.
Still, Valentin didn’t make that turn yet.
Ouida Mae drew in a deep breath. “What Sophie said.”
Valentin made the turn, sending his truck toward the junior high.
The parking lot was filling quickly as teachers, parents, and even students, streamed into the gymnasium.
Valentin parked his truck in the grass and hurried around to open the door for Ouida Mae.
As she got out of the truck, Sophie did, too.
Ouida Mae shook her head. “You might want to stay in the truck.”
“I’m going with you,” Sophie said. “It’s not just parents and teachers. Half the students are here as well. I want to be here. This is my school.
Ouida Mae nodded. “You have a right to be here. But if this is an attack on me, you might not want to stand too close.” She gave her a crooked smile.
“Miz Mo, you were here for me. I’m here for you.” The girl hooked her arm through Ouida Mae’s and marched toward the school, her face set in determined lines.
Sophie might be a teenager and pregnant, but she was one tough cookie. Ouida Mae’s heart swelled with pride for the girl. If she ever had children, she’d want them to be like Sophie.
With Valentin on one side and Sophie on the other, they entered the gymnasium and stood for a moment to get their bearings.
Deputy Shelby Taylor stood near the entrance.
Ouida Mae met her gaze. “Any idea what this is about?”
Her friend shrugged. “I just got here, too. The sheriff and Remy are on their way in case we need backup.”
“Good grief,” Ouida Mae said. “I certainly hope we don’t need it.”
Shelby tilted her head toward the full bleachers. “You never know what will happen.”
Principal Ashcraft hurried over.
Sophie disengaged her arm from Ouida Mae’s and took a small step back. “I’ve got your back,” she whispered.
“Oh, good, you’re here,” Principal Ashcraft said. “The parent-teacher association went behind my back and called the school board for an emergency meeting. Apparently, word spread like wildfire, and all the parents decided to show up. When the kids heard about it, they started texting each other and decided to show up as well. There are no rules saying that the children cannot be present at a school board meeting.” The principal waved a hand at the quickly filling bleachers in the gymnasium. “We don’t even fill the bleachers for a basketball game.” She faced Ouida Mae. “And yes, I suspect it has to do with you, Miss Maudet.”
Ouida Mae lifted her chin. “What do they want?”
“We’re about to find out,” Principal Ashcraft said. “We set up chairs and tables for the school board and reserved seating in the bleachers across from them for the teachers and admin staff. You and Mr. Vachon should come sit with us.”
Ouida Mae hesitated.
Sophie leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, “Go. I’ll be nearby.”
Ouida Mae didn’t like leaving the teenager like she was the one on trial with the school board in this situation. She went with Principal Ashcraft and Valentin and settled on the bottom row of the bleachers, facing the panel of board members.